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.

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!   

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. 

In the studio today, Ben-zion Eni joined us to discuss his newest endeavour, the Hub Café in downtown Courtenay. Ben has stepped out of a 20 year career working with fresh produce and jumped into the service side of the food industry! We talked to him about the jump - the motivations, hesitations, and everything in between. But as we got to talking, the thing that struck us the most is his sense of community. It's obvious that it plays a significant role in his café. This great little spot has great food, a great atmosphere, a great location, and you just know it's going to succeed!   

Today's episode we get to sit down with Cat Leduc and Jake Tinkler-Josephi. It's great when we get to chat with friends from our daily routine about the Valley, food, and everything in between. We asked them to come on to the show as guests to talk about their newest venture: Toscano's Trattoria! At the time of taping, we weren't able to discuss the name of the venture, which made for some difficult conversational maneuvering, but we were able to cut to the details of becoming a restaurateur. It was refreshing to be able to talk to people just getting into the restaurant business. Their nervous energy and obvious excitement are infectious, and it's hard to not get swept up in it. We are so happy for them and proud that they are able to start living their dreams in food and in the Valley! Toscano's Trattoria
Open: Dinner
Daily, 5-9, Closed Sundays & Holiday
Web: http://www.toscanos.ca
Phone:1 (250) 890.7575,
Address140
Port Augusta, Comox, BC, V9M 0A1, Canada

Today we have a special treat. Chef Ronald
St. Pierre of Locals Restaurant sits down with us to discuss his illustrious
and distinguished career as a Chef in the Comox Valley. Ronald takes us from
his humble beginnings in rural Quebec to his star studded fame as local Chef
and business owner. Give a listen, as he touches on the
progression of cuisine and dining from the seventies through to now. He also
gives great measure to how important it is to shop and eat local. We couldn't
agree more, Ronald!  Locals Restaurant at the Old Househttp://www.localscomoxvalley.com Address:      1760
Riverside Lane  Courtenay  BC  V9N 8C7Phone: 250-338-6493Email: info@localscomoxvalley.comSOpen:7 DAYS A WEEK11:00 am - 9:00 pmBrunch 10:00 am - 2:00 pmSATURDAY/SUNDAY
ONLY

Welcome Back! On this episode, we spoke with Jason of Guerrilla Food Company. Jason's gourmet pick-up take-out service is a novel addition to our Valley's burgeoning locally sourced food options. We talk to Jason about some of our favorite subjects: sourcing all local ingredients, starting a business from scratch, and providing the best meals possible to our wonderful Comox Valley. Take a second to listen - You can hear the passion in what he does come through. As always, please tell us what you think!   Phone  250.703.0002. Address: 534 5th St.  Courtenay B.C.Web: http://tgfc.caEmail: freshinfo@tgfc.ca.Hours:Monday to Thursday: 10am-7pmFridays & Saturdays: 10am-9pmPizza Service: Fridays 4-9pm and Saturdays 12-9pm

Chef Jon and Darren are at it again, this time sitting down with Paul DeRidder of Beez Kneez Catering. It's hard not to reminisce of days past when we all worked together at the Atlas Cafe. Once we get past that, we dig down into Paul's preference of catering over cooking for a restaurant, and how quickly he adapted to the change. We also talk about the freedom that comes from stepping out into your own venture.

The dynamic duo of Chef Jon and Darren talk with Fred Smith of Tin Town Tacos. We discuss the process of getting into the local food culture scene from the ground floor, and the difficulties and hiccups along the way. We also discuss our upcoming, sold-out Tin Town Table private dining experience, hosted by Fred, with Chef Jon and Darren making the 6 course meal. Give it a listen - we'd love some feedback!

  Ivan Loubier of IvansTruffles.com stopped by the studio to share his wares with  Jonathan and Darren of the Edible Valley. This was one of those rare treats where the interview was based on rare treats! The hosts discussed with Ivan the difficulties of starting a micro business - then completely uprooting and relocating! He further goes into having to cater to an entirely new clientele after essentially starting over.
  Ivan touches on his current successes, his favourite triumphs and a glimpse into his newest confection that he swears is going to revolutionize chocolate! Get caught up in the obvious and evident passion of the newest Edible Valley podcast!

Chef Jon and Darren take a break to catch up the listeners to what they've been up to - and well, it's quite a bit! This episode touches on their foray into video, as well as their recent coverage in a local magazine. And, is Edible Valley (the local food podcast) evolving into a local food cooking show? Take a listen and get the details! 
  They also take a minute to look toward the near future, and discuss who may appear in future episodes, what the two have planned for the future of Edible Valley, and where both local food and their filmed episodes are headed!

We had a wonderful time this week with the Saputo Junior Chefs of 2014.  These four young adults hail from across Canada;  each hand chosen from a large number of entries. These particular four stood out to Saputo, and it's easy to see why. Not only did they each have their own unique background in food and food service, but collectively they create a larger picture of food in Canada - a snapshot of what is happening right now and where cuisine is headed in this fair country.    Alyssa, Tanita, Ian and Karolane were able to take a few minutes from their hectic Island tour to sit with us and discuss the impact and inspirations their two weeks of Island life and Island food culture has had on them. Chef Jonanthan and Darren were delighted to take in the perspective of these young hopefuls. Each one of them will make Fantastic Chefs in their own right. 
   Many thanks to the North Vancouver Chef's Association, the CCFCC and Saputo for hosting these bright young stars, and for their assistance in arranging this interview.