Lots of spring news to share in the food and wine world.
Firstly, the highly anticipated re-opening of the expanded Waterfront Wines restaurant is just around the corner. A new look, double the space, plus a chef’s table where four lucky diners (reservations highly recommended) will sit right at the kitchen counter to watch chef Mark Filatow and team in action.
Word is that those gorgeous new doors open next week—hurrah! www.waterfrontwines.com
Fish taco lovers and fans of local hangout Okanagan Street Food can relax: chef Neil is back from holidays and they have reopened on Tuesday (whew). www.okanaganstreetfood.com
What’s going on with Cooper’s in Mission Park Mall? It is in the process of becoming an Urban Fare a la Vancouver.
The store will remain operating while under renovation and completion is scheduled for June. www.urbanfare.com
Penticton has a lot to hoot and holler about these days. After all, the city was recently listed as No. 1 in the Top 19 wine destinations around the world, in the top 25 climbing locations in the world and in the top 10 places to try something new (sip wine).
With new wineries springing up in the area, many with new eateries launching this spring, they continue to build their already delicious reputation.
Beginning mid-April the downtown Summerland location of the Vanilla Pod Restaurant is moving to Poplar Grove Winery on Middle Bench Road, Penticton. Poplar Grove’s spectacular new building includes a restaurant with a view and patio to die for.
This is going to make an extraordinary destination for food and wine lovers. www.poplargrove.ca
Just up the road at super cool Misconduct Wine Co., owners Richard and Twylla da Silva also factored space for an eatery into their new wine shop renovations.
Former owner of local favourite, Amante Bistro in Penticton, chef Abul Adame will be offering delicious bites for visitors to enjoy inside or on the patio. Stay tuned for an opening date! www.misconductwineco.com
Hillside Winery’s gorgeous Bistro will reopen for the season on March 31. Prepare to have your palate wowed by their fabulous executive chef Rob Cordonier. I am a huge fan. hillsidewinery.ca/bistro
Spring wine festival events are posted so start planning and booking tickets now before they sell out. The Festival runs May 4 to 13—check it out at www.thewinefestivals.com for all event and ticket info.
I can’t wait to attend the Cellar Dinner, Dancing and Winemakers Olympics at The View Winery. There will be an entertaining evening of fine food and wine pairings combined with live music and the excitement of the Winemaker’s Olympics.
Participants will be put through their paces in a series of events, which will not only test their abilities but entertain onlookers as well. Olympic awards and closing ceremonies will be followed by dancing to the funky, classic tunes of Peter Glockner and Dave Beaton.
Last year was sold out—reservations are required. www.theviewwinery.com 250 860 0742.
The View Winery has also been giving its wine shop a makeover and is due to unveil the new look this month.
