#FoodPodcast

Welcome to a special fall edition of the Edible Valley Podcast! In this episode, we dig into the rich diversity of squash - from sweet delicata and creamy buttercup to vibrant Hubbard and nutty acorn varieties - and explore how harvest time shapes our local food system. We talk with growers and chefs about what makes certain squash stand out, flavour tips, storage secrets, and what to expect during this season’s barns-full of fresh produce.
 
Plus, we chat about three upcoming events you won’t want to miss:
Seafood Festival Dinner with Avi Stienberg — October 18 at 40 Knots Winery. A special evening celebrating local seafood and culinary craftsmanship.
Culinary Team Canada in town — November 1 & November 3: Two exclusive dinners featuring top-tier chefs collaborating with local producers.
Island Taste Trail (Oct 29 – Nov 16) — a fall-wide celebration of Vancouver Island flavours. Participating restaurants and cafés in the Comox Valley and Parksville / Qualicum Beach will offer locally inspired pairings and dishes. 
Tune in to get inspired for your own fall menus — and to find your next delicious night out.
 Stay in the loop & explore more at https://www.ediblevalley.com/or https://ediblevalley.wordpress.com/

Each September, chefs, cooks, and culinary enthusiasts gather at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC for three unforgettable days of cooking, learning, and connecting at CooksCamp. Since 2022, this annual retreat—hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC—has become a must-attend event for both rising talent and seasoned professionals.
In this episode, we take you inside CooksCamp 2025 (Sept 10–12) to share what it’s really like to be part of this one-of-a-kind gathering. From the crisp morning foraging walks to the hands-on butchery demos, the farm buzzed with energy, knowledge, and collaboration.
Highlights included:
Wild Foraging Tours – exploring edible treasures with award-winning chefs.
Cultural Dinners – from Filipino foodways and resilience to a grand Italian feast.
Skill-Building Sessions – beef breakdowns, sausage making, bluefin tuna demos, and dry-aging workshops.
Panels & Talks – media training, financial literacy, HR problem-solving, farming and food security, and Indigenous foodways.
Community & Collaboration – associations and advocates across BC uniting to support young chefs and strengthen the industry.
World’s Largest Family Meal – chefs from across Canada cooking together, serving dishes that celebrated diverse culinary traditions.
CooksCamp isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection, mentorship, and inspiration. It’s a space where culinary students rub shoulders with industry icons, where learning is hands-on, and where Canadian food culture is honored and pushed forward.
For me, the experience is always a reminder of why I chose this profession: the camaraderie, the craft, and the chance to keep growing.
Tune in as William and I relive the moments, conversations, and flavours that made CooksCamp 2025 an event to remember—and maybe share a few laughs, as we always do.
#CooksCamp2025 #ChefsTableSociety #EdibleValleyPodcast #CulinaryCommunity #CanadianChefs #FarmToTable #CulinaryEducation #FoodCulture

 
Join host Chef Jonathan Frazier in this intimate visit to Shamrock Farm, the Comox Valley sanctuary Mike and Shannon Farrell began in 1993. What started as a humble pumpkin patch has blossomed into a biodiverse 20-acre operation, cultivating over 40 vegetable varieties, fragrant lavender, specialty cut flowers, and raising chickens, Nubian goats, and even pigs to support the land and farm family. 
Beyond produce, the farm produces handcrafted soaps using fresh goat milk and lavender oil, preserves, and lavender products,all reflecting their ethos of thoughtful, local craftsmanship. 
Shamrock Farm thrives through seasonal markets, a roadside farm stand on the honour system, and online sales, building connections one harvest at a time.
WEBSITE:
FACEBOOK LINK
INSTAGRAM LINK
ADDRESS
2276 Anderton RoadComox, British ColumbiaCanada V9M 4B2
CONTACT
T: (250) 339-1671E: info@shamrockfarm.ca
HOURS
ROAD-SIDE FARM STAND:May - September: 10:00am - 5:00pm, Tuesday - SundayNovember - April: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday - Sunday
 
 

In the latest episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer are joined by Mary-Jane Douglas, co-owner of Ridgewood Farm in Merville and an active member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Mary-Jane shares insights into her commitment to raising beef, eggs, and pork with sustainable practices, which are offered at the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market. She also highlights her excitement for “Burger It Forward,” a Canada-wide initiative launched by Canada’s beef farmers to support community restaurants and food banks. Last year, the campaign raised over $67,000, and organizers aim to expand BC’s participation in 2025. Mary-Jane encourages Vancouver Island restaurants to get involved, emphasizing the pride local farmers feel in supporting this community giveback program.

In Episode 238 of The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer dive into the world of ultra-processed foods. They break down what makes these products so popular and convenient, while also discussing the health risks and nutritional concerns associated with them. Are ultra-processed foods a necessary part of modern life or a growing problem for our health? Tune in to hear take and learn practical tips on making healthier food choices.
 
#EdibleValleyPodcast, #UltraProcessedFoods, #FoodFacts, #HealthyLiving, #ChefTalk, #NutritionInsights, #BalancedDiet

In this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer bring you highlights from the Culinary Federation's 61st National Conference in Edmonton. They discuss key workshops on sustainable agriculture and food waste, along with exciting culinary competitions. The recent Food Fest at the Farmer's Market is also featured, showcasing local food creations and community engagement, including a fundraiser for Lush Valley and special awards. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming Seafood Festival from June 21-23, detailing various demos and events. The episode wraps up with special recognitions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Lesley Stav and acknowledgments of new board members. Tune in for an inspiring and informative journey through the latest in the culinary world!
#EdibleValley, #CulinaryInspiration, #FoodFest, #SeafoodFestival, #SustainableAgriculture, #FoodWaste, #CulinaryAwards, #CommunityEngagement, #CookingEvents, #FoodieCommunity, #LocalFood, #FarmersMarket, #CulinaryMasterclass, #ChefsCorner, #SeafoodDemos, #CookingWorkshops, #LifetimeAchievement, #ListenerEngagement, #FoodPodcast, #CulinaryPodcast

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer take a deep dive into the essential tool of every chef's arsenal: knives. From discussing the different types of knives commonly used in the kitchen to offering tips on proper grip, safety practices, and maintenance techniques, they provide invaluable insights for both novice and experienced cooks. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Chef Frazier and Stringer guide listeners on how to choose, handle, and care for knives to enhance their culinary journey. Tune in to sharpen your skills and slice through the world of kitchen knives!

In Episode #230 of "The Edible Valley Podcast," hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer delve into the vibrant world of tailgate traditions. After surviving Super Bowl in Los Vegas Chef Jonathan wanted to discuss the joys of tailgating. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into elaborate pre-game parties, they explore the origins, cultural significance, and regional variations of tailgating across America. With a focus on popular tailgate foods, traditional drinks, and tips for preparing delicious meals, listeners are treated to an engaging discussion filled with anecdotes and experiences that showcase the camaraderie, culinary delights, and community spirit of this beloved American pastime.
 
 
#FoodPodcast, #CulinaryConversations, #FoodieTalk, #GourmetPodcast, #CookingTips, #ChefTalk, #FoodCulture, #FoodStories, #DeliciousDishes, #FoodAndDrink, #EpicureanJourney, #TasteExploration, #GastronomicAdventure, #CulinaryExperience, #FlavorfulConversations, #KitchenInspiration, #FoodForThought, #TastyTalks, #FoodieCommunity, #CookingAdventures