CULINARY - YAM MAGAZINE

One Potato, Two: Fried, mashed or baked au gratin – spuds always have a place on our table

Follow YAM’s guide for making the most of the satisfying and versatile spud. Featuring four potato recipes to try! Read more...

One Potato, Two: Fried, mashed or baked au gratin – spuds always have a place on our table

Follow YAM’s guide for making the most of the satisfying and versatile spud. Featuring four potato recipes to try! Read more…

Spring Tonics: These fresh tastes pair well with the brighter days ahead

Culinarie, Victoria’s spring culinary showcase, is back March 29 at the Victoria Conference Centre. With more than 60 food and beverage makers all under one roof! Read more…

Winning Whiskies

Island distilleries take home big prizes, while Clive’s Classic Lounge gets a spotlight on the world stage Read more…

A deeper taste of Italian Food: 3 quick and easy recipes you will love

Looking for a deeper taste of Italian Food? These 3 quick and easy recipes are packed with mediterranean flavours you’ll love Read more…

Viva Italia: Fill your pantry with all the best flavours and ingredients of Italian cuisine

These pantry staples can help you up your own Italian cooking game. Here’s what to look for when you go shopping. Read more…

The wine world will be out in force at the 44th Annual Vancouver International Wine Festival this Spring!

The wine world is out in force at the Vancouver International Wine Festival this spring, April 22 to 30 at the Vancouver Convention Centre and other venues around the city. Read more…

10 Pies to Savour on National Pizza Day

Thursday, February 9, is National Pizza Day, and Victoria is all in for the crispy, chewy, gooey cheesy goodness of a slice of ’za. Here are 10 local pie purveyors we love. Read more…

Exciting zero-proof beverages to raise a glass to

More and more of us are skipping alcohol these days. These spirit-free sips make it easy. Read more…

4 Delicious Reasons to Get Out of the House

It’s easy at this time of year to hunker down at home, curled up with a cozy throw and Netflix so YAM explores delicious reasons worth getting out of the house for. Read more…

Popular Dine Around program returns to Victoria

Dine Around and Stay In Town returns to Victoria in 2023, featuring over 40 restaurants and 11 hotels. Read more…

Perfect Pairings: YAM’s Guide to selecting wines for every seasonal dish

Choose the right wines for your big turkey dinner, your NYE oyster bar and every social event this season. Featuring the recipe for YAM’s 2022 Holiday Issue Cover – Gingerbread, Pear and Dulce de Leche Trifle. Read more…

A feast for the senses at YAM’s 2023 Long Table Dinners

Award-winning chef Castro Boateng hosts the 2023 series of YAM magazine Long Table Dinners, providing an entertaining, intimate dining experience. Read more…

Cookbook Author Carmen Spagnola is adding magic to mealtime

A Q&A with Carmen Spagnola, the somatic coach, kitchen witch and cookbook author. She shares magical ideas for every holiday. Read more…

3 Cool Tools for Baking Success

Add these great gadgets to your essentials for better bakes. Read more…

Taste the world in Vancouver

Catch a ferry or hop on a plane and taste the world in Vancouver. Here are a few of our favourite spots to get you started. Read more…

Appearing on The Great Canadian Baking Show inspires Victoria’s John Fowler to bring out the cookie sheets

John Fowler, Administrative officer for UVic’s department of geography has been competing this fall on Season 6 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. He shares his passion and love for baking. Read more…

Smart, Sustainable, Succulent Octopus

Octopus is a local seafood choice that gets the sustainability green light in British Columbia. We explore where you can enjoy local octopus here in Victoria, BC. Read more…

YAM Long Table Dinner: Wild About Mushrooms

YAM’s Long Table Dinner showcases the earthy delights of locally-sourced mushrooms on November 3, 2022. And expect a surprise guest! Read more…

Sirene’s Sweet Call

Taylor Kennedy’s Bean-to-bar chocolate is all about putting the farmers first. We explore Sirene’s ethical alternative to the chocolates we’re most familiar with. Read more…

YAM Plant-based Long Table Dinner celebrates local farms

Award-winning chef Castro Boateng puts the spotlight on local farms and vegetables when he hosts the YAM Long Table Dinner at House of Boateng Fine Foods on September 29. Read more…

Berry Good or Berry Bad?

Friend or foe? We’re diving right into the debate over the beloved Blackberry. Plus, four exciting recipes you can make with it! Read more…

Wine Island

Take the winding country roads and discover one of the world’s most exciting wine regions, right here at home. Read more…

Love Your Local Wines at PenCo Liquor

PenCo Liquor stocks a wide variety of BC-produced VQA wines. Here’s why – and their recommendations for three wines to try. Read more…

Recipe: Feta PDO and avocado toast with poached eggs

Here’s a great anytime recipe featuring Feta, a traditional and certified Greek cheese with high nutritional value and rich taste that goes well with almost all food products. Read more…

Take it Outside

Dining al fresco, at a picnic site or sprawled on a beach blanket, is one of the joys of island life. When you take it outside, even the simplest meal is an event. Read more…

Delicious new pivots from two of Victoria’s favourite chefs

Delicious new pivots from two of Victoria’s favourite local chefs, Castro Boateng of House of Boateng and the London Chef, Dan Hayes. Read more…

Recipe: Quinoa Salad

A new take on tabouli — with protein-rich quinoa and added chickpeas — this portable salad makes a cool summer meal. Read more…

Marvellous Mushrooms: Fungi are even more fabulous than you may realize

Fungi are even more fabulous than you may realize. We profile the different kinds of mushrooms and explore all the amazing things you could do with it. Read more…

Bean Cuisine: Why we should all embrace the humble legume

We explore why we should all embrace the humble legume. Including three exciting recipes you can make with, you guess it: Beans! Read more…

Fine dining, sparkling conversation: Castro Boateng and Unsworth Vineyards partner for first YAM Spring Winemaker’s Dinner

The May 13 Spring Winemaker’s Dinner is held in partnership with YAM at HOB Fine Foods and invites guests to a delectable feast featuring local ingredients and Unsworth wines. Read more…

Spicy Garbanzos with Garlic Shrimp

Embrace the humble legume and try Cinda Chavich’s recipe for Spicy Garbanzos with Garlic Shrimp. Easy to make, fragrant and an outstanding side dish. Read more…

Sheringham Distillery: Big Rhubarb Energy Cocktail Recipe

Check out this delicious Rhubarb Cocktail Recipe from Sheringham Distillery. Read more…

Sampling the world at The Vancouver International Wine Festival

The Vancouver International Wine Festival returns this May, featuring 101 wineries from 14 countries, at 27 events over seven days. Read more…

Grilled Tuna Nicoise

by Cinda Chavich If you don’t have a tuna loin, you can use good-quality canned albacore for this classic dish. St. Jean’sCannery in Nanaimo packs fresh tuna by hand before canning — a true artisan product with exceptional flavour. • lb small new red or yellow fingerling potatoes, scrubbed and halved (or quartered if large) […] Read more…

