This summer has been a banner year for Kelowna when it comes to new locales to grab a drink. I've been out of commission for most of the summer after having my baby in June and now I'm finally able to enjoy a drink in these dog days. An added bonus, the smoke has been temporarily pushed out of the valley so I can leave the house with baby in tow. My sister grabbed me at five weeks postpartum to get me feeling like a human again. I was a bit bummed to be missing the summer heat - what little we ended up having with the terrible smoke conditions. we've had this year. Each day I awake to find a air quality advisory warning notification on my phone. But I enjoyed what little I could as we ...
Canada
17 Free & Budget Friendly Wine Events: Spring Okanagan Wine Fest 2018
Visiting the Okanagan isn't cheap, especially during the prime tourist season which begins May to October. The Spring Okanagan Wine Fest kicks off this busy season beginning May 2nd to 13th. The locals are looking forward to Spring as the Winter has lagged on for too long and events are selling out fast around the valley. Since I am incapacitated at the moment with baby on board I've been looking to cover the lower budget and free options. You can find more events included ticketed winery events at TheWineFestivals.com. Kelowna & West Kelowna Events Spring Vineyard Views means greens and blues and mountains as far as the eye can see! . . . #BCWineMonth #bcwine ...
QB Gelato Behind The Scenes, Kelowna, BC, Canada
I credit my very first trip to Italy to be an education. Not only did I learn about the nuances between the Venetian artists during the Renaissance but I also learned about food and wine. Right along side historical gems I would sip my first Bardolino wine in Venice, dive in to my first gelato in Rome, twist my first fork full of pumpkin tortellini in Bologna, sip on true limoncello in Capri, bite into my first Florentine steak in Florence, you get the picture. I brought these cherished experiences home with me disappointed in the fact that, at the time (2010), I couldn't find much of these dishes here in the Okanagan. But then again, my home valley seemed to have been evolving just ...
20 of Kelowna’s Most Instagrammable Spots
I'm always skeptic when I see a list proposing the "most instagrammable" city. Normally these lists feature food too big for any human to consume or specialty drinks that make for pretty pictures but are the size or your head or the price of a lunch. But when these lists are done right you not only reveal the personality of a city but also some of the best and yet off beat things to do within that city. This is what I hope to do with my list of Kelowna's most Instagrammable spots. Please note, I've omitted West Kelowna because it deserves its own post entirely. You can find directions by clicking on the Google Maps link below each location. 1. Kelowna Marina Google ...
Support BC Wine: Quiz! Which Okanagan Winery Matches Your Personality?
The British Columbia wine industry is taking a hit. No, it isn't because I am pregnant and have ceased buying/consuming wine! Although I'm sure that doesn't help things. If you aren't from Canada you might not know that there's a trade war going on between British Columbia and Alberta. It all began when the NDP was elected to power in British Columbia. They promised the world including a review of the environmental concerns of the approved Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline. This pipeline would link Alberta gas to foreign Asian markets via Vancouver. The project is estimated to increase jobs and help the general Canadian economy. Obviously, not everyone is on board with the plan due to ...
One of Kelowna’s Best Restaurants – RauDZ, Kelowna, BC
In my seven years of blogging I recently realized that I have yet to write about one of Kelowna's most popular restaurants, RauDZ! It can be difficult to grab a spot at this downtown foodie hub unless you arrive right at 5:00 pm or have a reservation for 6 or more people. I've been frequenting the restaurant since it was first known as Al Fresco when I first moved to Kelowna in 2006. Shortly thereafter it turned into RauDZ (pronounced Rods) and is arguably one of the restaurants that put "farm to table" on the fine dinning map here in Kelowna. Since then, the term has become an overused ingredient found on the websites of so many restaurants in the valley, true or not and in varying ...
A Lebanese Mezza by Saj Common Kitchen, Kelowna, BC, Canada
I am not that familiar with Lebanese cooking. Kelowna is rather slow when it comes to ethnic cuisine to be properly established within the restaurant scene. When I was growing up in Prince George, Northern British Columbia, during the 1990's it was a completely different story. I grew up knowing the spice of a good Jamaican patty and a Jamaican close friend of the family who would show me how to dance as well as her take on a shepherd's pie. I would spend afternoons with my mom's best friend who was from Fiji and her husband from India - freshly made rôti rolled with melted butter was a treat I would ask for regularly. During Canada Day, Fort George Park would be packed ...
Wild Tofino: Beaches, Wildlife & Hiking
Tofino is all about the great outdoors. People from all over the world, especially Vancouver and Washington state, flock to Vancouver Island, as well as the Gulf Islands, in order to experience the wilderness and wildlife. You’re guaranteed to see something; bear, wolf, sea otter, plenty of eagles, whales and so on. The problem is, you have to be present enough to notice the signs of these wild animals and quick enough to photograph these fleeting moments. Look away for one moment and you might miss out. During my trip to Tofino I was fortunate enough to see grey whales, a bear along the highway, a sea otter munching on kelp, crab & star fish off the beach and bald eagles fishing in ...
Things To Do in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada
After 3 days in Tofino, a semi-successful whale watching tour, plenty of good food and lots of biking on beaches, we ventured to Ucluelet for some variety. Ucluelet is a smaller town than Tofino yet similarly it consists of half-moon beaches and hiking trails that weave in and out of the Northern rainforest that swallows the coast line. If you’re new to hiking or simply prefer to get more ocean views from the depths of a rain forest then Ucluelet is a delightful day trip for any age or no matter your hiking experience. The Wild Pacific Trail offers a few different paths to match your enthusiasm level and time limit. We ventured into the woods with camera in hand looking for peak-a-boo ...
The 10 Best Things I Ate in Tofino, British Columbia
The best way to get acquainted with any city or town is through local food. Tofino, although a small coastal town, is populated with famous restaurants. From the world famous Tacofino food truck to BC favourite, Shelter Restaurant. Tofino is even home to one of Canada's top 100 restaurants, Wolf in the Fog, it's a culinary jewel in a rather remote location off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. From Kelowna it is a long 10-11 hour journey by car and boat then car again along winding roads that line ancient forests, lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Tofino offers some of the best seafood I have ever had as well as the best taco that has ever graced my taste buds. Hands down! During my ...
Tofino, British Columbia – Surf Town, Canada
It's the dead of winter and, as usual for this time of year, I find myself day dreaming of places I'd rather be. Warmer locals or other places that are devoid of so much snow. Unexpectedly, and happily I might add, I also find myself 13 weeks pregnant leaving me to face 2018 without any travel plans. This is such a change for me. This time last year I was planning a trip to Tofino for my 30th birthday in June of 2017. A trip I have yet to write about until now due to a busy and exciting end to 2017. A new house, a baby on the way, it has all been very overwhelming. Now that I have a moment to breathe I can reflect on one of my all time favourite trips had in Canada. Tofino is ...
Happy 150th Canada! 5 Canadian Slang Terms & Facts
A lot of my readers are not from Canada. In fact over 50% are from the USA. With the low Canadian dollar, especially since Trump has been elected, many visitors from south of the boarder are making a visit. And many are unprepared when they do. What's a toonie or loonie? What's a timbit or double double? Ketchup chips are a thing? Here's how to navigate for my non-Canadian readers. What's a Ceasar? Canada's classic hangover drink, a Ceasar is similar to a Bloody Mary but much better in my opinion. A Bloody Mary tastes like watered down tomato juice with a bit of worcestershire and vodka. A Ceasar on the other hand is spicier and how spicy is determined by the perspective of who's ...
Oak + Cru Brewers Brunch: The Great Okanagan Beer Festival ’17
You've got an entire day of beers and ciders ahead of you. The Okanagan sunshine is set to make an appearance. The kegs are tapped and the food truck grills are a sizzle with promise. The musicians are checking their sound - Check one, two. Check. Check. Before you event think about walking through the entrance you need to prepare yourself for the day. Luckily, this year Oak + Cru offered a brewers brunch for those looking to start the day off right with a proper hearty meal. I was invited to the brunch with the Great Okanagan Beer Festival's official photographer, Adam, who also has a big part in arranging the event. It was a pleasure to sit down and discuss how much the ...
