Dining along the G Five Vancouver lsiand inns renowned for their gastronomy Katherine Gibson Contributing Writer A quiet revolution is simmering on Vancouver Island. Local, seasonal and organic are the words of war for the young, talented chefs who assault the senses of visitors to five distinctive inns that form the Gourmet Trail. The number of awards won by the five Trail Partners is as staggering as the ingenuity of their chefs, who use the bounty of the sea and soil to create unique island cuisine. The Gourmet Trail begins at Wickanninish Inn, a seaside sanctuary perched on the clifls overlooking Chesterman Beach near Pacific Rim Park. Swells of raging ocean waves and endless beaches invite exploring and romantic, moonlit walks. The Inn's _Tustic elegance imparts an unforgettable west coast feeling. Everything about the place is organic — fiom furniture con- structed of recycled fir planks to hand-glazed cedar panelling, river stone vases and handcratted bread-baskets. The spray of the Pacific Ocean speckles the Inn’s windows and the endless ocean roar is piped into the dining room where chef Jim Garroway works his magic. Wild mushrooms, unusual seafood such as acern and gooseneck barnacles and island-grown vegetables highlight the menu. Try anyching featuring Ucluelet Organic goat cheese — it alone is worth the trip. Organizers also - arrange visits to a salmon smokehouse and a guided ocean or for- est walk with a biologist. The next: day, a mini-coach whisks guests westward to the Aerie Resort high i in the Malahat. The Aerie boasts magnificent *, views of the Finlayson Arm. And a touch of fantasy. The montage of gilded furniture and festoon-draped beds is a backdrop for window-front soaker tubs accented with tiny gold stars over- head. Fresh flowers are everywhere. Expect to be impressed with = chef Christophe Letard. Locally-raised venison and catch-cf-the- _day top the menu. Chef Letard’s sea bass, floating in fresh corian- der oil, is unforgettable. Best of all, Letard leads guests in a mush- ~room forage i in the nearby woods for delicate morels, fragrant chanterelles and meaty pine mushrooms. Then‘ it’s off to Hastings House,'a 25-acre estate on Salt . Spring Isiand, built in 1939 as the home of naval architect Warren - Hastings and ‘his wife, Barbara. Once a flourishing farm, the inn’s - herb -and. vegetable "garden provides Swiss-born chef Marcel . ..Kauer with ‘fresh enhancements for the island’s legendary Sait ‘Spring: Island lamb-and wild Pacific salmon. Organic pear and apple juice, produced from fruit grown on the property, is a year- ‘round favourite..I came upon sous-chef Thomas Render in the _ garden, harvesting lemony sorrel to garnish the seared mahi starter. “Some of our ingredients are minutes from the garden when they 2 appear before you,” boasts Thomas. o Mathy Yazdiha Mathy brings with her a wealth of experience in both corporate & leisure travel. Whether your itinerary is overseas or domestic Mathy can assist you with all your travel needs. 1467 Bellevue ave. West Vancouver - 922-4131 _ www.carlsoawagonlit.ca Email: carconvagonlt@attelobal ne Travel with Capilano College . Amazon Rain Forest and the Galapagos ‘Islands ~ ; a With biologist. Marja ‘de Jong Westman May I ta june 6, 2008 ¥ Gulf Islands Natural History Cruise “~ With naturalist David Stirling Registration: 990- 7844 October 7 to 9, 2000 * Australia & - Tasmania - With naturalist.” - Dick Cannings ‘November 7 fo : Baja California “. & the Sea : of Cortez “With naturalist David Stirling January 3 to 13, 2001 Workshops in France. _ Deggans' Art Centre in Montaigut-le-Blanc Registration: 986-2262 July 7 to 25, or September 8 to 26, 2081 Capile $3 “Eiicge pitaxo COLLEGE “CONTINUING EDUCATION, NORTH VANCOUVER, Be ! Stars and Fire With astronomer “> Bill Van Luven February 20 to 27, 2001. Madagascar ©. *. Join ecologist Dr Keith Wade May 5 to 2, 2001 ra <3 an oi | ah ‘TRAVEL urmet Trail Hastings House guests bed down in the Pth-century Sussex-style Manor House or one of the many outbuildings transformed into comfy, down-home cottages, complete with handwoven blankets, nos- talgic pottery, rocking chairs and timeworn plank floors. Seven just-finished Hillside Suites, with views of Ganges harbour, offer a Calitornia-stvle decor. Opt for the cabins if you want a touch of the