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Secret to Good Eating - Visit a FarmBy Stephen Wong
Vancouver 8th Annual Feast of Fields - Sunday, September 8th, 2002. Location: UBC Farm, University of British Columbia - 60 hectares of farm and forestland currently being used for educational and agricultural purposes. Call Shannon Ross, FarmFolk/CityFolk in Vancouver, for tickets and information: 604-730-0450, Website: www.ffcf.bc.ca Vancouver Island 5th Annual Feast of Fields - Sunday September 15th, 2002. Location: Cowichan Bay Farm - A lovely heritage farm in the Cowichan Valley that features rare breed animals, pasture-raised poultry and a barn gallery showcasing art that is "all about food". Contact Mara Jernigan (Engeler Farm) for tickets and information: 250-743-4267, www.ffcf.bc.ca Proceeds from Feast of Fields will benefit FarmFolk/CityFolk - a not-for-profit organization working on issues of food, farming, social justice, health, and the environment. They promote public policies and community-based solutions that ensure food is grown, processed, distributed, prepared and consumed in ways which are healthy for people and the planet. All their projects "nurture food democracy" through the creation of leading edge food awareness, linking food interests and initiating local food action. But you don’t have to be a “foodie” to appreciate the sweet bliss of a plump, ripe, juicy, still warm-from-the-sun strawberry that you’ve just picked from its vine, or to share in the shrill glee of children running through a corn maze or a pumpkin patch. Whether you are vacationing with your family, or simply inspired to go for a drive in the country on the weekend, visiting a working farm can be both entertaining and educational for anyone, from two to ninety-two. Here is a sampling of farms you can visit throughout the Province of British Columbia: Lower Mainland and Environs……Tired of eating out at fast food joints while you’re on holidays? If you’re camping or staying in accommodations that offer kitchen facilities, you can enjoy your own home-away-from-home-cooked meals made from farm fresh produce. You’re sure to eat better and it’ll be easier on the pocket book as well. BAYKEY'S FARM MARKET (Ladner) - Giant 12-acre corn maze, mini-golf course and picnic area provide entertainment for the whole family. Just 10 minutes from Vancouver, through the Hwy 99 tunnel, southbound - first exit #29. The store offers a full line of produce including most vegetables (mostly pesticide free). When in season, you can pick you own pumpkins. Open April to November. Store open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday and holidays 9 am to 6 pm. Corn Maze open Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday and holidays 9 am to 5 pm. Open late Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. For information call Rock and Pat Baykey. 5954 River Road, Ladner, BC Tel: 604-940-2358 BIRCHWOOD DAIRY'S INC. (Abbotsford) - Run by Len Krahn and family, this working dairy farm offers a fruit and vegetable and dairy store with an ice cream fountain, coffee and lunch bar, picnic tables, and a petting zoo during the summer. Open year round, Monday to Saturday 8 am to 8 pm, and Sundays 11 am to 6 pm. Closed Easter Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day. 1154 Fadden Road, Abbotsford, BC Tel: 604-857-1315 CLOVERDALE PRODUCE FARM MARKET (Surrey) - A 3rd generation family farm established for 50 years in the peat rich land of Cloverdale. A Country Market selling BC produce and fruit; a Giant Corn Maze designed by 4-time Guinness world record holder, Adrian Fisher offering a fun challenge for the whole family; a Kids Corral of farm animals; a Pumpkin Patch; and hanging basket workshops are among the attractions. How about an evening moonlight romp in the corn maze for something different? Market open daily May 1 through Oct 31, 10 am to 6 pm. Corn Maze open daily July 20 through September 3, 11am to 10pm, then until Oct 31, Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 6pm,weekends 11am to 10pm. Contact Jyl and Tim Singh. 4623 - 168 Street, Surrey, BC Tel: 604-576-1449 Website: www.cloverdaleproduce.com FORSTBAUER NATURAL FOOD FARM (Chilliwack) - Visit this family farm and learn about the principles of bio-dynamic farming. You are invited to experience harvesting your own certified organic produce such as blueberries, beets, blue lake pole beans, carrots, chard, dill cukes, kale, potatoes, pumpkins, summer and winter squash, zucchini, and many other vegetables. They also sell organically raised beef and have access to certified organic / bio-dynamic Okanagan fruits. Open all year, please phone ahead. Contact Hans, Mary and Family Forstbauer. 