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Best of Whistler 2002 Part 1

Best of Whistler 2002 Invited to choose who and what is best for their town, Whistlerites got out and voted in 2002. And they’ll do it again in 2003.

Best of Whistler 2002

Invited to choose who and what is best for their town, Whistlerites got out and voted in 2002. And they’ll do it again in 2003.

We’re not talking about municipal elections here but the sixth annual Best of Whistler readers’ choice poll. From sushi to make out spot; from favourite musician to favourite excuse for being late, Whistlerites have spoken. Have a listen.

QUINTESSENTIAL WHISTLER

Place to spend the last $10 in your savings account

If there’s one thing that Whistlerites know how to do well it’s to survive on limited funds. And in order to survive they need just the basic elements of survival – snow, food and beer. Nesters topped out as the best place to spend the last part of a pay cheque, with the liquor store coming in a fast second. And those with the sweeter tooth picked the Great Glass Elevator, with all those flavoured jellybeans, to last until the next pay day.

One poor voter chose to spend his/her last few pennies on a phone card, presumably to call home and beg for some money ASAP.

Most extreme Whistler thing to do

There’s a new thrill in town that tops the list for the most extreme thing to do. Forget the thrills of skiing the Couloir, hitting the backcountry or racing the Dave Murray Downhill. Bungee jumping has arrived. Since it got here this summer people have been throwing themselves off a bridge over the Cheakamus River with a mere bungee cord attached to their feet, and by all accounts they’re loving it.

Highway 99 also got votes on the extreme list, whether it’s crossing it, biking it or driving it. And doing things naked also got a fair share of votes, including partying naked, skiing naked or strolling through the village naked. One obvious newcomer felt that dodging bears was the most extreme thing to do in Whistler.

Best Use of Public money

We use it for biking, jogging, walking the dog, getting into the village or taking an after-dinner stroll. The Valley Trail is the preferred method of getting around town in Whistler. What would we do without it? The thought of having to use the highway sends collective shivers down our spines. Kudos to the municipality for giving us a network of trails to get about town.

And although the library might be in a trailer at the moment, it takes second place for the best use of public money. In the future it might just make it to number one when it’s housed in a $10 million building. Or it might then be top of the next list.

Worst use of public money

There was a tie for first place when it came to public money being frittered away. Many voters voiced their displeasure at the pay parking that was introduced earlier this year. Despite explanations that the extra Loonie and Twoonie was designed to create more turnover in the parking spots, locals think it’s just another excuse to gauge them out of a few more bucks.

The Olympic Bid was also top of the list. Whether you want the Olympics to come to Whistler or not, voters said that the bid process was a bad way to drain the public purse.

The use of consultants, the new village speed bumps, and the proposed $1 million municipal Web site also irked some members of the taxpaying public.

Worst Whistler trend

Councillor Ken Melamed would be proud of this year’s voters, who picked trophy homes as the worst trend in Whistler. It might be because they’re getting bigger and gaudier or it might just be because they’re pushing the locals out. It might also be because they sit empty for the best part of the year while the rest of Whistler struggles to find a place to lay down their weary heads.

High rents, high house prices and flipping houses for profit were also on the list.

Those more concerned with Whistler fashion trends noted there were a few things on the out and out, among them baggy pants, goggle tans, cowboy hats, head bands, cut off sleeves, furry coats, and low cut jeans. Many voters were also not impressed with the 2002 trend of breaking bus shelter glass.

Party of 2002

In a town that’s renowned for its outrageous parties, 2002 saw some of the best nights out yet. People might not remember the finer details of April’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival but they do remember the rockin’ party scene. The WSSF took top honours this year, followed by the Canadian Snowmobile end of season blow out party. The wine guzzling gaiety of Cornucopia came in third.

Votes were also counted for those glorious few hours when we basked in our shy pride after the Canadian men’s and women’s hockey teams laid down the law in Salt Lake City and reclaimed Canada’s position as best damn hockey country in the world.

New Business

It might be the delicious fried breakfasts or the fresh Italian baguette sandwiches that put the Wild Wood Café at the top of the new business list. It might also have something to do with some of the most reasonable prices for food in Whistler. The little café tucked at the end of Function Junction replaced the Junction Café this year. Its busy turnover is a testament to its popularity. It’s worth the drive to Function.

