When I started mywinepal.com, I used it for primarily wine writing, and kept my older mywinepal.wordpress.com for food events. But now it looks like the time has come to stop using mywinepal.wordpress.com and now all my writing about food, wine, and travel will all be posted on mywinepal.com. Please bookmark mywinepal.com and stay informed about all the great food and wine happening in the Vancouver area, and learn about wine regions through my travels.
CheckMate for the Win with Provence’s November Wine Menu
(Vancouver, BC) – Provence Marinaside shines the spotlight on Oliver BC’s CheckMate Artisanal Winery for its second Monthly Wine Menu. “Checkmate produces extraordinary wines,” says Provence’s Wine Director Joshua Carlson. “Under the skillful guidance of winemaker Philip McGahan, they have garnered two consecutive 100-point vintages of their ‘Little Pawn’ Chardonnay – the first Canadian wine to score 100 points being the 2015 vintage.
“I am very gratified by how popular October’s Martin’s Lane Menu has been. We’ve received some wonderful comments from our guests,” continues Carlson “so I am very excited to present our guests with a menu featuring CheckMate’s award-winning 2015 Little Pawn Chardonnay and 2014 End Game Merlot.”
The Monthly Wine Menu is series of special menus designed to highlight rare BC wines. The Monthly Wine Menu features wines from BC that are typically difficult to find by the glass (e.g. small production, back vintages, out of stock items, or priced out of range). These are paired with dishes especially created by Owner/Chef Jean Francis Quaglia and Chef de Cuisine Sheldon Maloff that are inspired by the wine, not the other way round as is usually the case. The dishes are unique to the Monthly Wine Menu and do not appear on Provence Marinaside’s regular menu.
The Monthly Wine Menu contains a QR code so that guests can access more information on the winery and the featured wines.
November – CheckMate Artisanal Winery
Winemaker: Philip McGahan
Two-course Menu $57/person
Two-course Wine Pairing $58/person
Two-course Petit Pour $30/person
First Course
Dungeness Crab Salad
Sherry butter, apple and celeriac
CheckMate ‘Little Pawn’ Chardonnay 2015
$32/glass, $128 bottle
The wine is aged for 16 months in 47 percent French oak.
There are aromas of citrus, sage and licorice. The palate is a medley of fruit flavours including Mandarin orange mingled with subtle oak notes. Tropical and citrus fruits are revealed on the very long finish, with bright acidity keeping the wine fresh and lively.
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Second Course
Veal Tournedos
Grilled radicchio, confit tomato, and mashed edamame
Blue cheese and green peppercorn sauce
CheckMate ‘End Game’ Merlot 2014
$40/glass, $185/bottle
Made from 100 percent hand-picked and destemmed grapes; the wine is barrel-aged for 21 months in 100 percent new French oak.
Opulent on the palate, there are savoury and bright flavours of cherry, plum, cassis and vanilla. The wine is elegant and polished, with long, ripe tannins. The nose has an enticing pure merlot red fruit character that pushes the oak into the background.
The November’s CheckMate Wine Menu is priced at $57 for the two-course food menu with the selected wine pairing available for an additional $58 for both wines (petit pour is $30), or if you prefer, the wines can be purchased individually by the glass or bottle.
Be sure to check out the CheckMate Wine Menu from November 1 through 30. It’s a move that is bound to result in a winning (k)night.
Provence Marinaside Notes:
Provence Marinaside is committed to the health and safety of its guests and staff in keeping with the protocols set by the BC Ministry of Health. You can find the details of Provence’s standards here.
In addition to Dine-In service, Provence Marinaside continues to offer its Takeout Menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. If you prefer to cook Provence’s food in the comfort of your own kitchen, they also offer six French Food Made Easy kits and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
Provence Marinaside is also supporting The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre with the donation of meals and funds along with a donation option on their website should the public also wish to support the organization.
Provence’s Taste of Yaletown Menu gives comfort
In case you have not yet visited Provence Marinaside in Yaletown, maybe this will tempt you. They make top quality meals. Here is the press release for their latest menu.