49350 Prairie Central Road, Chilliwack, BC Tel: 604-794-3999 GREENHILL ACRES (Chilliwack) – This is a gem of a farm nestled in the hills of Chilliwack overlooking Cultus Lake. Covering 25 acres, this mixed farm, operated by the Uebelhardt family, produces beef, pork, chicken, herbs, garlic and more, and is home to some of the only purebred Brahma cattle in BC From the “Wood Shed” adjacent to their own blacksmith shop, they offer honey from their own bees, preserves made from local fruits and other seasonal farmgate produce for sale. Throughout the year, visitors can take tours around the farm or come and make use of the picnic area on the farm. Cost is $4 per person by appointment with no minimum number required. Starting now and through the summer months, weekend drop-ins are also welcome. 47090 Greenhill Road, Chilliwack, BC Tel: 604-858-9917 For more details, map and online contact, visit their excellent Website: www.greenhillacres.com MAPLEWOOD FARM (North Vancouver) - This idyllic little spot nestled at the foot of Mount Seymour on the banks of the Seymour River was discovered by Mr. Akiyo Kogo in the early 1900’s. It is now the last remaining farm on Vancouver's North Shore. Officially opened to the public in 1975, this 5-acre show farm is home to over 200 domestic animals and birds. It entertains visitors and has tours providing enjoyment, education and a recollection of the area’s rural heritage. Admission is $3.21 per adult, $1.61 for children and seniors. Open year round from 10am to 4pm except Mondays. Open on all statutory holidays except Christmas day. 405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver, BC Tel: 604-929-5610 For rates, information and bookings, click on their Website: www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca TROUT CREEK FARM (Mission) - Here’s something different. The two ponds on this farm are stocked with lively tasty Rainbow Trout. They provide fishing tackle and bait and they will clean your fish too. BBQs, picnic tables, a children's play area with swings and slide makes this a fun place for day trips. They host company parties, fishing tournaments, birthday parties and more. Wheelchair accessible U-Catch. Open March 1 to October 31, 9 am to dusk. Closed Wednesdays. Bookings required. Call Karl Eha. 31474 Townshipline Avenue, Mission, BC Tel: 604-826-5640 TUSCAN FARM GARDENS & B&B (Langley) - The health conscious spa lover would really enjoy this fragrant herbal retreat on 80 acres that produces lavender and echinacea products. Stroll among spring flowers, under cherry trees or hike down to the Water Gardens and Beaver Ponds. Open Tuesday to Saturday, April 2nd to October 31, 10 am to 5 pm. Contact Arleigh and Heather Fair. 24453 - 60 Avenue, Langley, BC Tel: 604-530-1997 For special events calendar and bookings, check out their Website: www.tuscanfarmgardens.com WEST COAST SEEDS FARM & DEMONSTRATION GARDEN (Delta) - Avid gardeners will be wowed and inspired after a self-guided tour of this organically managed Demonstration Garden with vegetables, herbs and flowers grown from the seeds that this renowned company sells through their popular catalogue. Guided tours are offered on these Saturdays: June 22, July 27, August 24 and September 21 and the Garden is open from 9 am to dusk daily. Local organic and their own transitional produce, organic whole foods, seeds and supplies, books and organic fertilizers are available for sale in the store. Store hours: Year round 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Monday. Contact Mary Ballon. 3925 - 64th Street, Delta, BC Tel: 604-952-8820 Website: www.westcoastseeds.com While on Vancouver Island…When traveling, it’s always a treat to discover farm markets where one can sample the local fare then take home a taste of the region. It’s amazing how the flavour of a certain honey or the aromas of a fruit jelly can invoke vivid memories of a trip and prolong the pleasure of a holiday. ENGELER FARM (Cobble Hill) - On their 5 ½-acre working farm and vineyard, Mara Jernigan, a trained chef with over 15 years experience working in Toronto and Europe, and her sommelier husband, Alfons Obererlacher, have set up the first Field-to-Table cooking school on Vancouver Island. Hands-on classes may include harvesting fresh herbs, vegetables and salad greens from their own farm or a foraging tour to local Cowichan Valley farms, followed by preparations in the kitchen, bread-baking in their outdoor wood-burning oven, culminating in dinner in their fire-lit dining room. For further information on classes, Sunday Farm Tours in conjunction with the prestigious Aerie Resort (www.aerie.bc.ca) and private catered events, contact Mara and Alfons. 