Small Barrels Magazine » Canada

Shipwright Inn (Charlottetown, PEI)

karin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:10:40 +0000

Just a pleasant summer stroll away from the Charlottetown harbour front is the Shipwright Inn, a lovingly restored home originally built by shipbuilder James Phillips Douse in 1865. The quiet, treed neighbourhood and utterly charming architecture of the Inn creates a feeling of being tucked away despite staying in the city.

Innkeepers Judy and Trevor welcome you with a wonderful warmth and make it clear that you will enjoy first-class hospitality. Judy is a vibrant, energetic hostess whose cheer is infectious and who makes you feel immediately well-cared for. Despite the enveloping friendliness of your first moments at the Inn, you will not find the service at all intrusive. Your will feel treated as honoured guests with your privacy respected, and all of your needs met.

The Officers Wardroom

Upon your first glance around the interior of the Inn, it will become clear that your hosts enjoy the home that they have worked hard to outfit with modern comforts, subtly incorporated to maintain the building’s heritage feel, and gracious touches of old world charm. Intriguing antiques grace the lobby, dining area and guest rooms. Little touches throughout your room and throughout the entire Inn – extra blankets here, fresh lemonade and home baked goodies for afternoon tea there – make you feel that every detail has been thought of, and then some. We greatly appreciated our hosts’ friendly, welcoming nature as well as their knowledge of the neighbourhood and excellent dining and day trip suggestions.

Our accommodations were on the second floor of the Inn. The Officer’s Wardroom, is a spacious suite with a large lounging area, a very comfortable bedroom with a private deck, and generous master bathroom complete with luxurious air tub. The décor theme had an intriguing Eastern flair, with Japanese furnishings, lamps and collectibles. The room’s signature antique piece was the king bed’s headboard, made from the home’s original doors, a testimony to Judy and Trevor’s efforts to preserve the building’s unique heritage.

Bedroom with King Bed

Our suite also had a fridge and kitchenette area well stocked with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. We were impressed by the very spacious closet, which was virtually a room itself. All around, the accommodations were unique, generous and very comfortable, kept spotlessly clean and thoughtfully stocked by the Inn staff. It was a wonderful place to spend a few nights, and we would have gladly stayed longer – maybe next time!

Being a bed and breakfast, we also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast menu each morning, including delicious fare such as Belgian waffles, eggs and ham, fresh baked muffins with lovely local jams always on the table, fresh juice, good coffee, and of course, friendly, attentive service. A scrumptious and relaxing way to begin the day!

The Shipwright Inn is in a quiet, safe neighbourhood within walking distance of Charlottetown’s major attractions, such as the harbour front, boardwalk, Victoria Park, the Arts center, shopping, and a myriad of wonderful restaurants. We highly recommend it if you plan to stay in Charlottetown.

Overall Experience
We give the Shipwright Inn 4 and 1/2 Stars- Outstanding!

The Shipwright Inn is located at 51 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For hotel reservations call 888.306.9966, or visit http://www.shipwrightinn.com/

Inn at St. Peters (St. Peters, PEI)

karin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:02:06 +0000

Anne of Green Gables is Lucy Maud Montgomery’s most famous literary creation. But there’s another character in the Anne books that is arguably just as important as Anne–and that is the setting of Prince Edward Island itself. You can open up any of the stories of Anne Shirley and lose yourself in Montgomery’s masterful reflections of Canada’s fair island. Or you can go there yourself and experience it firsthand.

We fell in love with Prince Edward Island in the summer of 2007. On that trip, we based ourselves in Charlottetown and explored the central and eastern side of the island, discovering the charm of its red, sandy beaches, sleepy villages, and awesome ocean views. On one of our last daytrips, we discovered St. Peter’s Bay, a picturesque inlet and home to beaches, forest trails, and a sense of quiet solitude. We vowed to return here next time.

Two years later, we booked a stay at the Inn at St Peters, an intimate hotel on the St Peters Bay waterfront. A short drive from Charlottetown, the town of St Peters is a lovely, quiet and inviting place. The approach to the town is dominated by the bay itself, and a great, white church across the water, on the same side as the Inn. Head toward the church, turn left, and you are almost there.

Waterfront King Suite at The Inn at St. Peters

The Inn itself is the ideal place for a restful retreat. Innkeepers Karen and Garth have done a wonderful job creating an environment that is beautiful and welcoming. They extend warm hospitality and a “let us know what you need” atmosphere, yet your privacy is always respected. Reception takes place in the great building, which also houses the large, airy dining room. Accommodations are housed separately from the main building, and just a short stroll away. The grounds are immaculately kept, and gorgeous flowers bloom in neat, winding rows along pretty walking paths. (We were amazed at how green and n bloom everything was for our mid-June stay. The huge clusters of irises were especially breathtaking). The peaceful inlet, lush green grass, and elegant flowers invite calm and relaxation.

Our King Suite was also very pleasing. Spacious, and spotlessly clean, we enjoyed a comfortable sitting area, fireplace, TV and DVD player, as well as a deck overlooking the water. The Suite is a single room, so there is no private bedroom/lounging space. However, this did not affect our enjoyment as we spent our days outside enjoying hikes and scenic drives, and our evenings lingering over delicious cuisine at the Inn’s dining room.

The Beautiful Waterfront Property of The Inn at St. Peters

I suppose here’s the perfect time to mention the gourmet dining provided by Chefs John Haines and Tracy Wallace. It was certainly a highlight of our stay. Sumptuous first courses included offerings such as “Nova Style” House Smoked Salmon with Avocado Oil and St. Peters Bay Mussels (from but a few feet away!) steamed in White Wine, Butter and Rosemary Cream Sauce. Noteworthy mains included Lobster Ravioli in a Garlic Infused Cream Sauce, and Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with Aged Cheddar Croquette Potato, Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Shallots and Balsamic Grilled Vegetables (landlubbers are not excluded here.) A fine wine list added to our enjoyment, and Karen, who was often present in the dining room, shared her knowledge and enthusiasm about wine with us.

We stayed at the Inn for five nights; a rejuvenating amount of time. Our particular vacation package included a nightly three-course dinner, as well as a full, hot breakfast. It was too much food, really, but far better than leaving you wanting. Other packages at the Inn include first-class golf, cycling day trips, and a “City and Sea” package where you share your holiday between the Inn at St Peters, and the attractive Shipwright Inn near Charlottetown’s harbour front. We opted for the dining package, and chose our recreational activities depending on our mood day to day.

Beautiful Views Overlooking St. Peters Bay

We found ourselves exploring the trails and parabolic dunes in nearby Greenwich park (also home to a spectacular interpretive center – literally just down the road from the Inn), driving along the eastern coastline of the island, stopping in quaint little nearby towns for steamed lobster lunches, and getting acquainted with the quiet, peaceful rhythm of this lovely part of Prince Edward Island. (We developed a particular fondness for Rick’s Fish and Chips, a small dining establishment about a five minute drive from the Inn, especially the restaurant’s deep-fried scallops. Worth checking out!)

A note on nature – at the time of year we visited (mid-June), we found the mosquito population thriving. Apparently mosquito fogging is not done on the Island. Especially on hiking expeditions in treed areas, we recommend that you bring along bug spray for maximum enjoyment. Beach excursions are another matter – but if you are heading for the trees, be aware that you might have some irritating company.

Charlottetown is a beautiful place to stay, and hardly a big, bustling city. However, for an even deeper sense of peace and seclusion, consider beautiful St Peters Bay.

Overall Experience
We give the Inn at St Peters 4 and 1/2 Stars – Outstanding!

The Inn at St Peters is located at 1668 Greenwich Rd, St. Peters Bay, PEI. For hotel reservations call 800.818.0925, or visit http://www.innatstpeters.com/

Lake Louise, Alberta

karin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:05:55 +0000

Lake Louise is a majestic alpine lake nestled at the foot of Victoria glacier. The jewel-like color of the lake makes it truly a wonder of nature, and a worthwhile stop on any trip to the Canadian Rockies.

There are many ways to enjoy this incredible site, day-tripping being a popular option for those staying in Banff, Canmore, or nearby campsites. Simply strolling around the paved area in front of Lake Louise to take in the view is an immensely enjoyable experience. You can also rent a canoe in the summer and take a casual paddle around the blue-green water. If you want a more vigorous walk or a different perspective of the area, you can choose from a number of hiking paths with trailheads beginning at the lake. Take an easy walk down the paved path at the lake’s edge, or hike one of the more challenging sawback trails that take you into the forest, some passing smaller alpine lakes along the way. Two tea houses, undetectable from the lakefront, are nestled in the mountains that border the lake. Refreshment paired with spectacular bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise is certainly worth the climb.

Speaking of refreshment, another way to spend a most pleasant afternoon is to take afternoon tea in the famed Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise’s Lakeview Lounge. The lounge overlooks the lake and provides an amazing view of Victoria Glacier. First-class elegance and an unparalled view will create lifelong memories.

Day trips are just the beginning of what you can do at Lake Louise. You can certainly make Lake Louise your Rocky Mountain vacation base. World class accommodations, fine dining, and elegant spa services are available at the Chateau and the nearby Post Hotel (located in the town of Lake Louise, not a five minute drive from the lake itself). Other hotels and accommodations are also available nearby. Lake Louise is a popular ski destination in the winter months. And there are nearby alpine lakes to explore, such as Moraine Lake.

Whether Lake Louise is your base or a must-do along your Rocky Mountain path, getting there can be just as breathtaking as visiting the lake itself. If you are driving from Banff, you might consider taking the Bow Valley Parkway, which runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway. This quieter, meandering highway follows the Bow River, and offers more opportunities for scenic views, wildlife spotting, and mountain hikes.

Despite the crowds that you may find on a day trip to Lake Louise, the beauty of the location seems to inspire calm and wonder in everyone. Though you may be surrounded by others, you will also find a sense of peace and solitude, which is certainly worth the trip.

Gotham Steakhouse (Vancouver, Canada)

karin — Wed, 03 Nov 2004 16:50:24 +0000

There’s something dark, elegant and suggestive of extravagance in the name Gotham. Gotham Steakhouse and Cocktail is a high-end steakhouse in downtown Vancouver, Canada. As its name might suggest, the interior of the restaurant is dark, elegant and yes, even somewhat extravagant in its brooding glamour. Tones of rich, chocolatey brown abound on the walls and in the furnishings, larger than life artwork evokes a stylized version of the swing-jazz era.

The menu is brief and honest as should be expected from a restaurant under the same ownership as Hy’s Steakhouse. At Gotham, there is even more emphasis on serving the best version of traditional steakhouse fare. You are offered simple appetizers, like shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, oysters, crabcakes, beefsteak tomato and red onion salad with blue cheese. We highly recommend the Caesar Salad; we’re always seeking out a version with the best spin on this familiar recipe (must include copious quantities of garlic, of course). Gotham’s take on Caesar was a hit.

Gotham Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

Accompaniments to your steak main course (would you really choose anything else?) are served “family style” to share. To put this in perspective, even the potato was supremely shareable and at the recommendation of our server, this is precisely what we did. Half of an enormous, Baked Idaho potato was served to each of us. Even looking at this beast gave me carpel tunnel syndrome. We soon stopped gawking and started eating as we drowned this perfectly baked treat in butter and sour cream.

The steak was quite divine. Devoid of decorative sauces or distracting spices, we were served generous portions (the porterhouse being consumed next to us nearly tipped the table) of perfectly medium rare, beefy goodness. Definitely a steak worth writing home about and coming back for.

We accompanied this much anticipated meal with an absolute treat – the Torbreck RunRig 2001 (Barossa Valley, Australia). This wine is a true gem – a deeply-coloured, full-bodied shiraz with intense flavours of berry, espresso and spice and a wonderfully long finish. It is sure to please palettes that seek out the bold and the beautiful! You need something big to go with your honest-to-goodness steak at Gotham, so go large and get the RunRig or something like it (if you can!).