(Vancouver, BC) – Foodie fan favourite Taste of Yaletown (TOY) returns this year from October 16 through 26. For this special neighbourhood restaurant promotion, Provence Marinaside is offering a very high-value, prix fixe, three-course menu for only $55/person.
“All the dishes on this year’s TOY Menu have been on Provence’s menu since we first opened. We can’t take them off because they are so popular. With the weather turning colder, the days getting shorter and the challenges of Covid-19, everyone can use some comfort food to ease their stress,” says Provence Owner/Executive Chef Jean Francis Quaglia. Who could say “no” to a menu packed with such guest favourites as Warm Goat Cheese Salad, Bouillabaisse, Wild Mushroom Ravioli or Lemon Tarte?
As an added incentive for diners, $1 from every TOY Menu sold will be donated to the Vancouver Food Bank through the Yaletown Business Improvement Association. Also, if a guest orders a take-out from TOY, they will receive a $5 gift certificate per TOY menu order from the restaurant.
TASTE OF YALETOWN MENU
APPETIZERS (choose one)
Herbes de Provence-Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
beurre blanc, balsamic reduction, mesclun greens or Mediterranean Caesar Saladfocaccia crouton, grilled smoked duck breast, house made dressing or Soupe du Chef Chef’s daily creation***
MAINS(choose one)
Bouillabaisse west coast style, prawns, scallops, mussels, fish,fingerling potatoes, gruyère et la rouille or Pan-Seared AAA Beef Tenderloin seasonal vegetables, pomme frites, red wine peppercorn jus or Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Grilled Prawns white wine butter sauce, garlic, fresh tomato, herbs***
DESSERT
Tarte au Citron lemon tart, hazelnut brittle, whipped cream
Provence’s Taste of Yaletown Menu will be available October 16 through 26 in addition to its regular à la carte menu and its special October BC Winery Menu featuring Martin’s Lane Winery. TOY is a wonderful way to enjoy some of your favourite dishes while supporting local restaurants and producers, and helping The Food Bank.
Provence Marinaside Notes:
Provence Marinaside is committed to the health and safety of its guests and staff in keeping with the protocols set by the BC Ministry of Health. You can find the details of Provence’s standards here.
In addition to Dine-In service, Provence Marinaside continues to offer its Takeout Menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. If you prefer to cook Provence’s food in the comfort of your own kitchen, they also offer six French Food Made Easy kits and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
Provence Marinaside is also supporting The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre with the donation of meals and funds along with a donation option on their website should the public also wish to support the organization.
Introducing the 2020 Half Corked Marathon Virtual Festival
Have you run the Half Corked Marathan in the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country in previous years. Guess what? COVID has cancelled the in-person event, but there is a VIRTUAL run now, plus lots of other related fun events that will happen by a travelling roadshow. Read about it in this press release below. Cheers!
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Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country transitions its signature sold out event due to the pandemic; now featuring a multi-destination roadshow, virtual marathon and online wine experiences.
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OLIVER, B.C. (August 12, 2020): This month, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country will launch a transformed version of its award-winning signature event. The six-week long Half Corked Marathon Virtual Festival is a multi-faceted, mixed-reality wine festival, which will bring all the elements and magic of British Columbia’s famed wine run to participants in a safe and responsible way.
“Our small team has worked exceptionally hard to innovate during this challenging time and bring all the elements of our well-loved event directly to our participants,” says Jennifer Busmann, executive director of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. “Communities in B.C. and Alberta have been welcoming and supportive as we have worked with them collaboratively to ensure the safety of each of our Roadshow locations. Our pandemic-proof format will ensure the well-being of both our participants and winery teams, while delivering thoughtful, educational and engaging content to help share the story of our incredible region.”
Originally inspired by Bordeaux’s Medoc Marathon, the Half Corked Marathon has attracted thousands of participants to the Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country region over the past twelve years, to run between the vines while sampling the region’s wines at eighteen stations along the route.
