Wouldn’t it be wonderful if supporting local also tasted amazing? The best of both worlds come together in one delicious promotion with the return of Dine Around Comox Valley, Jan. 20 to Feb. 10.
Why Dine Around? It’s no surprise that the hospitality industry has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, so the foodie festival – always a way to showcase local restaurants during the quiet shoulder season – has even more significance this year.
And it’s not only the restaurants themselves that benefit, since we know that local businesses tend to support other local businesses, growers, producers and suppliers. According to BC Buy Local, for example, for every $100 spent at a local business, $63 is re-circulated back into B.C.’s economy. And the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance notes that every one per cent increase in sales of local products equals 50 jobs.
Tasty innovations for today’s diners
Traditionally, Dine Around Comox Valley has focused on special, three-course menus – and you can definitely still savour that option! – but the Valley’s food and beverage establishments are also getting creative with some new concepts, including breakfasts and take-out.
At Plates Eatery, for example, you’ll find two feature menus – a $35 breakfast for two, including coffee, tea or juice, and a $55 three-course dinner for two, including shareable appetizer and shareable dessert. Frankie’s Fried Chicken is offering a $35 burgers-for-two feature menu: any two burgers from their menu, plus two small sides, two cans of pop and six donut bites – yum! And at the Comox Soup Shack, enjoy a $25 menu featuring soup, sandwich, baked goodies and coffee or tea.
Among the more traditional Dine Around options are longtime participants like Atlas Café, offering a $35 feature menu, Match Eatery & Public House, with a $25 menu, and Martine’s Bistro and the Blackfin Pub, both with $45 menus.
Others, like Off Main and Toscano’s Mediterranean Grill, have two menus planned, at both $45 and $55.
Sip Around
Of course, the Valley’s restaurants aren’t the only ones joining Dine Around.
You’ll also find selections from local craft breweries, wineries and distilleries for your sipping pleasure. Enjoy a tasting flight or select the perfect pairing for your dine in or take away meal. Some, like Gladstone Brewing, will take advantage of its kitchen to offer a full $35 feature menu.
Learn more, and plan your culinary adventures, at comoxvalleydinearound.com, where menus will be available.
To ensure you get a seat and enjoy safely, reservations are recommended. Note that to ensure guest safety, masks are required when entering and circulating in restaurants. Reservations available for no more than six per table and no mingling between tables is allowed.
Patios may be weather-dependent so plan ahead by bringing a coat if the evening gets cold.
