Romantic Adventures in Chemainus 18 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gifts in Downtown Duncan 22

option: regional variants include tamarind chutney – sour and spicy; red garlic chutney – a piquant and fiery mix of Kashmiri chilies and garlic; green chutney – a symphony of cilantro, mint, garlic, ginger, cumin and chilies. Your mouth may be Chaat – The watering, but chaat would not be complete Must Have It without two more delectable ingredients. Indian Street Food As the chef brings this dish to completion, we need a generous

You’ve heard of butter dusting of chaat masala. This chicken and saag paneer, Indian street food spice is a but what on earth is Chaat? It’s complex blend of mango and the not-so-secret street food from tamarind powders, coriander and India that you’ve been missing fennel seeds, mint and cumin. out on. While the ingredients vary, this appetizer or hors Finally comes the crispy topping. d’oeuvres is a combination of Chefs choose from a range of sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy and fried potato, crispy chickpea savory ingredients. noodles, fried chickpeas, bhelpuri, or even chana masala. The heart of chaat is a starch, But what chaat should I try? like samosas, pakoras, or onion Aloo Tiki chaat uses India’s bhajis. Atop these chopped aloo tiki as its base, that is delights a chef will add chana potato patty stuffed with spicy masala – a spicy chickpea and paneer. Samosa chaat, topped potato curry. Then vegetables with yoghurt, assorted chutneys bring texture and crunch to the is always a go to. Onion Bhaji dish: commonly kachumber - a chaat-the no-need-to-be-humble chopped salad of cucumber, shredded onion fritter chaat is a tomatoes, and onion adorned veritable delicacy. with lemon juice, chiles, and cumin. But where to find it? Where can you get this savory sensation? Now make way for the sweet and Holy Cow Indian Eats is serving savory chutney! Decorating our a variety of chaat from the already savory base of samosas kitchen at Small Block Brewery and vegetables comes a generous 203-5301 Chaster Rd in Duncan. helping of sweet, spicy, and Get some during taproom hours. tangy chutneys. It is a veritable cornucopia of chutney goodness. Submitted by Pam Stiles – Holy Cow Mango chutney is not the only Indian Eats

Art of Fondue

We love fondue. Fondue dates back to 1669, with earlier versions having eggs in it almost like a scrambled egg and cheese. Fondue as we know it today began in 1930’s as the national dish of the Swiss. It was a dish of melted cheese served in a communal pot or fondue pot over a heat source often with a candle or fuel lamp, and eaten by dipping bread into the cheese. Despite its modern associations with rustic mountain life and skiing, it was a town-dweller’s dish from the western, Frenchspeaking area of Switzerland. Rich cheese like Gruyère was a valuable ingredient which peasants could not afford so they used a less quality cheese mixed with wine to enhance the cheese flavour.

In the 1950s, the name “fondue” has been generalized to other dishes in which a food is dipped into a communal pot of liquid or kept hot in a fondue pot. A chocolate fondue is a pot of melted chocolate mixture where participants dip pieces of fruit or pastry. The classic French fondue bourguignonne, is when pieces of sliced meat are cooked in hot oil or broth.

Today wine is mostly used in a cheese fondue, but cider, and beer are gaining in popularity. Making fondue is simple. The tricky part is having access to quality ingredients. This February we are embracing the art of fondue at Cure and invite you to stop in a grab a pre-done fondue kit to enjoy at home with family or a loved one for a Valentine’s Day date night. We provide you with ingredients to make your fondue -cheese, spices, and wine, and bread for dipping. Our most popular cheese fondue is prepared with a fresh blend of imported cheeses, along with a blend of Gruyère and our in-house smoked cheddar.

We also have a great section of dried cured and smoked meats you can addon when you come in to pick up your kit.

We will have your fondue all ready for you, nicely packaged with simple instructions to prepare and serve at home. Four easy steps with the last step being to eat which is our favourite thing to do too. The only element you need is the pot and forks. Simple entertaining at its best. Contact us at Cure by phone 250-929-2873 if you would like to reserve a kit or just stop in and pick one up out of our cooler.