Up From Down Under

Savour the bright, sun-soaked cuisine imported by Victorians from New Zealand and Australia. Read more…

Why Ortega is the White Wine you should be drinking right now

We talked to local winemakers and ask them what makes Ortega Grape different among other notable grapes and why Vancouver Island residents seem to love it. Read more…

Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s Wine Regions of the World Series is a Sensory Delight

The Wine Regions of the World Dinner Series at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel features unique and renowned wine selections paired with a regionally-inspired five-course dinner. Read more…

Terribly Tempting Truffles

Chocolatier David Booth of Terrible Truffles shares the creativity, magic and romance behind truffles. Read more…

Pizza Purveyors

Pizza night is a family tradition, but when you don’t want to go out or wait for delivery, frozen pizza fits the bill. Read more…

Dine Around & Stay In Town returns to Victoria

This winter’s bright spot is the return of Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria, which runs January 20 to February 6, 2022. Read more…

Flourless Orange Cake recipe

Enjoy a taste of Down Under with this bright, citrusy Flourless Orange Cake recipe from former Aussie Tom Moore of Crust Bakery. Read more…

Net Zero: the new trend in drinks

Zero is the word of the day – zero waste, zero sugar, zero missions and zero ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks. Cinda Chavich shares her list of up and coming non-alcoholic beverages, and a recipe for the Zero-Proof LumRum Mojito. Read more…

All I Want for Christmas

Looking for a gift for your favourite bon vivant? Here are five local inspirations to wrap up this holiday season. Read more…

GIVE THE GIFT OF EDIBLE GREENS WITH A FED GARDEN KIT

Victoria’s Food Eco District is encouraging residents to go green this holiday season. They’re creating garden kits designed for high-productivity, small-space growing, perfect for all skill levels. Read more…

Visions of Sugar Plums

At Crust Bakery, Tom Moore crafts sweet moments (and exquisite tarts) for the holidays. Read more…

DIY Charcuterie

Simple yet stylish, a terrine makes an impressive starter — and it’s a dish you can create in your own kitchen. Read more…

Umami: The Fifth Flavour

Umami was once a fairly esoteric concept in the food and wine world, but “the fifth” is having a moment, the darling of chefs and marketers, and a word that has become synonymous with flavour. Read more…

Friends Feeding Friends

Victoria restaurants and food producers are joining forces in various new ventures, literally getting by with a little help from their friends. Read more…

For the Love of Sourdough: Vagabond Pies

The frozen pizzas from Vagabond Pies are a delicious labour of love. Read more…

Camosun’s Food Affair celebrates alumni success, 50th anniversary

The Camosun Food Affair invites people to sample delicious food and drinks from dozens of local restaurants and eateries from Victoria to Sidney and Sooke to Cowichan. Read more…

Escaping the Ordinary

Tim Siebert and Jessa Gildersleeve talk about their “labour of love,” the tropical themed Citrus & Cane. Read more…

Multi-Green Pesto Recipe

YAM food writer Cinda Chavich’s recipe for multi-green pesto. Read more…

Digging the Local Bounty

YAM Food Writer Cinda Chavich highlights the abundance of farmers markets, subscription boxes and veggie forward meal ideas and recipes. Read more…

Lemony Strawberry Pavlovas Recipe

YAM food writer Cinda Chavich’s recipe for lemon strawberry pavlovas. Read more…

Shaking Things Up

YAM Editor Athena McKenzie talks to mixologist Dinah Kisil who works at Roar restaurant at Hotel Zed Tofino. Read more…

A Taste of The Courtney Room’s Weekend Brunch

Victoria has long been celebrated as a brunch-obsessed city and The Courtney Room’s new menu brings a tempting option to the table. Read more…

All You Knead is Love

Owners of Working Culture Bread, Adam Christie and Jess Rivers talk to YAM editor Athena McKenzie about business and life. Read more…

Destination Brewery

The owners of Victoria’s Drake pub and eatery talk to YAM about the vision behind their new brewery, Herald Street BrewWorks. Read more…

Tuna and Soba Noodle Salad

This recipe from Chef Jesse Wilson features ultra-rare tuna, lightly seared and served with sesame dressing atop soba noodles with house pickles Read more…

Water’s Edge Cocktail

This cocktail from Boom & Batten is meant to represent the salt in the sea and the air. It combines the classic refinement of a gin martini, with the laid back, casual style of a highball. Read more…

27 things to eat right now, at some of Victoria’s best eateries

YAM Food Writer Cinda Chavich shares 27 things to eat right now: a sampling of Victoria’s best nibbles, eateries and takeout dishes. Read more…

Asparagus Risotto Recipe

A fresh asparagus risotto recipe from YAM Food Writer Cinda Chavich’s Waste Not, Want Not Cookbook Read more…

Edible Flowers with Hayley Rosenberg of Nourish

Hayley Rosenberg of Nourish Eatery talks to YAM about how to use edible flowers in your dishes. Read more…

Summer Wines with Shrawan Khanna

Shrawan Khanna, a BC Wine Ambassador and Canadian Wine Scholar with his WSET 3, shared with YAM some of his favourite wines to sip on a golden summer evening. Read more…

Spring Grain Salad with Orange Ginger Tahini Dressing from Nourish

A recipe for a refreshing and gorgeous salad with edible flowers courtesy of Victoria eatery Nourish. Read more…

7 Ways to Embrace West Coast Living

Athena McKenzie shares the activities and experiences that support our unbiased belief that the West Coast is the best coast. Read more…

Albacore Tuna: A Gift from the Sea

Cinda Chavich talks to local fishing families and fishmongers about B.C. albacore tuna, and how to buy the perfect catch. Read more…

Mother’s Day Blueberry Banana Pancakes Recipe

Celebrate BC-grown Blueberries with these delicious 3-ingredient BC Blueberry Banana Pancakes. Read more…

Mexican Medley Salad Recipe

Karolina Gnat RHN shares her refreshing Mexican Medley Salad recipe in time for Cinco de Mayo! Read more…

Keep on Truckin’ & other Local Eating ideas

YAM food writer Cinda Chavich explores Victoria’s many outdoor dining eateries. Includes a recipe idea. Read more…

Crispy Skin Salmon Recipe

Chef Travis Petersen’s recipe for Crispy Skin Salmon, with instructions for making cannabis-infused olive oil. Read more…

Collective 75 Cocktail Recipe

This is the Collective Wine Bar and Kitchen’s take on the classic “French 75”. Read more…

Melon and Prosciutto Spring Salad

Try out this refreshing and satisfying melon and prosciutto spring salad recipe from RHN Karolina Gnat. Read more…

Merroir: A Celebration of Place and Time

Jess Taylor of The Wandering Mollusk tells YAM about the tasting notes of the oyster, known as “merroir”. Read more…

