Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/137882
Victoria Taste Savour Summer Four ways to get your food fest — and feast — on this summer In the 'burbs Head to Surrey – yes, Surrey! – for the In Season Market. After all, it's one of the richest growing areas in the country and a third of the city is zoned as agricultural. Think bucolic 'burbs, where local farmers and artisans gather at Art's Nursery to share hyper-local produce and wares (from granola bars and preserves to soaps and jewelry). You'll find 35 vendors, food carts, live music and like-minded locals sampling, sipping, singing . . . maybe even dancing. It's a happening Thursday afternoon on the 10-acre spread of Art's Nursery. Thursdays, June 6 – October 3, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.; inseasonfarmersmarket.com, artsnursery.com In the Okanagan The Feast of Fields has been a must-go summer event since 1995, taking place in Vancouver, on Vancouver Island and in the Okanagan. First up is the Okanagan Feast of Fields in August, a celebration of the first bounty of the season. This year the foodie and farmer love-in takes place rather appropriately at Little Church Organics in Kelowna, a six-acre farm that follows sustainable, organic agricultural practices. The name refers to the iconic memorial church nearby, a reminder that this farmland once had strong ties to Father Pandosy, who planted the first fruit trees in the area. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, wander the historic landscape and meet B.C. chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and more. And bring your appetite – it's billed as a 40-course meal. August 18; feastoffields.com, littlechurchorganics.com In the mountains Come summer, chef James Walt of Whistler's renowned Araxi Restaurant puts on an outdoor dining experience. Taste a four-course menu created from Pemberton Valley's summer harvest while you gaze at mountain peaks, listen to birds twittering, feel the breeze on your skin, and smell mountain meadows in bloom. A literally long table is set at North Arm Farm in Pemberton and then on the shores of Alta Lake in Whistler for informal but très chic dining al fresco. You'll also get to sip wine tastings and pairings, get a farm tour, meet local suppliers and engage with like-minded foodies. August 3 in Pemberton and August 17 in Whistler; araxi.com On the island Cross the Strait of Georgia for more food and wine at the fifth annual Victoria Taste. It's a celebration of the Island's abundance, from Cowichan Bay to the oysters of Fanny Bay. So slurp bivalves, then sip wines, ciders, spirits and microbrews. The fest starts with a tasting of more than a 100 B.C. wines alongside local cuisine from top Vancouver Island chefs. And there are seminars too, so you can learn while you lap it all up. July 25 – 28; victoriataste.com – Barb Sligl PHOTO courtesy of Victoria Taste Call BC One Call before you dig and o ct ba- m- ni er July/August 2013 BC HOME & garden | 15 p14-15_LocalView.indd 15 13-06-07 11:32 AM