Edible Vancouver Island January/February 2024

I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, where the winter skies were blue, the snow was white and fluffy and the whole world was my frozen playground. I loved all things winter: skating, skiing, tobogganing and playing in the snow with friends. So I must confess that winter on the West Coast took me years to embrace. However, I can honestly say that I now love the sound of the rain on my roof, winter walks in the rainforest and time spent in my kitchen making homemade soups or stews to share with friends and family. One of my favourite things to do in January is to host a games night with friends. Sabrina Currie’s article on page 16 has all kinds of fun ideas for hosting a fun games night–which I like to call

PUBLISHER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karen Elgersma

ART DIRECTOR Leanne Von Hollen EDITOR

Danielle Steiner COPY EDITOR Trish Weatherall OPERATIONS MANAGER Corry Matechuk SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jenny Leung PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heidi Richter Dominic Hall Matt Wiebe Sabrina Currie Rae-Anne Guenther

“Beat the January Blues Night.” I warn people that there may be dancing and there will definitely be some ABBA playing. I make a big pot of soup (like Chef Nathan Taylor’s recipe on page 6), some extra-cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches and hot drinks (like Daniela Cubelic’s tea toddies on page 38) and plan some fun, silly games that we can all play in front of the fire. Sometimes, we use the evening as an opportunity to try recipes from other places, and after reading Meg Sequeira’s article on South Indian food (page 28) and Gabrielle Plonka’s story on Shanti Chai & Co. (page 32), I am inspired to host a party this year centred around the flavours of India. While I have had to learn to embrace January, February on the Island has always been easy to love–I am enchanted by the hundreds of purple and white snowdrops that pop up everywhere and the daffodils and early cherry blossoms that start to appear. As the new year takes shape, we are honoured to be able to continue to share with you the stories of the chefs, farmers, artisans, fishers, winemakers, craft beer, mead, cider and spirit makers, and all those who contribute to the local food community on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. We hope that 2024 brings you an abundance of joy, love and laughter–and lots of delicious local food. Karen Elgersma

Denis Yaouanq ILLUSTRATOR

Rose Cowles AD DESIGN Leanne Von Hollen ADVERTISING ediblevancouverisland.com/advertise Peggie Terry Thom Klos Kimberly Johnston CONTACT US 140-4392 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC, V8Z 3E9 editor@ediblevancouverisland.com TO SUBSCRIBE Visit us online at ediblevancouverisland.com Edible Vancouver Island is published six times a year. Subscription rate is $42 CAD annually. LETTERS We welcome your feedback. To write to the editor, use the address above or, for the quickest response, email: editor@ediblevancouverisland.com

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. –John Steinbeck

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ISSUE 25 • JAN/FEB 2024

ISSUE 25 • JAN/FEB 2024 COMFORT FOOD • CHAI • WHITE CHOCOLATE

Celebrating Local Food Stories of Vancouver Island & The Gulf Islands

On the cover: White Chocolate & Lemon Tiramisu by Heidi Richter