Chef Brad Boisvert, Cure Artisan Meat and Cheese

Rock I Funk I Blues I Reggae I Latin I Metal Paul Jutras

DRUM KIT AND HAND PERCUSSION LESSONS

35+ years experience- Private / One 2 One / Customized / Fun Beginner to advanced - In your home or in my studio in Duncan 250-732-7735 I chopsdrumschool@gmail.com

Gift Baskets Meat & Cheese Platters Gourmet Foods Italian Imports Take Home and Serve

Fresh Meal Options Delivered To Your Door

As I ponder the meaning of life in these strange times, I often get hungry. Its exhausting business thinking about the world, navigating the new social norms and raising wild children. That is why when life gets hectic, I like to treat myself to something nice. This often comes in the form of something delicious. A delectable cheese with a good bottle of wine or maybe a great steak. At least once or twice a month I like to order takeout. It’s nice not to have to think about cooking or doing a mountain of dishes. Star and I began our journey with our business Barnes and Maracle just over a year ago. We both love to wine and dine people and we wanted to bring the restaurant experience into private homes. Our plan was to cook for people and offer all the ease and elegance of being in a nice restaurant. Then the pandemic hit and everything changed. Not only did restrictions make it difficult to follow our original vision we realized we needed to adjust our plan. We recognized that people were interested in ordering takeout and delivery in the Cowichan Valley. This inspired us to add the option of delivery to help bring our food to you! Our menu is designed to require minimal effort with delicious results. There is a variety of snacks and appetizers as well as stir-fry kits packed with fresh ingredients and delicious take and heat meals that you simply put in the oven, pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy. We take orders from Sunday to Wednesday for delivery on the Friday or Saturday that follows. We have options to suit the needs for a single person or for a big household. Check out our website for options and to order online www.barnesandmaracle. com There are lots of great pictures on facebook and Instagram if you want to see what we’ve got cookin’.

Food specialists Star and Sarah of Barnes and Maracle.

Warm Your Heart and Body with An Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

We know this year is different, and the Soup Saturdays at Cowichan’s Blue Grouse Winery are missed. To help fill the gap (and your belly), Blue Grouse has got you covered, with a recipe from renowned culinary trends expert and chef Angie Quaale.

Use the best-selling Quill Q Red to add just the right flavour to easyto-assemble ingredients that will give you effortless wow in the bowl. This resulting tasty, cozy, stay-in-andsafe-with-yourhousehold dish will become a favourite.

Leeann Froese owns Town Hall Brands – a marketing and graphic design agency. townhallbrands.com

Slow Cooker Minestrone with Quill Q Red

Recipe Reprinted with permission from Angie Quaale Well Seasoned Gourmet Foods and Cooking School.

Ingredients

4 medium sized carrots, peeled & diced 3 ribs of celery, diced 1 large cooking onion, diced 1 small bulb of fennel, diced 1 28oz can, diced tomatoes, with juices 3 tbsp tomato paste 1 cup of Quill Q Red wine 3 cloves of garlic, minced 2 bay leaves 2 tbsp dried Italian seasoning A generous pinch of red pepper flakes 5 cups chicken or veggie stock 1 15oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 15oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Salt & Pepper to taste 1 medium sized zucchini, diced 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni or other small pasta 1 cup frozen green peas 1 cup frozen corn kernels 1 ½ cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped Freshly grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Method

Add the first 14 ingredients to a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on high for about 3 hours. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt & pepper as required. About 30 minutes before you want to serve the soup, add the zucchini and dried pasta, stir, cover and cook on high for 2025 minutes. About 5 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas & corn and stir in the baby spinach, stir, cover, and cook on high for the last 5 minutes.

When you are ready to serve, ladle into bowls and top with a very generous grating of parmesan cheese, add a good chunk of crusty bread and a glass of the Quill Red wine you opened to cook with.

Pick up in Duncan, Cobble Hill, Sahtlam & Victoria. Delivery available throughout the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo.

