March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Campbell River, Dining
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I had the great pleasure of meeting Sonora Resort's Chef Matthew Stowe this afternoon and even though he is described on their website as as a "Decorated Chef", personally I think they should replace "Decorated" with "Passionate."
In addition to serving his guests exquisite meals while at the remote luxury lodge on Sonora Island (accessible by helicopter, seaplane or boat) Stowe spends his time searching out the best local ingredients, giving personalized tours of his kitchen, holding cooking classes, and writing what I'm sure will be a well-loved, well-used cookbook. (Launching later this month.)
He told the tale of the independent local spotted-prawn and crab fisherman that drops off fresh seafood to their dock. He revealed how by accident a new supplier of succulent pears and crisp apples was found across the water in the Comox Valley. He disclosed how excited he was to find local suppliers of flavourful beets and carrots (so many different kinds!) and heirloom tomotoes in the Fraser Valley outside Vancouver. He describes the growers - characters as passionate as him about the benefits of local organic foods.
Talk of herb gardens at the lodge and their own charcuterie and the on-site six-grill outdoor kitchen and smoking their own salmon and PASTRY! Let's not forget about the cream used in the pastry! And the wines that go with it all, and , and.... whew!
I hope I am getting all this correct... the words were coming fast and furious and I just remember getting hungrier and hungrier. (I hope I wasn't drooling...)
In addition to great food, Sonora Resort has recently joined great company - they are now a member of Relais & Chateaux.
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Skiing & Snowboarding
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If you look at a map of the ski runs on Mt Washington Alpine Resort, you won't find the Alpine Village run. However, throughout the original village weaves roads wide enough for a car during the summer, but only accessible by ski, board and snowboots during the winter.
I was fortunate enough to stay in one of the village chalets last week and found out there is nothing like skiing out every morning by weaving between chalets and snow-topped trees, making fresh tracks on perfect powder.
To find the trail, swoosh under the walkway between the Alpine Lodge and the Bradley Centre.
LATEST TIP 2009: Due to the epic snow conditions (see "perfect powder" above) the resort is staying open until late April this season!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Courtenay, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I don't know if there is a Mt. Washington in Japan or not, but I was happy to find out there was sushi on the ski hill when I hit the slopes last week! Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is Vancouver Island's "local" ski hill, located slightly north of the Comox Valley.
Sushi-Mon is located at the bottom of the Hawk chairlift, across the parking lot. One of those great places you wouldn't know was there unless you knew it was there.
Upon opening the door, the crisp snow-flaked filled air was replaced by wafting smells of curry-infused yummyness (is that a word?) Time to take off my jacket, loosen my boots and fill myself up with yam tempura rolls and miso soup. By the time my food arrived I wished I had ordered one of thier ramen noodle bowls, packed with enough veggies to soften any fall on the black diamond runs. (BEWARE: HUGE portions - my miso soup was served family style. Thankfully my family was there to share.)
Unfortunately, when I asked if one of the dishes we ordered was coming, I got a bit of a snappy remark - "yes, we're a bit busy, you know." Fair enough, they were busy, and as soon as the rush calmed down the staff did as well. I won't hold it against them and I will go back and of course, recommend the place to you.
Here's another tip for you - the Alpine Cafe serves up awesome chicken fingers!
March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Sightseeing Tours
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Feel like sitting down with a warm bowl of veggie chili and a hot cup of coffee (or a cold beer) after a long walk in the fresh air? This is the place for you! I recently moved to Victoria but I have already discovered one of my new favourite hang-outs. Odgen Point Cafe & Dive Centre. It's off Dallas Road and next to the cruise ship terminal.
The cafe is a cozy, neighbourhood kind of place with warm smiles and local papers being passed around, as well as the pastries and quiche. I could sit here for hours, and every second I would get a different view.
The cafe is located at the start of the Ogden Point breakwater, and sits on top of the dive shop. There is a rocky beach close by, a seawall walkway leading to Clover Point, and a small marina within view. Between the divers hitting the water (one of the best dive sites in Victoria), the joggers jogging, the kids skipping rocks, the dogs walking their owners, and the tugboats and cruise ships going to and fro, the view is ever changing. (You can often see the dog from the owner of the dive shop hitting the water too!) People watching at its best - especially if you get a coveted seat on the patio.
I recommend wearing a jacket on the breakwater as the wind can get a bit intimate - especially if you make it to marker #5. But then, what a good excuse to head into the cafe to warm up!