Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields 2011

A perfect location (a flat, open field with plenty of shade). Idyllic weather (hot and sunny). An amazing array of food and drink; a celebration of harvest.

prosciutto-wrapped figs from Cibo

That sums up Metro Vancouver’s Feast of Fields on September 11 2011.

This gentleman also nicely sums up the spirit of Feast, especially as experienced late in the day.

Note that in one hand he has a cup of coffee (direct trade and organic, from Latin Organics). In the other is a smart plate supporting a dark beer, two oysters, two gingerbread ice cream sandwiches, and a chocolate dessert.

This was, I think, our fourth feast, and every year we learn something about how to make the most of it. Last year’s tips are here.

This year, what we learned was that the program or menu you’re handed as you enter the feast is almost as useful as that wineglass and napkin you’re given at the same time. Use this in three ways:

1) Let it help you pace yourself. Review it and make note of those things that sound especially appealing—just in case you don’t have the capacity to taste every single thing you’re offered. (And you won’t; the beverages alone will surely overwhelm you.) So in the nature of eating-dessert-first, prioritize the offerings from wineries or restaurants you especially love but don’t often get to try, or things made from ingredients that really float your boat.

2) Write on it. When a nibble or sip hits your tastebuds with an exceptionally powerful “wow”, circle it on the program guide so you’ll remember in the cold light of sobriety. And then go and visit that restaurant/brewery/winery for more of what you liked.

3) Fan yourself with it. On Feast days like yesterday it will come in handy.