karin, Author at Small Barrels Magazine

Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

September 13, 2022 By karin

The Rundle Bar at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a welcoming, stylish place to share some drinks and good food. Whether it be for a pause in the afternoon or for late night cocktails, the art deco-inspired decor and stunning views make it memorable.

Clean, contemporary decor and great views

We recall the days when this space was the hotel’s old lobby. It’s certainly been refreshed and re-imagined since then – gone are the dark tones and medieval-style tapestries. But, even with its much more contemporary vibe, the tasteful new Rundle Bar manages to fit in beautifully with the grandeur of the rest of ‘the castle’.

Of course, when you offer views like the Bow Valley (pictured below), ‘grandeur’ is somewhat baked-in.

We stopped in for an afternoon cocktail after checking in. The Rundle Bar is large space – two levels, in fact – offering a comfortable mix of tables, chairs, and sofas to relax in. We had no trouble finding a table. But even at this time of day, the popular bar was hopping.

Rundle Bar's Signature Cocktail List — Rundle Bar’s Signature Cocktail List

In addition to all the usual lovely wines, craft beers, and spirits, the Rundle Bar offers a creative craft cocktail menu. I very much enjoyed my intriguingly herby Royal Cosmo de Provence.

The Boulevardier was also excellent.

The menu goes beyond cocktails if you’re looking for a snack, or something heartier. We had big plans for dinner and so didn’t order food, but plates and platters were sailing around us everywhere. An all-day menu focuses on upscale appetizer fare, like smoked salmon, vegetable crudités and hummus, and oyster plates. A lunch menu is also offered, with bistro selections like poke bowls, soups, salads, and gourmet sandwiches.

An outdoor patio opens up in the warmer times of the year. The weather wasn’t ready during our visit, but the views of the valley and the fresh mountain air would certainly ‘elevate’ the food and drink even further.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stop at the Rundle Bar, and suggest popping in if you’re a guest at the Banff Springs!

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/banff-springs

Fairview Bar and Restaurant Review

July 26, 2022 By karin

With its art-deco inspired decor and a view of one of North America’s most famous alpine lakes, the Fairview Bar and Restaurant is a stylish place to dine while at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The menu is heavily inspired by local and “Rocky Mountain wild” fare (and is thus changeable, as seasons and availability dictate). Let’s take a look…

Fairview Bar and Restaurant Starter Menu

For starters, we had the Brant Lake Steal Tartare pictured at the top. It was fresh, tasty and everything you’d hope for – dusted with delicate asiago ‘snow’ that melted on the tongue.

Gem Lettuce Salad with Wild Orange Oil and Pickled Vegetable

The Gem Lettuce Salad really was a gem – one of the meal’s highlights. In the photo it looks deceptively simple. The ingredients were as fresh, bright, tender and crisp as they look (already a good start). But what you can’t see is what made it magic; an absolutely scrumptious dressing of Wild Orange Oil with zingy pickled vegetables tying it all together. Really noteworthy in my books.

And oh yes – note this utterly lovely (and ridiculously large) loaf of bread was also brought to the table. (That is NOT a tiny plate, my friends.)

Fairview Bar and Restaurant Mains and Sides

For main courses, the selection wasn’t extensive but it was nicely balanced with choices of fish, steak, and “wild” mains. (Think elk, venison, boar chop for that last category.) We were in a less-than-wild mood I suppose, but the local Alberta beef suited us just fine.

Black Label 6oz. Tenderloin with Chimichurri

The frothy, delectably-green chimichurri and charred green onion were welcome tastes and textures that complemented the beef. The drizzle of veal jus added another layer of richness to the already buttery steak. Fine touches, and something different than what you get at a typical steakhouse.

Sides were made to share. We added wild sautéed mushrooms to our meals as well as an order of harissa seared asparagus. The mushrooms were earthy and good, and the hot chilli pepper flavour of the harissa once again worked so well with everything we ordered. Honestly, it’s the unusual but expertly-chosen sauces, dressings and enhancements that makes this meal stand out in our memories.

We enjoyed a bottle of the Continuum 2016 (Napa) – a Bordeaux blend that was at once rich-tasting with a deep, beautiful colour and deliciously floral scented. The showy decanter pictured above perfectly suited the wine and the art-deco decor of the dining room. All-around gorgeous wine and presentation.

