The Fairmont Waterfront is launching a stunning alfresco dining series at the hotel’s rooftop garden venue starting June 20. This gorgeous dinner party series will take place under a canopy of twinkling lights and of course the setting sun. Each dinner will be uniquly themed and inspired by seasonal ingredients.
The Garden dinner series will begin with an interactive cocktail reception in the rooftop garden, featuring the hotel’s exclusive gin line made in partnership with Woodward Distillers. Upon arrival you will enjoy some lovely canapes designed by Fairmont Waterfront’s culinary team. Follow that with hands-on garden and bee tours by the resident head gardener Carissa Kasper and chief beekeeper, Julia Common. Next you’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner by ARC executive chef, Adam Middleton, with wine pairings by some of the Okanagan’s top wine producers will bring the flavours of summer in British Columbia to the table. The Garden Dinner series is available on three evenings; Thursday, June 20, Thursday, July 18, and Thursday, August 22. Tickets are available now.
I got to preview the dinner series ahead of the official launch and it was such an incredible experience. Check out my full review below!
Fairmont Waterfront Rooftop Garden Dinner Series Preview
For our preview of the Garden Dinner series we were treated to an extended version of ARC’s Province to Plate menu which highlights the very best of the Pacific Northwest. This menu is currently available at ARC and I highly recommend you try it. The Halibut Cheek course was an absolute revelation. The Province to Plate menu is $65 for 3 courses and $52 for 2 courses.
To start we had an amuse bouche of Honey & Shallot Tartlette. This was a delicate starter and I love the tie in to the honey theme with the gorgeous honeycomb tuile on top.
Next we had Asparagus with quail egg and hollandaise. This was served with a Sauvignon Blanc from Burrowing Owl. I’m not normally a fan of asparagus, however I really like this dish! The asparagues was so crunchy and light with a hint of sweetness. A lovely fresh way to start dinner!
For our main we had Halibut Cheek with spring pea risotto, morel and mint sauce. This was paired with a Chardonnay from Burrowing Owl. The Halibut Cheek was the largest I have ever seen and it was so moist and delicate. The risotto was so fresh and I love the bursts of natural sweetness from the spring peas. The texture and flavour was on point and I finished every last bite.
For dessert we were treated to a gorgeous Bay Creme Caramel. This comes with honey roasted peach, blackberry and honeycomb. It was paired with the Wild Goose Late Harvest Gewürztraminer. The Creme Caramel was so smooth and not too sweet. The honey really comes through and with the peaches and blackberries this is definitely my new favourite summer dessert.
Worth a Try?
Absolutely. The entire evening was magical and there’s something so dreamy about dining on a rooftop with the bustle of the city below you and the setting sun in the distance. From the moment the experience starts to the end, every detail is taken care of. I particularly enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the gardens and the bees at the Fairmont Waterfront. Everyone is so passionate about what they do – from the gardeners, to the beekeepers, to the chefs – that you can’t help but feel so inspired. There will be three dinners throughout the Summer, so definitely try to book one! Tickets are available now.
Fairmont Waterfront (ARC Restaurant)
Address: 900 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5
Website: https://www.arcdining.com/
