Celebrating Local: A Look Back at My Buy BC Features

From summer barbecues to cozy cocktails, it’s been such a joy spotlighting amazing B.C.-made products as a Buy BC Ambassador. Here’s a look back at some of the stories, recipes, and seasonal content I created to inspire you to Buy BC and support the incredible local producers who make our province shine.

Setting the Table for a Late B.C. Summer Celebration

A fresh and flavourful spread perfect for those golden August evenings. Featuring local sauces, drinks, and bold summer colours to send the season off right.
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Smart Snacking with B.C.-Made Products

These better-for-you snacks are made right here in B.C.—perfect for back-to-school lunch kits, cozy movie nights, and everything in between.
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Cozy Weekend Brunch Ideas Using B.C.-Made Products

Comfort food at its finest: from jam-topped toast to rich spreads and savoury brunch staples, this post makes weekend mornings extra special.
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Meet Our New Buy BC Ambassadors

Thrilled to be introduced as one of the new Buy BC Brand Ambassadors—alongside some inspiring creatives who love local food as much as I do.
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Give the Gift of B.C.-Made

A curated gift guide full of beautiful, locally made treasures that make holiday giving feel extra meaningful.
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Fluffy Frittata for a Cozy Weekend Brunch

This seasonal frittata brings together B.C.-grown greens, local cheese, and the comfort of slow weekend mornings.
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Fig & Brandy Festive Cocktail

An elegant winter cocktail made with B.C. brandy and a fig and rosemary syrup—it’s a celebration in a glass.
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Sip the Season: B.C. Cocktails to Make Your Spirit Bright

A collection of local cocktail ingredients and ideas to keep the holidays bright, bubbly, and beautifully B.C.
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Daily Self-Care Rituals with B.C.-Made Products

A gentle, intentional start to the new year with locally made products that nourish from the inside out.
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Supporting Local Latin Artisans

A heartfelt celebration of friendship, food, and culture with artisan goods and B.C.-based Latin makers.
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Honouring the Land and New Beginnings: Celebrate Indigenous Businesses

Featuring powerful voices and incredible Indigenous-made products, this post is a tribute to new growth and deep roots.
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Supporting Local This Spring: A Cocktail Celebration

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to celebrate the vibrant flavours of British Columbia while supporting local producers. Whether you’re mixing up a drink for a weekend gathering or simply treating yourself to something special, these locally inspired cocktails bring together the best of BC’s craft spirits, fresh ingredients, and artisanal mixers.

Originally published in Edible Vancouver Island Magazine, these are my favourite sips of the season, each one a tribute to our region’s unique flavours and creative spirit.

Let’s embark on a delightful journey through some of Vancouver Island’s most enticing cocktail recipes. Each sip tells a story, blending local flavours with creative flair. Here’s a curated list of must-try cocktails that capture the essence of the island:

1. Kinsol Cup

A Cowichan Region twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup, this refreshing cocktail blends Stillhead Wild Blackberry Gin with zesty ginger beer—perfect for freshly picked blackberries. Local Ingredients: Stillhead Wild Blackberry Gin (Duncan, BC). READ MORE >>

2. Lo-Fi Hi-Fi

A bold take on low-ABV cocktails, this spring sipper blends Beaufort Vermouth, elderflower, and kiwi with your choice of Lumette! Alt-Gin or Shelter Point Botanical Gin for a refreshing, flavour-packed twist. Local Ingredients: Lumette! Alt-Gin (Vancouver Island), Beaufort Vermouth (Comox Valley, BC). READ MORE >>

3. Batched Summer Punch

The picnic crew will be lining up for this refreshing summer drink. Local Ingredients: Legend Distilling Naramaro (Naramata, BC), Merridale Merri Berri Craft Cider (Cowichan Valley, BC). READ MORE >>

4. Rose Mallow

Delicate and aromatic, this cocktail combines floral notes with a hint of sweetness, embodying the island’s natural beauty. Local Ingredients: Tofino Distillery Rose Hibiscus Gin (Tofino, BC), Arbutus Distillery Limoncello (Nanaimo, BC). READ MORE >>

5. Tropical Staycation

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this vibrant concoction, blending exotic fruits for a taste of summer anytime. Local Ingredients: Wayward Distillery Drunken Hive Rum (Courtenay, BC), Legend Distilling Manitou Orange + Sumac Liqueur (Naramata, BC).
READ MORE >>

6. War Cry

Bold and invigorating, this drink is perfect for those who crave a spirited experience with a touch of intensity. Local Ingredients: Arbutus Elderflower Liqueur (Nanaimo, BC), Unsworth Vineyard’s Charme de L’île Sparkling Wine (Cowichan Valley, BC). READ MORE >>

7. Wit's End

An intriguing mix that challenges the palate, offering a complex yet satisfying flavour profile for the adventurous. Local Ingredients: Merridale Spiced Rhumb (Cowichan Valley, BC), Driftwood Brewery White Bark Witbier (Victoria, BC). READ MORE >>

8. Fizzy Busy Bee

Effervescent and lively, this cocktail combines bubbly textures with the sweetness of honey, making it a delightful treat. Local Ingredients: Arbutus Distillery Elderflower Liqueur (Nanaimo, BC). READ MORE >>

9. Blackberry Magick Smash

Harnessing the wild blackberries native to the island, this cocktail is a magical blend of tart and sweet flavours. Local Ingredients: Middle Mountain Magick Mead (Hornby Island, BC), Honey Shine Amber (Saanich, BC), Rootside Orange Bitters (Esquimalt, BC). READ MORE >>

Raise a Glass to Local Flavours
Each of these cocktails showcases the incredible craft spirits, wild-foraged ingredients, and artisanal products that make British Columbia’s food and drink scene so special. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to explore something new, these local gems are sure to impress.

