Monthly Archives: March 2014

Winery Birthday Date: Bacchus Bistro

Posted on by
Reply

Every time another birthday is coming up, I’m trying to come up with a day full of activities and experiences that are memorable, special, something that will be remembered for a year.  I think of how the day will flow, what places we can visit in a day and finally I go through one review after another, looking for a restaurant that would be just perfect for a special birthday night. Also, we have an 8 year old son, so whatever we do has to be family-friendly since I have a strong belief that birthday celebrations have to include all of our small family.  That was the challenge for Derek’s birthday this year and I found one perfect plan to make that day super-special. Vines

Early morning on a hot Sunday in August we’ve headed out to the Fort Langley.  There is an awesome brunch and lunch spot in a small town of Fort Langley – Wendel’s book store.  Yes, it’s an awesome cozy café with tons of character and a book store right The fact that it’s always busy says a lot – they serve awesome food in an awesome setting.  It was a right choice for a birthday brunch – not too pretentious, but great coffee and organic, flavorful brunch.

Next stop was Fort Langley Historical Site.  Quite an adventure back in times, walking through the  heritage buildings, learning about Hudson Bay trade posts and enjoying the costume performances and games – we spent wonderful few hours touring the place!  After that we headed out to Fraser Valley. Within just a 20 minute drive was the only winery in Fraser Valley that had a restaurant on site – Chaberton Estate Winery.  I couldn’t have picked a better day than that August afternoon to visit the place.  After a quick tasting at the wine store and picking up some nice BC white bottles to relieve the experience at home, we headed out to the Bacchus Bistro.   With the beautiful patio facing the vineyards, can you imagine anything more romantic and wonderful on a beautiful summer day?  We loved the service, amazing French cuisine and of course the wonderful Domaine de Chaberton wine.  Staying true to the French classics Derek had French onion soup and Beef Bourguignon – both exceptional, while I enjoyed the light and flavorful halibut and Pavlova dessert.

We loved the journey and will definitely be coming back – to get more wine and to enjoy the wonderful Bacchus once again some time next summer.

Valentine’s Date at Miku

Posted on by
Reply

Valentine’s Day is a great reason to celebrate the relationship and steal a few precious moments together from the rushed everyday life.  We have a traditiDessert at Mikuon, where we celebrate the actual day of February 14th by making an elegant dinner at home, which we’ll usually follow by a movie and a chocolate fondue for dessert.  A weekend after, when the restaurant rush around Valentine’s dates is over we’ll do the actual Valentine’s date and dinner out.  This time the destination was Miku – modern Japanese fine dining restaurant.

Located along the Burrard Inlet and next to Fairmont Waterfront and Pan Pacific Hotels, it offers the view of the ocean and North Shore from almost any point of the dining room.  Even on stormy and rainy night, we were amazed by the view of the ocean contrasted by the welcoming yet clean decor inside. We were smart to have reservations, as the waiting line even for a bar seat was close to an hour.  From drinks, to changing courses, to introducing elements of every dish, the service was fast and impeccable – they’ve never missed a beat.  Cocktail menu was unique, with oriental influences and unique spirits featured as well as a selection of Sake.

Stunning Smoky Quartz Earrings

Stunning Smoky Quartz Earrings

And then there was food. Shrimp croquettes, tuna tataki were taken to a completely different level in texture, sauces and presentation.  Every bite memorable and perfectly balanced.  Miku is known for its unique preparation of sushi – Aburi style – torch seared and matched with its individual sauce for ever type of fish.   i could not avoid their Chef’s sushi selection.  The combinations of taste matching and textures of the dish made me never look at sushi plate the same way again.  I looked wishfully at every plate and presentation served at the tables around us.  I’ve also sampled “melt in your mouth prime rib” dish my date ordered and it was also exceptional.

Miku gave us an extraordinary experience – lighting, view, incredible food, skillful service made for a perfect date experience we were looking for at our Valentine’s dinner.  This is definitely a special occasion restaurant and it delivers on every promise. If you are looking for a gift that matches the refined minimalistic feel of the date, smoky quartz delivers the dreamy, magical reminder of the special  date.