The Valley continues to act as a magnet for those looking to ditch the rat race and get a lot closer to their ingredients. From north to south, here are the hot new tables.

Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery

Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery

5445 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, cedarcreek.bc.ca/restaurant

Anthony von Mandl’s massive makeover of CedarCreek will be crowned with this gorgeous new spot led by GM Michael Ziff (formerly of St. Lawrence and Chambar) and chef Neil Taylor (of Espana and Cibo). Dishes like Sardinian seafood stew with fregola sarda, sauvignon blanc and saffron are going to seriously ramp up the food scene here.

Neighbourhood Brewing and Slackwater Brewing

Both Neighbourhood Brewing (187 Westminster Ave. West) and Slackwater Brewing (218 Martin St.) are slated to hit downtown Penticton this summer. Neighbourhood comes from Mike Coghill of Port Moody’s insanely good Yellow Dog (he’s had a place in Naramata for years), and Slackwater is taking over the old Mule Nightclub—we’re betting four steps up in class.

Sofia Mexican Food

at the Osoyoos Fruit Basket, 9910 Crowsnest Highway, Osoyoos

You have an already-legendary fruit stand/store that has the earliest ripening fruit in the country and now you can chow on authentic, freshly made tacos while you shop. That’s a winner.

Vegan Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast from Frankie We Salute You

Frankie We Salute You

6–1717 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

Chef Brian Skinner helped make the Acorn one of the continent’s best vegetarian restaurants, and now he and wife Christina have found their way to Kelowna’s new District Market development within the Landmark neighbourhood. The 60-seater Frankie We Salute You is going to get serious about veg-to-table.

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan is the wine and spirits editor for Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where he susses out the wonderful (and occasionally weird) options for imbibing across Western Canada.