This was a final meal for us after a long and wonderful stay in the mountains. We opted for port-for-dessert to finish off the meal and toast the trip.

Our wonderful server, noting our love of wine and port, generously treated us to a taste of the outstanding 1964 Messias port.

In addition to the tasty and memorable meal, the service was terrific and, as mentioned, very generous with the surprise gift of such a special port. Dietary concerns/allergies were also handled with the utmost attention to detail, which is always appreciated.

The Fairview Bar and Restaurant is a must for a romantic, tasty dinner while staying at the Chateau and we highly recommend it.

Visit www.fairmont.com for more information or to make reservations.

The Diplomat Steakhouse – Regina, Saskatchewan

April 5, 2022 By karin Leave a Comment

Wonderfully traditional steakhouse elegance

An elegant downtown Regina tradition going back over 40 years, The Diplomat Steakhouse was welcoming, comfortable, and delicious. Featuring Prime Aged Steaks (aged in-house), the expected steakhouse accompaniments, and much more – you’re in for an enjoyable evening.

The steak menu is comprehensive, and that’s what brought us here, but the offerings go beyond steak. Numerous chicken dishes, pastas, and a large seafood selection are also available. There’s something for everyone, with plenty of Greek-cuisine inspired deliciousness.

We began dinner by melting into our cozy plush red velvet booth and ordered very traditional cocktails – a Caesar and a Manhattan.

For a starter, and continuing with old school steakhouse tradition, we shared a shrimp cocktail. The shrimp was pleasingly plump and icy cold, with a balanced and tangy cocktail sauce – just as you’d hope.

Caesar salad followed. Portions were generous without being overwhelming large. And this is as good of a spot as any to mention the impeccable service. The pacing of courses was perfect, and our server possessed the best blend of polite, friendly, and unobtrusive that we could hope for. That paired with the warm, familial welcome from the gracious host right upon our entrance made for a most comfortable evening.

We found the large wine list to be very reasonably priced. We chose a big, bold shiraz, Mollydooker Carnival of Love (2014), one of our favourites. Beautifully decanted, it dressed up our table and was the ideal pairing with our steaks.

Molly Dooker's Carnival of Love — Molly Dooker’s Carnival of Love

I myself ordered the 8oz. Filet Mignon (not pictured). For him – a 19oz. Rib Steak grilled to perfection. Both steaks were absolutely excellent. The Triple AAA Angus beef was rich and flavourful, benefitting from the aging done in-house. The medium rare preparation was exactly right. Fresh bread and garlic butter, soup or salad, choice of potato or rice and vegetables rounded out the meal.

I must mention the unique decor. Besides the sumptuous materials and dark colours that give the restaurant a very traditional feeling, there are of course the oil portraits. On every corner, you’ll find ornately framed paintings of Canadian Prime Ministers and other dignitaries. It’s unique – it works! – and adds to the enduring charm of this historic restaurant.

You’ll also note the jam-packed wall of signed celebrity photos near the entrance. Clearly The Diplomat is a beloved and much-recommended destination. And now, Small Barrels recommends it to you!

Gallery of Canadian Prime Minister oil portraits

Visit www.the diplomat steakhouse.com or call 306-359-3366 for more information or to make reservations.

Afternoon Tea at Chateau Lake Louise

February 24, 2022 By karin Leave a Comment

Afternoon Tea is the embodiment of refinement. Enjoying this tradition while overlooking breathtaking Lake Louise is an experience to cherish.

If you are planning a stay at the renowned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, do consider indulging in Afternoon Tea. The elegant meal is served between 12pm and 3pm in the Fairview Restaurant with stunning views of the hotel grounds, Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier.

According to the hotel website, reservations are ‘strongly recommended’. We think you should go a step further and make them a must. The restaurant is open not only for tea, but for mid-afternoon appetizers, beverages and lunch, meaning that tea tables are limited. Advance reservations also allowed us to have dietary restrictions noted and beautifully accommodated.

Our meal began with a curated tea menu featuring fine black, green, oolong, and herbal teas, all beautifully described. We chose the Imperial Breakfast Tea as well as the intriguing Madame Butterfly Green Tea. The latter was aptly characterized as tasting of “smooth and ethereal jasmine” and so lovely that I purchased a box afterward from the hotel shop.

