During the recent COVID-19 virus, many of us have found shopping for and preparing meals a challenge. The current situation brings with it many challenges, not the least of which is how to keep ourselves and our communities healthy, happy and well fed. Having spent many years and various roles in the food community , I would like to share with you some of the ways of enjoying our food and meals.
Some of us have used online food delivery services, curb side pickup, and takeout. Local food providers have really stepped up to the plate quickly with this to give us the local, sustainable food that we love and enjoy…and we do love and enjoy our food in this town. We are not just consumers here in Victoria – we are foodies!
Many farm markets have been operating as usual. Esquimalt Farm Market, for one, is open Thursdays from 3:30 to 7:30pm, offering local and high-quality farm produce, eggs, meats, and bread. The set-up practices responsible social distancing and tap debit service. In addition, you can order online from the merchants for pickup at the market or farm locations. In some cases, curb side delivery is offered.
Moss Street Market is operating and again (Saturdays) providing access to all the farm produce we love and enjoy annually, while also practicing safe social distancing measures.
Some of us may find it challenging to get the staple items we need with newly-limited resources. Consider ordering bulk amounts of items from local farms and sharing with friends, family, or neighbours. Some examples are lentils, barley, flour and wheat from Saanichton Farm, who will deliver to your door. Bulk Barn are also open and offering online ordering.
Take-out food is offered from many establishments around town. Fernwood Pizza offers handmade pizza using local ingredients. Orders can be phoned in and usually takes 30 minutes as each pizza pie is made to order. Pickup is at the side window practicing social distancing and gloved orders are placed on the counter. Keep in mind that these folks are going the distance for us to allow delicious food at home – tips are encouraged.
Groupon offers some good deals on local restaurants. Consider purchasing for future use to help these businesses stay afloat during these difficult times.
Feel free to experiment and ‘get out of the box’ by trying new culinary adventures. For example, consider making homemade tortillas – only two ingredients required and preferably a tortilla press, but you can manage without one. (A tortilla press is available for under $20 at Capital Iron, who remains open for business.)
Grow your own food with something as simple as lettuce, Asian greens, and kale. Firbank Farms in Saanichton sell edible starter plants in addition to farm eggs and produce.
Then there is the freezer! Most of us have items in the freezer (you know, the forgotten ones). My friend Chef Heidi Fink recommends annually clearing out the freezer to make room for homemade items. (check out her amazing blog posts at chefheidifink.com/blog) Now that I think of it, I have edamame, tuna loin, and some random berries in the freezer…Well here goes steamed edamame with fresh lemon spritz, seared tuna loin with sesame oil, and for dessert, berry cobbler. Tada! One step closer to freezer clean out, ready to fill with local fresh produce when in abundance.
For a fun project get a sourdough culture starter. When it’s ready and time to divide, you can share with neighbours and friends to create delicious pizza, biscuits, waffles, and breads (just to name a few). Sourdough has been around for centuries and is a naturally communal offering.
As we globally reset and reset our personal lives here’s to a year of culinary adventure, abundance, and health…Perhaps “curb appeal” has “curve appeal”.
Your culinary adventurer,
Janice James
Photos by Janice James
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