Edible Vancouver Island March/April 2024

DISCOVER The WestShore COLWOOD | LANGFORD | HIGHLANDS | METCHOSIN | VIEW ROYAL

WASHOKU This is a traditional style of Japanese cuisine that has been developed and refined over centuries. The word "washoku" translates to "Japanese food" and embodies a culinary philosophy that emphasizes harmony, balance, seasonality and presentation. Washoku typically includes a variety of dishes featuring ingredients such as rice, seafood, vegetables and soy products like tofu and miso. It often involves precise cooking methods that preserve the natural flavours of the ingredients while highlighting their textures and colours. The preparation and arrangement of washoku dishes often reflect aesthetic principles and cultural values, making it not just a meal but also an art form. Closer to home, we can experience washoku and its reverence for purity, freshness, simplicity and ceremony at several local Japanese restaurants; Sen Zushi has been a favourite of mine for decades, and I’m looking forward to trying Nobu after hearing great things. THE VALUE OF TRADITION After journeying around the world by checking out some of the items on UNESCO’s list, you might be inspired to look into your own culinary traditions, recalling the memories you have of making food together with your family. Was there a “secret ingredient” that made a recipe unique to your family, or an entire repertoire of meals based on the culinary traditions of a specific region? Food is so much more than taste and nutritional value; it brings us together in small groups and as a global community. It speaks to elements of place, people and connection, grounding us in the experience of nourishing our bodies and caring for those we love. Sharing cuisines from different cultures connects us through our senses and our hearts, with no words required. For sheer pleasure, and for the bonds they help to maintain, preserving culinary traditions is definitely worthwhile. Liisa Salo is grateful to live in an area with an abundance of world cuisines to sample and feels connected to her Finnish heritage when making the traditional cardamom-infused coffee bread called Pulla.

COLWOOD eat, sip, buy, support local METCHOSIN

THE SAWMILL TAPHOUSE & GRILL Home of good food for good people! Now, with two locations serving up Neapolitan style pizza, in house smoked meats & elevated pub favourites! Featuring 40 taps of local brews, signature shafts & weekend brunch bar come stop by anytime! 102-328 WALE ROAD, VICTORIA 3055 201B OAK STREET, CHEMAINUS SAWMILLTAPHOUSE.COM

RENT THE CHICKEN Rent the Chicken is a family business based out of Metchosin. We rent chickens around the lower Island as a way for people to try backyard chickens without the commitment. We bring you the portable coop, friendly chickens, Island grown feed and you enjoy farm fresh eggs from May-October. KATE@BEESPLEASEFARMS.COM RENTTHECHICKEN.COM

LANGFORD

LANGFORD

HOB FINE FOODS A store by day selling delicious meals to go from our chefs and other local vendors and local artisan products. By night - your very own private venue. Send your RSVP then leave it to us to do the rest. The space can accommodate cooking demonstrations for up to 12 people, private dinners for up to 40, and cocktail-style receptions for up to 50. 2829 PEATT RD, LANGFORD HOBFINEFOODS.CA

HOUSE OF BOATENG CAFE Relax and enjoy our beautiful little award winning cafe in the heart of Langford. Community & family are at the heart of House of Boateng’s core values. We welcome you to taste the flavours inspired by our travels from West Africa to the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest. All day Brunch, fully licensed dog-friendly patio. 2854 PEATT RD #105, LANGFORD HOUSEOFBOATENG.CA

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