Harvest
VICTORIA, BC CANADA | JULY 2019
There are many reasons why we love the Pacific Northwest and we feel lucky to call it home. On July 24, we packed our car and hit the road for one of the most beautiful drives, up to Victoria, BC. We stopped midway for a lunch feast at Hama Hama Oyster Co and eventually, we boarded the ferry in Port Angeles. We arrived in Victoria that evening, so energized by the beauty of the area and so ready to host our very first Supper in Canada!
The day preceding the dinner was all about running errands, gathering materials, and running back and forth to Bilston Creek Farm, where Ben and Nikki welcomed us with wide smiles, full of excitement to have sixty adventurous diners gather at their gorgeous lavender farm. We set the long table while chef Sandi and team cleaned vegetables brought from her home garden, grown specifically for this Supper.
On Saturday, after foraging blooms and greens at a nearby flower farm, we arrived at Bilston for final set up. The morning went fast and before we knew it, we were greeting guests at the luscious lavender field, with a Collins made with lavender syrup from the farm and local gin.
It was very inspiring to see guests arrive from all over, locals from British Columbia, and travelers from Alberta, Washington, Oregon—including our two giveaway winners, who were flown by Alaska Airlines, to enjoy this Supper!—California, Utah, Kentucky, Montana and India! As everyone found their place at the table, chef Sandi and her team assembled the most beautiful lamb tartare to get dinner started.
The evening unfolded among delicious dishes, a collection of local wines, and much laughter that went on beyond sunset. To wrap up the evening, chef Sandi delivered a burnt honey ice cream and a blackberry almond pie that was absolutely mouthwatering. With the stars above us, chatter began to die down and guests started to make their way home.
Our days in Victoria were simply fantastic and the team that helped make our first dinner in Canada a reality was just incredible. We will reminisce about this Supper for a very, very long time to come. So long, Victoria!
Partners: Alaska Airlines, Bilston Creek Farm, Chef Sandi Irving
