The Edible Valley Podcast

The Edible Valley Podcast – What does a chef think about on a snow day? Spring ingredients, new menus, culinary students, and the future of food in the Edible Valley. In this solo episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier takes advantage of a surprise snow day on Vancouver Island to reflect on the transition from winter to spring in the culinary world. With a quiet morning and a cup of coffee, Jonathan shares how this time of year is when chefs begin thinking about what’s coming next. From early spring ingredients like fresh greens, pea shoots, and asparagus to the creative process of building new seasonal dishes, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how menus begin to take shape. Jonathan also talks about preparing for the upcoming PC1 culinary class in Port Alberni, the hands-on learning experience at Roger Street Bistro, and the importance of mentorship in developing the next generation of cooks. He also shares updates from the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association, including upcoming events and the value of building a strong culinary community across Vancouver Island. 🎧 Listen now #EdibleValley, #VancouverIslandFood, #FarmToTable, #ChefLife, #SeasonalCooking, #SupportLocalFood, #CulinaryCommunity, #FoodPodcast, #CanadianChefs, #SpringCooking, #PortAlberni, #Snowday

Seafood is central to life on Vancouver Island. It shapes our identity, supports livelihoods, drives tourism, and connects us to generations of culinary tradition. From wild Pacific salmon and halibut to spot prawns and shellfish, the ocean plays a defining role in our region’s cuisine. In this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast, we explore the choices behind the seafood we serve and consume, and what it truly means to make sustainable decisions https://youtu.be/D434Lmwy8I8 During a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to cover Super Bowl 60 for their other show, The F3 Podcast, which focuses on football, fantasy football, and food, hosts Erin and Jonathan had the opportunity to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The visit followed an introduction made at the BC Chefs Table Cook Camp featured in Episode 255, Cooks Camp 2025, the previous September. It provided the perfect opportunity to bring an important seafood sustainability conversation back to the Edible Valley audience. The episode features an interview with Shawn Cronin from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Listeners learn how the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program began, how it evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations, what ratings such as Best Choice, Good Alternative, and Avoid mean, and why science based recommendations matter for chefs, retailers, and consumers alike. For the Comox Valley community, these issues are real. The health of Pacific waters directly impacts the local economy, culinary scene, and coastal way of life. By making informed choices, every chef, diner, and home cook can contribute to the long term sustainability of our oceans. Responsible seafood is not just a menu decision. It is an investment in the future of our oceans and our culinary heritage. Learn More About Sustainable Seafood 🌐 Ocean Wise Canada’s science based sustainable seafood program from the Vancouver Aquarium https://ocean.org 🌐 Seafood Watch U.S. sustainable seafood program from the Monterey Bay Aquarium https://www.seafoodwatch.org Make informed choices for your plate, support healthy oceans, and discover what Best Choice, Good Alternative, and Avoid mean for the seafood you eat. #EdibleValleyPodcast, #Episode268, #SustainableSeafood, #OceanWise, #SeafoodWatch, #VancouverIsland, #ComoxValley, #PacificSeafood, #ChefLife, #CulinaryCommunity, #FoodAndSustainability, #MontereyBayAquarium, #F3Podcast, #SeafoodEducation, #SeafoodLovers, #SeafoodRecipes, #EatLocal, #SupportLocalFarms, #FarmToTable, #OceanConservation, #EcoFriendlyEating, #ResponsibleEating, #FoodieLife, #FoodPodcast, #CulinaryEducation, #LocalSeafood, #SeafoodChef, #SeafoodCulture, #SanFrancisco, #Monterey, #CaliforniaFoodie, #TravelForFood, #SuperBowl60, #FootballAndFood

