Spending an evening under golden-hour light, sharing an elegant meal with friends, is a summer tradition. When paired with the intentional curation of staff at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, it can evoke memories of a European seaside escape.
Tucked into the courtyard of the Braidwood Tavern, the resort’s newest summer offering, Riviera and Rosé, transports guests to the Mediterranean coast—complete with the Coast Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. Every Thursday evening until Sept. 4, diners are invited to immerse themselves in a sensory celebration of flavours, sights and sounds at an al fresco buffet inspired by the sea.
Upon entering the courtyard, guests are greeted by a whimsical Vespa photo booth beneath a pergola. Lemon tree accents add a splash of sunshine, while expansive umbrellas offer shelter from the sun. A gentle water feature trickles in the background, complementing the relaxed setting as guests recline in cushioned chaises and sip their first glass of wine.
Attentive staff begin the experience with a pour of rosé to highlight the wines on offer, while cocktail selections such as the Beekeeper and Mex I Can provide playful nods to summer ingredients and flair.
As the event’s name suggests, rosé is the star of the evening, with a wine list featuring selections from France, Italy and British Columbia. A standout option is 11 Minutes by Famiglia Pasqua, a complex, floral-forward rosé made from native varietals in northeastern Italy. Soft grape pressing and aromatic hints of fruit and spice make it a vibrant, refreshing choice.
Paired with fresh Pacific oysters from Sawmill Bay on Read Island, it’s easy to imagine the scent of sea salt in the air.
But with long summer days often spent hiking, biking or on the mountain, the event also delivers hearty fare to help guests refuel. The meal begins with a spread of French, Spanish and Italian cheeses and charcuterie. The scent of fresh bread wafts through the air, accompanied by a mezze selection of hummus, moutabal, labneh, Greek salad and marinated olives—perfect for grazing and conversation.
As guests dine and mingle, local musician Steph Lundy sets the tone with acoustic ballads. A Sea to Sky artist originally from Salt Spring Island, Lundy brings laid-back charm with covers of artists like Noah Kahan, adding to the casual, sun-kissed ambience.
A second trip to the buffet is almost inevitable. Blue and white tagines—traditional North African cooking vessels—overflow with couscous and seasonal vegetables. Hortopita, a savoury Greek pie made with leafy greens and herbs, offers an earthy balance. There’s also ricotta and spinach-stuffed lumache pasta, and a rich, seafood-forward cioppino, or fish stew, to round out trip two.
Younger guests are entertained by a balloon artist twisting inflatable creations, and the family-friendly atmosphere ensures plenty of space for kids to roam while parents relax.
Though Riviera and Rosé is new this summer, the event builds on a long tradition of Thursday gatherings at the Four Seasons. In previous years, the resort hosted La Dolce Vita, an Italian-themed celebration of slow living. Before that, a beloved weekly barbecue drew locals and families for nearly two decades.
“Thursday is always the day that locals come to us for our events,” Four Seasons general manager Chelan Goonetilleke told Pique last year. “For the past 20 years, we had our famous barbecue. Locals, families and their dogs would all line the streets for these events. A few years ago, we renovated the space.”
That renovation opened the door for fresh offerings like Riviera and Rosé, which blend luxury with approachability.
Carnivores and seafood lovers alike will appreciate the flame-kissed selections, which may include roasted lamb, seasonal fish, chicken shawarma and steaming pans of seafood paella. For this writer, it was impossible to resist a second helping of the paella, despite knowing a decadent dessert awaited.
To finish the evening, guests are treated to a pair of palate-pleasing sweets. A lemon trifle olive oil cake offers a bright, zesty lift, while a rich yet airy tiramisu provides the perfect bittersweet ending to a night of indulgence and ease.
The event runs weekly through the summer, with pricing that may surprise for the experience on offer. Adults dine for $68, while kids under 12 eat for $35.
Whether you're a Whistler local or a visitor seeking a taste of the Mediterranean with mountain views, Riviera and Rosé delivers a slice of vacation magic—no passport required.
