The day starts early for Don Genova, as he sips his coffee on the ferry, watching the waves gently rock the vessel. He’s on his way to explore the food scene on Vancouver Island, and he’s got his trusty guide, Pacific Palate: Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. With 320 pages of insider knowledge, this book is the perfect companion for any foodie looking to discover the island’s hidden gems. Pacific Palate has become a staple in the food community, and its first edition, released in 2014, has been praised for its comprehensive coverage of Vancouver Island’s food artisans. The fully revised and updated second edition is now available, and it’s packed with even more information on the island’s growing and improving food scene. As a seasoned food journalist, Genova has spent 28 years specializing in food journalism, and his work has been featured in various media outlets, including CBC radio and TV, The Food Network, the Globe and Mail, and the National Post. He’s also an online course instructor for aspiring freelance food and travel writers through UBC. For Genova, Pacific Palate is more than just a book – it’s a resource that can be used by both locals and visitors to the island. With its comprehensive chapters on specific regions, including Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Comox Valley, Mid-Island, Cowichan Valley, and Gulf Islands, this book has something for everyone. Some of the quirky and innovative standouts in the book include:
• Little Qualicum Cheese Shop, where visitors can check out the automated milking stations that cows amble over to when they are ready to be milked. • Lockwood Farms in Cobble Hill, which boasts an egg vending machine. • Cowichan Station Creamery, which has a vending machine that dispenses cheese. • Cowichan Milk Company, which has brought back the good old-fashioned home delivery of milk, along with 699 other items. • Shelter Point Distillery in Campbell River, which ages its whiskies in an oceanfront open-door warehouse for salty nuances. • Island Pastures Beef, a co-operative of producers who sell their beef exclusively at the 11 Country Grocers stores up and down the island. • Fanny Bay Oysters, which exports around the globe but is best enjoyed locally. • Grab a pint at Canada’s first brewpub, Spinnakers Gastro in Victoria. • The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria and Village Butcher on Oak Bay Avenue in Victoria, which serves up delicious mouthfuls of cured meats. According to Genova, 2025 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Vancouver Island tourism and foodie treks. With CNN naming Vancouver Island one of the Best Places to Visit in 2025, the island is poised to attract even more visitors. As a foodie resource, Pacific Palate is the perfect companion for anyone looking to explore the island’s food scene. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the flavors of Vancouver Island. With Pacific Palate: Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, you’ll find it’s a treasure trove of insider knowledge and inspiration for your next foodie adventure.
Highlights
* **Best Coffee Shops:** Genova’s guide to the best coffee shops on Vancouver Island. * **Farmers Markets:** A comprehensive list of farmers markets and their offerings. * **Specialty Grocers:** The best places to shop for gourmet ingredients. * **Restaurants:** A curated list of the island’s top restaurants. * **Farms and Food Producers:** Insider information on the island’s best farms and food producers.
Table: Foodie Favorites
| | **Foodie Favorite** | | **Description** |
| :- | :- | :- | :- |
| 1 | Little Qualicum Cheese Shop | | Automated milking stations for fresh cheese |
| 2 | Lockwood Farms | | Egg vending machine |
| 3 | Cowichan Station Creamery | | Vending machine dispensing cheese |
| 4 | Cowichan Milk Company | | Home delivery of milk and other items |
| 5 | Shelter Point Distillery | | Whiskies aged in oceanfront open-door warehouse |
| 6 | Island Pastures Beef | | Exclusive beef sold at Country Grocers |
| 7 | Fanny Bay Oysters | | Freshly harvested oysters |
| 8 | Spinnakers Gastro | | Canada’s first brewpub |
| 9 | The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria and Village Butcher | | Delicious cured meats |
Quotations
“Pacific Palate is a book that both people who live on Vancouver Island and anyone visiting Vancouver Island from anywhere in BC, Canada or the world can use as a foodie resource, travel guide or suggestions for Saturday sojourns any time of year,” said Genova.
Key Points
- Pacific Palate is a comprehensive guide to Vancouver Island’s food artisans.
- The book features chapters on specific regions, including Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Comox Valley, Mid-Island, Cowichan Valley, and Gulf Islands.
- Some of the quirky and innovative standouts in the book include Little Qualicum Cheese Shop, Lockwood Farms, Cowichan Station Creamery, and Shelter Point Distillery.
- 2025 is shaping up to be a bumper year for Vancouver Island tourism and foodie treks, with CNN naming Vancouver Island one of the Best Places to Visit in 2025.
Definitions
- Foodie Resource
- A comprehensive guide to food artisans and producers on Vancouver Island.
- Travel Guide
- A guide that provides information on destinations and activities for travelers.
- Saturday Sojourns
- A type of weekend getaway or short trip to explore a destination.
Foodie Favorites
This section highlights some of the unique foodie experiences on Vancouver Island.
The island offers a diverse range of food experiences, from cheese shops and egg vending machines to distilleries and craft breweries. Here are a few of the foodie favorites that are worth exploring:
* Little Qualicum Cheese Shop: This shop offers a wide range of artisanal cheeses, including goat cheese, feta, and cheddar. The automated milking stations are a unique feature that allows visitors to see the cheese-making process firsthand. * Lockwood Farms: This farm offers an egg vending machine, making it easy for visitors to pick up fresh eggs whenever they want. The farm also offers a range of other products, including cheese, yogurt, and honey. * Cowichan Station Creamery: This creamery offers a vending machine that dispenses cheese, making it a convenient option for visitors who want to try a variety of cheeses without having to buy a whole wheel. * Shelter Point Distillery: This distillery offers a unique whiskey-aging experience, where visitors can see the whiskey aging in oceanfront open-door warehouse. The distillery also offers tours and tastings. * Island Pastures Beef: This co-operative of producers offers a range of beef products, including steaks, roasts, and burgers. The products are sold exclusively at the 11 Country Grocers stores up and down the island. * Fanny Bay Oysters: This oyster farm offers a range of freshly harvested oysters, which can be enjoyed on the spot or taken home to enjoy later. * Spinnakers Gastro: This brewpub offers a range of craft beers and delicious pub fare, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal. * The Whole Beast Artisan Salumeria and Village Butcher: This shop offers a range of delicious cured meats, including prosciutto, salami, and bacon. The shop also offers a range of other products, including cheeses, breads, and pastries.
