Two local farms figure prominently in the menu of Canada's longest-running restaurant chain.
White Spot this week unveiled its new Celebrate BC summer menu, which highlights local ingredients and select wines, including produce grown by Delta's Windset Farms, a major greenhouse operation, and Felix Farms, a longtime soil-based farm that grows potatoes.
The restuarant chain says Windset Farms supplies 542,000 pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes each year, while Felix Farms is one of several supplying the 5.4 million pounds of potatoes recieved annually.
"Since our first restaurant opened in 1928, we've been committed to serving guests fresh, B.C. ingredients whenever possible," said White Spot president Warren Erhart. "Over half our ingredients are locally sourced or produced, and our summer menu celebrates long-standing partnerships with B.C. farmers and winemakers."
"Our family has a long-standing relationship with White Spot that dates back to my grandfather, who knew Nat Bailey personally," said Peter Guichon, one of the owners of Felix Farms. "I have fond memories of Sunday trips with my family to White Spot. All five of us would pile into my dad's car and head down to the drive-in at 67th and Granville (Street in Vancouver)."
The Celebrate BC menu items have been matched with offerings from local wineries.
"Our summer menu offers guests a true taste of B.C., from fresh blueberries and golden nugget potatoes to brie cheese and Lois Lake steelhead," said executive chef Danny Markowicz. "Local wine pairings from our in-house sommelier are the perfect way to toast summer."
Currently owned by local entrepreneur Ron Toigo, White Spot is celebrating its 86th year. It was founded by Nat Bailey, who launched Canada's first drive-in restaurant in Vancouver.