Available exclusively for 2020 ticket holders, the Half Corked Marathon Virtual Festival will include:
Half Corked Marathon Roadshow: Between August 23 and September 8, 2020, participants are invited to attend a Half Corked Marathon Roadshow in a dozen communities across British Columbia and Alberta, where they can enjoy wine tasting and local treats, enter contests for high value prizes and collect their Participant Race Pack, which includes two bottles of wine, tasting picnic pack from Oliver Eats Ltd., tote bag and more. All Roadshow events are in partnership with local communities, with approved permits in place, and will closely adhere to local health and safety regulations with strict health checks and required distancing at every venue.
The Roadshow schedule includes: Oliver (August 23rd); Kelowna (August 24th); Kamloops (August 25th); Abbotsford (August 27th); Burnaby (August 28th & 30th); Cloverdale (August 29th); Vancouver (September 1st); Victoria (September 2nd); Castlegar (September 5th); Cranbrook (September 6th); Calgary (September 7th); and Edmonton (September 8th).
Half Corked Marathon Virtual Route: Participants will receive access to the virtual race route, which takes viewers on a journey between the vines, along the river and through the middle of some of our best known and loved wineries. The footage, which participants can enjoy at their leisure, captures the magic of running through the region’s vineyards with endless South Okanagan blue skies beyond, punctuated by encouraging messages from winemakers along the way.
Costume & Skit Contest: For the past thirteen years, participant’s creative costumes have helped set the Half Corked Marathon apart from other running events and this year will be no exception. All participants are encouraged to enter photos of their costumes and comedy skit videos virtually, via email (to hcm2020@oliverosoyoos.com) or on social (tagging #HCM2020) for the chance of winning high value prizes. Submissions are open until August 14th and online voting will be open from August 19th to 22nd via the Half Corked Marathon Facebook page.
12 Days of Half Corked Marathon Virtual Wine Festival: Starting on September 12th and running for 12 days, Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country will roll out a series of educational sessions hosted by many of the region’s winemakers and winery principals, exclusively for participants. Segments will include wineries sharing their love of a specific varietal; behind the scenes winery tours; vertical tastings of well-loved and signature wines; spotlights on regenerative farming; food and wine pairing inspiration; and cooking demos hosted by many of the region’s wine industry icons.
Giveaways: will run throughout the festival and will include multiple Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country “Cellars”, a bottle from each of the region’s 44 member wineries, valued at $1100 each; magnums of wine from Black Hills Estate Winery and C.C. Jentsch Cellars; a two-night stay at Silver Sage Winery; exclusive experiences at Culmina Family Estate Winery, Stoneboat Vineyards and Castoro de Oro Estate Winery; new wine releases from Hester Creek Estate Winery and Hidden Chapel Winery; and more.
For more information and questions about the 2020 Half Corked Marathon Virtual Festival, please visit www.oliverosoyoos.com/half-corked-marathon-virtual, or follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/halfcorkedmarathon.
About Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country
Uncork the Sun in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and encounter colourful characters, award-winning wineries, and stunning scenery which all give this decorated region its unique glow. Situated at the very southern tip of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, in one of the warmest areas of Western Canada, the region’s 44 wineries have won more accolades than any other wine region in Canada. The sunny slopes of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country are also the perfect place to enjoy fine dining with winery views, the opportunity to stay on a winery and wake up surrounded by vines, and to experience compelling annual events such as the Half Corked Marathon, Pig Out food and wine festival and Savour the Sun winemaker dinners.
For our full list of winery members, visit www.oliverosoyoos.com/category/wineries
Facebook.com/OliverOsoyoosWineCountry
Instagram.com/uncorkthesun
Twitter.com/uncorkthesun
Granville Island Delivery Co. Launches Campaign to Support Granville Island
If you have been hesitant to go to Granville Island during COVID, why not let Granville Island deliver to you. Here is the press release about their offering.
