August 02, 2011 | Tips from Us >
White Rock, Dining
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If you're looking for a great dining experience in Whiterock you should definitely try Cielos Tapas and Oyster Bar!
Four of us headed out to this lovely open air restaurant on the main boardwalk,with a spectacular view of the ocean and a front row seat for people viewing if you are seated on the patio. We opted to sit inside the restaurant as there was more room but later moved to the patio for after dinner drinks.
Our first choice was a mouth-watering House Special Bruschetta which featured gorgonzola cheese, a tomatoe puree and a balsamic reduction which wet our appetites for the candied salmon along with crab cakes and lamb popcicles which were delicious. We also sampled their secret blend of sangria which was perfect for a warm summer's evening. Next we opted for the raw oysters served with fresh shaved horseradish and roe and were pleased to see a favorite vinegar sauce served also at Rodney's Oyster Bar in Vancouver ( I believe there is some connection there). Still feeling we had some room left we opted for an order of their scrumptious fries served with 3 tastey sauces and a round of baked brie that was a gooey and delectable combination! They also served us with an interesting unleavened bread that reminded me of yorkshire pudding. We ended the meal with a shared desert with the flavours of chocolate, peanut butter and icecream, simply irresistable!
We also met the owner and his wife who were charming and did make us feel very welcome and bought us a round of drinks once they found out it was our first time there.Our server, Laurie was fun and entertaining, as well as very attentive without being intrusive. She even laughed at some of our lame jokes, trust me they were lame! She was a good sport! All in all it was a fabulous way to spend a summer evening, with great friends, a lovely sea breeze atmosphere and an interesting and delicious array of tempting food offerings. I would go back in a heartbeat!
June 19, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Dining
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If you're looking for a unique breakfast experience you need look no farther than Elements Restaurant hidden away in the Summit Lodge Hotel! You've never had French Toast like this! The bread is soaked in a sumptuous egg mixture and baked to crispy perfection - I think it's about 4 inches thick! It's also stuffed with banana and pecans with syrup on the side - a truly mouthwatering experience that I would highly recommend and well worth the calories! If that's not your style, the Eggs Benedict is equally delicious. While the place is small and may require a short wait, hang in there, as I guarantee you won't be disappointed! For evening fare they switch to Tapas which looked tempting when we checked out the menu and we plan to try it on our next weekend escape to Whistler!
April 16, 2009 | Tips from Us >
New Westminster, Dining
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If you're looking for a upscale accommodation conveniently located outside the Vancouver city core, you need look no further than New Westminster. The recently revamped Inn at Westminster Quay sports a spectacular face lift beginning with the addition of a bright, fresh tropical palate to it's lobby accented with the warmth of candlelight in the evening and comfy lounges to relax in, offset by an open-air feeling compliments of the vaulted ceilings and balcony overlooking the check-in area! There's also a great business centre and gym cover all your needs away from home and office.
Situated on the boardwalk, overlooking the Fraser River, rooms feature a spectacular waterfront view. And speaking of rooms, you no longer have to head to Yaletown to experience modern elegance and upscale, urban style, as each guest room has been completely refurbished with an exciting accents of jewel tone colours, offering some fabulous luxuries like fluffy bathrobes, flat-screen LCD TV's, Cutler Salon Bath ammenities and rain shower heads to name a few. You'll feel pampered in luxury!
Also conveniently located in the hotel is the Boathouse Restaurant & Lounge complimented by Al Fresco dining in the warmer months and spectacular views of the Fraser. We enjoyed an amazing mixture of appetizers including some scrumtuous coconut shrimp and a pot of steamed clams in a delectable sauce along with a loaf of oven-fresh sour dough bread to soak up every last drop!
The staff are friendly and professional and excited to show off all the new changes to their hotel! Whether you're on business or looking for a nice weekend getaway, I'd highly recommend you consider a stay at the Inn at Westminster Quay next time you venture out!
April 09, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Revelstoke, Accommodation
If you’re
in the Revelstoke area, seeking a fabulous home-away-from-home, you need look
no further than The Hillcrest Hotel, a Coast Resort. Located just a short
distance from Revelstoke city centre, at the gateway to Glacier & Mount Revelstoke National Parks,
you’ll be awestruck by the majestic views of the Selkirk and Monashee mountain
ranges! The resort is perched atop a hill (hence the name) and was built about
7 years ago to offer quality accommodation and dining to the heli-skiing
aficionado’s and other outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, you’ll likely notice the
helicopters parked in the spacious parking lot. Our rooms overlooked the valley
and I highly recommend paying a small additional premium for a room with a
Jacuzzi tub, especially if you plan to take advantage of some of the fabulous array
of activities available year round. Whether you choose skiing at the newly
opened ski resort or partake in some of the other recreational activities such
as back country hiking, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing or
snowboarding in the winter or camping, biking, river rafting, boating, rowing,
canoeing and kayaking in the other seasons you’ll be glad you chose the
Hillcrest to come home to at the end of the day. Revelstoke also has an 18 hole
championship golf course, bowling lanes, fitness centres, tennis courts,
skating arena, curling rink, and a spectacular new aquatic centre.
After all
that activity you’re sure to have worked up an appetite! Why not start out with
a pre-dinner appertif in the Mountain Guides Lounge – cozy up by the stone,
wood-burning firelplace and then head to the dining room. This fine dining
restaurant is not to be missed and features a mouthwatering selection of
gourmet fare. We sampled many of the appetizers from fresh mussels, steamed to
perfection, stuffed mushroom caps, potstickers and bruchetta. For my entrée I
chose the succulent rack of lamb, one of their features and wouldn’t hesitate
to recommend it! As well, I tasted a friend’s tuna which was moist and
delicious and the chicken stuffed with gouda
and prosciutto looked quite tempting as well. Save room for dessert as they
offer a unique twist on crème brulee with a touch of ginger along with a “well
worth the calories” cheesecake! I hear the chocolate mousse was heavenly!
Their
wine selection was good and they offer a great morning buffet with a choice of
full or continental breakfast - don’t miss the melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon
buns! I hear the huge sundeck is a popular place to dine during the warmer
months, delivering a spectacular al fresco dining experience!
For those
feeling the need to work off those desserts, the Hillcrest offers a fully
equipped gym or if you feel the need to shop check out the fabulous gift shop
full of great sportswear and funky accessories also located on the lower level.
You’ll be
wowed by the scenery, food and vast array of activities to choose from but it’s
the warm hospitality of the staff at the Hillcrest that will be sure to bring
you back time and again.