The Edible Valley Podcast

The Edible Valley Podcast

Welcome to the Edible Valley podcast, where we explore the vibrant world of food through the lens of local farms, kitchens, and culinary adventures. Join us for engaging conversations, interviews, and food tips as we uncover the delicious secrets of our Edible Valley. From farm-to-table experiences to mouthwatering recipes, satisfy your craving with us.

  1. Episode 270 " Roger Street Bistro in the Alberni Valley"

    May 15

    Episode 270 " Roger Street Bistro in the Alberni Valley"

    Episode 270 of The Edible Valley Podcast takes listeners to the Alberni Valley to explore the energy surrounding Roger Street Bistro and the culinary program led by Chef Jonathan Frazier and NIC. This episode highlights how students are gaining valuable hands-on experience by preparing and serving meals to the public while learning the pace and expectations of a working restaurant. From kitchen preparation to customer service, the conversation focuses on student growth, teamwork, and the opportunities being created for future chefs in Port Alberni. The episode also catches up with co-host William Stringer, who shares exciting personal and real estate news while reflecting on the growth and lifestyle found across Vancouver Island communities. Whether discussing the Alberni Valley, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, or beyond, William shares what continues to draw people to these regions and why so many are choosing to live, work, and build a future on the Island. Episode 270 brings together food, education, community, and opportunity while highlighting the people and stories helping shape Vancouver Island one meal and one conversation at a time.   Vancouver Island Culinary Education Vancouver Island offers a variety of culinary education opportunities for students interested in skilled trades and hospitality careers. From high school culinary programs and Dual Credit opportunities to apprenticeship training and post-secondary education, students can gain hands-on experience while working toward Professional Cook certification and Red Seal designation. Other Culinary Programs on Vancouver Island North Island College — Campbell River and Port Alberni Phone: 250-334-5000 Website: North Island College Culinary Programs Dual Credit Information: NIC Dual Credit Programs Vancouver Island University — Nanaimo and Cowichan Valley Main Phone: 250-753-3245 Culinary Program Information: 250-740-6227 Website: VIU Culinary Arts Programs Dual Credit Information: VIU Dual Credit Programs Camosun College — Victoria, including the E-pprentice Cook Program Phone: 250-370-3000 Website: Camosun Culinary Arts Foundation Dual Credit partnerships are available through participating Vancouver Island school districts. High School & Dual Credit Opportunities Many Vancouver Island school districts partner with colleges and universities to offer Dual Credit culinary and trades programs. These programs allow high school students to earn both high school graduation credits and post-secondary credits at the same time, often with tuition support from the school district. Opportunities may include culinary arts, Professional Cook training, baking, and other skilled trades pathways. Students interested in culinary careers are encouraged to speak with their high school Career Centre, careers teacher, or counsellor to explore apprenticeship pathways, ACE IT / Dual Credit opportunities, and community-based culinary education programs available in their region.

    26 min
  2. Mar 2

    Episode 268: "Seafood Choices & Monterey Bay Aquarium"

    Seafood is central to life on Vancouver Island. It shapes our identity, supports livelihoods, drives tourism, and connects us to generations of culinary tradition. From wild Pacific salmon and halibut to spot prawns and shellfish, the ocean plays a defining role in our region’s cuisine. In this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast, we explore the choices behind the seafood we serve and consume, and what it truly means to make sustainable decisions https://youtu.be/D434Lmwy8I8  During a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area to cover Super Bowl 60 for their other show, The F3 Podcast, which focuses on football, fantasy football, and food, hosts Erin and Jonathan had the opportunity to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The visit followed an introduction made at the BC Chefs Table Cook Camp featured in Episode 255, Cooks Camp 2025, the previous September. It provided the perfect opportunity to bring an important seafood sustainability conversation back to the Edible Valley audience. The episode features an interview with Shawn Cronin from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Listeners learn how the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program began, how it evaluates fisheries and aquaculture operations, what ratings such as Best Choice, Good Alternative, and Avoid mean, and why science based recommendations matter for chefs, retailers, and consumers alike. For the Comox Valley community, these issues are real. The health of Pacific waters directly impacts the local economy, culinary scene, and coastal way of life. By making informed choices, every chef, diner, and home cook can contribute to the long term sustainability of our oceans. Responsible seafood is not just a menu decision. It is an investment in the future of our oceans and our culinary heritage.   Learn More About Sustainable Seafood 🌐 Ocean Wise Canada’s science based sustainable seafood program from the Vancouver Aquarium https://ocean.org    🌐 Seafood Watch U.S. sustainable seafood program from the Monterey Bay Aquarium https://www.seafoodwatch.org    Make informed choices for your plate, support healthy oceans, and discover what Best Choice, Good Alternative, and Avoid mean for the seafood you eat. #EdibleValleyPodcast, #Episode268, #SustainableSeafood, #OceanWise, #SeafoodWatch, #VancouverIsland, #ComoxValley, #PacificSeafood, #ChefLife, #CulinaryCommunity, #FoodAndSustainability, #MontereyBayAquarium, #F3Podcast, #SeafoodEducation, #SeafoodLovers, #SeafoodRecipes, #EatLocal, #SupportLocalFarms, #FarmToTable, #OceanConservation, #EcoFriendlyEating, #ResponsibleEating, #FoodieLife, #FoodPodcast, #CulinaryEducation, #LocalSeafood, #SeafoodChef, #SeafoodCulture, #SanFrancisco, #Monterey, #CaliforniaFoodie, #TravelForFood, #SuperBowl60, #FootballAndFood

