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Penticton view worth dining for

Couples from Penticton and Summerland were whisked away by helicopter to a nearby hill top to experience a culinary delight.
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Giving a toast on high are (left to right) Dwight and Collette Shanner


Sunday’s delectable hill-top dining experience was definitely a meal with altitude.

Under bright blue skies Penticton’s Dr. Chris Toneff and three special guests experienced a multi-course, wine-paired menu on a rocky patio complete with 180-degree panoramic mountain and lake views.

Unlike a traditional picnic, attire was formal and grilled rack of lamb instead of hot dogs and hamburgers was the featured menu item.

Dr. Toneff was the winner of the Theo’s at 10,000 Feet draw in support of the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre.

With him for the unique dining experience was wife Sarah and now really good friends Dwight and Colette Shanner of Summerland.

The couples were transported to the site by chief pilot and Eclipse Helicopters owner Derek Robinson who doubled as the comedic component for the afternoon.

Robinson also airlifted the dining room table and chairs  and kitchen supplies to the location.

Sitting with a glass of bubbly and the valley at his feet, Dr. Toneff couldn’t keep the smile from his face.

“Where do I start,” he said shaking his head. “What a glorious day, the weather is hot, the ambience is wonderful, the helicopter ride (through Ellis Creek Canyon) was spectacular, the food is amazing. I’m just at a loss for words.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and probably never will again.”

The doctor was also the first to agree the single ticket was one of the best $10 he ever spent especially for such a “vital” service.

Part of that ambience was courtesy of Penticton’s classical guitar prodigy Jonathan Stuchbery whose melodic offerings blended with the natural surroundings of forest and sky.

The magic of the meal was created by Theo’s Restaurant executive chef David Stern who served up courses of dako traditional barley rusks, organic garden green salad (including some from Theo’s rooftop garden) yigantes (beans with honey, tomatoes and mint) and a baklava desert with local cherries.

Both Theo’s and Eclipse have provided their services free of charge for over two decades.

“Every year I am just blown away and humbled by the generosity of these business leaders who are willing to give us their time, their resources, their creativity to create this amazing event for OSNS,” said the centre’s executive director Manisha Willms, during a break from her serving duties. “These partnerships are vitally important to be able to provide the peadiatric services  of the quality that we want to.”

Robinson and Theo’s owner Nikos Theodosakis both agreed their commitment is to see the centre continue its work throughout the Okanagan Similkameen.

“I think the most important thing about Eclipse and it’s involvement in community is something that has relevance and for me it’s all about the children,” said Robinson.

Added Theodosakis: “It’s a lovely event that helps raise awareness about of this great resource that is OSNS. “It’s fun to use food and sharing as a vehicle for that awareness.”

Other sponsors included the Naramata Bench Wineries Association and Grape Friends Lounge & Tours.

OSNS board chair Tyler Chick arrived in shorts and t-shirt, then quickly disappeared into the trees, emerging a short time later clothed as super Maître d.

And Dr. Toneff, if you’re wondering, tickets for next year’s draw go on sale later this month .