Episode 224” What is on the Menu?

William Stringer, a seasoned food critic, and Chef Jonathan, an acclaimed culinary expert, engaged in a lively conversation about menus. They delved into the intricacies of this essential restaurant element. Chef Jonathan explained the significance of a menu as a reflection of a restaurant's identity, showcasing its culinary expertise. They discussed various menu types, from à la carte to prix fixe, emphasizing how each caters to different dining preferences and occasions, ultimately shaping the dining experience.
Feta fried eggs are a delicious and simple dish to make. Here's Williams basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
2-3 ounces of feta cheese, crumbled
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill, or chives), red pepper flakes, or sliced cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color
Instructions:
Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil or butter and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
Once the oil or butter is hot, add the crumbled feta cheese to the pan. Spread it out in an even layer, allowing it to sizzle and slightly melt. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges of the cheese start to turn golden brown.
While the feta is frying, crack the eggs into a small bowl, being careful not to break the yolks.
Gently slide the cracked eggs on top of the fried feta cheese. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness. If you prefer runny yolks, cook for about 2-3 minutes for sunny-side-up eggs. For over-easy or over-medium eggs, cook a bit longer.
If you want, you can sprinkle some optional toppings like fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the eggs during the last minute of cooking.
Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, carefully transfer them to a plate, using a spatula to scoop up the feta and eggs together.

Episode 223 ”Celebrating 60 years of the Canadian Culinary Association”

Better late than never. In this exciting podcast episode, Chef Jonathan and his partner Erin embark on a culinary adventure to the breathtaking Niagara Falls for the 60th Annual Culinary Federation National Conference. As they journey to this picturesque destination, they encounter not only culinary delights but also the natural beauty of the falls. William, the inquisitive podcast host, poses the question of adventure, prompting discussions on the thrill of exploration and the culinary treasures they discover along the way. Listeners are treated to a sensory experience as the duo describes their encounters with exciting cuisine, their vibrant food community, and the mesmerizing landscapes that make this trip a memorable adventure.

Episode 222 ”The easy way to get fresh food CSA”

CSA's (community supported agriculture) or just 'farm boxes' are a great way to help your local farmers and yourself, with the freshest local produce available. This week Jon and William welcome Arzeena from Amara Farms back to the show and Courtney from Peas and Love Produce. We discuss how you can get involved with your local Comox Valley farm, how it's done and what to expect!

Episode 221” Cooking tips with Jonathan and William”

In this wisdom packed episode Jon and William use the world famous spinning wheel to impart simple tips that you can use right now, to up your cooking game and bring flavours to your food! 

Episode 219”Good Earth Farm, learning about seeds”

This week we go to the very origins of farming in the Comox Valley, we talk about seeds! Good Earth Farms Seeds based out of Black Creek take things back to basics with a non-nonsense approach to farming and growing a truly local product. Join us, as we explore our Edible Valley!

Episode 217 ” Niji”

Niji is one to watch, with two sold out restaurant takeovers so far and a permanent location on the way, Niji is a Comox Valley institution in the making. In this episode we meet the owners and discover their journey so far, and where they are headed!. 

Episode 216 ”Taking the right path, Where to cook?”

LOVE to cook but don't know then right career path to take? In part 1 of this 2 part episode we discuss the miriad of job opportunities for a cook or chef in the hospitality sector. *spoiler alert* there are a lot!! Join us as we explore our Edible Valley. 

Episode 215 ”The Next Chapter”

We are back! In this ‘3-3-1’ episode, your ‘3’ presenters Jonathan, Darren and William are back together! We also have 3 great guests, and 1 HUGE suprise! Join us for one episode of the Edible Valley Podcast you cant afford to miss!
 
Locals at the Old House stays Local
  When Chef Ronald and Tricia St Pierre started Locals 13 years ago, they set out to create a restaurant that highlighted the range and depth of amazing foods grown and produced in the Comox Valley, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. Within a scant few years, the restaurant was so successful, that they needed to find a larger location.
   Serendipity stepped in, as the very restaurant that Chef Ronald established his esteemed reputation in, ‘The Old House’, had come available. Since then, the restaurant has been cemented as the Heart of Vancouver Island. 
   Chef Jonathan, Darren, Sean and Erin all grew up in this community, and the North Island, and all have strong backgrounds in food and hospitality. Aside from being a celebrated Chef of the Comox Valley for over 20 years, Jonathan started the Edible Valley podcast 10 years ago to get to the heart of the food he was featuring in all of his dishes, and the people behind that food. Darren quickly joined with his perspective as a hospitality-centered entrepreneur. Between the two of them, they have run, operated, and owned many key Comox Valley hospitality and food based establishments. 
  Sean made his mark in Vancouver Island hospitality by running the largest dining and entertainment venue in Victoria, and other successful restaurants for nearly a decade. His wife and partner is a Marketing, branding, and design professional, with experience in both in the public and private sectors – including hospitality. All 4 are eager to ply their trades and talents to further Locals’ reach.
  With a love of the menu, the atmosphere, and the culture, the new owners have no intent of changing anything, except to present the best and most polished version of Locals that it can be. A touch of modernization, a little experimentation, the introduction of a Market  Sheet – featuring  new items that highlight the best of what is available a la minute, Local’s will be the same but better.
  They wish Ronald and Tricia all the best in their retirement – although they won’t be straying too far, as they are making themselves available to mentor the crew where required.      
They invite you down to the restaurant to meet them yourself – or make a reservation today at 250-338-6493
   
 
 

Episode 213 ” Wedding Planing and Hiring a Caterer”

Williams getting married! The perfect time to talk about the unbelievably large list of food related tasks that need to get done; from questions to ask the caterer, to steps you can take to minimise things going wrong.
Its time to put your dancing shoes on as we jive into the world of wedding food!

Episode 210 ”Mac& Cheese”

From its humble beginnings in Italy, Mac and Cheese has long taken over North American kitchens; but far from being just a ‘Kraft dinner’ staple, the humble Mac and Cheese has now taken on a new life and reaches every further into the gourmet aisle.
This week Jonathan, Darren and William explore what it really takes to make a good Mac and Cheese, as ever stripping it back to the basics that you need to know to make this Canadian staple part of your regular cooking repertoire. 
 
Saffron Mac and Cheese:
Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (crushed and steeped in 2 tablespoons hot water)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or any other melting cheese you prefer)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Saffron:
Crush the saffron threads and steep them in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a minute or two until it's lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the saffron-infused water, shredded cheddar, and Gruyère cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
If desired, add Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
Optional Topping:
If you like a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil until golden brown.