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Vancouver, B.C. (August 10, 2020): In March, Michelle Ng, founder of Vancouver Foodie Tours launched Granville Island Foodie Delivery days after pausing food tours due to the pandemic. With deliveries in full swing, Michelle and her team took on the challenge of finding more ways to give back to the Granville Island community. Today marks the launch of their new website Granville Island Delivery Co. (GIDC), as well as their #GranvilleIslandLuv campaign to further rally community support.
Customers can shop on the new and improved website, GranvilleIslandDelivery.co for Public Market favourites from popular merchants such as Lee’s Donuts, Oyama Sausage Co., Benton Brother’s Fine Cheese, and much more. The GIDC team has put their 10 years of Public Market expertise to good use in building curated baskets, including Wellness in a Box, Charcuterie and Cheese, Yes Please!, and Sweet Treat, perfect for gifting. For specialized seasonal goods, don’t miss the monthly Market Box, with items personally selected by Michelle to reflect the best of the season. Whether to select a few items or opt for curated baskets, the new site allows shoppers to browse and order easily online.
The one-stop-shop brings together multiple Granville Island merchants on one online platform, where shoppers can browse the pages like they would the aisles of a market, from the comfort and safety of their own homes (without those pesky seagulls). The website also features “Meet the Artisans” series, a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the talented artisans of the Public Market and Granville Island.
Along with the new website, GIDC launches #GranvilleIslandLuv campaign to directly benefit the merchants of Granville Island who are facing unprecedented levels of change and revenue losses due to the pandemic. The first goal is to raise awareness of the community’s challenges as most vendors do not have an avenue to promote or sell their goods online. The majority of Granville Island businesses rely on foot traffic for sales, an important and valued portion of which are local Vancouverites, and a large portion of which is generated by national and international tourism. Every purchase made through GranvilleIslandDelivery.co helps support small businesses. With a purchase of any curated baskets or monthly Market Box, $5 of each sale benefit merchants in need. That is not all, a social media contest featuring the hashtag #GranvilleIslandLuv asks followers to share a photo of Granville Island or goods purchased from a Granville Island merchant to win the monthly Market Box.
“We are excited to provide our support for Granville Island merchants,” says Michelle Ng, president & founder of Granville Island Delivery Co. “It’s more important than ever to support local merchants, artisans and their craftsmanship. With Granville Island Delivery Co., our aim is to spread joy with each package, while uplifting the Granville Island community.”
The delivery service offers free shipping for orders $99 and over in Vancouver, or $10 discount on flat rate shipping in Greater Vancouver via local courier Novex. For more information on delivery rates, products, and online orders, visit GranvilleIslandDelivery.co.
About Granville Island Delivery Co.
Michelle Ng, President & Founder of Vancouver Foodie Tours, started her renowned guided food tour company in 2010 out of a passion for food, people, and the multicultural city of Vancouver. In March 2020, with the support of CMHC Granville Island, Michelle launched Granville Island Delivery Co. to spotlight the legacy of Vancouver’s iconic culinary and cultural destination. To this day, the company is committed to supporting Granville Island merchants and restaurant partners by bringing the best Public Market experience to residents of Greater Vancouver. GranvilleIslandDelivery.co
Blue Mountain Pairs Up with les amis du FROMAGE for Innovative Virtual Cheese and Wine Tasting
Les Amis du Fromage has a fabulous selection of cheeses and Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars, top sparkling wine. Enjoy both together! Here is a press release about how you can enjoy this through a guided online event.
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July 20, 2020 (Vancouver, BC) – Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars is pleased to partner with Vancouver’s les amis du FROMAGE for a unique virtual cheese and wine tasting. The event will be live-streamed on the evening of Sunday, August 23 2020. Ticketholders will enjoy an hour-long guided tasting that will be both informative and indulgent, all in the comfort of their own homes. The interactive event will be hosted by les amis du FROMAGE founder Allison Spurrell and will feature 2 Blue Mountain wines, the Gold Label Brut and the 2017 Pinot Noir Reserve Cuvee.
