Country Grocer’s quarterly food and lifestyle magazine
Friends Family & Halloween Fall 2015 | Complimentary
happenings
Savouring the Saskatoon Get fresh with sushi www.countrygrocer.com
Do you want to Lose Weight‌ Increase your Energy‌ Improve your Health? With all the toxins we eat, drink, and inhale every day, cleansing is very important for a healthy body. But what is the best way to cleanse? Fortunately, Renew Life -
First Cleanse is gentle and designed for anyone who has never cleansed before. Rapid Cleanse is perfect for those who only want a 7 day but very
companymakes it easy.
CleanseSMART is an advanced, total body 30 day cleanse.
Go ahead, what are you waiting for?
See in-store for money saving coupon!
COUNTRY GROCER 374 Lower Ganges Rd. Saltspring Island (250) 537-4144
1865 Bowen Rd. Nanaimo (250) 753-7545
Fall into autumn on the Island Welcome to the fall edition of Friends & Family magazine. We hope you enjoyed the summer as much as we did. The weather was amazing. It was PETER CAVIN, DIRECTOR, great seeing COUNTRY GROCER the kids and their family and friends in our stores recounting stories of their time at camp, cabins, beaches and so many other special places. As the weather cools, we look forward to fall and all the great things we have on the go. We’ll be celebrating 31 years this October and November and want to thank you for supporting our Islandowned and operated business. We wouldn’t be in business if it wasn’t for your loyalty. That support also allows us to give back to the communities in which we live and work, and I’m sure you’ll find the anniversary promotion exciting. We also want to thank our suppliers for making the anniversary events happen. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to offer such great value and awesome prizes. This fall, we also look forward to the Gluten Free Gala in Victoria, the annual bonfire and fireworks in Cobble Hill, a cross-promotion with the Canadian Cancer Society and Slegg Lumber, our annual Help Fill a Dream campaign and of course, the many seasonal parades on the Island. Learn about these and much more in this fall edition. Happy reading! Peter Cavin
IN THIS ISSUE
6Gold Rush!
Country Grocer supports the Royal BC Museum this fall
Savouring the Saskatoon
4 12
> RECIPES: Homemade Tortillas Spiced Pumpkin Flan
10
Roasted Lamb + Feta Mint Emulsion
12
8
SENSATIONAL SUSHI
WHAT’S IN STORE
Editor Jennifer Blyth
jblyth@telus.net
Group Publisher
Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca Associate Group Publisher
Oliver Sommer osommer@blackpress.ca
24
Sales
Patty Doering pdoering@vicnews.com Design
Jennifer Blyth and Lily Chan Circulation Director
Bruce Hogarth
www.blackpress.ca
BE PET PREPARED
818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 Phone 250-381-3484 Fax 250-386-2624
Friends & Family magazine is published quarterly by Country Grocer and Black Press. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Friends & Family. The contents of Friends & Family magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 3
Halloween
Happenings
Thousands are expected to take part in the annual bonfire and fireworks display at Country Grocer’s Cobble Hill store
JENNIFER BLYTH Ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties will be going bump all around the Island this Halloween night. The question is, how will you celebrate?
Greater Victoria
In the Greater Victoria community of Esquimalt, Halloween begins with a Pumpkin Swim, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Get the fun started in the pool at this popular annual event, braving the familyfriendly Halloween games and activities in the water and on the pool deck. The cost is $11.50/family or free with your Esquimalt Recreation Pass. After the swim and trick or treating, stop by Esquimalt’s Halloween Bonfire, hosted by Esquimalt Lions, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 in the back parking lot of the Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd. Everyone is welcome to this free annual event, a community favourite. Enjoy a costume contest for all ages with fabulous prizes donated by local merchants, plus hot dogs and hot chocolate by donation with proceeds to the Esquimalt Splash Park initiative. For details contact at Esquimalt Recreation at 250-412-8500. Get your ghoul on when the Victoria Zombie Walk stumbles forth from Centennial Square at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The walking dead will move down both Government and Douglas streets, ending at the historic Legislative Buildings. Ghosts of Victoria Festival celebrates all things spooky from Oct. 17 to 31 and includes Ghostly Walks, Cemetery Tours, Pumpkin Art and more. In nearby Saanich, home to Country Grocer’s Royal
4 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Oak store, Galey Farms hosts the annual Corn Maze, Market and Railway. Come mid-October thoughts turn to Halloween, with Pumpkinfest and the Festival of Fear, with spooky goings-on for all ages. See www.galeyfarms.net for details. Learn about Victoria’s spooky history with Saanich Recreation’s Horse-Drawn Ghost Tours, with times available from Oct. 27 to 30. Travel through the most haunted parts of James Bay telling the best ghost stories the city knows. Try to spot ghosts! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Halloween Spooktacular fills Pearkes Rec Centre Saturday, Oct. 31. Kids from one to six years and their families can take in a morning of crafts, entertainment, carnival games and bouncing from 9 to 11 a.m. Wear your costume and have a spooktacular time. From 12:25 to 1:35 p.m., wear a costume with your helmet and get in free for a Halloween skate. Regular admission is $3.
Cowichan Valley
In the Cowichan Valley, Cowichan Recreation hosts a family-friendly Bowling Halloween Costume Party, Friday, Oct. 30 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring a Halloween costume party, pumpkin carving, games, snacks and beverages at the Youbou Hall. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family. Come Halloween night, it’s time for the free, all ages Halloween Haunted House & Party, from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Youbou Hall. Bring your own ghoulie gadgets to help make the haunted house and vie for prizes for the most hair-raising hellions. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the haunted house opening at 6
p.m. Costume judging is at 7 p.m. with fireworks immediately afterwards. The Cobble Hill Country Grocer goes all out for the Halloween season, with the annual bonfire lighting up the parking lot at dusk, followed by spectacular fireworks. Don your best costume and come on out for the fun, including treat bags for the first 200 children.
Ladysmith & Nanaimo
In Ladysmith, Oct. 21 to 31 brings the Huard Haunted House, open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., but this is a Halloween event that is neither for the faint of heart, nor for small children. Proceeds support cancer research and local youth bowlers. In Nanaimo, Beban Pool invites swimmers to make a splash at the Halloween Howl, from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. Come Saturday, Oct. 31, the fun is at Frank Crane Arena where the Spooktacular Skate hits the ice from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
the
RENAISSANCE retirement residence
“ T H E A R T O F L I V I N G W E L L”
Salt Spring
On Salt Spring Island, the spooky season lurches off with a Zombie Walk through Ganges on Sunday, Oct. 25. Don you best zombie makeup or head to the gazebo after 10 a.m. for help putting your most frightening face forward. Halloween night brings trick-or-treating, haunted houses and fireworks over Ganges.
Glow safe Oct. 31
Stop by your Country Grocer store this October for a $5 SNAP band – not only will it help you be seen, but proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Tours from
Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
The Best Choice in Retirement Living, Quality and Convenience Our Walking Score 92. “Walking is our Best Medicine” Hippocrates 400 BC **Move in before Dec. 1, 2015 & we will pay the cost of moving! 1188 ESQUIMALT RD. (VILLAGE CENTER) 250.386.1188 | www.renaissancevictoria.com
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 5
Help museum strike gold
Induction & Fuel Injection Service Out of Province Inspection Diesel Fuel Service Brake Service Oil Service Electrical
Ask about B ProtectioG Plan* n
OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVING AUTOMOBILES
Exhaust
RACKSIDE
Tires
AUTO SERVICE LTD.
A FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR FACILITY
784 Fairview Rd. (250) 383-5509 www.tracksideautoservice.ca
Country Grocer, Gold Rush Hashbrowns and local shoppers are celebrating the Royal BC Museum’s Gold Rush! exhibit and giving back to the museum at the same time. Through Oct. 10, Country Grocer will donate 65 cents from the sale of every bag of Gold Rush Hashbrowns to the Royal BC Museum Foundation. “We are excited and thankful to local businesses Country Grocer and Gold Rush Hash Browns for their community-minded support of the Royal BC Museum,” says Shaun Cerisano, Annual Campaign Manager, Royal BC Museum. “This promotion will help us raise funds to support important conservation work, so that future generations can learn about the history of beautiful British Columbia.” The special promotion honours this season’s blockbuster exhibit, Gold Rush! El Dorodo in B.C., on at the museum through Nov. 1. The exhibition explores the events and consequences of the 1858 discovery of gold in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon, the catalyst for a dramatic migration of people that propelled this once remote region of western North America into the modern age. With fascinating stories of adventure, heartbreak and upheaval, the exhibit brings the gold rush to life as only the museum can – through the very best of its unparalleled collection of rare artifacts, archival photographs and original historical documents.
