readers' choice Our readers choose their favourites in a host BEST CULTURAL DINING of categories and Okanagan Life brings you 2 Mekong the results. Welcome to the 18th Annual Best Local / Regional Restaurant 3 Hoang Gia Vietnamese Best Restaurants issue. Perhaps above all Central North others, this is the keeper magazine of the 1 RauDZ Regional Table 1 Pho Fusion year. Readers try new restaurants all the time 2 Cactus Club 1 Bamboo Beach Fusion Grille and you can expand your dining experience 3 La Bussola 2 Temptasian by referring to these listings throughout the 3 Fixx Cafe 3 Amarin Thai North South year. Get ready to dine — Okanagan Life style! 1 Anchor Inn (Armstrong) 1 Benja Thai 2 Allora (Silver Star) 2 Isshin 3 Range at Predator Ridge 3 Saigon on Main 3 The Phoenix Steakhouse South Best Indian 1 Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland) Central 2 Hooded Merganser 1 Dawett 3 Firehall Bistro (Oliver) 2 Poppadoms 3 Da Tandoor Best Northern European 3 Chutney Central North 1 Gasthaus on the Lake (Peachland) 1 The Palace 2 Wood Fire Bakery 2 Curry Pot 3 Bouchons Bistro South North 1 Best of India (Oliver) 1 Isidore’s Cuisine (Silver Star) 2 Navratan 2 Crush Bistro 3 Haveli Quickly becoming one of the South 2012 great destinations of the 1 Bogner’s of Penticton Best ATMOSPHERE South Okanagan, Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek showcases Best Mediterranean Best Décor the culinary talents of Central Central The amazing taste sensations at Dawett have delighted diners chef Jeff Van Geest. in Kelowna's downtown for many years. Always a close category 1 Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen 1 Joeys Kelowna in the voting, Best Indian finalists delight the senses. 2 Olympia Greek Taverna 2 RauDZ Regional Table 3 Yamas Taverna 3 Vintage Room 2 The Harvest Grille North 3 The Yellow House 3 Old Vines at Quails’ Gate 1 Intermezzo North (West Kelowna) 2 Eclectic Med 1 North 3 Dorian Greek Taverna 2 Intermezzo 1 Blue Heron Waterfront Pub South 3 The Pheonix Steakhouse 2 Alexander’s Beach Pub 1 Theo’s Restaurant South 3 Freddy’s Patio at The Rise Unless otherwise stated: 2 La Casa Ouzeria 1 Theo’s Restaurant South Central = Kelowna 2 La Casa Ouzeria 1 Hooded Merganser North = Vernon Best Mexican / Latin 3 The Cobblestone (Naramata) 2 Lost Moose Lodge South = Penticton Central 3 Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Oliver) 1 Hector’s Casa Best Winery Restaurant 2 Fernando’s Taqueria Central Best Dining With Live Music 3 DJ’s Mexican Restaurant 1 Old Vines at Quails’ Gate (West Kelowna) Central North 2 Grapevine at Gray Monk (Lake Country) 1 Minstral Cafe 1 Little Tex 3 The Terrace at Mission Hill (West Kelowna) 2 Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen 2 Los Huesos South 3 The Blue Gator 3 Rio Grande 1 Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek (Oliver) North South 2 Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl (Oliver) 1 Monashee’s Bar & Grill 1 Vallarta Grill 3 Hillside Winery Bistro 2 Lorenzo’s Café (Enderby) Best Restaurant With A View 3 Crush Bistro Best Asian Fusion Central South Central 1 Grapevine at Gray Monk (Lake Country) 1 Dream Cafe 1 Yamato’s 2 Earls 2 Zias Stonehouse (Summerland)

Facing page: PhotoS by Chris Mason Stearns Photography Above: Photo by Lydia ross) okanaganlife.com May 2012 19 readers' choice

