British Columbia’s Local dining promotion Launches

If you’re following me on Instagram, or any of my social feeds you’ll see there’s a whole lotta local going on lately. Last week we dined out in the greenhouse in Langley as part of BC Greenhouse Veggie Days, and yesterday we visited Milner Cheese, Maan Farms, Fraser Valley Cider and Mt Lehman Wines to celebrate Angie Quaale of Well Seasoned new cookbok, Eating Local in the Fraser Valley. We’re always locally focused, and we’re happy to help spread the news that the bounty of British Columbia is be celebrated in restaurants across the province even more so starting this month. A range of fantastic local produce, meat, fish, cheese, beer, wine and spirits are now featured on menus as inspiration for diners looking for something that is uniquely BC – and tastes great.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA) just launched a new year-round #BCTastesBetter campaign with a goal is to appeal to all British Columbians to eat locally in every segment from casual to fine dining.

BC food and beverage businesses using local products, foods and beverages are now being profiled on www.eatdrinklocal.ca.

“Buy BC: Eat Drink Local is about getting British Columbians excited about locally grown, raised, harvested and processed foods and beverages,” says Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham. “We want British Columbians to know more about where their food is coming from and the people behind it. Diners will be treated to innovative and locally-inspired dishes with the freshest ingredients to prove why #BCTastesBetter!”

Using BC ingredients and beverages helps make dining out memorable for residents and visitors alike. Buy BC: EAT DRINK LOCAL offers consumers an opportunity to find restaurants that are partnering with local farmers, harvesters, producers, winemakers, brewmasters and distillers whose products celebrate place. Through the program’s website and social media, local businesses and the great people behind them are being profiled so that consumers can connect with tastemakers in their regions, enjoy a delicious meal or visit a tasting room to try a new beverage. 

For diners, the program is a resource hub that will provide information about restaurants, farmers, processors, industry leaders and tastemakers that share the passion for BC. Research when food is in season – and find out about events around that province that promote local. Learn about our unique crops and visit BC restaurants for inspiration and taste sensations.

For business owners, the program offers the opportunity to promote their commitment to local ingredients and local beer, wine and spirits, and to engage with like-minded customers. This grows the restaurant profile amongst the local community and tells the story behind the food we’re eating that is beautiful BC. 

If you love BC, and agree with us that #BCTastesBetter, check out the website to find some great places to eat and drink. More profiles will be uploaded on the website leading up to May.

Want to get involved in the program? Businesses are encouraged to register by emailing info@bcrfa.com or calling 604-669-2239.

About the British Columbia Restaurant & Food Services Association

The British Columbia Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA) is the largest and most progressive industry organization in British Columbia. BCRFA produces the annual Dine Around Okanagan in January to encourage locals to experience restaurants in the Okanagan area. This collective group of restaurant professionals is devoted to the sole purpose of creating the most favourable business environment for its members. As the voice of BC restaurants, it is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its unique industry partners and restaurant members, providing valuable information and exclusive opportunities. With more than 40 years of experience and with more than 3,000 members, the BCRFA continues to be the foremost resource for the industry. For more information, visit http://www.bcrfa.com/