It was in 1981 that Jack Evrensel opened Ristorante Araxi in Whistler, a widely celebrated restaurant that would later become the flagship for a small but distinguished fine dining empire.
A decade later he opened CinCin on Robson, and last year he opened two more restaurants, the Blue Water Café in Yaletown and Ouest on South Granville.
Appropriately, Araxis (which was named after Evrensels wife) will be celebrating its 20 th anniversary during the Cornucopia Food and Wine Celebration on Saturday with a winemakers dinner featuring Beringer, Meridian and Chateau St. Jean wineries.
The dinner sold out almost as soon as it was announced, but locals will be able to take advantage of a special offer until Dec. 14 a seven course tasting menu for just $39. In addition, Araxi is offering a Local Group Christmas Dinner with free range turkey starting at $28.50 per person.
Call 604-932-4540 for a reservation.
Salmon celebrated with BBQ
Every year the salmon come back to spawn, and the bald eagles come back to feast on the dead salmon. Further downstream some live salmon are caught and brought back upstream for the annual Return of the Salmon Festival in Squamish, where they are barbecued to perfection. The balance is maintained.
This years festival, which is being held at the Sunwolf Outdoor Centre on Squamish Valley Road, Nov. 18, was organized to create an awareness of salmon, and their importance to the region. The events start at 11 a.m.. There will be arts, crafts, exhibits, and, of course, barbecued salmon.
Bistro offers seasonal specials
For just $45 you can treat your date to a three course meal at one of the top ranked restaurants in North America, the Bearfoot Bistro. For an additional $45, you can eat yourself.
A three course meal at the Bistro at this time of year includes your choice of appetizers, such as Atlantic lobster bisque, with seared sea scallop and cold pressed black cod, Tamari glazed Black Cod and hot cucumbers in vinaigrette, or Oysters on the half shell with raspberry mignonette.
It includes a main course, such as Live Atlantic Lobster and seared Sea Scallop, purple potatoes, Pemberton organic vegetables and a lobster saffron cream; the Chefs fresh fish of the day with appropriate garnishes; Breast of Quebec Muscovy Duck in a Moon Farm sour cherry glaze, peal barley risotto, and organic vegetables from the Gathering Place Organic Farm; and the Australian Lamb loin rack with fingerling potatoes, Arabica coffee bean infused jus, preserved morels and DArcy vegetables.
There are also two desserts to choose from, the Bearfoot Bistro symphony of desserts or a special Artisanal cheeses of B.C., Quebec and France, with crackers, nuts and fruit. Call 604-93293433 for a reservation.
Festival of Lights
The annual Gala Festival of Lights champagne reception, dinner, dance and auction will be held on Nov. 24 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
The festival is put on by local real estate companies, ReMax, Sussex Realty, Windermere, and the Whistler Real Estate Company, to raise money for local charities. Past beneficiaries include Maurice Young Millennium Place and Myrtle Philip Elementary School.
There is a full menu to enjoy, a live auction, a silent auction, and entertainment by Johnny Ferreira and the Swing Machine.
The Fairmont Chateau is also offering a special $149 accommodation package based on double occupancy.
Tickets to the Gala Festival are available from local real estate offices.