An Osoyoos chef with ties to the Central Okanagan will kick off a summer series celebrating local food at Lake Country’s Gatzke Orchards this weekend.
Chef Chris Van Hooydonk launches Gatzke Orchard Dinner Series on May 25, a series of dinners that will spotlight the farm to table movement this summer called Go Foodism.
The proprietor of Artisan Culinary Concepts, Van Hooydonk will be the first of five chefs who will feature a creative meal inspired by the efforts of the local farmers and producers as well as a tasting of wines from Burrowing Owl Winery.
“Chris and I share a commitment to growing the local food community and we are excited to have him kick off our Go Foodism series this summer,” said Al Gatzke of Gatzke Orchards. “I’m also looking forward to an amazing dinner that night.”
The Gatzke Orchard outdoor, roaming dinner series will take place on the last Sunday of the month from May through to September.
Van Hooydonk’s passion not only for cooking but for growing food, made him the a great choice to launch the series.
“I am excited to be hosted by Alan Gatzke for this event as we both share the same philosophies in food culture,” said Van Hooydonk.
“From the very first conversation I was certain we should work on a project together. He is very much a visionary mind, making quality his priority while investing time in sharing his love of farming with his staff, colleagues and community. It is a visionary mind such as his that will help continue to evolve our Okanagan food system.”
Guests are in for a treat this summer as this unique culinary series showcases highly skilled local chefs creating an interactive and educational experience culminating with signature meals with farmers and chefs.
“To me, eating well means to enjoy a meal with great company, prepared with ingredients seasonally and locally sourced and being grown with the same passion and dedication to quality,” said Van Hooydonk. “Thoughtfully grown and prepared food always has a story, and it is my motivation for cooking: Sharing my passion for food with our guests, and telling the story of the dedicated farmers, producers and wines. The foundation for healthy, sustainable eating is supporting the local growers and producers and creating meals around the seasonal bounty.”
Before dinner, guests will explore the property alongside those who raised their dinner and harvest some of the bounty nurtured according to the Fresh Local Organic Seasonal (FLOS) mentality. The FLOS mentality is prioritized in that order and uses local farms to help grow community. Gatzke’s creates a food and beverage service that educates people about the connection between food, nature and agriculture.
Tickets for the Go Foodism series are available at gatzkeorchard.com.