The Daily Courier

Native tacos a well-known Westside lunch secret

- By BARB AGUIAR

Since 2003, Native Taco Day at Pine Acres Home has been a hidden gem on the Westside for lunch.

The lunch is a fundraiser for the home’s recreation department.

It’s a great value, with guests receiving a Native taco, a drink and dessert for $7.

Pine Acres was buzzing with activity at last week’s Native Taco Day, the Ànal one for 2018.

Between 180 and 200 Native tacos are typically served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“This is a great find,” said Colleen Linley, who was enjoying a Native taco with her husband Michael. “It’s a gorgeous place for lunch and the quality of food is great.”

Geri Grant and Marge Bailey are regulars at Native Taco Day.

“It’s delicious, it’s worth the money and it’s in the neighbourh­ood,” said Grant, adding it supports the community.

The Pathways Abilities Society in West Kelowna comes almost every time there’s Native Taco lunch.

“It’s our chance to have lunch in the community,” said Shelley Purdon with Pathways, who noted a couple of people from the society volunteer at Pine Acres.

Native tacos are made with bannock, deep fried bread, rather than a tortilla.

Maria McManus at Pine Acres makes the bannock, which some say is the best in the valley.

The bannock is heaped with the meat mixture as well as fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream.

Beans can be substitute­d for the meat mixture for those who want a vegetarian meal.

Those who can’t stay to eat lunch can get theirs to go.

The Native taco lunch is all home made by the recreation department with help from volunteers.

Gord Mills at Nestor’s Market sponsored Native Taco Day in September and October.

The money raised from the lunch goes towards resident council fund, which pays for all the entertainm­ent including special events and special projects as well as newspapers and little things for the residents.

There will be Àve Native Taco Days in 2019, starting March 20.

The Pine Acres Christmas Bazaar takes place Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon and the home is looking for donations for the rummage sale portion of the event. People can drop off their treasures any time after Nov. 2 to Pine Acres at 1902 Pheasant Lane.

Money raised from the bazaar goes to the resident council fund.

Table rentals are available for vendors and crafters. Call 250-768-7676 ext. 108 for more informatio­n.

 ?? BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly ?? Colleen and Michael Linley enjoy a Native taco Maria McManus of Pine Acres makes the lunch at Pine Acres. bannock fresh for Native Taco Day.
BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly Colleen and Michael Linley enjoy a Native taco Maria McManus of Pine Acres makes the lunch at Pine Acres. bannock fresh for Native Taco Day.
 ?? BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly ?? Tyler Bigattini, Diane Kljajic, Jos Stowell, Michael Gao and Cindy Dai of Potantical Green Growers got their Native tacos to go.
BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly Tyler Bigattini, Diane Kljajic, Jos Stowell, Michael Gao and Cindy Dai of Potantical Green Growers got their Native tacos to go.
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