Once a year, through a tireless committee, Desert Sun Counseling and Resource Centre in Oliver joins forces with South Okanagan chefs to plan the annual ‘Grand’ Dinner and Dance. This themed four-course dinner featuring a silent and live auction and dancing have made this event a “must attend” in the South Okanagan.
This year’s eighth annual Grand Night is planned for Saturday, Jan. 26 and is themed ‘A Moroccan Escape’. Hosted by Watermark Beach Resort, guest chefs include Natasha Schooten from Terrafina Restaurant, Justin Paakunainen from Walnut Beach Resort, Jonas Stadlander from Watermark Beach Resort, Jeff Van Geest from Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek, Liam McNulty from Nk’Mip Cellars amongst others.
“We love to showcase the support of our community and local businesses at the event and throughout our ongoing fundraising for our programs,” said Sandy Summers, co-chair of the Grand Night.
Proceeds from this annual event represent a significant portion of the approximately $30,000 the centre must raise each year to fund the programs which provide a variety of essential and valuable services needed in the Oliver and Osoyoos communities. A safe home and shelter for women and children threatened by domestic violence, and family development and community outreach programs designed to develop independence and good life choices are just some of the services they provide.
For more information on the Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre and ticket info go to: www.desertsuncounselling.ca.
The first Okanagan Dinner Crawl is soon to happen in Kelowna.
What’s a crawl? Basically it is a three-course dinner with each course provided at three different restaurants. A walking tour, no two groups will have the same meal, with each restaurant featuring a three-course menu with a different group for each course.
The event is organized by Christina Ferreira of Impact Events and Alison Love of Spatula Media + Communications.
“We are really excited to bring these restaurant crawl events to the Okanagan,” said Ferreira.
“It’s a great way to try three restaurants in one evening, possibly trying events you haven’t yet visited. And how fun is it that you don’t know where you’re going for dinner until it is happening. Whether you are coming with a date, a group of friends or on your own, this evening will at minimum make you some new friends.”
For ticket info: www.okanagandinnercrawl.brownpapertickets.com.
There is always so much going on at my favourite Indian restaurant, Poppadoms – Taste India.
For starters the fabulous Urban Fare now carries their delicious Grandma’s Samosas and Spice Kits in store. Their 2013 cooking class schedule has also been released including a new lineup of hands-on master classes where guests will learn to cook inside the Poppadoms kitchen under the tutelage of owner Jas Dosanj.
Master classes are $125 per person (approximately three hours long) and guests will, amongst other things, learn the basics of Indian spice, knife skills plus three home-style recipes that you get to take away home. The lineup includes March 17: Taste Punjab — their family recipes from one of the most popular food regions in India. April 21: Taste Vegetarian India — inspired by local, seasonal vegetables. May 19: Taste Kerala — experience lighter flavours with coconut and seafood.
For the complete list of classes including their demonstration classes or to sign up online go to: www.poppadoms.ca or call 250-870-3659.
Jennifer Schell is the editor of B.C. Food and Wine Trails magazine.