4255 Trans Canada Highway RR#1 Cobble Hill, BC, Tel: 250-743-4267 Website: www.engelerfarm.com GALEY'S FARM MAZE 'N' MARKET (Victoria) - Located only minutes from downtown, ½ km north from McKenzie Avenue, this 3rd generation family farm grows over 50 varieties of vegetables on its rich soil, using compost and integrated pest management. Among their offerings are strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, blackberries, blueberries, tayberries, gooseberries and 10 varieties of sweet corn. For entertainment, there is a Scarecrow Country Maze, built by a special effects team, featuring a new ghost town, flower gardens, ponds, bridges, more scarecrow exhibits than ever and a new cave to explore. The maze opens and is best in early July and runs through the summer. A large petting farm and field tours are also available. Be sure to bring your camera. For more information on their Berry Festival (July 13 & 14) and other events such as Galey's Cornfield of Horror, contact them at: 4150 Blenkinsop Rd, Victoria, BC Tel: 250-477-5713 Website: www.galeyfarms.com HAZELWOOD HERB FARM (Ladysmith) – Now in its 15th year of operation, this picturesque herb farm, located 8 miles south of Nanaimo and 4 miles north of Ladysmith in the scenic Cedar/Yellowpoint area, is open to the public at no charge. About 400 varieties of herb plants are sold and on display. In their gift shop, aptly named Herbal Heaven, farm-made jellies, mustards and vinegars, as well as beer-breads, teas, skin-care products and even pet-care products are sold. Group tours will enjoy herb tea and herb baking cooked up in the farm kitchen. Cooking and other herb related classes are also available by reservation. Open daily April through September, 11am to 5pm; and October thru December, 11am-5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact Richard White and Jacynthe Dugas. 13576 Adshead Road, Ladysmith, BC Tel: 250-245-8007 Website: www.hazelwoodherbfarm.com OLDFIELD ORCHARD AND BAKERY (Saanichton) - Field melons, cantaloupes, peppers, tomatoes, 15 varieties of apples, tree-ripened peaches, pears, plums and kiwi fruits are among the bounty you will find being grown and sold on this visitor-friendly farm. There is also a petting farm and an on-site bakery offering fresh fruit pies, breads, cookies and treats for young and old. Their annual "A Taste of the Islands" event in early August is a showcase of Southern Vancouver Island farms and produce; and the popular Octoberfest features a haunted house, corn maze, hay rides and games for family fun. Open daily 9:30 am to 4:30pm. Contact Derek and Debbie Scott. 6286 Oldfield Road, Saanichton, BC Tel: 250-652-1579 RAVENHILL HERB FARM (Saanichton) - The husband and wife team of Andrew Yeoman and Noel Richardson began developing their flower and herb gardens overlooking the Mount Newton Valley on the Saanich Peninsula in 1979. For many years, they sold fresh-cut herbs to local restaurants. Now their herb plants are for sale to visitors on Sundays only April 4 to August 29 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm when visitors are welcome to stroll through their beautiful garden or visit with the farm animals. For information on their award-winning cookbooks and an online glimpse of their property, click on their Website: www.slugsandsalal.com/local/allmarket/ravenhill.html. To arrange for special tours or to inquire about the music and art events happening on the farm throughout the summer, contact Andrew and Noel. 1330 Mt. Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC Tel: 250-652-4024 WESTCOTT FARM (Duncan) - Home to their own brand of Cowichan Valley Country Honey, nectars from raspberry, blueberry and fireweed flowers. Don’t forget to try the heady buckwheat honey, too, or check out their unique Stonehenge Mead Kit - Canada's only "brew-your-own" honey wine. Also visit their rare Black Welsh Mountain Sheep and bouncing spring lambs then drop into the Farm Store and Illustrator's Studio where spinning wool, sheepskin pelts for babies or home décor, wool batts, fashionable felt hats are among some of the crafty products for sale. Orders are taken for naturally-raised lamb, young mutton, lamb sausages, stewing hens, fresh brown eggs, wild turkey and occasionally, rare breed livestock. Open all year by chance or by appointment. 6691 Westcott Road, Duncan, BC Tel: 250-748-5698 Roaming the Okanagan Valley …...Many years ago while traveling in China, I was pleased to discover that BC apples were sold on the trains across that country. It was a bright spot and a coveted memory of home on a hectic journey. Apart from being famous for its delicious tree fruits, the Okanagan Valley is now also home to many vineyards and wineries. But that’s another story….. DAVISON ORCHARDS (Vernon) - Located at the north end of the fertile Okanagan Valley along the south-facing slopes above historical Bella Vista Road, a few minutes from downtown Vernon, this 3rd-generation family owned and operated farm consists of 50 acres of fruit and vegetables, a farm market, a country gift shop and a bakery as well as a picnic and children's play area for families. Every year the Davisons welcome thousands of visitors to their working farm for tours of the fruit orchards, a stroll through the vegetable and flower gardens, a sip of pure apple juice squeezed right at the farm or a romp into the fields to select their very own Halloween pumpkin. Store is open May 11 to