SONJA NAGEL
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber is pleased to announce the return of the Dine Cowichan festival! Now in its 6th year, the 2022 program includes a variety of fine dining, casual eateries, food trucks, and specialty food stores. In the 5th year the program was extended to include the craft beverage sector. This year the Chamber is excited to continue with the Sip portion of the program, which includes some of Cowichan wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries.
In partnership with the Downtown Duncan BIA, the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce was able to secure a Shop Local federally funded grant for the 2022 Dine Sip and Shop Cowichan campaign. This funding allowed for more venues to participate and helped the Chamber deliver an impactful marketing and advertising campaign. The result has been a record number of participants including 42 restaurants, pubs, cafes, food trucks and specialty food stores and 10 breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries. This year’s culinary festival offers venues across the Cowichan from the Malahat to Ladysmith and everywhere in between.
There’s something for everyone during this year’s festival. Red Arrow Brewing Company is partaking in Dine & Sip Cowichan for their second year in a row. Last year they had a special offering in the sip portion of the festival but are excited this year to present a fantastic Dine Cowichan menu featuring Pizza and Beer for two for $22 + tax.
Fresh Kenny’s Casual Eats located in Downtown Duncan is a new participant to Dine & Sip Cowichan and is offering a fantastic 2-course menu for two at the low price of $29 + tax and a Snack and Sip for two for $19 + tax. Owner and operator Curtis Flynn explained, “As a new restaurant in the Cowichan we are ecstatic to partake in this year’s Dine & Sip Cowichan.”
2022 is the third year that the Chamber will partner with Island Savings, A Division of First West Credit Union, to incorporate a give-back element to the culinary festival. This year, for every Dine Cowichan meal purchased during the campaign period, Island Savings will donate $5 to local Cowichan-area Food Banks (Up to $10,000), through their signature cause, The Full Cupboard. Each five-dollar donation can provide up to 15 meals for someone in need in our communities.
“We have a long history working with the Chamber and believe in the great work they do for our community,” says Branch Manager, Jason Farrugia. “Dine & Sip Cowichan presented a great opportunity for us to get everyone involved in supporting both local business and our foodbanks, at a time when they need it most. We are really happy to be a part of this event.”
Dine & Sip Cowichan runs until March 6th, 2022. Participating venues are offering a range of inspired dishes and beverage tastings at special pricing, and take-out options are available for those who feel more comfortable dining at home. For a full list of participating venues and offerings, visit www.dinesipcowichan.ca
Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@duncancc.bc.ca
