Set in a lovingly-restored heritage building in the Comox Valley, Locals makes fresh regional produce the star of its dishes. Photo / Facebook, @LocalsFoodFromTheHeartOfTheIsland
Set in a lovingly-restored heritage building in the Comox Valley, Locals makes fresh regional produce the star of its dishes. Photo / Facebook, @LocalsFoodFromTheHeartOfTheIsland
1760 Riverside Lane, Courtenay, Vancouver Island
We arrived: having just flown across to the island from Vancouver, and were keen to fuel up before an afternoon of mountain biking.
We chose here because: it's well known for using Vancouver Island produce, and is in an old heritage building that'sa lovingly-restored example of the arts and crafts architecture that marked Courtenay's post WWII expansion.
Our first impression was: the low ceiling with exposed beams, stained windows and an open fireplace gave Locals a ski lodge feel. We were seated outside, beside wheel burrows filled with flowers, fig trees and a lawn with a couple of black rabbits.
We started with: Comox Valley greek yoghurt with seasonal berries.
The highlight was: a pan-seared fillet of West Coast halibut with shallots and smoked pork belly on baked cheese polenta. The first of many seafood meals on the island.
Dessert was: a rhubarb buttermilk cake with hot chocolate vanilla gelato and oat crumble wafer.
