Best of the West at the Harmony Arts festival was a wonderful evening of tasty food on the Ambleside Pier on a warm summer night for this memorable annual event.

I tasted many of the dishes from the 12 participating restaurants minus a couple and my favourites of the evening were:

My number one favourite (based on taste, presentation, and ease of eating) was:

Shortrib and polenta Mezzaluna @fredsitalian

Here are the other dishes that I tried along with some of the passionate people that were serving us:

Mexican shrimp cocktail @cantinanorte

Scallop & pork belly with Hollandaise sauce on a biscuit @oeb_breakfast

Chicken confit on focaccia with pickled vegetables @modernpantryvan

Smoked salmon Sushi Pizza @ancoradining

Lemongrass braised beef shank @thewoodenfish.ca

Shrimp & lobster louis croissant, organic beet salad, tallow fries @artigianograndcafe

Braised beef with truffle mash @thekegsteakhouse

West Coast Seafood Vol-au-vent @mereonbistro

Pretty plate of braised beef and mashed potatoes @parcliving

Mushroom bruschetta crostini @finalwhistle_bar

Lemon sorbet @artigianograndcafe

Guests also enjoyed sipping wines that were paired with each of the restaurant’s dishes making for a wonderful night on the pier.

By: Richard Wolak