BIG FEAST–A GOOD PLACE TO BE

Last night my BB Guy and I went out to a restaurant that I thought was quite new called Big Feast Bistro. Turns out they have been open 3 years. Apparently I just haven’t been paying attention. We were glad they were even on a Monday night. When we walked in I had to ask if they even had a full dinner menu.  The deli case at the counter was full of some amazing Panini style sandwiches but not what I would call dinner. Lucky for us they were open for dinner but I can’t wait to head back for brunch. How about some Lobster Eggs Benny? This is a special restaurant. They believe in using local ingredients and food that is in season. They also use their own dried or canned produce, soups etc. They can food as well. The furniture is mostly  repurposed furniture and doesn’t match and it doesn’t matter. They serve Fair Trade coffee that comes from Salt Spring Island on our west coast. Have you ever sat at a chef’s table? A community table where mixed groups of people all sit in one sitting at a large table. Conversation erupts at such sittings while a groups of people who don’t know each other enjoy the shared experience of the restaurant’s bounty. They support food banks, local artists, community education, local school districts and many local food producers. Kids cooking classes even. They cater too. Weddings? You bet. Private room for a dinner group? Yup. There is so much to this restaurant you should click here to go to their website and read about them. You can also see their Facebook page here. I didn’t have my camera with me but they said it was okay to use some of their own photos from their website.
Now we like a good meal. A fair sized meal. I don’t want a plate with one green bean and a slice of meat shaved off with a razor for dinner. We were very happy with what we ordered. King Oyster Mushroom Chicken…. naturally grain fed boneless breast pan seared with local king oyster mushrooms, capers and lemon pepper finished with chardonnay cream, aged reggiano cheese…oh my this was delicious. Served with roasted potatoes and a mix of beets and carrots. We love beets and are so rarely served them in a restaurant. There was so much flavor in this dish. It was creamy, it was bright. Do you know what bright tastes like? Mmmm. As I said they have been there for 3 years. They are celebrating soon and will be giving away some of their homemade canned soups to their guests and also have some selected entrees on for $5.oo . I wonder if I am free that night! I guess my point here other than to commend a small local restaurant on their ethics and  accomplishments is to urge you all to see what is available in your own area. A special restaurant or a local farmhouse that sells to the public. A nearby bakery or a butcher who is organic. See what is out there and support your local businesses.