Victoria
With his background in high-end and Michelin-star European restaurants, Chef Dan Hayes, aka The London Chef, is a classically-trained chef, world-class educator, and co-host of the beloved series Moosemeat & Marmalade, which airs in three languages around the world. The Cooking School is a virtual offering that builds on Dan’s record of teaching more than 100,000 students to cook from his brick-and-mortar school in Victoria. One of the platform’s most engaging features is its live cooking classes – which are offered six times per month and attract an average of 200 participants per class. If you’re looking for cooking inspiration, every class feels like a community gathering, where people are encouraged to relax, chat with each other, interrupt Dan with questions and comments, and generally have fun in the kitchen.
Chef Dan shares his Gambas al Ajillo aka Spanish Style Garlic Prawns dish in our Recipe section. Easy enough to make but oh the delectable taste!
Saanichton
The Central Saanich Farm features dining experiences with Top Chef Canada Winner Chef Paul Moran. At their Sixty Forty restaurant, the food and experience is exceptional. Beyond the eating, you can experience a farm adventure learning about the products you eat and appreciate what goes into the making of every morsel. They will also be your guiding escort to Italy or Mexico…or any other international destination where you can enjoy the food experience with an expert.
Sidney
Are you a wine connoisseur and looking for a spectacular local exploration of Vancouver Island’s wineries while sailing on a spacious catamaran yacht? You’ll want to check out Maple Leaf Adventures. Explore the breadth of BC wine, its people and places through this special tasting, culinary and nature adventure. Guided by on-board experts, as well as other wine industry leaders and pioneers, each day you’ll learn about and taste the best wines from BC’s distinct wine regions. A first of its kind voyage on Canada’s West Coast.
Cobble Hill
Want to know what goes into making cider and fruit spirits? You need to visit BC’s oldest estate cidery and first craft distillery, Merridale Cidery & Distillery. Enjoy orchard walks, live music, yurts, tastings and tours, their farm store and picnics. Then head to the Farmhouse Eatery where farm-to-table meets orchard-to-glass with flavours of Cowichan.
Salt Spring Island
We first met the fine folks of Stowel Lake Farm when we explored their Seven Seasons Cookbook. Not only is it a unique communal farm enterprise, but they invite people to explore and engage in the running of the farm. They have a product stand to purchase the freshest yield and run a retreat center with numerous activities. Check out some upcoming workshops that you’ll want to try: Preserving the Harvest & Making a Herbal Syrup, Putting the Garden to Rest for the Winter, and lots of Yoga immersive experiences.
Gabriola Island
Just east of Nanaimo, get yourself to Gabriola Island to join in some instructive classes in cheese making from Make Cheese with Paula. You will journey through history, learn the process, technique and chemistry of the craft, and experience a world of sumptuous flavours as you create your very own cheese. Lots of classes to choose from including Hard Pressed Cheese and Paneer, Mozzarella & Chevre, or maybe Brie & Fromage Blanc.
Campbell River
Book a stay at Dolphin’s Resort and enjoy meals in the Anglers Dining Room with a stunning oceanfront view, rustic wood charm and historic fishing décor. You know the menu will be packed with the freshest seafood the ocean has to offer along with local wines and spirits. Enjoy the outdoor patio in the summer and cozy up to the wood-burning fireplace when the weather turns cooler.
Enjoy your Island experience!
Top Photo credit: https://vancouverisland.travel/