Canadian Culinary Championships- for the Uber Foodie

Two years ago, I got to "wave" an autographed Olympic Torch, the grand prize in a fundraising draw at the Canadian Culinary Championships, while enticing attendees to "take a chance" and buy a ticket!  The first event of the weekend was crowded and you could feel the buzz!  "Did you try the dish from Vancouver?" "Check out the dish from St. John's."  Tonight, attendees rate the teams- more buzz- as people champion their favourites.  

My favourite event?  The Saturday morning Black Box Competition or, as I would call it: Chopped Live! The chefs prepare two amazing dishes using local ingredients in front of a small audience.  At the Saturday night Grand Finale Event, the chefs serve their signature dishes for hundred of guests; the Silent Auction offers up amazing items and the entertainment is lively.  

I'm happy to report that last year's Gold Medal Winner was Marc Lépine from Ottawa, my hometown.

Black Box Competition

I love volunteering for this weekend's events.  It's an opportunity to get up close and personal with Canada's culinary stars.

To get to Kelowna, they've competed regionally.  These gold medal winners from across Canada meet head to head in Kelowna- this year (2013), February 8 and 9, for the ultimate National competition.


It's also a fundraising weekend.  Elite Olympic athletes benefit from the millions of dollars raised since 2006.

Visit their website for up to the minute information: goldmedalplates. com

It's about the Challenge... thanks Oranj Dance!

I saw the light when I turned fifty!  OK, so I'm a late "fitness bloomer"... Good healthy food is important, but so is a great, healthy and fit body... And, I've discovered it's never too late...  Since "hitting the gym", I've learned that: I have stores of will power just waiting to be called on for that extra push up or squat (and stores of fat, just waiting to melt away :-) ); I can keep my commitment to get fitter and feel good about it; I will celebrate my "baby fat" because I've earned it, but I will work hard to shrink it;and, I will celebrate my fitness accomplishments!

Oranj Dance and Fitness Studio

Support Okanagan Farmers! Buy Local!

The Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market has been going strong since 1995.  It's one of the biggest in British Columbia, attracting producers from throughout the Okanagan.  Open Wednesday and Saturday mornings, it's perfect for eating local and in season!

There's something for everyone at the Market. Shoppers rub elbows with local chefs and tourists from all over. More than half the stalls offer up fresh, local produce and an opportunity to get to know our farmers.  Or you can also bring home prepared foods.  Choose from homemade samosas, Aussie pies, Asian dumplings and dishes, breads and cakes, cookies, preserves... or locally made soaps, jewelry, metal sculptures for the lawn, hand crafted wood furniture, clothing.  - it's all there!

This year has been a good one for our local producers and it shows.

Apples and Pears- From the Orchard to your Kitchen...

When there's a chill in the air and the days get shorter, I start thinking pears and apples: pies, crisps and  cakes. Hazeldell Orchards is my first (and usually my only) stop in the search for the best and the freshest fall fruit.  Located just minutes from downtown Kelowna, Hazeldell offers fabulous fruit, in many varieties: Flemish, Anjou, Bosc pears; ambrosia, gala, silken apples.  There's fresh, made on-site apple juice for sale and plenty of great advice and suggestions for free.  The staff know their fruit!