Go north young man

So you're looking for a fantastic meal eh? I'm not talking about your run of the mill, generic, faceless, uninspiring yet sufficient fare that is readily available in any town of size. I'm talking about the kind of meal that you can really dig into literally and figuratively.

For those of you who know me, you know I have a pretty big place in my heart reserved for Whistler. Two massive and very different mountains featuring the most amazing lift-serviced terrain on earth, which funnels you down into an array of pubs, clubs, spas, and of course restaurants.

I could probably write all day about my dining experiences in Whistler Village, but this entry is all about a little place you can't walk to from the lifts, the Rimrock Cafe
I have eaten at the Rimrock about a half dozen times. Not every visit has been "A+" but it has always been WAY better than average.

Last weekend after a long day of setting tile and moving furniture, Emily and I went to the Rimrock for a late dinner. They just happened to be running their off-season prix fixe promotion which pretty much means three courses for the price of an entree.

Here's the blow-by-blow for my favorite meal of spring 2007 (excludes anything cooked by my wife or enjoyed with my mother)

1. Wine list is fantastic. Washington, Oregon, BC, California, French, Italian, Spanish, Argentinian, Chilean, and of course that wonderful wine-producing commonwealth country Australia are all well represented. I really like the fact that they have interesting wines from $38 CAD/bottle through $500+. Regardless of your taste or specific situation they have a wine for you. I knew I'd be enjoying some sort of game so I went straight for an Aussie Cab from Pirramimma that blew Em and I away. A great big bomb of a cab with subtle yet firm tannins, big cherry/berry flavors that give way to a nice smooth finish.
2. So many great starter choices, and the list changes daily. I chose to start with an iceberg wedge salad topped with Gorgonzola, grilled pears, and candied/spiced pecans. Its like they know me!
3. Next I dove into the lobster and scallop ceviche. very simple preparation, lots of garlic, lime, cilantro, and of course super fresh fish. WOW
4. Then comes the real deal. This is why I go to the Rimrock....Mixed Grill! Lamb Chop, beef tenderloin (blue rare) and caribou. This is not for the faint of heart my friends, nor is it for anyone on a diet. While no single portion is large, the combination is pretty much deadly.
5. We finished up with the sticky pudding which I really can't describe very well, but its sticky, sweet, and absolutely worth the trip. I paired this course with a snifter of Armagnac (paying homage to Peter Morse if you're out there) which was clearly not in the same league as the one he shared with me a couple years back.

The service was exceptional, the vibe casual yet comfortable, and the company was perfect. Pretty hard not to love a meal like that.

So while Whistler remains a ski town for most, it deserves a trip in any season and those who visit during the off season will be rewarded with surprises like the Rimrock's seasonal promo.