Tickets for the event may be purchased online starting July 22nd at 9AM. Each $75 ticket is for 2 people. Ticketholders will pick up a package containing a selection of amazing edibles from les amis du FROMAGE to taste along with Allison. Ticketholders can pick up their package from either of les amis du FROMAGE’s locations during the 3 days prior to the event.
Your ticket purchase also entitles you to a 10% discount on the 2 featured Blue Mountain wines when you purchase them online from Marquis Wine Cellars. You will receive a discount code at the time of ticket purchase.
Alternately, you can order directly from the winery by Monday, August 17th. Blue Mountain offers FREE BC-wide shipping on orders of 6 or more bottles, so this is a great time to try out the winery’s new releases, including the Blue Mountain 2019 Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Only 100 tickets will be sold for the event, so don’t wait to get yours!
Virtual Cheese & Wine Tasting
$75 for 2 people + Blue Mountain wines
Tickets available online starting July 22nd at 9AM
Streaming on Facebook Live on Sunday, August 23, 2020
6:30pm – 7:30pm
About Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars:
Located in BC’s South Okanagan, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars is distinctive among Canadian wineries in that all its wines are produced exclusively from grapes grown on the estate’s vineyards. Ian Mavety purchased the land that is now Blue Mountain Vineyard in 1971. Current owners Ian, Jane, Matt, and Christie Mavety continue to work to realize the potential of the region, utilizing sustainable farming methods and winemaking practices. Blue Mountain produces complex, age-worthy varietal wines that are consistent in style while allowing the expression of both the terroir and the individual growing season.
Blue Mountain social media:
About les amis du FROMAGE:
les amis du FROMAGE is a family owned and operated specialty cheese store with two locations in Vancouver. With a carefully curated selection of local and imported cheeses, charcuterie and accompaniments, we also specialize in frozen soups and meals, all made in house using top quality ingredients. Founded in 1985, les amis du FROMAGE is proud to still remain a family owned and operated Vancouver company after over 30 years in business. Current owners Allison Spurrell and Joe Chaput continue the company’s reputation of offering the highest quality cheeses, cut to order, along with one-to-one customer service.
les amis du FROMAGE social media:
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Father’s Day Celebrations: Dine In Or Take Out!
Do you have a dad, spouse, or significant other that you would like to celebrate Father’s Day with on Sunday? You may want to think of Rocky Mountain Flatbread. Here is their press release about what you can expect, whether you eat in or take out.
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Celebrate Fathers Day at Rocky Mountain Flatbread (Image courtesy Rocky Mountain Flatbread)
Rocky Mountain Flatbread is excited to offer both dine in and take out options to celebrate Father’s Day this coming weekend. In exciting news for families, the kids play area and kids pizza making are back in time for Father’s Day! Strict new cleaning and safety protocols have been put in place so it’s going to be a bit different going forward but owners Suzanne and Dominic Fielden are very pleased to bring fun family activities back to their restaurants.
“We did a trial run of reopening the kids play area and kids pizza making this week with new safety procedures in place, and both the kids and staff had so much fun – safely!” says Suzanne Fielden
For the PLAY AREA, Rocky Mountain Flatbread is offering a time slot for each table to play in the sanitized play area with a personal basket of play toys (everything is sanitized after each use). Rocky is also offering Father’s Day cards for kids to colour and write a special message to Dad!
For KIDS PIZZA MAKING, one family at a time will take part in making pizzas. Hand washing for the kiddos is a top priority and the staff gives out toppings in individual bowls for the kids to top their pizza with. We have moved to washable pizza mats, rolling pins and pizza pans for safety. Rocky also offers take-home family pizza making kits!
“We are so excited to be open for dine in and fun family activities in time to celebrate Father’s Day,” says Suzanne Fielden, owner of Rocky Mountain Flatbread.“ We look forward to welcoming you very soon. Happy Father’s Day Dads – You Are Awesome!”
DINE IN OPTIONS
Kids can make their pizza at Rocky Mountain Flatbread (Image courtesy Rocky Mountain Flatbread)
FATHER’S DAY $5 SLEEVES OF CRAFT BEER
Delicious craft beers from Four Winds, Persephone, 49 Parallel, Phillips, Hoyne, and Strange Fellows are being poured all weekend for only $5 to say “Dads You Are Awesome!”
FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH
House Made Eggs Benny, Omelettes, Scrambler, Chorizo Hash, Brunch Flatbreads and $6 Rocky Caesars are served Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 3 pm. The kids play area is open with individual time slots for families!
PIZZA MAKING FOR THE KIDS/ OPEN PLAY AREA
On Father’s Day from 5 – 7 pm, the kids can create their own pizzas! Staff will guide the kids to roll out their dough crust and add their favorite toppings for a delicious personal pizza creation.
TAKE OUT OPTIONS:
FAMILY MEAL:
Newly created for Vancouver families is the $60 Family Meal for take out! The Family Meal includes: To Start: two Small Soups or Salad | Mains: two regular sized traditional or artisan pizzas | Kids Meal: two kids mozza pizzas | Dessert: four house made double chocolate brownies. Father’s Day kids activities also included!
FAMILY PIZZA MAKING KITS
Our new favourite thing for families is Rocky’s family pizza making kit. We provide the dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella and your favourite toppings to make 2 adult pizzas and 2 kids pizzas. Brownies for dessert and Father’s Day kids activities included! Cost: $45
WHEN WE’RE OPEN:
- Rocky Mountain Flatbread Kitsilano: Open Daily 12 pm – 9 pm. Open for Brunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 – 3 pm.
- Rocky Mountain Flatbread Main Street: Open Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 9 pm. Open for Brunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 – 3 pm.
For more information or to make an order for pickup or delivery, please visit RockyMountainFlatbread.ca.
Indigenous Tourism BC Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day And National Indigenous History Month
Did you know June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day? I like to learn about people from around the world, and we have within our province the ability to learn about our Indigenous peoples. Here is the press release about National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
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Coast Salish Territories / Vancouver, BC (June 9, 2020): June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is encouraging communities across British Columbia to get creative with this year’s celebrations. Due to ongoing travel restrictions and limitations on social gatherings due to COVID-19, ITBC is celebrating online throughout this month and a signature experience on June 21, 2020. ITBC is encouraging responsible activities that support Indigenous businesses, culture and artists.
National Indigenous History Month was first instituted in June 2009, as a way to educate, connect and promote reconciliation in Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared in 1996, with the date of June 21 chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and the start of berry-picking and fishing season. Both holidays invite Canadian residents not only to celebrate Indigenous culture, but also to reflect on the rich history of Indigenous peoples in BC.
Indigenous Cultural Festival in Victoria (Image courtesy Indigenous Tourism BC)
For the past seven years, ITBC has hosted the Indigenous Cultural Festival in Victoria to honour BC’s 200-plus First Nations with a weekend dedicated to lively performances, engaging tours and traditional artisan goods. This year’s event has been cancelled to respect requirements for physical distancing; instead, ITBC has compiled a series of actions outlining how the public can safely pay homage to Indigenous peoples throughout the month. These include:
- Honour physical distancing requirements in Indigenous communities. Follow local travel recommendations to protect Indigenous elders, children, resources and lands.
- Add Indigenous tourism experiences in BC to your travel plans. Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find local tourism operators. Include Indigenous tourism in your travel plans.
- Connection to Land, People and Culture. Commit to learning about the land where you live!
- Support Indigenous digital economies. Resourceful entrepreneurs are now serving patrons through online orders, delivery service and virtual events. Shop online for Indigenous fashion, food, wine and art to show your support for Indigenous lands, cultures and businesses.
- Join a virtual gathering. Summer events might be cancelled, but virtual gatherings are going strong! Online conference and streaming tools make it easy to attend virtual powwows and drum sessions, and new means of connection are emerging daily. Follow ITBC’s social media channels to stay in-the-know about upcoming virtual celebrations.
- Explore educational tools. Set aside time to learn about the historic keepers of our land – one suggestion is First Voices, which offers interactive language learning tools. You can also enhance your child’s homeschooling with resources that explore Indigenous perspectives on contemporary curriculum content.
