Last week I won 4 tickets to Food Talks Vol 2 presented by Vancouver Foodster. Unfortunately Erin and Kyla were last minute cancellations but Steph and I still made it. The event was held at the Delta Burnaby Hotel. Appetizers were provided by EBO Restaurant. I have never eaten there, so wasn't sure what to expect.
I needn't have worried. Everything was delicious. Steph ate beforehand but I hadn't and I was starving. I had thought I'd have to have dinner when I returned home. But there was more than enough food. We even had seconds.
After the appetizers there were 5 guest speakers.
John Skinner from Painted Rock Winery. On the shore of Skaha Lake, in all my trips to the Okanagan how have I not been to Painted Rock? John was a stockbroker before taking the leap of faith and buying the land, planting the vines and starting the winery in 2004. His goal for Painted Rock is to get better not bigger. I liked the Syrah. I'd buy a bottle to two.
Chef Wendy Boys is a dessert consultant and owner of Cocolico. Seriously, a dessert consultant? Maybe that should be my next job. A broken ankle, knitting and babies led Wendy to her own chocolate company. Down to her last $300.00 she used her chocolates to barter for supplies (labels etc). She even bartered for a pair of John Fluevog Shoes.
Adam Chandler of Beta 5 Chocolates had me drooling from the get go with his talk of chocolate with a beer (stout) ganache, or sprinkled with chicharron (crispy pork crackling) and smoked salt and of course Smores. Did you know Beta 5 have a chocolate membership? On the first Saturday of each month fancy chocolates delivered to your front door. Sign me up.
Debra Amrein-Boyes from The Farm House Natural Cheeses lost my interest unfortunately. I love cheese, but whereas the other speakers had been lighthearted and fun, Debra was more political and somewhat bitter sounding. She spoke about the dairy industry, loss of local labour and quotas. There is nothing wrong with that it was just a little heavier than the rest of the evening.
Jason Pleym, founder of Two Rivers Meats, got my attention back. Jason talked about how he was inspired by his father in law's farm, Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef, to source other ethically and sustainably produced meats.
The next Food Talks, Vol 3 is on August 14th at the Westin Grand. Tickets are $30.00
I'm glad Steph and I went. It was a nice break from packing up the house (for me) and from baby (for Steph). A good girls night out.