Plenty of people talk about farm-to-table dining these days. But on Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands, it's truly a way of life. And why not, when there is so much abundance to choose from? From the Comox Valley to the Cowichan to Salt Spring Island, you'll find everything from truffles to tea, passion fruit to Pinot Noir, water buffalo to the most delicately briny oysters. Island Eats is a tribute to the vibrant food culture of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and the celebration of a passionate culinary community built on the edge of a continent. Whether they're shucking oysters and rolling pasta just for you, pouring you a glass of local wine, telling you about the best surf beach or hiking trail or the cool new craft brewery in town, the chefs, mixologists, and food artisans profiled in this cookbook have contributed to the heartfelt food traditions of a rare culinary destination. Featuring more than 80 signature dishes, from a classic salmon chowder to island-foraged chantarelle risotto, apple pie waffles to bannock ice-cream sandwich, this inspired collection boasts locally-minded, soul-satisfying dishes that readers will want to make again and again.

A collection of more than 70 signature recipes from the Okanagan Valley’s best chefs, restaurants, cafés, bakeries and wineries. The Okanagan, Similkameen and Thompson Valleys in British Columbia are known to produce some of the most outstanding wines in the world. But the region is also emerging as an exciting culinary scene. Inspired by the Interior’s organic farming and sustainable agriculture, the region’s chefs are quietly bringing world-class techniques to the table, taking the golden beets, tomatillos, wild mushrooms, haskap berries and everything that grows so abundantly in every micro-season and transforming it into the kind of meals that would tickle a food critic’s palate. Okanagan Eats is a deep dive into this dynamic food region where locality is the name of the game. From a summer heirloom gazpacho to wine-braised short ribs, an orchard salad to a decadent brownie trifle, there is something delicious to suit every taste. While the recipes are chef-driven, they are intended for home cooks and designed to be uncomplicated and fuss-free. Each recipe includes a suggested drink pairing, reflecting the spirit of collaboration championed by the community. Baked Brie with Haskap-Jalapeño Jam pairs beautifully with Fitzpatrick Family Vineyard’s Fitz Crémant sparkling wine. Duck and Waffles for Sunday brunch is made more decadent accompanied by Hillside Winery’s Syrah. And for the Big Ole Yorkie Bowl, Crannog Ales’s Back Hand of God Stout is the only way to go. Okanagan Eats aims to bring the culinary traditions of this flourishing scene to greater prominence—where food is fresh and delicious, and wine is bountiful.