It didn’t take much twisting of the arm to attend the Fork & Finger Foodie Event last weekend in Downtown Langley.
With Molly, Zoe and the lovely ‘Valley Nana’ in tow, we headed for the celebration of food — a truly unique opportunity to gather with fellow foodies and celebrate the amazing and unique local restaurants in the area.
There was even an exciting line up of industry experts on hand to help inspire our next culinary creation.
We arrived just in time to watch the Having Fun with Fondant demonstration taught by Craig McDougall, the owner of Frosting Cupcakery & Bake Shop.
I have to admit, I’ve never attempted to bake with fondant before, but after seeing just how easy it is, I may have to give it a go. Craig showed us how to make colours and designs — even the kids in the crowd, mine included, were given a chance to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand.
Next, we decided to stick around and watch the Cedar Planked Salmon Demo with BBQ Expert, Judge and Competitor Kevin Legge and 1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market Owner Heather Jenkins.
It just so happened that were going to be cooking a salmon that evening — their expert tips couldn’t have come at a better time.
After smelling the delicious aroma of cedar planked salmon wafting in the air, we decided it was time go to do some tastings. For just $5, we were given the chance to check out all participating hot spots for a pretty generously-sized serving of fare.
With so many great choices, we weren’t really sure where to go first. Event planning extraordinaire Sherryl Parsons from Rare Affairs Event Planning — also one of the masterminds behind the Fork & Finger Foodie Event — suggested that we go and check out Viva Verde Cafe at 20419 Douglas Crescent.
If you blink, you’ll probably miss it — but you certainly don’t want to! I was delightfully surprised by this quaint little mom n’ pop-style vegan eatery.
It started at the Langley Farmer’s Market with just an old tent and some basic signs — today it’s a thriving hot spot with a loyal customer base. Nowadays, all the good stuff like dairy, sugar, red meat, flour and gluten seems to bother my stomach. I’ve always flirted with the idea of going Vegan, but wasn’t sure if I would like the food.
Well, let me tell you – after just one of their wraps and raw food desserts, I think I could easily be persuaded to swing that way. Everything was so fresh, crisp, tasty and surprisingly filling. When you’re there, try their key lime pie made with avocado.
We still had a tasting ticket left, so we headed to one of my favourite Downtown Langley destinations — the 1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market.
Heather was out front shucking oysters and I was happy to take a few off her shells…er, I mean hands. I’ve been frequenting this local fish monger since I first moved to Langley around a decade ago.
The eco-friendly seafood market supports local, chemical-free and wild products, ensuring that what you eat is the best quality for you and your family.
My little ones love their fish and chips, however, raw oysters probably wouldn’t be such a hit. For them, we headed on over to Sticky’s Candy for ice cream.
It was the perfect way to cool off and keep them from fighting the whole way home in the backseat.
But, before heading home, we made sure to drop off our Fork & Finger Passport for a chance to win some Downtown Dollars totaling $1,000. While we didn’t win, a dime, our fabulous family day out was a big enough prize for us. What better way to introduce my girls to different flavours, tastes and culinary experiences in our hometown?
Overall, I have to give two finger-licking good fingers or thumbs up for this amazing foodie event. I Sure hope it makes a comeback next year and to see you all there if it does!
For the latest news on events coming to Downtown Langley, visit the Downtown Langley website HERE.
Did you have a chance to attend the Fork & Finger Foodie Event? We’d love to hear what you though of this event!
2 Comments
Lynne Dennis
August 29, 2014 at 5:17 pmI had a great time, watching the demonstrations, and visiting shops new to me…loved All of Oil, and took home some wonderful vinegars and oils. I had lunch at a new Thai restaurant, Ban Chok Dee who had an amazing tasting plate, and I used the $5 coupon that was given to me from the entry tent.So, there is such a thing as a free lunch! I did leave a nice tip, lol… I found a perfect housewarming gift for a friend at McBurney Junction…afternoon tea with an amazing carrot cake at Choo Choo’s…such a great day!
KristylClark
August 30, 2014 at 6:33 pmSounds like the perfect day Lynne! Thanks so much for sharing.