Vikas Sharma

My wife’s mum and sister came to visit, and there was a request from my MIL to head to the Okanagan for a little wine tasting.

So, we centered ourselves in Penticton for a few days and my wife jammed the itinerary with tastings (not to mention a meal here and there).

Last summer, our friends Craig and June showed us around the area in a similar fashion, so my wife had a good starting point. Additionally, a work colleague from the area made a bunch of recommendations, so I passed those on to her, but to be honest, my wife was the master of ceremonies; I was just the designated driver.

On our final day, we ended up cancelling our lunch reservation as it was on an outdoor patio and the day was a little chilly and rainy. We noticed guests wearing winter jackets (with their hoods adorned) on the patio, so that was an immediate non-starter for me. I felt bad because the winery attached to this restaurant, Lake Breeze Vineyards, had very good product and knowledgeable staff, but my wife immediately put her Google skills to quick use and found us a cute spot at a nearby vineyard called Da Silva Vineyards & Winery: The Kitchen by Abdul Adame.

The menu is definitely a reflection of the Iberian Peninsula, peppered with flavours that reminded me of the time of spent in Spain. I haven’t yet been to Portugal, but being from Toronto and having some close Portuguese friends, I’ve had my share of food from that community.

I’d like to get a couple of things clear, especially if you read through some of the Google reviews on this place.

This is an Iberian-inspired joint.

If you want food that is prepped and waiting for a plate to slip it on to, then don’t go to The Kitchen.

You might notice on the menu that it is recommended that parties of four or more come in together – and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that it’s a supposed to be a social experience. More people, more dishes to experience, and the dishes will come out bit by bit.

I don’t like being a food snob – and you’ll often hear me complain about the pretentious attitudes of places like Terroni in Toronto (don’t ask for Parmigiano for your pizza or fish pasta), but I return there because the food is consistent, it’s freshly made, and it’s good.

And going there is meant to be a social experience, just like it is at The Kitchen.

We ordered about a dozen items (but declined on the wine as the ladies had already been through three vineyards worth of tastings at that point), and waited for them to come out. I had a call with my five-year old niece about some school stuff she wanted to share with me, and as that was wrapping up (about 25 minutes in), I got a text that the food was hitting the table.

This place is the real deal … and here was the order.

• Marinated mixed olives
• Marinated red beet with mint-balsamic vinaigrette 
• Roasted cauliflower, dusted with parmesan cheese
• Fast roast broccoli and Jerez vinegar
• Ricotta cheese, Himalaya salt and candied jalapeños
• Patatas bravas
• Beans, sweet drop pepper, tomato salad
• Spanish Serrano ham  
• Pork shoulder braised in pasilla pepper
• Fire grilled prawns piri-piri
• Bacalao croquettes

Being mostly vegetarian, I didn’t try the croquettes, the pork shoulder, and the jamón.

The only thing that I wish they had on the menu is Tortilla Española.

Flavours were very-well paired and everything tasted fresh, homemade, and crafted with care.

Favourites for me were the prawns in piri-piri with some thinly sliced zucchini (the piri-piri was fantastic – and was all sopped up with some baguette) as well, I really loved the simplicity and flavour of the bean, sweet drop pepper, and tomato salad.

By all accounts, the meat dishes and the croquettes were a hit.

The service was very good, and although I pointed a couple of highlights for me food-wise, everything we ordered was super-tasty and well put together.

This is the first restaurant that I’ve rated since since the winter, as the 26 restaurant reviews I wrote last year tired me out, and, as you may have noticed, I’ve moved on to writing more wine reviews.

There’s just something about this place that hit it home for me.

Awesome job Abdul and team!

Return: For sure, especially if I’m in the area.

Rating: 8.5/10