Skip to content

Bite of Nanaimo is sure to dish up something delicious

This year’s TheatreOne fundraiser will celebrate Canada
8964417_web1_bite-of-nan-IMGP0074-2
Jarrod Dick, co-owner of Thirsty Spirit Roast House, roasts a batch of coffee at the coffee house’s location on Bowen Road Tuesday. Thirsty Spirit Roast House will make its first presentation of its coffee and treats at this year’s Bite of Nanaimo event. (CHRIS BUSH/The News Bulletin)

Come hungry and taste what Nanaimo’s culinary scene is dishing out at the annual Bite of Nanaimo on Friday (Oct. 20).

Coffee and beer to carrot cake and Nanaimo bars will be on the menu at the 25th annual Bite of Nanaimo gourmet food fest, the largest fundraiser for TheatreOne.

The event, held at Beban Park social centre, raises money for the non-profit theatre society’s programs like the Just Kidding for Kids series while also boosting the profile of the city’s eateries, breweries and roasteries. It’s a mix of food, drink and competition, with people’s choice trophies on the line, but also expect a dash of patriotism this year in celebration of Canada 150 and TheatreOne’s 25th anniversary.

The country’s provinces and territories will be represented in food samples and decor, with an event theme of From Sea to Shining Sea. People will have the chance to win a door prize by getting a passport stamped or can cast a line for prizes in TheatreOne’s fishing booth.

“If you’ve never attended the Bite, it definitely should be on your list of Nanaimo-festival type events that are a must-see and in this case, a must-taste,” said TheatreOne general manager Eliza Gardiner, who says the atmosphere is fun, celebratory and it smells great. “It’s a feel-good initiative and the more people to come out, the better, because they can appreciate the culinary talents of the participants as well as help TheatreOne out.”

Samples will be offered by participants like Olive This and More, Coco Café, Hearthstone Artisan Bakery, the Oxy and Chemainus’ Riot Brewing Co., and Sawmill TapHouse.

Vancouver Island University will return with its pastry and baking students, marking its 15th Bite of Nanaimo. It’ll showcase six items, including some custom created for the event, like a Nanaimo Bar-inspired macaron, cheesecake ice cream covered in crushed snowball cookies and the butter “tartless,” a butter tart filling placed on a maple snicker doodle cookie.

For Harper, participating in the event is about volunteering and supporting the community, but it’s also a chance for students to see guests experience what they’ve made.

Erin Bowe, owner of Thirsty Spirit Roast House Inc., is new to the event. She and her husband, Jarrod Dick, took over the business last year, where they roast organic coffee in house and offer homemade desserts, like lime, espresso and pumpkin Nanaimo bars, carrot cake and lemon loaf. It’ll all be shared with guests Friday, along with Italian soda and tea.

“We just want to get in to know the community and get the community to know us. I just thought this was a perfect opportunity,” Bowe said.

Admission tickets are $20 from TheatreOne, Olive This and More, The Vault Café and Hearthstone Artisan Bakery. Food and drink tickets are $1.25 each. The event runs from 4-9 p.m.



news@nanaimobulletin.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter