I used to think ski-resort food meant burgers for lunch and fondue at dinner. Not true in Whistler, BC, where choosing a restaurant often overwhelms me. There’s sooo much choice. A pair of 20-something hipsters have come to my rescue with the new Whistler Tasting Tours. My partner and I joined its daily après-ski tour, the Après-disiac, which takes up to 15 lucky diners on a gastronomic slalom course through five of the ski town’s upscale noshing options.
Joe Facciolo and biz partner Skai (rhymes with ray) Dalziel show us how diverse the food choices are at North America’s No. 1 ski resort. The boyhood buds from Ontario are great hosts and conversationalists who even mix a poker game into the tour.
Their concept is so simple, I’m kicking myself for not thinking of it: charge a flat rate ($150, restaurant gratuities included) to guide newcomers (or frequent visitors like me) to a handful of eateries where we get just enough exquisite food and British Columbia wine to beg for more. By tour’s end, I’m plenty full and have discovered new-to-me spots I’m keen to return to for a full meal.
I never thought I liked lamb. But it’s the signature dish during our stop at a well-hidden Greek restaurant called Kypriaki Norte, and one bite changes my opinion forever. I never would have discovered this restaurant on my own.
More courses and stops: Swish cocktails and appies at the swanky Fairmont Chateau Whistler bar; champagne “sabering” in the cave-like wine cellar at Bearfoot Bistro; a tongue-dazzling seared ahi tuna at Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar (paired with pinot noir from Nk’Mip Cellars, BC’s much-praised Aboriginal-owned winery); a light dessert and local ice wine at FireRock Lounge.
What else I loved: Good value. At first, $150 seemed like a steep price. But after doing the math on all the food, bevies, tips, an included crosstown taxi ride, not to mention the hosts’ time, it was a steal. Their Privileged Palate Tour is just begging to be tried next time, too.
Kid-friendly tip: The tour is for adults only, but you can drop the kids at The Core Gym’s Kids Adventure Zone.
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