    18 min
  3. Feb 26

    Episode 267 "Episode 267: Chocolate, Community & the CV Chocolate Festival"

    On this episode of the Edible Valley Podcast, we dive into one of the sweetest collaborations of the season — the NVICA Chocolate Fest activation at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, in support of L’Arche and the ongoing Comox Valley Chocolate Festival. Members of the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association were proud to be part of this community-driven celebration of chocolate, creativity, and connection. Our chefs brought both sweet and savoury chocolate-inspired dishes to the market, showcasing technique, balance, and a bit of fun. From classic flavour pairings to unexpected applications of cocoa in savoury cooking, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that chocolate is far more versatile than most people think. More importantly, this event was about supporting the incredible work of L’Arche Comox Valley and their ongoing Comox Valley Chocolate Festival. The festival is a celebration of inclusion, community, and local food culture, bringing people together while raising awareness and support for L’Arche’s programs. The Comox Valley Farmers’ Market provided the perfect setting — local producers, engaged shoppers, and a strong sense of community. Events like this remind us that food is more than what’s on the plate. It’s about relationships, mentorship, and giving back. We talk about the inspiration behind the dishes, what it takes to execute live demos in a market setting, and why partnerships like this matter for our culinary community. #EdibleValleyPodcast, #NVICA, #CVChocolateFestival, #LArcheComoxValley, #ComoxValleyFarmersMarket, #ChocolateFest, #SupportLocal, #IslandChefs, #CommunityThroughFood @NVICA, @LArcheComoxValley, @CVFarmersMarket, @

    20 min
  4. Jan 29

    Episode 265 "Chippies & Kickoff"

    This week on The Edible Valley Podcast, we’re talking crispy batter, seaside classics, and a little Super Bowl-fuelled adventure. William is back from England — and he didn’t return empty-handed. Fresh off a dive into traditional British chippies, Will shares what makes a great fish and chip shop: from no-nonsense service and paper-wrapped portions to perfectly fried fish, fluffy chips, and that unmistakable aroma that follows you home. It’s a reminder that some of the world’s best food comes from humble places, done simply and done well. The conversation digs into what separates good fish and chips from unforgettable ones — the right fish, the right batter, the right oil, and why texture matters just as much as flavour. There’s nostalgia, a bit of grease-stained romance, and plenty of laughs along the way. Meanwhile, Chef Jonathan is gearing up for his next culinary adventure — heading to San Francisco as the city buzzes with Super Bowl energy. From West Coast flavours and diverse food cultures to sustainable seafood conversations and street-level food experiences, Jonathan shares what he’s most excited to explore while the football world descends on the Bay Area. It’s an episode that perfectly captures what The Edible Valley is all about: food rooted in place, stories behind the plate, and the joy of sharing meals — whether that’s standing in line at a local chippy in England or chasing flavours across North America. Grab a fork (or your fingers), because this one might leave you craving fish and chips by the end.   Classic Fish & Chips Recipe (Chippy-Style) Serves 4 Fish 4 fillets cod, haddock, or halibut Salt & pepper Oil for frying (canola or beef tallow if you’re feeling traditional) Batter 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer Pinch of salt Chips 4 large russet potatoes, cut thick Salt Malt vinegar (essential) Method Chips first: Rinse potatoes, pat dry. Fry at 325°F (165°C) until tender but pale. Remove and rest. Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cold liquid until just combined. Fish: Season, dust lightly with flour, dip into batter. Fry: Increase oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry fish until golden and crisp, 4–5 minutes. Finish chips: Return chips to hot oil until golden and crunchy. Serve: Salt generously, splash with malt vinegar. Paper-wrap optional but encouraged. #TheEdibleValleyPodcast, #FishAndChips, #ChippyCulture, #BritishFood, #SeafoodStories, #ComfortFood, #FoodPodcast, #CulinaryTravel, #WestCoastEats, #SuperBowlFood, #SanFranciscoEats, #VancouverIslandFood, #SustainableSeafood, #ClassicCooking

    22 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Edible Valley podcast, where we explore the vibrant world of food through the lens of local farms, kitchens, and culinary adventures. Join us for engaging conversations, interviews, and food tips as we uncover the delicious secrets of our Edible Valley. From farm-to-table experiences to mouthwatering recipes, satisfy your craving with us.