Pane e Formaggio, for all your bread and cheese needs, came in second and when the sushi craving hits, as it’s often wont to do, Samurai Sushi is now in town taking third place for best new Whistler business.

Gift or present that best says "Whistler"

Tucked away in the village gift stores is a plethora of tacky souvenir keepsakes to remind any visitor of their trip to Whistler. There’s the "Whistler" shot glass to remember the drunken nights. The "Whistler" T-shirt to don after the hot tub parties. The "Whistler" hoody or fleece to show off to jealous friends back home. But the ultimate gift in Whistler doesn’t actually have the word "Whistler" stitched into its seams or etched on its glass. It is of course the season’s pass. The gift that says "I love you" in Whistler. Top votes for the pass again this year – was there any doubt?

Place in Whistler least like Whistler

Once again somebody actually voted "work" as the place least like Whistler, and who can blame them. The sad truth is that we have to work in order to play here, except of course on powder days.

But the three places that were voted the least like Whistler are some of the biggest corporations in the world. Starbuck’s, McDonald’s and the GAP took the top three spots.

On the flip side some of the town’s defining places that have been a part of Whistler from the early days also made the list – the South Side Deli, Tapley’s, the Boot and West Side Road. Even the village itself got a handful of votes. It would seem that while there are some who want things to change, there are those others who want things to stay the same.

Mountain View

That’s a tough one. With all the mountain views to chose from in Whistler it’s hard to pick one above all others. Looking every which way, be it on the valley floor or from the highest peak, there’s a view that’s guaranteed to blow your mind.

Voters had a wide range of picks but Rainbow Park, Wedge Mountain and Flank Trail got the most votes for most spectacular mountain view. The Peak Chair on Whistler and Seventh Heaven on Blackcomb and the dark spear of Black Tusk also got a lot of votes.

Place for People Watching

Citta’ – is there any other choice? Underneath the warm glow of the heat lamps, nursing a cold refreshing beer, Citta’ is the best place to watch the comings and goings and the various antics taking place in the heart of Whistler. It’s the best vantage point to see people wearily walking home after a day on the mountain. The best place to see people dolled up and raring to go at the start of the night. And the best place to watch them stumble out of the bars at the end of the night. It’s endless entertainment for the cost of a cold beer.

A few other places in the Golden Triangle of Village Square got honourable mentions, like Moguls, Amsterdam and La Brasserie but nothing compares to the view from Citta’.

Favourite Whistlerite

Whistler’s favourite Whistlerite passed away on Saturday, Dec. 7. One week later there was a blow out send off party at Merlin’s in celebration of his life. Rabbit, one of Whistler’s original ski bums, claimed top spot in the Pique poll more than once over the years. He was a familiar face around town with his trademark long beard and his Vuarnet sunglasses. And he will be missed.

His old friend Guitar Doug, with whom he shared many interesting escapades, was voted second favourite Whistlerite and Rob Boyd took third place.

Best make out spot

Maybe it’s the increasingly high altitude or the 360 degree view. Maybe it’s the swaying motion or the hum of machinery. Maybe it’s the thrill of steaming up the glass. Whatever it is, the gondolas win hands down again as the best place to get lucky... with a kiss or two.

A few bars got some honourable mentions too, like Bill’s, Garf’s and Moe Joe’s. And at the end of the night, when all else fails and time is running out, the taxi loop serves as a late night make out spot for some voters.

Best excuse for being late to work

Why is anyone in Whistler ever late? Powder days and too much snow. These come in as the best excuses for being late to work or for not showing up at all for that matter. It’s known as the 20 cm rule and while it not written in stone, or in any employee legislation handbooks, there is a general understanding of the need to thank the snow god when he has bestowed his generous bounty.

Those not familiar with the rule, or those with bosses not friendly to the rule, offered the same old tired excuses this year. There was the faulty alarm clock, the pesky road works and traffic. WAVE, Whistler’s bus service, also gets routinely blamed for people not clocking in on time.

Best neighbourhood

The best neighbourhood is just going to get even better soon with daily fresh soup and big hunks of bread from Gone Bakery, nestled in a revamped McKeever’s. Alpine wins as best Whistler neighbourhood again this year. Creekside came in a close second after its summer facelift that brought a freshly paved road, and Tapley’s, one of the original Whistler-resident neighbourhoods, slipped in at number three.