Vanillablossom
“We Bottle the Sun”
Get Yours Today
Available at your local Country Grocer
Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extracts & Pastes
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPE Ingredients: 1 Cup Butter, ¾ Cup Yellow Sugar ¾ Cup White Sugar, 2 Large Egg 1 Tsp Baking Soda dissolved in hot water 1 -375 gm package of semi – sweet chocolate chips 2 Tsp Vanillablossom Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract, 2 ¼ Cups all purpose flour, 1 Tsp salt
1. Beat butter, yellow and white sugar until light and fluffy scraping sides of bowl as you go 2. Add 2 eggs and beat till creamy 3. Add baking soda and hot water mix 4. Add Vanillablossom Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract 5. Gradually add flour and salt 6. Form balls of cookie dough between 1-2 “in diameter. 7. Bake @ 350 for 12 min or until golden brown on a greased cookie sheet. Makes approximately 60 cookies at 3” diameter
1 Tbsp Vanilla Paste = 1 Vanilla Bean Great for home made Créme Brule, Custard or Ice Cream.
Try our PURE Madagascar Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanillablossom Saanichton, BC, V8M 1Z8 250-893-9962
www.vanillablossom.com
6 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Keeping Your Water Hot!
As your water heater ages it becomes less efficient and takes longer to heat. We can help determine the age of your tank and what you may need to keep your Water Hot. Give us a call Today!
Our team can help you!
Plumbing - Heating - Gas - Sewer - Drainage Repairs/Replacement throughout your home.
As a local, home-grown business, our mission is to ensure our customers receive quality service with honest pricing. Our professional staff can help you take care of your home.
CALL 250.920.7877 www.swiftplumbing.com
Professional Service 24 Hours A Day
I
ndulgences
Old-fashioned Favs
WHAT’S IN STORE
Dynamite Dunks
Sidney-based Melinda’s Biscotti has been a local favourite for years, but now Country Grocer is pleased to welcome a few new flavours. 5-Star Chocolate is an indulgent treat featuring chocolate biscotti dough stuffed with milk and white chocolate, or look on the bakery’s gluten-free shelves for the celiac-friendly Espresso biscotti.
Indulge a sweet tooth with an old-fashioned favourite: glazed, old-fashioned donuts from Victoria’s Nickleodeon Donuts. Popular with customers of all ages, you’ll find them on the bakery shelves.
Fresh food from FreshPet
All-Natural Nelly
People aren’t the only ones in for a treat with all the new goodies at their Country Grocer store. Pets will also be pleased to be one of the family! The stores have introduced FreshPet Food, including 12 varieties of fresh dog food plus two varieties for their feline companions. The Canadian product is available in a variety of pet-yummy flavours.
Not only will Nellie’s AllNatural laundry nuggets and laundry soda help your clothes look their best, the attractive, 1950s-inspired packaging will also look lovely in your laundry room. Products are free of irritating toxins and phosphates, and are biodegradable.
Your Lakeside Resort in the City! Your Lakeside Resort in the City! TOLL FREE 1.800.565.1144 4700 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) PHONE 250.758.1144
WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM Your Lakeside Resort in the City!
NANAIMO V9T 1W6 TOLL FREEB.C. 1.800.565.1144 PHONE 250.758.1144
4700 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) NANAIMO B.C. V9T 1W6
FOLLOW US ON
FREE 1.800.565.1144 4700 N. ISLAND HWY (19A) 8 TOLL » Friends&Family » FALLB.C. 2015 | countrygrocer.com PHONE 250.758.1144 NANAIMO V9T 1W6
WWW.INNONLONGLAKE.COM
FOLLOW US ON
West Bay Mechanical Head to the deli department for Country Grocer’s new line of gourmet salads, sandwiches and fresh-cut fruit, perfect for a snack, lunch or light supper. Made fresh in-store each morning, taste-tempting options include a buffalo chicken wrap, roast beef bagel sandwich and curry chicken wrap. Stop by the expanded soup station for a delicious accompaniment.
Competitive Rates Starting as Low as
89/hr
$
Fresh Food for You
ASK ABOUT OUR
Peak Performance Maintenance Program: • Reduce the possibility of an A/C or heating breakdown. • Reduce utility & repair costs! • Provide preferential emergency service! • Provide a 15% parts discount! • Enhance your comfort level. • Warranty all repairs for 365 days parts AND labour!
Super Organic Toppings
CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DE LA CONSTRUCTION
Litehouse has introduced a new line of organic salad dressings under the Green Garden label. Liven up your greens with the flavourful Orange Miso, Pomegranate Hibiscus, Lime Cumin, Balsamic Vinaigrette or Sweet Onion sauces.
30 OFF FURNACE &
$
DUCT CLEANING AERO Furnace, Duct & Chimney Cleaning One per customer. May not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires November 30, 2015.
Best Brands! Best Prices! Best Service!
Available 24/7! Just call
250-478-8532 www.westbaymechanical.com
FREE CHIMNEY SWEEP When you order a furnace and air duct cleaning
10 OFF
$
YOUR CHIMNEY SWEEP
AERO Furnace, Duct & Chimney Cleaning
AERO Furnace, Duct & Chimney Cleaning
One per customer. May not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires November 30, 2015.
One per customer. May not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires November 30, 2015.
CLEAN, FAST SERVICE ANYWHERE IN VICTORIA
250-479-0090 • aeroservices.ca
FURNACES AND AIR DUCTS • DRYER VENTS • CHIMNEY FLUES • HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 9
Country Grocer’s new Triple Berry Muffins, with Saskatoon berries from the Island, grown at Cobble Hill’s South Island Saskatoons.
Savouring the Saskatoon BY JENNIFER BLYTH When Saskatoon’s Dan and Carol Teichrob happened upon a Cobble Hill farm while looking for a place to retire to on the Island, the happy coincidence that the farm was growing Saskatoon berries was not unwelcome. When they found the property also boasted not one but two family homes – and that, yes, their daughter Sharon Vanhouwe and her husband, Monty, would like to move west too – well, it seemed like whatever stars watch over such things were indeed aligned. “Everything just fell into place,” Carol reflects. Two years later, the two couples are enjoying West Coast life and finding new ways to introduce Islanders to this little-known (at least in these parts) local berry from their seven-acre orchard, South Island Saskatoons. “A lot of people on Vancouver Island don’t know what they are,” Carol says, however in northern B.C. and the prai-
10 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
ries, they’re quite popular. While the berries are similar in appearance to blueberries, they’re actually in the rose family, and related to apples, hawthorn and mountain ash. They grow on small trees or mid-sized shrubs that Monty and Dan keep at about sixto eight-feet-tall so the “U-pickers” can reach, Carol says. Last year, the farmers harvested a whopping eight tonnes of berries. The berries grow in clusters, so they’re easy to pick and have a nice flavour. Historically, Saskatoons were an important food source for both indigenous people and the early pioneers. At harvest time, Monty and Dan use a high bush cranberry harvester that shakes the berries off the branches and onto a conveyor belt to ensure the quality of every berry. From there flats of berries are transferred into a chiller for 24 hours before they are sorted and packaged. Those in the Cowichan Valley can
also find Sharon at the Duncan and Cedar farmers’ markets, where her Saskatoon berry scones, pies, jams and jellies are a popular staple. It was at the market Sharon also discovered interest in another product. She had been working on a Saskatoon berry filling and created small shortbread tarts as a way for people to sample the filling. The tarts themselves proved so popular that people were soon asking for those too! “It’s proven to be very successful,” Carol says. “The sales are going really well for it.” And for those looking for a tasty treat this fall, that same filling is now the star of a new line of Triple Berry muffins baked fresh at the Island’s Country Grocer stores, and by all accounts, receiving rave reviews. Here’s to a new favourite among the Island’s berry line-up!
“ Serving customers on Vancouver Island for 50 years and a proud partner of Country Grocer since 1999.”
Certified Organic Coffee Dan Teichrob harvests the Saskatoon berries at the Cobble Hill farm.
2
BLACK BURGUNDY - PANTONE 188 RED - PANTONE 186
1.25
DARK GREEN - PANTONE 342 LIGHT GREEN - PANTONE 356 GOLD - 457
LOGO TO MAINTAIN 1.25 X 2 RATIO
IVORY - 0c 1m 10y 0k
www.creekmorescoffee.com Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 11
Gregg Eligh photos
RECIPES from Chef Michael
Homemade Tortillas
Spiced Pumpkin Flan
Roasted Lamb + Feta Mint Emulsion
Servings: n/a Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: depends on the size of the roast Preparation Time: 45 minutes Cooking Time: 60 – 90 minutes
Making tortillas from scratch is fun and easy and it is something the whole family can do together. Even the little ones can participate in this process if you have a tortilla press. Given how delicious they are, you will probably never go back to the packaged options.
This delicious dessert is a great way to enjoy some fall flavours. The best part is that it’s made with nutritious organic pumpkin as the base and lightly sweetened with honey instead of processed sugar.
Roast lamb is a special treat and with this easy recipe you can enjoy a complete meal with ease. The delicious sauce cuts the richness of the lamb and goes great on the veggies too!
What you need: 1 package Bob’s Red Mill Masa Harina Salt Water Tortilla press Parchment paper Fry pan Method: 1. For making the mix, follow the directions on the package. You want it to be as moist as possible, but not so moist that it sticks to your hands. A good test is to form the dough, and with a clean finger, push into the mix gently. It should be soft but not stick to your finger. 2. Once you have the mix just right, form into balls about the size of a ping pong ball. 3. Preheat a large fry pan on medium heat and grease lightly. I like cast iron the best for this process. 4. Now press the ball between two 6-inch square pieces of parchment paper using a tortilla press or you can try pressing between the bottom of a fry pan and your counter-top. The press is definitely handy and worth the $20 investment. 5. I usually press and then quarter-turn the tortilla and press again. Once pressed, carefully peel the parchment off each side and place the tortilla into the preheated pan. Cook for 60 to 90 seconds, until the edges begin to slightly curl up. Then turn and cook for only 15 seconds on the second side. You want just a hint of colour so as to not dry out the tortilla. 6. A key to soft tortillas is to stack the hot tortillas in a single pile in a tortilla warmer or in a folded tea towel as soon as they come out of the pan. This keeps them warm for some time and also prevents them from drying out as they cool. So even if you are making them ahead of time you still want to stack them to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. 7. Now use for tacos or mini quesadillas and enjoy!
Ingredients: ½ cup sugar ¼ cup water 1 cup organic canned pumpkin (not pie mix) 1 cup Everland organic coconut milk (shaken or stirred) ½ cup honey 2 egg + 2 yolk ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Pinch of cardamom and salt Method: 1. Lay out six – 4oz custard dishes in a deep casserole dish and preheat the oven to 350° F. 2. Combine sugar and water in a small pot on high heat. Once the sugar begins to boil, reduce heat to medium and cook (carefully swirling occasionally) until it turns amber in colour. Brush the crystals forming on the side of pot back into the cooking sugar with a heat-resistant brush or spatula. 3. Immediately, and taking great care as the caramelized sugar is over 300° F, pour the sugar into each of the custard dishes so a thin layer of caramel covers the bottom of each dish. 4. Warm the coconut milk in a pot along with the honey and then combine with the egg, cardamom, cinnamon and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk very well. 5. Divide the mixture evenly between the custard dishes. 6. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Carefully pour the boiling water into the casserole dish so the water level comes half way up the custard dishes. 7. Place in the oven carefully so the water does not roll over the edge of the dishes. 8. They should take about 25 minutes but check after 20 as you do not want to over-cook. Carefully slide out the oven rack and then give one of the dishes a little shake. They’re ready to take from the oven when they’re set on the edges but just slightly wiggly in the centre. 9. Let the flans cool in the water for 10 minutes then remove and chill in the fridge for at least two hours. 10. To serve, run a paring knife around the edges of the dish a few times and then invert onto a plate. It may require a little tapping to persuade the flan out of the dish. Serve as is or with some roasted apple as in the picture.
12 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Ingredients: 1 leg of lamb (whole, shank end or butt end) 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped Coarse salt and pepper Assorted veg – nugget potatoes, large diced onion, parsnip, carrot etc. 1 shallot, sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 1 Serrano pepper, ribs and veins removed, sliced ½ cup (about one package) fresh mint with thick stems removed ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup feta cheese ¼ of a cucumber 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 Tbsp lemon juice Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 400° F. 2. Combine olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and rub over lamb. 3. Cut veggies into roughly one-inch cubes when possible. Anything smaller will likely burn. Place the veg on the bottom of a casserole dish or roasting pan big enough to catch all your lamb’s drippings. 4. Place lamb on top of the veg and insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. If it is a bone-in roast, make sure the probe is not right beside the bone. 4. Roast until 145° F for medium (just a touch of pink inside) or 155° F for well done. Medium will take just over one hour depending on the size and well done just over 1.5 hours. I personally don’t like my lamb leg any less than medium as it’s too tough. The extra cooking time helps break down the connective tissues. 5. Once it has reached the desired temperature, remove the roast, cover with foil or an inverted mixing bowl to keep warm and let the roast rest for 15 minutes. 6. While the lamb is roasting, preheat a small fry pan on medium-high. Add a little olive oil and the shallot, garlic and Serrano pepper and sauté, stirring until lightly browned. 7. Add mint to the pan, sauté to wilt and remove from the heat. 8. Using an immersion or counter-top blender, puree the sautéed mixture with olive oil, feta, cucumber, lemon zest and juice until smooth. 9. Serve and enjoy this simple, delicious meal.
CHEF MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Tasty manipulations flavour today’s recipes In my last article I talked about how to follow a recipe successfully … keeping your kitchen clean and organized, making sure you have all the ingredients and tools on hand, and understanding the recipe and all the steps before diving in. This time around I would like to build on that and hopefully teach you how to manipulate recipes. Being able to substitute ingredients and change things up is a step toward cooking freestyle, and the failures and successes that come along with this approach go a long way in building your cooking knowledge. Let’s take a look at two of the recipes that I created for you in this issue, starting with the pumpkin flan. This recipe is a classic-style flan baked with caramel on the bottom. As with many of my recipes, I prefer to use coconut milk instead of whipping cream, which is what you would find in many flan recipes around the world. Whipping cream can often be taken out of a recipe and replaced with coconut milk. You will find me making this substitution with “cream” soups, curries, baking, smoothies and more. I personally prefer the nutrient profile of high-quality coconut milk vs. conventional dairy, so I love to play with this substitution. As I am sure many of you already know, I love to support my local bees and use local honey in place of processed sugar. Unpasteurized honey is very minimally processed, packed with nutrition and sweeter, so why not. Making this substitution works very well in many applications. Most flan recipes out there will be sweetened with white sugar, but honey works beautifully in its stead. I also use
honey to sweeten my coffee, smoothies, marinades, sauces, granola, pies, puddings and more. The only thing you may need to be conscious of is the moisture content. For a sensitive baking recipe you may need to remove a touch of another liquid from the recipe to keep the consistency the same since honey has more moisture than sugar. So there are two examples of ingredient manipulations, but how about processes? As I said, this is a classic flan recipe with caramel on the bottom. After baking, you cut around the flan and then invert it onto a plate. What if we took this very same recipe and skipped the caramel on the bottom? We would then just serve it directly out of the custard dish. This eliminates the white sugar completely and simplifies the recipe somewhat. Another option would be to do what I just stated above and then turn it into a crème brule of sorts by sprinkling the top with berry sugar and then torching it to caramelize. Decisions, decisions… Let us now look at our “Roast Lamb Leg” recipe. Here our lamb is rubbed with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper, then placed on top of a bed of veggies and then roasted. The lamb works great like this but we have other options to play with. Instead of lamb, we could go with beef roast… sirloin, tri-tip, prime rib or inside/outside round roasts would all be options. Perhaps, instead of beef we could look at roasting a whole chicken in the same fashion. Even though I wrote the recipe for lamb leg, you can see that other options work very well. Working with this logic, my “Sweet and Spicy Marinated Chicken” recipe on countrygrocer.com is not limited to
chicken thighs. It also works very well with chicken wings, chicken breast or pork roasts. My “Smoked Cheddar and Broccoli Soup” can become a cauliflower version very easily. Just today I took some of the delicious Chana Masala Spice mixture that my lovely partner Kristina made, and instead of using it as the flavour base of a tasty Indian dish, I used it to generously coat some Island Pastures sirloins which are now marinating in the fridge. I bet they will be delicious! Once you start understanding the options out there, and the similarities between ingredients, you can begin changing the rules and making your own creations. Have fun!
Chef Michael in action: • Oct. 2 – Tour de Rock breakfast at the Esquimalt Country Grocer, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. • Nov. 6 – Fresh And Healthy Mediterranean Class at Cook Culture, cookculture.com • Dec. 2– Fresh And Healthy Mediterranean Class at Cook Culture, cookculture.com • Dec. 4 – Christmas Craft Fair Dinner on Salt Spring.
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 13
COMMUNITY
Saving lives one (free) test at a time JENNIFER BLYTH Hundreds of men received potentially lifesaving snapshots of their health this fall at the 15th annual Country Grocer Men’s Health Day. Hosted Sept. 12 at Victoria’s Tillicum Mall, the event was an overwhelming success, despite the draw of beautiful summer weather and a host of other community events coinciding with the date, says Leanne Copp, executive director of The Prostate Centre, a community-based, non-profit organization that provides unbiased, understandable medical information and support to men and their families on prostate cancer and prostate health issues. The Country Grocer
More than 400 men stopped by Tillicum Mall during the Country Grocer Men’s Health Day for a free PSA screening for prostate cancer, in addition to a host of other tests and information. Men’s Health Day is a unique event that encourages men to implement positive lifestyle choices and to seek early and appropriate treatment for disease and
Earth’s Option Cremation and Burial Services
Earth’s Option
All arrangements made in the comfort of your own home
Cremation and Burial Services
All pre-arrangements are fully transferable at no cost to you.
