Taste of Life - Travel, Restaurants, Recipes and Specialty Products

Victoria, British Columbia (Episode #34)

Owners Sinclair and Fredrica Philip have spent their lives creating this heaven and haven right on the seafront across from the Olympic Mountain ranges of Washington. The Inn is truly a romantic getaway from it all and Sinclair takes us through his creation, from the edible flower gardens, to the 52-week herb gardens, to the individually decorated and themed rooms. Two of his kitchen team, Chefs Brock and David prepare food for us which we can guarantee you've never seen the likes of before. Mushroom gatherer Michel arrives at the kitchen door, local artist and painter Suzanne drops by and a myriad of local traders, growers and foragers are on the doorstep of this amazing establishment everyday.

Renowned Chef and Owners of Ontario's recently Gourmet Magazine-acclaimed farm/restaurant Eigensinn Farm, Michael and Noboyu Stadlander are in for a visit. Michael used to work here years ago and reminisces on his earlier days with Sinclair and gives us insight into one of the world's unique and special individuals. Indian Carver Victor Newman shows us his craft at his son's workshop and we see the beginnings of one of his famous masks.

Sooke Harbour House

As this view from one of the guest rooms shows, words cannot describe this visual and culinary heaven on earth. Every attention to detail is taken care of to ensure a stay here is remembered for ever. From the food, to the guestrooms, to the friendly staff and wonderful surroundings, owners Sinclair and Fredrica Philip take us on a tour of their Inn, described by one major food critic as Canada's best place to dine. The gardens produce most of the fresh food and gatherers from around bring daily whatever they harvest. The menu is decided on each day based on what has arrived in the kitchen.

Walking through the grounds, one finds kitchen and garden staff side by side, one picking, one planting while everywhere, everyone is taking care of the environment and the guests.

Each of the 28 rooms has a unique design and furnishing theme, be it Birdwatcher, Chef's Study, The Thunderbird, The Sea Song, or The Edible Blossom to name just a few. The local area is full of wondrous places and people to visit, to admire, and to celebrate. This truly is a real Taste of Life.

click here for the recipe "Wolfish with assorted Shellfish in a Crab Broth"

click here for the recipe "Baby Organic Greens with a Quince Vinaigrette"