“FoodTrip” is a culinary focussed trip where I visit food areas of interest which include restaurants, cafes, bakeries and/or other places such as wineries, distilleries, chocolatiers and more that people can visit as well as a hotel stay experience. This is about offering Taste and Sip readers a chance to travel to explore, learn, taste and experience.

Food Trip to Victoria

In September, my family and I visited Victoria, we left Vancouver and headed on to Hwy 99 going South, then taking the exit onto Hwy 17 towards the Tsawwassen terminal of BC Ferries (30 minute drive) where we then sailed on the Spirit of British Columbia (90 minutes) to the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

Inn at Laurel Point

After a 30 minute drive we arrived at the Inn at Laurel Point to check-in for the first night stay. I then headed out to visit Pizzeria Prima Estrada, a local restaurant specializing in Neapolitan style pizza where I was meeting up with Gary Lindsay (Purveyor of Precious Liquids for Driftwood Brewery and Cristen Dallas, Co-Owner of Pizzeria Prima Estrada) both who I then interviewed for my SIP & TASTE feature on Just Here for the Beer RadioShow.

Pizzeria Prima Strada

Funghi Pizza

While talking a sampled some of their pizzas falling in love with the Funghi pizza. They focus on local and Italian products and strive for quality, taste and freshness.

Pizzeria Prima Strada

2960 Bridge Street

Victoria, BC

http://www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com

Phone: 250.590.4388

Aura Restaurant

I then headed back to the hotel and straight to dinner at Aura Restaurant. Located on main floor just off the lobby of the hotel, dinner is served nightly at Aura, it’s a good size dining room with great views overlooking the Victoria harbour.

Arugula Salad

Sable Fish

Surf & Turf

Butternut Squash Creme Brulee

Aura Restaurant

680 Montreal Street

Victoria, BC

http://aurarestaurant.ca/menus

Phone: 250-414-6739

The Inn at Laurel Point

680 Montreal Street  Victoria, BC

Phone: 800-663-7667

http://www.laurelpoint.com/

Fol Epi Bakery

The next day I visited Fol Epi , one of the areas’ best bakeries located about 10 minutes away by car or about 20 minutes for me as I walked.

The shop was quite small connected to Café Fantistico where they have seats.

Fol Epi Bakery

398 Harbour Road

Victoria, BC

http://www.folepie.ca

Phone: 250-477-8882

The London Chef

Salmon Burger

After eating some of their delicious baked goods at Fol Epi, I headed back to the hotel to check out and then visited The London Chef downtown for lunch. At this ever so tiny gourmet café I ordered the Salmon Burger.

The London Chef

953 Fort Street

Victoria, BC

http://thelondonchef.com/

Phone: 250-590-1865

Delta Ocean Point Resort

After lunch I drove 10 minutes over to the Delta Ocean Point Resort located West over the Johnston Street bridge to check-in for the second night.  After a rest, I had dinner at Lure Restaurant located on the lobby level of the hotel.

Sweet Corn and Coconut Bisque

Oven-Roasted Pacific Halibut

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Goat Cheesecake Mousse

Lure Restaurant

45 Songhees Road

Victoria, BC

http://www.lurevictoria.com/menus.htm

Phone: 250- 360-5873

The next day I walked around the city visiting shops and the collections in the Victoria Art Gallery.

Art Gallery of Victoria

After visiting the gallery, I walked about 30 minutes back to the hotel to check-out.

Delta Ocean Pointe Resort

45 Songhees Road

Victoria, BC

http://www.deltahotels.com/en/hotels/british-columbia/delta-victoria-ocean-pointe-resort/

Phone: 888-778-5050

Schedule and information for BC Ferries is here http://www.bcferries.com/

By: Richard Wolak

Stanley Jordan

Whistler will play host to the newest jazz festival in Canada, September 2-4, 2011. Set in the resort’s pedestrian Village, with free and ticketed indoor and outdoor shows, visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience performances and interact personally with jazz greats such as Kevin Eubanks – leader of the NBC Tonight Show Band for 18 years.

“Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler will have something for everyone, not just jazz fans,” says Schwisberg. “All visitors to Whistler will be able to enjoy the free street festival components with acoustic musicians, face-painters, jugglers and acrobats. And ticketed shows will provide access to some of the world’s best jazz artists performing in an intimate setting at spectacular Whistler facilities.”

Ali Milner

The three-day festival will showcase 22 performers and 33 shows. Street entertainment is being programmed in conjunction with the Whistler Arts Council, free performances will be featured throughout Whistler Village, and ticketed events will take place indoors at Maurice Young Millennium Place and outdoors at one or more of the many spectacular venues in Whistler .

Oliver Jones

Guitarist Kevin Eubanks, the first Artist-in-Residence for Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler, will perform solo, with his Quartet, and will be “up close and personal” with festivalgoers in Whistler Village all weekend. In addition to Eubanks, American guitarists Stanley Jordan and Russ Freeman, as well as seasoned Canadian jazz guitarists and educators Stan Samole, Lorne Lofsky and Greg Lowe are scheduled to perform. Other greats confirmed to appear include established contemporary jazz groups Spyro Gyra and The Rippingtons, and jazz veterans vibraphonist Gary Burton from Boston with his New Quartet and Montreal pianist Oliver Jones with his Trio.

The Festival also includes a unique educational element, giving aspiring young musicians the opportunity to attend a Jazz Master Class Series for guitar at Maurice Young Millennium Place in the heart of Whistler Village.

“Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler is setting the stage to be regarded as one of the most innovative jazz festivals in the country,” says Schwisberg, a lawyer whose passion for jazz has also led to a career as a radio and TV host, a record producer for Universal Music, and a consultant with jazz festivals in Montreal and Toronto.

Unlike urban jazz festivals, Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler will be offering a very different experience. The pedestrian-only Village, with its stone pathways connecting the resort’s plazas and squares, is an ideal setting for a more intimate and highly interactive jazz festival. The Festival aims to attract thousands of visitors to Whistler over the Labour Day weekend.

To more broadly deliver the experience, plans are underway to mount high-definition video cameras at each major act – and to produce streaming video to the internet, satellite and for mobile applications. “Those who can’t attend in person can watch highlights from their computer, tablet or phone,” says Schwisberg. “Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler represents the next generation of jazz festivals. It’s really about bringing the music – and the vibe of Whistler – to the people.”

For more information about the concert and events schedule, artist bios, and details about ticket purchasing, promotions, and merchandise visit www.whistlerjazzfest.com

For information about accommodation and activity options call our local travel consultants at 1.800.WHISTLER or logon www.whistler.com .

Mountain top BBQ jazz series, brunch with headliner Lorne Lofsky and family festivities added to three-day program

With over 30 concert performances over three days, Canada’s newest jazz festival, Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler, has announced a series of exciting new events scheduled to take place during the inaugural festival, September 2 to 4, 2011. With less than a month to go until the opening ceremony, the announcement of these new events brings even greater depth to an already highly-energetic program in its first year.

“It’s exciting to see new venues and sponsors jump on board as the Festival gets ever-closer,” says Arnold Schwisberg, founder and producer of Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler. “We have been thrilled with the level of enthusiasm and support received from our sponsors, resort partners and Whistler businesses in anticipation of this inaugural year. We are creating a new end-of-summer anchor for Whistler’s vibrant event calendar, and everyone wants to be part of it. It’s incredibly exciting!”

With free and ticketed concerts at indoor and outdoor venues throughout Whistler, the Festival features an explosive lineup of talent in its first year. Performers include guitar greats Kevin Eubanks and Stanley Jordan; contemporary jazz masters The Rippingtons and Spyro Gyra, and Jazz veterans Oliver Jones and The New Gary Burton Quartet, plus a host of other talented artists. Other highlights include the newly opened Whistler Olympic Plaza as the main ticketed venue, a Master Class Series offering intimate performances and learning sessions with six renowned jazz masters, a late night jazz series at Millennium Place and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge, an Acoustic Jazz Series at the North Shore Credit Union, an interactive, family-friendly Street Festival, and more.

