The 11th annual Wine and Dine program is running in the Okanagan until Feb. 3.
The British Columbia Restaurant and Food Services Association in partnership with the B.C. Wine Institute has had overwhelming response from participating restaurants that are offering great value menus paired with B.C. VQA wines.
Over 50 restaurants throughout the Okanagan region are offering a three-course fixed price dinner for $15, $25 or $35 (excluding tax, tip and beverages) to showcase local chefs and the famous wines around the region.
Wine and Dine Okanagan is an excellent opportunity to sample the very best that the region has to offer. Plus, customers can enter to win the grand prize of a case of wine just by participating in Wine and Dine 2013. Ballots are available at each location.
Participating restaurants in the BCRFA Wine and Dine program in Penticton include Black Iron Grill and Steakhouse, Bufflehead Pasta and Tapas Room, Hooded Merganser, Isshin Sushi Bar and Asian Dining, Theo’s Restaurant and Villa Rose Ristorante. In Summerland, Zias Stonehouse Restaurant is participating in Wine and Dine and in Osoyoos Mica Restaurant and Watermark Wine Bar.
“The reason we keep participating is that it is a chance for customers to try dishes that normally aren’t on the menu and at a great value as well,” said Nikos Theodosakis, owner of Theo’s Restaurant.
While Theo’s has been in Penticton for about 36 years, Theodosakis said the program gives people another reason to visit them as well as those who are new to the area.
“It is so perfect to have it January because it gets people out of the house. It has been a great success,” said Theodosakis. “It is something that many restaurants are offering up and down the valley, which is wonderful to have a group of restaurants offering it simultaneously.”
Menus for each of the participating restaurants can be viewed ahead of time on the BCRFA website at www.OkWineAndDine.ca.
The province has recently proclaimed Feb. 11 to 17 Restaurant Week in B.C. The week includes the newly appointed statutory holiday Family Day (Feb. 11).
“Encouraging families to get out together and enjoy the diverse offerings of our industry helps to strengthen community ties and the local economy,” said B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association president Ian Tostenson.
The restaurant industry plays a vital role in B.C.’s economy, employing more than 170,000 people in B.C. and generating more than $10 billion in annual sales.
“Restaurant Week is a great way to celebrate B.C.’s diverse restaurant industry and the many people who work in it. This industry is made up of passionate and creative entrepreneurs, and during Family Day we encourage everyone to get together with their loved ones and support the many people who own and operate restaurant and food establishments in B.C.,” said Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto.
