Méli-Mélo - March 2024
New Brews From KPU
A Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) class has begun showcasing its 2024 Signature Series craft beers. The series of six beers is the culminating project for students completing the two-year brewing and brewery operations diploma program at KPU Brew Lab in Langley. The brewing diploma is the only one of its kind in British Columbia and the first and only brewing program in Canada recognized by the Master Brewers Association.
“Students must use and apply all the knowledge they have gained during their studies to design, brew, package, evaluate, and sell their signature beer. As a department, we are always enthusiastic to see the students take great pride in releasing the beers they have diligently crafted,” says Dominic Bernard, program chair.
“I have a Bachelor of Science, so the science of brewing and the detail that goes into creating a high-quality beer, along with the creativity and artistry, really drew me to the program,” says Thomas Nickel who brewed the first release, an extra special bitter, with fellow classmate Rylan Dewick. “There are so many layers to creating a great beer and we have to incorporate all of what we learned in our signature beer.”
The Signature Series beers are released on Fridays from February 2 to March 15 as six-packs of glass bottles, selling for $19.50 (tax included). Three remaining releases are scheduled for March.
The Ferry Friar (March 1) is a Belgian Dubbel from Tyson Kauth. This double brown ale has “a tart pomegranate finish on a smooth body filled with notes of caramel, raisins, spices, and fruity esters.”
Benee Stevens and Dawson Boyd worked together to produce Spring Fizz (March 8), a“light and flavourful saison made with lemon, ginger and honey-malted oats.”
Ending on a high note, the last release is Happy Hoppy (March 15), a New Zealand Pilsner from Wilson Chu and Francisco Hwang. This brew has “a smooth, grainy goldenyellow pilsner balanced with topical and citrus flavours.”
The KPU Brew Lab is open for sales on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 6 :00 p.m. at KPU Langley, 20901 Langley Bypass.
For more information about their brewery program, visit kpu.ca/brew | @kpubrew
Food Truck Season
Spring is in the air, and you know what that means? Blossom festivals? Yes, sure. Better yet, food truck festivals. The Greater Vancouver Food Truck Festival is returning with dates and locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
Food Truck Festival & UBC
April 4 and 5
Forget packing a school lunch; the festival is bringing more than 24 food trucks back to UBC Commons (in front of the AMS Nest) for its second year at the university. There will be roaming entertainment, an artisan market and a covered seating area.
Food Truck Wars at KPU Langley
April 19 to 21
Things keep rolling with the next festival of the year hitting the pavement at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Langley campus. More than 45 food trucks will battle for your taste buds. This festival includes a kids’ zone, live music and entertainment, so pack up the family and come hungry.
Coquitlam Community Fest
April 27 and 28
The next stop is Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park for the town’s inaugural Community Fest. Bring the whole family to enjoy the park and find your new favourite food truck.
Grab your free tickets at greatervanfoodtruckfest.com. As more information is released, ticket holders will receive upto-date information on performers, food trucks, artisans and other activities.
Nourish, Flourish and Support GVFB
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank released the 3rd edition of its fundraising project, Nourish, Flourish: A Collaborative Cookbook by Chefs & Restaurants. The cookbook is a collection of 11 recipes crafted by chefs and bakers from some of our area’s favourite restaurants, including Burdock & Co, Chambar, Lunch Lady, Casa Mia and Chef Bruno Feldeisen. Each recipe uses healthy, fresh ingredients, highlighting many of the staples the GVFB serves for variety in its weekly distribution menu.
The GVFB distributes food to more than 16,000 clients a month, directly or through distribution partners such as housing agencies, women’s and children’s shelters, transition houses and after-school programs. In 2023 alone, it provided 9 million pounds of food — an increase of more than 13 per cent from the previous year.
To purchase your copy of this cookbook, GVFB apparel and accessories, visit shop.foodbank.bc.ca.
