Méli-Mélo is an edible hodgepodge to help you stay on top of the hits and happenings in Vancouver and beyond. Get the latest — from the this-just-opened, events, new bites and libations. Words by Sydney Marchand.
Fermenting Sourdough, Cultivating Community
Sprout Bread, a Kelowna-based artisan bakery specializing in naturally fermented sourdough, opened its doors in 2018 — a milestone quickly followed by the marriage of owners Peter and Ava van Boekhout just three weeks later. Anchored with a passion for craft baking and locally sourced and milled flour from Treasure Life Flour Mills in Creston, B.C., Sprout Bread is more than a bakery. It’s a community space designed to bring people together.
“It’s such an important thing for a community to have places to connect, and we understand and honour our important position as one of those catalysts of connection,” Peter says. “There’s nothing better than looking out and seeing a diverse mix of people coming together and gathering.”
Sprout is located in Kelowna’s Arts and Cultural District in the Old Cannery building, originally home to the British North American Tobacco Company, followed by Canadian Canning Ltd. The renovated industrial space offers customers a large, bright area for dining in and enjoying one of the many locally sourced menu items.
“We focus on making everything in-house from scratch and consciously use the best ingredients we can,” Peter says. The daily bake schedule includes the flagship Table Loaf, focaccia, baguette and Farm Loaf, with specialty loaves, such as the Danish Sprouted Rye, Village Loaf and Rye Porridge, baked on various days throughout the week. The menu also lists freshly made sandwiches, daily soups, salads, an extensive list of breakfast items and, of course, specialty toasts.
Expanding on their vision, owners Peter and Ava opened Toasty at Big White Ski Resort this winter. The new neighbourhood hub aims to fuel guests with coffee and pastries before hitting the slopes.
Sprout Bread
125-1295 Cannery Lane, Kelowna
sproutbread.ca | @sproutbreadshop
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An authentic taste of Salvadoran cuisine
Rooted in tradition and family values, El Salvador Bar & Grill started as a family dream, hoping to celebrate El Salvador’s vibrant culinary heritage. This family-owned restaurant in West Kelowna celebrates Central American flavours and authentic Salvadoran dishes.
“Salvadoran cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavours, textures and cultural influences that reflect the country’s rich history and diverse ingredients,” says manager Rachel Murga. “We strive to celebrate and promote the rich culinary traditions of El Salvador while providing an enjoyable dining experience for those trying Salvadoran cuisine for the first time.”
The restaurant is owned and operated by Rachel’s uncle, Doug Vasquez, and officially opened its doors to the public in early March 2024.
At the heart of Salvadoran cuisine are staples such as corn and beans, which are central to many dishes, including pupusas — thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat — the most iconic Salvadoran dish, according to Murga. Other favourites on the menu include homemade tamales, chiles rellenos, pastelitos — a savoury pastry filled with feta cheese and meat or vegetables — and yuca frita, a delicious side made from cassava root. Offering choices for meat eaters and vegans alike, Salvadoran cuisine is a celebration of community, tradition and the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
El Salvador Bar & Grill
482 West Ave., Kelowna | @elsalvadorbargrill
The Nut
Located in the heart of Maple Ridge, The Nut creates a true taste of community with its menu, which is partly curated from products of neighbouring small businesses, including Bonus Bakery, To Live For, Once Upon a Tea Leaf, and Wendel’s True Foods.
“We want to support community initiatives to help build that sense of togetherness in Maple Ridge through quality coffee and snacks,” explains Mitch Davies, who took ownership in September 2024. “By supporting us, you are also supporting your favourite small business. We highlight the work of other small businesses in our products and regularly give back to schools, fundraisers, events and more.”
With seasonal drinks featured regularly, The Nut offers unique beverages throughout the year, such as the lavender latte, a bright and delicious strawberry mocha, a warming golden turmeric latte and the Signature Nut Latte — Mitch’s personal favourite. Grab-and-go food options range from banana loaf and wraps to To Live For’s vegan loaf and breakfast cookie.
“Without the strong support of Maple Ridge, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love every day,” Davies says. “I want to make sure I give back to help others thrive as well.”
The Nut
22638 119th Ave., Maple Ridge | thenut.ca
@thenut.ca
