I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. It’s awe-inspiring to live on an island with a backdrop of mountains. I didn’t grow up here, but I absolutely love it, and consider it home. Every day I breathe deeply, take in the beauty, and count my blessings. If you’ve never been to this part of the world, you might consider putting the west coast of Canada on your summer holiday itinerary.
My sister recently came for a visit. After days of shopping, relaxing, chatting, a little reading (her), sewing (me), and drinking lots of good wine, we took a short trip to visit our Uncle. Charmingly, he took us to lunch. Little did we know that he just happens to live down the road from the famous and award-winning resort, Sooke Harbour House.
Perched on Whiffen Spit overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the view from Sooke Harbour House is nothing short of spectacular. This unique 28-room boutique hotel was opened 39 years ago by Frederique and Sinclair Philip . Both quaint and luxurious, it is a destination for locals and visitors from around the world, including celebrities. It has earned accolades and awards for it’s food, it’s wine list, as well as for its accommodation. It’s a gem.
We dined in The Copper Room, their casual bistro-bar.
The room is inviting, gleaming, and cozy. The central stone fireplace was ablaze and crackling, providing a lovely ambience for the cool Spring afternoon.
A chalkboard easel at the entrance listed the specials, so although we glanced briefly at the enticing menu, we all chose the Catch Of the Day which was fresh halibut. The fish was artfully plated, perfectly cooked and seasoned, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect-sized portions were served with tender asparagus, marble potatoes, and organic greens which were were gathered from the garden visible outside the restaurant window—an bountiful edible landscape with over 200 herbs, greens, flowers, and vegetables. Whatever Sooke Harbour House doesn’t grow themselves, comes from local farmers and foragers. It doesn’t get fresher, or tastier, than this.
Over our lingering lunch, we shared a bottle of BC Riesling from Upper Bench Winery. It was outstanding. It recently won a gold medal at the 2018 Cascadia International Wine Competition. I can see why.
It is beautifully clean, crisp and dry and is versatile as they come – enjoy it as a patio sipper or pair with seafood, grilled meats or charcuterie. On the nose it displays gooseberry, lime, peach and apple blossom. On the palate it is bursting with Granny Smith apple, stonefruit and lemon-lime.
~ Wine Maker’s Tasting Notes
Dessert was too tantalising for the ladies who lunch to turn down. So, we ordered one dish with two spoons. The house-made ice-cream with a shot of Sooke’s Stick In The Mud espresso and dark chocolate shards was the perfect ending to an amazing and memorable meal.
Verdict?
Best lunch.
Ever.
So, readers, let me know when you’re coming to visit.
We’ll do lunch.
Sooke Harbour House: Website; Facebook
The post Lunching appeared first on a woman of a certain age.