Featuring everything from pub food, family and fine dining, sushi and seafood and farm to fork-inspired menus, Whistler restaurants come to the table with offerings that are sure to please all palates and pocketbooks.

Dine in Whistler is the perfect opportunity to explore what Whistler serves up on the culinary scene. This year, 22 dining options are included in the program, with menu prices at $21, $31 and $41.

In the $21 category, diners will find some of Whistler’s longstanding favourites, including:

• Black’s Pub and Restaurant
• Gone Village Eatery
• Sushi Village
• The mix by Ric’s
• The Brewhouse Whistler
• The Old Spaghetti Factory

The $31 category features some of Whistler’s most acclaimed and sought-after dining options, including:

• Alta Bistro
• Araxi
• Aubergine Grille
• Aura Restaurant
• The Cinnamon Bear Grille
• Earl’s Kitchen + Bar
• Fifty Two 80 Bar
• La Bocca Restaurant and Bar
• Quattro at Whistler
• Ric’s Grill
• Rimrock Café

At the $41 price point, there are several menu options, including one of Whistler’s most celebrated eateries. Menu options in this category include:

• Bearfoot Bistro
• Hy’s Steakhouse
• The Grill Room 
• The Keg at the Mountain

In this category, diners can also choose the Whistler Tasting Tours for a progressive dining tour.

Dine in Whistler runs May 1-16. In addition to the appealing menu options, Whistler also offers exceptional accommodation rates with room only specials and the summer early booking offer (providing a third night free on accommodation booked by June 30, for arrivals from May 1-November 20).

Whistler-based travel consultants at whistler.com can customize vacation packages, taking care of flights, ground transportation, accommodation and activities. Whistler.com offers the largest selection with no booking fee for accommodation and activities. Call 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visit whistler.com for more details and offers.

Whistler Restaurant’s Winemakers’ Dinner features Oliver, BC wines for Cornucopia

On Friday, November 9th, Whistler’s lauded Aura Restaurant will celebrate the award-winning wines of Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in an exclusive winemakers’ dinner during Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food.

With a menu inspired by seasonal organic vegetables, Aura Restaurant at Nita Lake Lodge specializes in modern, Pacific cuisine that is rooted in classical culinary craft. Led by Executive Chef Michael Guy, Aura sources sustainably from local farmers, foragers, ranchers and fisheries to bring the best that the west has to offer for every season. The unforgettable menu will feature BC products from both land and sea, showcasing the region’s transition from fall to winter. Expect rustic flavours and refined technique, paired with award-winning wines from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Hosted by Andrew Moon, Tinhorn’s Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager, guests will get insight into Andrew’s unique view from the vineyard.

Executive Chef Michael Guy has created a distinctive five-course menu that highlights the excellence of the Pemberton Valley’s autumn harvest—alongside globally-sourced ingredients—with each plate married to Tinhorn Creek Vineyards’ prized wines.

The reception brings an opportunity to taste Tinhorn Creek Pinot Gris 2011. To start the meal, the Oldfield Series 2Bench Rose 2011 is paired with elk tartare with Saskatoon berries, purple potatoes, red kuri squash and crispy bread. Next up is Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Pinot Noir 2008 combined with raviolo of Peace Country lamb served with smoked eggplant purée, Moroccan spices, toasty almond and garlic crumble, and Rootdown Farm tomato jam. The third course of this extravagant meal features lightly smoked Yarrow Meadows goose breast with potato gnocchi, sweet and sour turnips, pistachios, dried black olive and cocoa jus, matched to the Oldfield Series Syrah 2008. Fourth is Pemberton beef ribeye with pine mushrooms, truffle and pancetta stuffed potato, North Arm Tuscan kale and Two Bench jus paired with Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series 2Bench Red 2009. To conclude this unforgettable feast is gingerbread baked cheesecake served with poached pear, maple fig sauce, pear sorbet and candied walnuts accompanied by the delectable Oldfield Series Kerner Ice Wine 2011.

The reception will be held from 7:00pm – 7:30pm, and the five-course tasting menu at Aura Restaurant starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $175 per person. Nita Lake Lodge is also offering a package together with a night’s accommodation for $250 per person (based on two people) with the option of an additional night.

For tickets, visit www.whistlercornucopia.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to WAG, the Whistler Animal Shelter.

