The 24th annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields returns to Heritage Acres in Saanichton, offering food lovers a chance to enjoy fresh local flavors and a glimpse at the relaunch of a beloved Victoria restaurant.
This year’s festival celebrates the renewed Brass Monkey, formerly known as Moon Under Water. Clay Potter, along with his new partners Morgan Watson, a hospitality director, and executive chef Jason Clifford, are giving the Bay Street restaurant a fresh start. The reopening and new menu launch coincide with the festival on August 24.
Potter explained the motivation for the change: “We just thought it was time for a bit of a refresh.” The restaurant’s recent success with live music has inspired a stronger focus on music alongside food and drinks. “People need an excuse to go out these days,” Potter added.
Guests at the festival can expect to taste the restaurant’s new signature dish—a double patty smash burger known to inspire positive reactions. Core beers will be on tap, with Ribfest in September serving as another major event for the revamped eatery.
The local brewery involved also celebrates music with creative beer names such as Scaramouche Pilsner, inspired by Queen, and Licensed to Ale Pale Ale, a nod to the Beastie Boys. While the names have an international flair, all barley is sourced locally from Field Five in Central Saanich. Potter says the brewery uses as many local hops as possible, supplemented by other B.C. growers, fitting well with the festival’s theme.
The event promotes community, sustainability, and local food. Julia Zado, engagement manager at FarmFolk CityFolk, the organizers of Feast of Fields, said, “It’s one of the most delicious ways to spend a summer afternoon, tasting incredible food and drink, meeting local makers, and learning more about where our food comes from.”
Visitors at Heritage Acres will enjoy a wide range of locally crafted food and drinks. Chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers, and food artisans prepare dishes with ingredients grown or made in the region. The event supports FarmFolk CityFolk’s mission to build sustainable food systems in British Columbia, connecting people with their land, food, and community.
The festival features diverse offerings, from wood-fired pizza to fresh seafood, all inspired by local produce and flavors. Participants showcase their unique dishes while highlighting the importance of using local ingredients.
One returning participant, The Q at the Fairmont Empress, will offer a preview of its upcoming fall menu. Chef de Cuisine Tyler Paquette expressed enthusiasm about the event: “Each year, we look forward to being part of the Vancouver Island Feast of Fields. It’s an incredible chance to connect with our community and showcase the best from local farmers, chefs, bakers, brewers, and distillers.”
In addition to the food and drinks, attendees can enjoy live music performances and a new self-guided audio tour of Heritage Acres. The tour shares stories behind selected museum artifacts and highlights the colorful characters and events of the Peninsula. A silent auction also adds to the day’s festivities.
The Central Saanich foodie fest continues to be a celebrated event that blends culinary delights, local culture, and community spirit.
