As the season steps into stride, Terrafina at Hester Creek welcomes Jenna Pillon as sous chef to the culinary team led by Chef Natasha Schooten. Says owner April Goldade, “We are excited because Jenna comes to us having already gained great experience and accomplishments for being a relative new-comer to the culinary world.” After completing her Red Seal at Okanagan College in 2011, Jenna entered the Junior Chef of the Year competition and placed first at the Nationals. It was there she was invited to compete in Las Vegas to represent Canada at the “Hans Bueschkens Americas” Competition, July 2013, where she took second place.
“Creating and building a like-minded and progressive team allows us to do what we all love at Terrafina. And that is to create a lasting impression with the guests from the dishes they taste and wine they enjoy to the welcoming atmosphere and familiar service,” says April. The team at Terrafina is so successful in that quest you feel as if transported to Tuscany. As you enter the stunning building through its artisan door, you are immersed in a comfortable Old World charm complete with brick features, wooden pillars and iron chandelier. Whether you dine inside or on the patio adorned with lush vines and surrounded by gardens, the Italian-influenced menu captures the bounty of the Okanagan gardens, orchards and vineyards.
Terrafina participates in an amazing roster of events throughout the summer from the Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association “Pig Out” at Covert Farms, music on the patio at Hester Creek to the Similkameen BBQ King at The Grist Mill. April adds, “We look forward to these opportunities to collaborate with our neighbouring restaurants, wineries and producers to showcase all the best the South Okanagan has to offer.”
~ Roslyne Buchanan