Although this is a little further away than Whistler there is a little foodie jem in the ski resort of Fernie, BC. I had a dinner there recently at a place called Beavertail Lodge. It is a small on mountain ski lodge that predominantly caters for the guests that stay there, however I was there just for dinner. The chef there used to work at West,and also the Raintree when it was still open. To start as an amuse we had a small creamed leek and onion puff pastry tartlet, which was unexpectantly light and hugely flavorful. We later found out the chef has specialized in pastry. To folow was a demi tasse cup of cauliflower soup, scented with white alba truffle, there was also a little jullienned trufle floating on top. Next was a salad of pickled beets and goats cheese. All of which come from a local organic farm nearby. After eating at West before, I immeadiately recognized chef Hawksworths signature foiegras parfait and apple gellee. Amazing just as I remembered it. For entree reisling braised wild rabbit leg with golden chantrelles was served. We found out the rabbit was caught locally and the chantrelles had been hand foraged by the chef whilst in the Quenn Charlottes.It was fall off the bone tender and very flavorful, and the chantrelles beautifully buttery. Pre desert was a late season raspberry&champgne sorbet, made with an unusual maple champagne from Lang vineyards. The maple in the champagne was not overtly present, but more of a woody overtone. To finish was pistachio nougat glace, with redcurrant consomme. This was like a frozen parfait, light and full of crunchy caramelized pistachio nuts,sitting in a pool of slightly tart consomme. There were different wines to accompany each course which were predominantly BC and an Australian botrytis semmillion to match the foie gras. After dinner talking to the chef, he mentioned he may be taking over the lease on one of the cafes doing lunch on the ski hill. He was also talking about the poor state of on mountain food options available and wanted to try having something more than just the usual dried out pizza and burgers. If anyone is ever visiting that part of BC, I highly reccomend staying (www.beavertaillodge.com), as the prices are very reasonable, considering the calibre of the food and the fact that is in a ski reort. Maybe as the tourist flood gates have not yet fully opened in Fernie, things are still priced at a local market. Get in quick before intrawest gobbles it up!
