Let’s face it, if you’re planning a trip to the Okanagan Valley, there are two things that you are absolutely going to be doing.
Eating & drinking.
The Okanagan is arguably British Columbia’s culinary epicentre, and since good food & wine is the way to every good traveller’s heart, you won’t be able to help but love the place.
Warning: do not browse on an empty stomach.
Liquidity
The view alone is worth the visit to Liquidity, but the food is pretty incredible too.
In the heart of Canada’s only desert, what better way to refresh than with a little liquid? Liquidity provides that and more, overlooking the surrounding hills, behind a sparkling pool of water.
The lunch menu is fresh, healthy, and beautifully arranged with colourful flowers and other edible treats.
Winner: Best View
Roasted Chicken Baguette with Island Brie, Pear, Blueberry Mustard, Farm Greens and Peppercorn Aioli and Gazpacho.
Organic Heritage Lettuces with Local Fresh Fruits, Southern BC Asiago, Biodynamic Balsamic Vinegar, Estate Herb Oil and Pistachio Pistou
House Made + Local Charcuterie with Hand Selected Artisan BC Cheeses, Bistro Pickles, Stone Fruit Mostarda, Roasted Cipollini and Dehydrated OK Falls Fruit
BBQ All Natural Beef Short Rib with Charred Summer Squash, Grilled Yukon Gold’s, Farmer Cheese, Mustard Greens and Cherry Pinot Noir Barbeque Sauce
Potted Wild Pink Salmon with Grilled Country Bread, Fennel Marmalade, Pickled Garden Carrots and White Turnip Remoulade
Backyard Farm Chef’s Table
Chef Chris and his wife Mikkel
Backyard Farm‘s cozy family atmosphere almost trumps Chef Chris’ appetizing meal. Almost.
These are just two reasons to make a visit to Backyard Farm.
The restaurant itself feels like a home, as if you’re spending the evening at family or friends’. The dining area opens up to the kitchen, where you are free to wander up and watch, or help out, while Chef Chris sets to work.
A property tour with a glass of wine completes the experience.
Winner: Most Homey
Roasted Peace Country lamb with Fondant potato, foraged chanterelles, wilted mustard greens, baby market veg and plum jus
Medley organics corn veloute, house smoked blue corn polenta and parsley oil
Organic heirloom tomato and cucumber with plum balsamic
A hint of cumulus tannins
The Bench Market
We made a quick stop at The Bench Market for breakfast before our kayaking wine tour, and I almost wanted to spend the rest of the morning there.
I ordered a tea, a slice of banana bread and one of their raved-about breakfast sandwiches, while sampling some of their fresh fruit cups and Danishes on the outdoor patio.
It was a good morning.
Winner: Best Breakfast
Gray Monk Winery
Every part of my lunch at Gray Monk Winery was incredible.
From the delicious views and flowing wine, to the beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere, it was easily the best meal of my trip to the Okanagan Valley.
I loved every dish that was placed in front of me and enjoyed every glass of wine.
Winner: Best Lunch
Pink banana squash soup with apple slaw
Italian plum flan with raspberry sorbet
Local Lounge & Grille
The Local Lounge & Grille was a winning combination of great food and a lovely view.
I always love a good patio meal, and the Local definitely impressed. It seemed to be the most popular place in town, which says a lot about its reputation.
Do yourself a favour and order the asparagus salad.
Winner: Best Salad
Pear sorbet float
An interestingly plated roasted beef tenderloin with carrot purée and pickled carrot
Covert Farms
Covert Farm is more of a wine adventure stop than a full blown meal destination, but it is easy to spend a couple of hours here, simply enjoying the property.
Take a farm tour in the back of a vintage 1952 Mercury Truck, through the vines and surrounding fields, finishing with a stop at the U-pick berry patches.
End your tour with a wine pairing on the misting wine patio, or take a bounce on the outdoor pillow pad, alongside some friendly farm animals.
Winner: Best Experience
Cooling down in the hot afternoon sun on the misting patio
Catching some air on the outdoor pillow pad (like a giant trampoline)
Bellissimo at The Vibrant Vine
I’ve already raved about Bellissimo‘s Chikka Tikka Pizza in multiple posts, but it was hands down the best pizza I have ever tasted, so I can’t leave it out of this list.
It’s India meets Italy.
Make a trip up to The Vibrant Vine for a Bubbles & Petals Garden Tour, and enjoy a wine-tasting before a Bellissimo Pizza picnic lunch in the sunshine.
Winner: Best Picnic
Raudz Regional Table
Raudz is worth coming in for a meal if you find yourself in Kelowna. I wouldn’t call it a culinary hot spot, but it has a fun atmosphere, good food and sits in the heart of Kelowna.
My favourite part about Raudz? The white chocolate cheese cake.
Placed in a small jar, topped with whipped cream, blueberry preserve and a small shortbread cookie, it was a happy kick to the taste buds at the end of the meal.
Winner: Best Dessert
Hand picked Dungeness crab cake with fish mousse, pickled cucumber salsa verde, cabbage and carrot slaw.
Grass fed beef cheese burger, RJB real relish, mayo on a potato bun with baked fries.
White chocolate cheese cake
Caesar salad with double smoked bacon, sundried olives and an herb bread stick
This trip was made possible by Destination BC.
All thoughts & opinions are my own.
What dish looks most appetizing to you?
It’s amazing! All your experience through out the valley were just amazing. Wine dining on all of their bars and resto will be the coolest thing you’ve done. While you are traveling, eating their most delicious food and drinking their most tasteful drinks will be the best part.