Taste Canada at Home: Top 10 Canadian Cookbooks
As Canada rings in its 150th year many are planning their own unique Canadian road trip. I've planned out a bit of a road trip myself from the Okanagan to Tofino stopping at vineyards and popular foodie gems along the way. I'll be celebrating Canada Day, July 1st, in Tofino at The Wolf and Fog. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Canada, especially in British Columbia, that do not get the recognition as I believe them to be worthy of. So I've decided to highlight my favourite foodie writers and chefs from here in Canada. What is Canadian food? Admittedly, we love our craft beer, Kraft Dinner, maple syrup and salmon eggs bennies but we also are home of award ...
Are You Ready for Diner En Blanc Okanagan, July 6th?
This year marks the 5th anniversary of Diner en Blanc in the Okanagan. This year there's said to be a gelato bar, even more delicious food picnic baskets for purchase and as always fantastic Okanagan wine. I had the pleasure of experiencing Diner en Blanc in 2015 and I will certainly be joining for its 5th year. You can read about my 2015 experience here. Otherwise, here's a bit about the history of Diner en Blanc and Hope to see you there! Need ideas? Check out my Pinterest Board featuring things to wear, make and decorate your Diner en Blanc. The World's Most Elegant Picnic Celebrates Five Years in the Okanagan! Okanagan, May 9, 2017 – A leading summer event in Paris ...
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival: My Favourite Moments
I've been selected to cover the Great Okanagan Beer Festival by Gibbons for the second year in a row! It's one of my favourite local events and the three day event cannot be topped. For my second year covering the Great Okanagan Beer Festival I've said as much as I could about how much fun it is. The beer tastings, the cideries, the food scene and games that all take place on a sunny Okanagan day against the backdrop of Lake Okanagan. But this year, instead of telling you how much fun it is to attend I wanted to show you with my favourite Instagram moments of the entire festival! The Great Okanagan Beer Festival has begun! Get down here #Kelowna! #fortheloveofbeer ...
Cherry Blossom Season in Kelowna, BC
The orchards are finally blooming here in Kelowna. The cherry trees are alive with the promise of the juicy orbs come July. The peach trees are ready to bear my favourite stone fruits. Very soon we will have vineyards celebrating buds breaking open assuring another year wine filled year ahead. With the chilly spring weather it is undoubtable that the Okanagan wine valley is about 2 weeks behind schedule overall. However, a hot summer is predicted and I really hope it is true. There's nothing I am craving more than beach time with the heat of the sun upon one of my favourite Kelowna beaches. Until then I'm photographing the spring blossoms and blooms as if proof that the vitamin ...
Okanagan Events May 2017
There's too much going on in May here in the Okanagan. The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is in full swing, the orchards are blooming and there are so many unique dinners being held at various wineries and restaurants. To add to this, it is Mother's Day on May 14th and the Great Okanagan Beer Festival as well as the Okanagan Craft Cider Festival is all within 2 weeks of each other. There's no way I can list all of the amazing events going on here but if you feel I've missed a major one or would like to promote your own event please feel free to comment with the details below. So let's get to it! May 1st The Terrace at Mission Hill Winery opens its doors for the season. Get your ...
Win 2 Tickets to the Great Okanagan Beer Festival!
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival is coming back to Kelowna from May 11th - 13th. Hosted by Gibbons Whistler and founders of the wildly popular Whistler Village Beer Festival, they'll be offering even more events around town before the main tasting event on May 13th. They've invited me back to cover the main event as well as some fun extra curricular activities with local breweries. I am particularly excited because this year they have given me two general admission tickets to give away (see bottom of this post to enter)! In the past couple of years Kelowna has been turning into a beer lover's destination. Seriously, here in wine country we also love our beer. With the ...
Get Involved with the Great Okanagan Beer Festival
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival (GOBF) is recruiting volunteers for the third annual event celebrating the union of hops, malt and water in Kelowna, BC. The Main Event will be held at Waterfront Park on the shores of Okanagan Lake on May 13th from 12-5 p.m. with peripheral events happening throughout downtown Kelowna from May 11-13th, 2017. There is a need for volunteers, who are 19 years or older, to help at the Main Event for a variety of shifts from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 13th. Volunteers will have an opportunity to help out with site set-up and tear down, brewery assistance and more. Volunteers will receive an event t-shirt, food voucher for food on site and be part of an ...
For The Love of Macarons & A Great Cause
I have been a long time fan of Sandrine and her French pastry and chocolates. Her macarons are legendary here in the Okanagan and as they should be. Trained in France, her croissants, fanciful pastries and unique blend of chocolates are enough to temporarily quench my wanderlust. I love her macarons so much I had them on my dessert table at my travel themed wedding. If you ever get a chance be sure to take her macarons classes or learn how to make your own French classics or chocolates in her cooking classes offered throughout the year. But for the love of macarons let's celebrate Macaron Day which is also the first day of spring. Grab some macarons, pop a bottle of bubbly and put on ...
Okanagan Wine Country Events April 2017
When spring arrives all is well in the Okanagan and I can return to my outdoorsy habits. The snow has finally melted, the markets open and wineries begin to host events. We've had a wild and prolonged winter here in the Okanagan. Plenty of snow and chilly temperatures dominated and spring looked as though a distant mirage. Strange to think that April 2016 I already had my garden planted and basking in the twenty degree weather. But despite the slow start to spring April is plentiful with events and classes. Check them out below! April 1st - Joy Road Catering announces their 2017 season. Tickets always sell out fast so mark your calendars. Events take place around the Okanagan ...
Wanderlist Series #4: Tofino, British Columbia
Follow my blog with Bloglovin My wanderlist series is one of my favourite posts to write. At first, it started out as being a fun "what if" scenario but has now become a way to share my trip planning process with you. So many people become overwhelmed with the daunting task of planning. I've planed a trip for 1 all the way to a multigenerational trip for 8. It's all about pacing, finding the right location to go and finding the right place to stay. I am in the midst of planning a potential trip to Tofino, British Columbia for Canada Day. This year Canada is about to celebrate its 150th birthday as a nation on July 1st and I suspect road trips are going to be a popular option for ...
20 Instagram Worthy Spots in British Columbia, Canada
2017 is the year you should be exploring Canada because our nation turns 150 years old. I predict there will be even more summer road trippers hitting the highways. For outdoor enthusiasts and culture trippers we have an endless supply of photographable spots around our country, however, I want to focus on my home province of British Columbia. In my mind it is the best province to live. Our geographical location is situated with Washington state below us, the Yukon and Alaska above us, the Pacific Ocean to our Western side and Alberta to the East. This means plenty of mountains, culture, history and waterscapes to capture with our cameras and iPhones. And according to me, BC is one of ...
Kelowna Winter Itinerary Guide
Did you know in 2017 Canada will be celebrating its 150th anniversary of confederation. Canada is a fairly young country when compared to most but the fever of excitement seems to be spreading across the nation. 2017 should be a big year for great Canadian road trips! But as we trudge through the Winter - not my favourite season - there are plenty of things to keep us occupied as we count down the days to Spring. Big White Unlike me, if you love the snow then take in our famous Champagne power up at the Big White Ski Hill. You can ice skate, board, ski and sled to your heart's content. There's also a mountain of ice to climb in the Adventure Park. With decent dinning ...
Fall Photos of Wine Country: Cold Season & Coming Plans
This week I am dealing with a cold. As I try to get better on the couch, catching up on Westworld and reading The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, I see it trying to snow outside. Here in the Okanagan we are expected to have a warmer winter yet with plenty of precipitation = lots of snow. A warmer winter is in the range of 0˚C to -10˚C which is prime snowing temperatures. Even though I am not escaping somewhere warm this winter like I prefer to do (I don't ski or board) I am looking forward to the holiday season. But before we get there yet I want to bid adieu to the gorgeous autumn we had here in the Okanagan wine country. The Okanagan landscape really is a photographer's dream in all ...
Travel Themed Wedding for Foodies in Kelowna
The photos are finally in! Now I can share my travel themed wedding for foodies and all the Okanagan vendors who made it a reality. It was a long year of planning that went into this and a few DIY projects as well. My house is still a mess but I am relieved to be done sweating over details, logistics, seating arrangements and unanswered RSVPs. To my amazement everyone told me how much of a calm bride I was throughout the process. The venue owners even suggested I become a wedding planner. Believe me when I say planning a wedding is something I only want to do once in my life. And to be honest it was something I barely wanted to do at all. When I first became engaged Hawaii was the first ...