mid-November. Self-guided tours are free for store visitors. Other tour options are available on their Website: www.davisonorchards.ca 3111 Davison Road, Vernon, BC Tel: 250-549-3266 ELYSIUM GARDEN-NURSERY (Kelowna) - This 3-acre private display garden is carved out of a lovely old apple orchard. The gardens are maintained organically and great care is taken to conserve water and encourage wildlife. Enjoy the unobstructed views of mountains and the surrounding pastoral countryside from the hand-crafted chapel-like gazebo which overlooks the gardens or relax in the shade of pergolas covered with climbing roses and clematis. Avid gardeners will delight in the exquisite perennial nursery and learn from the planting consultation services they provide. A "Hi Sho En"- Japanese inspired garden – will open soon. Hours: Early April to early October, daily: 9am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays. Evening Strolls in the garden, Fridays until 8pm in June, July & August. 2834 Belgo Road, Kelowna, BC (4km. south of Springfield Road) Tel: 250-491-1368 For rates and details, see their Website: www.elysiumgardennursery.com KELOWNA LAND & ORCHARD COMPANY (Kelowna) - Take a 20-minute self-guided walking tour, marked by a series of information signs, or ride on their 55-passenger covered hay wagon for a behind-the-scenes view of this 150-acre historical orchard which has been in operation since 1904. Visitors will see the farm’s thinning, and irrigation systems, learn about the planting and care of the dwarf tree plantation, learn why trees are grafted (not planted by seed), and find out how they produce their internationally renowned logo'd (tattoo) apples. Guided hay wagon tours costs $5.25 plus GST for adults, $2.00 for students, children under 12 are free. The farm store is stocked with a large selection of local preserves, local crafts, tea, honey, candy, ice cream, apple pie and their own 100% pure apple juice made on site. Open at 9:00am every day. 3002 Dunster Road, Kelowna, BC Tel: 250-763-1091 Website: www.klo@k-l-o.com PIONEER COUNTRY MARKET (Kelowna) - Run by the Casorso family, whose heritage dates back to 1876 when family patriarch John Casorso arrived in Kelowna with the Oblate Missionary – Father Charles Marie Pandosy – and set up home. Browse and be taken back in time by the museum items displayed both inside and outside the market building, or wander around and see first hand how the many different vegetables have been grown. Take lunch in their licensed heritage tearoom or if you prefer being outdoors, dine on their patio amongst the lovely flower gardens, or simply pick up some frozen make-easy foods for dinner and/or choose a few treats from their array of fresh-baked breads, pies, cakes, cookies, and others. Okanagan fruits and vegetables preserves are also available. Open daily from 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sundays (closed Sundays during winter months only) 1405 Laurence Road, Kelowna, BC Tel: 250-762-2544 Website: www.pioneercountrymarket.com Discovering British Columbia is as easy as calling toll-free 1-800-HELLO BC (North America) or HELLO BC (435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service puts you in touch with a team of professional travel experts who can provide free help and advice in planning or booking every stage of your getaway, from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours, and transportation. You can also order your free copy of the BC Escapes Getaways Guide. And be sure to check out the Tourism British Columbia web site at www.HelloBC.com. |
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Ask any good chef and he or she will tell you that the
secret to good cooking is to start with great ingredients. That’s why some
chefs now pay tribute to the farmers and producers of their ingredients by
name on their menus and organize familiarization tours to farms for their
cooks. That’s also why the annual Feast of Fields in both the Lower Mainland
and Vancouver Island are so well supported by chefs and draw sellout crowds
of food lovers year after year. 
Don’t miss this pair of spectacular local food
extravaganzas, hosted by FarmFolk/CityFolk in celebration of the bountiful
harvest of BC At the Feast of Fields you can enjoy how wonderful it feels to
eat gorgeous regional cuisine - grown, brewed and prepared - by the best
among BC’s farmers, winemakers, microbrewers and chefs. The venues are what
make these events unique. Imagine yourself wandering around on a local farm,
wineglass and napkin in hand, looking across acres of farmland, smelling
fresh-cut hay, as music from a live band wafts through the air. Then imagine
the fragrance of sautéed vegetables, grilled meats, or the sweet smell of
berries and chocolate mingling in the air as elegant delicacies are served
to you on imaginative natural "plates" such as grape leaves, cedar shakes,
and oyster shells. What better way to spend a Fall afternoon? 