About Tinhorn Creek Vineyards

Established in 1993, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver B.C., in the famed Golden Mile wine-growing district. As the number one winery destination evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek proudly offers 100% estate grown wines, growing grapes on both the Black Sage and Golden Mile benches. As the first winery in Canada to support carbon neutral measures, Tinhorn Creek continues their commitment to land stewardship, conservation and environmentally sustainable practices. Family owned and operated, Tinhorn Creek offers an unrivalled visitor experience including a self-guided tour, along with wines that rank among the best in the world. The exceptional Miradoro Restaurant was named one of the “World’s Best Winery Restaurants” by Wine Access Magazine and Best Winery/Vineyard Dining at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. For more information about Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, call 1.888.484.6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.

About Nita Lake Lodge

Uniquely situated on the shores of Whistler’s Nita Lake, the luxurious, 77-room Nita Lake Lodge features spacious deluxe studios, along with one and two bedroom suites. Lakeside Aura Restaurant showcases bright, modern Pacific cuisine made with the finest local ingredients. Cure Lounge & Patio serves creative cocktails and Old World house made charcuterie, while Fix Café & Deli features wholesome snacks and take-home treats. The full service spa offers a range of services to help guests and visitors reestablish health, harmony and balance. Through Innovative Fitness, guests have access to personalized, professional coaching at Nita Lake Lodge’s gym facilities and outdoors.

Located a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler—home of the 2010 Olympic Games—is located at the base of world-class mountains Whistler and Blackcomb.

For reservations or more information about Nita Lake Lodge, visit www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1-888-755-6482.

This fun-filled event will feature a screening of the best of the hilarious Vino submissions from the last three years, and an amazing array of B.C. wine to sample and enjoy! During the screenings a “People’s Choice Award” will be given out to the top submission from the past based on the loudest audience response on the “Applause-o-meter”. After the show, guests will enjoy post-show camaraderie and more B.C. wine during the lively Vinos after-party. Visualize yourself taking this all in while enjoying groovy beats from the house D.J. Tickets are now on sale for this event for only $30 each at: http://whistlercornucopia.com/event/best-of-the-vinos/

The Best of the Vinos @ Cornucopia is supported by the Wines of British Columbia and will feature wine from an array of BC VQA wineries that support the Vinos. The event will be produced by Watermark Communications, the event management company behind Cornucopia and the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard festival.

“Bringing the Vinos to Whistler during Cornucopia should be a total blast and a great way to tie into the high-energy of this festival” says Vinos Founder Glenn Fawcett. “Plus Whistler already has the engagement of the creative community with the annual Whistler Film Festival. http://whistlerfilmfestival.com. We feel that once this group of video and film producers catch wind of the excitement of the Vinos, that it will only serve to raise the bar on the quality of video content that we can attract for 4th Annual Vinos event in 2013”.

“This is also a big step in the direction of making the Vinos a “winery agnostic” event so that it can be even more broadly appealing to the B.C. Wine industry. This will further open the creative spectrum as to the kind of video content and submissions that the Vinos can attract. We feel that this is an extremely exciting opportunity for the growth and evolution of the Vinos” said Fawcett.

About the Vinos
The Annual Vinos Wine Film Festival. The Vino’s is the world’s first wine film festival. It has been inspired by events like the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes, and the wildly successful Big Rock Eddies beer commercial film festival. It gives wine enthusiasts the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and precious wine packages by producing a one to two minute video about their favourite BC winery or anything to do with BC wine. Then the submissions of the top finalists will be shown during a fabulous annual party in the Okanagan. The Vinos first started as a festival in 2010, and the third annual Vinos were held in June 2012 in Osoyoos, British Columbia.

Vinos Wine Film Festival Contact
Glenn Fawcett
President, Black Hills Estate Winery/ Founder, Vinos Wine Film Festival.
glenn@blackhillswinery.com
Cell: 403.710.1667

House Wine is co-hosting four exciting and educational seminars.

Argentine Treasures
Saturday, November 10th, 2:00 – 3:30pm
The world’s fifth-largest wine producer is so much more than Malbec. Learn how Argentinean winemakers have been taking advantage of high-altitudes and semi-arid regions to create a variety of outstanding wines. Click here for details & tickets.Pinot Noir: Prima Donna in a Glass

Saturday, November 10th, 4:30 – 6:00pm
Learn how winemakers bring out the best in this complex grape and taste a range of Pinots from different regions that demonstrate the grape’s amazing potential.
Click here for details & tickets.

Mini Tasting series: Bellissimo Bianco
Sunday, November 11th, 2:30 – 3:30pm
Explore the diversity of Italy’s characterful and food friendly white wines at this stand-up tasting.
Click here for details & tickets.

Mini Tasting series: Ravishing Rosso
Sunday, November 11th, 4:00 – 5:00pm
Experience an amazing variety of quality Italian reds from some of the country’s diverse winegrowing regions at this stand-up tasting.
Click here for details & tickets.