past. A visit to island cheesemaker, David Wood, who loving- ly crafts goat and sheep cheeses, is a must. We left time for a sun- set kayak paddle to small islands at the mouth of Ganges harbour. Then it’s back to Vancouver Island for a stroll through the family-owned Butchart Gardens. The former gravel pit now extends to 30 acres, comprising the Japanese, Italian, Rose and Sunken Gardens. What began as a private garden with a single rose busk and a handful of sweet pea seeds in 1903 now delights more than 250,000 visitors yearly, Lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Try for a seat in the solarium with its view of Mrs. Butchart’s private garden. Magnificent. With the scent of more than 10,000 varieties of flowers (250 rose variations alone) still lingering, it’s time for tea with the Empress. Victoria's Empress Hotel has catered to discerning visitors for decades. Even H.R.H. Prince of Wales took a twirl under the ballroom’s crystal chandeliers in 1919. The ofd English patina highlights the Tudor style dining room where executive sous- chef Tain Rennie creates masterpieces with wild mushrooms, organic greens and free-range meats. “The Gourmet Trail culminates at the world-renowned Sooke Harbour House, nestled on Whiffen Spit and set amongst nwo acres of edible flowers, herbs, salad greens and seasonal vegetable gardens. “All that grows here finds it way into the kitchen,” explain owners Frederica and Sinclair Philip. Dinner might include sea asparagus, periwinkles or geoduck with sauces of tulip, geranium or chive blossoms. The list of B.C. wines is stag- gering. Sooke Harbour House is a showcase for the works of native carvers and island artists. The 70-year-old white, clapboard inn is covered with intricately carved masks, red, black and yellow painted banquet bowls, paddles and totems. Works by water- colourist Carol Evans grace the second floor reception area, and Quadra Island author Hilary Stewart's latest book, On island Time, beckons from guest room coffee tables. Just as inviting are the bits of whimsy that surface just about everywhere. A fifties crock pot nestles on a hallway ledge among other nostalgic bits, a dried seaweed necklace circles a tiny statuette, and a cuddly stuffed toy lamb observes the evening fire in his corner of the overstuffed sofa. One can’t leave Victoria without a proper cuppa in the Lobby -, Lounge of the Empress Hotel. Traditional cucumber and smoked : salmon sandwiches, fresh berry tarts and scones lathered with ‘Your € - Fall is here, so ) put your mind at ease with our ‘Special Offer. - LUBE, Ol, FILTER Check all fluid levels and correct if ecessary - “includes olf & filter, Fall Super Service =" ‘Tuna up Including ignition system inspection,” . «replace spark plugs, battery service, alr Mer, service,” scope engine and check exhaust : emission levels. ia : ec at tae Ea : Heating System Service : Pressure test cooling systam, change antilrecze, © check belts and hoses," includes antifesaze "itt ‘Wheel Alignment = “On the latest 611 Hunter alignmeat D _ machine providing a computer generstod bet re & alter report 472 ct on, "Weare asa comple autoboty epi shop. 183 Pemberton Ave. . TALKING : 985-7195 | Magee. ~ Front wheel : allgament . ‘ae | Sunday, September 24, 2000 — North Shore News - 33 Photo Katherin Ginson CHEESEMAKER David Wood sells his wares at the Sait Spring Island Saturday market. Devonshire cream are served on fine bone china. Of course, the Empress’ special brand of tea is made just right. net For a taste of Vancouver Island, the Gourmet Trail gets it right. Nor meant for slim wallets, a six-day Gourmet Trail tour ranges from $4,875 per person all-inclusive. There is also-a Map Your Own Trail excursion at $450-650 per night, all-inclusive. Contact: First Island Tours: 1-800-970- 722 or 250- 658- 5367 or , . ¢ Change Your. Mind & Change Your Game The ultimate golf learning experience — for women only. Acapulco, January 200! Join us to meet the pres who will, change your golf game forever! © ns, _ Wed. September 27, 7:30 p.m. S716 Marine Drive, WestVan.. _ o-- SHE ONE PLACE PERFECT FOR: ALL OF us Shopping galore! Hundreds of items to sample’ and buy. Fashion Shows: Walk the runway with the. Bay, as they. showcase fall's. most fabulous fashions. 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