Winery Birthday Date: Bacchus Bistro

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.

Castle Date: The Corner House

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.