Local VALENTINE’S Dining

GENOA BAY CAFE WATERFRONT

On Saturday February 13th and Sunday February 14th, we will be featuring our three course Valentine’s sharing menu for two for $95. To begin, choose Salt Spring Island mussels or a love inspired salad, then choose between Surf and Turf, Lamb two ways or Chicken three ways main options to share, for the finale, a decadent chocolate affogato with two spoons. We will also be offering some of our menu favorites for this celebration weekend. Please call 250-746-7621 for reservations. 5000 Genoa Bay Road www.genoabaycafe.com

MERRIDALE COBBLE HILL Bridgemans Bistro Mill Bay MARINA

Valentine’s and Family Day come together on the weekend of Feb 12 to 15. Whatever your bubble, Merridale has something to fit your celebration of love, friendship and family – Sip on a Valentine’s cocktail or a non-alcoholic flight; savour our 3-course Valentine’s dinner feature; take our outdoor selfguided cider and spirit tour. Dinners Friday thru Sunday 4-8pm. Lunch, tastings and shopping Monday thru Sunday starting at 11am. 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill www.merridale.ca

FARM TABLE INN & FARM STORE

Valentine’s Weekend at the Farm Table Inn - Offering a 4 course farm to table dinner with optional wine pairing. Seating times start at 5pm Reservations required. 250-932-3205 Feeling cozy? Enjoy our food at home! The Farm Store is located right at the entrance of our restaurant. To place an order for pick up, please call or email us with a list of what you would like. 6755 Cowichan Lake Road at Skutz Falls www.farmtableinn.ca

Celebrate a romantic evening at Bridgemans this Valentine’s. We are offering a special three course menu featuring Ahi Tuna, Steak & Lobster, and Lamb & Mushroom Fettuccini (regular menu also available). Pair your meal with a glass of red, white or rose Blue Grouse Quill. Watch out for our upcoming Valentine’s contest on social media where you can nominate your favourite couple to win a dinner for two and a bottle of Blue Grouse wine! Reservations are now open - Call 778-3563568 to book your table 740 Handy Rd, Mill Bay www.bridgemans.ca

AND DRINKING In the valley

UNSWORTH RESTAURANT

Unsworth Restaurant and Chef Maartyn team have thoughtfully curated a romantic dinner to celebrate. We are extending our menu for the week from February 11-14th. On Friday night, we have partnered with Erika from Twofiveo Tour Co. to safely shuttle you and yours to and from your door (within 15km of Duncan) for your date night! Contact details for dinner reservations and details for booking the shuttle can be found here and on our website. Unsworth Restaurant 2915 Cameron Taggart Road: restaurant@unsworthvineyards. com (250) 929-2292 ext 1. Twofiveo Tours: (250) 900-1914

THE AINSLIE DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

On February 14th join us at The Ainslie for a romantic evening for you and your love. We will be serving a 5 course dinner menu for $85 with the option of pairings for an additional $25. And complementary bubbles upon arrival. Menu will be a available on our website to view at www.theainslie.ca Reservations are required and can be made by calling 250597-3695 or emailing info@ theainslie.ca This traditional Port-style wine began in 2012 with a single barrel and the addition of another barrel with each successive harvest. It is a deep ruby colour and starts with a nose of boysenberry preserves, stewed plums, and hazelnuts. On the palate, you will find vanilla, caramel, and sweet smokiness. After a lovely meal, pair this wine with soft ripe cheese, smoked and salted nuts, and dark chocolate. Visit the winery in February, book a Wine and Chocolate Pairing and get to try this rare treat!

Blue Grouse Estate Vineyard NV Reserve Black Muscat Fortified

Merridale Cidery & Distillery Cyser Treat your honey to a bottle of Cyser - Merridale’s Cyser cider is a rich blend of aromatic heritage cider apples and local wildflower honey from their own orchard. Inspired by the finest tradition of Medieval England, where the Normans and Celts credited cyser with magical powers. 10% alc. It starts sweet on the tongue but has a clean, dry finish. Perfect with spicy foods, like Indian or Thai curries, Blue Cheese or aged Gouda and apple pie, of course!

Unsworth Vineyards Charme de l’île Rosé

One of Unsworth’s most versatile wines for pairings, that excels with hearty soups and stews. If you are a cheese fanatic, Camembert, brie and other soft bloomy rind cheeses are in good company alongside Charme Rosé. It is of course, also a perfect brunch bubbly!

Sustainably Harvested Seafood

from Michelle Rose CSF

Michelle Rose Community Supported Fishery www.michellerosecsf.com

Tasting Room Open Wednesday to Sunday Restaurant Open Thursday to Sunday

unsworthvineyards.com

Building A Wine Region Together

Chris Turyk - I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way at unsworthvineyards.

