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Off the Eaten Path Dinner Series – Salmon Feast

When it comes to fresh, local ingredients and delicious dining experiences, there’s nothing that pairs better than beautiful, outdoor spaces. This was the basis that formed our Off the Eaten Path dinner series. This farm to table venture has truly been one of the highlights of our summer season. As the third and final dinner of the year, we decided to do something different.

Shot of a Nanaimo River Coho Buck

This change of pace was inspired by the changes that September brings. A change in the temperature, in the foliage, and in the local wildlife. Most notably, the spawning salmon that make the journey from salt water to fresh water, travelling up the Nanaimo river each year in order to reach the place of their birth. This annual event has marked a time of harvest for thousands of years.

We’re partnering again with Farm’s Gate Foods & Catering in this family-style dinner event. And in an effort to provide the ideal natural environment for this event we’re hosting it in the beautiful confines of Living Forest Campground, which is situated at the point where the ocean meets the Nanaimo River. This junction is the ideal place to view the salmon as they travel towards their destination, continuing a cycle that means so much to our ecosystem.

View From Living Forest Campground Overlooking the Ocean

If you would like to participate in our salmon feast, be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter for the latest updates. Want to take this experience a step further? Why not join us for our annual Paddle With the Salmon event which will also be hosted at Living Forest. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.

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Off the Eaten Path Dinner Series – Vineyard

The difficulty with managing a tourism business on Vancouver Island isn’t that there aren’t enough opportunities, it’s that there are just too many to choose from! Between the amazing wineries, world-class restaurants, and beautiful scenery, deciding where to go or what to showcase can be a challenge. There are, quite simply, too many amazing businesses to partner with.

Beautiful dinner made by the team at Hilltop Bistro

We had this in mind when we sought to create our Off the Eaten Path dinner series, a Farm to Table venture set in different locations. The series, we hoped, would be a way to provide rare and intimate dining experiences by partnering with local businesses. Farm to Table dining experiences have become popular and are in high demand. People want something unique and different to participate in, while at the same time supporting local agriculture.

The Hilltop team hard at work

We approached a few friends about our idea and it wasn’t long before it began to take shape. The team at Hilltop Bistro have created one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Nanaimo. We knew that they’d create an unforgettable menu for our guests while sourcing many of their ingredients from local farmers. The Chateau Wolff Estate Winery has a beautiful property in rural Nanaimo facing the southern slopes of Mount Benson. This lovely property would prove to be the perfect setting for what turned out to be a wonderful night.

Tables set and ready

While we set up the tents, laid out the silverware, went bushwacking for the salal centrepieces and watered the flower pots, clouds loomed overhead. The threat of rain had all of us on edge as we toiled away. While we were determined to see our vision through, we thought bringing a few blankets along might not be a bad idea.

Chateau Wolff Estate overlooking Mt. Benson

But of course, in the end, there was nothing to worry about. The dinner was a masterpiece of west coast fare, made with plenty of seafood, local seasonal ingredients and prepared with the utmost care. Chateau Wolff were ever the hospitable hosts, happy to share their piece of paradise with our guests. As for ourselves, we can’t thank our friends enough for all of their hard work and we look forward to the next one!

If you’re interested in hearing about Part 2 of our Off the Eaten Path dinner series, the date and venue have been set! It will be taking place at Cedar Valley Hop Yards on August 16th, so be sure to follow us on instagram and facebook for updates!