There are three upcoming events that I want to put on your radar for your gastronomic benefit. They share the same concept and brand, but each one is entirely unique, held on different dates and in different parts of province. Theyre called Feast of Fields, and they should not be missed.
The events held in the Okanagan, on Vancouver Island, and here in Vancouver see dozens of pouring and cooking stations spread out in the fields of working farms. The stations are tended by vintners, artisan producers, fishermen, farmers, distillers, brewmasters and chefs.
Though each FoF is staged to raise money for Farm Folk City Folk, the not-for-profit society that has long supported local farmers and producers while engaging B.C. communities in the celebration of local food, they are first and foremost to happy ticket holders - wandering feasts wherein foodies, oenophiles, and beer-lovers can sample their way through dozens of delicious tastes at their own leisure, outdoors, and in high summer.
Ill begin with the one hosted by farmers Matt and Molly Thurston of Claremont Ranch Organics in the north Okanagan Valley on Aug. 12. Though Ive never been to the farm before, Ive been to every Okanagan FoF since they began four years ago, and they have consistently been my favourites. This is partly because Im usually trying purveyors wares for the very first time, and partly because the locations have been stunning each year. But nothing trumps the magnetic appeal of the earnest zeal exhibited by those doling out the flavours. Their enthusiasm for FoF somehow makes whatever it is that they are proudly offering all the more delicious.
This year, Im particularly looking forward to trying the chow from an Indian restaurant in Kelowna called Poppadoms and anything from former Vancouver chef Jeff Van Geest (remember Aurora Bistro on Main Street?). Van Geest has been holding tasty, Mediterranean court at Miradoro outside Oliver since it launched a couple of years ago, and its been over a year since I tried his food. Im also counting on being amazed by Raudz Regional Table and the pastries from Sandrines. To drink, most of my favourite wineries are represented (Nichol, Lake Breeze, Summerhill, Quails Gate, etc.). Ive never tried the products from nearby Double Cross Cidery, and Im a stranger to several of the liqueurs from Maple Leaf Spirits, so those go on my must list, too. Im also excited to be re-united with the Naramata Nut Brown Ale from Cannery Brewing Company, a local beer that I can never get hold of.
Vancouvers turn is next. Its FoF takes place on September 9 out in Maple Ridge. The host farm this year is Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, owned and operated by the multi-tasking Davison Family. My kids will have surrendered their summer to school at this point (its the first Sunday after Labour Day) and have nearly forgotten the halcyon experiences at the Okangan FoF just a few weeks previous, so itll be nice to bring them right back into it for one more day (and not so far from home). The complete list of restaurants is not yet finalized, but I know Lolitas will be on hand to produce a spicy ceviche of local and sustainable seafood cold marinated in fresh tangerine, habanero and citrus juices with pickled chayote on organic blue corn tostada; Raincity Grill will be nearby serving poached salmon on green lentils next to a vegetable salad; and Wild Rice will be making carnivores snack-happy with Chinese BBQ duck confit on Pemberton potato chips. I have yet to see a list of beverage suppliers, but Vancouver FoF has always been descended upon by the best wineries in BC, and beer from local brewers like Phillips and R&B can usually be counted on.
Last but not least is the Vancouver Island FoF, which takes place in Duncan out at beautiful Alderlea Farm on September 16. The only two FoF Ive missed over the years have both been on the Island. Im not going to make the same mistake this year. My love of food began on the Island, so its always exciting to go back to meet new makers and to see how the food scene has developed.
I know Wildfire Organic Bakery will be there doing caramelized honey hazelnut brittle with local smoked salt and fig brioche bites and fresh basil chevre and that a chef that I used to work with, Matt Rissling of Oak Bay Bistro, will be dishing out wild salmon cured with local wort and molasses, but Id like to keep the rest a bit of a mystery. Local foot-stomping band Puzzlefoot will be providing some of the entertainment, so I have that to look forward to as well.
Tickets for each FoF are $85, which isnt bad when you consider that youre getting the equivalent of a 30 course meal outdoors in a spectacular setting. Be sure to pick yours up at FeastOfFields.com today before they all sell out (as they usually do). No matter which one you go to, Ill see you there.
