For anyone curious about where their food comes from, Savoured Here offers a rare and intimate look at the people who grow, catch, forage and cook on Southern Vancouver Island. This six-part documentary series, produced by Alpenglow Media, takes viewers from commercial fishing boats and coastal forests to vineyards and restaurant kitchens, all without a script or staged scene. It is a celebration of local food culture that feels both grounded and aspirational.
Premiering on YouTube on November 22 and streaming on TELUS Optik TV through TELUS STORYHIVE, Savoured Here is more than just a food show. It is a portrait of a region and the individuals who are shaping its culinary identity. Over five months of filming, the crew captured early mornings on the water, harvest days and the controlled chaos of dinner service, resulting in a series that is as much about resilience and community as it is about what ends up on the plate.
What is Savoured Here?
Savoured Here is a six-episode documentary series that explores the food culture of Southern Vancouver Island. Hosted by chef Colton Armstrong-Ashley, who co-created the series with director Saman Rezapour, each episode focuses on a different facet of the local food system. From the history and future of the region’s agriculture to the hidden networks of foraging and the realities of commercial fishing, the series paints a comprehensive picture of how food reaches the island’s tables.
The episodes feature a range of guests, including Phillip Kevin Paul, Lana Popham, Amanda Swinimer, Robin Jackson, and the teams behind Cafe Brio, Finest at Sea, Parry Bay Sheep Farm and Neighbourly Wine. The series also examines the challenges of running small, independent food businesses on an island, touching on themes of sustainability, tradition and climate change. It is a thoughtful and visually striking production that aims to restore the connection between consumers and the source of their food.
What stands out
Authentic storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of Savoured Here is its commitment to authenticity. The series was filmed in an observational style with no scripts or staged scenes, allowing the natural stories of the farmers, fishers and chefs to unfold organically. This approach gives viewers a genuine sense of the daily realities and passions that drive these individuals, making the series both educational and deeply human.
Strong visual and narrative craft
Alpenglow Media’s background in documentary-style brand films is evident in the series’ polished visuals and thoughtful pacing. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of Vancouver Island, from misty coastal waters to sunlit vineyards, while the narrative weaves together personal stories with broader themes of sustainability and community. The result is a series that is as engaging to watch as it is informative.
Diverse perspectives
By featuring a wide range of voices—from Indigenous knowledge keepers to commercial fishers, winemakers and chefs—Savoured Here avoids a narrow focus. Instead, it presents a multifaceted view of the food system, highlighting the interconnectedness of different professions and the shared challenges they face. This diversity of perspectives keeps the series fresh and ensures that each episode offers something new.
Accessible and free to watch
The series is available for free on YouTube and through TELUS Optik TV, making it easily accessible to a broad audience. For food enthusiasts, home cooks or anyone interested in local agriculture, this is a valuable resource that requires no subscription or financial commitment.
Who it’s for
Savoured Here is ideal for food lovers who want to understand the story behind their ingredients, as well as for residents of Vancouver Island and British Columbia who are curious about the local food scene. It will also appeal to viewers interested in sustainability, small-scale agriculture and the cultural heritage of food. The series is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages, though its slower, observational pace may be best appreciated by older teens and adults.
Additionally, the series could be a useful educational tool for culinary students, hospitality professionals or anyone considering a career in food production. It offers a realistic glimpse into the hard work and dedication required to run a farm, fishing operation or restaurant, without romanticizing the industry. For businesses in tourism or hospitality, it also serves as an inspiring showcase of regional identity.
Pricing and availability
Savoured Here is free to watch. The series premieres on YouTube on November 22 and is also available on TELUS Optik TV through TELUS STORYHIVE. There is no cost to stream the episodes, and the trailer and episode guide can be found on the official series website. This makes it an accessible option for anyone interested in learning more about local food culture without a financial commitment.
What makes it worth considering
In a media landscape often dominated by fast-paced cooking competitions and celebrity chefs, Savoured Here stands out for its quiet, respectful approach. It prioritizes the voices of producers and harvesters, giving them space to share their knowledge and experiences. The series does not shy away from the difficulties of these professions, but it also celebrates the rewards and the deep connection to land and sea that sustains them.
Moreover, the production quality is high, with beautiful cinematography and a considered soundtrack that enhances the storytelling. The decision to film over five months allows for seasonal changes and authentic moments that a shorter shoot might miss. For viewers seeking a thoughtful, visually appealing and socially relevant documentary series, Savoured Here is a compelling choice.
Verdict
Savoured Here is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted documentary series that shines a light on the unsung heroes of Vancouver Island’s food culture. With its authentic storytelling, strong visuals and free accessibility, it is well worth watching for anyone who cares about where their food comes from. It is a welcome addition to the growing genre of food documentaries that prioritize substance over spectacle.
Frequently asked questions
It is a six-part documentary series that follows the farmers, fishers, foragers, winemakers and chefs behind Southern Vancouver Island's food culture.
Chef Colton Armstrong-Ashley hosts and co-created the series with director Saman Rezapour.
The series premieres on YouTube on November 22 and also streams on TELUS Optik TV through TELUS STORYHIVE.
Season one consists of six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of the island's food system.
Alpenglow Media Inc., a Vancouver-based production company founded in 2017 by Saman Rezapour.
Yes, it includes guests such as Cafe Brio, Finest at Sea, Parry Bay Sheep Farm and Neighbourly Wine, among others.