Sunday Pranzo: Summerhill Pyramid Winery Bistro, Kelowna
The tourists are practically all gone here in Kelowna making it possible for me to explore the parts of the Okanagan I love most. Traffic is less hectic and the beaches are no longer packed from end to end. The wineries and their bistros are still open and I can stroll into any of them without a reservation. This is the Kelowna I love most - when it is given back to the locals. For this Sunday Dinner Series I wanted to focus on a winery I've had a complex relationship with. Summerhill Pyramid Winery, one of Canada's most visited wineries and famed for their delicious sparkling and ice wines. Their pyramid, a replica of the Pyramid of Giza, is said to intensify the flavour of the wines ...
Welcome! Prince William & Princess Kate: Kelowna for Royals
September 27th, 2016 marks the day Prince William & Princess Kate journey to Kelowna. Ironic since I'll probably by strolling by Buckingham Palace that day on my UK Honeymoon. They'll be paying a visit to my old stomping grounds, UBC Okanagan campus and Mission Hill Winery for a quick wine tasting before making their way to the Yukon. It might shock them to find that the Okanagan can certainly cater to the rich and royal alike. In fact, Kelowna can be a very expensive place but if you know how to do it right you too can feel like a royal. Provided that you've got the cash to back it up. But in any case you don't here are tips to feel like a royal in Kelowna no matter your ...
Okanagan Summer: Myra Canyon KVR Hike & Bike
Ashamedly, I've only just now visited one of Kelowna's most popular free attractions. The Myra Canyon KVR trestle trail is wildly popular with visiting Europeans, Americans and Albertans. Simply listen to the languages being spoken on the trail and you'll hear British, German, Louisiana, Texan and the list goes on. I've lived here since 2006 and have since adopted the city as my hometown. This summer has particularly been a summer of exploration as I have been taking up hiking in and around the city. This led to the discovery of my top 3 hikes in Kelowna. Some locals asked why I wouldn't include one of the most popular hiking/biking trails in the city and certain on TripAdvisor. Plainly ...
24 Hours on the Naramata Wine Bench
I always smack myself in the head when I leave Naramata Wine Bench wondering why I didn't book a week off just so I could stay longer. It's my favourite place in the Okanagan for its slow town nestled amongst rows of vineyards. Not only is it a quiet and relaxed town but it is also the best place to go wine tasting in the Okanagan. If you're looking for a quick getaway in what feels like Canada's Tuscany this is the quintessential wine lover's town. Naramata is the wine bench neighbouring the city of Penticton. I've seen it described as a suburb of Penticton but it is more of an abutting district. It is all at once a world away from the big town feel of Penticton and yet it is so close by ...
The Okanagan’s Top Food Festivals, Events & Classes
Where there's a wine country there's also a budding if not prominent food scene. In British Columbia's Okanagan wine valley this is exactly the case with festivals and events year round. Here's a guide to which ones are worth your time. As always, never underestimate the tourist season in the Okanagan. Always book your hotels or AirBnBs well in advance (2-4 months) and make dinner reservations! Here are the Okanagan's top food festivals, events and cooking classes. January: Okanagan Winter Wines Festival This is prime time to taste Okanagan ice wines. Warm up next to a fireplace in a hotel or at a friend's and sip on the sweet nectar that is ice wine. With each season there is a wine ...
4 Hipster Wineries in the Okanagan
The past decade has brought plenty of change to the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia. The food scene is emerging as a Canadian gem since the arrival of Waterfront Wines and the Canadian Culinary Championships. New breweries are popping up yearly with added plans to have the old Paramount Theatre landmark set to become a Craft Brewery Market within the next six months. Add to this a craft cocktail revolution at various lounges and bars, food trucks and a beach culture that feels like a slice of California and you’ve got a very busy tourist season come summer. But Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley is known for its wine first and foremost. Since the 1980s when Canada entered the North ...
Bike Whistler: 3 Lakes, 2.5 Hrs, 1 Canadian Experience
It has become a tradition for my family to visit Whistler over my mom's birthday weekend. This time we booked an AirBnB for all 5 of us in the heart of the village (see our AirBnB here) and were able to simply relax in the mountains. Truthfully, we didn't do much other than that. Our time consisted of classic Canadian views with canoes, glacier topped mountains, local beer and wildlife. We were able to see so much of the mountain town in one day as we always make it a prerogative to bike Whistler. If you didn't catch my Snapchat featuring our epic ride around all 3 Whistler lakes then you can check the video out on my Facebook page. Otherwise get on my snapchat bandwagon by taking a photo ...
3 Hikes in Kelowna, BC: Views, Swimming Holes & Suspension Bridges
As my wedding approaches at a ridiculous pace I have been trying to shape up. It's one of the most important and memorable days of your life and so why not look good in the photos people will see for generations to come? Monday to Friday I work out with Tracy Anderson and diligently program my Fitbit to match my specific goals but come Saturday and Sunday the last thing I want to do is hang out in a gym or on a treadmill - especially when it is nice out. Recently, I've taken to hiking and have discovered some glorious trails that have been offering me new sights and perspectives of Kelowna. I've lived here for over 10 years and only now am I hiking these both popular and lesser known ...
The Great Okanagan Beer Fest 2016
40 breweries. 120 beers and ciders. 3000 people all gathering #Fortheloveofbeer. This weekend in Kelowna was the kickstart to the tourist season. Local beer enthusiasts and travellers from near and far arrived at the Waterfront park to find a long line of thirsty ticket holders, myself included. Thursday was the official kickstart with beer paired dinners hosted at The Curious Café, a local favourite for beers and gourmet pizza. On top of that the GOBF concert series offered plenty of great music at various venues around town but it was Saturday's main event that drew in the numbers. The weather was perfect and the mixed crowd of young hipsters and old ...
Foodie Tours: Exploring Granville Island by Food
Continuing on with the theme of food tours this month, and believe me there's more to come when I hit Oahu, I have to share one of the best food tours I have ever experienced right here in Canada. Vancouver Foodie Tours. How many times have I been to Vancouver? and my subscribed readers should know I have been countless times. Yet this umpteenth time was both my first time exploring Granville Island AND taking a food tour in Vancity. Better late than never and in no other case is that clichéd saying truer. I am a big fan of DIY food tours but this time I was visiting the iconic Granville Island market. I wanted to do it right and make good use of my limited time in the city. Instead of ...
A Walking Food Tour of Downtown Kelowna
With all the local artisans, cocktail revolutionaries and new chefs creating new restaurants arriving almost monthly, Kelowna has become a place to eat, drink and be merry. Recently, Expedia.ca approached me asking for my own suggestions on where a local would eat in the heart of Kelowna. I’ve thought about doing a blog post like this before – a food tour of Kelowna with all my favourite spots, things to eat and hangout with friends but frankly the food scene changes so often there was always something new I was adding to the list. But finally I have come to a conclusion (for now). With that being said this roundup of favourites is tried, tested and true by a local of ten years – just ...
ArtSmart: Vancouver’s New Art Gallery
My family history and connection to the Vancouver Art Gallery can be traced back to the 1930s when my great uncle Jack Borradaile delivered two J.M.W. Turner paintings by bus and foot. He delivered them, wrapped in nothing but brown paper, to the original art deco building first built in 1931. This was the original Vancouver Art Gallery before it moved to the old courthouse in 1983. And now 32 years later they are looking to move it again. It's ArtSmart time again and this month's theme is Concept/Conceptual work. I have chosen to focus on the unveiling of Vancouver's new art gallery conceptual design. To read how my colleagues have interpreted the theme you can find their links at ...
An Orchard Walk: U-Picking Okanagan Fruit {Video}
A shocking realization occurred to me the other day. I have never picked fruit. U-pick signs and orchards all around but in the last 10 years of living year I never thought to pick my own fruit fresh from the orchard. Side note - In 2003 living in Grand Forks, BC that my friend and I thought picking strawberries at 6:00 am would be romantic. 1 hour into it we were over it. 6 hours later we had only made $24 for the day. That was the last time I picked fruit. The Okanagan provides Canada with some of the sweetest fruit in the country. The last time I was in Saskatchewan I ventured to the farmers' market where most of the produce was labeled as "BC grown" gaining more money from the ...
