The Courtney Room and 19 Bistro present The Best of BC: A Culinary Collaboration for Wildfire Relief

The Courtney Room and 19 Bistro present
The Best of BC: A Culinary Collaboration for Wildfire Relief

Sunday November 5, 2023 at 6.30pm

On Sunday November 5th, Chef Brian Tesolin from Victoria’s The Courtney Room will welcome Chef Geoff Molloy from the Okanagan’s 19 Bistro at Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, for a collaborative, multi-course gala dinner featuring delicious dishes from both celebrated and award-winning chefs.

Marrying Vancouver Island produce and Okanagan Valley wines, the dinner will raise much needed funds for the Central Okanagan Fire Relief campaign, supporting those whose lives have been impacted by this year’s devastating wildfire season, with a donation of $100 per ticket sold going directly to benefit the cause. This is through the support of generous partners including Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, Culmina Family Estate Winery, Phantom Creek Estates, Stag’s Hollow Winery, Spirit Wares and Cowichan Valley Venison. In addition, a silent auction will be held throughout the evening with exciting prizes, including Vancouver and Okanagan getaways.

“When the team at The Courtney Room extended an invitation to collaborate, we were thrilled for the opportunity to bring our delicious take on Okanagan flavours to Victoria,” says Chef Geoff Molloy. “Supporting those affected by this year’s devastating wildfires is very close to our hearts, and we’re truly thankful to the generous partners who’ve come to the table to allow us to offer an impactful donation to the cause.”

The menu will blend the finest from Vancouver Island and the Okanagan Valley, starting with a welcome glass of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards 2018 Celebrate 25 Brut (a special collaboration for the Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s silver anniversary) paired with fresh shucked oysters and a snack board of fois gras parfait, crispy tuna sushi bites, funnel cake KFC and stinging nettle tart. To follow, dry aged Kona Yellowtail with yuzu ponzu, watermelon radish and wasabi foam, paired with Culmina Family Estate Winery’s 2020 Decora Riesling then Koji BC Ling Cod Cheeks with Yarra Valley salmon roe confetti, celeriac, saffron charcoal with Phantom Creek Estates 2017 Viognier and “Sudden Inversion” Roasted Venison with brown buttle pomme purée, wild mushrooms and meritage jus paired with Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards’ meritage of the same name. To finish, a Mille Feuille with dark chocolate, wild berries and earl grey, paired with Stag’s Hollow Winery 2012 Hart, port-style wine.

Tickets are limited and cost $200 per guest, including tax and gratuity. To book, visit www.thecourtneyroom.com.

About The Courtney Room

Old world meets new at The Courtney Room in Victoria, B.C., named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurant (2018 #10), included in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (2019 #94), Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards® Regional Honouree for Best International Hotel Bar for Canada (2023) and a Gold tier wine program recognized at the Vancouver Wine Festival Wine Program Excellence Awards (2023). Born of the desire to showcase the best of the region, The Courtney Room is a modern dining space focused on genuine and thoughtful hospitality. Savour Pacific Northwest cuisine with bright flavours from both land and sea. Menus showcase local seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on Vancouver Island sourcing and partnerships.  Elevate the every day with quality ingredients, thoughtful service and impeccably prepared, seasonal fine dining. www.thecourtneyroom.com

About 19 Bistro at Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards
Founded in 2023 by Neil Martens, 19 Okanagan Grill + Bar saw quick success by serving the local community quality comfort food, always made from scratch and sourced locally whenever possible. As a result of the success of this first location, 19 Okanagan entered into discussions with Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards, and their beautiful patio-focused location became home to 19 Bistro @ Fitz in the Spring of 2021. We invite guests to enjoy an effervescent outdoor dining experience at 19 Bistro @ Fitz. Head Chef Geoff Molloy’s dishes are intended to be shared with friends and loved ones while enjoying the wonderful wines and serene atmosphere of Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards. At 19 Bistro, our team believes that delicious dishes can only be as good as the ingredients they start with. We are grateful for the local farmers, producers, and suppliers who share with us their bounty of fresh produce and premium products. www.19bistro.com.

Media release and images provided by Marisa Cuglietta, Hawksworth Communications.