While preparing to tape the next episode of the podcast, Darren and Jon got to talking about Winter Foraging - and what exactly that would be or look like. Thankfully, Blayne had answers. The conversation wandered more into 'Winter Eats' than 'Winter Foraging', but that's to be expected. Many thanks to Blayne for always being so informative!

Returning guest Cat Leduc joins Darren and Chef Jonathan along side Lynda Smith (her first appearance) for the newest Edible Valley Podcast. Today's exciting topic: Canning and Preserving! As we move into fall,we are well into harvest season - what better time to consider new options of how you are going to preserve your bounty? Listen in as our experts throw out some new flavours, ideas, and tips for you for your next food projects!

Cohen Brown of Clandestino Salumi joins a returning Brian McCormick of Clever Crow to today’s Edible Valley podcast! Chef Jonathon Frazier, Darren Howlett, and their guests discuss charcuterie! First we have to ask: What is charcuterie? We found we each have a slightly different opinion of the common theme; none of us define it the same way. We all agree that it centers around cured meats and the conversation goes from there! 
 
After listening to the episode, you may want to check out :
 In The Charcuterie: The Fatted Calf's Guide to Making Sausage, Salumi, Pates,Roasts, Confits, and Other Meaty Goods

Chef Jonathan and Darren talk about an organization
dear to Jonathan's heart. Chef Leslie Stav and Sue Smith sit in, representing the
Vancouver Island Chef's Association, a group Jon has long been part of. We get
to shed a little light on this wonderful group dedicated to community,
education and food. From their programs to train young disciple into chefs,
involvement in community farms and showcasing their products, to creating a
network for chefs across the nation - all done with an eye on excellence,
inclusion and education. Listen in to hear why it strikes a resonance with
Jonathan and our guests.   

GARLIC! Tonight we sit down with the ever lovely Arzeena
Hamir of Amara Farms and Craig Freeman of the Merville Hall to talk garlic.
With the Garlic Festival just around the corner, there is just so much to
cover! Arzeena has so much to say about flavours, strengths, varietals, and
more, and really gets to the heart of why there needs to be an annual Garlic
Festival. Craig then walks us through the reinvigorated Merville Hall and lays
out their accomplishments and ambitions – not the least of which is hosting
this great event! You are not going to want to miss this event – listen in for
all of the details!

 Chef Jonathon Frazier, Darren Howlett and Blayne Prowse are in the studio again to discuss food trends. Jon participated in Restaurants Canada 2015 chef survey, a Canada-wide poll of chefs on food trends and the results are in. Listen in for what you can look forward to at your favourite restaurant or grocery store as well as what may be on the way out. We would love to get your input on this one! What do you think is popular in food; what's not exciting anymore;  or what's being overlooked and should be more popular?

Well aren't we lucky? We get to sit down with Mr Ivan Loubier of Ivan's Truffles once again. Chef Jonathon Frazier and Darren Howlett talk flavour, ambition, audience and truff-cicles with Ivan all over again. It's interesting to see how his buisiness has developed as he has set his roots and gained a firm footing here in the Valley. Listen in and let us know what you think!
                                                            

Chef Aaron Rail of the White Whale and Hans Peter Meyer of #WeareYQQ join Darren and Jon with a topic on their mind - 'Local'. What defines 'Local'? Is it important? What's the alternative? This question was brought up by one of listeners as a write-in question, and we are happy to oblige with a balanced discussion on the matter. Great conversation highlighted some excellent points all around. Listen in and let us know what you think!

The hot topic in the Comox Valley, Food Trucks? Joining Chef Jonathan Frazier and Darren Howlett tonight is none other than Hans Peter Meyer - bon vivant and man about town, to discuss Food Trucks in Courtenay. Unexpectedly, we all had a very different take on this issue! It made for some great conversation and counter-points though (and Hans makes a pretty convincing argument). Listen in and let us know where you stand on this oft debated issue! Let us know how you feel @ediblevalley and here is the  link to an online survey about the issue at www.courtenay.ca/foodtrucks open till Friday, March 11, 2016. Hard copies of the survey are also available at Courtenay City Hall, or by request at courtenay@courtenay.ca

Comox Valley Dine Around 2016 is coming up quick, so we sat down with Deana Simkin for all of the details. Deana is A member of the committee that organizes the event, as well as a participant with her own local business - Billy D's Pub and Bistro. Deana brings us up to speed on the history of Dine Around, its growing success, and the future of where it's headed! We also talk a little bit about its branching into other events, such as the Sip Around and Brews Cruise. Everyone in the local food industry is gearing up and getting excited as the event itself is right around the corner! Listen in and get all the details.
Check the menus
www.comoxvalleydinearound.com
#cvdinearound

Switching gears for this episode, we invited a few friends (Arzeena Hamir and Blayne Prowse) to discuss the issue of rising produce costs. Specifically, 'How did we get here?', and 'What can we do about it?'.  We are living in a time when our current models are starting to fail us, and new models, or outright change from the ground up is required. It was an illuminating chat with some great ideas and options, and an interesting new format for the Edible Valley. We hope to pepper in a few of these throughout the year - let us know what you think!

Our good
friend Chris Thrift joins us in studio tonight. Having made his way around the
Valley at a handful of restaurants, Chris has settled in quite comfortably with
his new role as Chef at Anglers Restaurant at Dolphins Resort in Campbell
River. We get to touch on the Campbell River food scene, local sustainability
and Island food culture. We also touch on moving for work, and finding your
niche. Chris is a fantastic chef who has found his anchor, his center in this
new setting. And you know what they say about a Chef inspired...
He is
leading the way in something very special, and it's great to be able to bear
witness at this initial stage. We will be touching in with him periodically as
he digs in to the Campbell River food scene and culture. We're looking forward
to hearing about his new culinary adventures!
He is leading the way in something very special, and it's great to be able to
bear witness at this initial stage. We will be touching in with him
periodically as he digs in to the Campbell River food scene and culture. We're looking
forward to hearing about his new culinary adventures!