Okanagan Bubbly Paired with a View
Life is short, drink more bubbly. It's obvious I love sparkling wine, especially Okanagan bubbly. As I often say give me a good view, good wine, and good company - I'm set. That "good" wine is usually local and if I have my druthers it is sparkling. The view...well that all depends on where I am in the Okanagan. To find out specifics including my list of top Okanagan sparkling wines download the pdf guide here. I am not your average 28 year old. I bring sparkling wine to dinner parties...I have dinner parties. Wineries, dinning, and cooking are hobbies of mine. And maybe that's because I don't live in your average Canadian city. I live in the Okanagan wine valley, in case you haven't hear ...
Diner en Blanc 2015: 1000+ wearing white in Peachland
For years I have been studying the tradition of Diner en Blanc from afar. I've watched the documentary detailing its humble French beginnings with a group of friends wanting a chic picnic in white while popping up, legally or not, in some location around Paris. That's the fun, the location is a mystery until a few minutes before the picnic begins. This tradition has now become a world wide tradition with over 50 cities and 20 countries participating in Diner en Blanc. One such "city" is the Okanagan Valley. The Okanagan is more like a group of towns and cities that have banded together to create one cohesive assemblage allowing for us to participate in the official Diner en Blanc ...
Top 3 Gelato Finds in Kelowna #MyOkanaganSummer
What does it mean to live in a "foodie" town? I am finding out with every year that I live in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley in general. It means that you can find local produce and ingredients celebrated in the top restaurants for every budget but it also means that cuisine from other cultures are readily available and celebrated too but with a local flare. Italian is a huge influence here as is French but both cuisines are made with distinctly local ingredients. Within the last few years I've seen gelato popping up more and more. It's no longer just ice cream at your local provider but now it's either gelato and ice cream or strictly gelato. And even your local provider has grown ...
#MyOkanaganSummer Begins!
Wine tasting within vineyards. Swimming in the refreshing lake with the sun illuminating my face. The smells and sounds of busy farmers' markets in the city. Patio parties with views of the valley and boats zipping to and fro. It's the simple things that make my Okanagan summers special. And this summer I am making it all about the Okanagan, my home valley. From zipline adventures to my favourite restaurants I'll be venturing out to bring my favourites to you all summer long! Originally, I had planned to begin at the end of June when the rain has petered out but we are having an odd season. It seems as though we have skipped over the rain and are already reaching record breaking ...
Joy Road Catering on God’s Mountain Estate
Where has the time gone? If you've subscribed to my newsletter you probably know that I am newly engaged! And little did I know what that really meant. I was never the type to plan her wedding at the age of 10 with Barbies and teddy bears strewn across my bed. Frankly, I had told people for years that I wouldn't get married. My fiancé James and I have been together for 7 years with the last 5 feeling like we were the equivalent to married. So why go through the stress of planning and family politics? But once again I am eating my words, happily I might add. To my chagrin when the question was asked and I felt the dizzying effect of life changing before my eyes I said yes and was ...
Fermented Firmament: Vancouver’s Craft Beer Market
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I've got beer on my mind and during my last visit to Vancouver I was able to explore a completely new area - The Olympic Village aka False Creek neighbourhood. It's amazing to think that before Vancouver was announced as the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics this neighbourhood was a grey zone. Nothing but old warehouses and parking lots. Today it's a booming neighbourhood where only locals and those in the know flock to drink beer with the perfect view of downtown Vancouver. Craft Beer Market is THE place to hang out with friends, watch a hockey game and taste both local and international brews. Located in the historic Salt Building, where ships ...
ArtSmart: A Look at the Art Scene in Vancouver
When you think of great art cities of the world you probably don't think of Vancouver. I don't really blame you either. There are plenty of cities that outrank Vancouver when it comes to art exhibitions of famed and historic artists. But once in a Pacific blue moon we are treated to historic greats and the art scene in Vancouver becomes even more alive. As you can probably tell I am not much of a contemporary art lover. I favour nostalgia, artists who have come and gone and the only thing left to do is dig in to their context, their mysteries, their pasts in association with their work. Can you tell I am the nosy one in the family? But before I get too ahead of myself let me first ...
Sunday Pranzo: The Curious Artistry & Alchemy, Kelowna, BC
This Sunday Pranzo I wandered around my own adopted home town of Kelowna where I stumbled upon a new restaurant, The Curious Artistry and Alchemy. Needless to say is raised my curiosity and I wasn't alone. The rectangular grey building with charcuterie hanging in the windows brought out the inquisitiveness of many downtown dwellers that afternoon. So what's this restaurant all about? Entering the building, which used to be the combination of an adult pleasures store and a heavy metal smoke shop, you now get the feeling of industrial chic. The floors are concrete with outlines of where the separation of the two, adult and smoke shops, used to be. The decor evokes a sense of old-timey ...
A Christmas Sneeze: Return to Vancouver’s German Christmas Market {Video}
On my 4th annual visit to Vancouver's German Christmas Market I learned how important of a tradition it was for the vendors. My conversation with a busy vendor was brief and started out in the most unlikely of ways... This year the Christmas Market celebrates 5 years in business and each year I have seen it grow with more handmade trinkets, more delicious food and more beer and or mulled wine. As a veteran I know that in order to visit the market efficiently you've gotta buy your tickets online at their website (here). For only $7 per adult you get to skip the long lines that develop, especially during the evenings when the market is its most festive. Live musicians trumpeted their ...
A Good Year via Instagram
How is it possible this year is already coming to a close? It's time for a look back. This is 2014 in review. This year has offered opportunities I had only dreamed about when beginning The Wanderfull Traveler in 2011. 2014 brought me a return trip to Venice, a first time to Paris and an deliriously happy memories to last me a lifetime. What 2015 holds for me I am not sure. No trips have been planned with any amount of certainty but I happily invite the new year expecting surprises and new journeys. But until then let's take a look back and be thankful for what 2014 brought me, and in turn you. I ventured into new media...Video! In the beginning of 2014 I tried my hand at video ...
ArtSmart: Reading Totem Poles & Their History in British Columbia
Thanks to a recent visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, and a case of mistaken identity when it came time for my tour, I found myself learning about the history of the Totem Pole in British Columbia. After being sent to the 4th floor, then to the 2nd only to be sent back to the 1st floor where I first arrived, I finally found my tour guide in the knick of time. I thought I would be receiving a tour of their most recent exhibition with Emily Carr in juxtaposition with works by Vancouver artist Landon MacKenzie but instead my guide took me through the gallery's perhaps more overlooked performance exhibit, "On Stage". With half the gallery closed off in preparation for the much ...
The Lake|N-HA-A-ITK: A Canadian Opera Premier At Quails’ Gate Winery
When I heard that the world premier of a sixty year old opera would be happening at the Quail's Gate Winery I immediately bought tickets. It's not often you hear Canadian and opera in the same sentence let alone get the chance to watch an opera performed within a vineyard overlooking the Okanagan lake. Written in the 1950s by Barbara Pentland, a Canadian composer, the opera follows the story of the Allison family who settled in the Okanagan during the 1870s. The matriarch of the family, Susan, witnesses the mythical lake monster, N-HA-A-ITK, known as the Ogopogo today. The story explores the relationship between settlers and the First Nations Sylix people of the Okanagan as they try to ...
A Foodie’s Tour of Prince George #TakeOnPG
As a kid the best place to eat in Prince George was North 54 then called Damareno's which offered Italian food at it's finest. It was an anomaly back then and I only got to eat there once when I was eleven because it was usually where my parents escape to during date night. Today quality food is still being produced there under their new name North 54 and good food is no longer hard to come by with a well established food scene. Downtown Prince George is conveniently located within walking distance from my hotel, The Ramada Inn and from there I would walk 3-8 minutes max to each restaurant. Not only that but every meal was under $65 Canadian including minimum 2 courses and 2 glasses of ...
Hidden Whistler via Instagram
This BC (British Columbia) Day long weekend I explored Whistler by bike. I am normally a wuss when it comes to heart pumping adrenaline but luckily I found a way to escape the gruelling hills! I began my journey from the Westin Whistler & Spa (you might remember my stay from last time) where there are bike rentals available for about $24 per 2 hours. I made my way down towards Alta Lake on the advice of a local then decided to keep going towards Rainbow Park then deciding to head towards Lost Lake to make it back to Whistler Village. You'll see some amazing things along the way from rock carvings, inukshuks (aka inuksuk), to snow capped mountains set against a meadow. The nerd in ...
