Daily Archives: October 8, 2013

Castle Date: The Corner House

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This was one of the best birthday experiences that I can remember.  We’ve spent 4 beautiful days around Toronto and explored some of the most romantic locations and restaurants, when combined together, there was nothing more I could wish for as a birthday gift.green_bean

We decided to start the day in Oakville, spending half of the day outside, exploring Oakville waterfront. That area always reminds me of Europe with its unique stores, jewellery and coffee shops. There is one place that I never fail to visit when I am in Oakville, The Green Been Coffee House.   This little gem of café is not to be missed and is definitely worth driving to Oakville for.  The first time I’ve walked in, I was blown away by the atmosphere and design, then by the quality of their coffee and when I tried their cannoli pastries there was no turning back, I love that store.

After a few hours of exploring the waterfront we headed to our next destination, Casa Loma Castle.  I like Casa Loma mid-week, when there are no touristy crowds, when you can fully take in old European feel of the rooms, exploring one elegant dining room after another.  I like going all the way to the top and enjoying the view from the highest turret.  Does it get any more romantic than that? Multi-color Gemstone Briolette & Diamond Pendant

Actually yes, it does.  Just a few minutes away from Casa Loma is our next destination. The Corner House.  This French restaurant was highly recommended to me by a close friend, and it exceeded my expectations in every way.  It is located on a quiet street, right on the intersection, its patio right in the front yard in the shades of the trees, white tablecloths and tea candles on the tables.  Service is spectacular, from knowledgeable recommendations, invisible changes of dishes, warmth and wit, we felt like we’ve visiting a cousin that lived in Paris and was really happy to see us.  And then there is food.  French, beautifully paired with amazing sauces, cooked to perfection, every bite delightful.  Did I say my birthday was perfect? Well it got better.  Desert was served and so was my birthday gift.  A beautiful diamond pendant, reflecting every sparkle of the candles around us.  Perfect birthday date indeed.

Waterfront Date: The Sandbar

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No matter how many times I’ve been at Vancouver waterfront, I always want to come back and I always find the walks along the seaside romantic and beautiful.  Whether it is to meet with a couple of out of town friends, or head out on a cozy date, it’s hard to go wrong with a waterfront patio and views of Vancouver mountains.

So here’s the plan for a nice sunny day date: take a train or drive to Yaletown.  Take in the views of the yachts while you are waiting for the water taxi.  Take a trip to Monk’s water taxi station and go for a nice walk along the waterfront to Granville Island.  View of downtown reflected in ocean water, kayaks and stand up paddlers, man-made pond and a small waterfall make for a beautiful walk.  Once in Granville Island, check out some artisan galleries – Craft Council of BC and a quirky Dragon Shop will give you plenty of things to admire and discuss.   When heading out of the Dragon Shop, turn towards the Sandbar Restaurant – that’s your restaurant date’s destination Colourful Blue Sapphire Ring in 14K White Gold.

It is hard to beat the views of the Granville Island Marina from that restaurant.  Being part of the Sequoya Group Restaurants, the food is top notch.  I also liked a combination of casual, dynamic atmosphere with an impeccably great service.  It never feels like a stuffy pretentious place, but the attention from servers makes you feel special and the restaurant experience truly high-end.

With the lengthy list of daily fish market choices, mussels from various locations and an impressive wine room, it’s easy to make the meal as fancy or as casual as you like. Sipping the wine, looking out at the boats outside, enjoying local seafood – that’s my idea of the perfect date. If it also happens to be a birthday or an anniversary or “just because” occasion, a gift the color of the ocean would make the day unforgettable.  Tanzanite for a sunny day, or deep sapphire for an evening date would be a perfect compliment to a perfect date.

 

Perfect Valentine’s Date: Seasons in the Park

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Valentine’s day is one of the hardest occasions to figure out a perfect date plan. The crowds, overbooked restaurants, clouds of pink hearts….all that screams anything but quiet celebration of love. Well, why not spend the 14th of February at home (with a movie and a bowl of fondue) and then splurge on an amazing evening the following weekend and celebrate in a sane yet still romantic atmosphere.

