A B.C. city was just named among the best in the world for food
According to a list recently published by National Geographic, one of the best places in the world for food right now is here in B.C. But, some may be surprised to hear that it’s not Vancouver (which was ranked the third best food city in the world by CondĂ© Nast Traveller). Instead, Kelowna was given the culinary spotlight.
“Late last year, Kelowna was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy — the first in Canada. The designation recognizes this premier wine region and its growing culinary offerings, made possible by centuries of land preservation by First Nations and a vibrant immigrant history,” summarized National Geographic on the list.
National Geographic also went on to say that the best way to experience the area’s “culinary riches” is along the Boucherie bike route — a 4.8 km trail that passes restaurants and fruit stands all backed by views of the lake and rolling vineyards.
“Among the standouts is Volcanic Hills, which grew from an apple farm founded by Sarwan Gidda’s father, Mehta Gidda, an immigrant from East Punjab. Now the Gidda family showcases the region’s viticultural diversity with fruity pinot gris, an award-winning merlot, and a robust cherry wine,” wrote National Geographic.
“At Little Straw Vineyards, lauded viticulturist Karnail Singh Sidhu preserves the legacy begun by the Slamka family by overseeing the production of its famous full-bodied red blends. The winery’s new Tula Restaurant is where chef Bhawna Tandon pays homage to her Indian roots, with dishes like cedar-smoked tandoori salmon infused with Okanagan honey and apple cider vinegar.”
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It also went on to give a shoutout to the Old Vines Restaurant at Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, which it said serves meals with one of the valley’s best views, and Mission Hill Family Estate, where it praised its “soaring bell tower and arched colonnades.”
“If it’s available, try the 2020 Oculus, a Bordeaux-style blend well regarded by Canadian wine experts. And don’t forget to pack your panniers with favourite finds — many Okanagan vintages are available only at the source,” added National Geographic.
Other parts of the world that were mentioned in the list include Crete, Greece; Buôn Ma Thuột, Central Highlands, Vietnam; Lucknow, India; Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Maui in Hawaii; Northern Colombia, and more.
Which Kelowna restaurants and wineries do you think are must-visit? Let us know in the comments.
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