PHANTOM CREEK ESTATES || A Relaxing Dining Experience with Tranquil Views of the Okanagan Valley
A visit to the beautiful Okanagan Valley in wintry March is an entirely different vibe compared to a summer visit.
The snow-capped mountains in the distance reminded me of the awe-inspiring scenery I enjoyed on board a train from Switzerland to France years ago. Who can resist a winter wonderland with delicious BC VQA wine?
My travel companions and I discussed the best spots to eat while visiting the wine country that is the Okanagan Valley. We recommend making reservations at the wineries' restaurants because, after several visits to the region, we’ve found time and again that the best food and wine pairings are right there in front of you.
This brings us to one of our memorable culinary experiences on this trip—the restaurant at Phantom Creek Estates.
A wintry landscape view with snow-capped peaks.
The restaurant (and its tasting room) offers stunning landscape vistas, with architecture that orients towards the gently sloping mountains and the sprawling vineyards. We can only imagine the picturesque setting if one visits during springtime.
The menus are reasonable compared to the cost for a comparable culinary calibre and dining environment in Vancouver. The two-course menu is $50, and the three-course menu is $75.
Our favourites on the menu would be the Foie Gras Tart, peace country lamb rack, and the Chocolate Entrements for dessert.
63 ACRES BEEF TARTARE with xo crumb, pickled radish, bone marrow aioli, and topped with a quail egg served with house-made tendon chips.
FOIE GRAS TART with duck rillette, sea buckthorn berry, bosc pear, calamansi gelee, and pickled mustard seeds.
SABLE FISH with carrot, beluga lentils, miso, dashi beurre blanc, bonito, and micro cilantro.
If you’re also fans of the rich, velvety texture of foie gras, then you’ll enjoy the Foie Gras Tart, topped with tiny dollops of sea buckthorn berry sauce and grainy mustard seeds to balance the indulgent flavours.
The Peace Country Lamb Rack is perfect for the meat lover. The juicy meat was done medium rare; dipped in the sumac raita and black garlic jus, it is a medley of pleasing flavours and textures for your palate. Those who prefer seafood would be delighted by the Sable Fish, dressed with a light dashi beurre blanc.
Pair this with a glass of Phantom Creek’s feature BC VQA 2021 Riesling (although we say the Rosé would make for a tasty spring & summer option), and you’re set for a rejuvenating meal.
A great meal feeds not just the stomach but also recharges our minds; of course, the idyllic scenery also plays an essential factor here. If a trip to the Okanagan is in the books for you this summer, we hope you find an opportunity to enjoy a meal at the restaurant at Phantom Creek Estates.
The Foie Gras Tart pairs wonderfully with the 2021 Riesling.
Photography Florence Leung