Are you a dipper? A slatherer of sauces? Someone who enjoys pouring your favourite condiment over everything from pizza to salad? Whether you're a lover of classic ranch or Franks's Red Hot, I think we all know how the right dressing, dip, compote or sauce can bring your food from "great" to over-the-top EPIC.

 

Kelowna has some extra "special sauces" at some local establishments, and some are even available in take-home containers. Here are some of our favourites! 

 

DunnEnzies already makes incredible pizza, but a good zig-zag squirt of their homemade avocado aioli takes your slice of 'za to comfort food heaven. It's similar in taste and consistency to ranch or mayo, but with that subtle flavour of avocado that's so easy to love. And it works on *every* kind of pizza too. It's a perfect sauce if I ever met one!

 

This trade-marked sauce is normally served with the equally famous Pachos (lattice-cut fries with special seasoning, melted cheese and green onion) but it's so good you could probably just drink it on its own. That being said, you will love how it pairs with anything deep fried. Emerald Isle sauce is tangy, salty, sweet and zingy all in one; it's kind of like a honey mustard, but with an addicting creamy texture. There's nothing else like it, and it's part of what makes a visit to Kelly O's so special. Always order double sauce– you'll need it! 

 

Ordering the mango jam from a place called "Mad Mango" seems kind of obvious, but this condiment is no gimmick! It's homemade and incredibly unique, and you're not likely to find anything similar to this bold, tangy and perfectly sweet sauce. Its slightly runny texture makes it perfect for dipping too. Try it with the house-made Malaysian pancakes (roti prata) for an authentic pairing, or on toast for a delicious breakfast upgrade. You must try this one!

 

 

This Okanagan dressing made with "love and light," is one of the most multi-purpose dressings ever! Use it as a marinade, dip for veggies, on salads (of course), drizzle on flatbreads, mix with mayo for sandwiches or add a splash to your gravy or pan sauce– the options are endless! It's made with a variety of ingredients from nutritional yeast to fresh raspberries, but the tangy, savoury flavour will always have you dipping in for more. 

 

When speaking about condiments and dips, we have to mention homemade ketchup(s)! Both BNA and The Curious rock homemade ketchup with their upscale comfort food cuisine. That these two fine establishments would take the time to make their own ketchup shows they are not about that "shortcut" life, and you can bet whatever you're dipping into it will be high-quality as well.

 

BNA hand-smokes locally grown tomatoes and transforms them into a delicious smoky ketchup with a perfect tang for their hand-cut fries. The Curious creates their ketchup from scratch in the kitchen too, with their star ingredient cherry cola! The perfect whimsical flavour to go with their Curious Burger. 

 

 

Scratch made in their Apple Bistro, this is a salad dressing to contend with. It's already caught Jillian Harris' attention, and it seems everyone is hooked at first taste! Made with all organic ingredients and in the perfect portion size to take home, it's a great addition to your fridge selection. Drizzle it all over your Buddha Bowl for an easy weeknight meal or pack some in your kids lunch for a simple healthy dip! 

 

 

Burger Baron "Baron Sauce"

 

What's your favourite dip, sauce, spread, or condiment around town?

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Kelowna born and raised, Keddy Pavlik of TheTreatLife has been passionate about the local food scene basically since birth. If she's not in the kitchen, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or taking pictures of food. Photo Credit: Jordana Dickson.