Locally Crafted Libations by Krista Turcasso

Local's Perspective

Erin Teeple

Elk Valley Pizza and Chilango

I am a proud 5th generation Fernieite foodie, who loves everything food and entertainment. I first became involved in the F&B sector in Vancouver when I worked for Northland Properties Corporation (Moxies, Sharkclub, Boulevard, Dallas Stars etc.). I led a team in applying for permits, leasing, licensing, financing and acquisition deals. Along the way I met my husband and business partner Jose (Pepe) Luna. He worked on the construction side and I was in corporate. Pepe is from Mexico City and is what you would call a “Chilango” a slang demonym. After many trips to Mexico, and living in the City back in 2017, I immersed myself in the culture and incredible food scene.

Once we settled in Fernie, we discussed the idea of starting a food business. As luck and timing would have it, we ended up purchasing the Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe in 2020. Our idea was, operate the shop, keep the good name going, and utilize the commercial kitchen space to prepare for a Mexican food concept and launch a food truck. As the year went on, we stumbled on an opportunity to secure a space, and our Mexican food vision became what is now known as Chilango.

Fernie has taken off and will continue to do so. It has been exciting and welcoming to see so many new spaces offering ethnic flavours, fusion food and culinary gourmet masterpieces. We have incredibly talented chefs, sommeliers and caterers who have really made their mark and created a unique, vibrant Fernie food scene.

Q. We live in the Elk Valley because…

A. We love the mountains and community. My family still lives here and it’s an amazing place to work and play.

Q. Summer in Fernie is so special because…

A. The days are long and there is so much to do and explore. A typical summer day for me is coffee in my backyard in the morning, followed by a bike ride with my son, lunch with the family and a date to the lake in the afternoon. If I’m feeling extra adventurous it might be a day hike with friends or camping.

Q. Something we make sure to do each summer in the valley (at least once!) is...

A. River rafting! We absolutely love to do a day with Canyon Raft. It’s so incredible to be on the water and cruise down that canyon! Just an unreal experience.

Q. One Fernie secret we are willing to share is...

A. Is anything really a secret anymore?

FOOD AND DRINK

Regularly we hear how surprised visitors are with the culinary options available to them in Fernie. And to be honest, we’re surprised! This diversity has been building for some time and continues to grow as new restaurants and food trucks hit the scene, and those here for some time continue to reinvent themselves.

Whatever your taste buds desire, from gourmet pizza to authentic ethnic cuisine to traditional pub fare, you will find it here and on top of the amazing dining experience, you’ll enjoy fantastic service and fabulous environments.