Story by Angela Cowan Photography by Don Denton

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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For Chef Ian Blom, opening his own restaurant has been a long dream in the making, and it was always meant to be a family affair. He and his wife, Kimberly, met in culinary school, and it quickly became a mutual goal; this past November, that dream became a reality when The Ainslie opened its doors in downtown Duncan.

Named for their five-year-old son, the coupleB次元官网网址檚 restaurant is a tri-generational business, co-owned by IanB次元官网网址檚 mother, Heather, and propped up by KimberlyB次元官网网址檚 tireless efforts behind-the-scenes.

The Ainslie offers up a unique fusion of fine dining menu items in a relaxed atmosphere, something Ian says hasnB次元官网网址檛 really been available in Duncan before, and it has been met with great support from the community in its first few months.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 been a couple restaurants that have been B次元官网网址榝ine dining,B次元官网网址� but as far as downtown goes, itB次元官网网址檚 a lot of pub food and sushi restaurants,B次元官网网址� he said.

The lunch menu in particular has a lot of comfort-food based dishes that offer a delicious twist, like the Fried Chicken and Waffles, marinated in soy buttermilk, with an aged cheddar waffle and thyme-infused honey. Or the Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese, made with heirloom tomatoes and caramelized fennel, and a sandwich of house onion bread, caramelized onions, Haltwhistle cheese and pesto.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 testing out what people like to eat in the Cowichan Valley,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淪andwiches, really good burgers, comforting foods. People can come and feel like theyB次元官网网址檝e been filled up without a lot of grease.B次元官网网址�

And with a menu that changes regularly, any dish on offer is guaranteed to include the freshest and most seasonal ingredients available.

Ian, who grew up in the Cowichan Valley, wanted to highlight the incredible abundance of his hometown as much as possible in designing the dishes.

B次元官网网址淚 really wanted to try and promote the Cowichan region and the produce we grow here, as well as support the breweries and distilleries in the area,B次元官网网址� said Ian. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 our scheme B次元官网网址� to put the Cowichan Valley on the map.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲orking in Victoria, even when I was in Calgary, we were importing stuff from the Cowichan Valley,B次元官网网址� he added, explaining it just made sense for him to focus on developing a business here. B次元官网网址淚 love living here and I wanted to give back. I love the community.B次元官网网址�

With summer just around the corner, the team at The Ainslie is excited to promote their newly opened patio, a gorgeous, tucked-away spot surrounded by the restaurantB次元官网网址檚 gardens. ItB次元官网网址檚 the perfect spot to drop in, relax and indulge in some amazing food.

B次元官网网址淚 just want to show people that you can have great food and not be overwhelmed by the restaurant itself. You can come in and be completely relaxed in an environment where youB次元官网网址檙e treated like family, with food that can stand up to any food in the world,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淔lavour and fresh and seasonal, those are always our keys and passions. And itB次元官网网址檚 definitely a passion-based business.B次元官网网址�

Soy Caramel Sauce

2 cups granulated sugar

2 Tbsp water

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup lime juice

1/4 cup fish sauce

1/4 cup sambal Olek

1/4 cup fresh ginger, rough chopped

8 cloves garlic, rough chopped

1/2 stalk lemongrass, rough chopped

4 star anise, whole

Add sugar and water to a heavy-bottomed pot and cook on medium heat until sugar becomes caramel in colour.

Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, then add to the sugar all at once. This creates a lot of steam, so be mindful not to burn yourself.

Simmer on medium heat until mixture reduces by one third.

Strain and serve warm over grilled meats or vegetables, roasted and spiced sweet potatoes, etc.

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