Spend a Weekend in 1896: Fort St James National Historic Site #TakeOnPG
Let's get rustic! No plumbing. No running water. No air conditioning. Alone in a large home from 1896. It was an evening that I thought would be a challenge for this city girl. But on I went straight from the Prince George airport to spend the night back in 1896 at the original site of a Hudson's Bay Company Fort (first established in 1806). I had to reach back to my grade 9 Social Studies when Canadian history plagued my curriculum and I took to doodling in my notebook. This was the grade I tended to get yelled at by my dry professor who had a thick Middle Eastern accent, or maybe he was from Eastern Europe? Either way, he was difficult to understand which made Canadian history even more ...
Postcards from Prince George, British Columbia #TakeOnPG
I've lived all over British Columbia. I was born in Merritt, lived in Prince George, then moved down south in the Kootenays along the border and now I find my home in the central Okanagan Valley. As much as I have traveled in British Columbia (always by car) it was all when I was a kid in Northern BC as my family would zigzag the terrain from city to small town in any season. Last week Tourism PG gave me the opportunity to rediscover my old home town from 14 years ago. All at once it was nostalgic, untouched and yet changed. The city of Prince George has stayed the same in that it is entwined with nature and forest - I remember a moose running down my neighbourhood or a black bear ...
Eat, Sip, Swim, Repeat: A Brief Guide to the Okanagan Wine Valley
The Okanagan is fast becoming a worthy rival of Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa. In fact, it is often referred to as the Napa of the North and was named #1 wine valley in the world by the Huffington Post. But this valley is much larger than you might think. There are over 130 wineries within the Okanagan and spread out from the North to the South along the US/Canada border. The Okanagan Valley follows a long serpentine lake, the cold surrounding mountains and Canada’s only desert combine to create microclimates. These different climates within one valley create ideal and unique little areas to grow different varietals of wine. The valley is also renown for the cherries and apples making it the ...
West Kelowna Wineries: A Tour with Distinctly Kelowna Wine Tours {Video}
"Where are you from?" The first question asked as I sat myself in a van for nine, our chariot of sorts for the day. One couple said Arizona, another from St. John's and another from Vancouver. My sister and I? "We are from here." I explain, "being tourists in our own city for the day." The truth is, I have only lived in Kelowna for seven years now but have completely adopted it as my home. I've lived in the north of British Columbia to the south along the Canadian/US border. But I never really felt like those places were home. Then I moved to Kelowna. It's a city that keeps me guessing. It keeps me wandering and it keeps my creativity satiated. Kelowna has helped me turn ...
Sparkling Wine Caves at Sumac Ridge
Sparkling wine done in the Champagne style. There's a lot of that here in the Okanagan. Of course, we cannot call it Champagne because only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region can be called that. You either agree with it or you scoff at the elitism. Despite the fact that we can't exactly call our Okanagan sparkling wines, done in the Champagne method, Champagne we do have our own caves. Annnndddd...a few of us might call it Champagne behind the French region's back for the sake of convenience and brevity. The Okanagan, in my humble opinion, has risen to the challenge in terms of demonstrating that the sparkling wine, and wine in general, produced here can compete with the world's ...
Meadow Vista Honey Wines: The Spirit of Vikings & Medieval Legends
I begin the Spring Okanagan Wine Fest at an unorthodox winery that uses mead to create wine. But what is unorthodox today is actually an ancient tradition being carried on by meaderies throughout the world. Meadow Vista Winery is one of two Okanagan meaderies producing honey wines. Having never tried a mead/honey wine before I didn't know what to expect. But Judie Barta, founder and "Queen Bee" of Meadow Vista kindly took 8 bewildered guests by the hand during the Mead 101 event. Mead, if you don't remember your Medieval history, is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. Sounds pretty simple, but add different types of honey, stone fruits such as apricots, ...
Spring in the Okanagan Wine Valley
It doesn't truly feel like Springtime until the cherry, apple and pear orchards bloom their flowers of white and pink throughout the valley. The wind surfers all flock to the beaches as the breeze strengthens to support their colourful kites. The flutters of sand and lake water are kicked up as the onslaught of observers relax with a good view freckled with white sail boats and neon speed boats. Rain storms are frequent but the sun shines through just enough to get us all excited for the promising summer. The wineries show sings of life as they prepare for the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival during the first 11 days of May and I start to plot my blog post comeback with all the events about ...
Exploring Downtown Vancouver Top 5
Of all the cities in the world, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful in its seemingly peaceful co-existence with the Pacific Ocean and wild encompassing rainforest. There's a Feng Shui to the city. The cityscape, usually grey and dreary, is made bright no matter the weather with green spaces, views of snow capped mountains and the ocean breeze. It's a city ideal for outdoor lovers, foodies and those simply looking to escape inside or out. Here's my top list of things to do in Vancouver for first timers or in my case, places I like to revisit during my stay in a city I am increasingly calling my second home. Vancouver Art Gallery For me no visit to Vancouver is made complete ...
Kelowna’s Gold Medal Plates 2014: An Interview with Competing Chefs {Video}
Don't you just love adventitious meetings? When the universe and chance come together creating an unexpected opportunity resulting in something you wouldn't have otherwise been able to experience. It doesn't happen often but it did to me this past weekend while attending the Gold Medal Plates, Canadian Culinary Championships, where some of Canada's best chefs compete for gold while raising funds for Canadian Olympic athletes. This prestigious culinary event is held in Kelowna, British Columbia and has been renewed as the host city for another 5 years. Amazingly, my hometown beat out places like Whistler and Banff! Yet another reason to visit this popular wine and food region of Canada. I ...
A Piece of Paris in Canada: Learning to make Macarons with Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate {Video}
I have been slowly fulfilling my Okanagan bucket list. I've lived in Kelowna, central Okanagan, for almost 8 years now and each year new events, restaurants, shops, wineries open up making my local must-do list longer. One popular local spot is Sandrine French Pastry and Chocolate known for their high quality Parisian-style croissants and the only location in Kelowna where you can purchase macarons. Sandrine also provides decadent gourmet chocolates, colourful French pastries, gelato and ice cream cakes. Sandrine's is an authentic French pâtisserie that is a place for you to quell your jet setting desires and sweet tooth. It's also a place where you can bring a bit of France home for dinner ...
Coffee, Croissant & Racy Reads: Pulp Fiction Coffee House {Video}
Do you like your coffee with a side of mystery or how about a femme fatale with steeping tea in hand? Whatever your choice of pulp fiction you'll be able to find it over a cappuccino at Kelowna's Pulp Fiction Coffee House. Upon entry the alluring scent of coffee and aged books make thrilling bedfellows for any cafe or literary savant. Posters of women with scant clothing adorn the walls and chrome retro tables and chairs are packed with patrons of all ages. In the far back corner there is a small nook where customers can use 21st century accoutrements such as computers and a printer or choose a vintage book to peruse during your stay. Connected to the cafe is a maze of an eclectic ...
Guide to Vancouver’s Christmas Market
This year I am visiting Vancouver's Christmas Market for the 3rd year in a row. It has become a sort of tradition where I load up on more Christmas decor and worry about logistics and storage later.Each year brings more delicious food, gorgeous handmade (and painted) decor as well as some warming mulled wine and German beer. But with each return I also pick up some tips on when to go, what to eat, and what to buy. Here are a few tips I've picked up these 3 years. Feel free to add your tips in the comments below. When to Visit If you're there to pick up gifts and shop for Christmas decor I suggest arriving just before the market opens that day (see schedule below). The line up starts to ...
Sunday Pranzo: St Lawrence Market, Toronto
The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto was just recently deemed the world's best market by National Geographic.After my visit in May I understood why. It's one of those special places that surpasses your expectations. It's an in between space, not quite Canada, not quite Italian but a blend of all the cultures that shop there. A cultural meeting place with the wide variety of fresh, gourmet and locally made products covering two stories, I was in foodie heaven (hey, I've been there before). I could have spent days exploring the variety of cheeses, breads, desserts, caviar, seafood, meats and so many other specialty items for Toronto and all over the world. Since I didn't have a kitchen I stopped ...
Sunday Pranzo Series: Japadog, Vancouver
When people come to Canada they may realize that we are a bit pricier that our Southern neighbours and while it doesn't alwasy make sense to us Canadians even when our dollar has surpassed the American dollar, we are pretty easy going about it, maybe to our own undoing. Especially with all the taxes and changes that have occurred within BC lately it can be a shock when you get the bill at a fancy restaurant and notice an extra booze tax on top of the two other BC taxes against your meal (PST & GST). {But it is well worth it to live in Canada!} Sometimes when I travel to other areas of Canada I just want to get away with a cheap and yet filling meal that provides an experience without ...
