The best of the Okanagan’s culinary and vintage fares are pairing to celebrate spring – Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen is hosting a tantalizing five-course dinner in partnership with La Frenz Winery.

Chef Ricardo Scebba is creating a to-die-for meal with carefully selected wine pairings from La Frenz Winery for each course.. The sumptuous event runs in conjunction with The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival that features over 100 events throughout the valley. Called ‘one of Canada’s best small festivals,’ the event continues to grow year after year.

“If there is one thing better in the world than delicious authentic dishes, it is delicious authentic dishes with fabulous wine parings,” says Chef-owner Ricardo Scebba. “Our spring celebration marries the best of culinary arts and vintage crafts to showcase the best of our Okanagan valley.”

Chef-owner Ricardo Scebba has been honouring his Italian heritage and passion for authentic dishes since opening the doors to Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen in 2001. He uses only the freshest ingredients in his home-style cooking, and features organic greens harvested directly from the family’s garden. Ricardo’s flavourful creations offer diners the best of authentic Italian fare and samplings from the Mediterranean basin.

La Frenz winery is nestled in the sunny hills of Naramata Bench, and is run by Jeff and Niva Martin who are fortified with over 20 years of experience in both the Canadian and Australian wine industries. From vine cultivation and harvesting, to blending and bottling, Jeff is involved with every step of the wine making process in his vineyards. Niva hails from a diverse background in sales and marketing, and ensures the smooth administration of La Frenz. Their expert palates and lifelong appreciation of world-class wines define the Martin team as a pearl of the Okanagan wine industry.

Call 1-250-766-6810 to reserve your seats for Ricardo’s spring celebration. Price per person is $120 and includes taxes and gratuity.

A live band will accompany dinner, and the first 24 people in Kelowna who book their special evening will be treated to a free shuttle ride to and from a central Kelowna location

To take home your own piece of Italy, purchase Chef Scebba’s That’s Amore cookbook. Published by the Okanagan Institute, That’s Amore is now available in-restaurant, at Chapter’s stores or www.chapers.indigo.ca, and online at www.ricardos.ca and retrials for $24.95 CAD.

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About Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen

Since opening in 2001, Ricardo’s has won numerous awards including “#1 Italian Restaurant in British Columbia” by Open Table diners as well as “Best Restaurant,” “Best Service,” “Best Italian,” “Best Romantic,” “Best Chef,” and “Best of the Best” from Okanagan Life Magazine and “Greenest Business” (2011) awarded by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Tucked away on a quiet road just outside Kelowna, BC – Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen offers gratifying, authentic dishes echoing from the Italian countryside and the Mediterranean basin. From mama’s hand-rolled, homemade meatballs to organic produce grown in the family garden, chef-owner Ricardo Scebba honors his Italian heritage and serves favorite family recipes that offer a true taste of Mediterranean life. The Tuscan-inspired 50-seat room designed by Georgie Award-winner Tara Trumpetter, makes the perfect place to savor Ricardo’s time-honoured taste creations with family, friends and lovers. Situated in the Holiday Park Resort just 20km north of Kelowna, Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen is the Okanagan’s best-kept secret. In 2011, chef Ricardo released his debut cookbook “That’s Amore” to rave reviews – available in-restaurant or at www.ricardos.ca or at Chapter’s stores or www.chapters.indigo.ca Info & reservations at www.ricardos.ca or by calling 250-766-6810.