We recommend Gotham for its swing-era ambience, friendly service, and food that does not pretend to be anything other than it is – simple, top quality, and awesome.

For more information or to make reservation, call (604) 605-8282 or visit www.gothamsteakhouse.com.

Fifty Two 80 Bistro (Whistler, BC)

karin — Sat, 16 Oct 2004 01:50:15 +0000

Visiting the Four Seasons Whistler’s Fifty Two 80 Bistro as we did in October requires a bit of imagination. Whistler is, after all, a skiing town and the white stuff isn’t truly in its element for a few more months. We therefore had to imagine throngs of people clad in snowflake patterned sweaters layered over thermal underwear turtleneck tops sipping beverages après ski by the fireplace in the large lounge at the restaurant’s entrance. Of course, our reverie could just as easily place gentlemen in classy suits and ladies in little black dresses sipping cocktails amidst this lounge’s luxurious leather furnishings and tasteful décor. Though described as a casual restaurant, the décor and menu will not disappoint those in the mood for slightly a “finer” experience.

The décor of the main dining room is fresh, modern and inviting. Warm, earthy, and peachy tones are complemented by wood accents that reflect the glow of the open stone fireplace. (There is also a fireplace outdoors for al fresco dining in the summer months.) Everything at the Four Seasons Whistler, including the Fifty Two 80 Bistro (named, incidentally after the 5280 foot elevation of Whistler’s famous Blackcomb Mountain), is attractive and in impeccable shape at this relatively new hotel.

Fifty Two 80′s a-little-bit edgy menu is seafood-inspired, with daily creations served up from the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. We were urged to begin with a taste from the “live-action seafood bar” featuring prawns, freshly shucked oysters, lobster and other tasty bites. We sampled crab and lobster “raw shots” – amazingly tender morsels of these tender shellfish were actually served in a shot glass on a tiny bed of frisée lettuce. These tasty teasers are also served with homemade specialty sauces - I definitely recommend the tantalizing, fresh, green goddess sauce.

Seafood is king at Fifty Two 80. Sure, the daily changing menu serves up share of chicken, prime rib(and even turkey with stuffing on the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday which occured while we were there), but restaurant specialties here revolve around things with gills or some mode of breathing under water. We visited the Bistro twice during our stay at the Four Seasons and sampled several items from the menu. Between those two visits, for first-courses (following seafood “raw shots”), we enjoyed a Golden Beet Salad with lightly breaded, warmed goat cheese and a tarragon dressing, House Smoked Wild Salmon on potato blinis with dill cream, and steamed mussels accompanied by frites and a spicy mayonnaise dip. Seafood reigned for our main courses. Generously sized garlicky prawns with a refreshing tomato salsa served with a mixed green salad was one evening’s choice – and then the highly recommended Black Cod with sweet corn and chanterelles. Desserts were rich and indulgent, such as the simply and aptly named “Chocolate” – a medley of chocolaty treats such as a Bailey’s and chocolate fudge morsel and sour cream and chocolate chunk ice cream.

We found the wine list to be rather small and quite focused upon British Columbia wines. It provided an interesting rather than stellar selection. We had the Cedar Creek Platinum Reserve Chardonnay, 2002 on the first night, which was notable for its light, non-oaky taste. The next night, being in an eclectic and celebratory mood, we began with Sumac Ridge Brut from the Okanogan Valley – not exactly a creamy Champagne, but a still a nice beginning to a meal. We then took advantage of the half bottle offerings and had both the Blue Mountain Chardonnay 2001 and the Cedar Creek Estate 2002 – the second better than the first.

Service was quite good – very friendly, and servers had good knowledge of the menu. As for dress code, think presentable (change out of your ski gear), but not overly formal.

Overall Dining Experience
We give Fifty Two 80 4 Stars – Excellent!

For more information or to make reservations, call (604) 935-3400 or visit http://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/dining.html