Edible Vancouver Island July/August 2024

I prepare for summer with the same intensity and passion as I do for Christmas–which says a lot, because I am a little crazy about the holidays. I begin by giving my whole house a summer makeover. I pull out my summer tablecloths (including my red-and-white Canada Day “long table dinner” tablecloth) and bring out my “beachy” throw pillows. I clean the lawn furniture, visit my local nursery to choose the perfect hanging baskets, string the patio twinkle lights–and then I allow myself to indulge in my absolute favourite “get ready for summer tradition”: recline in my

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

hammock with my journal and create an epic summer wish list. This summer's list includes backyard dinners with friends and neighbours, picnics at the beach with my granddaughter, trips to local wineries to taste their new summer wines and visits to as many farmer’s market, roadside flower stands and seasonal farm shops I can. Summer on the Island and Gulf Islands is magical, and we wanted to ensure this issue was sprinkled with a little summer pixie dust to inspire you to enjoy all that the “West Coast Best Coast” has to offer. As you flip through the pages, you’ll discover various stories on some unsung heroes who will remind you that there still is so much goodness in the world. We have also re-vamped our Field Notes to bring you the visually stunning News Bites, which features lots of bits and bites that will be sure to inspire some ideas for your own summer wish list. Of course, having the perfect summer cocktail and mocktail is on that “list,” and we invite you to discover the joy of bubble tea by our in-house bubble tea expert Jenny Leung (page 28), and for a delicious local twist on a wine spritzer, you won’t be disappointed by the Neighbourly Wine Co.’s recipe (page 43). And I am beyond excited to feature an illustrated food poem, a creative collaboration by acclaimed poet Carla Funk and award-winning artist and illustrator Rose Cowles (page 48). We hope every story, image and recipe inspires you to create a delicious and unforgettable summer.

Heidi Richter Dominic Hall Jenny Leung Sarah Buckley-Jones ILLUSTRATOR Rose Cowles AD DESIGN Leanne Von Hollen

ADVERTISING Dawn Postnikoff Peggie Terry ThomKlos ediblevancouverisland.com/advertise 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

“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.” –Anthony Bourdain

ISSUE 28 • JUL/AUG 2024

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ISSUE 28 • JUL/AUG 2024 BUBBLE TEA • ACCESSIBILITY • PROGRESSIVE DINNERS

Celebrating Local Food Stories of Vancouver Island & The Gulf Islands

On the cover: Watermelon by Heidi Richter