Specializing in low cost cremation and green burial
778.440.8500
www.earthsoption.com Approved Provider
injury through free health assessments, consultations and educational materials. A key component of the Country Grocer Men’s Health Day is free PSA screening for prostate cancer. The PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen – is an important marker for a disease in which symptoms are not always present. “Without Country Grocer helping us put this day on, we wouldn’t be able to provide the free health tests and all this information to the community,” Leanne says. While the figures are still being finalized, “the numbers we are looking at are 400 PSA tests, 210 blood pressure tests and close to
200 blood glucose tests,” Leanne says, noting the PSA screenings also included a total cholesterol level check. Last year, 24 men were alerted to potential prostate concerns thanks to Men’s Health Day tests. The numbers point to a general shift Leanne has seen through her years at The Prostate Centre. Men today are more willing to engage in discussion about their health and seek out these potentially life-saving tests. “People are starting to take notice and they’re becoming a lot more open to talking about the prevention of diseases, rather than just reacting (to them).” Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect men, representing 34 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in BC men. Nationally, 1 in 8 Canadian men will be diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. Prostate Cancer Canada, advises men to get a baseline PSA test in their 40s instead of waiting until their 50s. For more information, please visit www.TheProstateCentre.org or call The Prostate Centre at 250-3880214.
New and Pre-Owned Motorcycles!
WE BUY BIKES!
★Huge Selection of Apparel and Gear ★ Motorcycle, ATV, Scooter Parts for all makes and models
Your Someday is here! Approved Provider
5 - 831 Devonshire Rd., Victoria V9A 4T5
14 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
GET. MORE. ACTION. The Motorcycle Guys 1234 Esquimalt Road
250-386-8364 action-motorcycles.com
Are you a single parent? Become a member today!
Rose Manor Oak Bay Kiwanis Rose Manor Society 250-383-0414 857 Rupert Terrace www.rosemanor.ca
Members can receive up to ten free individual counselling sessions as well as access to our clothing room, bread pantry, book & toy room, and annual school supplies drive. 1Up also offers volunteer opportunities and an array of great parenting and life skills courses. Our courses are open to everyone! You can find out more by visiting our website or by calling our knowledgeable front desk volunteers at 250-385-1114.
www.1-up.ca ~ Now open 12-7 on Wednesdays ~
SCOTTYTREE & Arborist Service
Looking for someone to act for you in your senior years? • 40 years a lawyer • Compassion & integrity • Preparation of wills, representation agreements, power of attorney and health care agreements • Probate and estate processing including sale of estate goods • Will look after provision for your present health care needs or property management • Financial planning resources
• Hazard Tree Evaluation & Removal • Pruning • Lot Clearing • Municipal Reports • Consultations • Timber Sales • Hedges • Stump Grinding • Chipping
250.220.9298 scottytree.com
F. Kenneth Walton Law Corporation
250-595-5368 Victoria BC
• Willing to accept appointment as executor of your will or as an attorney under a power of attorney or representation agreement • Will attend at your home • Will do estate court cases
Call me for a free consultation
250-595-5368
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 15
PROFILE
Cobble Hill store manager Adam Wilson and assistant manager Maurice Gaudrealt JENNIFER BLYTH
Serving the communities of Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, Cowichan Bay Located at the Valleyview Shopping and Mill Bay, the full-service store first Centre, the Cobble Hill Country Grocer opened in 1999 and today boasts about store enjoys a place truly at the centre 70 full- and part-time team members, of things in the south Cowichan neighsays manager Adam Wilson. bourhood. “We’re at the heart of the community. Many of our customers love to come in a few times a week to do their shopping and say hello.” At 28,000-squarefeet, customers appreciate the sweet and savoury baking coming from the large, on-site scratch bakery, not to mention the full floral department, deli counter and wellINSURANCE stocked nutrition department, which people are really enjoying, Adam notes. Following a large renovation about five years ago, Christie-Phoenix (Victoria) Ltd. recent upgrades have been taking 101-4430 W Saanich Rd, Victoria place more behindT 250-386-1454 F 250-386-0604 the-scenes, such as a brand new oven www.christiephoenix.com in the bakery and
CHRISTIE-PHOENIX
16 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Serving customers from the heart of the community a new soup station in the deli. Most recently, the store has joined its counterparts in Nanaimo and Victoria to welcome fresh sushi, made in-store each day (see story page 18) and the brand new salads and sandwiches perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. In fact, when the community’s power goes out – hardly unusual, especially during our blustery West Coast winters – the store is where everyone heads. Boasting a full generator, the store welcomes locals for a hot cup of coffee, warmth and lights when they don’t work at home...not to mention the chance for something to eat or shopping, Adam says. Of course, the coffee’s always on, he adds. The free coffee station near the deli is all part of the service at the Cobble Hill Country Grocer, where the friendly, welcoming team members are the perfect complement to the great value and selection. The community also knows the Cobble Hill store as the host of many neighbourhood events, such as the massive Halloween bonfire and fireworks display, notes assistant store manager Maurice Gaudreault. Thousands are expected to come to the store parking lot for the Oct. 31 festivities, which also include hot dog sales by the 4H kids and treat bags to the first 200 youngsters, Maurice notes. Following Halloween, staff turn cre-
STYLISH, SPACE-SAVING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME.
Delicious sandwiches are being made fresh daily at the Cobble Hill store. What could be better than a little more stylish, wellorganized space? Murphy Wall-Beds has been in business ative thoughts to Christmas, and what the team will create for over 22 years.The space-saving Murphy Wall-Bed and for the annual 30-piece gingerbread village. After delighting companion custom cabinetry are crafted right here on customers at the store, the display is dismantled and shared the Saanich Peninsula. with the local hospital and nearby seniors’ residences, Adam “We focus on quality,” says owner Tom Bazin. “We make a says. quality product from beginning to end.” Summer brings the Lady’s Show & Shine, tied in with Using patented, engineered Murphy bed hardware, Women’s Day to raise money for the local women’s shelter. quality materials and local construction expertise, ensures “We believe in giving back to the community,” Maurice the excellence customers have come to know and expect says. from the Better Business Bureau-accredited business. “When people ask what we do in the community, I say, Bazin credits shop foreman James York as an essential where do I start? We help everyone from50 theyears Girl Guides With over in the optical business componentas to the local company’s success. With the and 4H Club to youth sports owner teams toand the Kerry Park of Diamondcompany operator Opticalsince its founding more than two decades ago, Islanders.” “he’s probably the most experienced Murphy bed expert “Downtown on Douglas” With over 50 years in the optical business as in North America,” he says. Ron Boyce is having a 3 month+ owner and operator of Diamond Optical With over 50 years in the23RD optical business as ANNIVERSARY Whether you’re trying to stretch the space you have or are “Downtown on Douglas” owner and operator of Diamond Optical
looking to maximize space when down-sizing, Murphy beds Tperfect for creating a dual-purpose room, guest room N are E M E R I RET and craft or fitness room, for example. Others appreciate T ! their flexibility in a bachelor or assisted living suite. N NY E MRET ET A P RETIR TYIR REEM ! In addition, “there are all kinds of different space-saving
Ronon Boyce is having a 3 month+ “Downtown Douglas” Ron Boyce is having a 3 month+ 23RD ANNIVERSARY 23RD ANNIVERSARY
RT with special thank-you-Victoria pricing! PA ARTY!
