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Hundreds of people gathered at Okanagan College on Saturday night for what could possibly be Kelowna’s best kept secret.
More than 500 people dressed in their best for the third annual Devour Kelowna event and it was yet again a roaring success. Devour may be an event you have not heard about and for good reason. The event has had major success through word of mouth and continues to sell out year after year. It is one of the hottest tickets in town as guests are given the red carpet treatment from the moment they arrive. Many keep the event to themselves as a limited number of tickets are sold each year and they are in hot demand.
The well executed event highlights the professionalism and expertise by Social Magnet Productions. Where others have failed, Holly Dober succeeds as no little detail is overlooked. From the coat check service, to the beautiful wooden planks to hold food and drink, to the practically invisible staff maintaining the cleanliness of the room, the success of the event is partly due to the little aspects that make the night run smoothly.
Spectacular lighting, a glamorous red carpet, and impeccable staff greeted party goers once they arrived at the Centre for Learning at Okanagan Campus. While the school may not seem like a sophisticated location, the details in design and planning make it outstanding. When guests walked through the doors they were treated to more than 50 different vendors all competing for judge’s choice and people’s choice for the night.
Participants prepared their best bites, paired with delicious cocktails or wine and wowed the crowd as they moved through the building. There was no shortage of deliciousness as Kelowna’s top chefs were in attendance. The ginger glazed ribs from FSH were a standout feature, as was the warm apple tart and ice cream served by the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.
But it was the bites from BNA Brewing that wowed the judges and the people as they were named best of the best. The best sip went to Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, and best paring went to Artisto Gelato and The View Winery. This year’s judges included Chef Bernard Casavant, from Okanagan College, food writer Dan Clapson, and food and travel writer Lesley Mirza.
There was no shortage of entertainment at the event, which also included a fun photo booth provided by Okanagan Photostar, and of course plenty of socializing with each other. The night lacked the stuffiness that can be found at many other foodie events as the crowd was as diverse as the food.
Everyone was in attendance, from Mayor Colin Basran, to the President of the College Jim Hamilton. The 19+ event had every type of person including foodies and non-foodies alike who were just as curious of the offerings.
“We’ve never been to anything like this, but our friends told us we would be silly to miss out on such a fun night,” said one couple of the evening.
The event is intended to showcase the fine food and drink available in the region in an open tasting atmosphere. With everyone from foodies, to mixologists, to winemakers, and purveyors of specialty food and drink all under one roof, there was no shortage tantalizing treats to sip and savour.
While the event has now come and gone, it will be back for next year and expected to sell out just as quickly. If you are a social foodie this is an event not to be missed, but act fast as this best kept secret is no longer a secret. The 500 people will no doubt be talking about it to their family and friends and quickly spreading the word.
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