One of the most coveted tickets of the summer season, Araxi’s annual longtable dinner located at the North Arm Farm in Pemberton is a little slice of heaven.

The longtable is set up to face the majestic mountainous backdrop lush with greenery and capped with snow peaks. With the youthful summer grass at your feet, a glass of rose in hand, and live music from a roaming band, guests enjoy scrumptious dishes prepared by notable Whistler restaurants using seasonal, fresh produce and ingredients - what more can one ask for?

The evening began with a warm welcome from the culinary team of the evening led by Chef James Walt of Araxi Restaurant, and featuring menu creations by notable Whistler restaurants including Bar Oso, Il Caminetto, Araxi and The Cellar by Araxi. With guests basking in the warm summer rays, the serving team diligently filled wine glasses with a beautiful, crisp rosé, to start the flow of introductions and conversation at the table. The dinner starts early from 4:15PM, as the team’s intention to allow guests plenty of time to enjoy the four-course meal before a safe drive back to the city after the evening’s festivities.

BAR OSO | Housemade Fresh + Cured Charcuterie

Brimming with a spectrum of flavours from the various meat cuts, we loved the Yarrow Meadows Farm duck liver parfait and the Fraser Valley pheasant and Okanagan Apricot Terrine. The duck liver parfait was smooth and creamy, a perfect spread to go with the crisps provided; the savoury taste is heavy yet delicate, striking a balance between flavour and texture. The terrine offers a firm, textured meat paired with the sweet and tangy flavours of the dried apricot, a lovely pairing.

IL CAMINETTO | GoodField Farms Heirloom Tomatoes + Buffalo Mozzarella “Caprese”

Made with fresh tomatoes picked from the North Arm Farms’ gardens earlier that same day, the Caprese salad highlighted the benefits of serving ‘farm to table’ dishes, with ingredients sourced from the gardens just a few feet away. The tomatoes were firm and juicy, and paired with the light balsamic pearls, were a great way to kickstart everyone’s appetite.

IL CAMINETTO | Housemade Fresh Pasta + North Arm Farm Leaves + Herbs

A beautiful fresh Casarecce pasta served in a savoury, creamy and delicious smoked goat’s cheese fonduto. The dish was a great transitionary note between the lovely summer salad to the more hearty items on the evening’s menu.

ARAXI | Duo of RR Ranch Beef

A spectacle to watch as the team braved the heat and smoke of the charcoal grill to prepare the many thick and juicy beef striploin steaks and beef cheeks. Served with North Arm Farm young root vegetables and tender shoots, the beef cheeks were absolutely to die for, with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture and bathed in the natural juices of the meat. This was definitely our highlight of the evening and had guests yearning for seconds.

THE CELLAR BY ARAXI | Golden Eagle Blueberry + Lemon Chiffon Gateau

While lemon is a rare ingredient on our list of top dessert picks, this lemon chiffon gateau stands in a class of its own. Delicate, fluffy and moist layers of lemon chiffon cake is interspersed with airy lemon mousse, a light and refreshing option to start indulging in the dessert options of the evening. The cake is topped with plump and juicy Aquilini Family Blueberries, again infusing fresh ingredients into the menu.

ARAXI | Signature “Harmony Ridge” Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

Chef Aaron’s custom blended chocolate ice cream two ways at once relieves you of the summer heat, and reminds you of the childhood chocolate ice cream bars you had, only ten times better! With the crisp outer layer and the creamy, indulgent chocolate ice cream within, this was the perfect end note to the evening’s menu.

A magical evening for those who are looking for a memorable way to cap off a fabulous summer season. The Araxi longtable dinner series happens on the third Sunday each August; mark your calendar’s for next year’s installation, as it will undoubtedly be a hard ticket to get!