The Courtney Room Announces New Executive Chef

After two years with the The Courtney Room team, Chef Brian Tesolin has been promoted to the role of Executive Chef. Read more…

The Take-Out We’re Eating This Week

The YAM staff share what meals they’ll be ordering from their favourite restaurants this week. Read more…

Spoilt for Choice: Victoria’s Mini Egg Ice Creams

Douglas editor Carla Sorrell reviews the best mini egg ice creams in town! Read more…

Spring Flowers and Delightful Patio Wines

Shrawan Khanna, a BC Wine Ambassador and Canadian Wine Scholar with his WSET 3. shared with YAM some of his favourite wines to sip on a warm Spring evening. Read more…

Cococo: cocoa, community, confections

Canadian chocolate company Cococo’s name represents their three core values: Cocoa, Community, Confections. Read more…

Investing in Your Gut Health with Dr. Rachael Lovink, ND

Naturopathic Doctor Rachael Loveink shares some tips on how to best invest in your gut health and shares some gut friendly recipes. Read more…

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel Launches Wine Regions of the World Dinner Series

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel Launches Wine Regions of the World Dinner Series starting on March 25th with New Zealand. Read more…

Mixed Ingredients

Learn more about Niche Grocerant – opening this Spring in Broadmead Village. Read more…

The New Appeal of Ancient Grains

YAM’s food writer talks about the new appeal of ancient grains. The article includes two flavorful recipes. Read more…

Oyster Lovers: How to Select the Perfect Oysters

Owner of the Wandering Mollusk, Jess Taylor, advises how to select the best oysters this Valentine’s. Read more…

Wine for Lovers: 5 B.C. Wines

Wine for lovers! 5 BC Wines for Valentine’s Day. Read more…

Bear & Joey: Spiced Porridge Recipe

A decadent and warming porridge recipe from Vcitoria restaurant Bear & Joey. Read more…

Strubbery Bub: Bodega Bar Mocktail Recipe

A refreshing mocktail recipe from Bodega Bar. Read more…

Jam Jar: Mocktail Recipe from The Courtney Room

A bright and berry forward mocktail recipe from The Courtney Room Read more…

Warming Winter Squash Recipe

An easy, healthy and delicious winter squash recipe from Bodega Bar. Read more…

Victoria’s annual “Dine Around & Stay in Town” Promotes Supporting Local

Details on Victoria’s annual Dine Around & Stay in Town 2021 Read more…

“Like A Lotus” Mocktail Recipe from Citrus and Cane

A refreshing mocktail recipe from Citrus and Cane Read more…

7 Must-Try Island Bites

With its abundance of local ingredients and resident makers, Vancouver Island is a foodie paradise. For a comforting nibble, try these seven tasty finds. Read more…

Chicken Soup for Body and Soul

Before the inspirational series of books, chicken soup was known as a healer of bodies & souls. Find recipes and healing from this cozy meal. Read more…

Recipe: Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Cinda Chavich shares her grandma’s delicious chicken soup recipe and three variations for the perfect cozy meal. Read more…

Support Local with Meal Delivery This Holiday Season

By Erin Maguire There is no denying that this year’s holiday celebrations in Victoria will look and feel very different from non-pandemic years past. We might not be able to have large boisterous gatherings with friends and extended family but there are still so many ways we can bring joy to the season and support […] Read more…

‘Tis the Season for Wine Lovers

Vancouver-based Wine Professional Tania Tomaszewska shares the ultimate list of gift ideas (and inspiration) for wine lovers this season! Read more…

Comfort + Joy: Sharing Holiday Food at a Distance

Celebrating the Holidays will look a little different this year – Cinda Chavich shares her best tips for adding comfort + joy into your season using traditional recipes. Read more…

Malted Milk Pudding Recipe

Chef Ian Riddick of Heartwood Kitchen in Ucluelet shared this recipe for malted milk pudding. Perfect for holiday festivities at home! Read more…

Nuts And Bolts Recipe for the Holidays

Cinda Chavich shares her nuts and bolts recipe from her childhood. A delicious holiday snack for virtual parties and cozy nights watching Hallmark movies. Read more…

Christmas Stollen Recipe

Christmas Stollen is a delicious Christmas bread that tastes even better with age. Cinda Chavich shares her yeast-free recipe to celebrate the season. Read more…

Winter Warming Cocktail Recipe

Create your own spice-infused spirit for this special seasonal cocktail, created for YAM by the bar team at The Courtney Room. Read more…

New restaurant reservation service launches in Victoria

To celebrate its Victoria launch, First Table is donating $5 per reservation to the United Way’s local More Than Meals outreach program until November 15, 2020. Read more…

Sri Lankan cuisine celebrated during Food Diversity Week at CFB Esquimalt

The distinct flavours of Sri Lankan Cuisine were served up at CFB Esquimalt October 26 when cookbook author Ruwan Samarakoon-Amunugama taught a group of Base and Fleet cooks two traditional Sri Lankan recipes. Read more…

The Palms at Hotel Rialto Features a Street Art Series

Montreal-based artist Sebastien Rio’s Street Art series adorns the walls of the reimagined space at Hotel Rialto – The Palms. Read more…

5 Ways to Preserve Food for the Season

Whether your garden is overflowing with produce or you just want to put something local in the pantry, learning to preserve food lets you preserve the bounty of the fall. Read more…

Songhees Food Truck Takes Bannock to The Next Level

The Songhees Food Truck, a Songhees venture since 2018, serves fresh, local ingredients in a beautiful and diverse menu of indigenous street food. One of the local favourites? The 656 Burger, a Wild BC Sockeye Salmon Burger with Saskatoon berry BBQ sauce, rocket greens, red onion marmalade, stinging nettle mayo served on Songhees signature Bannock. Delicious. Read more…

Oak Bay Beach Hotel Announces 4th Annual Winemaker’s Dinner Series

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel’s culinary team has announced that their fourth annual Winemakers Dinner series begins on August 13, 2020, with Rathjen Cellars. Read more…

The Best Salsa Recipes for Tacos

Alright, we don’t know if these are really the very best salsa recipes but they sure are close! Try Chef Israel Alvarez’s spicy, smoky salsa as a taco topping and use the corn, avocado, and black bean salsa as a vegetarian taco filler. Roasted Spicy Salsa Recipe Chef Israel Alvarez’s tomato salsa gets its charred, […] Read more…

The Ultimate Guide to Tacos in Victoria

Tacos in Victoria… with an ice cold beverage and friends to share the meal. Sounds like the perfect summer day. Summer is all about easy living, outdoor dining and casual style — and there’s no food more deliciously suited for the season than tacos. Read more…

Top 10 BC Summer Beers

The BC Ale Trail has put together a list of the top 10 BC summer beers – featuring special summer ingredients like mango, pineapple, and salal berries. Read more…

The Purposeful You: Starting a Vegetable Garden in Victoria

Our guest columnist, Tasha Medve of the Purposeful You, shares tips for a low-waste lifestyle and advice on how to make more purposeful choices for the planet. Read more…