P
solutions that go hand-in-hand with the Murphy beds,” FROM NOW TO YEAR END! Bazin says, noting their designers and craftsmen can FROM ITALY: ELASTA FROM ITALY: ELASTA custom-craft virtually any cabinetry to complement your FROM NOW TO YEAR END! $99.50 Reg. $300 SALE $99.50 bed. And with the Murphy beds accommodating the FROM HOLLAND: G-STAR RAW FROM ITALY: ELASTA same variety of mattresses as a conventional bed, optimal $150.00 off Reg. $300 SALE $99.50 FROM HOLLAND: G-STAR RAW comfort is ensured. Assorted Italian, Fendi, Versace, Reg. to $350 SALE $150.00 Michael Kors Reg. to HOLLAND: $500 FROM G-STAR RAW FRAMES SALE $199.50 Unsure just how a Murphy Wall-Bed will fit into your Reg. to $350 SALE $150.00 TOP QUALITY DESIGNER Assorted Italian, Fendi, Versace, Regular Single Vision home? Take advantage of our free design service to help Michael Kors Reg. to $500 TOP QUALITY DESIGNER Assorted Italian, Fendi, Versace, you envision how a bed will work in your home, including FIRST Michael Kors Reg. to $500 SALE $199.50 $100 TIME a special computerized drawing and design program that Single Vision off SALE $199.50 EVER!! Regular AC Single Vision allows you to get a three-dimensional view of your room, UVUE $150 Including Refl ection-Free SYS” LENSES Regular Single“OA Vision E before you commit. Type - Super Scratch Resistant POSABL DIS M Including Reflection-Free FOR E FRE 0 L CTS 30 - Super$200 FIRST DIGITA T CONTA SOFResistant SALE $200-$ TypeReg. FULLY COATED Scratch SALE $100 LENSES VE D SSI ON GRE PRO DIAM TIME FIRST $100PAIR Reg. $200 SALE12 LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO EYECARE L Single Vision TIME $ 120 OPTICA EVER!! Fully Coated Thin Hi-Index Single Vision INCREASE YOUR USEABLE SPACE. D EVER!! ON DIAM Fully Coated Thin Hi-Index ACUVUE Reg. $300 SALE $150 UE EYECARE COME JOIN ACUV TICAL ASYS” with special thank-you-Victoria pricing!
FROM NOW YEAR END! withTO special thank-you-Victoria pricing!
50 50off %
% %
Reg. $300 SALE
50%
Reg. to $350 SALE
TOP QUALITY DESIGNER
off
FRAMES 50 DIAMOND
FRAMES
Including Reflection-Free Type - Super Scratch Resistant Reg. $200
50 50
SALE
% %
EYECARE TICAL off off D D N ND O O M IA M D A I N D O M A I LENSES D A OP C E EY LENSES SPOSABLE E RDI“OE EEACRA TICAL D YR$150 Fully Coated Thin Hi-Index Reg. $300
REG $400-$600
SALE
Y2E-$ EE -$ 030 0C 0 300 $2$00
LLDIAMOONNDD IC CA OPT TIA OP MD DIA 12 PAIR N O 12 PAIR CRA M ERE EA Y E DIA EC EY L A IC L A PT IC O OPT RE $120 $120 AD C E Y E L D A N N IC O O PT NDD N M M O M MO A IPT IDICAADIA IA D D E RE EC EACRA EY EY E RE L A L RA A O IC C OPT E C E Y E Y E L A L C DDIAIAMMOONNDD ARE TIA OPIC OPT EC EY ECARE EY OPT LL AA ICIC OPT DD MO Friends&Family » Fall 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 17 IAM ONN IA DD E R A ECECARE EYY AL Reg. $300 SALE
RM AMON FO DIOPTICAL EE FO L FR TAVICTORIA GI RM DIAMOND AR EE E EC ATEDATDI EY L FR Y CO GITA LLDouglas DI 0 SALE FU CA ED TI OP CO Victoria: REG $400-$60 1320 St., 250.380-6919 ES LLYL 0 SALE NS FU Locally Owned & Operated
SSIVE LE LENSES REG $400-$60 PROGRE PROGRESSIVE
THE PARTY! “OASYS” SPECIAL DISPOSABLE PRICING UNTIL TS SOFT YEAR END! SOFT CONTAC
Locally Owned & Locally Owned &Operated Operated
DIAMONDOPTICAL OPTICAL VICTORIA DIAMOND VICTORIA Douglas St.,Victoria: Victoria: 250.380-6919 1320 1320 Douglas St., 250.380-6919
CALL US TODAY! CONTACTS 250-744-2195 OR 1-800-670-5505
3075JOIN DOUGLAS STREET | VICTORIA COME JOIN COME THE PARTY! THE PARTY! WWW.MURPHYBEDS-VICTORIA.COM SPECIAL SPECIAL PRICING PRICING UNTIL Vancouver Island’s Only Authorized Murphy Bed Dealers UNTIL YEAR END! YEAR END!
Get fresh! Country Grocer prepares fresh sushi in-store daily BY JENNIFER BLYTH
Sushi fans rejoice! More than 20 fresh, flavourful varieties of this Japanese delicacy are now delighting customers at most Country Grocer stores. “Everything is made fresh right here,” says Dan Malvet, Royal Oak deli manager and assistant to the Group Deli Buyer. “We make it fresh that morning and then refill it through the day.” Following a successful test run in Country Grocer’s two Nanaimo stores earlier this year, Country Grocer’s Royal Oak, Esquimalt and Cobble Hill stores have also added the product. A partnership with the Nanaimo Japanese restaurant Blue Ginger was instrumental to building a solid foundation for the in-store program, which had the experts from Blue Ginger train staff in the fine art of sushi-making, Dan explains. With close to two dozen sushi varieties available, including both vegetarian and seafood
Joy Chou prepares fresh-made sushi at the Royal Oak Country Grocer. Find more than 40 delicious varieties at the Victoria, Nanaimo and Cobble Hill stores. options, “it’s really as fresh as you can get, without being in a restaurant,” he says, noting ingredients are also sourced as locally as possible, which adds to the freshness. To-go platters are also available, freshly made to order and perfect for a group event in either 40-piece or 60-piece selections. “Our customer reaction to the program has been just fantastic,” Dan says. “It’s been a great addition for sure.” The traditional California roll remains a store favourite, but more and more, customers are enjoying the more adventurous selections from Blue Ginger’s signature rolls, including the Angry Crab Roll, featuring tempura soft shell crab, avocado, Sriracha mayo, spicy tuna, cream cheese, Korean chili mayo and soy paper. Another colourful – and tasty – choice is the “Happy California Roll,” featuring imitation crab, avocado, bread crumbs, tempura, chipotle mayo, ginger and strawberries. Dan’s personal go-to lunch choice? Definitely the Spicy Dynamite Roll he says, but he also encourages customers to provide feedback about other ingredients they’d like to see.
18 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
I’m so happy I decided to make Shannon Oaks my home. Everyone here has become family.
I’m so happy I decided to make Shannon Oaks my home. Everyone here has become family.
BY THE NUMBERS Number of Canadian turkey farmers
Source: www.turkeyfarmersofcanada.ca
www.shannonoaks.com www.shannonoaks.com
Baptist Housing | Enhanced Seniors Living | Since 1964
Baptist Housing Enhanced Seniors Living, Since 1964
Shannon Oaks is an all-inclusive premier independent living retirement home with locations in beautiful South Vancouver and Victoria’s prestigous Oak Bay.
78
604 324 6257 250 595 6257
VANCOUVER VICTORIA
Call us for your personal tour and stay for a complimentary lunch. VANCOUVER 604 324 6257 • VICTORIA 250 595 6257 2000 Goldsmith Street Shannon Oaks is an all-inclusive premier independent living retirement home with locations in beautiful South Vancouver & Victoria’s Oak Bay.
15
531
Call us for your personal tour and stay for a complimentary lunch.
We’ve got the locals smiling.
Percentage of parents who admit to sharing their child’s Halloween haul Source: www.candyusa.com
800
Source: www.coffeeassoc.com
Kernels on a standard ear of corn, though the number can range from 500 to about 1,200 Source: www.iowacorn.org
BOOK YOU DENTAL APPR T. TODAY!
250.381.98 76 • FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY • TMJ PROBLEMS • LAUGHING GAS AND FULL SEDATION SERVICES FOR THE ANXIOUS PATIENT
823 Broughton St | 250.381.9876 | UrbanSmilesVictoria.com
20 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
2.8
10,000+
Open Wide Sept 2015 Book your appointment today and start smiling.
Average number of cups of coffee Canadians consume each day.