Best Place For A Party Central 1 Kelly O’Bryan’s 2 The Harvest Grille 2 Gasthaus on the Lake (Peachland) 3 Cabana Grille North 1 Monashee’s Bar & Grill 2 Kelly O’Bryan’s 3 Eclectic Med South 1 Theo’s Restaurant 2 Salty’s Beach House 3 Firehall Bistro (Oliver) 3 Camp Creek Station (Naramata)

Best Patio Dining Central 1 Earls on Top 2 Eldorado Dining Room 2 The Harvest Grille 3 Sunset Bistro at Summerhill North When true lovers crave great pizza, they come to Bordello's Italian Pizzeria and watch the dough fly. Put 1 Alexander’s Beach Pub a little dough down and come enjoy what our readers say is the Best Pizza in the Central Okanagan. 1 Range at Predator Ridge Authentic Indian Cuisine The Ultimate in Fine Indian Cuisine Savour the Flavours of India 3011 Pandosy Street, Kelowna 1435 Ellis Street, Kelowna At the corner of Hwy 97 & Pandosy 2 Sir Winston’s Pub 2 The Copper Cup South (250) 762.9300 (250) 717.1668 1687 Pandosy Street, Kelowna 3 Blue Heron Waterfront Pub 3 Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver) 1 Valentini’s Café www.chutneyrestaurant.ca www.dawett.ca (250) 869.4809 • www.datandoor.net South 2 Pasta Factory 1 Salty’s Beach House Best MEAL SPOTS 3 Il Vecchio’s 1 The Patio at Lake Breeze (Naramata) 2 Sage & Vines Bistro Best Breakfast Best Dinner Fresh Seafood Market 3 Hooded Merganser Central Central & delicious eat-in or Perfectly placed 1 The Jammery 1 Chop Steakhouse Bar Best Romantic Dining 2 Cora 2 The Keg take-away fish n’ chips. to make Central 3 Bohemian Café 3 RauDZ Regional Table Two great locations to serve you better. 1 Eldorado Dining Room North North fine wine and 2 The Yellow House 1 Friesen’s Country 1 Intermezzo good friends. 3 Earls on Top Tyme Gardens 2 Italian Kitchen North 2 Dinner on Sixth 3 Tita’s Italian Bistro 1 Intermezzo 3 Bean There Bistro South 2 Eclectic Med South 1 Theo’s Restaurant South 1 Valentini’s Café 2 Zias Stonehouse 1 Hooded Merganser 2 Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland) 2 Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland) (Summerland) 2 Hooded Merganser 3 Bogner’s of Penticton 3 Bears Den Restaurant 3 Firehall Bistro (Oliver)

Best Place For A Meeting Best Lunch Best Casual Dining Central Central / Bistro 1 Eldorado Dining Room 1 Joey Kelowna Central 1 The Harvest Grille 2 Bohemian Café 1 Minstral Cafe West Kelowna - Governors Market 2 Chop Steakhouse Bar 3 Earls 2 Le Plateau Bistro Canadian Concert Series 2231 Louie Drive th 3 19 Okanagan Bar + Grille (West Kelowna) 3 Wood Fire Bakery 3 The Fixx May 26 - The Boom Booms 250-768-3473 (FISH) rd North North North June 23 - Acres of Lions th 1 Vernon Lodge (Best Western) 1 Earls 1 Earls Penticton - Apple Plaza July 28 - Redeye Empire th South 2 Dorians Greek Taverna 2 Crush Bistro 150-1848 Main St. August 25 - Said the Whale 250-492-3474 (FISH) 1 Theo’s Restaurant 3 Original Joe’s 3 Talkin Donkey Sept 8th - Grand Finale - SLOAN www.buythesea.ca Presented by the Georgia Straight RESTAURANT tinhorn.com Photo contributed 20 May 2012 okanaganlife.com okanaganlife.com May 2012 21 readers' choice