Cornucopia, the 16th annual celebration of food and wine, graces Whistler on November 7th – 11th, 2012.

Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival is the most important event on Whistler’s gourmand calendar. Featuring local and regional restaurants, chefs, producers, breweries, distilleries and wineries, Cornucopia emerges as the West Coast’s premier resort-based epicurean extravaganza. Seize opportunities to learn from industry professionals, be involved with demonstrations, sip, sample and savour some of the offerings of BC and beyond and bask in the breathtaking beauty that is Whistler and the Sea to Sky.

Cornucopia -  An abundant, overflowing supply

True to its name, Cornucopia is the fall festival for the indulgent and the connoisseur. Ideally located in the majestic and historic resort town of Whistler, BC, the festival celebrates an exemplary culinary scene and impeccable wines for every type of bon vivant. Offering a truly sensory experience, with winemaker dinners, interactive seminars, gala wine tastings and electric after-parties. This high-end four day and night showcase fulfills its mission to put Whistler on the map as the must-experience wine and food party.

Cornucopia, the 16th annual celebration of food and wine, graces Whistler on
November 7th – 11th, 2012.

Schedule – TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Wednesday, November 7th

Thursday, November 8th

Friday, November 9th – Daytime

Friday, November 9th – Evening

Saturday, November 10th – Daytime

Saturday, November 10th – Evening

Sunday, November 11th – Daytime

Summer is nearly upon us – and at Araxi, it represents the start of an exciting season featuring our annual Longtable Dining Series.

This year, the series will be set in Whistler’s picturesque Rainbow Park, which boasts stunning views of Whistler, Blackcomb, and Alta Lake – serving as the ultimate al fresco backdrop for this highly anticipated dining series.
Araxi’s acclaimed Executive Chef, James Walt, prides himself and his menus on local provenance, and has built strong relationships with Pemberton Valley’s farming and ranching community. As part of this year’s Longtable Series, an exclusive Farmers’ Market will be on site, allowing guests to taste Chef James’ favourite ingredients in their raw form. Participating producers will include, amongst others, Root Down Organics and Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, featuring wine tastings and a dedicated vodka station by Pemberton Distillery.

Chef James and his expert team from Araxi will craft an exclusive four-course tasting menu, aiming to deliver a truly memorable and unique farm-to-table experience. Chef James says, “We are extremely excited about this summer’s Longtable Series at Rainbow Park, and especially to introduce our valued producers. I believe the Farmers’ Market will give guests a unique opportunity to engage with some of our very best suppliers in an intimate and relaxed setting.”

Samantha Rahn, Araxi’s Wine Director, has carefully selected complementary wine pairings for each course, ensuring that each dining experience best represents the flavours of the surrounding region.

A percentage of ticket sales will go to The Chef’s Table Society of BC, supporting regional chefs, producers and the local food industry.

2012 DATES

Saturday, July 21st – Rainbow Park, Whistler Valley
Saturday, August 18th – Rainbow Park, Whistler Valley

$175.00 per person, per event
(includes reception, four-course menu, wine, tax and gratuity)

Treat Dad to the 

Choose from a selection of salads and sides as well as ‘Edison’s Medicine’ flank steak, whole suckling pig, Kalbi short ribs, tequila lime marinated half chickens, ‘Maker’s Mark’ black mouth salmon, and Jack Daniels smoked baby back ribs. Be sure to save room for apple rhubarb crumble, Pirate Rum spiked cake pops and more!

$35 Adults $15 for Kids

 Live Music by Chad Oliver

Want to go for a ride?  Mercedes-Benz Canada will be here with 4 vehicles for dad to take for a test drive!

Join us for  Dads & Delmonicos Choose from 1 of 3 exclusive Father’s Day Delmonico features

 ‘Edison’s Medicine’  braised short rib, sauce béarnaise

‘Blinged’ tempura rock shrimp, double smoked bacon,  foie gras jus

‘Black Angus’ butter poached lobster, Alaskan crab, black truffle hollandaise

16 oz. bone in New York steak

including choice of starter, side & ’adult beverage’ for Dad! $69 Reservations Recommended

http://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/

Pop Up

This is a fun and social night at Southside Diner featuring wines from The Artisan Collection. 5 wine courses paired with 5 great dishes. The meal will have a molecular gastronomy format, which means that each dish will have specific flavors and textures that highlight specific aspects of each wine’s personality. The Southside Diner is located right beside Whistler Mountain’s Creekside Gondola and is a great spot for après ski treats, yummy breakfasts, or in this case, an excuse to escape to whistler for the weekend. Please check them out at http://southsidediner.ca/about/

5 course Progressive Wine Lovers Diner at the Southside Diner Sunday, June 17, 7 – 9 pm $75.