On this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast, we dive into one of the sweetest collaborations of the season — the NVICA Chocolate Fest activation at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, in support of L’Arche and the ongoing Comox Valley Chocolate Festival. Members of the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association were proud to be part of this community-driven celebration of chocolate, creativity, and connection. Our chefs brought both sweet and savoury chocolate-inspired dishes to the market, showcasing technique, balance, and a bit of fun. From classic flavour pairings to unexpected applications of cocoa in savoury cooking, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that chocolate is far more versatile than most people think. More importantly, this event was about supporting the incredible work of L’Arche Comox Valley and their ongoing Comox Valley Chocolate Festival. The festival is a celebration of inclusion, community, and local food culture, bringing people together while raising awareness and support for L’Arche’s programs. The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market provided the perfect setting — local producers, engaged shoppers, and a strong sense of community. Events like this remind us that food is more than what’s on the plate. It’s about relationships, mentorship, and giving back. We talk about the inspiration behind the dishes, what it takes to execute live demos in a market setting, and why partnerships like this matter for our culinary community. #EdibleValleyPodcast, #NVICA, #CVChocolateFestival, #LArcheComoxValley, #ComoxValleyFarmersMarket, #ChocolateFest, #SupportLocal, #IslandChefs, #CommunityThroughFood @NVICA, @LArcheComoxValley, @CVFarmersMarket, @

Erin and I were thrilled to attend Taste of the NFL in San Francisco, one of the most exciting and impactful events of Super Bowl week. This isn’t just a food event, it’s a movement. GENYOUth, a U.S.-based nonprofit, works to increase access to nutritious meals and physical activity for students, and Taste of the NFL is one of their largest fundraisers. Top chefs from across the league came together, incredible sponsors supported the mission, and the NFL community united around food, hospitality, and purpose. Being there as Canadian chefs, from the Comox Valley culinary community, it was inspiring. Erin interviewed several of the chefs, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at their passion, precision, and commitment ,not just to creating world-class dishes, but to making a difference. It was a powerful reminder that food connects people, strengthens communities, and carries purpose beyond the plate. If you want to watch the full interviews, head to Edible Valley Productions on YouTube. #TasteOfTheNFL #EndStudentHunger #SuperBowlFood #EdibleValleyProductions #CulinaryExcellence

This week on The Edible Valley Podcast, we’re talking crispy batter, seaside classics, and a little Super Bowl-fuelled adventure. William is back from England — and he didn’t return empty-handed. Fresh off a dive into traditional British chippies, Will shares what makes a great fish and chip shop: from no-nonsense service and paper-wrapped portions to perfectly fried fish, fluffy chips, and that unmistakable aroma that follows you home. It’s a reminder that some of the world’s best food comes from humble places, done simply and done well. The conversation digs into what separates good fish and chips from unforgettable ones — the right fish, the right batter, the right oil, and why texture matters just as much as flavour. There’s nostalgia, a bit of grease-stained romance, and plenty of laughs along the way. Meanwhile, Chef Jonathan is gearing up for his next culinary adventure — heading to San Francisco as the city buzzes with Super Bowl energy. From West Coast flavours and diverse food cultures to sustainable seafood conversations and street-level food experiences, Jonathan shares what he’s most excited to explore while the football world descends on the Bay Area. It’s an episode that perfectly captures what The Edible Valley is all about: food rooted in place, stories behind the plate, and the joy of sharing meals — whether that’s standing in line at a local chippy in England or chasing flavours across North America. Grab a fork (or your fingers), because this one might leave you craving fish and chips by the end. Classic Fish & Chips Recipe (Chippy-Style) Serves 4 Fish 4 fillets cod, haddock, or halibut Salt & pepper Oil for frying (canola or beef tallow if you’re feeling traditional) Batter 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer Pinch of salt Chips 4 large russet potatoes, cut thick Salt Malt vinegar (essential) Method Chips first: Rinse potatoes, pat dry. Fry at 325°F (165°C) until tender but pale. Remove and rest. Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cold liquid until just combined. Fish: Season, dust lightly with flour, dip into batter. Fry: Increase oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry fish until golden and crisp, 4–5 minutes. Finish chips: Return chips to hot oil until golden and crunchy. Serve: Salt generously, splash with malt vinegar. Paper-wrap optional but encouraged. #TheEdibleValleyPodcast, #FishAndChips, #ChippyCulture, #BritishFood, #SeafoodStories, #ComfortFood, #FoodPodcast, #CulinaryTravel, #WestCoastEats, #SuperBowlFood, #SanFranciscoEats, #VancouverIslandFood, #SustainableSeafood, #ClassicCooking