South Best Late Night Bite (After 9PM) 1 China Palace Central 2 Isshin Sushi Bar 1 Harvest Grille 3 Beijing 2 Joey Kelowna The Harvest Grille 3 Kelly O’Bryan’s Casual setting, spectacular view… Best Wine Bar North & a menu to tempt every palate Central 1 Original Joe’s 1 Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar 1 Boston Pizza Voted Best Golf Course & Best Wedding Venue for 2011 2 Rotten Grape 2 Sir Winston’s Pub 3 Sunset Bistro at Summerhill 3 Kelly O’Bryan’s 3 Old Vines at Quail’s Gate South North 1 Peacock’s Perch 1 Intermezzo 2 Earls Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner 3 Breeze Bar & Grill 2 Crush Bistro (Osoyoos) South 1 The Cobblestone Best CRAVINGS (Naramata) 2 Bufflehead Pasta Best Tapas / Appies & Tapas Room The historic allure of the Yellow House Restaurant presents a rewarding dining experience made extra special Central by the charm of co-owners Rob Ahlgren (L) and Darren Stanfield (R) and sommelier Brooke Biro (C). 3 Local Lounge • Grille 1 (Summerland) 1 Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar South South 2 Joey Kelowna 1 Sage & Vines Bistro 1 Boston Pizza Best Sports Bar / Pub 3 The Yellow House 2 Opus Café Bistro 2 Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe Central North 3 La Casa Ouzeria 3 Zias Stonehouse 1 Dakoda’s 1 Italian Kitchen (Summerland) 2 Dave’s Sports Bar 2 Sir Winston’s Pub The Harvest… Everyone Welcome Best Family Restaurant 3 Rusty’s 3 Crush Bistro RESERVE TODAY - 250.862.3177 - www.harvestgolf.com Central Best Buffet North 3 Allora (Silver Star) 1 Red Robin Central 1 Kal Sports Bar South 2 1 Manhattan Point 2 Checkers Bar & Grill 1 Bufflehead Pasta & Tapas Room 2 Moxie’s Grill 2 Grand Bay Café 3 Sir Winston’s Pub 2 Local Lounge • Grille 3 Montana’s 3 Buffet King South (Summerland) North North 1 Best Damn Sports Bar & Grill 2 Salty’s Beach House YOU LIKE ME, YOU REALLY LIKE ME. 1 Boston Pizza 1 Royal Garden 2 Kettle Valley Station Pub 3 Peacock’s Perch - sally field 2 KTs Heritage Restaurant 2 BX Creek Bar & Grill 3 Peacock’s Perch Thank you for recognizing us in the latest edition of Okanagan Life’s Best Restaurant issue. 3 Red Robin 3 Yat Sen Restaurant 3 Barking Parrot Best Soup Thank you to all of our wonderful friends and neighbours who have joined us in the past year. Central A big thanks to our passionate farmers, ranchers and artisans who provide the freshest 1 Wood Fire Bakery ingredients any chef could ask for. And above all thanks to 2 McCulloch Station everyone for supporting local - buy local, eat and drink local. 3 The Bike Shop Café - Chef Rod Butters and Audrey Surrao © North RREaGIOuNALD TABZLE 1 The Sprouted Fig Open 7 days a week from 5:00 p.m. FRESH • LOCAL • COMFORTABLE 2 Brown Derby Cafe 1560 Water Street, Kelowna 250•868•8805 www.raudz.com (Armstrong) 3 Sunshine Corner Cafe South njoy fine casual dining 1 Sage & Vines Bistro Eat the Yellow House 2 Opus Café Bistro Restaurant & Catering 3 Valentini’s Café Company seven nights a week and for lunch Monday through Friday and a Best Salad delicious la carte Brunch Central on Sundays... in a heritage 1 Joey Kelowna house setting, courtyard patio, summer concert Take delight in a meal on the Peachland waterfront with an authentic European experience A farm-to-table hot spot, fresh and local fare is what you'll find at RauDZ 2 Cactus Club Cafe series two rooms, great like no other. The Gasthaus on the Lake’s Jörg Hörath, Stefan Pimenta, Werner Fischer, Jon Regional Table. Share one of chef Rod Butters’ creations at the communal 3 The Chopped Leaf place for private parties and 250.763.5136 Zimmerman, Devin Smith and Isabelle. table — there’s a seat waiting for you. (Did we mention the cocktails?) 3 Twisted Tomato experienced party planning #526 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna and catering services. www.theyellowhouse.ca

photos contributed 22 May 2012 okanaganlife.com okanaganlife.com May 2012 23 readers' choice

