A mere week ago I was indulging with friends at the annual Okanagan Feast of the Fields. A glorious event to which some 500 food and wine lovers ventured into the Van Westen's Vineyards and Cherry Orchards in Naramata. A feast for all the senses. A gathering of some of the Okanagan Valley's finest chefs, eateries, wineries, fruit and vegetable vendors. It's all about local, sustainable food, and there was no where else I would rather be, on this particular Sunday, every year.

Chef Bernard Casavant from Wild Apple Restaurant at Manteo Resort with his "Harvest Cone" of Apricot White Chocolate Infused Rice Pudding

Chef and Sommelier Mark Filatow from Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar with his "Hotdog" of local chicken and Morel Boudain

Executive Chef Ned Bell from the Four Seasons Vancouver and our local "Cabanas" Restaurant

A grand display of "Cornucopia of Stoney Paradise Farms Sungold Tomatoes" from the Chef's Association

I sampled everything there was but of course like others had my favorites. Although seemingly simple the thirst quenching fresh "Lavender, lemon verbena & lemongrass lemonade" from Okanagan Lavender Farm was much appreciated and incredible. I'll be the first one in their location next spring, when this concoction gets bottled for sale. Sipping and tasting, we wandered through a canopy of cherry trees, tent to tent.

Chef Roger Planiden's "Braised Short Ribs wrapped in Tyrola bacon and topped with Apricot/Peach jam" was my absolute favorite. Yum. A wonderful complimentary blend of flavors. Then there was the "Heirloom tomato and basil gazpacho with marinated spot prawns", from Naramata Heritage Inn or the "Petite Sloppy Joe" with 32 hour slow braised Angus beef and Valentines Farms Elderberry Vinegar BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. Who could choose.

Okanagan "Summer salad on a Sweet Potato Cup with Carmelis Goat's Milk Yoghurt Ranch Dressing and local walnuts" from the Patio at Lake Breeze

"Bacon & Eggs" filled with an incredibly rich and delicious liver pate, from RauDZ Regional Table. A very creative chef, not just in his food but his presentation.

Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm's, thirst quenching Herbal Spritzers.

Meadow Vista Honey Wines - superb and worth the try!

Not just the food, but the presentations and displays kept my eyes moving from tent to tent. Each display more enticing than the last. From all the fabulous wineries I had to say the newest and most unusual and truly appealing wine was the "2010 Libra" from Meadow Vista Honey Wines. Not a grape varietal wine but made from honey, an ancient form of wine making. Lucious and seductive, infused with apricots this dessert wine is unbelievable, pared with Sandrines Pastry and Chocolate's "Apricot Tart", they were both the perfect pairing.

A treck up through the orchard, but worth the work!

A barrel lid of sweets!

My two friends Bert and Lenda who share my passion for food and wine and who are always inspiring me to live well by indulging in the bounty of events and activities, food and wine the Okanagan Valley has to offer!

And last but not least, to top off the day and the event, the sweetness of "Mini Pavlovas".