John Bishop Closes But His Legacy is Monumental
After 36 years, a period in which he was instrumental in transforming the Vancouver scene, John Bishop leaves a monumental legacy.
21 Reasons to Read ‘The Distilleries of Vancouver Island’
appeals to casual tipplers and serious spirit hounds alike. It’s as much about the distilleries and what’s in the glass... as the people who make it happen.
The Healing Powers of Single Malt & Stout—and Zoom
Single Malt and Stout by Zoom, early in the pandemic...
District Wine Village: Gateway to the South Okanagan
Updated, April 20th, 2021. As District Wine Village nears its first phase completion several wineries and breweries have confirmed their partnerships. To date they include: JoiRyde Winery One Faith Vineyards Trading Post Brewing & Trading Post Eatery Wapiti Cellars Vintners Cove Gneiss Wines Winemaker’s Cut Eau Vivre Winery Stay tuned for more! Oliver’s claim as [...]
Sea Star and Saturna Move On to the Next Chapter
I’ve written at length about the success of Sea Star Vineyards, in part, because I enjoy a personal connection with the Gulf Islands (Northern and Southern) that spans several decades. But also because, since Sea Star emerged in the place of its struggling Pender Island predecessor, I’ve been consistently impressed by the wines every vintage. [...]
vinAmité: the Personification of Friendship & Wine
It’s easy to miss vinAmité Cellars. The family-run winery is on the east side of Highway 97, almost still ‘in town’, on Oliver’s southern limits. Unseen from the road is the vineyard and a delightful terrace overlooking the vines. The view—best enjoyed with a glass or two on a comfortable settee—looks east and south down the valley. […]
VV Tapas in Strathcona and the Resurgence of True Tapas
Updated May 25th. VV Tapas Lounge will re-open in-house dining as of May 26th, with a NEW menu. 🎉🥂 “We will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4:00 pm to close and happy hour will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm to close. Pick up and Doordash delivery will continue.” “In [...]
West Restaurant: a West Coast Tasting Tradition
The Tasting Menu is back. Although, truth be told, at West Restaurant it never went away. Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to witness the artistry of West Chef Bobby Milheron in two contrasting settings. The first was at the BC Seafood Festival in Comox. The second was at the South Granville restaurant itself. [...]
Quebec Rendez-Vous Gourmet at PICA
Quebec, even though you may leave, never leaves you. Excuse me for being a tad sentimental. But yesterday I indulged in a small slice of my past. Quebec came to town—at least a select few artisan Quebec producers did, along with their wares. The venue was Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts— PICA, which is also hosting [...]
Parksville Uncorked / Untapped: a Celebration of Island Suds and Sips
UPDATED February 21, 2018 Coming up fast is this year's not to be missed Parksville Uncorked—the 10th Annual—March 8th-11th. The 2018 edition features Untapped at the Beach Club Resort and Swirl at Tigh-Na-Mara, as well as a couple of superb winemakers dinners: Dirty Laundry Vineyard at Tigh-Na-Mara and Orofino Winery at the Beach Club Resort. The festival wraps [...]