The cost is $75 per person which includes tax and gratuity and reservations are highly recommended. The Southside Diner is located at 2102 Lake Placid Road, Creekside, Whistler, BC. For more information or to book your table, call 604-966-0668 or email southsidediner@shaw.ca. For more information on Siren’s Call Wines, visit http://www.theartisancollection.ca

The wines for this dinner will comprise each unique varietal in the wine collection, including the specific varietals that go into my Bordeaux inspired blend, Sirens’ Call Harmonious. Fans of blended wines will enjoy this tasting as a great way to see how these wines come together, based on the specific attributes of each grape. This will be one of the last chances to taste the entire collection as some of the varietals, especially the rare and unique Petit Verdot, are almost sold out. The menu will be a surprise, based on the inspiration chef Scott gets as he tastes the wines during menu development and pulls out specific flavors and textures of each wine with his dishes.

In creating The Artisan Collection, winemaker Mark Simpson journeyed thousands of kilometres across the length and breadth of BC’s grape-growing regions meeting growers, tasting grapes and hand-selecting the best to be used in creating the wines.  Each wine lists the origin vineyard on the label, grounding and connecting each to its terroir. They’ll be surprises from his personal cellar as well.

Winemaker Mark Simpson will be on hand for the dinner to present the wines along with Emcee and local Whistler legend Wayne Escott and enjoy some of Scott’s great food.

For more information on wines from the Artisan Collection, visit http://www.theartisancollection.ca

The collection is also available for sale at Nesters Liquor Store, 7025 Nesters Road.

CLOS DU VAL TO BRING A ‘CURE FOR THE COMMON CULT’ TO CANADA

The Iconic Winery Kicks off its 40^th Birthday Festivities With Exclusive Tasting events in Vancouver, Calgary, Whistler and across Canada This Spring

Tracey Mason, EVP of Global Marketing for the renowned Clos Du Val Winery in Napa Valley, announced today that the first of a series of exclusive trade and consumer tastings developed in recognition of the winery’s 40^th birthday will kick-off in Canada this spring.  The tasting events, which commence in Vancouver on April 11, 2012, will feature rare wines from the winery’s extensive library as well as current vintages designed to highlight Clos Du Val’s stylistic evolution.

 Long heralded for their balanced, elegant style and independent nature – core characters that make-up what the winery refers to as its ‘Vindependence’ – Clos Du Val wines have become a long-standing symbol of honest, non-evasive winemaking and the greatness which has come as a result. A cure for the common cult wine, indeed.

In fact, the greatness Clos Du Val sought came very early on with its very first vintage, the 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from the as-yet-to-be-named Stags Leap District appellation, it was chosen among the six Cabernets to compete in the legendary 1976 Paris Tasting which pittedCalifornia wines against the great wines ofBordeaux.  Ten years later, that same vintage took first place in a rematch underscoring Clos Du Val’s unsurpassed reputation for producing extraordinary wines which are wonderful upon release but complex enough to age with grace and style.

A proud member of the famed Napa Valley Class of ‘72, Clos Du Val is now thrilled to share its 40 year old legacy with its many Canadian friends with an exciting series of events along with its new ‘Cure for the Common Cult’ advertising campaign.

The first marquee event in Vancouverwill be an invite-only Trade and Media showcase of current releases along with a vertical tasting of library Cabernets from the Clos Du Val cellars, to be held at CORK & FIN (221 Carrall Street, Vancouver) on Wednesday, April 11^th from 2-4pm.

A consumer event will follow that evening at 16^th Street Liquor Store (220 16^th Street, West Vancouver) from 7-9pm, featuring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste and even purchase some of these rare vintages.

A consumer wine dinner will follow in Whistler on Saturday, April 21^st at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler).

The unique Twitter hashtag, #classof72, will be used for all of these signature events.

The winery will also be on tour across Canadaas part of the anticipated California Wine Fair – dates posted below.

Clos Du Val at the California Wine Fair / Canadian Tour 2012

Ottawa–           March 30, The Westin

Toronto–         April 2,FairmontRoyalYork

Montreal–      April 3, Le Centre Sheraton

Quebec City- April 4, Espaces Dalhousie

Vancouver-     April 18,Vancouver Convention Centre

Calgary-            April 20, Hotel Arts

Halifax-             May 10, Pier 21,Canada’sImmigrationMuseum

To learn more about Clos Du Val, the Class of ’72, or the Cure for the Common Cult, please visit us at closduval.com / facebook.com/ClosDuVal / twitter.com/ClosDuValNapa