The Edible Valley Podcast

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 155" Where is Wood Mountain Lodge?"

 There are those places in town where I ask myself “How did I not know about this sooner”? We take  a drive up to Forbidden Plateau to talk with Martina & Max of Wood Mountain Lodge . Do not let their not too distant location keep you away from this breathtaking gem. This Vancouver Island boutique style lodge and spa includes a full commercial kitchen and is open to the public on weekends. They are working towards creating an environment which will encourage a creative yet down to earth experience. Wood Mountain Lodge is a spot to get inspired and find an excuse to invite a bunch of family and friends to come out for a good time and enjoy the beauty and bounty of the Comox Valley.
 

Episode 154 "What to drink? Heavenly Libations"

It's time to quench your thirst! We are lucky enough to have Jessica Macpherson of Heavenly Libations come to the studio to talk about shrubs. What’s a shrub, you ask? You'll have an to listen to Jessica explain their make up, history and flavours. From sodas to cocktails, this old school way of preserving will touch your taste buds

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 151" What's so great about Mushrooms"

Finally!! We have a chance to talk with Michael Vossen, our local mushroom man and forager. This is our opportunity to pick Michaels brain on; where to pick? what to pick? what you can grow? and some precautions when picking. We also learn about what he has at the market from fresh to dried. Hope this get you excited about mushroom whether cooking or picking we get the chance to learn Mushrooms. 

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 149 "What's to eat? Getting back into food.

With a few big changes in both their lives, Jonathan and Darren take some time to talk about what is getting them back into cooking. This episode is all about food, great dishes and having some amazing meals around the home. 

Episode 148 "What are restaurant overheads"

The final in our three part series questioning restaurant expenses . We are looking into restaurants overheads and talking about the expenses that come with running a restaurant. From renting to cleaning we discuss what these expenses are and what you can do to make things run just a little bit smoother.