The Vanilla Pod Restaurant is into its third year at its new location at Poplar Grove Winery. With stunning views of the lake and vineyards, and a menu focused on locally sourced products, it is no wonder their reservation book fills quickly. Owners Sheila and Paul Jones purchased the restaurant in 2006 and have taken it from a 34 seat operation with merely two employees to seating for 125 and over 30 employees. It’s known as one of the top dining destinations in the Okanagan, according to Vancouver Magazine.
This season you will find Chef Bruno Terroso and his kitchen brigade busy hand crafting flatbread dough and pasta. Their Tagliatelle can be found infused with spinach, or perhaps with some sweet basil or savoury rosemary. This spring will also see the beginning of their Charcuterie program. Fresh buns are also made on-site and the smell of them baking in the morning is intoxicating. Local growers provide the source for variety of ever-changing produce in the kitchen. For example, at the top of the season the chefs have access to over 50 varieties of Heirloom tomatoes!
New this spring is brunch at the Vanilla Pod, which is served from 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Items on the menu include their version of Eggs Benedict; poached eggs with avocado cream and hollandaise served atop a Yukon Gold potato cake with house smoked salmon.
Summer hours are Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m., Saturday/Sunday open at 10 a.m. and last seating all nights at 9 p.m.
~ Cassandra Anderton