Edible Vancouver Island September/October 2023

I have a vivid memory of my mom taking my brothers and I on a “leaf hunt” as a child. She brought us to a nearby forest of deciduous trees and told us to find leaves that we found beautiful or interesting. I took this job very seriously, and I picked up several leaves, turning them over, examining their size, colour, shape and considering their ability to survive the trip home. When we did get home, mom taught us how to press leaves onto paper, and we made a scrapbook of our favourite fall leaves. As an adult, I still find myself hunting for leaves when I am out for a fall hike or walk–and sometimes I take the perfect maple leaf home and use it as a decoration for the table or in an autumnal bouquet.

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 Sabrina Currie Dominic Hall Emily Lycopolus Noelle Quin D.L. Acken AD DESIGN Leanne Von Hollen

Since moving to the Island 27 years ago, my family and I have created many amazing fall memories. When our kids were young, Del and I loved taking them to the local pumpkin patch and letting them pick their favourites–followed by a messy session of carving those big orange Jack-‘o-lanterns, and then proudly putting our “pumpkin art” out on display. Our article on pumpkin art by Sabrina Currie on page 27 shares some creative ideas on how to turn this seasonal squash into something festive and fun. If the article inspires you to host a pumpkin decorating party, offering your guests a whisky is a perfect choice, as the Island has a growing Scotch and whisky community. Heather Leary’s article (page 38) shares stories about the craft distilleries creating some interesting whiskies, as well as some fun establishments that love to celebrate this spirit. September always feels like a new beginning, as we head back to school, work, and hunker down for shorter, cooler days. And October brings a sense of gratefulness, as we pause to be grateful for the abundance of the local harvest. Whether you lean into using fall-inspired spices in your cooking and baking (page 22) or discover a new experience you want to have on this amazing Island we live on (page 32), we hope you can celebrate this season with hope, a few new dreams and some really tasty comfort meals.

ADVERTISING Dawn Postnikoff Peggie Terry 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

Karen Elgersma

"Fall has always been my favourite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” –Lauren DeStefano

ISSUE 23 • SEP/OCT 2023

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ISSUE 23 • SEP/OCT 2023 WHISKY • OYSTER TOUR • PUMPKIN PAINTING

Celebrating Local Food Stories of Vancouver Island & The Gulf Islands

On the cover: Painting Pumpkins by Sabrina Currie