So after taking in some amazing art during the Eastside Culture Crawl on Sunday, I did manage to swing by the Vista D’oro Pop Up Shoppe. Vista D’oro Farms & Winery is located in Langley and having visited their farm, it is such a treat to have them here in East Vancouver. If you didn’t manage to get in a taste of this great little shop this weekend, best do so quick. The Preservatory Pop Up Shoppe is only up until November 24th at 843 East Hastings Street next to les amis du fromage.
If you have any food lovers on your Christmas list, there preserves make for great gifts whether a housewarming gift, or part of gift basket for that foodie you know. There are many great flavours to choose from including Peach & Lemon Verbena with Champagne, Mango, Passionfruit & Kirsch, Pineapple Candied Ginger & Sake, Spiced Cranberry & Ice Wine, Raspberry Merlot with Peppercorns, Fig and Walnut Wine to name but a few. The one that sold me was the Plum with Vanilla and Star Anise which for a 220g jar retails for $9.95. The flavour of the star anise just lingers on the taste buds and was amazing with a hint of licorice. There are tastings spoons for all flavours on hand, so you can try before you buy. You can also purchase ‘Trio packs’ of three perserves for $33 which includes recipes for each preserve. They come in five varieties to appeal to specific taste buds such as The Entertainer, The Bachelor, The Mixologist, The Sweet Tooth and The Eupicurean. There are also a few smaller 40 ml jars available in two of the flavours, but best be quick on those before they are gone.
Also in store this week from a neighbouring farm in Langley are their friends from Lavender Eight Farms offering Lavender Sugar. The lavender sugar can be used in tea or what caught my attention was using it in baking. Lavender sugar in that Christmas shortbread or pound cake? Sounds pretty delicious to me. Small jars of Lavender Sugar are available for $6.95 or a bag is $18.95. Vista d’Oro Farms has also collaborated with Chocolate Arts to create exquisite chocolates using their wine or preserves from the farm.
les amis du fromage will have a few of their preserves on hand after November 24th, but if you want the selection and the opportunity to taste test all the great varieties, I suggest you stop by before November 24th. The Vista D’oro Pop Up Shoppe is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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