The 22nd Cornucopia Festival at Whistler opened yesterday. The 11 day festival has an assortment of tastings and parties featuring wines, spirits, beers and ciders which I featured in my previous column. But there are also amazing events for foodies.
Local Whistler restauranteurs and visiting chefs have created a diverse selection of cuisines in the paired-dinner events. From the festival’s extensive list of renowned winery dinners to a cocktail-paired dinner, brewery dinner, and a roving multi-station dining experience, there’s plenty to choose from.
Aura at Nita Lake Lodge is excited to showcase a special Sip and Savour winemaker dinner. It’s an elaborate six-course menu paired with varietals from 50th Parallel Estate. This winery in the beautiful Lake Country overlooking Okanagan Lake near Vernon is renowned for producing fruit driven Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Another pairing is a three-course dining experience paired with Blasted Church wines from Skaha Lake every day throughout the festival.
Quattro’s excellent Italian fare will be on display at the Quattro Batasiolo wine dinner. Chef Jeremie Trottier will pair his classic Italian cuisine alongside legendary Barolo producer, Batasiolo.
What do the Okanagan, South Africa and the Napa Valley have in common? A vineyard from each region will be featured at the Bearfoot Bistro. Meyer Family Vineyard from the Okanagan, South Africa’s Anthonij Rupert Wines and Eisele Vineyard in California’s Napa Valley will be paired with Chef Melissa Craig’s seasonal fare.
Hester Creek from the Okanagan is celebrating its 50th anniversary with dinner at Calabria. Guests can expect an evening of canapés, four-courses, and Hester Creek’s finest varietals.
Il Caminetto makes its Cornucopia debut with three winery dinners and a new cocktail-paired dinner, Il Salotto. And her sister establishment, The Cellar by Araxi, returns with the hugely successful intimate Wine Dinner Series featuring six dinners to choose from including the celebrated Big Guns “Par Excellence” showcasing the very best of old world wines.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Grill Room will feature 10 impressive dinners. Taking place each weekend of the festival, the dinners include themes and wineries such as Small Farms, Liquidity and Lock & Worth.
Legs Diamond, located along the Upper Village stroll, is presenting 11 dinners, one for every night of the festival. Diners can indulge in a menu of game, seafood, and sweet treats all paired with B.C. wines.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler has partnered with its colleagues south of the border to bring two exciting dinner offerings. On the first weekend, patrons can experience a group of steakhouse chefs from Four Seasons’ alpine resorts, Whistler, Jackson Hole, Vail, and Santa Fe for the Four Peaks Dinner by Four Seasons. From the sunshine of Los Angeles, CUT by Wolfgang Puck located in the Beverly Wilshire will be appearing for a one-night only experience on Friday, Nov. 16.
For those looking for something more casual, Savour at the Westin will serve a two-hour multi-station dining experience including its coveted poutine bar, truffle mac and cheese and more with B.C. and international wine samplings.
Last but not least, if local brews are more your flavour, you’re in luck. Black’s Pub has partnered with Whistler Brewing for a four-course dinner with seasonal beers. Coast Mountain Brewing and Hunter Gather Eatery’s “Cask N Brat,” a showcase of bratwurst and festive cask ale for this Novemberfest inspired evening.
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