An Easy Rockefeller Recipe for Victoria’s Spot Prawn Season

This tantalizing recipe comes from award-winning chef and cookbook author Angelo Prosperi-Porta. Read more…

Recipe: Japanese Skewers

Skewered foods, known as kushiyaki, feature mini bites of chicken (yakatori), salmon and tofu — perfect for the picnic bento box. Read more…

Celebrate Cherry Blossom Season in Victoria

One of the joys of spring in Victoria is the frothy pink delight of the cherry trees in bloom. Before they fade, celebrate Sakura Season with pretty-in-pink cuisine inspired by the blossoms. Read more…

Recipe: Sakura Iced Tea

A summery sakura cocktail for sipping on the deck, created by Veneto bartender Mike Norbury. Read more…

Recipe: Raspberry Travel Cake

Kimberly Vy, the talented pastry chef at AURA restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point, shares this pretty pink cake to bake and take on your Hanami picnic. Read more…

Silk Road Tea Created a 100% Compostable Tea Bag

Silk Road Tea master Daniela Cubelic set out to create the perfect tea bag and worked with a Japanese company to develop equipment to make it possible. You can now buy Silk Road Tea in these compostable, chemical free tea bags. Read more…

TRY THESE EASY ORANGE ROLLS

Think fresh-from-the-oven yeast rolls before noon is out of your reach? Think again: this is a treat you can pull off in a snap. Read more…

Easter Recipes with Vancouver-Island Ingredients

When it comes to planning your Easter menu, think local and seasonal. Here are some recipes from the YAM archives to get you started. Read more…

Venus Sophia Yam Quiche

This recipe from Venus Sophia Tea Room uses no bacon but gets a similar smoky flavour from the smoked Lapsang Souchong tea used to season the filling. Read more…

Spring Borscht

Sour cream turns cold beet broth pure pink — fun to sip cold from a cup or a bowl. Read more…

Sunday Roasts in Victoria Show a New Take on Tradition

A weekly roast feast is a great Canadian tradition. But many families just don’t have the time these days to cook a big roast. Enter the Victoria food scene. Read more…

Sheringham Distillery’s Lumette! is Canada’s First Alternative Gin

Lumette is Canada’s first zero-proof distilled spirit. It was created by Victoria’s own Sheringham Distillery, makers of the award-winning Seaside Gin. Read more…

Two Must-Have Seafood Recipes for Springtime (or Anytime!)

Like seasonal vegetables, fish runs are seasonal too. So, eating what’s local and in season from the sea helps to sustain both fishermen and fish. Read more…

Virtuous Pie Makes Plant-Based Pizzas in Victoria, B.C.

Victoria now has it’s own Virtuous Pie, a plant-based restaurant featuring handcrafted pizzas topped with house-made nut- and soy-based cheeses, vegan cocktails and nut milk ice creams. Read more…

JagaSilk Tea in Victoria is a Complete Tasting Experience

JagaSilk tea and maccha is a complete tasting experience in Nootka Court. Featuring on-site ground maccha and teas from across the globe. Read more…

Exploring the Future of Fishing and Seafood in B.C.

On World Fisheries Day, a group of chefs and young fishermen gathered in Victoria to convince provincial MLAs to revive B.C.’s local fishing scene — and the food scene that goes with it. Read more…

Recipe: House of Boateng Jollof Rice

The House of Boateng in Langford, B.C. hosted a long-table dinner that featured a traditional African feast, including jollof rice with shrimp and chicken sausage. Chef Castro Boateng knew there were a few vegetarians in the room so he made some without sausage as well! Read more…

Recipe: Ghanian-Style Spinach Stew

House of Boateng in Langford, B.C. hosted a long-table dinner featuring traditional African cuisine, including this Ghanian-style spinach stew, topped with eggs, avocado and African yam. Read more…

Recipe: Bofrot (African Doughnuts)

House of Boateng in Langford B.C. hosted a delicious long-table dinner featuring traditional African recipes, including these tasty doughnuts. Read more…

Nohra Thai Kitchen Brings Creative Flavour to Estevan Village

At Nohra Thai Kitchen on stylish Estevan Avenue, Phen Bryan is
elevating the classic cooking of Thailand with innovative ideas and Island ingredients. Read more…

Food & Drink Trends of 2020

The food & drink of 2020 is a little uglier, a little healthier, and the water is more sparkly. Read the top 4 food & drink trends of 2020. Read more…

Mocktails Gain Popularity in Victoria, B.C.

There are many good reasons to cut back on alcohol consumption — and after an indulgent holiday season,
a drier January is always a popular pursuit. Victoria is the perfect place, as there are more low ABV drink options than ever. Read more…

African Long-Table Dinner at the House of Boateng

Castro Boateng, named Chef of the Year at YAM’s 2019 Restaurant Awards, cooks up a traditional African feast for family and friends — and shares some coveted recipes. Read more…

Local Food Trend: Mosi Award-Winning Gelato

Stefano Mosi won first place at the Gelato Festival America in Hollywood for his Seamist sorbetto based on a refreshing Silk Road herbal tea blend of lemongrass, mint and seaweed. Read more…

Holiday Potluck Recipe: Seafood Lasagna with Two Cheeses

This is a wonderful, rich, make-ahead meal which is perfect for a holiday dinner party. Tender and delicate fresh pasta makes the nicest lasagna. Try using no-boil lasagna noodles if fresh sheets are not available. Read more…

Holiday Potluck Recipe: White Bean Slather with Roasted Onions and Goat Cheese

This is the mother of all spreads for your holiday potluck — a chunky concoction to slather thickly on a toasted baguette, grilled pita bread or to scoop up with sturdy crackers. Warm it up in the microwave just before serving. Read more…

The Dehydrated Food Trend is Back

Dehydrating food is back in vogue, but this time it’s artful and sophisticated. Read more…

Holiday Baking: Crunchy Almond Bark

Pull out the parchment paper or your silicone baking sheet for this one. Pack it into pretty holiday tins for gourmet gifts. Read more…

Festive Cocktail Recipe to Brighten the Season

Greet your party guests with a glass of this seasonally inspired cocktail. Read more…

Baking with Nuts This Holiday Season

Whether raw or roasted or baked into delectable treats like walnuts rolls or pecan pies, nuts are healthy crowd-
pleasers for the holiday season. Read more…

Local Food Trend: Imperative Dry Vermouth

A collaboration between Ampersand Distilling Co. and Rathjen Cellars created this fortified wine – perfect for your seasonal party. Read more…

Holiday Potluck Recipe: Yam Salad

Adding some colour to your holiday table is always a good idea! Colourful, portable, healthy and delicious, this yam salad is a great addition to a potluck party. Read more…

Holiday Potluck Recipe: Mushroom, Nut and Oat Roast

Even if you’re the only vegetarian in the family, you can contribute this nutty loaf to the feast, which pairs perfectly with holiday side dishes like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Make it vegan by substituting olive oil for the butter. Even the carnivores in the crowd will be asking for this recipe! Read more…

