I have just received some very exciting news.
My cookbook, The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine and Cheese Maker—An Okanagan Cookbook, won the International Gourmand Cookbook Award for Best Local Cuisine Book in Canada.
The cookbook will now go on to compete against winners in the same category in other countries for The Best in the World. The results will be announced on May 20-21, 2014 at the annual Gourmand World Cookbook Awards event in Beijing during the Beijing Cookbook Fair, May 19-21.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards are often compared by journalists as the “Oscars” of the cookbook world and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be included in this prestigious affair.
The cookbook is a celebration of our local Okanagan chefs, farmers, artisans and winemakers and shares not only recipes but also the stories of all of the passionate people behind the dishes.
The book also explains the strong relationships and bonds formed between chef, farmer, artisan and winemaker and demonstrates the camaraderie and that comes from their delicious collaborations.
There is no doubt after reading the stories and seeing the faces of these people who lovingly create our food, why we have become a food and wine destination. I am thrilled that with this latest international recognition for the book, I am able to share the faces and stories of our amazing community on a world scale.
Heartfelt thanks to all of those people who shared their time to participate in its creation.
I would like to also take a moment to announce the heart-breaking news that one of the wonderful chefs featured in the cookbook, Jorg Hoffmeister, tragically passed away a few weeks ago. Jorg and his loving wife Annina, also a talented chef, operated Dolci Deli & Catering in Osoyoos and are much loved members of the culinary community. Jorg’s legacy will live on through his beautiful daughter Jennifer and his wonderful humour and contagious smile will not be forgotten. Always ready with a joke, Jorg’s “You had me at bacon” T-shirt never failed to bring on chuckles. I am thrilled that his story will forever be shared and honoured through the pages of this cookbook that he loved. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Giftgiving
I think the perfect gift for your daughter, wife, girlfriend, mom or even guy in your life is the chance to be photographed by an incredible photographer. Debora Bartolomeo is a former fashion model and fashion photographer from Milan, Italy. Through her lens she creates the most beautiful imagery, capturing the beauty of her subjects in whatever style they like. Elegant and sophisticated, fun and whimsical, vintage style pin-up girl or even sexy, tasteful boudoir.
Also a former stylist, Debora can be hired to provide makeovers offering her impeccable taste to recreate your look and wardrobe for 2014. She also offers professional head shots and modelling portfolios (what teenage girl would love that.) See more of her work on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Debora-PhotographyFashion-Styling/1395223317388853 or email her at deborabartolomeo@gmail.com.
Happy Christmas all! Please set your holiday tables with as much local food and wine as possible.