- Browse Indigenous culture. Whether literature, film, music or artwork, Indigenous culture is rich with stories told by local artists. Browse online collections hosted by museums in BC, check #IndigenousReads for recommendations of captivating books, and search free collections of Indigenous film.
Whether buying arts and crafts, visiting tourism businesses that are open and accepting guests, or following ITBC on social media to enjoy celebratory content throughout June, there are plenty of ways you can dive into the enthralling history, culture and storytelling of BC’s diverse First Nations. For more ways you can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month in BC, visit www.indigenousbc.com, or follow ITBC on social media:
About Indigenous Tourism BC
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, Stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and cooperative marketing programs, ITBC is a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in BC who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help BC’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promote these experiences to visitors and local residents. Indigenousbc.com
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, Stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and cooperative marketing programs, ITBC is a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in BC who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help BC’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promote these experiences to visitors and local residents. Indigenousbc.com
Provence Marinaside Hits the Spot with BC Spot Prawn Features
Spot prawns are here in BC for a short time. They are here now, so go out and get some to eat. If you would like them cooked professionally for you, why not go to Provence Marinaside in Yaletown? Here is their announcement of what you can expect. Cheers.
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BC Spot Prawn Duo. Photo by Emrys Horton, EPH Photography
(Vancouver, BC) – Every year we eagerly await the coming of Spot Prawn Season – that short window starting in early June when these succulent and flavourful crustaceans make their way off fishing boats and onto the plates of enthusiastic diners. With a culinary ethos honed in Marseille and on the Côte d’Azur, Provence Marinaside’s Owner/Executive Chef Jean Francis Quaglia treats BC Spot Prawns with a gentle hand to bring out all their delicate flavour.
Starting today Provence guests can indulge their passion for prawns with a special BC Spot Prawn Menu featuring Gazpacho with Poached BC Spot Prawns served with a cucumber and lime relish, One Pound of BC Spot Prawns served either grilled or steamed and Provence patron favourite – BC Spot Prawn Duo (grilled and Provençal style) on tagliatelle and zucchini ribbons.
As Provence is known for its extensive wine list, Wine Director Joshua Carlson could choose to pair these dishes with any wine from around the world. However, keeping with the philosophy that local terroir complements local ingredients best, he has selected an optional wine pairing of exclusively BC-produced wines which will be available by either the glass or the bottle –Terravista Vineyards Albariño 2019 (Naramata Bench) to accompany the Gazpacho, Sea Star Vineyards Blanc de Noir Rosé,2019 (Pender Island) to complement the steamed or grilled One Pound of BC Spot Prawns and Quails’ Gate Estate Winery ‘Lucy’s Block’ Rosé 2019 (Kelowna) is paired with the BC Spot Prawn Duo.
This really is a case of limited-time offer as the season for BC Spot Prawns is short. Imagine yourself on the Promenade de la Croisette as you dine on delicious BC Spot Prawns, sip your wine and watch the world go by from Provence’s vantage point overlooking the False Creek Seawall and Quayside Marina. It’s a perfect way to start the summer.
Please note:
Provence Marinaside is committed to the health and safety of its guests and staff in keeping with the protocols set by the BC Ministry of Health. You can find the details of Provence’s standards here.
In addition to Dine-In service, Provence Marinaside continues to offer its Takeout Menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. If you prefer to cook Provence’s food in the comfort of your own kitchen, they also offer six French Food Made Easy kits and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
Starting today Provence guests can indulge their passion for prawns with a special BC Spot Prawn Menu featuring Gazpacho with Poached BC Spot Prawns served with a cucumber and lime relish, One Pound of BC Spot Prawns served either grilled or steamed and Provence patron favourite – BC Spot Prawn Duo (grilled and Provençal style) on tagliatelle and zucchini ribbons.
