4 minute read
EAT LOCAL
Photo © Kwa'lilas Hotel
Sustainable Dining at Kwa'lilas Hotel's Ha'me Restaurant
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Sustainability is such a hot topic right now and on trend in so many ways. The Port Hardy region is part of the traditional territory of the Gwa’sala ‘Nakwaxda’xw who have been very busy developing new economic projects for their citizens and generations to come through business models and capacity training. This division is known as KEDC ~ k’wat’si Economic Development Corporation. One of the gems of KEDC is the Kwa’lilas Hotel, located in the heart of Port Hardy. The hotel was renovated in 2017 and earmarked as a showstopper in Aboriginal Tourism as KEDC’s flagship First Nation themed destination hotel.
The rebirth of this hospitality property has been one of resilience, as with most renovations; Kwa’lilas has proven to keep its respective charm and ambiance through on-site First Nation art displays, architectural design + décor, warm hospitality service and Kwa’lilas’ Food and Beverage focus—with sustainability a key ingredient.
Delivered in their menu selections are other KEDC initiatives such as their Aquaculture Pilot Project, which is growing and harvesting scallops and oysters in their traditional territory near Port Hardy. These products are used in direct relation to the Kwa’lilas’ opportunity to support a sister project and highlight the beautiful, local seafood products to their clientele.
“We have been blessed with the ocean and forest that surrounds us, and the spiritual wisdom of our community to find inspiration for our cuisine," says Chef Keke Toledo. "Our menus evolve gradually within seasons, with a new tasting menu every four months, celebrating seasonal ingredients, people and the presence of love in everything we do.”
As you enter into the main dining room known as Ha'me, the authentic First Nation’s culture is present throughout your experience, from start to finish. As a rule, always indulge in the specialty west coast cuisine that Ha'me prepares uniquely for their guests. From their west coast selections, be sure to try the salmon platter, k’utala, featuring a selections of wild smoked, candied and lox. The Blunden Harbour Sushi Roll is also a great go-to, brimming with local seafood or the purity of the Wild West Coast Oysters. Beyond heaven with its wonderful texture and perfect preparation is the grilled Tomahawk Steak; if that’s not your thing, highly recommended by staff is the Cucumber encrusted Halibut. Paired with a local Vancouver Island wine and you have made matches that you and your friends will be talking about forever.
Perhaps, post-dinner, you feel that a little entertainment is required before you retire. Kwa’lilas has a wonderful pub tucked in the back of the property, Nax’id. Don’t think for one minute that this pub is something to skip! Its atmosphere and staff make it a natural pleasure to just be there. Nax’id is hosting small events for guests and locals and has an incredible menu of beverages to wet your whistle; definitely keep the opportunity open to order a house Caesar, cold local brew off the taps or a speciality drink to cap off the evening. It’s a great space and has been reset for social distancing.
There is work being done at the back of the destination property featuring a large covered dining deck with BBQ and Rotisserie as well as plans to host a traditional fire pit where local First Nation Elders and Knowledge Keepers will share cultural stories and local mythology. KEDC also has a division of Cultural Tours, k’awat’si, which you can book at Kwa’lilas or when you are planning your visit. Immerse yourself in warm hospitality and local First Nation’s culture on your next visit to Port Hardy. Visit in the next couple months and include Kwa’lilas as part of your stay. Look for the Exclusive Weekend Offer which includes a two nights stay, meals at Ha'me and a cultural visit with k’awat’si Tours to experience the authenticity of this beautiful traditional territory. www.kwalilashotel.ca
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