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June 17, 2021

Kootenay Rockies: Farm to Fork

With the support of consumers and chefs who are dedicated to buying local ingredients whenever possible, farm-to-fork is what locals and visitors crave.

Whether you live in the Kootenays or are visiting, many are interested in the various stages of food production from the harvest, storage, processing, packaging, sales to, the best part, CONSUMPTION

Around the Kootenays many restaurants are celebrating this slow food movement which is the concept of dining that combines whole foods that are locally grown, dishes made with health of the body & soul in mind and meals that are appreciated when eaten.   Here are some Kootenay ‘hot spots’ embracing this delicious concept:

COLUMBIA VALLEY

From Scratch – a Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs, is a haven for food lovers offering delicious, fresh and seasonal products to dine in, take out, or shop. They believe in low food miles and support a local food network by creating positive relationships with local farmers and growers. Their ingredients are seasonal and delicious, sourced throughout BC.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by janeyjune673) – We absolutely love coming to From Scratch. Not only is the food the best in the Columbia Valley but the staff are amazing, especially Lara the owner she goes out of her way to make you feel at home. We also purchased Perogies for Peace thanks for donating all the proceeds you all rock!!!

Photo courtesy of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen

The Birchwood Restaurant in downtown Invermere is a a mountain casual dining experience with a unique and relaxing outdoor patio in the summer. We offer a variety of seasonal menu options and cater to dietary requirements.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Cathy C) – We had the cauliflower bites as an appetizer and they were outstanding. The mains were arctic char, steak and lamb shank, the veggies were all fresh and local. For dessert we had the Creme Brulee (walnut and chocolate was the flavour of the day) and the trio which was a sampling of three desserts – sticky toffee pudding, ice cream sandwiches, and mini doughnuts! Worth blowing the diet for!!

CRANBROOK

The Heid Out and Fisher Peak Brewing Company pulls from the experience of their 5 Red Seal chefs in the kitchen coupled with award winning Fisher Peak beers, brewed in house and served right from the tanks downstairs.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by MargaretA249) – Staying in Cranbrook for the night on a road trip. Ordered dinner to pick up to bring back to our hotel. It was ready on time and hot when we got it home. The spinach, pear salad was large and quite tasty. Definitely not over dressed. Plenty for two to share. Pasta carbonara was penne with loads of bacon and chicken. Chicken Marsala had excellent flavour and the chicken was so tender. Basmati rice, raita, naan and roasted veggies made for a great meal.

Apricot Wit in season, photo courtesy of The Heid Out & Fisher Peak Brewing Co.

GOLDEN

The Reposados way is to use only the freshest produce to create simple, healthy & delicious fusions inspired by the flavours of Mexico. Using authentic spices, the colours are bright & the aromas are vibrant. They pride theirselves by the fact that everything is handmade fresh everyday, from grilling juicy street style meats to making our own corn tortillas from scratch.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by 443FrankV) – This is a must visit in Golden, make sure to ask for the outdoor dining experience in the igloo. The food was amazing. Fresh, tasteful and authentically Mexican. If you parachuted me into this restaurant blind folded I would have though I was at a Mexican restaurant in Mexico. The speciality cocktails were also very tasteful, and exquisitely designed.

KASLO

Taqueria El Corazon features fresh traditional Mexican tacos and tequilas served with love and a focus on local, regional. organic and fair trade ingredients.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Kootenaymtngirl) – Amazingly good food, great service and atmosphere. We have been to Kaslo several times and this trip we finally managed to eat at “the Mexican place”. Food surpassed all of the rave reviews we’ve heard! Maddy was our server and she too was outstanding – this business is lucky to have her! This little gem is only open Thursday through Sunday so plan accordingly because you don’t want to miss it!

Photo courtesy of Taqueria El Corazon

KIMBERLEY

The original Old Bauernhaus Restaurant was first constructed more than 350 years ago in Southern Bavaria or the Alps in Germany and was used as a servants quarters. In 1987, it was dismantled and in 1989 shipped to Canada and reconstructed in Kimberley, where it has been ever since. It operates today as a restaurant offering freshly prepared specialities and traditional Bavarian dinners.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by joeyf296) – My wife and I have dined here since ’98. The food here is always outstanding. I made a reservation for a Saturday evening two weeks in advance to assure a seat. I loved the smoked trout appetizer as it was quite large and I would order it again. I was also very much impressed with the elk medallion and Spaetzle dinner. Fantastic!

NELSON

At Broken Hill they  serve only the highest quality ingredients sourced locally and sustainably when possible. All meats are hormone and antibiotic free. Their craft beer & Whiskey bar/restaurant offers Texas-style BBQ including vegetarian, vegan and Gluten free options. 

~ TripAdvisor Review (by coralh275) – The food was top notch. We love smokehouse and were pleasantly surprised with some unique menu items that were definitely worth trying. The service was fantastic!