Food Trends 2026: From Awareness to Action explores how the conversations of 2025 are turning into everyday habits in the year ahead. In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier is joined by special co-host Erin Haluschak to look at what’s shaping how we cook, eat, and gather on Vancouver Island—from functional, fiber-forward foods and mushrooms for health and longevity, to elevated comfort cooking, global flavours through a local lens, and practical sustainability that actually works in real life. With farms, fisheries, and forests close to home, many of these trends are already part of Island life, making 2026 less about hype and more about intention, skill, and connection around the table. #EdibleValleyPodcast, #FoodTrends2026, #VancouverIslandFood, #LocalFoodMovement, #IslandEats, #FarmToTable, #FoodCulture, #SustainableEating, #FunctionalFood, #ComfortFood, #GlobalFlavours, #LocalFirst, #ChefLife, #HomeCooking, #FoodCommunity

Episode 248 — Food Trends 2025 (Revisit) You may remember this episode from when it first aired, but it’s worth another listen. In Episode 248 of The Edible Valley Podcast, we explored the food trends shaping 2025 — a year defined by awareness, reflection, and big conversations about how we eat. This episode dives into sustainability, food systems, and gut health as they moved into the mainstream, along with the growing influence of global flavours and technology on home kitchens and restaurants alike. It was a moment when food culture started asking deeper questions — not just what we eat, but why. Looking back, many of the ideas discussed here still resonate, especially on Vancouver Island, where local farms, fisheries, and producers were already living these trends day to day. What felt like emerging ideas at the time have since become part of everyday food conversations. Whether you’re hearing this episode again or discovering it for the first time, Episode 248 captures an important snapshot of where food culture stood in 2025 — and why those conversations mattered then, and still do now.

The Edible Valley Podcast — Holiday Drinks at Home The holidays are busy, cozy, and a little chaotic — and somewhere in the middle, a drink gets poured. In this episode, Chef Jonathan Frazier shares simple, thoughtful holiday drinks that actually show up at home, from sparkling aperitifs to warming, spirit-forward options and inclusive low- or no-alcohol choices. He also shares hosting tips and reflections on slowing down, enjoying your guests, and creating memorable moments around the table. 🍷The best holiday drink isn’t the fanciest — it’s the one that brings people together. #HolidayDrinks, #EdibleValleyPodcast, #VancouverIslandEats, #HomeHosting, #SimpleCocktails, #FoodPodcast, #HolidayEntertaining, #WinterCocktails, #ChefTips, #DrinkSeasonally The Edible Valley Podcast – Holiday Spirits: Local Cocktails & Festive Pairings 1. Comox Valley Holiday Honey Sparkler Wayward Distillery Unruly Gin (honey-based) 45 ml gin, 15 ml honey syrup, 15 ml lemon juice, top with sparkling wine Garnish: Cinnamon stick & orange twist Food Pairing: Brie with cranberry compote, spiced nuts, citrus-glazed shrimp Holiday Touch: Sweet honey and cinnamon evoke festive warmth in a sparkling aperitif. 2. Shelter Point Winter Old Fashioned Shelter Point Whisky 60 ml whisky, 10 ml maple syrup, 2 dashes bitters Garnish: Orange peel & star anis Food Pairing: Roast turkey or ham, maple-glazed root vegetables, dark chocolate tart Holiday Touch: Oak and spice notes make it cozy and rich for winter celebrations. 3. Festive Phrog & Beaufort Vermouth Flip Phrog Gin/Vodka + Beaufort Vermouth 45 ml gin, 15 ml Beaufort vermouth, 15 ml honey syrup, 15 ml lemon juice, egg yolk optional Garnish: Cranberries & rosemary Food Pairing: Herb roasted vegetables, cheese & fruit boards, spiced desserts Holiday Touch: Cranberries and rosemary bring seasonal color and flavor to a creamy cocktail. 4. Wayward Spiced Honey Toddy Wayward Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur 60 ml Krupnik, 120 ml hot water, 15 ml lemon juice Garnish: Cinnamon stick & lemon wheel Food Pairing: Gingerbread, roasted turkey with cranberry chutney, baked apples Holiday Touch: A warm toddy with honey, cinnamon, and citrus — perfect for cozy winter nights. 5. Sunshine Maple Flip Shelter Point Sunshine Liqueur (Orange Spice Maple) 45 ml Sunshine Liqueur, 15 ml bourbon (optional), 15 ml lemon juice, 15 ml egg yolk Garnish: Orange twist & nutmeg Food Pairing: Maple-glazed ham, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin cheesecake Holiday Touch: Creamy, citrusy, and spiced — a rich festive cocktail for holiday feasts. 6. Krupnik Apple Cider Spark Wayward Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur 45 ml Krupnik, 90 ml warm apple cider, 15 ml lemon juice, dash of cinnamon Garnish: Apple slice & cinnamon stick Food Pairing: Pork roast with apple sauce, aged cheddar & honey, mini apple pies Holiday Touch: Mulled apple cider combined with spiced honey liqueur — cozy and aromatic.

