You’ve Gotta Try This In May

I had my first taste of rhubarb a day ago and I’m still delighted every time I think about how very pink and tart and perfect it was. I straight up love May: spot prawns, ramps, pea shoots, SO MUCH ASPARAGUS what’s not to love? The BC wine crisis will reveal itself this month as we finally find out what’s made it through the tough winter chill in the vineyard (cross everything!) and that neatly ties in with Spring wine releases, so go, do the right thing, buy direct from small BC wineries cos they really need you right now! 

 

Vancouver: Night of Too Many Chefs

There are still a few tickets left for this amazing fundraiser curated by chef TJ Conwi featuring food stations from big name chefs including Deseree Lo – Top Chef Canada and Warren Chow – Wildlight / Michelin Young Chef of the Year at the False Creek Yacht Club. The evening starts with a cocktail reception, and seven chef stations prepared with rescued food, then takes in a screening of documentary The Interceptors, followed by a discussion with the film’s stars. Proceeds from this event go to ReRoot, Chef TJ’s latest venture, which sells ready-made frozen meals from rescued surplus food. Supporting this social enterprise helps fund their community meals program, which to date has diverted more than 10 tonnes of food from landfill and provided over 300,000 healthy free meals to underserved communities in Vancouver.

 

Kamloops: Spring Fest

Downtown Kamloops is popping off May 9th to 12th this year for their annual SpringFest. Expect live music, food and drinks specials over the three days with a gorgeous gift basket prize draw to everyone who makes a purchase at participating outlets. New this year, a late-night family and pet-friendly shopping event on Friday May 10th from 5-8pm, plus the Yew Street Block Party on May 11th which features vendors, food, entertainment and inflatables.

 

Kelowna: Pints in the Park

Race over to the Kelowna Beerfest site to bag your ticket for Pints in the Park, which sold out last year. This year’s event is on Saturday May 11th in City Park with some 40+ local breweries and cideries offering tastings, plus food trucks (yes, even gluten-free and vegan) games, and local DJs just steps away from the beach. It’s gonna be a blast! 

 

Oliver: Primavera Party

Kick off Half-Corked marathon weekend with the Primavera Party, at Church & State Winery. Surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Okanagan River and the beauty of the Golden Mile Bench, take a stroll and sip on new spring release wines from the region and tasty local bites before the main event: a Spanish feast, served family style, by Chef Javier Blanc from newly opened Casa Molina in Vancouver. Transportation is provided as part of the ticket cost from key locations in Oliver and Osoyoos. TH

 

Vancouver: Tomahawk PSA!

Calling all meat eaters: the Black Walnut on Cambie is running a terrific deal Tue-Thu with a special on 36 oz (min) Tomahawk steaks for just $89 instead of $150 with fresh greens and golden fries. The last time I had a steak like this, I shared it with friends, and it was an absolute blast—load up on sides and ride that giddy protein high! Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance.  Not a meat eater? Head there for their double Happy Hour which runs 5-6 and 9-10pm daily and offers up treats such as $8 wine and $2 oysters. 

 

Lund: 15th Annual Seafood Festival

May is such a stellar month for seafood: oysters tasting at their most incredible, halibut is at its most juicy, and Spot Prawns are on the horizon! Graciously hosted on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, the Lund Seafood Festival May 25-26th in support of the Northside Fire Department Association, offers up plenty of fresh-cooked seafood, a chance to vote at the Chowder Challenge, live music, free cooking demonstrations, artisan and crafter markets and a family-friendly Sunday pancake breakfast. So fun!

 

Surrey: Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair

Giddy up! Get your Cowboy Carter on and head on over to the most delicious fun in Surrey on May 17-20th at the Rodeo. Taste your way around some 50 different food trucks at the Country Fair with everything from classic mini doughnuts to South India and Malaysian treats on offer. Make sure you wear your most capacious eating pants as there’s also RibFest to check out at the Roundup Cookhouse and Beer Garden with 24-hour smoked brisket, sauce-smothered ribs and some of the best burgers you’ve ever tried! The Hops & Vines Garden is returning this year after its debut in ’23 with an expanded outdoor space, craft beers, local wines, charcuterie and live music. Yee-ha! 

 

Tofino: First Nations Feast

This May and June on Friday and Saturday evenings, join one of Turtle Island’s most storied First Nations and come naaʔuu in Tofino. naaʔuu (pronounced naa-ooh) is a Cultural experience presented by Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, supporting Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park’s work in restoring and furthering the Nation’s lands, language and Culture. naaʔuu means to feast together, and as a guest, that’s exactly what you’ll do in a three-hour event celebrating the Nation’s history through song, dance, and traditional carvings coming to life over a delicious dinner. Witness specially carved masks and signature regalia as interpreters share transformative teachings at naaʔuu. The menu includes cedar plank salmon, baked halibut, venison stew, steamed crabs, and of course, fresh bannock with berry preserves. This looks like an amazing opportunity to share and learn more about the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and I bet tickets will sell out, so grab yours now.