RauDZ Regional Table takes their mantra of “support local” to a level far beyond just sourcing just their kitchen ingredients from local purveyors. After the reincarnation as a more casual dining spot the staff grew from 18 to the current 32 who are fully employed even in the slow season meaning these employees can stay in Kelowna year round. RauDZ also leases the space from a local developer and is committed to using local suppliers and advertising in Kelowna publications, creating binding relationships of mutual support.
When you do venture into the RauDZ kitchen or behind the bar for that matter, their commitment to eating and drinking from your their backyard is taken seriously. The restaurant sources from over 40 farmers such as Brainy Bee Honey, South East Kelowna’s Sunshine Farm and Curtis Stone’s Green City Acres, a program that turns unused land into garden plots.
Three taps rotate regional beers, and brews such as Tree Brewing make their way both into the kitchen and into the cocktails as well. RauDZ changes the wine list frequently to ensure a good rotation including a wide variety of styles from many different wineries. Okanagan Spirits and Urban Spirits products fill the shelves behind the bar and can also be found in the pastry kitchen in delicacies such as the white chocolate raspberry truffles.
Join RauDZ and other culinary purveyors at Appetite for Art at the Kelowna Art Gallery on March 23, 2013 where they pair up with wineries, breweries and artists. Tickets are $100/$120 and available at the Kelowna Art Gallery and online.
~ Cassandra Anderton