Foodies can spice up their lives with jerk chicken and a side of roti when Canadian-Jamaican chef Cornel Fisher presents an outdoor roaming four-course meal on an orchard by the lake.
Reggae Nights, to be held at Oyama’s Gatzke Orchard July 27, will feature Caribbean flavours, storytelling and songs spiced up with local farm ingredients with wine tastings by Lake Country’s Arrowleaf Cellars.
“Cornel has been connected to the Gatzke Orchard for over a decade,” said owner Al Gatzke. “It’s a great moment to have him take part in our GO Foodism! series after hearing me talk about it all these years. Cornel brings a great energy to all our events. Reggae Nights will be very special for sure.”
Fisher can usually be found at the orchard every Friday night and at weddings and music events, such as the recent Woodstock Revival, cooking his hand-made pizzas in a clay wood burning oven.
“I’ve watched him create beautiful gourmet pizzas then jump on stage for a set and return to a lineup 20 deep of new pizza/music fans,” said Joseph Pinheiro, the orchard’s event manager. “Even at our weddings he adds an extra element of entertainment and authenticity to the Okanagan experience on our orchard.”
Fisher has also been a prominent talent at the Woodstock Revival music festival for the past three years.
“Woodstock this year was incredible, not only for all the happy, hungry people, but for the music as I was able to perform with my seven-year-old son Benjamin Moon – an unforgettable experience,” said Fisher. “I can’t wait until July 27 so I can cook and sing for you. I’m looking forward to sharing the stories and flavours of some of my favourite Jamaican recipes. It’s going to be a jammin’ good time.”
Fisher is the third chef featured in the Gatzke Orchard outdoor, roaming dinner series, taking place on the last Sunday of the month until September from 4 to 7 p.m.
The series showcases different local chefs highlighting their expertise alongside farmers.
“This will be an opportunity for guests to increase their awareness of the benefits in growing and eating local foods. Before dinner, guests can explore the property where many of the ingredients used are grown under the fresh, local, organic, seasonal mentality,” said Gatzke.
Tickets for the food series are available at gatzkeorchard.com.
