Food and Drink

Aug09

BBQ Rentals on Lake Okanagan

Nothing beats the smell of a BBQ as your walk by your neighbours house, invite got lost in the mail? No worries you can enjoy your own BBQ with friends and family with a unique, fun experience on a boat BBQ Boat Rental listed as a “unique experience for all ages”

The “Eco-friendly boats hold up to 10 passengers per boat and are equipped with all the added features that add to the fabulous setting like our electric motors, low-smoke grill, under seat storage, pillows and circular table” this is an experience you do not want to miss out on! Located approximately 45 minutes from La Casa! You can pick up all your BBQ goods right on site at the La Casa store before you hit the road. Prefer food to be prepped and ready for you upon arrival inquire about the catering they offer prior to booking to see if this is a option for you!

Some FAQ answered from Maeg’s website more can be found here:

  • No boating licenses required!
  • You must be at least 21 years old or must have a parent or guardian present. ​​
  • How long is it? The rental period is 2 hours. A Lake Tour is 45 minutes.
  • Can we drive the boat ourselves? Yes you drive the boat yourself. The driver must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid drivers license. A licensed captain is also available for a $100 fee.

See picture of Maeg’s boat rental below!

Maeg's BBQ Boats

Aug02

Come summer there is nothing better than a cold drink on your patio, who are we kidding… a cold drink tastes good no matter where you are from boats, beaches, backyards to on the couch watching your favourite movie!

Can’t go wrong with a Mojito (what’s your favourite lime, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry?)

Add these items to your next shopping list:

  • Fresh Mint
  • Soda Water
  • Simple Syrup
  • Lime Juice
  • Rum

Have a blender in the pantry? Pina Colada is a must on your list of cool summer drinks!
Add these items to your next shopping list:

  • Rum
  • Cream of coconut (not coconut cream)
  • Pineapple juice
  • Ice
  • Frozen pineapple
  • Lime Juice

Prefer something a bit less sweet – try the Gin Basil Smash

Add these items to your next shopping list:

  • Gin
  • Lime Juice
  • Basil leaves
  • Lemon juice
  • Simple syrup

My mom’s personal favourite – no recipe here call it a family secret shared to all of you who are family here in the LaCasa Community!

Add these items to your next shopping list:

  • Whipped Cream Vodka
  • Orange Juice OR Pink Lemonade
  •  Ice

My personal favourite the Empress Gin Cocktail – add all the ingredients to martini shaker and shake and pour into your favourite glass or red solo cup.

Add these items to your next shopping list:

  • Empress Gin
  • Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Egg whites
  • Simple Syrup
  • Ice

Shaken, Stirred, Poured, Over Ice.. Whatever you choose – Enjoy!

Sip Happens
Jul19

An Okanagan Boat Tour with a Vineyard Twist!

Visiting the Okanagan is arguably best done in a group. Family reunions, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties; These are just a few of the group events that are celebrated here! Since La Casa Cottages can hold and host larger groups, we are a perfect destination for family events or other group trips. West Kelowna, Kelowna proper, and Vernon have much to offer visitors; however, there are 2 stand-out options: Boat tours of Lake Okanagan, and wine tasting /vineyard tours. Luckily for us, Sip Happens Wine Tours in partnership with Okanagan Boat Charters has come up with the perfect way to combine these 2 tour options into one amazing group experience! Get a private, captained boat for the day that will make a stop at Frind winery for a wine tasting and stop for lunch.

Why is it Perfect?

With the ability to seat 11 people this is a great option for group trips. Family reunions, bachelorette parties, or other celebratory events are just a few of the things we like to host! It’s all-ages-inclusive (though minors can’t partake in the wine tastings), making it the perfect group activity for the whole family. Even the young ones can enjoy cruising the lake and enjoying the sights at each stop.

Also, Okanagan Boat Charters gives you the option to be picked up from Fintry Provincial Park boat launch. This is just a short 5-minute drive from the resort!

What is Involved?

You will be picked up by a luxury 22-foot pontoon boat from the shores just north of La Casa Cottages. Your friendly, certified captain will then welcome your group aboard. From there, you’ll sail past beautiful wine country scenery along Okanagan Lake on your way to a private vineyard dock of Frind Estate Winery. Frind is the first winery in North America to have beach front access. At Frind Estate Winery you will enjoy a 2-hour lunch stop (though the cost of the lunch is extra) as well as complimentary wine tastings. There is nothing better than tasting wine well taking in views of Okanagan Lake.

From there, you will re-board the boat and cruise into private bays along Okanagan Lake.  Enjoy swimming or lounging while you listen to your favourite music. There is a cooler on board, so you are free to pack all your favourite snacks and drinks.

How to get Started?