Most other neighbourhoods got honorary mentions too. Let’s face it – there are no bad neighbourhoods in Whistler.

Best lie to tell tourists

They are gullible, aren’t they? It doesn’t really matter if they fall for them or not, it’s fun just pulling their legs. Some things we tell them just to make them feel better: "We love the tourists." "You look just like a local." "It never rains here." "Whistler is cheap." Others things we tell them because we’re a little selfish: "The Peak Chair is closed all day." "The highway is closed." "The mountain opens at 10 a.m." Sometimes we’re just plain mean: "Go ahead, pat the bears." "Sure, the tickets can be purchased directly from the liftie scanning tickets at the bottom. Just wait in line till you get up to the front."

The number one lie is to convince the tourists that the prices they see are actually in U.S. dollars, followed by giving them the wrong directions to the Dual Mountains, generally when they’re standing right in front of them.

But Whistlerites shouldn’t be too smug. Remember, whenever you go on vacation, you’re a tourist too.

Public Place to hang out during a blizzard

Asking hard-core Whistlerites where they’d like to be during a blizzard is like asking the Pope if he’s Catholic – the answer is obvious. Top blizzard hang-out is the mountain and various places on the mountain also got the nod, like the Roundhouse, the Children’s Castle on Blackcomb, the Crystal Hut, Spanky’s, the Peak Chair and in Khyber’s.

For those wanting to warm up from the blizzard chill, there’s comfort in the heat lamps and booze at Citta’, voted the third best place to wait out the storm.

FOOD AND DRINK

Best restaurant overall

RIMROCK: Whistler’s love affair with fine food and fish put this upscale Creekside restaurant out front this year. You would think that mountain people would want gargantuan veggie burgers but fresh oysters, fine fish and great veggies cooked in interesting ways won out this year.

Not far behind the Rimrock was Sushi Village, last year’s winner, just confirming the local’s penchant for succulent salmon from the sea. Third this year was the Fairmont Chateau’s Wildflower, a favourite amongst the celebrities who dine there while holidaying at the five star resort hotel.

When someone else pays

RIMROCK: Well, of course, you get what you pay for and if you want the best it can cost a pretty penny. Rimrock is definitely the place to have someone else pick up the tab if you plan to enjoy all the courses and all the specials, especially when you add in wine form their extensive list. But remember, it does hold its four course dinner special every year, which puts it within reach of just about everyone.

Runner up in this category was the Chateau’s Wildflower, a great place to go for brunch too, especially if someone else is paying. But starve yourself before you go. La Rúa and the Bearfoot Bistro tied for third in this category.

Value

ULI’S FLIPSIDE: You can’t beat the great pasta at a great price at this popular place for perfect penne. And what a bonus – with every entrée you get salad with the meal. You can’t beat that for value. They also have an affordable kid’s menu and they actually serve stuff the pint-sized pontificators will eat! Uli’s is now in the Whistler Creekhouse, and the former Uli’s location (in the St. Andrew’s Building) is now a tapas bar.

Second in this category was the Brewhouse pub, which served bar food at 50 per cent off during the shoulder season. To that we say, "Bring it Back!" Pasta Lupino took third with its outstanding pasta at a really reasonable cost. If you haven’t tried Pasta Lupino’s Alfredo sauce what are you waiting for? It’s the best on the planet.

New

WILD WOOD CAFÉ AND CATERING: This new eatery has definitely taken Function Junction upscale. The café was opened in May by Chris Skene, Paul Saulnier and Richard Yee, all chefs in Whistler. Their plan was to use the kitchen for their catering operation and offer lunches with a bit more flair than available previously. You can enjoy grilled Italian, sandwiches, donair and subs all served by super-friendly staff, who take the time to add a little touch here and there to make you feel like you are eating at a posh place uptown. They also serve tasty pasta dishes at lunch to warm the soul and a hearty breakfast all day. Although a small bird said the hash browns need to be re-hashed.

Samurai Sushi took second place. The fast and friendly sushi place is great when you just want good food fast and affordably, and you don’t want to go into town. It’s on the lower level of Nesters Square.

Wine List

BEARFOOT BISTRO: Feel like enjoying a $10,000 bottle of champagne? Well the Bearfoot Bistro is clearly the place to go as it took first place for wine list this year. The great restaurant also has a fabulous wine cellar, which turns over about 15,000 bottles of the grape during peak season. Along with the bottles worth thousands of dollars the restaurant also offers an excellent selection of unique wines priced moderately.