North North Best Fish & Chips North 1 Earls 1 The Sprouted Fig Central 1 Marble Slab Creamery 2 The Phoenix Steakhouse 2 Monashee’s Bar & Grill 1 Shady Rest British Fish & Chips 2 Garden Ice Cream Parlour www.cactusclubcafe.com | 250.763.6752 | 3 Wendy’s 3 Crush Bistro 2 Lord Chumley’s Fish & Chips 3 Dairy Queen South South 3 Codfathers Seafood Market South 1 Earls 1 Fresh Healthy Café North 1 Tickleberry’s 2 Local Lounge • Grille (Summerland) 2 Isshin 1 C-Lovers (Okanagan Falls) 3 Zias Stonehouse (Summerland) 3 Iyara Thai Restaurant 2 Joey’s 2 Summerland Sweets 3 Junction Cafe (Summerland) Best Seafood Best Sandwich / Wrap / Panini (Armstrong) 2 Ogos Ice Cream Central Central South 3 Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver) 1 Christopher’s 1 Subway 1 Buy the Sea 2 Codfathers Seafood Market 2 Mediterranean Market 1 Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe Best Dessert 2 The Keg 2 Wrap Zone 2 Salty’s Beach House Central 3 Ric’s Grill 3 Jugo Juice 3 Sinbads Seafood Café (Oliver) 1 Moxie’s Grill & Bar North North 2 Bonfire Grill at The Cove 1 Joey’s 1 Wrap Zone Best Pizza (West Kelowna) 2 C-Lovers 2 The Sprouted Fig Central 3 RauDZ Regional Table South 3 Extreme Pita 1 Bordello’s Italian Pizzeria North 1 Salty’s Beach House South 2 Boston Pizza 1 Crush Bistro 2 Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe 1 Dolci Artisan Fare 3 DunnEnzies Pizza 2 Eclectic Med 3 Buy the Sea (Osoyoos) 3 Mr. Mozzarella 3 Bean to Cup 2 Valentini’s Café North South Best Poultry 3 The Bench Market 1 Boston Pizza 1 Bogner’s of Penticton thank you! Central 2 Jim’s Place 1 Zias Stonehouse for your loyalty to Cactus Club Cafe Kelowna 1 Cactus Club Cafe Best Burger 3 JJ’s Pizza Plus (Summerland) 2 Montana’s Central South 2 La Casa Ouzeria 3 Twisted Tomato 1 Gorgeous George’s 1 Mykono’s Pizza & Spaghetti House 3 Accent Chocolate 3 Old Train Station Pub 2 Five Guys (West Kelowna) 1 Papa Murphy’s North 3 Fat Burger 2 Murrray’s Pizza 1 Brown Derby Cafe (Armstrong) 3 Burger Baron 3 Prima Pizza 2 The Italian Kitchen North South 1 Kal Sports Bar & Grill Best Sushi Here’s Breakfast!... 1 Amante Bistro 2 Anchor Inn Pub Central PUB (Armstrong) 1 Momo Sushi AUTHENTIC MEXICAN - CLASSIC PUB FOOD Best Steak 3 Earls 2 Ozeki Central South 3 Aomi Sushi 1 The Keg 1 Burger 55 3 Genji Here’s Lunch!... 2 Chop Steakhouse Bar 2 Peacock’s Perch North 3 Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen 3 White Spot 1 Wasabi 3 RauDZ Regional Table 2 Mahoroba and We Cater!... North Best French Fries 2 Bento & Sushi 1 The Pheonix Steakhouse Central 3 Vernon Tokyo Sushi 2 Intermezzo Restaurant 1 Bouchons Bistro South KELOWNA’S NEWEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 3 Cattlemen’s Club Restaurant 2 McDonald’s 1 Isshin OPEN UNTIL 2:00 AM DAILY South 3 Gorgeous George’s 2 Ginza Sushi CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR WEEKLY FEATURES 1 Sage & Vines Bistro 3 Burger Baron 3 Just Delicious Bistro DAILY SPECIALS AND FULL MENU ALSO THE LIVE AT FERNANDO’S SCHEDULE 2 Black Iron Grill North (Summerland) & Steakhouse 1 Kal Sports Bar fernandospub.ca 3 Theo’s Restaurant 2 McDonald’s Best Ice Cream 3 Squires Four Pub Central facebook.com/FernandosPub Best Vegetarian South 1 Marble Slab Creamery Central 1 Jeffers Fryzz 1 Moo-Lix Ice Cream Shop 1 Dawett 2 Spud Brothers (Summerland) 2 Foothills Creamery twitter.com/FernandosPub 2 Pho Soc 2 Burger 55 2 Annegret’s Meet Tod Melnyk, owner of Tree Brewing in Kelowna, offering 524 Bernard Avenue Downtown Kelowna, BC 3 Poppadoms 3 Cozy Bay Seafood Cafe 3 Okanagan Fudge & Sundae up the perfect bevvy to quench your thirst. Phone: 250-862-3517 FERNANDO’S PUB www.bohemiancater.com 279 BERNARD AVE. 778.478.0330 photo contributed 24 May 2012 okanaganlife.com okanaganlife.com May 2012 25 Est. 1996