New events just announced include:

Mountain top BBQ Jazz Series on Whistler Mountain

The Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain will host a unique mountain top BBQ experience featuring jazz artists Ali Milner (Sept 2), Chris Smith (Sept 3), and The Night Crawlers (Sept 4), from 5pm to 8pm each evening. Guests will ride up the Whistler Village Gondola to enjoy mouth-watering BBQ at 6,000 feet, looking out over 360 degree views of endless mountain peaks. Tickets are available at Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations or online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Bearfoot Bistro Brunch With Lorne Lofsky

Whistler’s renowned Bearfoot Bistro invites guests of the inaugural Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler to a special brunch featuring an intimate performance by celebrated jazz guitarist and festival headliner, Lorne Lofsky, accompanied by Bearfoot Bistro’s resident pianist Cameron Chu. Taking place Sunday, September 4 from 10am to 2pm, Lofsky will play two sets at 10:45 am and 1 pm. Tickets, $49, are available by calling 604-932-3433 or by visiting www.bearfootbistro.com.

Whistler presents the Family Zone, sponsored by The Whistler Question

Open noon to 6pm daily in Whistler Olympic Plaza, and featuring fun for all ages, the Family Zone will entertain kids with carnival games, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, balloon twisting and more.

Accommodation in Whistler is available from $109 per night for a hotel room, and three day concert passes are available for $160 per person (or $65 for a single day ticket). Packages, including three nights accommodation and a three-day concert pass to Whistler Olympic Plaza are available from $293 (some restrictions apply).

For further information about the Jazz On The Mountain At Whistler concert schedule, artist biographies, and to purchase hotel rooms or concert ticket packages, please visit www.whistlerjazzfest.com.

Jason Mraz

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is presenting a series of free concerts in Whistler Olympic Plaza as part of the Whistler Presents Concert Series. These exciting outdoor concerts are a part of a variety of free entertainment taking place throughout Whistler this summer, including performances by local and regional musicians and Whistler Street Entertainment. No tickets are required.

TOM COCHRANE WITH RED RIDER

Friday, August 12 | | 8:15pm to 10pm

Opening act at 7pm – The Hairfarmers

COLIN JAMES

Saturday, August 13 | | 8:15pm to 10pm

Opening act at 7pm – Gonch Messiah

NORTHERN PIKES

Saturday, August 20 | | 8:15pm to 10pm

Opening act at 7pm – Key of Zee

BARENAKED LADIES

Sunday, August 21 | 8:15pm to 10pm

Opening act at 7pm – Brother Twang

See www.whistler.com for accommodation offers and packages

2011 summer series

July 30   •  August 27   •  September 11

The menu and wines have just been confirmed for the araxi longtable @ north arm farm event on July 30th, the first in a trifecta of outdoor dining experiences taking place this summer at Pemberton’s picturesque North Arm Farm.

Araxi’s wine director, Samantha Rahn is thrilled to be showcasing a range of outstanding wines from Mission Hill Family Estate, which represent the very best of their current portfolio. Ingo Grady, Mission Hill’s Director of Wine Education and one of the province’s foremost wine authorities, will lead guests through the wine pairings that he has personally chosen to accompany Chef James Walt’s menu.

RECEPTION

Garden Back to Eden Tomato Gazpacho

Yarrow Meadows Duck Liver Parfait with Rosemary

Tofino Dungeness Crab Roll with Cucumber Pearls

Mission Hill Martin’s Lane Riesling, 2010

Schramm Vodka Cocktails (Pemberton Valley)

MENU

North Arm Zucchini Flowers

stuffed with Okanagan goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes

Root Down organic greens with red pepper vinaigrette

Mission Hill Perpetua, 2008


Cherry Wood Hot Smoked Barkley Sound Sockeye Salmon


roasted North Arm beets, english pea and green tomato salsa

arugula flowers with beet caviar

Mission Hill Quatrain, 2007 (magnum format)

Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef


crispy slow cooked beef cheek fritter, pepper and rosemary roasted sirloin

North Arm rainbow chard and baby carrots

Mission Hill Oculus, 2004 (magnum format)


North Arm Strawberry Ice Cream Bar

strawberry ice cream dipped in dark chocolate with chocolate crust

Agassiz hazelnut financier with Okanagan apricots

Mission Hill Late Harvest Riesling, 2005

To Purchase

Tickets for each of the three events are $160.00 per person, all inclusive of reception, four-course menu, wine, tax and gratuity.