Varieties of apples grown around the world Source: okanaganvacationguide.com
Look for the Label
SUPPORT SUPPORT
LOCAL
• get the freshest products • support local businesses • create jobs in your community • minimize the environmental impact of your food for • Look learn more about your foodLabel comes from Look forwherethe the Label
Look for the Label
• • • • • • • • • • •
get the freshest products get the freshest products get the freshest products support local businesses support local businesses supportjobs local create in businesses your communityLocalize calculates how create jobs in your community create jobs your community minimize theinenvironmental impact of your food local a product is to you: minimize the environmental impact of your food minimize environmental of your food learn morethe about where your impact food comes from learn more about where your food comes from learn more about where your food comes from 4.5 points Localize calculates how Localize calculates Production how local a product is tohow you: Localize calculates Location is to you: local a product local a product is to you: 4.5 points Production 4.5 points Location Production 4.5 points Location Production Location
2.0 points Ingredient 2.0 points Ingredient 2.0 points Origins Origins Ingredient 2.0 points Origins Ingredient Origins
+Bonus Points +Bonus Points for Sustainability +Bonus Points for Sustainability for Sustainability
+Bonus Points for Sustainability learn more about Localize at localizeyourfood.com learn more about Localize at localizeyourfood.com
3.5 points Ownership 3.5 points Location Ownership 3.5 points Location Ownership 3.5 points Location Ownership Location
/10
/10 /10 points /10 points points points
TIDBITS Cycle of Life a success Country Grocer’s cycling team helped the Cycle of Life raise an amazing $110,497 for Island hospice care this summer. The 200km two-day group cycle fundraiser toured through Greater Victoria, Salt Spring Island and the Cowichan Valley. And because of the ride’s generous sponsors, every dollar raised by the riders goes directly to hospice care. Country Grocer’s eight-person team, representing stores from Victoria to the Cowichan Valley, raised an amazing $15,000 for Island hospice care, thanks in large part to a $10,000 donation from the Island Independent Buying Group, the warehouse of Country Grocer! For more information, visit www.cycleoflifetour.ca
Gluten-Free & Allergy Gala Country Grocer will be among a whole host of participants in this year’s GlutenFree and Allergy Gala Oct. 24 and 25 at Victoria’s Pearkes Recreation Centre. Bringing together likeminded retailers, manufacturers, health professionals and consumers for a dynamic weekend, the gala provides an outstanding venue to educate, make recommendations and of course, sample and sell all things gluten-free and/or allergy-free! Featuring guest speakers, local restaurants and chefs, attendees enjoy a fun, tailormade, one-stop-shopping environment to learn which restaurants on Vancouver Island can accommodate dietary restrictions/allergies. See talented chefs creating delicious “free” dishes, taste
before you buy, and take in informative speakers who share their expertise. The gala runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Tickets include one entry for the grand prize draw and raffles, lots of gluten-free and allergen-free goodies to sample, discounted products and services to purchase, ideas on where to safely shop locally, and speakers, demonstrations and chefs. Tickets are available online or at the door for $10 (cash only). Children ages 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by an adult. Bring a gluten-free or allergen-free non-perishable food item for the Mustard Seed Food Bank and receive an additional raffle ballot. For more information, visit glutenfreegalaevents.com
GATSBY MANSION SPECIAL OFFER
Stay 2 nights at $139 each night and receive the third night FREE! 309 BELLEVILLE STREET, VICTORIA, BC 250-381-3456
• Complimentary breakfast and free parking.
Valid from October 15 – December 31, 2015 (Taxes and gratuities not included)
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR
STAY AWHILE PACKAGE Stay 2 nights at $115 each night and receive the third night FREE! 330 QUEBEC STREET, VICTORIA, BC HUNTINGDONMANOR.COM
PACKAGE INCLUDED: • Guestroom in Huntingdon Manor. • Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast for two each morning of stay. • Complimentary parking.
22 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Valid from October 15 – December 31, 2015 (Taxes and gratuities not included)
CALL 250-381-3456 OR 1-800-663-7557 TO RESERVE YOUR STAY AWHILE PACKAGE
Celebrating Halloween with food allergies in mind Halloween can be a fun and exciting time but families raising children with food allergies need to take extra precautions to keep their children safe – and happy. • Check out library books and movies that celebrate the history and fun of Halloween, visit a ‘pumpkin patch,’ carve a pumpkin, create a craft, design and make a costume • Host a party with craft-making, spooky music and safeto-eat food – visit Country Grocer for a wide selection of allergen-friendly Halloween candy! • Pre-purchase safe Halloween candy to replace unsuitable treats and trick-or-treat with safe candy in hand. • Talk to teachers about making celebrations safe and inclusive and send ‘safe’ candy along with your child to enjoy during festivities. • Remind children they cannot eat any treats without you checking the label and approving it first – the more days you talk about what’s going to happen, the better. • With your child, sort candy and remove items without allergen disclosures, trade unsafe treats for safe treats, money or small toys, or have an exchange with other families – with adult supervision. • Send safe candies to school with for the days following Halloween so they are not tempted by other goodies. • Too much candy? Wrap and freeze to use at parties, for ice cream sundaes or to fill summertime piñatas. For more information, visit www.theceliacscene.com
Put Your Home in Our Hands
Put Your Home in Put Your Our Home in Hands Our Hands
Providing fresh eggs for the Island for over 60 years.
Beehive Dry Cleaners
Suppliers of quality pork, born and raised on Vancouver Island
Same Day Service TANNADICE FARMS LTD.
Call Tita 250-391-8484 Call 250-391-8484 for a free Rental Analysis for a free Rental Analysis 111-2244 Sooke Rd. 250.474.1122
OUR TEAM TAKES CARE OF Call ALL 250-391-8484 for a free Rental Analysis YOUR RENOVATION NEEDS
Refuse Sam Garbage Removal
fast & friendly service
250.812.3942
watersedgerenovations.com
O.A.P. Rates
Attics Basements Compost Demolition Construction Cleanup
Call Craig or Mike 250-216-5865
Heather & Allen McWilliam, Courtenay
www.tannadicefarms.com
Get Ready For Fall! We have a huge selection of energy efficient windows.
SAVE $$
We install screens, windows and replace broken sealed units. FREE ESTIMATES
PNR Screens Ltd.
6680 Mirah Road, Saanichton
250-652-4612
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 23
PETS
How pet-prepared are you for emergencies? As the summer’s wildfires reinforced, emergencies can happen anywhere, at anytime – something people should be especially mindful of here on the West Coast, where preparing for the next big earthquake is top-of-mind. However, it’s important to remember all members of the family in the preparations, including the four-legged ones. The BC SPCA encourages animal guardians to refresh their emergency pet preparedness, invaluable when people must leave their homes as quickly as possible. “When you’re ordered to evacuate, you need to do it as soon as possible, and people don’t necessarily think about their pet in an emergency situation until it’s too late,” says Lorie Chortyk, BC SPCA general manager of community relations. “You don’t have time to gather up everything you need if you have to get out of your home right away.” Evacuations are usually a busy time for staff and volunteers at animal shelters, as
they provide extra shelter, pet food and pet-related equipment such as crates and leashes for pet guardians and animals. “When you’re in a hurry, it can be easy to forgot feeding bowls, food, leashes, everything,” Chortyk says. “That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for any emergency. People love their pets but it often doesn’t sink in that an emer-
gency can happen at any time.” Having an emergency pet kit handy is key, as well as ensuring your pet is already wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, Chortyk notes. Keeping your pets inside the house so you don’t need to search for them is also a good idea, as is having emergency pet boarding plans in place. Items to include in an emergency kit for your pet(s) include: • Seven-day supply of food and water • Identification tag and collar • Sturdy crate and/or carrier • Pet first aid kit • Blanket/plastic bags • Leash, harness • Food and water bowls (collapsible are great) • Litter box and litter for cats • Manual can opener for wet food • Copy of current vaccination histories • Any special medications and instructions Visit spca.bc.ca for more information.
PART OF THE FAMILY Elliot is a Corgi and Shih Tzu cross. Everybody who meets him says he looks like puppy but he is 14 1/2 years old, says Elizabeth Bacalso. “He is so cuddly and lovable – and an attention seeker! He is just like a son to us and a very nice companion...so sweet and everybody loves him,” Elizabeth says.
SHOW US YOUR PET
Share a photo and a few words about what makes your pet special by emailing Friends & Family editor Jennifer Blyth at jblyth@telus.net PROVIDING QUALITY CASTINGS IN ALUMINUM & BRONZE
Industries & Foundry Ltd.
• Bronze Plaques • Pattern Making • Cemetery Markers • Date Plates • Custom and Ornamental Casting • Production and Reproduction Work
103-1017 Dunford Rd, Victoria 250-474-0037 ■ 1-877-474-0037 achinbackfoundry.com
24 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Since 1917
Featuring
88 Piano’s for sale Heintzman Pianos rentals I sales I restoration I tuning new & Vintage I Keyboards I Pianos
2328 Government Street • 250 -384-3935
CE
re
with the MICHELIN® X-ICE ® Xi3 ™ tire
®
From October 5 to December 15, 2015
$
70
mail-in rebate
WHEN YOU BUY 4 MICHELIN TIRES ®
PASSENGER OR LIGHT TRUCK TIRES ONLY SEE CLAIM FORM FOR DETAILS.
While all-season tires are designed to provide reliable performance in moderate winter conditions, the use of four winter tires is recommended for optimal performance and may be mandatory in certain jurisdictions. © 2015 Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. All rights reserved. The “Michelin Man” is a registered trademark licensed by Michelin North America, Inc.
VICTORIA
SIDNEY
MICHELINCANADA
PARKSVILLE
616 Gorge Road East
9817 Resthaven Dr.
555 East Island Highway
250-386-6367
250-656-5544
250-248-2055
WWW.SIDNEYTIRE.COM Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 25
Preparing Excellent Cuts since 1932
IN YOUR COMMUNITY BC SHARING On-going in all Country Grocer communities – Support local food banks by looking for the BC Sharing donation pads at the till. Simply add $2 to your grocery bill and 100% goes to your local food bank!