Let me know which one you’ll be shaking up first!

From Agave Fields to Colonial Streets: My Adventure Through the Soul of Mexico

Traveling through the heart of Mexico is a magical experience. Vibrant cities, rich culinary traditions, and the warmth of its people create unforgettable moments. This journey, from Guadalajara to San Miguel de Allende to Guanajuato, wasn’t just about seeing the sights—it was about connecting with Mexico's vibrant essence, where every alleyway, every dish, and every conversation tells a story.

Guadalajara: The Land of Tequila and New Friends

My adventure began in Guadalajara, where I stayed at Casa Sabina Hostel, a boutique hostel that feels more like staying at a creative friend’s home. With its cozy café downstairs, a tattoo parlor next door, and a small flower shop adding splashes of colour to the courtyard, the atmosphere was friendly, artistic, and effortlessly cool.

The next morning, I started the day with breakfast at DANTE Brunch, where I tried Chilaquiles Divorciados con Huevos and grilled panela cheese. Chilaquiles Divorciados get their name from the contrast between the red (spicy) and green (tangy) sauces that separate the plate. Paired with creamy panela cheese, this dish was bold, comforting, and the perfect way to start my day.

After breakfast, I joined a tequila tour with Nmad Experiences. At the Tequila Selecto Distillery, I got an insider’s look at the tequila-making process, from ancestral techniques to artisanal and commercial methods. The biggest surprise was tasting Cristalinos, a filtered tequila with an unexpectedly smooth finish.

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Next, we headed to the agave fields, where the tour took a wild turn—a scorpion shot. Crunchy, slightly terrifying, but surprisingly not bad! Our final stop was a cantaritos party in the town of Tequila. Picture freshly squeezed citrus juice, a splash of soda, and generous pours of tequila served in traditional clay cups. The atmosphere was electric, filled with music, spontaneous dancing, and the layered symphony that is Mexico—laughter, mariachis, and street vendors calling out to customers.

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San Miguel de Allende: A New Year’s Eve to Remember

After a scenic bus ride, I arrived in San Miguel de Allende, a city straight out of a painting: colourful facades, cobblestone streets, and ornate churches. I checked into The Bersal House and, after a long travel day, decided to welcome the new year quietly—with a light dinner, a cozy movie, and fireworks viewed from the hostel rooftop.

The next morning, feeling refreshed, I explored Lavaderos del Chorro and Benito Juárez Park, stopping for pastries and coffee at a local bakery. That afternoon, I watched the sunset from the terrace at Antonia Bistro SMA, as golden hues painted the city while I enjoyed a delicious meal.

Before heading to Guanajuato, I spent a relaxing morning at La Gruta Spa, a thermal water retreat where I couldn’t help but smile as I watched a lively water Zumba class. The perfect pause before the next leg of my journey.

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Guanajuato: History, Romance, and Unforgettable FlavoUrs

In the afternoon, I arrived in Guanajuato and checked into Hotel Castillo de Santa Cecilia, a place that looks like it belongs in a medieval fairy tale. The next morning, I visited the Mirador de Rayas, taking in a panoramic view of the city, before wandering through the underground streets, the majestic Teatro Juárez, and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Museum—a key site in Mexico’s War of Independence.

Here, I was struck by the story of the insurgent fighters and how the fight for independence began in 1810, when Spanish forces used the Alhóndiga as a fortress. Walking through its halls, I could feel history alive in every corner.

That night, I took the funicular up to the Monumento al Pípila, where the city sparkled like a golden tapestry under the night sky. As I admired the view, I enjoyed a grilled elote with mayo and chili, a steaming cup of atole, and an incredible tamale from a street vendor. Every bite tasted like tradition.

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From Strawberries to Ceramics: The Independence Route

No trip to Guanajuato is complete without visiting Irapuato, the strawberry capital of Mexico. Here, I sampled candied strawberries at Cristalita, then stopped at Lindo Sinaloa for an unforgettable Aguachile Negro—shrimp marinated in black chili sauce and lime.

Later, I followed the Independence Route, stopping in Dolores Hidalgo, where Father Miguel Hidalgo gave the famous Grito de Independencia in 1810. Earlier in the day, I savoured a traditional dish of enmoladas at Tras Lomita Restaurant—corn tortillas filled with chicken and smothered in rich mole sauce, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and sesame seeds. I explored the town’s Talavera pottery market, filled with vibrant, hand-painted ceramic pieces, each one telling its own story through intricate patterns and bold colours.

To end the day, I enjoyed a sunset wine tasting at Tres Raíces Vineyard, paired with Iberian ham croquettes with kimchi. A spectacular finale to this journey of history and flavours.

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Final Morning: Guanajuato’s Charm

Before leaving, I couldn’t miss a visit to the Callejón del Beso, a narrow alley famous for its romantic legend. Standing there, I could feel the magic and nostalgia of a timeless love story.

Finally, I returned to Nuevo Vallarta, where I ended my trip with a peaceful walk on the beach and an ice cream with a friend, reminiscing about every moment lived.

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Final Reflections

This journey was more than a culinary or historical adventure—it was a window into the soul of Mexico. The agave fields of Tequila, the revolutionary echoes in Dolores Hidalgo, and the vibrant streets of Guanajuato all told stories of resilience, passion, and community.

But what impacted me most were the people—their warmth, their energy, and the way they live with such vibrant intensity. This trip reminded me of the power of connection, culture, and curiosity. I left with a heart full of memories and one promise: to return soon.