Return executive transportation from Whistler Village is available for an additional $35.00 per person, including tax.

To reserve your place at the table, email: farmdinner@araxi.com.

Local culinary aficionado Kathy McAree is cooking up a whole lot of good things these days as she prepares to launch the third-annual Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food and Wine, a gastronomical event set to take place July 21 – 24, 2011 in Victoria, BC.

Focusing on Vancouver Island cuisine and British Columbia wines, the festival is supported by a number of local winemakers, chefs, artisan producers, farmers and  fishers – all key players in helping to make Vancouver Island a vibrant culinary destination.

“When choosing partners for Taste, I look at a number of factors to ensure they’re really walking the talk, so to speak,” said McAree, founder of Taste and Vancouver Island’s premier culinary tourism operator. “I look at how local and seasonal ingredients are showcased in their products, their contribution to our community which contributes to our local economy. Taste is also unique in that, rather than just being one day, it offers four great days of serious food and wine indulgence!”

The Taste weekend kicks off on Thursday, July 21 at Victoria’s Crystal Garden with The Main Event: an evening brimming with more than 100 BC wines and great Vancouver Island eats. Guests will be joined by local chefs, wine producers and the live music of Greenlaw, a local band with a unique blend of dub, soul, jazz, drum and bass-infused rhythms.

Other special events taking place July 22 to 24 include the wine and seafood extravaganza Sips and Seafood hosted by the Inn at Laurel Point and chef Takashi Ito, a Silk Road tea tasting with Tea Master Daniela Cubelic, a Swine and The Vine pig roast on the Hotel Grand Pacific patio, a three-course brunch at Vista 18 and a unique wine seminar of Vancouver Island vs. the World.

And new to this year’s multi-day line-up is Land and Sea Harvest on the Family Farm: a dining adventure to take place in the middle of the field at the Vantreight Family Farm, overlooking the Saanich Peninsula and ocean. Join Ryan Vantreight and chef Matt Rissling from The Marina Restaurant for a “zero mile diet” dinner, paired with wines from BC’s Mission Hill Family Estate Winery.

Tickets to Taste are set to go on sale May 13, 2011. For more information on the events and purchase information, visit www.victoriataste.com.

On April 14^th I attended the Sonora Resort Cookbook Launch and tasting with dishes by Executive Chef Terry Pichor held in Vancouver at Miele.

Since the world reknowned resort is located in the Discovery Islands and is accessible only by seaplane or helicopter they held this exclusive tasting in Vancouver.

Quail Egg Yok Ravioli

The Tastes of Sonora Resort cookbook is available here.

The Mission Hill Family Estate Concert Series returns with two captivating live-music events this summer: The Canadian Tenors, August 13; and international recording artist Chris Isaak, August 21.

Situated on a prominent hill rising above the Okanagan Valley, with majestic mountains and scenic lakes creating the perfect backdrop, guests can soak up a gorgeous summer evening of music, wine and cuisine at one of Canada’s premiere concert locations.

With the creation of the outdoor amphitheatre, Proprietor Anthony von Mandl, a strong proponent of the arts, created a unique opportunity to enjoy live performances in an unrivalled setting. 2011 marks the third instalment of the summer concerts, with each season attracting new fans.

Back by popular demand for their second consecutive year, The Tenors will entertain guests with an intimate performance at Mission Hill as one of only a few Canadian shows in 2011. After last year’s sold-out tour of Canada, The Tenors are focusing on dates in the US, including a performance at the Kennedy Center and their debut at Carnegie Hall, as well as an international tour of China. They will perform songs from their classic repertoire plus new materials from their upcoming album to be released this fall. The audience at Mission Hill will experience their powerful voices within the acoustically vibrant amphitheatre venue.

