March is nutrition month and today is Dietitian’s Day! This year, dietitians are helping Canadians unlock the potential of food to fuel, discover, prevent, heal, and bring us together.
This year for nutrition month, I would like to discuss one of my favorite aspects of food – its potential to bring us together. This social aspect of food is not often highlighted in main stream media. The ability of food and drink to bring us together has so many benefits. Kids who have regular family meals eat more vegetables and fruits. Teens who share family meals are less likely to use drugs or participate in fights. Older adults who eat with a group have lower rates of malnutrition.
As well, social connections keep us healthy. In her book, The Village Effect, Susan Pinker writes, “Research shows that playing cards once a week or meeting friends every Wednesday night at Starbucks adds as many years to our lives as taking beta blockers or quitting a pack-a-day smoking habit.” That sounds like good reason to gather with family and friends over food! Here is a list of 5 of my favourite places in Kelowna that bring us together – over food, drinks and fun.
Salt and Brick
An open-concept restaurant, Salt and Brick is new on the downtown Kelowna scene. Located right across the street from the sails, this tapas style restaurant is perfect for sharing and socializing. And I mean, literally sharing. Every item on the menu is meant to be shared. Don’t get caught looking on their website for the menu – it changes daily based on fresh, local ingredients. My recommendation is to go with 2-6 people and each pick one dish. Pretty soon you’ll all be chatting about the mingling of flavors and the perfectly crafted charcuterie plate. Read the story of how Salt and Brick came about on their website.
- Instagram: saltandbrick_
- https://saltandbrick.ca
Red Bird Brewing
Now some of you may be thinking, “A brewery?” Yes, a brewery! Red Bird boasts a quaint, tap room with 3 big long tables – the perfect set up for chatting with your neighbor while sharing food and drinks. Parked outside Red Bird is Surf Side California food truck which has all kind of varieties of tacos to suit any diet preference. If you’re a cribbage player – this is the place for you. Red Bird hosts one day and weeks long cribbage tournaments with some great prizes. Grab some friends, a taco, a deck of cards and let the games and fun begin!Facebook: Red Bird Brewing Inc. – https://www.facebook.com/redbirdbeer/
- Instagram: @redbirdbeer
- Facebook: Red Bird Brewing Inc. – https://www.facebook.com/redbirdbeer/
Mission Hill Culinary nights
Every fall and winter, Mission Hill Winery hosts a series of culinary classes. The themes range from Greek Dynasty to Mexican Fiesta and Traditional Italian. Although a bit more expensive than a casual night out, this event is a real treat. You have the opportunity to watch, listen and learn from the chefs as they demonstrate each course while you sip on the wine pairing. Afterwards, you get to taste the creation and share notes with your neighbors. At the midway break, you are invited to come up and meet the chefs and ask any questions. The entire night is very interactive and delicious!
- Instagram: missionhillwinery
- https://www.missionhillwinery.com
Bohemian Café and Catering Company
Whether it’s a work function you need catered or you’re looking for a go to weekend brunch spot need, the Bo has you covered. Located downtown on Bernard, the Bohemian has a delicious menu in a quaint, open setting perfect for the gathering of friends. If you’re planning a weekend brunch, expect a bit of a wait as it is one popular spot! My recommendation is to try the aBOcado as a side to your favorite dish!
- Instagram: thebohemiancafe
- https://www.bohemiancater.com
Parlour Ice Cream
Nothing says summer like grabbing an ice cream cone with family, friends or teammates. Parlour ice cream (just around the corner from Salt and brick) uses local ingredients to craft amazing homemade flavours such as strawberry rhubarb, coffee chocolate chunk, and whiskey hazelnut. After you find your ‘flavour’ite, head across the street to enjoy it while enjoying a beautiful view of the lake!R
- Instagram: parlour.icecream
- https://www.parlouricecream.ca
Bonus Brewery!
New places to eat and drink engage us in conversation with old and new friends. From local favorites such as BNA, Vice and Virtue, and the list is getting longer and longer. One up and coming one is Barn Owl Brewing located in the lower mission. Their vision is to bring people together for a great beverage with old friends and new. Keep your eyes peeled for opening day!
- Instagram: @barnowlbrew
- Facebook: Barn Owl Brewing Company
- https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Brewery/Barn-Owl-Brewing-Company-1198749453615387/
Did you know dietitians work in many diverse areas such as grocery stores, community health centres, long term care settings, and the hospital? Our dietitians at Intuition Dietitian Corp. all work in a variety of settings including hospitals, with family doctors, and teaching cooking classes. At our clinic, we work with clients to help lower cholesterol, learn how to establish a regular eating pattern, or how to eat intuitively. If you are looking for nutrition information, go to a trusted nutrition professional – your friendly neighborhood dietitian!
