The Edible Valley Podcast

Welcome to a special fall edition of the Edible Valley Podcast! In this episode, we dig into the rich diversity of squash - from sweet delicata and creamy buttercup to vibrant Hubbard and nutty acorn varieties - and explore how harvest time shapes our local food system. We talk with growers and chefs about what makes certain squash stand out, flavour tips, storage secrets, and what to expect during this season’s barns...

Each September, chefs, cooks, and culinary enthusiasts gather at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC for three unforgettable days of cooking, learning, and connecting at CooksCamp. Since 2022, this annual retreat—hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC—has become a must-attend event for both rising talent and seasoned professionals.

In this episode, we take you inside CooksCamp 2025 (Sept 10–12) to share wh...

Join host Chef Jonathan Frazier in this intimate visit to Shamrock Farm, the Comox Valley sanctuary Mike and Shannon Farrell began in 1993. What started as a humble pumpkin patch has blossomed into a biodiverse 20-acre operation, cultivating over 40 vegetable varieties, fragrant lavender, specialty cut flowers, and raising chickens, Nubian goats, and even pigs to support the land and farm family. 

Blackberry season is here, and in this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, Jonathan and William dive into everything blackberry. From their wild abundance along Vancouver Island’s trails and hedgerows to their starring role in jams, desserts, sauces, and even cocktails, blackberries are a true taste of late summer.

We explore the history of this hardy berry in the Valley, the challenges and opportuniti...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William McStringer explore the vibrant food culture of Vancouver Island through the lens of community and collaboration. Jonathan, in his role as president of the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association (NVICA), discusses the association’s mission to unite chefs, cooks, culinary students, and food producers in advancing the culinary arts...

We are deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of Mary-Jane Douglas, beloved co-owner of Ridgewood Farm in Merville and a devoted member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Mary-Jane was a passionate advocate for sustainable farming and a familiar face at the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, where she proudly offered her locally raised beef, pork, and eggs.

In this special episode of The Edib...

Welcome back to The Edible Valley Podcast. In Episode 251, hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer kick off a brand new season by reflecting on the incredible journey so far, and sharing what’s coming next. The Edible Valley is growning alongside the local food movement, and this season promises to be the most exciting yet.

Jonathan and William also tease upcoming episodes featuring new voices f...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we delve into the world of artisan cheesemaking with Doug Smith, co-owner Natural Pastures Cheese Company in Courtenay, BC. Since its inception in 2000, Natural Pastures has become a cornerstone of Vancouver Island’s culinary landscape, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Doug shares insights into the company’s journey fr...

This week on The Edible Valley Podcast, Chef Jonathan Frazier is joined by special guest host Erin Haluschak as they take the show on the road to Radio Row in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59. They sit down with Mark Bologna, host of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast, to explore what makes New Orleans’ food culture so iconic.

From gumbo and jambalaya to po’ boys and beignets, they dive into the city’s rich ...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we dive into the biggest food trends shaping 2025. From sustainable innovations and global flavors to the rise of AI in the kitchen and locally sourced ingredients, we explore what’s next in the world of food. How will these trends impact chefs, home cooks, and the way we eat? We break it all down!

Plus, we shift gears to talk about Chef Jonat...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we sit down with the dynamic and multi-talented Taylore Darnel, also known as The Spirited Chef. With a deep-rooted passion for food, spirits, and education, Taylore brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience as a chef, instructor, and meal designer, specializing in food and beverage pairings.

We also dive into a couple of delicious meal ideas, explorin...

In this special year-end episode, hosts  & Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer take a heartfelt look back at the highlights of The Edible Valley Podcast in 2024. With episodes 229 through 245, they explored the rich food culture of Vancouver Island, featuring local farmers, chefs, and producers, while sharing practical tips and delicious recipes with their audience.

From creative Thanksgiving ...

In this festive episode of The Edible Valley, Jonathan is joined by Erin, stepping in for William, who is away celebrating the arrival of his baby girl. Together, they reflect on their recent holiday dinner at Dove Creek Hall, sharing the triumphs, lessons learned, and how the event brought the community together. From serving up a locally-sourced turkey and vegan roast to sending guests home with delicious leftovers ...

In this episode, hosts Chef Jonathan and William dive into the story of the Courtenay Country Market, a beloved staple of the Comox Valley. They’re joined by Dean Garrett, the former owner who helped shape the market’s success. Dean shares stories from his years in the grocery business, offering insights into the challenges, rewards, and community connections that come with running a local market. Now a mortgage broke...

In the latest episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer are joined by Mary-Jane Douglas, co-owner of Ridgewood Farm in Merville and an active member of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Mary-Jane shares insights into her commitment to raising beef, eggs, and pork with sustainable practices, which are offered at the Comox Valley Farmer’s Market. She also highlights her excitement for “Burger It ...

On this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, we explore the HABIT Cookbook with the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind it, Josie Boulding and Ryan Stuart. HABIT Cookbook is a unique tool designed to help anyone reset their relationship with food. Josie, a social media influencer known as “Restless Josie” with over 55,000 followers, shares her firsthand insights on cooking with health at the forefront, featuring recipes that are ...

Welcome to The Edible Valley Podcast, episode 241! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, today we’re diving into creative ways to put a twist on classic holiday dishes. Hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer are here to inspire you with exciting alternatives to traditional recipes, from unique turkey preparations to inventive side dishes that will surprise your guests. Plus, we’ll explore fun and delicious ways to rep...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts Chef Jonathan Frazier and William Stringer explore the savoury world of umami, the “fifth taste.” They discuss its scientific basis, origins in Japanese cuisine, and how it enhances flavours in dishes from soy sauce to Parmesan. Chef Jonathan offers practical tips on incorporating umami into home cooking, while the hosts share fun stories, including a kitchen mishap and a debate a...

In this episode of The Edible Valley Podcast, hosts William Stringer and Chef Jonathan Frazier explore the benefits of attending culinary school. As they chat about their personal experiences, they highlight the rich culinary education available on Vancouver Island, including renowned institutions like North Island College, Vancouver Island University and Camosun College. Jonathan shares insights into his new role as an instructor,...