Chris Isaak became a hit on the Billboard charts and earned widespread fame with his album, Heart Shaped World. An accomplished musician and actor, Isaak continues to win over audiences at every turn. Supporting his latest album “Mr. Lucky,” the August performance will celebrate his first-ever concert in the Okanagan Valley.

“We are thrilled to welcome two incredibly talented and diverse acts to the winery this summer,” says von Mandl. “We at Mission Hill Family Estate could not be more delighted to host them.”

Tickets for both shows go on sale Thursday, April 21 – via SelectYourTickets.com – with The Canadian Tenors starting at $110 and Chris Isaak starting at $99.

Mission Hill is offering two experiential packages to enable fans and guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, wine and song. The packages are available for both performances:

Dinner & Concert

Includes reserved seating concert admission and a 3-course pre-set “Wine Country Cuisine” dining experience with wine pairings and breathtaking panoramic views of the winery and Lake Okanagan at the Terrace Restaurant.

Reception & Concert

Includes reserved seating concert admission and an elegant pre-concert reception featuring exquisite food and wine pairings in Mission Hill’s beautiful Visitor’s Centre. The reception will be hosted by the Director of Wine Education, Ingo Grady and Sommelier, Jesse Harnden.

Purchase your tickets:

Online: selectyourtickets.com/missionhill.php | Phone: 250.762.5050

More information visit: missionhillwinery.com

Hastings House Country House Hotel is delighted to present Chefs Across the Water 2011. The 2nd annual guest chef program features four renowned chefs preparing culinary sensations in the resort kitchen.  The new line-up of celebrated chefs includes: Vikran Vij from Vij’s (July 18), Ernst Dorfler from the Pan Pacific Hotel (August 15), Michel Jacob from Le Crocodile (September 12), and Tojo from Tojo’s (October 3).  Each will prepare a five-course dinner incorporating Salt Spring Island’s produce; seafood and livestock for a foodie lover’s dream come true.  Wine pairings, cocktails, and sake will be offered to complement the extraordinary menus.

To truly celebrate the bounty of the region’s produce and set the tone for the summer festivities, Hastings House has also confirmed the return of each guest chef from the 2010 program for an Alumni Dinner on June 27, 2011.  The culinary Who’s Who features Chefs John Bishop (Bishop’s), Sean Brennan (Brasserie L’Ecole), Frank Pabst (Blue Water Café), Pino Posteraro (Cioppino’s), and Alessandra and Jean-Francis Quaglia (Provence Marinaside and Provence Mediterranean Grill). Guests will experience world-class dining as each chef prepares a specialized dish that puts his personal spin on island produce.

Hastings House General Manager, Kelly McAree, says chefs and patrons alike have embraced the culinary series.  “We have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the best chefs on the west coast and are equally delighted with our new line up. Each chef will offer up unique culinary creations to stir the palate and tease the mind, with the goal of drawing attention to the issue of sustainability and lamb production on Salt Spring Island.  We are pleased to once again provide proceeds to help local producers with the “Save Salt Spring Lamb” initiative. Our guests have fully embraced the concept and we are very excited to participate in this worthwhile endeavour.”

Salt Spring Island, the largest of BC’s fabled Gulf Islands is a food-lover’s paradise, blessed with a mild Mediterranean-like climate and knowledgeable, devoted growers and producers renowned for their organic fruits and vegetables, meats, and cheeses.  Fresh-caught, wild seafood rounds out nature’s local pantry. In recent years, island wineries have further added to the diversity of the local harvest.  Hastings House itself has an extensive garden that yields an abundance of fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs.

For more information please visit: www.hastingshouse.com.

Chefs Across the Water 2011 pricing: Alumni Dinner is $120.00 plus $45.00 for wine pairings, all other dinners are $100.00 plus $40.00 for beverage pairings. Seating is limited to only 55 guests per dinner.