Holiday Baking: Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

These simple truffles, loaded with toasted hazelnuts, are a holiday favourite — just make sure to start with the best dark chocolate. Read more…

Holiday Baking: Cranberry Pecan Pie

This is sure to be a favourite dessert – it’s like a big butter tart but with the added zing of dried cranberries. The fresh orange and cranberry sauce adds another dimension and balances the sweetness. Read more…

Creating The Perfect Holiday Potluck

Delicious make-and-take holiday dishes that are perfect when potluck is the menu. Read more…

Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Cider Cake

A tasty coffee cake to serve for breakfast or to take to a casual potluck party. Use heirloom apples, the kind that will hold their shape when cooked. Read more…

Local Food Trend: Reimagined Diner Dates at Paul’s Diner by Fol Epi

The crew at Fol Epi and Agrius have reimagined Victoria’s historic diner at Paul’s Motor Inn with a fully organic menu. Read more…

Local Food Trend: Espresso Tonic from Floyd’s Diner

Victoria and Vancouver Island are home to some of the tastiest restaurants, food and drinks. YAM discovers some of the top local food trends of the moment, like this espresso tonic from Floyd’s Diner. Read more…

6 Delicious B.C. Ciders to Try This Fall

There are more than 150 cider producers in Canada, and many of the best are in B.C. Here is a selection of some delicious ciders to try this Fall. Read more…

Recipe: Cider-Poached Pears

Poached pears can be served atop fresh greens with shaved Parmesan, or with sweetened whipped cream for a simple dessert. These cider-poached pears are the autumn treat you’ve been looking for. Read more…

Q at the Empress Receives Wine Spectator’s 2019 Award of Excellence

The Fairmont Empress hotel’s signature restaurant was awarded for their exemplary selection of wines that complement their menu. Read more…

The Magic of Chanterelle Foraging Season

Mushroom lovers consider the fall one of the most delicious times of the year. Among the fruiting bodies of forest fungi, there may be none as elegant as the golden chanterelle. Read more…

B.C. Cider’s Modern Makeover

Whether you like to drink your cider in the pub or tip a pint into a savoury stew, it’s time to celebrate cider season with local, artisan ciders. Read more…

6 Simple Chef Hacks for Seaweed

Local chefs share their tips and tricks for cooking with wild seaweed. Read more…

Long Table Dining Events for Summertime

This summer’s dining trend is long table celebrations with tables laden with the best local protein and produce. Read more…

Recipe: Ocean Potatoes with Seaweed Salsa Verde

Try these potatoes, cooked in salty seawater with seaweed salsa verde, with grilled salmon created by Chef Paul Moran of 1909 Kitchen in Tofino. Read more…

YAM Summer Wine List

Looking for the perfect wine for the season? These local experts weigh in with their top picks for summer. Read more…

Seaweed, the Wild Food to Forage from the Sea

Delicious and nutritious seaweed is one of the wild foods attracting the interest of contemporary chefs and foragers, especially here on Vancouver Island, which boasts more varieties of seaweed than anywhere else in the world. Read more…

Bingsoo is the Hottest Way to Cool off this Summer.

Bingsoo is the Korean version of shaved ice. Snowy Village has moved to Victoria – and you have to try this delicate dessert! Read more…

Create Your own Canadian Cheese Board

YAM food writer Cinda Chavich asked three local cheese experts to name their three favourite Canadian cheeses. Read more…

Mixologist: Jane Allen of Sherwood Bar

Jane Allen has been a part of the Sherwood project since last year and she has fallen in love with living and working in Victoria – creating cocktails that reflect the vibrance of the city. Read more…

Mixologist: Avi Kunen of Little Jumbo

Avi Kunen of Little Jumbo believes that cocktails shouldn’t be taken too seriously. The fun cocktail list puts a contemporary twist on the classic look of the 19th century style bar. Read more…

Mixologist: Jayce Kadyschuk of Clive’s Classic Lounge

Clive’s Classic Lounge could be called ground zero for Victoria’s booming cocktail culture. Jayce Kadyschuk tells us about his experience as a mixologist and shares his recipe for his maccha sour. Read more…

Pacific Rim Flavours in Victoria

Restaurants like Nubo and Aura are fusing together Pacific Rim flavours inspired by the sea. Read more…

Victoria’s Cheese Culture

YAM writer Cinda Chavich explores the rich cheese culture on Vancouver Island. Read more…

The Wild Flavour of Nettles

Nettles may be tricky to pick without gloves but they are well worth the effort with many culinary uses that adds a wild element to dishes. Read more…

Recipe: La Pasta Clam Fettuccine

Chef Aaron Lawrence of La Pasta shares his recipe for saffron fettuccine with clams. Read more…

Recipe: Stinging Nettle Pesto

Perfect for a dip, spread or pasta sauce. Read more…

Fresh Pasta 101

Here are seven tips to start making your own pasta at any budget and skill level. Read more…

In Praise of Pasta

Pasta is growing in popularity due to the opportunity to buy high-quality, artisanal pasta or making your own. Read more…

Local Sips: An Insight on Island Tea and Wine

Whether you prefer a warm cup of tea in the morning or a crisp glass of wine in the evening. Or both! YAM has you covered with businesses that celebrate the drinks we love to sip. Read more…

10 Strategies to Cut Back on Carbs

Even cutting back to 50 or 100 grams of carbs per day can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Here are some tips on how to start decreasing your intake. Read more…

The Low-Carb Diet Makeover

Low-carb diets are ever-popular because they tend to work, but do they have to be so extreme? YAM presents low-carb diet ideas you can actually live with. Read more…

Vegan is Right on Trend in Victoria

If you’re keen to try the latest plant-based diet trend, you’re in the right city. Read more…

Traditional and Sweet: The Buttery Goodness of Shortbread

This favourite holiday recipe, so often passed down through families’ generations like heirlooms, is really all about the butter.
Read more…

Recipe: 3 Seafood Recipes for your Holiday Feast

Seafood dishes signify special occasions with their aromas and rich flavours – making them perfect for the Holidays. Read more…

Holiday Celebrations with Seafood

YAM explores how the Holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy the bounty of the sea. By Cinda Cavich There’s something about serving crustaceans that always says “let’s celebrate” to me. Though shellfish was a rare treat in my childhood home, every year, just before Christmas, my dad would come home with several pounds of frozen […] Read more…

Recipe: 3 Shortbread Variations for the Holidays

Jump into the Holiday spirit with these 3 creative shortbread cookie recipes. Read more…

6 Local Cook Books for the Food Lovers on Your Gift List

It’s fun to find a good book under the Christmas tree to curl up with over the holidays. Cookbooks provide inspiration for months and years to come. Here are several new local titles to add to your gift list for food lovers. Read more…

