And now for something completely different.
Three Lower Mainland chefs will be in the Shuswap this weekend to introduce the many ways of preparing and enjoying bison.
The company’s website notes that Turtle Valley Bison Company (TVBC) is built on a fifth-generation ranch in the heart of Turtle Valley.
Started by Laine Keyes, and his business partners Rudi and Conrad Schiebel, the three have transformed the property from hay and grain production, to a fully functioning bison ranch.
The owners say Turtle Valley Bison Co. sets itself apart by incorporating sustainable and holistic farming techniques in agriculture. These techniques keep the ranch accountable to both the environment and the health of the animals, which in turn provides customers with a healthy and natural product.
Turtle Valley Bison Company will celebrate their business and their product by hosting the inaugural Turtle Valley Bison Ranch Fest on Saturday, June 24.
And they’re bringing in top guns from the Vancouver restaurant scene.
Renowned chef Chris Whittaker, Forage Restaurant &Timber Vancouver, and his colleagues Alex Chen of Boulevard and Robert Belcham of Campagnolo, will be delivering a bison barbecue experience like no other, promises a media release.
These well-known, Vancouver-based chefs will each apply their talents to delivering unique, mouth-watering bison creations.
The company is also delighted to welcome local chef Jared Summers of Jack Sams at Quaaout Lodge to share his creations in the field.
“We formally invite all meat-loving, beer drinking, wine-fanatic foodies to come enjoy our special day on the ranch and celebrate the best flavours the Shuswap has to offer,” reads the release.
The Turtle Valley Bison Festival runs all afternoon and evening.
Members of the public are invited to explore the ranch during the day to learn more about these remarkable animals, and soak in the ranch experience.
Enjoy a guided tour through the rolling paddocks, savour bison burgers cooked fresh in the field and learn from renowned chefs as they serve up cooking demonstrations, using locally foraged ingredients.
The day portion of the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets at $20 include a bison burger lunch, access to guided ranch tours, cooking demos by guest chefs, local vendors’ market and more. Children under 12 are free.
The evening portion takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. and tickets at $59 include a bison dinner paired with local wines and beer and live music from Western Canadian bands.
Enjoy a grazing style,multi-course meal, accompanied by a variety of local breweries and wineries. Live music and entertainment will round out this festival in the fields.
The ranch is located in Turtle Valley, just six kilometres east of the Trans-Canada Highway at Squilax.
To purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/turtle-valley-bison-ranch-fest-tickets-34871968998.