By global standards the scale of Vancouver Island wine is quite small; even so, our industry occupies a disproportionately large percentage of the Canadian wine conversation. Responsible for this phenomenon — a group of producers building community within our region. Knowledge sharing for best practices in vineyard management brightly exemplifies local growers striving to hone their farming skills. Collaboration between wineries on a unified COVID-19 response across our tasting rooms led to guest comfort when we warmly welcomed them back through our doors. When considering marketing and promotion of our region, both locally and beyond our shores, apt is the adage, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

The Wine Islands Growers Association (WIGA) is an industry association for vineyards and wineries who, amongst other things provides education for growers and producers in the proverbial wine islands. Highlights of the calendar include pruning workshops; open to all members WIGA seeks out local and international experts to share hands-on practical knowledge. Sharing and learning happens not purely from presenter to group but between group members; striving towards a common goal, growers bond over various shared farming challenges. Andrew Watts, new WIGA board member and Unsworth’s Vineyard Manager, is currently conducting research for his Masters degree across vineyards in the Cowichan Valley including Blue Grouse and Unsworth’s vineyard. The coordination and cooperation required to achieve this isn’t possible without the clear vision of those involved striving for continual improvement by relying on hard science in an often romanticized and anecdotal agricultural pursuit.

Team spirit and collaboration come easier to some compared to others. Mike and Brent from Emandare and Averill Creek forged a friendship which, no doubt, started as an airing grievances over moving, fixing or cleaning cumbersome equipment — topics which tend to arise when winemakers share refreshing adult beverages. A friendship that led to social media collaborations and the switching of tasting rooms for a day. Under the sun exists no better insight into one’s industry than spending time in your neighbours shoes. Especially impressive with this occurring during a time when all were whirling to adjust operations given, ‘the new normal.’ In March, with the writing on the wall of a very different Summer season, all the Cowichan wineries took a virtual meeting together, brainstormed and implemented COVID safety protocol which by all accounts, made our local guests feel comfortable and at ease. By no means does collaboration happen without patience and trust in others. We are closing in on a decade since first mentions of Charme de l’île. What started as a creative idea to launch a new style of sparkling wine to the Island and BC, has now been featured in Western Living, The Globe and Mail and beyond. When referring to Island bubbles (both traditional and charmat methods) after his visit last year, world leading wine writer Andrew Jefford published in the London Financial Times, “The Island’s sparkling wine potential is evident, and those were the most impressive wines I tasted here.” Since Charme de l’île hit the shelves, serious Okanagan players Cedar Creek and Mission Hill invested in Charmat sparkling wine equipment and now have Charmat bubble on their shelves. The foresight to identify and capture a niche market within the sparkling wine category in Western Canada testifies to realized quality potential of our special region.

Narration of Vancouver Island wine to fellow Islanders, mainlanders and the world, is a tale best told united. On the surface appearing nominally impactful the Wineries of the Cowichan Valley single bottle brown bag garnishes considerable positive feedback from guests. As the closet winery to Victoria, Unsworth ensures guests arriving to the Valley can navigate to all the other producers; the resonance this simple bag holds with guests never ceases to amaze. Vancouver Island is uniquely lucky in that several Island wineries use the same stalwart island supporter as their mainland sales agent. This agency went on to found an annual event

Upcoming EVENTS

Annual Happiness Dinner February 13

Gift Certifi cates Available for Foraging Workshops, Cooking Classes and Farm to Table Dinners

For full details visit www.deerholme.com

BY RESERVATION ONLY

Private Dinners are available • Minimum 8 people – custom menu 4830 Stelfox Rd, Duncan For ReservationS 250 748 7450

JOIN US

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY

look for our daily specials on

www.theoldfi rehouse.ca

40 Ingram Street

Downtown Duncan (250) 597-3473

called Local’s Only, hosted in Vancouver for the wine trade. Tasting through the gamut of producers in one space is an opportunity few squander with popularity and attendance only growing, thus illustrating the level of support we can count on from our ambassadors.

The rising profile of Vancouver Island wine is on the shoulders of those charged with growing grapes and making wine. Canada has taken notice, and the world is turning their heads, due to the results of the strength of our community in the local wine industry.

