All posts tagged with: Afternoon Tea

Big White Ski Resort, located 45 minutes south east of Kelowna, B.C., is one of British Columbia’s largest ski resorts. While it’s well known for it’s dry, Okanagan power snow, Big White is working to put itself on the map in dining too.

On mountain there are over 30 restaurants, bars and coffee shops offering everything from fresh baked cinnamon rolls to sushi. Trevor Hanna, Director of Food & Beverage at Big White, is on a mission to improve the food quality at the resort at an affordable price.

While après ski typically includes beer and nachos, Trevor and his team know not everyone that visits the resort are avid skiers and are just there to enjoy a winter vacation, so they are coming up with new ideas.

One of the latest creations is an Okanagan version of an afternoon tea. Served on specific day at the Kettle Valley Steak House, the tea service such as the traditional cucumber sandwiches and scones with preserves, but also includes more untraditional flare including smoked duck bacon and salmon wraps.

For the best food and beverage experiences, stick to properties that are owned and managed by Big White Ski Resort. Exactly as they like to control the ski experience they are passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience for even the toughest food critics.

Throughout the season there are also a number of events that foodies will love, including the Big Reds wine tasting in early December and the spring White wine tasting. Both of these events have about 30 Okanagan wineries sampling wines and a host of food vendors with all kinds of delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Nothing says spring like an afternoon in the garden and afternoon tea with a group of friends. Sure, there are lots of places in Vancouver to get a good, quick cup of tea, there aren’t a lot of places that serve traditional afternoon tea. New this year at VanDusen Gardens is Afternoon Tea.

“It seemed a natural thing to do here,” said Truffles owner Nin Rai. “I can’t imagine a more beautiful setting in which to unwind over a cup of tea. The stress just melts away here.”

Truffles Afternoon Tea includes a three-tiered tray of both sweet and savoury goodies, plus an extensive collection of organic and private label teas. It’s a great value too – just $28 for two people, or $50 for four.

The first tier has a selection of daily sandwiches and fresh-baked sweet or savoury scones. The middle tier has coconut macaroons, shortbread cookies and a croissant for two, and the top tier features jewel-toned French macaroons and petit-fours. The service includes house-made strawberry jam and VanDusen’s very own un-pasteurized organic honey.

The tea selection is pretty special too. The signature tea to try is VanDusen’s very own private label black tea, blended by The Secret Garden Tea Company in honour of the visit of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in 2010. Other teas include Earl Grey with rose, chocolate mint Roiboos, Masala Chai and Darjeeling.

Afternoon Tea is served every day at Truffles in VanDusen Gardens from 11am – closing. They are located in the new Visitors Centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5151 Oak Street, Vancouver).