Pulse Spotlight | http://www.fraservalleypulse.com

Spotlight: July 26, 2010 – Aloutte Fresh

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

A purpley-blue sweet sphere. Duke. Toro. Blue Jay. Enjoyed by humans, bears and birds alike. What is it we speak of? The blueberry, of course!

There is nothing quite like a plump, sweet or a small, tart blueberry. We are blessed to live in the Fraser Valley where blueberries are abundant and farmers have perfected the crops of these delicious berries. Many years we find our freezers stacked with fresh blueberries collected from the local farms during the summer. This year will be no different, we’re sure.

Now in their 18th year of growing blueberries, the folks at Aloutte Tree Farm have just opened AloutteFresh.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: July 19, 2010 – Aromatica

Monday, July 19th, 2010

It never ceases to amaze us that each week we can set out on a journey to find something fun, unique or new in the Fraser Valley, and every week we are introduced to the most amazing people and entrepreneurs. A recent day of exploration took us to Minter’s Country Garden in Chilliwack. Inside this magical garden and gift centre in Chilliwack is a feast for the senses: Aromatica. Now in their fifth year of business, owners Kim and Karen have a delightfully exotic offering inside this little shop!

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: July 12, 2010 – Goody Too Shoes

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Shoes, shoes, shoes. We love shoes! What you wear on your feet is such an expression of your personality. Are you conservative? Funky? Do you prefer style over comfort, or comfort over style? Indeed, you can tell a lot about someone by what they wear on their feet. This week’s Spotlight business is owned by Gemma Quiring, who loves helping people express their personality with their footwear and accessories.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: July 5, 2010 – Shoreline Tours

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Everywhere we look in the Fraser Valley, we are spoiled with breathtaking landscapes. Harrison Hot Springs has to be one of the prettiest local places to explore; Harrison Lake is absolutely splendid. We recently took a lake tour with Shoreline Tours and were treated to an afternoon of beauty and relaxation.

Shoreline Tours, located at Harrison Hot Springs’ Resort Marina, is run by Captain Steve Dunn. Steve tells us that there has been a boat cruise on Harrison Lake since the 1950′s! As a teenager, Steve and his brother used to work on the lake cruises, which led to Steve following his passion and starting his own tour company on this beautiful lake. Talk about a local expert – Steve knows Harrison Lake like the back of his hand!

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: June 28, 2010 – Dead Frog Brewery

Monday, June 28th, 2010

When a company has a tagline that reads ‘Do It Froggy Style’, you know they are going to be fun! Dead Frog Brewery is a local craft brewery that sure does have a fun, fabulous, memorable brand!

I met with Dead Frog Founder Derrick Smith and Marketing Manager Chris Landsman, who shared their enthusiasm and commitment to innovation in both their brews and their marketing strategies. A quick look through Dead Frog Brewery’s website and you’ll see the quirky, informal marketing language used in all of their promotions. The top of their 6 and 12 packs of beer also use the same fun tone, a refreshing way to engage their customers. I had to ask about the name of the company and sincerely hoped there wasn’t a morbid story behind it. On the contrary, the folks at Dead Frog Brewery love frogs!

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: June 21, 2010 – Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery is an interesting, educational, fun and tasty place for the whole family to visit. Mike and Judy Campbell are retired professionals whose hobby has grown into a delightfully sweet gem located in Abbotsford.

Several years ago Mike started beekeeping as a hobby and started making honey in the mid nineties. When Mike retired, his hobby became a thriving business and when Judy retired it really took off! They recalled their living room being taken over by honey shelves. Eventually they knew it was time to go big or get out and they decided on go big! An old barn was torn down and the present production, education and retail facility was built.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: June 14, 2010 – Moon Masterpieces

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Move over boring fruit and veggie platters! We’ve found a cool local company creating beautiful fruit and vegetable masterpieces. Melons are being transformed into flowers, veggies into leaves… impressive one-of-a-kind produce creations are making their way onto tables all throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver!

Moon Masterpieces in White Rock is the joint venture of Jason Gontier and Chef Moon.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: June 7, 2010 – The Town Butcher

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

It used to be that people shopped at local food producers: farms, butchers, dairies. Then came the big box revolution where unfortunately more than a little bit of food quality was lost. In recent years, the population is seeking healthier alternatives – slow food, no fillers, locally produced. We’re educating ourselves more and going back to the way of decades past. One local butcher shop is doing a stellar job at capturing that community feel of the old-time butcher shops while stylishly captivating a 2010 audience. The Town Butcher in Chilliwack is one of our Valley’s shining gems!

Liv & Bill Turnbull are a young, dynamic couple who have combined their entrepreneurial spirit with their individual skills to create an awesome local business.

Read the rest of this entry »

Spotlight: May 31, 2010 – Vista D’oro

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Have you ever paid a visit to somewhere that has instantly stolen your heart? That’s how we feel about Vista D’oro in South Langley. Patrick & Lee Murphy have turned an abandoned dairy farm property into one of the most relaxing, delicious places in the Fraser Valley.

After purchasing the land and building a new home a few years ago, Patrick & Lee were inspired by a trip to Paris which introduced them to the idea of farmhouses. Excited by this new idea, they set to work on growing culinary herbs and heirloom tomatoes.

Read the rest of this entry »

Email
Name