If you’re looking for inspiration for a meaningful holiday table, this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast is worth a revisit. Jonathan and Erin dive into what makes a holiday meal truly special, from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to blending family traditions with new ideas. The conversation explores how food helps set the tone for the season, creating connection, comfort, and a sense of place around the table. They also talk through several holiday-ready dishes and ideas, including comforting vegetable-forward sides, hearty mains that work for mixed dietary tables, and simple recipes that can be prepped ahead to reduce stress on the big day. From thoughtful use of winter produce to flavour-building techniques that make plant-forward dishes shine, there’s plenty of practical takeaways you can use right away. Along the way, Jonathan and Erin share tips for planning, pacing your prep, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a larger holiday gathering. And finally, a heartfelt congratulations to William on the arrival of his baby girl. Welcome to the world, little one. If you missed this episode when it first aired, now is the perfect time to give it a listen as the holidays approach.

Edible Valley Podcast – Holiday Episode This week, Chef Jonathan and host William dive into the heart of the holiday season with an episode full of food, family traditions, and festive inspiration. Recorded at the Jet FM studios, the two talk about December in the Comox Valley — the cold nights, the lights going up, and the comfort of coming together over great meals. William shares stories in anticipation of his upcoming trip to the U.K. (including buying a car from a guy named Ravi!), while both hosts reflect on why holiday cooking brings people closer this time of year. The episode features a recap of Jonathan's recent Comox Valley Farmers’ Market holiday cooking demo, where the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association walked the community through preparing a full holiday meal using local ingredients. Highlights include: 🦃 Breaking down and deboning a turkey into a beautiful galantine 🥕 Roasted squash, beets & carrots with a hot honey glaze 🥬 Cranberry-apple shrub braised cabbage 🌿 Roasted kalettes with hazelnuts and lemon 🍞 Gluten-free and traditional stuffings made with local breads 👩‍🍳 NIC culinary students joining the live demo Recipe: https://cvfm.ca/2025/11/21/foodfest-back-to-basics-holiday-feast-edition/ Jonathan shares tips on saving time during the holidays — including why deboning your turkey ahead of time can make Christmas dinner so much easier (and tastier!). The two also chat about market shopping, supporting local farmers, and why fresh local produce lasts longer and tastes better. If you love local food, holiday cooking, and a little kitchen storytelling, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now and celebrate the season with Edible Valley!

In this episode of Edible Valley, we dive into one of the most comforting, universal, and endlessly creative dishes in the culinary world: soup. From rustic broths to silky purées, hearty stews to bright, modern bowls, soup is a vessel for culture, technique, and the stories behind the ingredients we choose. Jonathan and William explore why soup holds such a special place in kitchens across Vancouver Island and beyond. We talk about how the seasons shape the bowls we crave, the ingredients that thrive on our local farms and in our coastal waters, and the professional techniques that make even the simplest broth shine. We recorded this a little while ago, but we’re finally getting it up — and it’s worth the wait. Whether you’re a home cook stirring your first stock pot or a seasoned chef looking for fresh ideas, this episode celebrates the art, science, and soul of soup. Warm up, grab a spoon, and join us in the Edible Valley kitchen.