Have You Noticed? There’s a Growing Collection of Korean Eateries Around Town

Creative Korean eateries are conquering Victoria’s once-traditional palate — and we can’t get enough. Read more…

Why You Should Try Long Table Dining This Summer

Communal dining is back in vogue — wherever there is fresh, seasonal food to enjoy, the long table brings people together to share it. Read more…

Meet the Woman Behind Nourish Kitchen and Cafe, a 1888 Heritage Home-Turned-Restaurant

Hayley Rosenberg, owner of Nourish Kitchen and Café, talks simplicity, change, and cooking the way Grandma used to. Read more…

Turmeric Tequila Smash: Summer in a Glass

A little bit savoury, a little bit sweet — this chilled and delicious tequila-based cocktail is summer in a glass. Read more…

Recipe: How to Make Spinnakers’ Spicy Fish Tostadas

At Spinnakers, dry-rubbed wild Pacific salmon, halibut and smoked tuna are served on Adriana’s chia tortillas with crunchy cabbage, chilies and a drizzle of citrusy sauce. Read more…

Where to Shop For Latin Ingredients In Victoria

Whether you’re looking for dry or fresh chilies, tomatillos or fresh cilantro, you can get Mexican ingredients in local supermarkets and specialty shops. Read more…

10 Tasty Bakery Cafés In Victoria

Bakeries are back in a big way as the city’s sweetest spots for meetups — for business or for pleasure. Read more…

Recipe: How to Make Mole Negra

Food writer Cinda Chavich shares a recipe for mole negra she learned how to make after a trip to Mexico. Read more…

Where To Find Mexican Tacos, West Coast Tacos and Authentic Mole In Victoria

Mexico’s mole sauce tradition (and tacos) spans generations and borders. Read more…

Victoria Does the Breakfast, Brunch and “Brinner” Food Trends Well

A new book about Canada’s brunch capital will convince you that breakfast is really
an “anytime, anywhere” type of meal. Read more…

How To Embrace the Beet This Spring

Ancient Greeks considered the beet to be an aphrodisiac, and while that may be debatable, there’s so much to love about Aphrodite’s favourite food. Read more…

A Little Bit About Middle Eastern Cuisine (and Where To Find It In Victoria)

From baba ghanouj to shawarma, flavourful dishes of the Middle East and Mediterranean are proving irresistible to food lovers with palates for the exotic. Read more…

Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Sirene Chocolate

You’ve heard of farm-to-table. This is bean-to-bar. Read more…

Essential Ingredients For a Middle Eastern Pantry

Consider these 17 ingredients all staples if you want to prepare authentic Middle Eastern dishes at home. Read more…

Our Favourite Food Stories of 2017

If you’re a foodie looking for some tasty inspiration, re-visit these food stories that appeared in our 2017 magazines. You’ll find lists of great eats, recipes and interesting tidbits. Read more…

Adding the Wild Flavours of Conifers To Your Cooking

YAM goes foraging with the founders of Gather to discover the wild flavours of conifers, perfect for your Yuletide recipes. Read more…

Recipe: Sparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake

From Kimberley Vy, pastry chef at The Inn at Laurel Point, comes this unique champagne sponge Cake, layered with white chocolate buttercream and garnished with sugar-frosted cranberries. Read more…

Local Christmas Baking Ideas For the Season

From coconut flurries to fluffy meringues, and icing as white as newly fallen snow, it’s the season for dreamy desserts. Read more…

Recipe: Make Crust Bakery’s Red and White Candy Cane Meringues

Tom Moore, the chef/owner of Crust Bakery, says meringues make lovely gifts when packaged in pretty cello bags. Read more…

Recipe: How To Make Crust Bakery’s Marshmallow S’mores

At Crust Bakery, chef Tom Moore makes pans of Marshmallow S’mores to cut into squares and brulée with a torch for a simple holiday dessert. Read more…

Your Go-To Liqueur This Season Should Be Artisanal Amaro

YAM looks into the bittersweet appeal of vermouth. Read more…

Recipe: How to Make Ruth & Dean’s Coconut Cake

Susannah Ruth Bryan, the maker of beautiful cakes at Ruth & Dean in Victoria, is famed for her tall, snowy coconut cakes. Read more…

Recipe: Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows

Pastry Chef Kimberley Vy shares this easy recipe for homemade marshmallows, flavoured with pure peppermint extract. Read more…

DID YOU KNOW THERE’S AN OLIVE FARM ON SALT SPRING ISLAND?

A visionary couple has brought the ancient art of olive growing to Salt Spring Island — and the result is a rare extra-virgin olive oil, coveted by chefs. Read more…

MAKE THIS THE SEASON YOU EAT A LITTLE MORE MINDFULLY

How YAM’s food writer embraced reducetarianism, stopped overeating animal protein and learned to love the lentil. Read more…

DIY ICE CREAM SECRETS

Does any food evoke summer more that ice cream? YAM visits an ice-cream artisan to discover the tricks to making this cool creamy treat at home. Read more…

Oh So Cool: Frozen G&T Cocktail Recipe

Tart and refreshing, the classic gin and tonic gets an ultimate summer makeover when made with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin and blended with ice. Read more…

AN OUTDOOR FEAST FOR CANADA 150

Celebrate Canada 150 by exploring our culinary heritage with a delicious barbecue inspired by the unique flavours of the West Coast. Read more…

FAIRY TALE: THE RETURN OF ABSINTHE

Absinthe’s history is clouded by misinformation, propaganda and outright lies. But the story of this once-scorned spirit — dubbed the “green fairy” — has a happy ending. Read more…

COOKING WITH FIRE

Chefs have a “new” tool in their culinary arsenal — fire. Pushing back against high-tech kitchen trends, many are ditching the thermo-circulators and foam siphons for something
far simpler: a smoky wood or charcoal-fired grill. Read more…

Every city has its signature foods, and every year creative chefs, cooks, butchers and bakers add more tasty treasures to the list. I’ve enjoyed some delicious diversions in Victoria, dishes and noshes both old and new. Herewith, in no particular order, are 25 of the best things I tasted this year. (Please note this article […] Read more…

Tastes & Trends: Person, Place, Thing

YAM’s food columnist Cinda Chavich explores our region to discover the latest palate-pleasing offerings, culinary talent and eatery openings. Read more…

RECIPE: CARROT AND CORIANDER SOUP

This is the perfect way to start a dinner party — or just make it for its healthy dose of beta carotene, fibre and vitamin A. It’s a smooth, colourful soup, creamy yet low in calories, with curative cumin and cleansing ginger too. Read more…

IT’S A GOOD DAY FOR SOUP

Soups are super nourishing and loaded with easily digestible vitamins and minerals, so it’s not surprising that “souping” is the latest health-food trend. And it’s not hard to add souping to your home-cooking routine. Read more…

Victoria Tastes & Trends: Winter 2017

From a new butcher to a local take on bao buns, YAM’s food columnist Cinda Chavich explores our region to discover the latest palate-pleasing offerings, culinary talent and eatery openings. Read more…