Fairmont Olympic Hotel Chefs

Fairmont Hotels International recently launched a new lifestyles program in all of their restaurants. I had the opportunity to attend a tasting of their new menus from their hotels in the Pacific Northwest. Each restaurant at each of their properties is offering a selection of menu items created by the chefs team.

Grilled Bone In “Canada Gold“ Beef Tenderloin, Pomme Anna, Syrah Jus

Chai Tea Crème Brulee

At this tasting the Fairmont Empress Hotel created a sampling of their Gluten Free menu that included Grilled Bone In “Canada Gold“ Beef Tenderloin, Pomme Anna, Syrah Jus and a delicious Chai Tea Crème Brulee.

Quinoa & Vegetable Brochettes

Chocolate Ganache Flan

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver created a sampling of their Vegan menu that included Quinoa & Vegetable Brochettes and a Chocolate Ganache Flan.

Zucchini Spaghetti Noodle, creamy pine nut and basil pesto sauce

Duo of Chocolate Coconut Fudge and orange gelato

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport created a sampling of their Raw menu that included Zucchini Spaghetti Noodle, creamy pine nut and basil pesto sauce and a Duo of Chocolate Coconut Fudge and orange gelato.

“Pot au Feu“ of Free Range Chicken Breast

Lemon Panna Cotta with Ginger Orange

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler created a sampling of their Heart Healthy menu that included  “Pot au Feu“ of Free Range Chicken Breast and a Lemon Panna Cotta with Ginger Orange.

Homemade Tofu with Morel Mushrooms, Mongolian Truffle Sauce and braised daikon

Yellow Lentil and Cumin Dal

The Fairmont Pacific Rim created a sampling of their Diabetic menu that included Homemade Tofu with Morel Mushrooms, Mongolian Truffle Sauce and braised daikon and a Yellow Lentil and Cumin Dal.

Georgian Basil Prawns with warm panzanella salad, kalamata olive pesto

Georgian Pomegranate Poached Pear with dehydrated Greek yogurt

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel created a sampling of their Mediterranean menu that included Georgian Basil Prawns with warm panzanella salad, kalamata olive pesto and Georgian Pomegranate Poached Pear with dehydrated Greek yogurt.

Steamed Yellow Eye Snapper with warm sweet sharp and sour cabbage slaw, Farro with sesame

Sweet Corn Polenta with dried fruit compote

The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel created a sampling of their Macrobiotic menu that included a Steamed Yellow Eye Snapper with warm sweet sharp and sour cabbage slaw, Farro with sesame and a Sweet Corn Polenta with dried fruit compote.

Diners with specific dietary requests often have to forfeit flavor and choice for their health, but not at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.  The luxury hotel brand now offers Lifestyle Cuisine Plus, a new menu available upon request catering to guests with specific diet-dependent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and gluten free, as well as unique dietary preferences including, macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets.

Fairmont chefs have been trained to prepare a vast array of special dietary and allergy-specific meals and are equipped with Nutritionist Pro™ by Axxya Systems (www.axxya.com), cutting-edge recipe analysis software to help customize entrees and menus to fit with guests’ requests for caloric and nutritional requirements.  Utilizing nutrient-rich ingredients, clean cooking methods and local food products, diners at Fairmont, whether in a restaurant, bar, banquet or in-room, can be sure dishes are wholesome, balanced and full of taste.

A typical Fairmont Lifestyle Cuisine Plus menu includes a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts to address diabetes, heart healthy, vegan, raw, macrobiotic and gluten-free diets and will contribute to guests’ well-being, vitality and energy. Guests with specific food allergies and sensitivities are invited to have a direct conversation with the chef in order to plan their food options during their stay.

While the same nutritional parameters guide Fairmont chefs across the globe, actual menu offerings reflect the distinctive style and unique food products of each destination.

Fairmont Lifestyle Cuisine Plus is an extension of Fairmont Lifestyle Cuisine, which is targeted to the most common dietary requests found among guests, such as low-fat, vegetarian and low-carbohydrate concerns.  Complementing the new menus are Lifestyle beverages, offering five new varieties of Fairmont wellness teas, juices, shakes and more to quench thirst.