by Maria Koropecky
the Peninsula News Review newspaper
Wednesday, September 23, 1998, page 10
With a wine glass and napkin in hand, food lovers enjoyed roaming around the paths of Ravenhill, sampling unique culinary delights prepared by the Island's finest chefs.
On Sunday Sept. 20, from 2 to 6 p.m., the beautiful Ravenhill Herb Farm in Saanichton served as the backdrop for the first annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields, one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the year.
Local chefs dazzled food enthusiasts with a vast assortment of succulent treasures made from local, often organic produce — with a twist: they weren't allowed to serve the treats on plates. Instead, the food was served on freshly baked pieces of bread, crisp green leaves, or sections of wood cut into saucers.
The Aerie Resort, the Empress Room and Sooke Harbour House were just some of the world-class kitchens participating.
The Dorchester served Piper's double smoked bacon-wrapped Cowichan Valley Chanterelle and Limberlost Orchard yellow pear tomatoes with organic MacApple compote, while the Malahat Mountain Inn prepared miniature lamb burgers on a Tortilla crisp topped by local fruit chutney. Saltspring Island Cheese Company served morsals of soft and hard sheep cheeses and every stop was a new adventure in flavor.
Local leading winemakers, brewers and beverage producers complimented the fare by offering tasters and answering questions. Representatives from Summerhill Estate Winery, Merridale Cider, Spinnakers Brewpub, and Happy Planet Juices set up tables next to the outdoor kitchens to help make the sunny afternoon more memorable.
Organizer Mara Jernigan was one of the people responsible for bringing the event to the Island. As a former chef, she used to participate in similar banquets in Ontario. "It's a wonderful way to unite food producers and celebrate the harvest."
Feast of Fields is a fundraiser for Farm Folk City Folk, a non-profit organization dedicated to working together to promote social justice and a sustainable food system for all in British Columbia.