There’s a place in Vancouver just for such a date. It’s nestled at the very top of the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park overlooking Vancouver downtown.

It’s beautiful in the summer with famous rose gardens, water fountains, luscious flower beds and hidden trails. In the winter it’s magical with dark alleys and a crown of lights surrounding the restaurant.
“Seasons in the Park” restaurant is open year round and I can’t think of a more perfect place for that special date. Book in advance. Ask for a seat by the window. Arrive after dark. Follow the curved road to the top of the hill where a sea of sparkling lights surrounds the restaurant. Enter through the bar and be prepared to be amazed. First with the view. Then with the ambiance. And finally with the food.

You will enter through the wine bar, with nature-inspired branch chandeliers, and be seated in the dining room, surBrown-diamond-ringrounded by the glimmering lights: Brown-diamond-ring candles, chandeliers, panoramic views of night Vancouver. Lit up skyscrapers, red splash of lights from Rogers arena, and a glowing ball lights of Telus Science Center all reflect in the blackness of ocean water. Magical just begins to describe the view.

Restaurant floor is built with multiple raised levels so that seating even in the middle of the dining room you can enjoy the view. The service is impeccable: great knowledge of menu offerings, full of tact and sparks of humour. The food is probably the best among all Sequoia group restaurants. I started looking for an occasion to come back before I finished our first course. Menu is perfectly balanced, presentation is creative and product quality is just superb.

We were lucky to get Valentine’s menu even few days after the actual holiday. Many couples around us were also celebrating post-Valentine’s: admiring the view, sipping the wines, exchanging gifts. What a better place to slip a box with that special gift, maybe a unique brown diamond ring that’ll compete with the sparkles of the lights around?

Whistler Date: 21 Steps

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IMG_0111-e1380611110679Some days we just want to get away from the city. Our favorite day trip is a drive to Whistler. Every time we take a spectacular drive, we never fail to be impressed by the stunning scenery on both sides of the highway; taking the Sea to Sky highway for 2 hours from Vancouver. It’s our time to reflect and chat together as the sea disappears on the left of us and we start to climb inland. Deep valleys, rugged mountains and tall trees are on either side as we pass those hardy souls who cycle to the same location as us only they will stop for a break and cycle back. Half way to the Village there are Shannon Falls, perfect excuse to stop for a short walk and take in an Shannon Falls amazing scenery and be amazed by the power of the falling water.

Another hour of driving and we are turning off the highway, parking the car and walking into Whistler Village Nestled in the mountains of British Columbia. We come to Whistler year around, as this resort always has lots to offer. From skiing in the winter (Après-ski for those that don’t ski works just as well), mountain biking in the summer, hiking and relaxing at one of the many Spas, farmers market in the summer, or many of the restaurants and bars that form part of the Village, Whistler is always a special treat .

If you are like Maria and like shopping, then Whistler Village does not disappoint, there are shops for the beginner or serious skier. Clothing shops are always busy with clients wanting to look good on the slopes or après ski in one of the lounges.

By now we are getting hungry, all that fresh mountain air and the walks have increased our appetite. We found a gem in called 21 Steps: the food is incredible, the staff warmly welcome us and are helpful in making the evening special. Located on the second floor of 4433 Sundial Place the views from the window table look down over the village streets and ring576upwards to the majestic mountains. We’ve been there in the winter, fall and summer, the menu is seasonal and the dining is always perfect. Derek’s favorite small plate is the tiny bacon wrapped filet, followed by Australian lamb chops and the “to die for” dessert Rubin’s Cheese Cake. Wine selection is great, and the staff is knowledgeable and offered us some great suggestions. Out of many restaurants Whistler has to offer, we’ve been consistently back to 21 Steps and have never Diamond & Ruby 18K Gold Ringregretted the choice.

If this is the special occasion and you’ve put together this trip for that special person in your life, you can make it a day she will never forget. Tie together the scarlet sunset, the red flickers of candles on the table with a gift of Rubies. Warm and inviting, rubies signify your most intense emotions—love and passion. Now this truly is a Perfect Date.