Sunshine Coast Restaurants Invite Winter Diners
The Restaurant at Painted Boat
The Sunshine Coast has a diversity of restaurants and eateries compared to our description of being a ‘rural’ community. It’s one of the things Coasties – and guests – say they appreciate most, especially in the shoulder and off-season.
It’s also true that off-peak months are a challenge for restaurants to manage, and our local restauranteurs work hard to present off-season menus and pricing to suit permanent residents who like to get out of the house as much as anyone.
December is a good time for Sunshine Coast residents to get out and support local restaurants and try out the creativity coming out of all the Coast kitchens this season.
Last weekend my spouse and I met up with friends for dinner at The Restaurant at Painted Boat. The five of us captured the lounge nook, with our own fireplace and beautiful views out into Pender Harbour (thank you to everyone around the Harbour with Christmas lights on).
Chef Spencer Watts and Manager Ryan Schmidt have come up with a seasonal menu and price point that makes going out for a beautiful meal doable: 2 courses $28; 3 courses $35; with wine pairing $45; and Chef’s Tasting Menu at $55. I did two courses while Diane enjoyed 3 (being her birthday and all) and we found the price pretty palatable considering the value.
I was delighted to see on the menu ‘Locally-raised Sturgeon’… I am very happy to support Target Marine (now marketing as Northern Divine) and will happily eat my share and more of the delicious sturgeon meat that counts as a side product to their innovative caviar business.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort
Today I had breakfast out at Rockwater Secret Cove Resort with the friendly and passionate Sales & Marketing Manager, Doug DeYager; the price was higher than cafe-style meals, but then, I was sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking Welcome Passage and the Thormanby Islands and could have stayed for hours, plied with tea and had my addiction fed via wifi.
Rockwater has a new menu, new chef, and is going gangbusters on some beautiful upgrades to the resort – so get in there before January for a before & after at this iconic Coastal property. (I did not know that the Tenthouses are available in the off-season; it’s only at -6 that they have to close off that portion of accommodations). * Note: Rockwater will be closed for the month of January.
Butter Chicken from Saffron Restaurant
Saffron Restaurant in Sechelt continues to hum along with a blend of Indian, Greek, Mediterranean and Italian dishes. Lest the pedigree be tested, the chefs are all from India, and owners Del & Renu (and their gorgeous kids) are off on a 2-month home visit. They’ll bring back spices that are roasted and ground on-site for an authentic Indian flavour. The Butter Chicken has to be one of the all-time best sellers, and is even available on pizza! I really like the vegetable curry and what I call Del’s Special Rice – with peas, spices and other secrets cooked in.
Saffron recently installed a plasma screen for Canucks hockey – finally, a place where you can get food, hockey, a beer and still bring your kids! – and they’ve been known to throw on a Bollywood Classic on request (as long as it’s not hockey night).
Next week we’ll look at Roberts Creek and south for great eats. In the meantime, get out there and show your local restauranteurs that you want to see them thrive – by eating, and eating well.
