G’day,

Those in the know, know where to go.

We’re excited to have just launched our latest episode of Mates on Crates, featuring Jesse Keefer, Owner & Proprietor at Bodega Ridge on Galiano Island, BC. Bodega Ridge has been welcoming guests to one of the island’s most beautiful properties since 1980, and under Jesse’s stewardship it has grown into a destination for cabin stays, weddings, retreats, and memorable meals at Lola, with even more charm added through Bodega Cove and The Pink Geranium. Jesse is a born-and-raised Vancouverite who took over the property in 2003, and over the years has built a distinctive island hospitality brand with vision, grit, strong taste, and a knack for bringing great people together. It was a pleasure to sit down with Jesse to chat island life, building a hospitality business in a place he loved as a kid, the evolution of Bodega Ridge, Bodega Cove, Lola, and The Pink Geranium, and all of Jesse’s favourite spots.

Click here to get recommendations and stories straight to your inbox.

Each time we do a Mates on Crates interview, our guests share up to twenty of their favourites with us. For each episode, only a handful of those favourites make it into the final two minute cut. In order to highlight all of our guest’s favourites, we are happy to share the full list of favourites right here.

See the FULL LIST of Jesse Keefer’s Favourites:

Brunch: Medina
Coffee: Foglift er Cof fee Roasters
Cocktail Bar: The Keefer Bar
Dying to Try: C omo Taperia
Hidden Gem: Northern Cafe
Pizza: Charmer Pizza (Galiano Island)
Sturdies Bay (Galiano Ferry Terminal): Oxeye, Folia
Take an Out of Town Guest (Galiano): Lola, Pilgrimme
Take an out of Town Guest (Salt Spring Island): Cassette Cafe + Dive Bar, Francis Bread, and Woodshed Provisions

Thanks for joining us, Jesse!

Head to Bodega R idge, a year-round Galiano Island escape with beautiful cabins, exceptional hospitality, memorable dining at Lola, and a sense of place that makes it feel both peaceful and special. While there, be sure to try the turkey sandwich with a Juice Truck juice at The Pink Geranium, or the rice and pomelo salad with bubbles at Lola which are Jesse’s favourites.