The menu consisted of a traditional assortment of fresh scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and jams, and heavenly finger sandwiches, pastries and sweets. A few welcome, creative interpretations were woven in, such as a scrumptious jalapeño and cheddar scone, an avocado dip with prawn and rice cracker, and a rich and creamy salted caramel Pot de Creme.

Champagne and bubbly add-ons were also available, as well as a selection of items designed for children’s tastes.

Of course, presentation is part of the charm of Afternoon Tea. The tea itself was served in lovely blue and white china, and the finger food showcased on three-tiered stands. We each received our own special stand of treats, and as mentioned above, accommodations were beautifully made for dietary restrictions.

It’s hard to find fault with spending an afternoon overlooking an alpine lake while enjoying tea, elegant sandwiches and sweets.

Do be aware, though, that while the offerings appear dainty, it really is quite a bit of food. We recommend that you make your lunch and dinner plans with this in mind.

Reservations for Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise can be made online or by calling 403 522 1601.

A Thanksgiving Feast – Elegant Takeout from Peasant Pantry

October 28, 2020 By karin Leave a Comment

A small but memorable Thanksgiving celebration

This October, Winnipeg’s Peasant Cookery did a beautiful job with their special takeout Canadian Thanksgiving dinner. Truly, it was just as special as homemade. This beautifully prepared multi-item feast would be a great option to order any year. But with celebrations on a (much) smaller scale in 2020, being able to enjoy a meal just as sumptuous as if the whole family had brought their favourites to share was good for the spirit. Well done, Chef Melissa and the Peasant Panty/Peasant Cookery team!

Sides and main prepped and ready for the oven

Pre-ordered dinners were available for delivery or pickup throughout the Thanksgiving weekend with quantities tailored to the number of guests, from 2 to 6 people. We pre-ordered online on Thursday, and arranged pick up for Saturday afternoon – a quick and easy process. The more-than-complete Thanksgiving Dinner package included turkey, gravy and more sides than I have ever seen at one holiday sitting! Everything was made from scratch with a cornucopia of fresh, local ingredients.

Generous portions, quality ingredients (not pictured: housemade cranberry sauce)

The meal included sliced Manitoba Grade A turkey (white and dark meat), a sherry pan jus, a beet salad with arugula, puffed wild rice and seed blend and caramelized honey vinaigrette and goat cheese mousse (outstanding!), maple ginger bourbon glazed yams, buttermilk mashed potatoes, honey dill roasted heirloom carrots, sweet and sour meatballs, house-made cranberry sauce, and a scrumptious bread dressing with artisan bread, sage and brown butter, carrot, celery onion and garlic. Special mention must be made about the perfectly spiced pumpkin pie with in-house roasted local pumpkins and a delectable vanilla chantilly cream.

Peasant Beet Salad with beets, puffed wild rice, seeds, caramelized honey vinaigrette and goat mousse

Besides the pie, our very favourite items were the beet salad and maple ginger bourbon glazed yams. Chef Melissa has such a flair when it comes to using warming autumnal spices – those yams were out of this world! Everything was delectable and portions were generous.

Perfect pumpkin pie made with local in-house roasted pumpkins

All items were chilled, pre-cooked and packaged separately with reheating instructions. Within about an hour of oven time, we were sitting down to give thanks over a gourmet meal – and more treats than we would have prepared for just for two.

Takeout items packaged and labeled with reheating instructions

There was an option to add a wine from Peasant Pantry’s selection, a further convenience to round out the meal. We decided to go with something from our own cellar, Kelley Fox’s 2015 Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir. Such an elegant wine to smell and taste and see with its ripe red fruit colour – a great pairing with a Thanksgiving Feast!

Quantities and prices were based on number of guests; for two, this very complete dinner was $65 ($125 for 4 and $180 for 6). For the obvious quality and care in preparation, generous portions, and the easy convenience of this special dinner package, we found the prices to be extremely reasonable.

We had special motivation this year to seek out a takeout option. But we would certainly do it again. The food and the experience was simply that good. Thank you Peasant Pantry for helping to provide a Happy Thanksgiving!

Peasant Cookery’s “Peasant Pantry” is located at 283 Bannatyne Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For more information on their pick up and takeaway options, visit www.peasantpantry.store or call (204) 989-7700.