COCKTAILS & CASUAL DINING: Go Big or Go Home

GOBIG OR GO HOME

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS SET WHISTLER’S VIBE ON THE MOUNTAINS AND AT APRÈS

STORY BY BRADEN DUPUIS

In his endless pursuit of the perfect après, Whistler entrepreneur Joey Gibbons—CEO of Gibbons Whistler, which oversees several iconic Village bars and nightclubs — has scoured resorts around the world.

For Gibbons, the trips to Austria, France, the U.S. and beyond represent something of a mathematical pursuit— an attempt to understand the “algorithm” of Whistler’s soul.

His conclusion so far?

“I think it comes from artists, athletes and entrepreneurs,” Gibbons says. “That’s what this town was built on—a bunch of 20-year olds who put bars on top of a garbage dump.” (Literally—find out more at the Whistler Museum).

Those early Whistler pioneers had something in common with the athletes, artists and entrepreneurs of today—a desire to somehow go bigger than before, while never being afraid to try new things. That attitude stretches far into the après hours as well. >>

THE IMPRESSIVE MEXICAN BULLDOG MARGARITA AT THE LONGHORN SALOON.

The Nijjar family is pleased to introduce you to the Royal Taste of India. Our chefs provide the essence of traditional Indian Cuisine with a modern touch, preparing each dish to your specifications. Our sister company Kismet Estate Winery, located in Oliver BC, produces VQA quality red & white wine to pair with our exotic menu.

Fine Dining & Take Out WHISTLER MARKETPLACE 604-932-2010

Open ALL DAY from 11am to late

DAVID BUZZARD

HOSTESS TAYLOR LEE WITH PREMIUM NACHOS AND A MEXICAN BULLDOG MARGARITA AT THE LONGHORN SALOON.

Case in point: the Longhorn Saloon’s Mexican bulldog margarita.

Gibbons credits the super-sized cocktail to one Kurt Burningham, a former employee who came to Whistler from a gig running a Tex-Mex-inspired bar in Park City, Utah.

“He got these big, special, Mexican-style martini glasses that they filled with slushes, like margaritas, and then stuck a beer in it,” Gibbons says.

“And his whole thing was: you create this beautiful looking showpiece and start walking through the patios, and then all of a sudden everybody wants one.”

In keeping with the theme, top off the Mexican Bulldog Margarita with the Longhorn’s Premium Nachos. If you want to really up your game, add the spicy bison or the house-made guacamole.

Here are a few more ways you can indulge your super-sized senses during your visit. >>

Fuel for YOU and your CAR

Enjoy our patio or beautiful indoor café

Freshly made Pizzas, Breakfasts, Burgers, Paninis, Lattes and more! Free wifi and plenty of outlets Souvenirs and a variety of other gifts GreenLake Station.com

STOP at Whistler Chevron, Café & Store 8110 Crazy Canuck Drive

If there’s one way to go big in the summertime in Whistler, it’s setting your sights on the spectacular alpine.

This summer, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the beautiful Christine’s restaurant in the Rendezvous Lodge is open again for summer adventurers.

“We are super excited to be open this summer,” says Christine’s general manager Christina Brown.

Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to get there or, if you really want to work up an appetite, go via the Ascent Trail on Blackcomb Mountain— Little Burn to Big Burn to Heart Burn. The trail names say it all and that’s one way to work up a thirst! But, think of the end game, namely a tall and tasty Caesar at Christine’s.

There’s a reason why this is the most popular cocktail at this spectacular on-mountain restaurant.

The Caesar practically comes with its own appetizer on top—spicy beans, cherry peppers and a Landjäger sausage. (It certainly takes the edge off for all those hungry hikers!)

There is a spicy pre-mix that’s also part of the Christine’s Caesar. “That, we’re not willing to share,” says Brown.

The Caesar can also be tweaked to accommodate American tastes.

“For the Americans who drink Bloody Marys, we do a Queen Mary,” says Brown, a drink that swaps the Clamato juice for tomato juice.

We would be remiss if we didn’t suggest Christine’s wagyu beef burger as the perfect complement to the Caesar. Sink your teeth into this burger topped with caramelized onion aioli, crispy onions, smoked cheddar, crispy pancetta, lettuce, tomato and homemade pickles.

