Yesterday was the 1^st day of the inaugural SKOOKUM Festival held in Stanley Park. It was a memorable day and night with fabulous music an energetic crowd and outstanding dishes and drink at the Long Table Dinner. The festival features four stages of contemporary music performances with over 50 stage performances, live and multimedia art installations; gourmet culinary experiences from some of Vancouver’s most acclaimed restaurants; pop-up and roaming entertainment throughout the weekend and tasting areas showcasing some of the best BC wines, locally brewed craft beer as well as select offerings from local area craft distilleries.

One of the highlights of my first day attending the festival was the Long Table Dinner which celebrated Oceanwise at this seafood dinner featuring Chef Ned Bell and Chef Tobias Grignon collaborating together.

Starting off with a couple of Amuse the tasty Crispy octopus chips, chili, lime and Smoked Albacore Tuna Taco, buttermilk & lime; both Paired with Sea Cider – Kings and Spies.

The first course featured a delicious Local shrimp, corn, preserved peaches, late summer lettuces, verjus salad; along with Smoked oysters, watercress, cucumber, crispy potato, dill, basil; Pairing with Alderlea Sauvignon Blanc.

The second course which was the main dish and accompaniments featured an outstanding Whole grilled sockeye salmon, sun-warmed blackberries, tarragon; with Campfire Pemberton potatoes, nasturtium, egg emulsion, salmon roe; and the Composition of Beets & Beans from the Okanagan Laird Lentils, Fromage Fraise & Agassiz Hazelnuts; all delicious. Paired with the Averill Creek Pinot Noir.

The third course featured a couple of desserts to end off this beautiful evening. An outstanding Sweet corn crème caramel, stone fruit, basil; along with a Wild berry shortcake with vanilla foam; paired with the Sea Cider Pomona.

The Long Table Dinner was held under the covered tent, lit up, with blankets to keep all warm if they so desired, each of the dishes was served family style and there was a lot of food to keep diners happy; you could even get your photo taken by Tiny Prints, rounding out this incredible experience.

Before and after the dinner I took in some incredible music as well seeing one of my favorite bands, Delhi2Dublin who played many of their hits to a great dancing crowd. After dinner the headlining act, The Arkells put on an incredible and energetic show for us all to enjoy.

SKOOKUM Festival is produced by BRANDLIVE in collaboration with Virgin Mobile. The festival continues today and tomorrow with more long table dinners and many more musical acts.

By: Richard Wolak