Episode 159 "Whats in the Soup? Farm Fresh Soup Fest"

After a long break Jonathan and Darren are back from a busy summer and ready to start interviewing again.  A new event “Farm Fresh Soup Fest” is coming to the Comox Valley. This food competition being hosted at the Black Creek Community Centre with the help of Lush Valley is sure to be a hit. With 10 local chefs using locally sourced ingredients to create masterful soups for 150 lucky guest. In this episode we talk with Jessie Gill marketing and event coordinator for the Black Creek Community centre and learn about the event. We also learn about some of our favourite soup and what goes into a great soup.

Episode 157 "Can Sustainable Seafood Save the Courtenay River Salmon? "

On Sat. May 26 at Locals Restaurant, Canadian celebrity Chef Ned Bell headlined a special gourmet "estuary luncheon" to benefit Project Watershed's partnership with the K'omoks First Nation to restore the old sawmill site on the Courtenay River. Returning this land back to nature will help save local wild salmon populations in one of BC's top chinook estuaries - and fundraising is essential to "unpave a parking lot and put up paradise". As founder of Chefs for Oceans and the Executive Chef of OceanWise, Chef Ned Bell wants his food to start conversations about supply choices, creative and sustainable seafood options, and working together for a healthier future. We also spoke with Lesley Stav, President of the North Vancouver Island Chefs Association; Tim Ennis, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Land Trust and Project Manager for the Kus-kus-sum initiative; Chef Ronald St. Pierre of Locals; and Vanessa Scott, a writer, community organizer and volunteer with Project Watershed. 

Episode 156 "Where to eat?"

This week the boys have the chance to catch up and talk with each other. Darren takes time to go over of few of his favourite places around the valley that he has had the chance to visit in the last little while. If your looking for a new spots or revisiting an old one ,you may have to check out this episode. With over 100 places around to visit we chat about restaurants, pubs, food trucks, cafes and more.  Jonathan also drops some hints of his next venture.

Episode 153" What's happening on Clever Crow Farm?"

Today we bring back two of our very first guests on the podcast: Lia and BrianMcCormick.  We always like catching up with our old neighbours, and this episode is no exception. The Clever Crow duo run a farm filled with ducks and chickens; a store featuring the ever popular and locally produced hand harvested salts; cooking classes; and soon a commercial kitchen. 

Episode 152 "Why as you like it?"

This time we head down to Union Bay where we find out what's happening on the Hazel Creek Farm. We take time to talk with chef and "As you Like it" owner, Laura Agnew, to learn about the wonderful things coming out of her kitchen and great eats that are available in Union Bay. Her company offers gourmet products, take home meals, and special event catering throughout the Comox Valley.

Episode 150" What's on a food label?"

This episode 150 we are lucky enough to have Shannon Simpson from Shannon’s Tool Box and Huband Salad bar fame to discuss the joys of food labels. We take time to learn not just what the ingredients are but what they mean from serving sizes, fat to sugar and everything in between. We also have some helpful suggestions of what you should be eating. After listening here is a list of the Dirty Dozen; Strawberries, Apples, Nectarines, Peaches, Celery, Grapes, Cherries, Spinach, Tomatoes, Sweet bell peppers, Cherry tomatoes, and Cucumbers. Hope this can help you plan your next meal.

Episode 147 " New Season New Year Lets start cooking again"

 
 With the new year upon us Darren and Jonathan spend time discussing 2017 and the events surrounding it. This is a chance for the two to reminisce about the previous year. From farming to food banks, they discuss all the interesting events and people they had the fortune of meeting. Darren and Jonathan also spend some time planning for upcoming food challenges, topics, and their ability to interview and learn more in the upcoming year. Feel free to join with us.

Episode 146" What is Labour Cost?"

On this podcast we're doing the second part of our three-part series questioning restaurant costs. We're going to get down to the nitty-gritty and find out about labour costs, business expenses, menu prices, and customer views. We also look at some great ways to save on these costs which can make things go a little bit smoother. 

Episode 144" How do you set food cost"

Ever wonder how chefs come up with menu prices? Or what goes into creating the dollar amount you see on menus and how exactly restaurants make their money? On this episode, the first of three, we examine the ever fluctuating cost of food itself. Please enjoy, and as always we enjoy your feedback and reviews.

Episode 140 " Where have all the cooks gone?"

Looking for a Chef? Looking for a cook? Join the club! Its becoming more and more difficult to find kitchen staff. Jonathan and Darren discuss what is happening in the 'back of house' across Canada.