Sip & Savour Salt Spring 2014

I know it’s early to be thinking about fall – I loathe leaving summer behind before it’s even started – but still the memory of last years’ amazing array of tastes loops around my mind as I read the latest press release for this years’ events. I’m reminded of what a celebration of summer Sip & Savour is, and how much I will enjoy the foods to come. 

Each year the festival starts on Friday night with a Harvest Dinner from a selection of the many fine restaurants and wineries on the island. Last year I was lucky enough to dine at Hastings House, under the comand of chef Marcel Kauer. My recollection of rich silky fat melting on my tonge and crispy charred bits popping with garlic leave my mouth needy and my stomach flipping. I recal exactly how my glass of Mistaken Identity Vineyards Debut left me feeling as though I’d been warmed by the sun. With so many wonderful places to choose from it will be hard to select this years’ delights.

Saturday morning the famous market beckoned with a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds; I brought a heavy basket home filled with jewel toned carrots, tiny cantaloupe that perfumed the whole market with their sweetness, purple braids of garlic ready to be set up for winter, and red cherry tomatoes soft and heavy with juice, begging to be eaten immediately. I know my basket will be filled to overflowing this time as well.

Luckily I was mindful to leave room for the delights of the Grazing event in the afternoon – like the sweet, salty Korean pork belly tacos with homemade kimchi made by Chris Coates of SSI Mercantile that had everyone talking, and the surprisingly different coffee from SSI; their 2013 Africa Blend cold brewed for 16 hours then combined with a blueberry reduction. While I might longingly wish for a repeat of these things, I look forward to surprises which will tempt me anew.

To complete the day, multiple venues will be hopping with live music, dancing and festival dinners Saturday night, similar to the spectacular way Moby’s did last year – keep checking the website for updates. This time Sunday morning brings a new event to Sip & Savour; a Sparkling Wine Brunch at Harbour House. The event promises a spectacular brunch accompanied by a wide variety of local sparking wines to wake up your senses. All in all, an entire weekend of indulging in the best that Salt Spring is famous for. Keep in mind the the entire week afterwards is Canadian National Organic Week with many additional events, finishing off with the famous Apple Festival; an experience not to be missed!

—Kirsten Tyler

www.sipandsavoursaltspring.com (for updates about the Harvest Dinners and tickets etc.)

www.saltspringtourism.com

www.saltspringchamber.com (be sure to check out the just released “Salt Spring Island – Discover Yourself Here” Video for an early taste of what you will find on Salt Spring!)