Araxi took second place in this category.

Atmosphere

SUSHI VILLAGE: Feeling fishy is clearly a winner this year as this popular sushi restaurant takes first for atmosphere in a restaurant. It helps that the staff is always friendly, drinks are served quickly in the bar if you have to wait for a table, and free nibblies often accompany your meal in the off season as chefs warm up their imaginations for those nights when you can’t get in the door.

Runner up was the Rimrock, which envelops you in warmth and sophisticated service as soon as you step in the door.

Pizza

AVALANCHE: It’s hardly surprising that a pizza made with organic dough is number one in Whistler where health, recreation and happiness rule. But, to be honest, does anyone notice the organic dough when they sink their teeth into a slice and their mouth is overrun with tangy tomato sauce, bursts of green pepper juice and the sunshine of pineapple? Enough said.

Runner up was Domino’s. Its cheese pizza is a winner with the kids every time. Locally owned and operated Misty Gourmet Pizza took third place.

Scotch

MALLARD: It’s not just a drink, it’s an experience. That’s why where you enjoy it is almost as important as the whisky itself. The Mallard bar at the Fairmont Chateau is an easy winner in this category. With its high-backed chairs, comfy couches and roaring fire it is the ultimate place to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life.

Runner up in this category is Black’s Pub, which is helpfully only a few steps from the lifts on Whistler. Third place goes to the Dubh Linn Gate where you can enjoy the malt and some good Gaelic music to boot.

Cigars

MALLARD: A small exclusive library-type lounge, complete with leather chairs and couches is the setting for the winner of where to enjoy your cigar: The Mallard Bar at the Fairmont Chateau. It’s a bonus that it has a great air filtering system too and over 20 Cuban cigars to choose from.

Runner up in this category was the Bearfoot Bistro.

Steaks

HY’S STEAKHOUSE: Succulent, savory, and seductive. Yes, that’s how to describe the steaks at Hy’s. No wonder they were chosen the number one place to enjoy a steak. The melt-in-your mouth meat at this posh place can’t be beaten.

Whistler’s Keg gave Hy’s a run for its money though, coming in a close second. Sometimes that casual atmosphere and Keg-sized Caesar are just what you need with a steak.

Burger

Splitz Grill: Need we say more. In fact, it was the only place in town nominated, which says a lot since every eatery in town makes a burger. The gigantic burgers are even better with Splitz’s unique topping sauces and yummy additions. The grill also produces a fabulous veggie burger and you haven’t lived until you’ve had one of their milkshakes.

Take-out

SAMURAI SUSHI: Tucked away on the lower level of Nesters Square, this unassuming sushi café has become a hotbed of take-out. Not only do you get great food you can grocery shop, pick-up a movie and buy fresh flowers while you wait for your order. And you don’t have to take it out. There are several tables to enjoy the fishy fare and friendly service too.

Second in this category was Sushi Ya, proving beyond all reasonable doubt that sushi is the food of choice for locals this year.

Breakfast

RIVERSIDE CAFÉ: Colin Pitt-Taylor’s popular café won hands down for best breakfast in town. But don’t tell anyone about the café tucked away at the new country-club style camping ground at Mons Crossing. It is already hard enough to get a seat there.

If you can’t get in try the runner up, Southside Deli. Somewhat of an institution in town, the greasy spoon may not be around much longer as the building is up for sale. If those spots are full head to the Wild Wood Café in Function Junction, third in this category. But stay away from the hash browns.

Latte

SECOND CUP: Years of work and good brewing have finally paid off for the Second Cup, which took top place for the best latte in town this year. The milky treat is always hot, the foam just right and the coffee never tastes burnt. Now we just need a more accessible location for those who drive to work.

Runner up this year is Behind the Grind, a local’s favourite. Starbucks, which won this category last year, tied for third place with Moguls.

Beer Selection

DUBH LINN GATE: This popular Irish pub won again this year for best beer selection. Not only does it carry a healthy choice of Irish and English beers and ales it also offers several from the Continent. And if you are just stuck on North American brews you can find more than a few on the list.

Black’s Pub maintained its second place position in this category with its own fine selection of beer. The Brewhouse, the only place that brews its own suds, was third.

