Chef

 
 With the new year upon us Darren and Jonathan spend time discussing 2017 and the events surrounding it. This is a chance for the two to reminisce about the previous year. From farming to food banks, they discuss all the interesting events and people they had the fortune of meeting. Darren and Jonathan also spend some time planning for upcoming food challenges, topics, and their ability to interview and learn more in the upcoming year. Feel free to join with us.

On this podcast we're doing the second part of our three-part series questioning restaurant costs. We're going to get down to the nitty-gritty and find out about labour costs, business expenses, menu prices, and customer views. We also look at some great ways to save on these costs which can make things go a little bit smoother. 

Ever wonder how chefs come up with menu prices? Or what goes into creating the dollar amount you see on menus and how exactly restaurants make their money? On this episode, the first of three, we examine the ever fluctuating cost of food itself. Please enjoy, and as always we enjoy your feedback and reviews.

Looking for a Chef? Looking for a cook? Join the club! Its becoming more and more difficult to find kitchen staff. Jonathan and Darren discuss what is happening in the 'back of house' across Canada.

After teasing for the last few episodes, we finally spill the beans. A long-table dining experience in downtown Courtenay is coming up this Sunday evening and you're invited! The dinner will be on Duncan avenue, between 5th street and 6th street (there are just a handful of tickets left!). We're inviting you to experience some of the finest food the Comox Valley has to offer. Our own Chef Jonathan Frazier has created a 4 course menu reflecting the essence of the Valley itself - it's truly inspiring. Dawn Postnikoff of West Coast Gourmet is organizing this inaugural event and joins us on this episode. The ever amazing Connie Earl sits in as well to reveal pairings, inspirations and other sneak previews. We're all so excited! We hope you are too!
 
Sunset on the Street Long Table Dinner Downtown Courtenay Sunday, September 17th 5:00 pm 4 Course Gourmet Dinner paired with Local Spirits & Wines. Live Music with Easy Street. $100 The Downtown Courtenay
 

With many kitchens and chefs being referred to as "old boy's clubs", Les Dames d’Escoffier is much needed organization supporting women in the food industry. We are lucky enough to have former guests Gaëtane Palardy and Lesley Stav (members of the local BC Chapter) join us to discuss some of the great benefits of this organization, its history, and its important future.
Check out their site at : https://www.lesdames.ca

A growing trend in the hospitality industry are pop-up restaurants or dinners. Darren and Jonathan examine some of their own experiences and adventures in this field. Our hope is to encourage you to get out and find some of these amazing meals that are in produced by so many talanted chefs.

This time its all about kitchen equipment. Chef Jonathan and Darren take the time to talk about their favourite small-wares for your home. From knifes to frying pans this is all the things that can help you setup your kitchen and to help you make a great meal for friends and family.

Dine Around began an event for local restaurants to showcase some great local products with value conscious pricing during a traditionally slower time of year for the hospitality industry. It has now grown to encompass pubs, bistros, hotels, vineyards, distillers, resorts and more. It's bordering a sort of 'diners festival'. There's seminars and classes, pub tours, wine tours, special accommodation packages and of course, dining! Tonight we have 3 members that sit on the Dine Around Comox Valley board, to tell all of you about the great food and amazing experiences that await you for Dine Around 2017. Chef Ronald St. Pierre, Trish St. Pierre, and Sandra Viney (who happen to be the owners of Locals Restaurant and Atlas Cafe, respectively), are a wealth of information for this, the 8th annual Dine Around Comox Valley!  
 For more info on the event Check out Comox Valley Dine Around

While preparing to tape the next episode of the podcast, Darren and Jon got to talking about Winter Foraging - and what exactly that would be or look like. Thankfully, Blayne had answers. The conversation wandered more into 'Winter Eats' than 'Winter Foraging', but that's to be expected. Many thanks to Blayne for always being so informative!

Returning guest Cat Leduc joins Darren and Chef Jonathan along side Lynda Smith (her first appearance) for the newest Edible Valley Podcast. Today's exciting topic: Canning and Preserving! As we move into fall,we are well into harvest season - what better time to consider new options of how you are going to preserve your bounty? Listen in as our experts throw out some new flavours, ideas, and tips for you for your next food projects!

Cohen Brown of Clandestino Salumi joins a returning Brian McCormick of Clever Crow to today’s Edible Valley podcast! Chef Jonathon Frazier, Darren Howlett, and their guests discuss charcuterie! First we have to ask: What is charcuterie? We found we each have a slightly different opinion of the common theme; none of us define it the same way. We all agree that it centers around cured meats and the conversation goes from there! 
 
After listening to the episode, you may want to check out :
 In The Charcuterie: The Fatted Calf's Guide to Making Sausage, Salumi, Pates,Roasts, Confits, and Other Meaty Goods