Perfect Valentine’s Date: Seasons in the Park

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

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.