You’ve Gotta Try This in September 2024

Whisper it, but I love September in B.C: the tourist hordes have cleared, if you’re hitting up wine country (and you should) harvest is on, the sunsets seem longer and sweeter at this time of the year, and there’s usually chance for a few last patio visits before the earth turns and fall is here again. On the menu celebrate all the delicious salmon, feast on the sweet, late strawberries and head on out to some of the fun events happening across the province this month. As ever, take napkins… it’s gonna get messy! 

 

VANCOUVER:

Chambar celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. Let’s all just take a moment to appreciate just how insanely hard that is to do and just how many folks they’ve fed and delighted over the years, not to mention all the incredible hospitality staff they’ve mentored and nurtured; thank you, Karri and Nico for everything you do. If you haven’t been for a while, check out the fun celebration events, and definitely try to get a  booking for this super-cool creative 4DSOUND dinner experience with Lobe Spatial Sound Studio on Sep 16th and 17th, which features ‘…the sounds of the abundant wildlife of Howe Sound, and chef Nico Schuermans while he foraged, harvested seafood, cooked over an open fire and finally sounds from the Chambar kitchen.’ So cool. Here’s to the next 20! 

 

NORTH OKANAGAN:

Silver Star is popping their cork early this year and celebrating Oktoberfest on September 7th. Head on up to the year-round mountain resort just 25-minutes from Vernon, and enjoy the perfect après to a terrific summer season with craft beers, ciders, and food vendors. Browse the pop-up artisan Polson Market (a staple every Friday in Vernon) and enjoy live music and games. Tickets include an official Silver Star Beer and Cider Fest sampling mug and four beer tokens. Make it a safe day out and book the round-trip shuttle from Vernon for $22. 

SURREY:

I did wonder where the late, lamented Fets Whisky Kitchen’s extraordinary cache of premium whiskies had gone to, turns out Skye Avenue Kitchen and Lounge in Surrey have bagged them and, according to a press release, now has “…a collection of more than 1,300 unique bottles from around the world, with a focus on Scotch and American whisky.” Wowser! They have several events lined up to showcase their collection, including a Japanese Whisky one-night-only bar takeover by international bartender and brand ambassador Yuki Yamazaki who’ll be pouring a limited-edition Kujira Inari whisky made from rice on September 11th , and an ‘Up in Smoke’ dinner on September 26th with five ‘never-to-be-seen again bottles of peaty and smoky Scotch whiskies accompanied by food pairings.’ 

 

CAMPBELL RIVER:

Truck yes! I love me a Food Truck Fest, grab some buddies and make a beeline for Robert Ostler Park for the second annual Vancouver Island Food Truck festival on September 14th. Last year there was everything from pupusas and ice cream sandwiches to gluten-free vegan bowls and local brews, and this year promises to be even bigger with live music and non-stop good vibes! 

 

VANCOUVER:

You know I love a bargain so giving a shout-out to BEL Café who are doing a cute promo with free mini muffins when you buy a 12 or 16-oz drink on weekday mornings from 7-9am. You get to double up on the deal if you head back later in the day as you can score 15% off on return visits after 10am.

 

PROVINCE-WIDE:

It’s the annual Dames Dine-Around on September 17th, a chance to eat delicious food and raise funds for Les Dames d’Escoffier’s superb scholarship programs and fundraising programs which include Growing Chefs and Chefs in the Classroom. The Dine Around is a one-night-only event with specially designed multi-course menus and wine pairings at some of BC’s best restaurants including Bao Bei, Bearfoot Bistro, The Courtenay Room, and the Naramata Inn. 

 

SQUAMISH:

Love craft cocktails and spirits, and live along the Sea to Sky? Well, I did the math on this and it’s a terrific deal, so join Raincity Distillery’s Raincitizen’s Cocktail Club and score a host of tempting benefits for your annual membership of $189 including one free cocktail each month, one 750ml bottle of spirits, and 10% off drinks in the tasting lounge. I love this way of supporting a small business! There are limited lifetime memberships available too if you’re feeling cashed up. I’ve not tried their spirits, but I plan to swing by on my next trip to Whistler as I HAVE to try their Black Tusk smoked Vodka which is cold smoked with red cedar and hickory, and oh my gosh, smoky vodka? I need that, please and thank you. 

 

TEXADA ISLAND:

In the mood for an exclusive salmon-based getaway (and really, who isn’t?!) this sounds like an absolute corker. The Rocky Valley Resort on Texada Island is hosting ‘Salmontober’ on the weekend of September 20th, a two-day event which kicks off with a pizza and beer party on the Friday night, and a celebration of salmon, beers and trad Oktoberfest foods on the Saturday. Book one of their adorable cabins (they have A-frames!) and the food cost is just $65 per person, bargain! There’s only 35 tickets total, so this should be a lovely intimate get-together. When you’re not eating, head out on the trails, take a sauna and cold plunge, or just enjoy the beauty of the forests and sparkling Salish sea.