ROBBIE BURNS DAY: HAGGIS, BRAWN & BEER

This annual mid-winter celebration is having a moment. YAM’s food expert goes in search of the perfect recipe for a contemporary take on the Robbie Burns Dinner. Read more…

SPARKLING COCKTAILS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

This being a celebratory time of year, your fridge should never be without a bottle of sparkling wine. And local Island bubbly is the perfect pairing for all your holiday celebrations — whether you drink it as is or mix it into a holiday cocktail. Read more…

DREAMS OF GINGERBREAD

Whether you want to bake gingerbread cookies or construct gingerbread condos, YAM brings you tips and stories from local gingerbread gurus to enrich this most gingery of seasons. Read more…

CHESTNUTS ROASTING: RECIPES TO IMPRESS

Sweet chestnut trees are an endangered species in North America, but our culinary expert has sleuthed out ways you can still have chestnuts roasting on an open fire — or in delicious holiday soups, stuffings and desserts. Read more…

MUST-TRY-SCALLOP RECIPE FROM MOOSEMEAT & MARMALADE

The popular show’s second season sees the two Victoria-based chefs — Art Napoleon and Dan Hayes — bring back their fun new spin on cooking and entertainment. Read more…

HEIRLOOM APPLES FOR EATING AND COOKING

Eaten fresh or cooked into sweet pies or savoury dishes, heirloom apples possess unique flavours and fascinating heritage stories that make them the hidden gems of B.C.’s fall bounty. Read more…

VICTORIA IS WILD ABOUT WHISKY

The topic of “whisky trends” may seem to be an oxymoron — innovation and change aren’t words one typically associates with whisky. But change is afoot for the spirit — in British Columbia and around the world. Read more…

Apple Recipes: Pork Loin Chops

Looking for the perfect fall meal? With this main course, red cabbage and apples make a colourful and healthful backdrop for tender pork loin chops. Read more…

DIY CHEESE: A RAW-MILK REVOLUTION

Cheesemaking celebrity and food activist David Asher is teaching students how to make cheeses from raw — and yes, illegal — unpasteurized milk. It’s all deliciously underground. Read more…

THE EVOLUTION OF THE GIN & TONIC

Enjoyed on any sunny patio, a gin and tonic is the best cure for the summertime blues — two simple ingredients poured over ice and given a gentle stir. Use these B.C.-made gins for a local terroir of cedar, fir, lavender, bay laurel and, of course, juniper. Read more…

IN SEARCH OF THE ELUSIVE COASTAL CLAM

Known as the shellfish capital of BC, the beaches of Baynes Sound are where the oyster industry has flourished for decades. Follow YAM’s food writer Cinda Chavich as she discovers the how, where and when to dig for clams — and cook your catch! Read more…

25 BEST EATS IN VICTORIA

Victoria is blessed with a wealth of small, independent restaurants, creative chefs, beautiful bakers, bold butchers and cheesemakers — in short, a food scene that’s vibrant and growing organically every day, literally from the ground up. Read more…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEQUILA

It’s safe to say that tequila has been given something of a bad rap over the years. Forget what you know: premium tequila is made for sipping, not shots. Read more…

SAVOURY COCKTAILS TO TRY NOW

One needs look no further than the quintessential Canadian cocktail, the Caesar, for the perfect example of a savoury cocktail. But from smoky to herbal to vegetal, more foodie flavours are entering the bartender lexicon. Read more…

DISCOVER HUMBOLDT SQUID: SQUID SALAD WITH ROASTED RICE

Squid typically appeals to more adventurous eaters in North America. Besides pub-style calamari, this preparation is a gateway dish: forgo the tentacles (first time around) if you think they look too intimidating in a salad. The roasted rice adds a nutty flavour and great texture—and a guessing game with your guests. Want more seafood recipes […] Read more…

DISCOVER HUMBOLDT SQUID: A TASTE OF THE DEEP

This “monster of the deep” and darling of sustainability-minded chefs is popping up on menus across the country. Unlike the ubiquitous baby squid imported from Asia, this eco-friendly option — found in B.C. waters — offers a fresh clean taste of the ocean. Read more…

DISCOVER THE ISLAND’S AMAZING WINES, BEERS AND SPIRITS

We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Island libations, from vodka and gin, to local bubbly, to craft brews. Read more…

OYSTER RECIPE: ENDIVE & RADICCHIO SALAD

What is it about oysters? They inspire trendy bars, beachside grilling feasts and elegant celebrations paired with crisp champagne. For a taste of the sea, try Cynthia Nims’ recipe for endive and radicchio salad with fried oysters. Read more…

TEA-INFUSED QUICHE RECIPE

Tea culture in Victoria continues to evolve and enchant in the hands of tea masters, sommeliers and flavour curators who uphold this ancient sip for its healing, calming and culinary qualities. Read more…

IS EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT EATING FAT WRONG?

It’s been burned into our minds to keep our distance from dietary fat and to centre our eating around grains and leafy greens. But could we all be wrong? YAM talks to the experts and discovers the truth about fat. Read more…

BOOST YOUR HEALTH WITH BONE BROTH

Chicken soup has long been known for its health-giving properties, but rebranded bone broth is the new nectar of the holistic gods. This delicious, nourishing health booster is making the transition from traditional to on-trend. Read more…

LOCAL CHEFS SHARE THEIR HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Three Victoria chefs — Heather Cunliffe, Castro Boateng and Stephan Drolet — share their favourite flavour traditions of the holiday season. For one of them, it’s not about the turkey but a simple farm-fresh boiled egg! Read more…

Boost Your Holiday Baking: Chocolate & Cherry Mandelbrot

This less traditional take on mandelbrot uses almond paste to add pockets of softness and sweetness to an otherwise firm cookie. Because they have a long shelf life, they are perfect for sending in the mail as a gift. Read more…

MARVELLOUS COCKTAIL MAKEOVERS

These thoughtful and playful renditions of classic cocktails from five inspired Victoria bartenders offer a great way to try a different take on an old favourite. They may just inspire you to get a little creative with your home bar. Read more…

Cook the Perfect Side Dish: Pommes Anna

Le Creuset’s recipe for Pommes Anna with Celeriac is perfect for welcoming the fall season. This rich and delicious layered potato dish is crisp on the outside and melting and tender on the inside. Read more…

IMPRESS WITH THESE GOURMET BBQ RECIPES

The season demands you take advantage of the local bounty and embrace the bold, fresh flavours — and what better way to savour the season than by entertaining al fresco? Read more…

QUICK & TASTY SUMMER SALADS

Sometimes simple pleasures are the best. Celebrate summer produce with picnic-friendly salads guaranteed to supercharge any al fresco feast with seasonal and healthy deliciousness. Read more…

OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY APPIES

With the summer entertaining season officially here, YAM brings you tips, strategies and recipe ideas for creating delicious and wow-inducing appetizers for your next soirée. Read more…