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most essential - and endlessly fascinating - ingredients in the kitchen: eggs! Jonathan and William crack into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about eggs — how they’re cleaned, graded, and cooked, plus the many ways they make our food better. From the basics of boiling and poaching to the science behind emulsions and baking, we explore just how versatile this simple ingredient can be. We also get into some fun facts, like why we wash eggs, how to tell the difference between sizes, and whether there’s really any difference between brown and white shells (spoiler: there’s not!).

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier sit down with Chef Avi Sternberg, fresh from his appearance at the Vines & Tides Harvest Dinner at 40 Knots Winery. The conversation goes beyond the event to explore Avi’s fascinating culinary path — from his roots in Colorado to his time training and working in Japan, and finally, to finding his home and inspiration in Powell River, British Columbia. Avi shares how his international experiences shaped his philosophy on food, from the discipline and respect for ingredients he learned in Japan to the creativity and community focus he’s discovered on the West Coast. His story is one of adventure, adaptability, and a lifelong pursuit of flavour and meaning through cooking. This episode offers an inspiring look at how one chef’s global journey has led to a deep connection with the people, place, and produce of coastal BC - blending international technique with the spirit of local cuisine.

The Island Taste Trail is back - and this year, it’s bringing together the flavours of the Comox Valley and Parksville Qualicum Beach in one delicious celebration of local food and community. In this episode, we head to the Comox Valley Visitor Centre to chat with Samantha Scholefield, one of the driving forces behind the Island Taste Trail. She shares how the program connects local restaurants, producers, and communities while inspiring diners to explore the best of Vancouver Island cuisine. We talk about why initiatives like this are so important for our region — because when you dine local, you truly make a difference. In fact, for every $100 spent at a BC-owned restaurant, $68 stays right here in our local economy, supporting farmers, suppliers, and countless small businesses that make up the heart of our food culture. Join us as we discover what’s new this year, which restaurants are participating, and how you can taste your way through the Island this fall! Tune in, get inspired, and support local — one bite at a time.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Culinary Team Canada to the Comox Valley and Campbell River for two incredible culinary events! Host Chef Jonathan sits down with Chef Ronald St. Pierre, one of the team managers, and Chef Lesley Stav, who shares insight into the Senior National Team and their exciting journey toward international competition. We talk about what it takes to represent Canada on the global culinary stage, the precision and passion behind their craft, and what guests can expect from these two extraordinary dinners showcasing the very best of Canadian cuisine. Join us as we celebrate world-class talent, local connections, and a taste of Team Canada right here on Vancouver Island! Looking for tickets try Eventbrite (Culinary Team Canada)

Episode 191 of Edible Valley takes you beneath the tides with Logan Zeinert of NIC’s Seaweed Innovation Hub. We explore how seaweed is grown, processed, and scaled to support BC’s coastal food systems and blue economy. We hope to sit down with the rest of the team soon to see how this exciting project could change things for all of us across Vancouver Island. Listen now — because what grows in the sea matters on our plates. #Seaweed #BlueEconomy #MarineInnovation #EdibleValley

Welcome to a special fall edition of the Edible Valley Podcast! In this episode, we dig into the rich diversity of squash - from sweet delicata and creamy buttercup to vibrant Hubbard and nutty acorn varieties - and explore how harvest time shapes our local food system. We talk with growers and chefs about what makes certain squash stand out, flavour tips, storage secrets, and what to expect during this season’s barns-full of fresh produce. Plus, we chat about three upcoming events you won’t want to miss: Seafood Festival Dinner with Avi Stienberg — October 18 at 40 Knots Winery. A special evening celebrating local seafood and culinary craftsmanship. Culinary Team Canada in town — November 1 & November 3: Two exclusive dinners featuring top-tier chefs collaborating with local producers. Island Taste Trail (Oct 29 – Nov 16) — a fall-wide celebration of Vancouver Island flavours. Participating restaurants and cafés in the Comox Valley and Parksville / Qualicum Beach will offer locally inspired pairings and dishes. Tune in to get inspired for your own fall menus — and to find your next delicious night out. Stay in the loop & explore more at https://www.ediblevalley.com/or https://ediblevalley.wordpress.com/