For more information on the Wine Islands Growers Association (WIGA) visit www.wiga.ca.

Submitted by Krystal Adams

Chemainus is easily one of the most romantic towns to visit, especially for Valentine’s day. With walkable generous outdoor vistas – it is the perfect romantic getaway. Not sure what to do this Valentine’s day? We have some great ideas to revitalize your February and enhance your gift giving.

Most Romantic Spots

The Date: Tour our most romantic spots around town that can take your breath away.

The Location: Kin Beach Park offers expansive ocean access. Come when the tide is in and the water is just a few feet from the sea walls, or come when the tide recedes and small tide pools appear amongst the rocky wash. Sundown is simply stunning, watching the water sparkle from the waves as the cotton candy skies fade into a clear crisp night. Bring a blanket to stargaze in the lush, seaside grass for something just a little extra. Looking for something with a little more movement? Walk the shores of Chemainus Lake. Take the twokilometre trail that brings you right to the water’s edge and back again in this beautiful, circular path. Watch the fog roll in and listen to nature around you, while you walk hand in hand wherever you are this Valentine’s day with the one you love.

The Indulgence: Watch them craft your favourite warm drink at Nic’s Café followed by a decadent baked scone from Willow Street Café to warm you on a cool winter’s day. To add to the experience, follow it up with a dinner for two from your favourite cultural cuisine such as Invitations Indian Cuisine, Thai Pinto, Pho Triple Seven, Wing’s Café or Sushi Kuni. Delight in the delectable tastes each of these chefs create from around the globe.

The Surprise: Wanting to surprise your loved one with the perfect gift while you take time for each other? Looking for something sweet and tender? Then look no further than Bound To Be Different. You can find almost anything here, or at any of the wonderful boutique shops that dot the town like Vinoiquity, Willow Street Antiques, and others. Stop by Gifts N’ Things, The Chemainus Theatre Gallery and Gifts, Calypso Jewelry, and and others to find just about anything you can imagine. The Result: Spending the day with the one you love, taking time to be in the moment, exploring, eating, and a reminder of a day that will not soon be forgotten.

Romantic Adventures in Chemainus

Outdoor Hike

The Date: Hike through natural vistas taking in the beauty of nature together hand in hand in this easy trail.

The Location: Explore Echo Heights through the self-guided forest trails that loop through 52 acres of lush Douglas Fir forest. Lope through sparkling shallow ponds, mossy rock outcrops, small falls, and pastoral farmers’ fields. Listen to the birds chirp, and watch the sun filter down through the trees in this magical escape. The Indulgence: Fill your cup with deep rich aromatic coffee at Coffee Row in the Chemainus Public Market, then head to Willow Street Café and take any of their delicious menu items to go, packing it away for an impromptu picnic in Echo Heights. If you are looking for something quick and on the go, Subway can always provide you with sustenance for the hike, just make sure to get one of the delicious sweet creations from Chemainus Bakery to enjoy as a special treat along the way.

The Surprise: Spring for some extra special gear or maybe just a little surprise something for along the way. Head over to Beyond The Usual for outdoor gear, great clothing styles, gifts and everything in between. Wind down from your hike by taking the time to walk around town, and peek into all of the windows of local shops and treat yourself to something incredible.

The Result: An active beautiful day of taking in nature alongside the one you love.

FEBRUARY CLOTHING SALE!

BIG selection of natural products, cosmetics, 9738 Willow St, Chemainus 250-246-9838 organic produce and so much more! Hours Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • Closed Sun & Statuatory Holidays

The Date: Relaxed romance just for the two of you.

The Location: Experience the town and all it has to offer.

The Indulgence: Book a table at the Playbill dining room for a delectable, seated 3-course meal. Delight in the warmth and ambience of the theatre, while the piano is played softly, enhancing your romantic dinner. Plan a delicious breakfast outing at Owl’s Nest Bakery and Bistro and savour their savoury morning Cowichan bowl topped with eggs Benedict. For even more indulgence take time away. Book a suite at the Chemainus Best Western and thoroughly enjoy your well-appointed room for a romantic escape.

