Bar Oso's drinks can't be missed. Photo by Lacy Colley Yamaoka.
1. The Spot: Bar Oso
Why Now: This has to be our top pick - a unique slice of San Sebastián in the middle of Whistler Village. Chef Jorge Munoz Santos is at the helm of the menu at the new, hip Bar Oso (Oso means “bear” in Spanish). His details and pinxtos will make any foodie swoon (imagine foie gras hand-painted with butter). And master mixologist Jason Redmond has put an experiential twist on craft cocktails, such as a maple bacon infused pisco sour and a gin and tonic enlisting winged kelp as an ingredient - think fishbowl without the swimmer!
Must Order: Oso Sour, G&Ts, Pinxtos, Wild Scallop Crudo, and Duck Liver Parfait.
Where: Whistler Village, baroso.ca
Don't bypass the Bouillabaisse at the Red Door Bistro. Photo courtesy of Whistler Tourism.
2. The Spot: Red Door Bistro
Why Now: Venture out of the main village and head to a new French bistro in Creekside that’s always booked. When you’re in Whistler, no matter the time of year, you want to feel like you are in ski country. Opened by longtime local RD Stewart, Red Door’s intimate, cabin-style ambiance paired with its fresh cuisine will appease that West Coast comfort you are after.
Must Order: Mussels, Duck Confit Spring Rolls and Bouillabaisse.
Where: Creekside, reddoorbistro.ca
It may be icy cold, but it's worth it at the Bearfoot Bistro Vodka Room
3. The Spot: Bearfoot Bistro
Why Now: Sub-zero vodka tasting room, need we say more? Honestly, there is much more, an all-night culinary journey if you desire. Order a bottle of Dom Pérignon to start the evening and learn to saber the bubbly in their floor-to-ceiling wine cellar. Executive Chef Melissa Craig sources with the seasons and their oysters pair fabulously at the ice-rimmed Champagne Bar. If this team can execute an annual dinner party along the world-famous Peak 2 Peak gondola, they can provide an extraordinary fine dining experience.
Must Order: Champagne, Vodka Room Experience, Oysters, and Nitro Ice Cream.
Where: Whistler Village, bearfootbistro.com
You don't get much more Canadian than BeaverTails. Photo by Lacy Colley Yamaoka.
4. The Spot: Zogs
Why Now: An outdoor stand that serves cheap eats ... sometimes it doesn’t get better. From hot dogs to BeaverTails, these are the ideal snacks to grab on the go. Iconically Canadian, BeaverTails are a flat, fried pastry resembling the shape of a beaver’s tail and typically adorned with various toppings. We prefer ours dusted with copious amounts of cinnamon and sugar, and a squeeze of tart lemon.
Must Order: Killaloe Sunrise BeaverTail
Where: Whistler Village, facebook.com/zogswhistler
Dinner with a view at Christine's. Photo courtesy of Whistler Tourism.
5. The Spot: Christine’s
Why Now: Skip the cafeteria lines and opt for the real deal. Atop Blackcomb Mountain, experience a splurge-worthy lunch in the clouds. Reigning from one of Canada’s top restaurants, Executive Chef Steve Ramey has revamped the menu and is offering a more exciting culinary experience with detailed attention to sourcing. Christine’s ambiance and breathtaking views will have you toasting to fine dining without the pretension.
Must Order: Burrata, Duck Salad, and Sumac Ridge Okanagan Sparkling Wine
Where: Rendezvous Lodge, facebook.com/ChristinesOnBlackcomb
Hail, Caesar! We'll take two of these at GLC. Photo by Lacy Colley Yamoaka.
6. The Spot: Garibaldi Lift Company
Why Now: GLC, as the locals call it, is the epitome of a slope-side, all-season bar that serves up stick-to-your-ribs cuisine after a hard day on the mountain. A first glance at their Caesar menu will have you rethinking appetizers, as most of their Caesars come with snacks such as green beans, asparagus, olives, and bacon. If you aren’t familiar with a Caesar, it’s similar to a Bloody Mary except Clamato juice is used. This classic pub haunt is known for live tunes and a Canadian casual, beanie attire.
Must Order: The Ol’ Smokey Caesar
Where: Whistler Village, facebook.com/GLC.Whistler
Carb calories don't count on vacation, so stock up at Pasta Lupino. Photo by Lacy Colley Yamaoka.
7. The Spot: Pasta Lupino
Why Now: Laid-back Italian eateries are always a family favourite, and nothing beats their quaint menu of and freshly-made items. Pasta Lupino has been serving the Whistler community for years and features warm and reliable service, definitely in line with the casual attitude of Whistler. They also have their pastas, sauces and pizza crust ready to go in their deli case if you are feeling adventurous.
Must Order: Homemade Spinach Pasta and Veggie Lasagna
Where: Whistler Village, pastalupino.com
We were sold on the view alone at Table Nineteen. Photo by Lacy Colley Yamaoka.
8. The Spot: Table Nineteen Patio
Why Now: This lakeside view is unbeatable from Table Nineteen’s elegant patio over Green Lake. Located at the Nicklaus North Golf Course, watch seaplanes soar in to the left while golfers tee off to the right. Also spot the occasional local bear roaming for summertime berries. A refreshing sangria or rosé-laden afternoon here on the patio is always a nice finale to a summer day in the mountains.
Must Order: BC Sandhill Rosé, Apple Cider Sangria and Bison Burger.
Where: Nicklaus North Golf Course, http://www.tablenineteen.com