Photo courtesy of Broken Hill

The Red Light Ramen Bar restaurant selects seasonal vegetables direct from Kootenay farmers. They use 90% organic oils and vinegar’s, our animal products are hormone free, antibiotic free and ethically raised in BC. Our eggs are from free roaming hens. We prepare our food fresh daily and use only the most reputable suppliers.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Sarah2021UK) – One of my favourite spots in Nelson to pop for a drink. The ginger mojito is fresh with a touch of spice, the corpse reviver nails its strength with zest and the much loved but no longer on the menu Japanese based cocktail with wildflower salt is AMAZING! To top it off the vegan butternut squash ramen is warm and homely. Shout out to the staff who always make me feel welcome and provide top service. Cheers!

A cheddar zucchini noodle bowl, photo courtesy of the Red Light Ramen Bar

REVELSTOKE

Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery in Revelstoke, sources local ingredients for their hand-crafted spirits. Owner Josh McLafferty collaborates with local producers to create unique spirits. Collaborations have included garlic infused vodka made with garlic from Track Street Growers, Big Mountain Creamer made with locally roasted Stoke Roasted Coffee  and locally sourced Juniper, coriander, huckleberries, spruce tips and wildflowers form the foundation of their Ethos Gin.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Shannon P) – Best cocktails in Revelstoke !! Possibly the best in BC, we’ve checked out hundreds of bars restaurants and distilleries over the years and this was by far our favourite.

Photo courtesy of Monashee Spirits & Tourism Revelstoke; photo by Keri Knapp

The Quartermaster Eatery has a menu that’s only all natural and organic; they work with small local producers, boutique ranchers, and wild/sustainable fisheries to bring the best of BC to your plate. Whenever you eat at the Quartermaster you’ll see unique local ingredients featured in their cocktails and on their menu.

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Andrea O) – We called without a reservation on a Saturday and were so lucky to get a table. The service was really good – attentive but not over bearing. The food was amazing, although the menu was small compared to other places they do what they do brilliantly, drinks great too! We would definitely recommend this restaurant – but make sure you book else you could miss out.

ROSSLAND

Happy Hills Farm is a diverse 2.4 hectare (6-acre) farm in Rossland, that produces high quality, nutrient dense and flavourful vegetables, fruit, herbs and microgreens year-round, using bio-intensive, regenerative farming practices.

They have fostered a number of relationships with local chefs and restaurant owners to help bring their local food to restaurant menus in the West Kootenays. Visit the Alpine Grind Coffee House & Eatery, Clansey’s, Gabriella’s, the Trail Beer Refinery and the Velvet at The Josie  to enjoy delicacies created by local chefs with ingredients supplied from Happy Hills Farm. Happy Hills Farm also operates a brand new Farm Store open Thursday through Sunday from May to October for everyone to access their food and visit their farm.

~ TripAdvisor Review for The Velvet at the Josie Hotel (by horacioc897) – I have been in this restaurant at least 6 times, over lunch, apres and dinner. The service is great, the manager is lovely and the food is excellent. Even the Taste of Spain was good, and I have been in Spain multiple times. The Clam Chowder that I had there is the best that I have tasted and I used to live in Eastern Cost USA. Now I am addicted to mussels and fries, they are super for lunch. Make yourself a favour and try this restaurant, if you have any doubt start with their Clam Chowder and then go for the fix menu.

SLOCAN VALLEY

The Frog Peak Cafe, in Crescent Valley, strives to offer their community and visitors beautiful food.  They source their ingredients from as close to the restaurant as they can. They live by the motto “put love into it” and love this beautiful area they call home.  They are located on the edge of the Slocan River in the beautiful Slocan Valley. 

~ TripAdvisor Review (by Kim C) – My husband and I drove here from Castlegar, where we were holidaying for a wedding. It was well worth the drive. I struggled to decide what to eat, everything looked good, but settled on the the Huevos Rancheros which were excellent. I don’t remember what my husband ordered, but he also mentioned it was delicious. We lingered over coffee for a while, and very much enjoyed people watching – lots of kids were running around on the grassy area playing. It was busy but had a relaxed, holiday-esque feeling. Definitely recommend, and we look forward to coming back when we’re in the area next.

Enjoy — everything is fresh, natural and organic!

We are ready for you, photo courtesy of Broken Hill Nelson

Know Before You Go – Plan ahead so you can travel safely and responsibly. Familiarize yourself with weather, road conditions, general alerts for travellers and provincial health orders & recommendations.

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~ Everything is Local
~ Kootenay Coffee Road Trip: Meet the Locals
~ Kootenay Farmers’ Markets
~ Kootenay Made
~ Our Kootenay Spirits
~ Savouring the Kootenay Rockies this Summer
Wet Your Whistle: Along a Kootenay Road Trip
~ We are All Connected
 
Cover/top photo courtesy of Red Light Raman Bar in Nelson.

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