Each September, chefs, cooks, and culinary enthusiasts gather at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC for three unforgettable days of cooking, learning, and connecting at CooksCamp. Since 2022, this annual retreat—hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC—has become a must-attend event for both rising talent and seasoned professionals. In this episode, we take you inside CooksCamp 2025 (Sept 10–12) to share what it’s really like to be part of this one-of-a-kind gathering. From the crisp morning foraging walks to the hands-on butchery demos, the farm buzzed with energy, knowledge, and collaboration. Highlights included: Wild Foraging Tours – exploring edible treasures with award-winning chefs. Cultural Dinners – from Filipino foodways and resilience to a grand Italian feast. Skill-Building Sessions – beef breakdowns, sausage making, bluefin tuna demos, and dry-aging workshops. Panels & Talks – media training, financial literacy, HR problem-solving, farming and food security, and Indigenous foodways. Community & Collaboration – associations and advocates across BC uniting to support young chefs and strengthen the industry. World’s Largest Family Meal – chefs from across Canada cooking together, serving dishes that celebrated diverse culinary traditions. CooksCamp isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection, mentorship, and inspiration. It’s a space where culinary students rub shoulders with industry icons, where learning is hands-on, and where Canadian food culture is honored and pushed forward. For me, the experience is always a reminder of why I chose this profession: the camaraderie, the craft, and the chance to keep growing. Tune in as William and I relive the moments, conversations, and flavours that made CooksCamp 2025 an event to remember—and maybe share a few laughs, as we always do. #CooksCamp2025 #ChefsTableSociety #EdibleValleyPodcast #CulinaryCommunity #CanadianChefs #FarmToTable #CulinaryEducation #FoodCulture

Join host Chef Jonathan Frazier in this intimate visit to Shamrock Farm, the Comox Valley sanctuary Mike and Shannon Farrell began in 1993. What started as a humble pumpkin patch has blossomed into a biodiverse 20-acre operation, cultivating over 40 vegetable varieties, fragrant lavender, specialty cut flowers, and raising chickens, Nubian goats, and even pigs to support the land and farm family. Beyond produce, the farm produces handcrafted soaps using fresh goat milk and lavender oil, preserves, and lavender products,all reflecting their ethos of thoughtful, local craftsmanship. Shamrock Farm thrives through seasonal markets, a roadside farm stand on the honour system, and online sales, building connections one harvest at a time. WEBSITE: FACEBOOK LINK INSTAGRAM LINK ADDRESS 2276 Anderton Road Comox, British Columbia Canada V9M 4B2 CONTACT T: (250) 339-1671 E: [email protected] HOURS ROAD-SIDE FARM STAND: May - September: 10:00am - 5:00pm, Tuesday - Sunday November - April: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Friday - Sunday

Blackberry season is here, and in this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, Jonathan and William dive into everything blackberry. From their wild abundance along Vancouver Island’s trails and hedgerows to their starring role in jams, desserts, sauces, and even cocktails, blackberries are a true taste of late summer. We explore the history of this hardy berry in the Valley, the challenges and opportunities they bring for farmers and foragers, and how they’ve become a staple in local kitchens. Jonathan shares culinary tips for bringing out their sweet-tart flavor in both savory and sweet dishes, while William looks at their nutritional benefits, their cultural role in the region, and, true to form, may wander off on a few entertaining tangents along the way. Whether you love a simple blackberry pie, a tangy BBQ glaze, or just eating them fresh off the vine, this episode will leave you inspired to celebrate one of nature’s most generous gifts. Listen in and discover why blackberries might just be the jewel of our local harvest