Part one: Give us a call or email at La Casa Cottages to book your group into any number of our available cottages. Most cottages sleep 6 – 8 guests.

Part two: Reach out to Sip Happens Wine Tours and pick your wine tour dates. Or, contact us at La Casa and we will be happy to connect you.

Jul06

Nothing beats fresh sandwiches on a hot summer day!

Located 1 hour and 20 minutes from La Casa cottage resort in Penticton is Il Vecchio Delicatessen. This shop makes some of the best sandwiches I personally have ever had – a  locals favourite! Il Vecchio Delicatessen knows how to make the best sandwich around! They are family owned and operated since July 15 1995! Open Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm (excluding holidays) and Saturdays 9am-4pm

Valentina Carloni has ran and owned Il Vecchio Delicatessen for 25 years, handing the daily task of making the best sandwiches to her son and granddaughter read more about their story here!

Over 29 different types of cheeses and 25 different meats to choose from! This will be a sandwich you will be dreaming of for the foreseeable future!

Once you grab your sandwich head down to the local beach to enjoy the sunshine and local views. Penticton has many beaches to choose from some of which are, Skaha Lake Park, Sudbury Beach, Okanagan Beach, and Marina Way Beach! Looking for a place for the kids to jump around and play? Be sure to stop by Lakawanna Water Park!

5 top places to visit in Penticton:
  1. Skaha Lake Park – One of Canada’s Top Beaches – offering a large sandy beach, public washrooms, near by food, and kids water park!
  2. Restaurants – A number amazing restaurants to try in Penticton if you are looking to enjoy the beach and food together we recommend heading to the Okanagan Beach where right across from the beach their are many restaurants to choose from all within walking distance.
  3. LocoLanding Adventure Park – Amusement park in Penticton where the entire family can have fun! With a go-kart track, an 18-hole mini-golf course and many more activities to choose from!
  4. Local Wineries – There is no shortage of wine in Penticton be sure to check out some local wineries, looking for a day of tasting wine – wine tours are offered!
  5. Penticton Farmers Market – Saturday 8:30am-1pm come down to see all the local produce, talent and more!
Traditional Holiday Treats
Dec15

Christmas is chock full of traditions, from tree decorating to gift giving, carol singing and of course, eating. Every family has their own version of a traditional Christmas dinner. Today we are looking at some long-standing Christmas desserts! These sweet creations have been around for ages (literally), so we thought it would be fun to take a slightly closer look at these time-honoured treats.

  1. Christmas Puddings

    Perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas desserts (alongside the fruit cake), this sweet treat has been around since at least the 15th century. While it has certainly changed since then (this pudding started out more savoury than sweet), and the ingredients and way we make it has shifted over time, it still remains a top pick at Christmas dinners, especially amongst the British! Check out some great recipes here.

  2. Fruit Cakes

    Though it receives more than its fair share of mockery, the fruit cake has a long and esteemed history. With roots going as far back as the Ancient Romans, this holiday dessert has the depth and strength to withstand a few jokes! There are a lot of recipes and variations out there, including the Italian panforte & Germany’s stollen. Take a look at Alton Brown’s famous version, and let us know if you have a favourite go-to recipe!

  3. Mince Pies

    Like the first 2 desserts on our list, mince pies have been around for centuries, though they have undergone some major adaptations along the way. Also like the first 2 desserts, this treat gained some notoriety during Oliver Cromwell’s time in power, when these tasty treats (among other Christmasy traditions) were made illegal. Today, recipes abound for these tasty pies, and they have become ubiquitous on Christmas tables, especially across the UK.

  4. Trifle

    This decadent yet simple layered dessert is another one with a long standing history. Soaking left over breads, cake, and fruit in alcohol was a way to preserve them. It also made sure that no ingredients went to waste. This was meant to be a simple, throw together dessert, and even the name ‘trifle’ seems to reflect that! From classic to creamy, chocolate or berries, there is no lack in mouth watering trifle recipes to try!

  5. Pumpkin Pie

    Pumpkin pie may be seen as a traditional Thanksgiving dessert in Canada and the USA, but it is also one of the most popular Christmas desserts. Originally from central America, pumpkins were first brought to Europe in the 1500’s. These gourds easily made their way into traditional British pie cooking culture; however, it still took a few centuries to become the dessert that North Americans savour today. Fun fact – pumpkins were originally called ‘pumpions’, from the french ‘pompon’, owing to their adorable pompom resemblance! Take a look at one of my all-time favourite pumpkin pie recipes!

We are officially in holiday mode over here, and would love to hear about some of your favourite Christmas treats! Leave us a comment if you would like to share! If you are a serious Christmas planner and are already thinking about next year don’t forget to check out La Casa Mirador for a larger gathering! The full professional kitchen and stunning lake views are a great addition to any holiday tradition! Get in touch if you have any questions.