Service

WILDFLOWER AND RIMROCK: These two unique dinning rooms tied for first place when it came to service. Both establishments attract career servers who know when to be seen and not heard. Always there to answer your questions and refill your wine but invisible when you want that quiet intimate moment, the servers are outstanding – and that includes the bus-people too.

And just to remind us that Whistler loves casual, Milestone’s took second place. Service there, while it can take a while, is always friendly and courteous.

Chef

VINCENT STEFANO of the WILDFLOWER: Behind every great meal is a great chef so it’s no surprise that one of Whistler’s top restaurants garnered this prize. Top honours this year go to Chef Vincent Stefano at the Wildflower in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Stefano has managed to find a perfect balance in flavours and textures as he explores local foods from Gulf Island lamb to Pemberton vegetables.

R.D. Stewart of La Rúa took second in this category and last years’ first place winner, Bernard Cassavant, took third.

Waiter

SUSIE GALLAGHER: It’s no surprise that having already won best service in town it would be a waitress from the Wildflower who would win best server. Susie Gallagher stole the show this year with her professional and courteous service. Her knowledge of food and wine put her out in front. Dozens of other servers got votes too, just going to show that Whistler’s workers salute their own.

Sushi

SUSHI VILLAGE: The winner again this year is Sushi Village, which seems unbeatable as the place to enjoy sushi, sashimi and other Japanese specialties. The Rainbow roll – the chef’s choice of seven different kinds of fish around shrimp tempura – is the best in town.

Sushi Ya took second place this year and wins when it comes to trying to find somewhere to park when you want sushi.

Martinis

MALLARD: Bartenders at the Fairmont Chateau’s Mallard Bar have been working all year to perfect their martinis and it has obviously paid off as the sophisticated lounge took first place this year. Last year the Mallard tied for second. While there seems to be a hundred ways to enjoy the classic drink, The Mallard’s shaken not stirred variety is one of the best.

Araxi took second place in this category.

Seafood

RIMROCK: Well, let me think…. Yes, in an earth shattering revelation voters chose the Rimrock as the best seafood restaurant in town. What’s with the fixation on seafood anyway? Maybe we just don’t get to the coast often enough.

The Crab Shack came second in this category with lots of locals enjoying affordable oysters, which we all know can boost the body. A definite must after a long day on the slopes.

CLUBS, PUBS & BARS

Best DJ

For the second year running Mat the Alien has landed in first place, by a few million light years. Not surprising really, it seems every club in the country wants a piece of this Whistler mixer. He’s been hanging with the big boys for a while now, mixing it up with the best MCs in the business, garnering attention from those that matter. Catch him while you can as Mat the Alien is destined for a galaxy far, far away. See him Friday nights at Tommy’s, Wednesday night’s at the Fish.

DJ Stoli took silver yet again, and third was DJ R3.

Best Bartender

The bar at Moe Joe’s is more than stiff drinks – it’s stiff competition as well. The 2002 cocktail king is owner-operator Andy, closely followed by bar manager Jamie who both man Moe Joe’s drinkin’ den. Aussie Andy’s a 10-year Whistlerite and the guy who started Garf’s locals’ night many moons ago. He bought the Moe Joe’s bar four years ago and has never looked back.

In third place is ex-Citta’s staple Dave Paul. He’s held the top spot for a few years now and is still a strong contender. He defected to La Rúa recently so catch him there instead.

Place To Cut A Rug

This is a tough one, depending on your mood, how much you’ve had to drink and who you’re dancing with, it could be anywhere in town. But Moe Joe’s tops the list again. Tommy Africa’s comes a very close second and Buffalo Bills takes the bronze. These three places are a hop-step-jump away from each other so go to all three.

Place To See A Live Act

The Boot, The Boot, The Boot. Gets it every time. By a landslide. The hallowed halls of this original watering hole have some serious history. With its rustic acoustics, The Boot’s a rite of passage for every young band and a good time gig for the big names too.

Garf’s gets the second place nod, and the Crab Shack is third.

Coolest Staff

What makes a good night out? The music? The people? The staff? Moe Joe’s seems to have the best of both worlds and boss Andy thinks comfort is the key. "We treat people how we like to be treated," he said of their success. With best bartenders, best place to dance and now the coolest staff top accolade, they must be doing something right.

Citta’, where the locals like to sit and watch, came in second and The Boot and the Longhorn tied for third.