Best OF THE REST North 1 Nature’s Fare Best Bakery 2 Simply Delicious Central 3 The Sprouted Fig when you’re done with wine... 1 Specialty Bakery 3 Choice’s Market visit Kelowna’s only Craft Brewery 2 Tripke Bakery South 3 Okanagan Grocery 1 Whole Foods Market HOURS North 2 Food Emporium Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm 1 Sweet Caroline’s Bakery 2 COBS Bread Best Coffee / Tea House Saturday: 11am - 6pm 3 Okanagan Bake House / Herbs & Spices June to August - Sundays: 11am - 6pm South Central TASTINGS 1 Wouda’s Bakery 1 Second Cup 2 Cake Box Bakery (Summerland) 2 Bean Scene Daily 11am - 5:45pm 3 Blue Icing Dessert Bakery 2 TOURS 2 Lake Country Coffee House Please call for times. Best Place To Buy Fruit & Veggies 3 Abby’s Spice & Tea Store Central 3 The Jammery 1 Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market North HERE WE AGAINHERE WE AGAIN 2 Old Town Farm Market 1 Bean Scene GROW GROW ASK ABOUT 2 Quality Greens 2 Blenz Coffee OUR KEGS 3 Paul’s Produce 3 Bean to Cup FOR SALE! North South 1 Quality Greens 1 The Beanery Coffee Company 2 Swan Lake Nurseryland (Summerland) 1083 Richter St. Kelowna, BC 3 Nature’s Fare 2 The Bellevue Café 1-800-663-4847 www.treebeer.com South 3 Fibonaccci Roastery & Cafe 1 Quality Greens 3 Medici’s Gelateria (Oliver) 2 Old Town Farm Market 3 The Bench Market

