This year, we’ve transformed our member-exclusive pick-up event into a wine and culinary competition! The fall edition of this newly reimagined event will be hosted on October 28 and boasts three visiting chefs from well-known kitchens right here in the Okanagan Valley.
Here is a look at how the finale event will unfold:
- The Old Vines Restaurant Culinary Team will host three visiting chefs.
- These chefs will go head-to-head, daring to expertly pair a feature dish with Quails’ Gate wine.
- Wine Club Members will have the chance to vote on their favourite dish and crown a winner.
Meet the Chefs
Bernard Casavant of Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School
Chef Bernard Casavant, a pioneer in Okanagan’s culinary scene since 2006, is known for his unwavering commitment to farm-to-table cuisine and local ingredients. As the Culinary Director of Lakehouse Kitchens, he brings with him an impressive career including roles as Executive Chef at Chateau Whistler, Chef/Owner of Chef Bernard’s Bistro in Whistler and involvement with esteemed establishments like Manteo, Burrowing Owl, Okanagan College and RauDz Creative Concepts. With a rich culinary journey that includes being one of Canada’s original 12 Certified Chef de Cuisines, a Bocuse d’Or participant, Gold Medal Plates Ambassador, Chefs in the Classroom Ambassador and OCA Past President, Chef Casavant brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He is renowned for his seafood expertise and was trained at Vancouver Island Malaspina College. His culinary passion ignited at the age of 14, and he fondly recalls cooking, preserving, and berry-picking with his grandmother.
https://www.lakehousehomestore.com/cooking-school/
Rod Butters of RauDZ Creative Concepts Ltd.
Chef Rod Butters is a culinary pioneer in the Okanagan Valley. He owns acclaimed restaurants including RauDZ Regional Table, Sunny’s Modern Diner and The Okanagan Table, all committed to supporting local cuisine. With a rich background that includes opening the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino and working with prestigious establishments like Scaramouche Restaurant and the Four Seasons Hotel group, Rod has earned international recognition. He holds the WCC designation from the World Association of Chefs Societies and is a member of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame. Rod is also a best-selling cookbook author, with “The Okanagan Table” receiving accolades for its celebration of regional cooking. When not overseeing his eateries, he enjoys tending to his garden with his energetic dog, Olive.
Jeremy Luypen
Chef Jeremy Luypen is an award-winning chef with brilliant creative skills and extensive food & beverage experience. He is known as one of the top chefs in the Okanagan. Jeremy is the current president of the Okanagan Chefs Association and is an instructor in the Okanagan College’s Culinary Arts Program, developing cooks & apprentices. Jeremy has received many awards for his dedication and passion for the culinary industry in the Okanagan including awarded the Okanagan Chefs Association “Presidents Award” in 2013, “Member of the Year” in 2014, “Chef of the Year” in 2016 and named one of BDO’s “Top 40 under 40” in 2015. His recent endeavors include overseeing 16 restaurants across B.C. as Director of Operations at Noir Food Services and Culinary Director at Summerhill Pyramid Winery. His impressive career also encompasses executive chef roles at Predator Ridge Resort, the Hotel Eldorado, Spirit Ridge Resort and ownership of Terrafina at Hester Creek Winery.
Crowning a Winner
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to crown a winner at our finale Dare to Pair member-exclusive event on Saturday, October 28.
Experience the Perks of Membership
Award-winning authentically Okanagan wines shipped to your door, 15% off all wine purchases, first access to new releases, access to member-exclusive events and now a chance to win city-specific event tickets!
This fall wine club members can add-on 6 extra bottles to their shipment and increase their odds of winning a pair of tickets to the following:
- CALGARY: Two Day Passes and VIP Dinner Tickets for the Calgary National Bank Challenger Tennis Tournament November 6 through November 12.
- KELOWNA: Two Luxury Suite Tickets to the Glorious Sons at Prospera Place on November 11.
- VANCOUVER: Two tickets to the Quails’ Gate Winemaker Dinner at Provence Marinaside in Yaletown on November 7.
Take your chance to get in on all the delicious action by becoming a Wine Club member today!