Thanksgiving in Victoria

Did Thanksgiving sneak up on you this year? If you are looking for some ways to celebrate the harvest with a little less effort, then  take a look at the EAT round-up. With a casual apple-pressing day on a farm, a slow food cycle tour, catering, brunch or three-course dinner options, there is something here for everyone.

Alderlea Farm

On Saturday, October 8th, Alderlea Farm will celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend with a day of apple pressing. All are invited to bring their apples to press into juice, or just come to join the activity. Please let them know if you would like to press your own apples, so they can organize the schedule for pressing. The Café we will also be offering a delicious Thankgiving feast on the menu. The café is open from 11:00- 5:30. For more information, click here.

The Fairmont Empress

Chef Silva is preparing a five-course Thanksgiving Dinner in the Empress Room, Oct 7-10 ($75) as well as a Thanksgiving Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 9th ($39) featuring a cold buffet, a choice of à la carte hot entrées and a decadent dessert buffet including their chocolate fountain. Find reservation information here.

Feys and Hobbs

The Feys and Hobbs Thanksgiving Menu includes organic raised and vegetable fed free-range turkeys from Stonebridge Farm. Buy them ready to prepare at home, pre-brined or roasted. Other main course offerings are the elegant Turkey Roulade (4 servings/$40) and the Rolled and Braised Pork Shoulder (4 servings/$36). Sides include Maple Roast Root Vegetables (4 servings/$26), Squash Cheddar Mashed Potatoes (4 servings/$26) and Sweet Corn Spoon Pudding (4 servings/$28) Thanksgiving orders must be in by Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 4pm. Visit the Feys and Hobbes website for the complete menu.

Hotel Grand Pacific

The Hotel Grand Pacific is offering their three-course Thanksgiving Menu for both the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (Oct. 7-10) and the American Thanksgiving weekend. Three courses for $48/ adult and $20/ children under 12 years old, plus HST

Find the menu below:

Roasted Yam and Pear Puree,

Maple Crème Fraiche and Spiced Pecans

or

Pork Hock Terrine,

Pickled Vegetables, Frisée and Grainy Mustard

—

Roasted Free Range Turkey, Buttermilk Whipped Potatoes,

Italian Sausage Stuffing, Traditional Gravy

or

Pan Seared Trout Filet,

Bacon and Celery Root Bread Pudding, Brown Butter and Lemon Emulsion

—

Warm Gingerbread, Caramelized Apple Mousse,

Butterscotch Sauce

or

Sugar Pumpkin Pie, Vanilla Whipped Cream, Pumpkin Seed Praline

www.hotelgrandpacific.com

Sooke Slow Food Cycle

Community groups sharing a sustainable live/work/eat locally philosophy are banding together to present the first Sooke Slow Food Cycle (SSFC) on Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.

Choose between two routes both beginning at the Sooke Harbour House: The 30km “Red Route” traces back roads in the farm belt west of Sooke and is intended for mid-level and advanced riders. The gentler, pedestrian-friendly “Green Route,” winds along off-road trails snaking east through the town core. This latter route is also suitable for walkers, skateboarders and even those on horseback.

Along the way drop into 20+ farms, homes, businesses and green spaces for mini-workshops, demos, displays and friendly, practical expert advice on a wide variety of food, alternative energy and harvest-season themes: urban gardens, backyard chickens, beekeeping, electric bikes, food preservation, foraging, worm composting, edible seaweeds, solar power and more.

Tickets are available online and at regional bike shops ($21 per person/$42 for family groups). Any profits will be donated to nutrition-based cancer research on behalf of three local farmers battling the disease.

To learn more please visit: www.sookeslowfoodcycle.com

Vista 18

Vista 18 is offering a three-course Thanksgiving Dinner Feature Saturday, October 8 ~ Monday, October 10 ($45, taxes and gratuity not included) See menu below:

Starter

Local Corn Soup $9

crispy prosciutto julienne and basil purée

Main

Slow Roasted Turkey Breast $28

pulled smoked turkey thigh, chanterelle and brussels sprouts sautée,

Yukon gold potato mash, cranberry gravy

Dessert

Maple Walnut Cream Pie $10

spiced pumpkin ice cream

Call 250.382.9258 for reservations

 www.vista18.com