This is black garlic. It’s traditionally an ancient Korean ingredient used for medicinal reasons and it’s full of antioxidants and very healthy. They are very potent, pungent, earthy and sweet and they taste almost like a cross of caramelized garlic, porcini mushrooms and molasses.
Okanagan
Follow Me Foodie to Sun Peaks and Kamloops started off with a little bit of farming. Technically I didn’t actually farm, but I was introduced to some of the lovely farmers in Kamloops. It would be a challenge to put myself in their shoes and I have so much respect for the work they do.
The concept of “farm to fork” is happening everywhere, but the idea of “celebrity farmers” and meeting the farmers is in itself a current “trend” in the culinary world. So Follow Me Foodie to Sun Peaks & Kamloops and let’s meet some of BC’s local farmers.
The BC agriculture tied together with a multicultural population allows for a very diverse food scene that I am really proud of. The emphasis on local ingredients is growing stronger and while be have a whole lot of farms, fisheries, suppliers and artisans to choose from, here are just 10 of some of my favourites.
Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen is an award winning restaurant in Kelowna. The ingredients were simple, the pasta sauce light, and in true Italian spirit we were served a good 12 courses paired with wine. Here is a highlight of Chef Ricardo’s specialities and a recipe for his mother’s amaretti cookies!
I’ve been holding it in until I was ready, but I think it’s time. I am very honoured and delighted to announce that I have been invited to join the BC Chefs’ Association (BCCA). I am officially on the Board of Directors and have taken the role and responsibility of social media. Details here!
It was the final competition and grand finale of the Gold Medal Plates 2012 in Kelowna. 9 of Canada’s top chefs came to compete for the title of “Canada’s Best Chef” and Chef Marc Lepine from Ottawa earned the title and took home “The Gold Medal Plates” Award.
The second challenge for Canada’s top chefs was The Black Box portion of the competition. Well in this case it was a white box, but let’s not be racist. It was an Iron Chef like competition, Chefs had to use 6 mystery ingredients to make 2 dishes in 1 hour.
