Culinary Synergy

Over the past few years, the food scene in the Okanagan has simply exploded.  From the early days when Chef Grant de Montreil defined what he called "Cascadian cuisine" (he's currently cooking at Hannah's near the waterfront with all its art) till today, some of Canada's finest chefs have coalesced into a culinary region that is one of the strongest in the nation.   Chef Bernard Casavant, another BC veteran who has mentored so many, has landed at Burrowing Owl's Sonora Room in the dry, desert-like setting near Oliver.  One of his protegees, Rod Butters has been cooking at Fresco in Kelowna for ages.  Rod, with his partner Audrey Sauro, were the opening culinary team at Tofino's renowned Wickanninnish Inn.  Ned Bell, of Food Network's Cook Like A Chef, is opening the Cabana Grill in Kelowna this summer.  There are young chefs -- Dana Ewart and Cameron Smith who have Joy Road Catering and impeccable credentials including Montreal's Toque! restaurant.   And of course, there's superstar Michael Allemeier, of Mission Hill...but more on his efforts in a later post.  This is a happening place!