The Edible Valley Podcast

Episode 59 "Tin Town Table with Fred Smith"

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!

Episode 58 "Permaculture & Blayne Prowse"

Today we bring you up to speed on the original co-host of the Edible Valley. Blayne Prowse left the podcast nearly two years ago, after an interview on this very show. During an interview based on permaculture, it resonated with him so astutely that after the taping, he began to dig deeper, and opted to pursue a life of permaculture and sustainable living. 
  We are very privileged and proud to bring you up to speed on Blayne's findings and adopted lifestyle. 
  Tell us what you think - we would love to hear from you!

Episode 57 "Ivans Truffles"

  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!

Episode 56 "Grace Obal Bates Beach Farm"

Chef Jonathan Frazier and Local Food Entrepreneur Darren Howlett get a chance to sit down with Grace Obal of Bates Beach Farms, to talk about all of the wonderful things happening in the local farming scene during this incredible summer of amazing crop yields. Grace relates to us how her and her husband developed this special little farm, tucked away in an incredibly beautiful and lesser known area of the Comox Valley. What began as a rock filled swamp (seriously - take a listen!), was worked and reworked with love and determination into an incredibly verdant and bountiful farm. She also divulges the inside scoop on a few secret (and amazing) projects she and her husband are developing for her farm, the local youth and our community! Take a listen!

Episode 55 "Taste of Edible Valley"

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!

Episode 54 "Saputo Junior Chefs "

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.

Episode 53 “Communal Beat, Chris Graham”

This week we had the great fortune of being able to sit down with Chris Graham to talk about his newest project, which is sure to revolutionize the Comox Valley's cuisine scene! It's called Communal Beat and it's all about food, entertainment and exploring in the Valley. We were able to get an advanced peak at the first issue, and it's incredible! Chock full of gorgeous imagery and familiar locations, peppered with some great feature articles, with a calendar  smack dab in the centre - showing every festival, performance, gathering, special activity and food related event for the month. This will surely become a vital resource of the locals and tourists alike.
If you're wondering why the name of Chris Graham sounds familiar, it's because you remember him as a staple of the Farmer's Market. It's Chris, the Tamale Guy! If any of you have been wondering just where he went, or what happened to him - this is it! He's been hard at work to get this monthly magazine off the ground. We had a fantastic time sitting down with him, and found that we're kindred spirits - we're all motivated by this beautiful island we live on, the people that cultivate and nurture it, and want nothing more than to share it's abundance with everyone! Take a listen, and let us know what you think!

Episode 52 "Updates to Edible Valley"

Darren and Jonathan sit down again to talk about events and what happening in the our Edible Valley.

Episode 51 “Dawn McRae of Custom Gourmet Catering”

Dawn McRae is passionate about food, and believes there is pleasure to be found in enjoying quality ingredients. We were lucky to have her sneak away from her busy life and sit down to talk with us about her company Custom Gourmet Catering. With over 17 years in the industry she has developed a personal cooking style that fuses international cuisines with her own West Coast flare. 
"Whether it be for a large event, a special occasion, an intimate in-home dinner party or a customized cooking class, let Custom Gourmet create a personalized menu for you that reflects your needs and wants. It is all about making the event a unique dining experience for you and your guests," quotes her website.
Guests will enjoy such globally inspired flavours as Moroccan, Asian, Indian, African and Mediterranean, incorporating such spices as ras el hanout, star anise, chimichurri, onion seeds as well as plenty of fresh herbs. Locally produced, fresh organic foods, seafood and artisan products from the Comox Valley are also intertwined into her dishes whenever possible.
For more info contact Dawn at Custom Gourmet Catering
Tel: 250.338.4350Info@CustomGourmetChef.com

Episode 50 "Gillian Watt BC Meats for BC markets"

Do you ever wonder where your food comes from? What makes it so special? This week with our first studio audience we got a chance to talk to Gillian Watt from the BC association of abattoirs about BC Meats for BC Markets. We learned first of all BC does have a beef industry and a new BC beef net will allow local chefs the ability to buy BC beef. The program allows chefs to buy whole or half carcasses and have them process to there liking as well as giving a price per portion. With the North Vancouver Island Chef Association as our guests in studio we learned about the future of where our beef industry is going and how we will soon see local BC beef in many of our restaurants in our amazing province.