Eat.Drink.Tweet

Long time no post. Mostly because I’ve been ridiculously, insanely, unreasonably busy.

Last weekend I got to combine business with pleasure when I went to  the very first Eat.Drink.Tweet–Social Media Bootcamp in Penticton. I met Allison Markin, whom I describe as being “like me, only in the Okanagan” (right down to the multiple-cat ownership) organized this event, and asked me if I’d come up and present a couple of workshops at it.

Because eating, drinking and tweeting are pretty much among my favorite things to do, it was kind of a no-brainer. I loaded up my IPhone with podcasts and tunes for the nearly 6-hour drive, and off I went Friday morning.

Us out-of-town presenters were put up at the Serenata Guesthouse and Retreat.  It was exquisite–a gorgeous house on a gorgeous property just outside of Pentiction. My room had a humongous king-sized and incredibly comfortable bed, and I had swag awaiting me in my room, which made me feel like a rockstar. Linda was the perfect hostess, and Mike made a fantastic breakfast.

I got to sleep here. Number of 7-yr-olds and cats jumping on my head at 5 am: 0

Mike's Fritatta. Check out all the fluffy goodness.

The Okanagan is rapidly becoming a culinary destination. With the profusion of wineries and world-class restaurants, it’s a small wonder. And I get the appeal. Seated high above Lake Okanagan, rolling hills of grape vines are dotted with lovely houses. And the climate that makes it great for growing grapes makes it great for growing lots of other kinds of produce, and they take their 100-Mile diet pretty seriously here.

They call this "The $100 Corner" because this view was featured on our $100 bills.

On Friday night after the keynote address, we got to do tastings of 18 wineries from the Naramata Bench, and I didn’t taste one wine that I didn’t like. Check out Judy Kingston’s Serendipity Vineyard’s very first vintage: a 2008 Bordeaux Blend.

I just love this decanter!

On Saturday night after the conference was over, we headed out to Summerland and had dinner at Local Lounge, a brand-new restaraunt right on the water’s edge. You can check out the menu that Chef Paul created just for us here.

NOT Homer Simpson's Donut!

I was in Napa last summer, and I get the appeal of this place becoming a cultural and foodie destination. It’s smaller than Napa, easier to get around, and you get to really connect with the growers and wine-makers. Plus, the quality of the product that’s coming out of the Okanagan is extremely high.

I’m hoping to get back to Penticton this summe so I can follow up and visit the wineries of some of the folks I met last weekend. And I look forward to next year’s Eat.Drink.Tweet. A special shout-out and thanks to  Allison, Mike, Linda, and Okanagan College, who hosted the event.

I can’t wait to get back.

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