FarmFolk CityFolk’s Feast of Fields: Eating Local at an Urban Farm
Venice has its San Marco and St. Geneviève watches over Paris and the Okanagan also has its own patron saint known as Father Pandosy, (1824-1891) a Marseilles born missionary sent to North America at the age of 23. Pandosy, during the mid to late 1800's, planted the first fruit trees and established the first white settlement in the area suited with a church. The contemporary Okanagan food and wine culture owes its origins to Father Pandosy who created an Eden fitted with orchards. Today this Eden has boomed to become a prosperous wine country and has created a food culture that takes farm to table more seriously than just a trend in the food industry - it is a way of life that the Okanagan ...
British Columbian Road Trip & Murrin Provincial Park, BC, Canada
Road trips in my convertible are what I love most about the summer travel season. Driving in the car as opposed to taking the train or an airplane offer moments of spontaneous additions to fluid itineraries. This was especially the case when I took a road trip from Kelowna to Whistler, a 6 or so hour drive depending on traffic through a winding highway nestled in between mountain and ocean bays. I drive down to Vancouver often and it always goes by fast because the scenery is so gorgeous and changes greatly from each valley and mountain pass. From the blue Okanagan lake nestled in between a mountainous valley to the mountaintops of the Coquihalla Highway to green and golden rolling hills ...
Summertime in Whistler
Not everyone thinks of going to the ski hill at the peak of summer but that's when I prefer to visit the slopes since I am not a fan of descending icy cliffs at top speed on any type of wooden board beneath my feet. I've tried snowboarding and just couldn't get myself to have fun as I repeatedly fell on my butt and this was just on the tow rope and t-bars ~ My tail bone and legs have never been so sore! But I am a fan of mountain views, steamy hot tubs, hot alcoholic beverages and the way snow falls upon a lit wintery village. Cut to the middle of summer in Whistler, one of the worlds most renown ski resorts and mountain bike parks, where the snow is scarce and has receded to the peaks, ...
Photo Essay: An Okanagan Birthday Fit For a Royal Gourmand
Now that I have a moment to breathe and have been at home for a brief few days I would like to say a huge Thank you! to Chef Matt Batey CCC, Chef Chris Stewart, the entire staff at Mission Hill Winery and Terrace Restaurant and of course my sister and parents who collectively imagined and made possible one of the best birthday surprises one could ever ask for {including this amazing cake made by KaleenaCakes.com be sure to check her site out!}. Here's a brief photo essay on how it all conspired. Sneakily my family and boyfriend arranged a limo to pick us up at our house and take us to a mystery location. For very special occasions there are only four places that really make evenings ...
Cobblestone Wine Bar: Another Hidden Wine Country Gem
Within a region that produces award winning wine delicious food to pair with is what the Italians call a Sine que non (an absolute must). Within the Okanagan Valley good food has quickly become as bountiful as the grapes grown within the region. Especially with Penticton/Naramata hosting the Wine Bloggers' Conference next week I believe you'll be hearing more about our Okanagan Valley within an international context. For those attending next week (I'll see you there!) I suggest the southern Okanagan and in Naramata especially I highly recommend The Cobblestone Restaurant & Wine Bar. I tend to praise the restaurant for its superb charcuterie options as I wrote about last ...
Naramata Nostalgia: The Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa
During a Pinot-coloured Okanagan sunset a semi-wild peacock caws into the dry night heat, a pack of coyote pups respond in twilight. The soft waves of Okanagan Lake arrive at the beach as tenderly as a mother bathing her child. Lilacs and damp grass pepper the newly born summer air as you sit upon an old creaking porch with a glass of local Rosé. With each sip crickets sing the same old song that played when the Naramata Heritage Inn was newly built in 1908 by the founder of Naramata J.M.Robinson. After a day of wine tastings, hiking, mountain biking or any water sport really, I cannot think of a better place to get away from it all than in the small town of Naramata. The Heritage ...
Niagara Falling Down
Driving into Niagara Falls from Toronto I couldn't help but roll my eyes. The amount of cheap motels either abandoned or barely operating gave a sense of eeriness as we neared the city limits. Every half kilometre stood bold black looming buildings with egregious signs advertising "Girls Girls Girls" or "Cheap Lap Dances". I started to wonder what the hype was about. Was seeing the Falls from television or old picturesque paintings enough or better? I once read an article about the Niagara Falls where artists like Thomas Cole and Samuel Finley Breese Morse attempted and struggled to capture the scale of Niagara, the sheer terror of nature's power and the sublimity of something so grand. But ...
Nose to Tail Toronto
Nose to tail has become a popular dinning trend where restaurants serve, just as it suggests, everything from the nose to the tail and all that is edible in between. To me this trend is more like a return to humble roots where our ancestors HAD to eat everything in order to make the most of what they were able to have. An interesting cultural turn during an economic collapse where everyone feels the pinch and our personal mottos begin to morph into "waste not want not." Despite its simplicity and a sort of obviousness about this trend The Black Hoof in Toronto was my very first official nose to tail dinning experience. So there I was in Toronto with my dad, aka boss, who had his ...
Toronto in Pictures
This weekend I am heading out on a cruise from Vancouver to Seattle. After I vowed to never take a cruise again - after my previous experience on the Norwegian line - I am breaking my promise and trying Princess Cruises for a one night cruise and a one night stay with my grandparents, parents and sister. No stranger to multigenerational travel I will be juggling dinner reservations and activities taking my life into my own hands with two picky grandparents and my culinary adventurous immediate family. Here goes nothing. In the meantime here is Toronto in photos via my Instagram. If you don't already follow me click here to follow me at WaderfullTraveler and leave your profile name in ...
ArtSmart: Chagall Tapestries, Mission Hill Winery
This month at ArtSmart we've loosened the topic to be somewhat of a personal choice. In case this is your first time hearing of the ArtSmart Roundtable, it is a group of bloggers with a love of travel and art history. Each month all the bloggers involved write a blog post interpreting the theme in their own way. You can read more ArtSmart posts with the links at the bottom of this blog. This month's theme is "Artist" and I want to go a little unconventional. I first found my topic by walking into a grand white room with pews, an elongated fireplace and a huge tapestry positioned like an altarpiece at the back of the room. Below the tapestry is a black piano with signatures covering most of ...
A Legendary Wine Tour: Mission Hill Winery Pt 2
With the approaching Wine Bloggers' Conference (June 6th-8th in Penticton) eager participants have been wondering what it'll be like in British Columbia's wine country. With such a short period of time I am hoping visitors leave a bit of room to explore other wineries that aren't on the WBC's immediate list. One of these is Mission Hill Winery and the offered wine tours are those of legend. For $20 CAD their knowledgeable tour guides will take you on an excursion of the grounds. This includes the lush vineyards where they explain the terroir, the finicky Pinot Noir grapes that they expertly produce creating award winning wine, and talk about the history of the impressive old world ...
Learning to Cook in Wine Country, British Columbia
As the brown sleepy extensions of the grape vines wake up to the sounds of spring so too does The Wanderfull Traveler. Between the months of January to April I sometimes feel as though I am comatose and, like sunshine and warmth, creativity can be scarce. This spring, which has most definitely arrived with spots of warm weather growing in between the lengthy spurts of rain and wind, what, or rather who, woke me up was Executive Winery Chef Matthew Batey who kindly invited me to the final course of Cook like a Professional Series hosted at my favourite winery Mission Hill. Albeit I was nervous. I don't claim to be a chef nor have I ever worked within ...
Harvesting Icewine in Western Canada
The cold Arctic air has finally arrived in British Columbia when the Arctic's icy fingers turn the bulbous, sued flesh of left over grapes upon the vine into cold sugar pearls. However, the cold arrived later than expected for those wineries looking to harvest their icewine grapes. Up until now it has been unseasonably warm causing terrible conditions for the ice wine grape harvest, although the Canadian geese and deer have been heartily feasting on the cold, aging pearls and would probably make a good meal for some local hunters come September. The ideal temperature for vintners to collect the ice wine grapes is -8°C but in December we reached a record high of +11°C leaving the local ...
