Burrowing Owl Winery is looking forward to a new season of events, wine releases, and revamped menus as they expand their culinary team. New to the Oliver winery is Chef Lee Humphries, filling the role of director of culinary operations for Vintage Hospitality’s properties, and Chef Damian Mischkinis, the new chef de cuisine at the winery’s Sonora Room Restaurant. They’ve worked side by side before, so the transition should be seamless.
The Sonora Room opened for the season February 27th and retains its focus on artisan cuisine crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable produce, meats and seafood. Humphries and Mischkinis both bring a long history of working with local food purveyors, to bring the freshest from the farm to your table.
Humphries moved to BC from England and has worked alongside world class chefs in Vancouver’s top restaurants as well as leading the culinary program at popular spots such as C Restaurant and the Heather Hospitality Group. He fell in love with the Okanagan and moved his family up to take the lead at Local Lounge • Grille in Summerland, where he became well-versed in the local food scene and suppliers. Humphries will oversee the culinary operations for all of Vintage Hospitality’s businesses, including Liquidity Bistro and The Gunbarrel Saloon, as well as focusing on The Sonora Room. Chef Michkinis will focus his energy 100% at The Sonora Room.
Plan a spring getaway to Burrowing Owl! Package includes: One night stay in the Guest House, dinner in The Sonora Room Restaurant and a wine country breakfast.
~ Cassandra Anderton