The Surprise: Select a vintage wine or spirit from Chemainus Liquor Store and pair it with gourmet organic chocolate from the Chemainus Health Food Store. Take the time to pamper your loved one at Urban Legends Salon and Spa or head to Cosmo Packaging for a beautiful individualized touch of something homemade. The Silver Mine on Chemainus has some alluring jewelry, just waiting to be the gift that is remembered for a lifetime.

The Result: This day is all about indulgence, focused on the one you love.

CVCAS AGM looks to 2021 challenges, opportunities

When you go to the Chemainus Theatre, or read a book, or look at a painting, you don’t often think to yourself, “Wow, a lot of work went into creating this piece I’m enjoying so much.” And that’s the last thing artists and arts producers would want you thinking about. They want you immersed in a stimulating experience. But the arts need to be supported by willing hands, so the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society hopes people will join them, reviewing and renewing commitments at its Annual General Meeting Feb. 24, 7 PM, on Zoom. You might find getting involved behind the scenes as deeply enriching an experience as being in the audience, says CVCAS President Bev Knight.

A CVCAS volunteer for about seven years, she admits the pace is sometimes frantic, but connecting with community through the arts is more often fun and fulfilling. “I love being involved in meeting people from Chemainus and touching bases with them, and just making Chemainus a wonderful little place to come to visit,” she said. Volunteers are deeply appreciated. “We couldn’t possibly do it without our volunteers,” Knight said. “There are many people in Chemainus, who really want to be involved in the community. They want to contribute, and we have lots of opportunities at the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society.” Right now the CVCAS is looking for people who can help keep books, connect with members, and manage websites and databases. “Maybe some people might be interested in being on the board,” she added. The AGM is an opportunity for people to find out what’s been happening in the arts in Chemainus over the last year, and what might happen in 2021. “The important thing about the AGM is it keeps everybody updated,” Knight said. It also gives them a voice. “They can contribute to what they might see happening in the future.” The Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society will hold its Annual General Meeting February 24, 7 PM on Zoom. For details, and to register, go to CVCAS.ca/ agm-2021. Anyone can attend and participate, but only members will be able to vote. For updates go to CVCAS.ca/ connect.

CraigSpenceWriter.ca

The Clay Hub Collective

Open with COVID-19 measures

Check our web site for current info www.theclayhubcollective.com

Eminence Organic Chocolate and Roses Facial $90

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – Closed 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca

Valentine’s Day Tarts

Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station, 225 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan

Chocolate Blood Orange Tarts with Olive Oil Crust

Makes 12 tarts

Pie Crust Ingredients:

2/3 cup of The Olive Stations mild Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/3 cup of water 1 teaspoon of salt 2 cups flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a standard muffin pan with olive oil or cooking spray. Whisk olive oil and water with fork for 2-3 minutes until emulsified and mixture is cloudy in appearance. Add salt and flour and continue mixing with fork. Spread on floured cutting board and finish combining by hand. Once mixture becomes tacky, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Roll out dough with floured rolling pin to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough into circles with a mug or wine glass. Fill greased muffin tin and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before filling.

Chocolate Filling Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons of The Olive Stations Blood Orange Olive Oil 1.5 Teaspoons of sea salt 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/4 cups Vanilla Almond Milk (use same amount of heavy cream for a more decadent dessert) 12 Raspberries to garnish

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine chocolate, olive oil and sea salt. In a small saucepan, bring almond milk to a bare simmer over medium-high heat. Immediately pour almond milk over chocolate and let stand 1 minute. Stir gently until chocolate melts and mixture is completely smooth. Pour chocolate into cooled pie shells and refrigerate until set, 30 minutes. Garnish with a raspberry and serve.

Birria- A Culturally Rich Dish Made with Love to Warm You Up

Birria is a traditional dish originating from the state of Jalisco, Mexico hundreds of years ago during times of struggle and adversity. This dish was created as a result from bringing foreign animals to Mexico from Spain. Goats took over the land and ate the food sources of the Indigenous peoples and they began to face further famine. In order to protect their crops as well as have immediate food, the people decided to eat the meat from the goats. They used very pungent herbs and spices to work with the strong smell of the meat and cooked it in the earth covered with maguey leaves to help tenderize the meat.