Three of My Favourite Okanagan Things
Living in the Okanagan, as I've said before, presents a wealth of gourmet products that are produced locally. From wine to cheese, preserves to organic meats, our valley is becoming a foodie centre albeit recently unacknowledged by MacLean's and AirCanada's enRoute Magazine list of Canada's top restaurants. For those looking to discover secret foodie towns and wine regions of the world, let alone Canada, the Okanagan should be on your list. On the weekend it is so tempting to stop by your favourite local bread maker, cheese shop, and winery. I often stop in at least one of these shops during the week to treat myself, especially when company is coming over or as a gift for a party host. ...
Therapy Vineyards: Freudian Sips
Therapy Vineyards overlooks green vineyards of rolling hills that drop off with a thrust of caramel clay that disappears into the blue Okanagan Lake. The view itself could be therapy for any soul in need of inspiration and calm. But wine always helps and despite the cliche I do believe it is bottled poetry with the vast array of flavours and the way it can leave your tongue dry or salivating for more. Therapy Vineyards provides wine for every palate, a novice or refined, and within every price range. For those looking to try something new for a small cost or someone looking to add a one of a kind bottle to their collection Therapy does not disappoint. One of my favourite wineries in all of ...
Okanagan Wine: A worthy rival of Tuscany & Napa
September 28th was the first day of the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival which means 160+ wine related events over ten days. I thought it would be appropriate to write about the Okanagan and why it deserves to be internationally recognized as a wine region that can compete with the world's best. A bold claim I think the Okanagan valley can live up to. Most Americans are surprised to learn that Canada has a desert. The Okanagan rests within that desert creating mild winters, hot summers and the ideal spot to grow Pinot Noir, among about 59 other grape varieties. There are over 120 wineries and this number grows yearly along with the number of visitors on the verge of discovering this relatively ...
Naramata Heritage Inn & Spa, BC,Canada
If I were a retiree and was looking for a summertime home I would chose Naramata. It is a small, quaint and funky town full of character that consists of mainly artists, retirees, winery owners and their staff (of course I am being a bit reductive with Penticton being a short 10 minute drive away it isn't out of the question that people make the commute). Since I am not yet able to retire I arrived in Naramata as a visitor hoping to get as much wine tasting and food in as I could during my day trip on Saturday. My first stop in Naramata is always the Heritage Inn & Spa not because I stay there, or ever have before ($$$), but because of their Cobblestone Bar & Restaurant. Here I ...
Back to Nature: The Johns Family Nature Conservancy in Kelowna, BC
After the stress of last weekend it has been nice to get back to normal in the Okanagan. Normalcy includes relaxing on our deck with some local wine, an activity I indulged in yesterday, and enjoying the dwindling days of summer by walking around town or going for a hike. I have been aching to get out and move lately and boy do my hips need it! Monday I return my quadrillionth attempt at getting into shape before Christmas holidays. I decided to start a little early by going for a nice hike into the hills above my Kettle Valley neighbourhood. Only a 10 minute drive up Chute Lake Road is the Johns Family Nature Conservancy. The land is ideal for sprawling views of the Okanagan Lake, popular ...
Julia Child’s 100th Birthday Celebration Dinner
Les Dames d'Escoffier of British Columbia, a society of accomplished women helping other women in food related fields, arranged a province wide dinner celebrating the 100th birthday of much loved Julia Child on Wednesday. I was lucky enough to live in a city where one of my favourite restaurants, Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar, offered a 4 course meal inspired by Child's most iconic dishes. First off, I was lucky enough to have come across the only 2 tickets left to this foodie event which meant that I also had the daunting task of choosing someone to come with me. My boyfriend usually works long hours so I was almost certain that he wouldn't be able to come. ...
Ukrainian Food in the Prairies: Regina, Saskatchewan
A family tree and mapping of my Great-grandparents' journey from the Ukraine to Canada. This baby won me a trip to Quebec when I was in grade 7, I was in French Immersion then. I would hardly call Regina a second home although it is where a lot of my family live and have lived since my great grandparents (on my dad's side) arrived from the Ukraine just before World War I. As most Canadians know, the prairies was where many new Eastern European immigrants nestled their fleeing feet. The Canadian government, along with the very British attitudes of the Canadian people, did not treat the immigrants as well as they promised. The Daily Nor-Wester publication of Winnipeg in 1897 wrote: ...
The Four Seasons Vancouver & Yew Restaurant
View from our room My last review of Chef Ned Bell's Cabana Grille has left me wondering wether I want to go back for fear of backlash. My review made it to Urbanspoon and is one of my most popular food reviews so far. Bad reviews travel fast I suppose. However, Ned Bell is head chef at Yew in the Four Seasons Vancouver, a good 4 hour+ drive from Kelowna and it is well taken care of compared to his Okanagan baby. Bell, come back to Cabana and get em' back into shape! Yew on the other hand is not a disappointment unlike it's underachieving sibling. You can tell Bell cares about his Vancouver reputation and so he should with Vancouver's food scene and numerous cut-throat bloggers. Yew ...
Blue Water Cafe, Vancouver
You can't leave Vancouver without sampling some local and fresh seafood! Usually we head to Joe Forte's to fulfill this craving but it is extremely pricey and too familiar. This previous trip to Vancouver was all about trying and seeing new things. The local waiters all agreed that we had made a good choice opting for Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar, and frankly they were a little surprised we had yet to try it. Blue Water Cafe is one of those places that books up fast, not because of the reasonable prices but because of the delicious food and selection. Everything we tried that night exceeded expectations, including a healthier option of Sablefish with bok choy, quinoa and shiitake ...
An Imagined Trip to Paris: Le Crocodile, Vancouver
Le Crocodile has been in Vancouver for an impressive 26 years and is the result of chef Michel Jacob wanting to create a memorable dinning experience for foodies such as myself. His passion is presented in the form of the traditional plates in a small bistro that calls to mind 1930's Paris and has catered to various celebrities from Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Steven Spielberg, Jean Chretien and Cindy Crawford (as noted on their website). However, I didn't know of the famed guests before making a reservation and what drew me in was the menu. Everyone knows I am a sucker for foie gras, quail, rich butter sauces, fresh seafood and all things French. Oh, and chocolate! At Le Crocodile all ...
Coping With Others in a Chinese Garden: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Chinese Garden
After spending an unholy amount of time and money shopping during my trip to Vancouver a change of pace and scenery was needed. I wanted to go somewhere new that doesn't have an entry fee or an Aritzia or H&M anywhere within my vicinity. Even though I have visited Vancouver countless times I had never visited the Chinatown district or seen much of the touristy Gastown district to tell you the truth. This time around I made sure I saw both despite my visits only lasting about an hour each. Paul Theroux's advice to travel alone never rang so true as this trip when I found that what I wanted to get out of my trip was not in line with those I was traveling with. After some convincing we ...
Chambar, Vancouver
Before leaving to an undiscovered city I always do research as to what restaurant would be ideal to eat at. I take into consideration the experience of contributors to Urbanspoon, local bloggers, travel bloggers and the actual menu itself. However, when my trip to San Francisco was canceled because hotel prices skyrocketed suddenly, my sister and I hesitantly opted for familiar Vancouver, BC. We chose Vancouver for a few reasons: we don't have to cross the boarder = not having to worry about customs and how much we spend, there is an abundance of great restaurants that we have yet to try, and finally, we really haven't explored the city before. Each time I have been to ...
Vancouver Aquarium
Back from my trip to Vancouver and it was filled with delicious culinary experiences all had at restaurants that I had never been before. Now only am I back from a trip but I am in the midst of graduation, packing for a move, and writing. For now I'd like to show some photos taken on my iPhone that turned out really well considering they were of animals, reptiles, amphibians etc. behind glass. You may have seen some of these images if you follow me on Instagram (@wanderfulltraveler). If not I do hope you enjoy! One attraction that makes the Vancouver Aquarium's $21 entry fee ($16 if you're using an expired student ID ;)) worth the trip is the ...
Mother’s Day in the Okanagan
For a pre-Mother's Day treat my family took mom to the Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Winery. You may remember my Vecu article about it in the July 2011 issue or my blog post last year. I gave it a fabulous review which it well deserved. The architecture, wine and views are some of the best in the entire Okanagan Valley and the food is some of the most innovative thanks to chef Matt Batey and his team. The Terrace restaurant, in Spring, features scenes of sleepy grapes that are beginning to grow to the heights of production, the lake is beginning to be populated with boats and float planes, the skies are clear, bright and blue with the sun bringing smiles to everyone's faces. During ...
