Kate’s Okanagablog #1
October 2, 2008
Last November, I inexplicably bought a not-yet-completed condo near Skaha Lake in Penticton. I knew I was there for a reason, I just didn’t know what it was. In the spring that followed, a visiting Vancouver food writer likened my move to Penticton to Eva Gabor taking up residence on Green Acres Farm. She wasn’t far off.
Fortunately, I had an interim public relations contract with the local tourism board which gave me access to many of the city’s movers and shakers (yes, there are lots), plus plenty of inside information.
Since then, I’ve split my time between the Okanagan and Vancouver about 60/40, joined as always by my constant companion, Otis the pug. He’s been on this Okanagan adventure too, and, like me, his favourite place to be is the Penticton Farmer’s Market. He likes to sniff the local canines and scourge the jackpot of scraps and crumbs. As for me, I like the feeling of community, possibility, and fun. And the food is pretty incredible, too.
So the Okanagan has been good to me. People like Penticton & Wine Country Tourism’s Kelly Reid have shared their knowledge and contacts, and while I was slow to make friends, I was quick to build business and I’ve learned to really appreciate the Okanagan, both its history and the promise of its future.
I am a foodie, but not a food or wine writer by any stretch. My career for the past nine years has allowed me to eat and drink at some of the best restaurants in Vancouver, throughout BC and in many cities around the world. So while an expert by no means I’m not a total slouch either.
I’m excited to share some of my experiences with you with a sense of levity, and glad to have this first post out of the way…