COWICHAN VALLEY Oct. 17 – Fleece & Fibre Festival in the Cobble Hill Hall, featuring the work of fibre artists, hobbyists, wool producers, vendors and others join together in an atmosphere of appreciation, learning and camaraderie. Info: www.cowichanfleeceandfibrefestival.com
6200 Ledingham Road, Courtenay, BC V9J 1M5 250.334.2960 • 1.888.593.7773 • Fax: 250.334.9580 gunbros@telus.net
OAK BAY CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
Nov. 7 & 8 – Cowichan Artisans Studio Tour. www. cowichanvalleyartisans.com Nov. 26 – Ladysmith Light up. We’ll be there!
LAKE COWICHAN Oct. 17 – Business Showcase, hosted by the Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Centennial Hall. FMI: www. cowichanlake.ca Nov. 29 – Cowichan Lake District Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade, starting at 5 p.m. at Neva Road and ending at Saywell Park for the tree light-up, visits with Santa, Christmas treats and hot chocolate. FMI: www.cowichanlake.ca
From Our Family to Yours
OAK BAY100% CUSTOM Guaranteed Guaranteed 100% Relief Pain on:Over 10 • Toe • Bunion • Arch •on: Ball of Foot styles of spe0cial ORTHOTICS Relief Pain and • Heel • Achilles • Toe• Ankle • Bunion • ArchTendonitis
Over 100 styles of speci and regular sh al oes le -oeover regfoular sa r sh years s for sale 20 ex-poerivOeevnrece r 100 20
Guaranteed 100% • Ball of Foot • HeelRelief Pain on: yestars
• Achilles • Toe• •Ankle Bunion • Arch •Tendonitis Ball of Foot experiaenndyceleresguolaf spr shecioal Country Fresh, Naturally the Best! e Guaranteedfo50-100% r sale - over s • Heel • Ankle • Achilles Tendonitis Relief Pain on:20 y
ears Guaranteed • Leg • Knee50-100% • eHip xperience Relief• Neck Pain• Lower on: Back • Leg
Guaranteed• 50-100% Knee #114B–2187 Oak Bay Ave. 250-370-6035 Relief Pain •on: Hip Athlone Court in Oak Bay Village
• Leg • Knee ••Hip Neck • Neck •• Lower Back Lower Back
Athlone Court in Oak Bay Village
#114B–2187 Oak Bay Ave. 250-370-6035
26 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Double-Smoked Bacon & Ham, premium quality Fresh Sausages proudly produced on Vancouver Island!
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, NO MSG added. www.hertelmeats.com
what’s in the
NANAIMO
BAG
October & November – Take in the hard-hitting action of the Nanaimo Clippers Junior A hockey club at Frank Crane Arena. For the full schedule and details, see www.nanaimoclippers.com Oct 16 to 18 – Nanaimo Sings! Festival 2015, a three-day choral extravaganza with two days of Festival Concerts at St. Andrew’s United Church, with a finale Gala Concert at the Port Theatre. MI: www.nanaimosings.com
What must-have items will be in your grocery bag this spring?
Barb Desjardins
Autumn’s cooler days are perfect for a little comfort food, from hearty oatmeal to savoury soups. For a few musthave items, we checked in with Esquimalt Mayor Barbara Desjardins to see what will be in her Country Grocer shopping bag this fall.
SALT SPRING Oct. 9 to 11 – Sip & Savour Salt Spring 2015 at various Salt Spring Island locations. Main event is Oct. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Farmers Institute. FMI: sipandsavoursaltspring.com Oct. 25 – Zombie Walk through downtown Ganges. Spooky fun for all, meeting at the Centennial Park gazebo. Makeup by donation starting at 10 a.m.; walk starting at noon. FMI: saltspringmarket.com
VICTORIA Oct.16, Nov. 4, 6 and 8 – Free history talks sponsored by Saanich Archives and the Greater Victoria Public Library. Muggins: Victoria’s Wonder Dog of WWI, 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at Saanich Centennial branch; The Bantams: Victoria’s Unknown Soldiers, at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Bruce Hutchison branch; Saanich and the Great War, 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Saanich Centennial branch; Shelbourne Memorial Trees, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Nellie McClung branch. Info: www. saanich.ca. Registration: events.gvpl.ca/ eventcalendar.asp Oct. 17 – TP the Town at Royal Oak and Esquimalt Country Grocer. Purchase Purex 8 rolls Regular or Ultra at “buy one
Barb’s List
get one free,” and volunteers from the Coalition to End Homelessness will take the toilet paper for those in need. Nov. 24 – Bear Wear childrenshealthvi. org/events/bear-wear at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Watch for the Country Crew’s submission. Nov. 28 – Island Farms Santa Parade. We’ll be there! Dec. 5 – Island Equipment Operators’ Truck Parade and Food Drive winds its way around Greater Victoria, delighting spectators and collecting for the
1. Apple and cinnamon porr idge 2. Silk Soya milk 3. Dar k choc olate 4. Holy Hummus 5. Pita 6. Butternut squash soup 7. Dried cranberr ies 8. Pumpkin seeds 9. Pasta 10. Pest o sauce
food bank. Dec. 6 – Esquimalt’s Celebration of Lights Annual Parade and Holiday Celebration, Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sports Centre. FMI: www. esquimaltcelebrationoflights.ca
WOOD • GAS • ELECTRIC
FOR ALL YOUR FIREPLACE NEEDS
EFFORT = CONCRETE RESULTS Locally Owned and Operated
Ready-Mixed Concrete Concrete Accessories Victoria’s Only Liquid Colouring System Gravity Wall Blocks Gravel Mart OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 765 Industrial Way • 250-478-0555 • www.iconcrete.ca
LOCALLY MADE
SHOWROOM OPEN: MON-FRI 9AM - 4:30PM & SAT 10AM-4:00PM • 2189 Keating X Road 250-544-6769 • warmupyourlife.com
Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 27
It’s been said, “This is the world’s best hummingbird feeder.”
hummingbird HIGH PERCH™
FEEDER
It’s the new High Perch™ for unobstructed view of the birds.
Now in 4 sizes 4 oz., 8 oz., 12 oz. and 16 oz.
• Lifetime Guarantee • Four Feeding Ports • Made in U.S.A. • Ant-Moat - Blocks Crawling Insects • Bee and Wasp • Easy to Clean Resistant 3631 Shelbourne Plaza • 250-595-3595
7 Community Locations COBBLE HILL 1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. 250-743-5639 8am to 9pm 7 days per week LAKE COWICHAN 83 Lake Cowichan Rd. 250-749-6335 7am to 9pm 7 days per week
SALTSPRING ISLAND 374 Lower Ganges Rd. 250-537-4144 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
CHASE RIVER (NANAIMO) 82 Twelfth St. 250-753-7545 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
ROYAL OAK (VICTORIA) 4420 West Saanich Rd. 250-708-3919 8am to 10pm 7 days per week
BOWEN ROAD (NANAIMO) 1800 Dufferin Cresc. 250-591-5525 7am to 10pm 7 days per week
ESQUIMALT (VICTORIA) 1153 Esquimalt Rd. 250-382-5515 8am to 10pm 7 days per week
CENTRAL PARK
Denture and Implant CENTRE LTD.
Reveal Your Smile!
Learn more about Denture Care
#201, 1711 Cook Street
centralparkdenture.com Call today for your free assessment!
250.388.4100
28 » Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com
Tracy Merkley, Denturist
ww
MEET THE TEAM Building community through the Royal Oak team
Country Kudos The Country Grocer family is known for pulling together and the team at the Lake Cowichan Country Grocer certainly showed that when the store faced a burst water line this summer. Presenting a group kudo to her team, manager Jenn Pollner recalled how the water flooded the store: “Bakery, deli, prep areas and sales floor, the meat aisle – it was ankle deep and a mess,” Jenn says. “Our team worked together, and members of each department jumped in and helped. “They roped it off, and spent a few hours mopping the water towards drains, scooping it up into buckets and sucking it up with the wet vacs. It was an amazing team effort.”