Home in the Okanagan
This week is the Spring Wine Festival here in the Okanagan Valley of Canada. I'll be covering the Fertility Festival hosted by Summer Hill Winery where some of the best poets, artists and creative minds culminate to create a bountiful celebration of imagination and wines. My friend and fellow graduate, Nikki, will be reading and you can find her blog here (Okanagan Xixutem). Good luck Nikki! This weekend I, along with the cheery trees and blooming flowers, have awakened from my Winter coma. This is the time of year that I feel fortunate to live in a valley that appeals to all my senses. There are many wineries with some of the best restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining at. ...
Twisted Fork Bistro, Vancouver
Vancouver has proven to be an abundant source of delicious cuisine. Each time I go, I choose a new spot- sometimes a little place that's gotten traffic on Urbanspoon or a place that I've heard of from the lips of other foodies. Either way, I have yet to have a bad meal in this picturesque city nestled between mountains and ocean. Twisted Fork Bistro is an excellent example of a small restaurant that I stumbled on while hunting through Urbanspoon. I always research restaurants when I am traveling to a city, even if I have been there countless of times. Vancouver is so big and ever changing. People who aren't locals should definitely check out local blogs, foodie blogs (comme moi!) and ...
All-Inclusive Cruises: Pros & Cons
If I learned anything in 2011 it was that I am not a cruise person! But I still had a good time, I always do, and it is because I travel with the people I love, there was Champagne (at a cost) and I like to experience new places and food. I had cruised to Alaska in September of 2011 with Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship departed from Seattle up through the inside passage to Skagway (the furthest point), Juneau, a quick sight of the Sawyer Glacier Bay, Juneau, then finally arriving into Vancouver. On this trip I had traveled with my parents who are in their early 40's and my grandparents who are in their early to mid-sixties. We all are in agreeance that cruising just isn't our travel ...
A Big White New Year!
I do not ski. I do not snowboard. I do not own snow pants (anymore). I do not like it when my legs become freezer burnt. I do not like falling on my ass when I ice skate. I do not like pellets of snow bouncing off my drying skin. So why would I celebrate New Year's Eve at a ski hill? I do like the looks of Ponderosas in fresh snow. I do like trying new things and what better way to start off 2012? I do ...
Holiday Bucket List Video Countdown: Happy Holidays!
Back from Mexico! But I'll talk about my experience in another post. With only two days away until Christmas I thought I should pay homage to this lovely time of year. Christmastime is my favourite season and I can only imagine what it would be like to celebrate the holidays in some of the most charming cities and towns of the world. So, this gave me an idea to share some amazing videos that showcase snowy landscapes abroad. I have also provided some links to bloggers featured from the area so you too can follow their holiday celebrations. So curl up with some spiked eggnog or warm tea with brandy and enjoy! With these videos I wish you all a happy holiday! 1. Florence This first video is ...
Vancouver’s German Christmas Market
While taking in the festivities offered during the Grey Cup, I was elated to find out that Vancouver's German Christmas Market was open for business just steps away from the stadium. I was amazed to find authentic Eastern European goods with vendors who were truly German, Austrian, Ukrainian, etc. For a little while, in the Vancouver rain, I was able to pretend that I was attending the markets of my travel dreams. German Beer Mugs Unfortunately, there was a rule imposed during the Grey Cup that the Christmas Market couldn't serve alcohol due to the sporting event (and perhaps being extra careful due to the riots that occurred in June 2011). So, I was ...
Grey Cup Musings
Here in Canada, the Grey Cup is kind of the equivalent to the Superbowl but without the je ne sais quois that the Superbowl or Stanley Cup possess. However, it was a lot of fun to go to and this year it was held in Vancouver, BC. Barney Bental Band - Not as exciting as others despite their stature The first day we spent the majority of our time at the Molson events hosted at the new(er) Vancouver Convention Centre. Needless to say there was a ton of beer ($7 each!) and lots of fun bands such as Barney Bentall, a Beatles tribute band, and Colin James. Slightly Blurry Photo Sorry Blame It on Spumante! This is the duck plate. This visit I tried a new ...
‘Tis The Season
Even though I am Canadian and we are slightly offset from our American counterparts when it comes to Thanksgiving, and usually holidays in general, the Macy's Day Parade is certainly what kicks off the holiday season for my family. We set up the tree, I indulge much more often and bake as much as possible.I am now allowed to watch Love Actually and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation once a week (as opposed to not watching it the rest of the year so I try to get my fix). An Amazing Cheese Plate & Pineapple Cranberry Upside Down Cake Paired with the most delicious Ice wine! For my readers, I will have some visual treats after this coming weekend is through. I will be ...
Anthony Bourdain In Vancouver
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I would like to think that my palate has two sides; a benevolent side as represented by the simplistic David Rocco, and an adventurous side represented by the intrepid Anthony Bourdain. I was fortunate enough to see the latter speak at The Centre in Vancouver. In case you don't tune in to the Travel Channel as often as I do, you won't be familiar with Bourdain's food-based travel show, No Reservations. He has also written many books ranging from cookery, memoir to a fictional mystery novel, however, the book that launched him to the top and gave him my dream job was his first non-fiction book, Kitchen Confidential (2001). His book depicted the culinary roughhouse ...
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Sunday night was my family's Thanksgiving dinner and was it delicious! Thanks Mom & Dad! To prepare for the day I visited a series of local cheese artisans, the Kelowna Farmer's Market and a revamped Italian specialty shop. My family definitely goes all out for the day and this year we had a total of 8 dinner guests. My mom cooked the golden turkey, my sister did the mashed potatoes and my grandparents brought a pumpkin pie (just in case my homemade one didn't turn out so great) and chocolates. Vineyard view from our balcony This year I decided to make a triple chocolate pumpkin pie with ginger snap cookie crust and some delicious buttery rolls. Both were a hit, ...
A Historical Tea Time – Vancouver Revisited
This year for my birthday I was treated to a delicious tea time at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. Delicious finger sandwiches and cakes were served on a silver tower in a dimly lit ballroom with tall ceilings. Pinks and hues of blue-green set the tone of the room - art deco meets Marie Antoinette. To celebrate the occasion we ordered Lavender Earl Grey and Moet & Chandon Champagne. I must warn you that this is no cheap occasion and be prepared to treat yourself to a luxurious lunch with a girlfriend or two. The hotel also has packages where you can have afternoon tea and then head over to the Vancouver Art Gallery across the street to take in the latest exhibition. I was ...
Suppressing My Inner Cowgirl
Bubbles! - Twigs Novelty Shop When you live in British Columbia, Canada, any province East of you usually seems dull (I love mountains!). The prairies for instance, to me, are a vast wasteland that only appeals to hay enthusiasts or storm chasers. You can now adequately imagine my reaction when I had to take a business/Golf trip to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. While I definitely was right about the lack of views, the cold wind, rain and the thick clouds of mosquitos that tormented me on the Heather Glen Golf Course, I found myself eating my words...literally and with great pleasure downtown Calgary. It is clear that Calgary isn't my ideal vacation spot and not even ...
Desert Wine Oasis: Mission Hill Winery, West Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Northern tip of the Great Basin Desert cradles the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia, Canada. Along Lake Okanagan, in West Kelowna, rests the Mission Hill Estate Winery atop an extinct volcano. When you enter through the gates it is as if you are entering through a portal where French, Italian and Canadian cultures mingle to create an unforgettable sensory experience. The bell tower rings through the valley while the scent of roses permeate the grounds with a hint of freshly cut grass and a faint whiff of baking bread. The greenery of the growing vines and sweeping views of Lake Okanagan are an ideal spot to taste the impressive collection of wines ...
And So It Begins…
Welcome to the first post of the Wanderfull Traveler! Like the title implies, I am an avid traveler and I love good food so I will be posting about all my great finds wherever I go; it may be around the corner here in Kelowna, or around the globe. I encourage you to comment about anything you see on my blog and even share some of your own delicious or spectacular discoveries, culinary or otherwise. All of the photos you will be viewing are my own and if you have any questions or ideas or just want to purchase a photo of mine, please do not hesitate to e-mail me here at canadianculinarytravel@gmail.com. A little bit about me: I am studying Art History and Creative ...
