Archive for August, 2009
Wine Tasting Canadian Style
We have arrived in the Okanagan Valley with many reports on the great wineries in this region of Canada. Before we left we had heard that Canadian wine wasn’t the best. So therefore we have been surprised by their quality.
The most famous style of Canadian wine is ice wine. This occurs when grapes are left on the vine and they freeze. Hardy souls pick the grapes in the middle of the night. They must be hardy because for the grapes to freeze the temperature has to be -5 to -1 degrees Celsius. The wine is very sweet and syrupy, and perfect as a dessert wine. We got to try is in the Banff Grapes Wine Bar and Mission Hill Winery in Kelowna. It goes well with lemon deserts and blue cheeses.
There’s a bear in there?
Well not yet there isn’t. We have been in the Rocky Mountains for six days and we have seen some wildlife. Small mammals are quite common, particularly squirrels. The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are pretty much tame and very used to people. Other creatures such as marmots, mountain goats and elk are a bit shyer. All these animals are great but they are not the one we are really after – the Grizzly Bear.
We have lots of stories of bear encounters, bears chasing bike riders, one bear that wouldn’t move off the trail and bers eating grain on the railway line. But as yet there is no bear in there.
Lake Louise, Rocky Mountains, Canada
Lake Louise
Everyone has seen photos of Lake Louise – a glacial lake in the milky aqua colouring surrounded by tall mountains and a large hotel on the edge of the lake. That’s where we are, in the Chateaux Lake Louise. 16,000 people come here every day. The average stay is only twenty minutes. We are lucky with our two night stay.
Rocky Mountaineer
For the last twenty years, the Rocky Mountaineer has wound its way from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff. It follows the Fraser River and then the Thompson River up to the Rocky Mountains. Yesterday’s trip brought us to Jasper. We decided to throw caution to the wind and get the gold leaf class, for photographic reasons of course. The glass dome allows for great viewing. It wouldn’t have been for the fine dining in the dining car or complimentary drinks for two days – of course not.
Seafood in Vancouver
Being on the Western Coast of Canada and so close to the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has a spectacular array of seafood available. The specialty of course is Salmon. For those in Australia, we have two sorts of fish called salmon. Australian Salmon which is not the same species and in my opinion suitable for cat food. The other sort is Atlantic Salmon farmed in Tasmania.
Vancouver however has so many types of salmon, I can’t begin to name them here. Some interesting ones are the sockeye salmon and white salmon. We saw many different types in the Granville Markets. Last night we decided on a taste test. We headed for The Fish House in Stanley Markets, a beautiful setting for dinner. Our choices were Sockeye Salmon in maple syrup (how Canadian), Wild Salmon, prawns and scallops and Prawns flambayed in ouzo. Mike, being a fish connoisseur (or so he thinks so) thought it was the best fish he had ever tasted. My wild salmon was spectacular. Deb’s prawns were not only tasty but quite the performance.
We were thankfully talked into a Okanagan Buttermilk Pie for desert – yum. Thanks to the staff at the Fish House. We had a great time.
Doggy friendly Vancouver
Never have we been to such a pet friendly city. First we saw specially sculptured doggy fountain on the waterfront. Then the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel has two Labradors that live in and around the hotel. Eight year old Mavis arrived at the hotel in 2003. She lives on the Fairmont Gold Floor with one of the staff members. When we arrived she was having a “sickie” and had to go to the vet. Beau, the male four year old Labrador, came to the Fairmont in 2007. He lives with one of the concierges. Fairmont patrons can take the dogs for a walk during the day. We did book Beau for a walk on Saturday but he was also having a sickie. (Are these Australian dogs?) These are Fairmont dogs so Mavis has a Louis Vuitton collar and Beau’s is straight from the Gucci shop. But this morning at 8:00am, both dogs have returned to work and ready for the challenge. Loaded up with doggie treats and doggy poo bags, we walked them for an hour, along the Vancouver waterfront seawall. Beau knows every piece of green grass along the way and set himself a challenge - to kill all the grass along the way by lifting his leg onto it. But not only does the Fairmont Vancouver have its own dogs, it actually lets other dogs stay here as well. They also let cats stay as well. This is an extract from the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel In room dining service booklet. Fairmont Pet Menu Furrrst Course Doggy “Bison Meatloaf” (2 muffins) Made with locally sources, hormone free meats. Farm fresh produce and organic whole grains and herbs. These muffins are loved by even the most particular dogs!! It’s a completely balanced, vet approved meal suitable for the pooches with sensitive tummies. Succulent Salmon Stew for Cats A natural, wholesome meal for the discerning feline. Ideal for cats of all life stages, this hearty stew is made of the highest quality ingredients, including salmon and veggies like zucchini, pumpkin and carrots. Purrfect Fun (one selection from three choices) Wild Salmon Jerky Very high in protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids, these gourmet wild salmon jerky strips are “purfectly” wholesome. Stop, drop and drool (two selections from three choices) Organic Beef Granola Bars Handcrafted in BC, these super-healthy, protein-rich snacks are worthy of your big dog! Certified organic extra lean beef, whole oats, eggs, fresh veggies and apples. Eco-friendly Turtle Made from safe, durable and eco-friendly fabric and fill created from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it not only diverts waste from going to your landfill but also uses eighth times less energy than producing fabric from virgin fibrers. Fresh and nutritional treats specially selected by Mavis, Beau and their friends. 
