In Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, I’ve compiled a guide of the best food producers of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Using my first-hand experience as host of CBC Radio Victoria's weekly column "Food Matters," and based on interviews I’ve conducted as a food writer for various publications, I introduce you to the many talented and passionate people and companies throughout the region—all of whom are working to promote a growing food culture. Meet the local food artisans and learn about their history, discover favourite offerings by the producers, and get a sense of how well you can eat if you buy local.

The book also includes suggested daytrips and readings, sustainability definitions, and an index. Open the door to the islands' food network, and discover high-quality food products made with love and care in this region. Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands is your guide to the best of the islands' food and produce.

"From the butcher to the baker to the salami maker, Genova introduces the reader to those among us with a passion for food that goes far beyond the average.”

-Monday Magazine

"If anyone is eminently qualified to write a guidebook on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands' food artisans, it is without a doubt Don Genova . . . [it] is an indispensible resource for anyone who wants to taste the very best Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands has to offer."

-EAT Magazine

"Prepare to meet the wondrous food artisans of Vancouver Island and The Gulf Islands—and don't forget your appetite. Don Genova has a keen understanding of the essential ingredients: passion, skill, and dedicated people producing only the best in local food and drink. Don Genova is the islands' Amor de Cuisine."

—Mark Forsythe, host, CBC Radio's B.C. Almanac

"Don Genova has written a densely packed road map to the best edibles produced on our small patch of culinary heaven. Locals and newcomers alike will salivate at all the tempting possibilities. Get out there, enjoy, and discover."

—Gary Hynes, editor, EAT Magazine

More Bookish Thoughts...
By Reader Writer Runner TOP 50 REVIEWER on May 21, 2014

Whether you know Don Genova from his classes at Cook Culture, his CBC Radio segment "Food Matters" or his popular blog, you can't dispute his authority when it comes to local food artisans. Indeed, his first book, "Food Artisans of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands" brings together a collection of stories behind the most skillfully, lovingly crafted edibles on the Islands.

Handily, Genova provides detailed maps of the six regions covered in his book: The Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Gulf Islands, Naniamo, Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria. He separates "Food Artisans" into categorized chapters such as bakeries, butchers, chocolate, coffee/tea and seafood and profiles each business in a friendly, conversational tone. Genova has personally visited each featured establishment and shares first-hand experience to inspire readers to shop locally.

Colour photos by Genova and Stephen Hawkins as well as interspersed, tempting recipes make "Food Artisans" an indispensable resource for those seeking culinary bliss in their own backyards.

Food Artisans like a Bible for locals!
By Penny Furnes on May 12, 2014

Because I live in Saanichton and try to eat locally when convenient and good, this book provides me with very good information about locally produced products. Also, I like to make trips up Island and to the Gulf Islands so I will be taking this book with me. I suspect this is the kind of book which will need to be updated as new 'food artisans" come on stream.

What fun!
By Graham Bryce on May 1 2014

A delightful guide to the delicacies of the Islands. Looking forwardTo exploring them.-Grand adventure for a longtime resident. Thank you.