As Provence is known for its extensive wine list, Wine Director Joshua Carlson could choose to pair these dishes with any wine from around the world. However, keeping with the philosophy that local terroir complements local ingredients best, he has selected an optional wine pairing of exclusively BC-produced wines which will be available by either the glass or the bottle –Terravista Vineyards Albariño 2019 (Naramata Bench) to accompany the Gazpacho, Sea Star Vineyards Blanc de Noir Rosé,2019 (Pender Island) to complement the steamed or grilled One Pound of BC Spot Prawns and Quails’ Gate Estate Winery ‘Lucy’s Block’ Rosé 2019 (Kelowna) is paired with the BC Spot Prawn Duo.
This really is a case of limited-time offer as the season for BC Spot Prawns is short. Imagine yourself on the Promenade de la Croisette as you dine on delicious BC Spot Prawns, sip your wine and watch the world go by from Provence’s vantage point overlooking the False Creek Seawall and Quayside Marina. It’s a perfect way to start the summer.
Please note:
Provence Marinaside is committed to the health and safety of its guests and staff in keeping with the protocols set by the BC Ministry of Health. You can find the details of Provence’s standards here.
In addition to Dine-In service, Provence Marinaside continues to offer its Takeout Menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner daily. If you prefer to cook Provence’s food in the comfort of your own kitchen, they also offer six French Food Made Easy kits and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
Provence Marinaside is also supporting The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre with the donation of meals and funds along with a donation option on their website should the public also wish to support the organization.
Provence Family Favourite Tomato Tarte is the this week’s French Food Made Easy Kit
Every year I look forward to growing tomatoes in my garden and then making a tomato tarte and enjoying it with a salad and a nice glass of white BC wine (or a rose as described below). You don’t have to wait for the tomatoes to ripen in your garden to enjoy this dish. Provence Marinaside has assembled the ingredients and instructions on how to make this dish. Below is the information from Provence Marinaside. Enjoy.
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(Vancouver, BC) – This week Provence Marinaside is pleased to present a Quaglia family favourite for the seventh French Food Made Easy Kit – classic Fresh Tomato Tarte with mixed green salad dressed with Dijon balsamic vinaigrette
Tomato Tarte (photo by Hamid Attie)
The kit is available for $40 and comes complete with everything you need to make this dish at home plus a half baguette:
- Pastry dough
- Flour
- Fresh tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Dijon Mustard
- Gruyere Cheese
- Olives Olive Oil
- Basil
- Salad Greens
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
Chef Alessandra Quaglia demonstrates how easy it is to reproduce this dish at home in your own kitchen in this short instructional video.
With each new kit, Wine Director Joshua Carlson suggests a featured BC wine pairing to complement the dish and this can also be ordered for an additional fee. This week’s wine pairing is Sea Star Vineyards Blanc de Noir Rosé. This wine is available for an additional $30.
There are now a total of seven French Food Made Easy kits (Prawns Provençal, Fennel-Crusted Lois Lake Steelhead, Oven-Roasted Half Chicken Provençal, Duck Confit, Albacore Tuna, Lamb Sirloin and Tomato Tarte) and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Provence’s Takeout Menu of prepared dishes and Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
There are now a total of seven French Food Made Easy kits (Prawns Provençal, Fennel-Crusted Lois Lake Steelhead, Oven-Roasted Half Chicken Provençal, Duck Confit, Albacore Tuna, Lamb Sirloin and Tomato Tarte) and two Cocktail Kits (Moscow Mule and Caesar). All are available through Provence Marinaside’s website along with Provence’s Takeout Menu of prepared dishes and Chef Sheldon’s Online Grocery Store for individual ingredient items such as meats, dairy, baking supplies and other miscellaneous items.
Provence also offers delivery service for those living in the downtown area (postal codes V6G, V6C, V6E, V6Z, V7Y, V7X, or V6B). The delivery service is available for an additional $10 charge with a minimum $50 order. Kit orders must be placed at least two hours prior to pick up or delivery by calling the restaurant at 604-681-4144 or ordering online. As with Takeout Menu items; French Cooking Made Easy Kits are available between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Bon Appetit!
Food and Wine With Karl MyWinePal 