#exploreKelowna Blog

Okanagan Feast of Fields takes place this year on Sunday, August 13th and truly is one of the foodie events of the year. Each year at this movable feast, the Okanagan’s best chefs, farmers, artisans and wine and drink makers gather together on a beautiful farm.

Our local chefs are thrilled to welcome the bounty that summertime brings to the Okanagan and can’t wait to integrate the newest seasonal ingredients into their menus.

Cherrrieeeeeees! They are now in season and in great abundance this year so buy them by the bagful from a local fruit and vegetable stand and gorge yourself happy. Fresh cherries are a local luxury and are actually world-renowned for their quality and sweetness.

There are endless beautiful locations to picnic around the Kelowna area. Wineries, parks, farms, hikes… so why not add to that local experience by tasting the terroir of where you are? Make it fun by planning your shop like a scavenger hunt, start with an empty picnic basket or cooler then plan your route. It’s so easy to do in Kelowna; here are some ideas on where to go:

A haze of purple, waves of intoxicating aromas…oh the rapture of standing in a field of lavender!

In Kelowna, Andrea McFadden of the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm has created a work of art worthy of Provence through her garden.

A sure sign of spring is when the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market is selling fresh, local rhubarb! This easy rhubarb pie is absolutely scrumptious and is a unique addition to your regular fruit pie repertoire. The brilliant ruby red colour and tart zing will make this a new family favourite. It's the perfect dessert to celebrate spring and the first growth in your garden.

Asparagus season is here! And I plan to eat it each and every day while it is in season. My favourite way to prepare asparagus is lightly brushed with olive oil, grilled on the barbeque and then topped with Maldon sea salt and lemon zest or balsamic vinegar. Love it in pasta, perfect in a panini with goat cheese, excellent as a pesto or starring in a frittata or omelette. I am just mad about asparagus!

The foundation of the agriculture industry here in Kelowna began on lush orchards offering top quality tree fruits for the community. Cideries have found a way to promote the natural attributes of the Okanagan apple by transforming them into a delicious drink.

Even though we are anxiously anticipating the burst of colourful blossoms to fill our orchards and kick off a new growing season, we are actually extremely fortunate to have local fruits available to us year round.

I love everything that the Cipes family does. Lead by Stephen Cipes, the proprietors of this destination winery have built a beautiful empire where they feature the very best of what the Okanagan has to offer while maintaining solid grass roots.