Today the meat can be goat, lamb, mutton, and/or beef depending what is available. It is marinated overnight and then slow cooked in a complex tomato broth for at least 6 hours. The broth is not spicy, but rather warming due to the unique combination of various dried chile peppers and spices such as cinnamon and clove. The result is a combination of delicious flavours and beautifully tender meat. The plate is served with fresh lime, raw onion, cilantro and salsa to add heat to your taste and of course, warm corn tortillas on the side.

There is so much love and history in every bowl of birria. We are so blessed in our Cowichan community to have this rich (in flavour and culture) dish made with local meats by a Chef who grew up eating birria in street food stands in the heart of Jalisco. It’s made with love from generations past to you. It is the perfect dish for February in Cowichan to honour the heart-warming celebrations of love and to warm you up on a cold day.

Made in Mexico is located at Whippletree Junction on the Trans Canada highway just south of Duncan. Hours of operation: Thursday-Saturday 12-7 and Sunday Brunch 102. (250) 597-TACO.

10 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gifts in Downtown Duncan

Submitted by Amanda Vance Images courtesy Ian Locke

We are feeling the love! Downtown Duncan businesses are so grateful for people who are buying locally. Keep showing the love this Valentine’s Day by picking up a gift for your significant other. Here are some ideas on how to buy local for Valentine’s Day in Downtown Duncan.

1. Cards at Little Bird Greets,

Sweets and Treats - If you are looking to send out Valentines, Little Bird has curated an exciting collection of local and imported cards as well as “make-your-own-valentines” kits and stamps. Local artists featured include Bara, who crafts vintage 50s style pieces, and Trisha Klus and Tacey Rockwell. For a fun imported option consider humorous cards by Rosie Made a Thing. Don’t forget to check out the selection of Rogers chocolates and handmade tiaras for the king or queen of your heart!

2. Chocolates at Rembrandt’s

Chocolates or Chocolate Pearl - This classic gift is given a local twist at Rembrandt’s Chocolates where you can pick up everybody’s favourite edible heart-shaped box stuffed with 10-12 assorted, filled chocolates! Chocolate Pearl offers a “Sweetheart bark” and a row of hand-painted, filled, heart-shaped chocolates in a box, as well.

Little Bird

3. Flowers at Willow & Orchid Boutique and Floral

Design - This unique flower shop offers distinctive bouquets as well as classic roses.

4. Romantic dinner for two at Hattie’s or Hattie’s at

Home packages - Make Valentine’s Day reservations at Hattie’s online now for an exclusive pre-fixe menu! If you prefer to dine from home, look into their excellent Hattie’s at

Rembrandt’s Chocolates Home packages which have previously included meals ranging from lamb ragu and dark chocolate quince tarts to lasagna.

5. Unique jewellery from

Impeccable Jewellery - Make something truly special for your special someone by ordering a custom piece madeto-order using computer-aided design software. Browse Brad Leith’s designs of fossil and moldavite jewellery or take a look at their estate jewellery - they once carried a vintage necklace that belonged to Ernest Hemingway’s daughter!

6. Underwear from Sheer

Essentials - For both his and hers options, visit Sheer Essentials and browse brands like Saxx, Fit Fully Yours, Elomi, Chantelle, Panache, Bluesky, and so many more.

7. Intimate Gifts at Oh La

La - Oh La La Boutique is the premier destination for couples’ intimate needs, whatever they may be!

Sheer Essentials Oh La La

8. Clothing from Outlooks

Menswear - This menswear shop has a lovely selection of face masks, scarfs, underwear, ties, and so much more for a discerning gentleman.

9. Self-care products at Victory Barber & Brand

North - Whether you want to treat your partner to hair cut or pick up products like charcoal-infused hair cleanser, visit Victory Barber and Brand North.

10. Organic Bedding at Resthouse Sleep Solutions

- Take the opportunity to purchase something your home already needs, from wool dryer balls to weighted blankets. Shop online for free shipping on orders over $199.

Visit Downtown Duncan’s social media pages between February 1st - 12th for your chance to win a Valentine’s Giveaway Gift Basket featuring gift cards or product from Alley Cat Hair Design, Matisse Day Spa, the Ainslie, Chocolate Pearl, The Garment District, Wall Street Clothing, Impeccable Jewellery, Expedia Cruises, PKMD Aesthetics, Eclectic Avenue, Fabrications, the Olive Station, Little Bird, Prudence, H.A.T.S, Belongings and more.