A Q&A with Olympic Gold Medalist Kelsey Serwa on Dining at Big White
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Q: As you've been skiing, working, living at Big White practically your whole life, how has the dining scene evolved?
A: The food scene at Big White has really expanded over the last few decades. The Resort is now beaming with fine dining locations which use the best ingredients from the Okanagan Valley and offer a diverse list of local wines, craft beers, and creative new cocktails. There’s also plenty of options to get your hands on casual yet crafty plates that won’t blow your budget yet are still better than anything you can make at home. If you’re a coffee snob, Clocktower Coffee and Globe Cafe have you covered for all your high maintenance beverage needs, such as that oat milk latté with extra foam, extra hot, a dash of cinnamon on top and your dog's face as the latte art.
Q: Since you've travelled the world and likely ate at restaurants everywhere you've been, how does Big White compare?
A: To me, eating out is about more than just the food on my plate. It’s about the atmosphere, the company you’re with and the welcoming hosts, all of which add to create the total dining experience. Dining at Big White is so unique because you’re on the highest mountain within the Okanagan Highlands, overlooking the picturesque terrain of the Monashee Mountains. Nightly sunset light up the sky with the most vibrant pinks, purples and oranges you’ve ever seen, setting the ambiance for an unforgettable night of exceptional service, food and drinks. Although each restaurant on the mountain has a different ambiance, you can’t help but feel warm, cozy and relaxed within each space.
Q: Can you describe your experience dining through Big White at the end of January?
A: This year had been strange to say the least, but dining at Big White brought back a sense of normalcy which I’ve seriously been craving. It was so nice to experience great food, new cocktails, delicious BC wine and the most decadent desserts I could imagine. It also feels good to support our local restaurant community as they have gone to great lengths to keep their doors open by creating a safe and enjoyable dining environment.
Q: Did you have a favourite dish, or do you have a favourite dish? A favourite apres spot?
A: It’s hard to pick a favourite dish so I’ll list a few!!
For après, Globe Cafe & Tapas Bar has great plates for sharing which are perfect for getting a little taste of everything. I really enjoyed the Mediterranean deli board which was filled with artisan cheeses, jams, pickles, homemade bread, crostini's and cured meats. Globe has also created a fun list of specialty cocktails, named and inspired by some of the most influential and powerful women in history. The Anarchy is a must try!
CHECK OUT GLOBE'S POWERFUL WOMEN THROUGH HISTORY COCKTAIL LIST
For dinner, look no further than The Bullwheel, located next to Lara’s Gondola in the heart of Big White’s mountain village. You can keep the good vibes rolling from après right into dinner with another great selection of unique cocktails. The last time I was at The Bullwheel I was treated to the S’moretini. I cooked a marshmallow over a flaming shot of Sambuca before it was poured into a chilled glass of cream de cacao, house-made marshmallow vodka and finished with a decadent chocolate and graham cracker rim. Wow. For dinner, the Cedar Planked Salmon is at the top of my list of favourites, cooked to perfection and accompanied by the most delicious side of caramelized carrots.
And what would a night at Big White be without dessert!? The Gunbarrel Grill has been a family favourite since my earliest days at Big White. The Cherries Jubilee is perfect for sharing, combining sweet and tart flavours with a lovely contrast between the warm cherries and jus accompanied by cold vanilla ice cream. It’s what dreams are made of. You also can’t leave Big White without enjoying the infamous Gunbarrel Coffee, where a flaming ladle of Grand Marnier is poured down the central groove of a double barrel shotgun (decommissioned of course) and into a glass of fresh brewed coffee (or hot chocolate), brandy, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao then topped with a dollop of whip cream. One is all you need, but you’ll certainly want another.
Q: How was your experience COVID-wise? How were the safety protocols?
A: I feel completely COVID safe dining at Big White. The restaurants have done an incredible job at going beyond the provincial requirements to maintain a safe yet welcoming and friendly dining experience on the mountain. The added plexiglass windows between tables actually contribute to a more intimate dining experience as I feel we have added privacy from other guests.
Q: Do you have a go-to takeaway spot while you're living on the hill?
Underground Pizza is a great take-away option, of which I’d totally recommend trying out The Gondola. It features fresh spinach, prosciutto, pear and gorgonzola baked on top of a hand tossed dough. Soooo good!! Pizza is food for the soul and when you’ve just come in from a beauty day of shredding groomers or enjoying that Okanagan Champagne powder, it’s normal to feel a little hangry. The Underground is a delicious and fast option which will make you a normal functioning and happy human again.
Find a full list of our restaurants, here.