BY JENNIFER BLYTH
D
awn Coopsie greets customers by name from behind the postal counter at the Royal Oak Country Grocer. Many she sees weekly, or even daily from neighbourhood shops and businesses. Others are simply long-term customers who appreciate Dawn’s ready smile and commitment to finding them the most efficient – and affordable – way to send their parcels. Celebrating 20 years at Royal Oak this fall, it was almost by happenstance that Dawn joined the Country Grocer family. She certainly never intended to join the post office, but when she was returning to work after her children reached “a certain age,” a chance meeting with a Country Grocer team member outside the store forged the connection. Dawn already liked shopping in the store, so when she came in to interview and was told she had the job, she was thrilled – if a little nervous about learning something completely unfamiliar, like postal work. “I don’t even know how I learned all of it, but I had a great support system,” she recalls. “There’s such a great supportive network here, I’ve never had to worry about anything.” Today the long-serving post office manager, “I enjoy the busy-ness and
In Brief Name: Dawn Coopsie Store: Royal Oak, Victoria Position: Post Office manager, Time with Country Grocer: 20 years I like the customers – we have a great rapport with the customers,” says Dawn, whose daughter also works at the store. She also appreciates the opportunities the family-owned company provides its team members, and the camaraderie among staff that brings. “We really enjoy each others’ company. That’s the whole family feel of it. We’re there for each other.” When not behind the postal counter, Dawn enjoys camping with husband Dave and spending time with their large family, including three daughters, two sons and niece.
Transforming disability into ability. At Discovery School, learning disabilities are transformed into valuable skills & abilities. Students work at their own pace in small classes, with focused, individualized instruction. Enrollment is limited. For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.discoveryschool.ca, call Sherri Ko at 250-595-7765 or email principal@discoveryschool.ca
Kudos!
Give a Kudo Do you know a Country Grocer employee deserving recognition for an exceptional achievement? If you have been “wowed” or received outstanding customer service, take a few minutes to complete an Employee Recognition form and share your story. Submit your Country Kudos in-store or online at countrygrocer.com
Let us take care of your heating needs!
Competitive Prices & Cash Discounts Monthly Draws for Free Oil Family owned and Operated
Victoria
Special Discount Pricing for Regular Delivery Customers Local, Friendly Staff Referral program
250-386-3533 Duncan 250-748-6555 Nanaimo 250-741-1922
Give us a call Friends&Family » FALL 2015 | countrygrocer.com » 29
Call Nancy Direct (250)514-4750 $159,000 1 bed / 1 bath $162,000 1 bed / 1 bath
acre in a prime location. for Victoria & SouthernTC-11Vancouver Island (Tourism Commercial-One)
$189,000 Building Lot on 1.40 Acres Walk To Beach! Allows mobile or home.
$225,000 17 bed / 13 bath $159,000 includes suitewildlife Natural beauty2ofbedroom ocean and stroll to Oceanside WalkShort on waterfront, great views
$225,000 12 bed / 12 bath $162,000 Ocean & Mtn this well 1 acre in aViews primefrom location. located Walk to beach or store! TC-1home. (Tourism Commercial-One)
$299,900 1 bed / 1 bath, 2 acres of $189,000 Land in the Lot ALRonsuitable for small Building 1.40 Acres Walkhobby To farm.Beach! On municipal water. or Walk to bus. Allows mobile home.
Secure Underground Parking $299,900 3 bed /21bed bath/ 2One acre with $199,900 baths 2005 modular home, greattheplace for a Private view deck to enjoy sunshine hobby farm, lots parking Elevator. Top ofFloor.
SO
$346,900 5 bed2/bed 2 bath $225,000 / 2 Two bath Story duplex with sq.ft. from livingthis space Ocean & 1998 Mtn Views wellplus garage andWalk separate workshop! located home. to beach or store!
SOOKE
LD
SOOKE
PORTSOOKE RENFREW
PORT RENFREW SAANICH EAST
$309,000 72 bed / 32 bath $225,000 Solid home with2abedroom well run suite strata close includes to everything. rear patio. Short strollPrivate to Oceanside
$199,900 2 bed / 2 baths Private view deck to enjoy the sunshine Elevator. Top Floor.
LD
SO
LD
Secure Underground Parking
SO
FRENCH BEACH SOOKE
LD
PORT RENFREW
ULCUELET PORT RENFREW
SO
DUNCAN SOOKE
Natural beauty of ocean and wildlife Walk on waterfront, great views
29
DUNCAN
FRENCH BEACH
Nancy Vieira PORT RENFREW
ULCUELET
for Victoria & Southern Vancouver Island
$364,900 / 3 bath, $299,900 1 bed3/ bed 1 bath, 2 acres of Brandinnew half duplex (2 storeys) Land the upper ALR suitable for small hobby ocean views. farm. On municipal water. Walk to bus.
$379,900 2 bath $299,900 3 bed / 41 bed bath/ One acre with 2,000modular sqft family homegreat withplace attached 2005 home, for a workshop and lots loadsofofparking parking hobby farm, SO
LD
SOOKE $439,900 / 2 Two bath Story $346,900 5 bed3/bed 2 bath NEW RE-BUILD kitchen. duplex with 19982015. sq.ft.Gourmet living space plus Fully fenced of an acre garage andcleared separate.78workshop!
$458,000 34 bed bed // 33 bath, bath $364,900 Private home onhalf forested, Brand new upper duplexbeautifully (2 storeys) landscaped ocean & veryviews. sunny 2.51 acres
SOOKE LANGFORD
$410,000 2 bed / 21 bath $309,000 Coach house amazing gardens. Solid home withwith a well run strata close Walk or bicyclePrivate to work play. to everything. rearorpatio.
LD
SOOKE DUNCAN
SAANICH EAST VICTORIA
SO
$519,900 $379,900 24 bed bed // 22 baths bath Gatedsqft 6.83family acre home privatewith property by 2,000 attached creek. Newer home. workshop andshop, loadsolder of parking
SO
$1,100,000 3 bed / 1 baths $539,900 4 bed / 3 baths $550,000 3 bed / 3 baths acreswalk zoned for 4 houses! Cove with beach.with older Awesome11 views, to school & park Private oceanfront, Beautiful 3.57 acre property lifestyle with all the convenienceshome of town living.of work. Comes withCountry a separate Workshop in need
$600,000 7.42 Acre $458,000 4 bedLot, / 3oceanfront bath onPrivate the tiphome of Juan Fuca Strait, on the on de forested, beautifully SW coast&ofvery Vancouver Island landscaped sunny 2.51 acres
3 Residences
LANGFORD SOOKE
LD
$849,900 24 bed bed // 23 baths baths $519,900 Custom with bright walkbyout Gated built 6.83home acre private property full creek. basement. Large on cul-de-sac. Newer shop,lotolder home.
SOOKE
PORT RENFREW COBBLE HILL
DUNCAN SOOKE
$550,000 $439,900 33 bed bed // 32 baths bath Beautiful 3.57 acre property with older NEW RE-BUILD 2015. Gourmet kitchen. home incleared need of Fully fenced .78work. of an acre
SOOKE
VICTORIA METCHOSIN SOOKE METCHOSIN
$539,900 $410,000 42 bed bed // 31 baths bath Awesome views, walk to school & park Coach house with amazing gardens. a separate Comes Walk orwith bicycle to workWorkshop or play.
SOOKE PORT RENFREW
SO
LD
$1,600,000 totalLot, of 11 bed / 9 baths, 5 Acres. Swim in your own lake. $600,000 7.42 AAcre oceanfront $849,900 4 bed50'deep / 3 baths sandy beach. property includes wing, walk out on the tipRainbow of Juantrout, de Fuca Strait, onThis the distinctive Custom built homeprivate with bright carriage home. Large lot on cul-de-sac. SW coast of Vancouver Islandhouse and caretaker's full basement.
$1,100,000 3 bed / 1 baths 11 acres zoned for 4 houses! Private oceanfront, Cove with beach. Country lifestyle with all the conveniences of town living.
COBBLE HILL
SOOKE
Virtual tours at www.nancyvieira.com • info@nancyvieira.com • Toll Free 1.800.665.5303 Victoria 250.384.8124 • West Shore 250.478.9141 • Sooke 250.642.3240 • Mill Bay 250.733.0770 3 Residences $1,600,000 A total of 11 bed / 9 baths, 5 Acres. Swim in your own 50'deep lake. Rainbow trout, sandy beach. This distinctive property includes private wing, carriage house and caretaker's home.
Virtual tours at www.nancyvieira.com • info@nancyvieira.com • Toll Free 1.800.665.5303 Victoria 250.384.8124 • West Shore 250.478.9141 • Sooke 250.642.3240 • Mill Bay 250.733.0770
LB MAPLE TREAT CORP. 100% PURE MAPLE SYRUP CLASSIC PRODUCTS
From our trees to your table!
proudly
www.lbmapletreat.com
MADE IN CANADA
®
#1 Gluten Free Bread & Baked Goods Brand
Sans Gluten
Award Winning Gluten Free Breads, Buns, Bagels, Pizza Crusts, Muffins & Cookies Ranked Highest on Taste & Texture* Made in a 100% Dedicated Gluten Free Facility *L.E.K. Consulting Consumer Survey **Nielsen Canada – 12 weeks ending 3/10/12
®
www.udisglutenfree.com www.facebook.com/UdisGlutenFree www.twitter.com/UdisGlutenFree