Episode 96"Hot Food Trends"

 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?

Episode 94 " Ivan Truffles With Ivan"

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!
                                                            

Episode 93 "What is Local?"

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!

Episode 92 "Food Trucks and Courtenay"

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

Episode #90 "Comox Valley Dine Around with Deana Simkin of Billy Ds Pub"

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

Episode 89 " What to do with Food Prices"

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!

Episode 88 " Chris Thrift of Anglers Restaurant at Dolphins Resort"

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!

Episode 85 "Clever Crow"

Today we check back in with wonder-couple Brian and Leah of Clever Crow and Clever Crow Farms. There have been many exciting developments with these two in their forays into the local food scene and local food culture; including buying a farm (!) and developing a commercial kitchen / retail shop (!!). Listen in as we get a chance to discuss the last two years with these two - their struggles, achievements and victories! Oh, and the debut of a new product that truly speaks to the Comox Valley's sensibilities...  Don't forget to visit Clever Crow at the Farmer Market which has now moved inside to the Native Sons Hall.

Episode 84 "New Beginnings at Prontissima Pasta"

Role reversal; The return of old friends; and a major announcement on this episode of the Edible Valley! Our dear friend and co-creator of the show; Mr Blayne Prowse returns to the podcast, but this time he's back in the 'interviewer chair'. Who is he interviewing? Why it's us - Chef Jonathoan Frazier and Darren Howlett. Alongside us is our mutual friend and now business partner - Mrs. Sarah Walsh! That's right - Darren and Jon have bought into Sarah's Prontissima Pasta! The three partners discuss the details and the future of their endeavour in our 180 degree twist of an episode. Listen in for all of the exciting details!   

Episode 82 "Summer sit down Edible Valley

Chef Jonathan Frazier and Darren Howlett catch up on the local food scene today. These episodes where we check in on what's going on with us and the Valley in food have become some of our favourites. We touch on upcoming events, what's inspiring us, what's new in our local food culture, and where it's all heading.