A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
Brodo Kitchen’s Chef Paul Cecconi notes, “In Penticton and the South Okanagan there is a lot going on now that’s exciting: more cool things, restaurants, coffee shops, big attractions.”
His own restaurant with wife Holly was a pleasant addition at 483 Main Street, Penticton not that long ago itself. He describes Brodo’s style as “quick, casual high-quality lunch.” Still, those savoury aromas and flavour packed bites keep customers returning again and again to a friendly setting you can count on.
Like John F. Kennedy’s idiom that a “rising tide lifts all boats,” Paul sees the additions to the region’s culinary scene as allies. He, his family and friends are happy to find tasty new foodie options and he is happy to share his findings.
Sourcing Local Ingredients
After all, his restaurant has a local and fresh bias when it comes to sourcing ingredients. For produce, Localmotive Organic, Summerland and Unearthed Farm, Kelowna are first to come to mind.
“We’ve always partnered with local. Coffee beans are sourced from Backyard Beans, Summerland. Cider and beer is local, too. While we’re quick to recommend local wineries, it’s not easy to source local in affordable cans which is critical when our service is mainly take out.”
Paul spoke fondly of collaborating with Cannery Brewing at Okanagan Fest of Ale where he creates a dish to go along with a certain beer. The Baltic Porter, for example, worked well in a chocolate cake.
Active Options
His own activities such as biking are paired with local experiences. If we’re biking the KVR (Kettle Valley Railroad) trail we might pop into Naramata for a meal at The Grape Leaf Café or along the Naramata Bench go to La Petit Abeille Cider and some wineries such as Origin Wine.
Hillside Bistro at Hillside Winery on the Naramata Bench is a favourite dining experience. As is the new Elma at 994 Lakeshore Drive West with its stunning lakeview. Next door, Salty’s patio is an old standby for showing out-of-town guests Penticton’s beautiful lakeshore. He notes he can’t wait for Shaughnessy’s Cove to open in Summerland for its waterfront location and boat access.
Of course, Cannery Brewing, its patio and now it’s Backyard Patio at 198 Ellis Street are always fun. New and funky, Wayne & Freda, 249 Westminster Avenue West, is great for beverages.
“In summer,” says Paul, “we like to cook a lot in our backyard for family and friends. For those occasions, we raid my Dad’s garden, grab great stuff in Nature’s Fare, Summerland and T-Bones Penticton. There’s also great cheese at Upper Bench Estate Winery & Creamery on Upper Bench Road, Penticton.”
There’s sure to be some good BC wine and craft beer on hand.
0 Comments