Back again to tempt the taste buds of foodies living in (or visiting to) Vancouver Island’s North Central region is Dine Around Comox Valley – a month-long annual event that celebrates local cuisine.
From Feb. 17 through March 18, 2012, a total of 25 Comox Valley restaurants (the most in the history of the event) will partake in the campaign by creating delicious three-course, prix fixe meals – each available to diners for $15, $25 or $35 (Cdn, per person). Showcasing the gastronomical bounty of the Comox Valley’s land and sea, participants of this year’s Dine Around event include the Blackfin Pub, Bisque, Common Ground and Locals – Food from the Heart of the Island.
“Each year, this event grows in popularity: we see more restaurants participating in the campaign and more locals coming out to taste the dishes,” said Ronald St-Pierre, owner and executive chef at Locals – Food from the Heart of the Island. “The Comox Valley is truly a paradise for any food lover, with plenty of farms, everything from berries to produce and dairy; fresh seafood; and a number of annual food-centric events, such as Dine Around, the Farm Cycle tour and the Shellfish Festival.”
And back again to join in on the food festivities are four hotels, each offering special rates to make it a true night out on the town. Accommodation partners are The Anco Motel, Courtenay Travelodge, Best Western PLUS – The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre and Old House Village Hotel & Spa. ($59, $79, $99 or $129 per night respectively)
“Last year, Dine Around Comox Valley opened up to include accommodation partners – a great sign of the program’s success,” said Kerry Pearce, general manager of Old House Village Hotel & Spa. “And after a night of great fun, food and drinks, our guests can rest deep, knowing that there’ll be no dishes to wash or beds to make when the morning comes.”
In recent years, the Comox Valley has risen in culinary circles as a food destination – thanks in part to the great number of agricultural and aquaculture products produced in the surrounding land and waters. This, combined with local wineries and breweries, diverse restaurants and excellent chefs, has put the Comox Valley region on the maps of food lovers everywhere.
Working in partnership with Comox Valley Economic Development in overseeing the Dine Around event is a top-notch steering committee. Members include Ronald St-Pierre from Locals – Food from the Heart of the Island; Edd Moyes from Blackfin Pub; and Sandra Viney from Atlas Café and Avenue Bistro.
For more information about the restaurants and accommodations participating in this year’s Dine Around Comox Valley, visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com/promotions/dine_around.htm.
Dine Around Comox Valley 2012 participants
Restaurants:
- Martine’s Bistro
- Atlas Café
- Avenue Bistro
- The Waverly Pub
- Silverado West Coast Grill
- Delicado’s
- Old House Restaurant
- Blackfin Pub
- Plates Catering & Eatery
- Bisque Restaurant
- Thai Village Restaurant
- Tita’s Mexican Restaurant
- Crystal’s Place
- Carmie’s Café
- Locals – Food from the Heart of the Island
- Chalk Lounge / River City Café (Westerly Hotel)
- Mad Chef Café
- Fluid Bar & Grill
- Union Street Grill
- Ricky’s All Day Grill
- Common Ground
- Monte Christo on the River
Hotels:
- Courtenay Travelodge
- Old House Village Hotel & Spa
- Best Western PLUS – The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre
- The Anco Motel
About the Comox Valley
Located halfway up Vancouver Island’s east coast, the Comox Valley abounds with culinary bounty from land and sea. Coupled with arts, music and sporting events, and stunning alpine to ocean resorts and spas, the region is a place of supernatural beauty that offers rich culinary, cultural and outdoor experiences. For more information, visit www.discovercomoxvalley.com