Best Health / Natural Foods Store Best Caterer Visit www.peacocksheridan.com to start building your plan now! Only 20 minutes from downtown Kelowna, Central Central Wealth Plans. Estate Plans. Business Plans. 1 Nature’s Fare 1 Bohemian Café but a world away... 2 Choices Market 2 Jimmy Ho’s 2 Deli City Like us on Facebook for your chance to win 3 The Bread Company the Okanagan Life summer getaway! North /LakeOkanaganResort 1 Gumtree Catering 2 Bento & Sushi 3 Ora WEALTH ACCUMULATION | INSURANCE INNOVATION South 1 Joy Road Catering • 205-1180 Sunset Drive, Kelowna B.C. V1Y 9W6 P. 250.869.1451 F. 250.869.1452 • 2 Valentini’s Café YOUR PSG TEAM: YOUR PSG TEAM: 3 Murray’s Pizza Brent Peacock, BA, CHS Dustin Serviss, CFP, CHS Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS Krystal Herie Brent Peacock, BA, CHS Dustin Serviss, CFP, CHS Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS Krystal Herie Grant Sheridan, BA, CHS Marc Gaucher, MBA Sasha Carter, B. Ed Darcy Letendre,G ACS,rant AIAA Sheridan, BA, CHS Marc Gaucher, MBA Sasha Carter, B. Ed Darcy Letendre, ACS, AIAA Rusty Bracken, CLU, CFP Doug Deschner, CFP Michelle Muhlbach Rusty Bracken, CLU, CFP Doug Deschner, CFP Michelle Muhlbach Best Fast Food Central 1 Jimmy Ho’s 2 Wendy’s 2 Subcity Donair 3 Five Guys (West Kelowna) North 1 Wendy’s 2 Extreme Pita 2751 Westside Road, Kelowna, BC V1Z 3T1 Fun and funky, The Bohemian Café — known to locals as Ph: (250) 769-3511 Fax: (250) 769-6665 Tf: 1-800-663-3273 The Bo — offers a menu as fresh as its artistic décor. 3 Bento & Sushi www.lakeokanagan.com PhotoS contributed 26 May 2012 okanaganlife.com okanaganlife.com May 2012 27 readers' choice

South 1 Burger 55 2 Taco Time 3 Subway

Best Local White Wine Central 1 Quails’ Gate Chasselas 1 Gray Monk Latitude 50 2 Summerhill Gewurztraminer 3 The View Gewurztraminer 3 Mission Hill Chardonnay North 1 Recline Ridge Siegerrebe Refined, yet friendly, the Cactus Club offers a menu to tempt even the finest 2 Sunnybrae Turner Road palette and a staff that will make you right at home. 3 Larch Hills Mad Angie Best Local Beer South 2 Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir Central 1 La Frenz Sauvignon Blanc 3 House of Rose Hot Flash 1 Tree Brewing Thirsty Beaver 2 Haywire Pinot Gris North 2 Mill Creek Lord Nelson’s Pale Ale 3 8th Generation Pinot Gris 1 Recline Ridge Grande Pinot 3 Big Surf Beer Laid Back Lager 3 Therapy Vineyards Freudian Sip 2 Granite Creek Meritage North 3 Wild Goose Vineyards Pinot Blanc 3 Celista Maréchal Foch 1 Okanagan Spring Pale Ale South 2 Crannog Ales Back Hand of God Stout Best Local Red Wine 1 Red Rooster Meritage South Central 2 Burrowing Owl Cabernet Franc 1 Barley Mill Mustang Pale Ale 1 Mission Hill Merlot 3 Black Hills Nota Bene 2 Cannery Brewing Squire Scotch Ale 2 CedarCreek Pinot Noir 3 Laughing Stock Portfolio 3 Tin Whistle Peaches and Cream

European Fine Dining ...in a remarkable dining room housed in a log cabin creating an atmosphere that you will only find in Bavaria. The pub offers a casual, yet classy ambiance and spotlights Oktoberfest, medieval feasts and holiday celebrations.

Golden Mile Oliver, BC Okanagan Valley 250-495-4991 250-767-6625 5790 Beach Ave. Peachland, BC Located in the heart of the Okanagan, 20 minutes from Kelowna and 25 minutes from Penticton, the Gasthaus on the Lake pub and restaurant provides a year-round dining destination. You are sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Gasthaus. www.castorodeoro.com CastorodeOro @CastorodeOro

28 May 2012 okanaganlife.com