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Infusions Restaurant at ����SM has been one of Kelowna’s best-kept culinary secrets, but word is getting out as diners are going public, serving up excellent reviews.  

The restaurant, led by former Top Chef contestant Ruth Wigman, received OpenTable’s 2024 Diner’s Choice award, which recognizes outstanding restaurants based on feedback from local diners.

Chef Wigman, who competed on Food Network’s Canada’s Top Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, noted the impressive achievement is a testament to the student chefs who prepare the meals served in Infusions.

“Winning this award means that OC is doing a top tier job of training future chefs who are making an important contribution to the Okanagan food, beverage and tourism industry" said Ruth Wigman, executive chef of Infusions.

This Friday, foodies in the South Okanagan will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with culinary elite and enthusiasts at OC Cultivates, a tasting and learning series happening at ����SM’s Penticton campus.

The event will feature an exclusive tasting experience featuring local producers and an oyster shucking demonstration by Chef Wigman.  

“Come watch me talk about these little ocean gems of sustainability and nutrition. It's going to be a shucking great time; you won't want to miss!” jokes Wigman. 

The demonstration will be a glimpse into the techniques that OC students use to prepare delicious dishes like the baked oyster Rockefeller featured on the Infusions’ seasonal menu.  

Wigman explains that training top culinary talent from around the world and featuring locally sourced high-quality ingredients has been the restaurant's secret sauce for success.

The team at Infusions is open for reservations Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. To view the menu or book a reservation visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/infusions.  

Guests can expect an indulgent two or three-course meal and an incredible experience. 

“Diners get the opportunity to indulge in dishes like pecan-crusted rack of lamb with minted apple and potato gnocchi, or cornmeal apple cake with warm caramel sauce and mascarpone ice cream for a fraction of the price they would pay for a three-course meal anywhere else,” said Wigman.   

OC Cultivates is happening this Friday, Oct. 25 at the Penticton campus, and will celebrate B.C. innovators in food, beverage and tourism, encouraging people to support homegrown talent.

Tickets for the Oct. 25 tasting festival and panel discussions are still available and can be purchased here: /oc-cultivates