KITCHEN REBEL: IN PERSON WITH CHEF COSMO MEENS

Two words keep reoccurring when Cosmo Meens describes his evolution as a chef: “play” and “fun,” but this appreciation of the lighter side doesn’t distract from his serious culinary accomplishments. Read more…

MASTER MAKING PIZZA FROM SCRATCH

From deep dish to thin crust, wood-fired to grilled, pizza’s popularity shows no sign of abating. Making pizza from scratch is very satisfying — and if you let go of the notion that pizzas have to be perfectly round, you’ll be a budding pizzaiolo in no time. Read more…

SPOT PRAWNS ARE SPOT ON

Scrumptious and sustainable, the B.C. spot prawn is so popular with local seafood lovers that odes should be written to its flavour. To herald the arrival of spot prawn season, YAM puts this celebrated coastal crustacean in the spotlight. Read more…

SAVOURING SALMON: A GUIDE TO THIS WEST COAST FISH

Pacific salmon and summer — talk about a match made in heaven. YAM takes a close look at this revered fish and asks three amazing Vancouver Island chefs to share their favourite recipes. Read more…

A Luscious Layer-Cake Recipe

For this Chocolate Butter Cream Cake from Sweet Things Bakery, enticing layers of rich butter cream filling are topped with mouth-watering berries and chocolate shavings for that perfect pairing of sweet-tart juiciness. Serve at your next party, for a deliciously sweet summery treat. Read more…

Celebrate Halibut Season With a Healthy Recipe From Inspiralized

To celebrate halibut season, try this elegant Halibut en Papillote with Butternut Squash recipe from the Inspiralized cookbook by Ali Maffucci. Read more…

SPRING’S FRESH FLAVOURS FROM YOUR BACKYARD

Around the globe, celebrating the change from winter to spring takes centre stage. In Victoria we engage in our Flower Count and enjoy the first offerings of spring such as backyard herbs, foraged shoots and wild-grown nettles. Read more…

PERFECT PASTA RECIPES FOR SPRING

Despite this staple’s waistline-sabotaging reputation, it can be a delectably healthy part of a balanced diet. Give your pasta a spring-inspired makeover. Read more…

SHAKE UP YOUR SMOOTHIES

Whether you’re looking for a breakfast on the go, a pre-workout boost or a quick and easy meal in a glass, a homemade smoothie can be a convenient and healthy option. Read more…

A Festive Recipe for a Holiday Gift

Whether you give the cookbook itself or one of the creations inside, Handmade Gifts from the Kitchen: More than 100 Culinary Inspired Presents to Make and Bake by Alison Walker offers plenty of gifting inspiration. This Stollen Wreath is so tasty you may want to keep it for yourself. Read more…

HOLIDAY APPIES WITH AN EXOTIC TWIST

With the holiday season here, YAM brings you tips, strategies and recipe ideas for creating delicious and wow-inducing appetizers for your next festive soirée. From Spanish-inspired tapas to bacon-infused popcorn toppings, these appies will wake up your guests’ taste buds. Read more…

BRING COASTAL FLAVOURS TO YOUR HOLIDAY FEAST

Surrounded by sea, with rich soil, ancient forests and sustainable farms, Vancouver Island is a culinary heaven. YAM asked Sooke Harbour House, one of the Island’s most lauded culinary establishments, to celebrate West Coast flavours by creating a holiday feast that is sure to be the beginning of a coastal tradition. Read more…

B.C. BEERS GET A BIG FLAVOUR INFUSION

British Columbia’s craft brewers are increasingly looking to the food world for inspiration for their original creations. From spruce tips and oysters to doughnuts and bacon, adventurous imbibers will find a lot more flavour in their pints. Read more…

5 FOOD-INFUSED BEERS TO TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS

The line between beer and food has been crossed with flavourful flair. Joe Wiebe, author of Craft Beer Revolution: The Insider’s Guide to B.C. Breweries, shares five suggestions for B.C. beers with YAM’s “Divine Drinks” columnist Adem Tepedelen. Read more…

HOW TO “PLATE” YOUR FOOD LIKE A PRO

Chef Takashi Ito of Aura waterfront restaurant + patio in Victoria is famous, not only for the way his food tastes, but for his beautiful and unique presentations. Read on to discover the culinary secrets of plating your food like a pro. Read more…

GET YOUR SLUSH CRUSH!

On summer days, when you crave a cold drink, you’ll love the Zoku Slush & Shake Maker. (Yes, you can even make frozen alcoholic drinks!) Just freeze the Zoku’s inner core, and once frozen, remove it, put it in the outer sleeve, pour in your ingredients. In just 7 minutes, your slushie is ready. Read more…

CREATIVE IDEAS TO END BROWN-BAG BOREDOM

From nourishing salads in Mason jars to healthy bento box creations, YAM offers up delicious recipes and ideas to take your lunchtimes from boring to bursting with flavour. You’ll be the envy of your office. Read more…

CELEBRATE LOCAL WITH ISLAND DISTILLERIES

YAM celebrates the best new offerings from Vancouver Island’s artisan distilleries, which are producing upscale options for the latest cocktail creations. These distilleries are, in fact, a perfect complement to the Island’s agricultural richness. Expect concoctions that celebrate everything from barley to grapes to blackberries. Read more…

CREATE A VISUAL FEAST

It’s common knowledge that we eat with our eyes first, which is why chefs approach plating their food the way Monet might have approached his canvas. YAM’s culinary expert shares some techniques you can easily do in your own kitchen to elevate your dining experience. Read more…

THE TRENDY TEA COCKTAIL

Is there anything tea can’t do? It’s healthy, it relaxes us, it perks us up, it helps us sleep, and it comforts us. Turns out it’s also great in mixed drinks. Read more…

5 STEPS TO GREAT GRILLING

Chef Brad Holmes of Ulla has earned his restaurant national renown for the fabulous flavour of his cuisine. Recreate some of his mastery at home by combining humanely raised local meats, a charcoal grill and Holmes’ expert techniques. Read more…

GET YOUR SUPERFOOD FIX WITH BERRIES

Berries may be little, but they pack a big punch with their healthful polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidants. Nutritionists say they help fight hearth disease, boost brain health and increase energy. YAM’s food columnist shows you delicious ways to make berries a healthy part of your diet. Read more…

MAKE THE BEST EGGS BENNY EVER

In a city that loves its Sunday brunches, the Eggs Benedict has eternal star power. Chef Buddy Wolfe of Jam Café celebrates the Benny in all its variations (Buttermilk Fried Chicken Benny, anyone?) and shares a saucy Hollandaise secret. Read more…

YES, YOU CAN CHILL OUT WITH RED WINE

It’s no faux pas to put that red wine in the fridge this summer. In fact, you may be amazed at how just a few degrees can really brighten up these wines and make them more pleasant on the palate in hot weather. Read more…