Stay tuned: Christine’s will feature some new cocktails this summer, developed by celebrated Chef David Hawksworth. >>

CATHERINE POWER-CHARTRAND

A CHRISTINE’S CAESAR FEATURES SPICY BEANS, CHERRY PEPPERS AND LANDJAGER SAUSAGE TO HELP TAKE THE EDGE OFF.

OPEN LATE

Mon. to Sat. till 3 a.m. Sun. till 2 a.m.

(604) 932-0410

4368 Main Street

DAVID BUZZARD

THE MONGOLIE PUNCH AT THE ICONIC WHISTLER MONGOLIE GRILL RESTAURANT.

MONGOLIE GRILL’S MONGOLIE PUNCH

Experiences in Whistler are always better when shared with friends; it’s what the après experience is really about, after all—reliving epic adventures all over again.

The long-established Mongolie Grill takes the shared experience to the next level with its Mongolie Punch. The punch is made up of the always-popular sake, mixed with vodka, fresh pineapple juice and jalapeno syrup, served on ice with fresh pineapples and a slice of jalapeno.

“It’s a new favourite for our customers, and they also love that they can order it by the litre and share amongst the table,” says owner Chris Miron. “Shareable drinks are extremely popular at the Mongolie Grill as they fit our fun and social atmosphere perfectly.”

Indeed, for the past 25 years or so, Mongolie Grill has been a mainstay in the heart of Whistler Village. Dining here is an interactive experience. Customers choose their own stirfry ingredients and watch as chefs put on a show over the massive grill and bring it all together for a delicious meal.

And if you needed another reason to order the new signature punch, it’s this: “The Mongolie Punch has an amazing flavour profile that pairs well with any stirfry,” adds Miron.

So whether it’s people-watching at the base of the mountains at the Longhorn, or taking in the alpine vistas at Christine’s, or sharing the fun at Mongolie Grill, channel your inner Whistler soul this summer and… go big or go home. W

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

WHISTLER’S BOUTIQUE SHOPS OFFER AN abundance of great gifts to take home from your visit—whether they are for friends, family or yourself! Here's a taste of the many fabulous “souvenirs” you can squeeze into your suitcase or have shipped to your home.

LE DOHENY SANDAL BY FRAME This lace-up, ultimate barely-there sandal with a bohemian spirit, features a stacked 3.25" heel and squared toe with hand-screwed accents and contrast stitching. 100 per cent leather. Available in Tobacco at Bach & Co. $599

LE SIGNATURE MINI HANDBAG BY FRAME The perfect complement to the Le Doheny sandal, this 100 per cent cotton handbag has a structured shape and polished hardware for an elegant focal point. The removable 100 per cent leather strap allows for everyday ease. Available at Bach & Co. $559

PARKHURST COVI WRAP This one-size cotton-rayon shoulder wrap comes with a loop that keeps it in place while you’re on the move. Fabulous for running through the airport, a walk through the park or a special night out. A fashion must-have accessory, available in lilac and 18 other colours. Made in Canada. Available at Amos & Andes. $90

“25TH ANNIVERSARY” CANADIAN DIAMOND INUKSHUK PENDANT An iconic symbol of Canada's beautiful West Coast and 2010 Winter Olympics—the Inukshuk—is elegantly featured in this 14k Canadian rose-gold pendant set with eight natural, Canadian, round brilliant-cut diamonds. All Maple Leaf Diamonds are laser inscribed with a tracking number and come with a certificate of origin and Canadian gold. Available at Keir Fine Jewellery. $3,250

GAUDI INSPIRED RING BY KARYN CHOPIK Vancouver’s Karyn Chopik is a pioneer in the industry pushing the boundaries of mixed metals and innovative techniques. Her designs are timeless and classic elegance with an artistic twist. This ring features a 4mm round cubic zirconia crystal set in a bronze bezel on a bark textured sterling silver band. Available at Ruby Tuesday. $124.95

PÁ7PAWTN NETTLE AND ARNICA SORE MUSCLE SALVE Honouring cultural plant knowledge, Indigenous science and self-care rituals, Skwálwen (squall - win) offers skincare experiences grounded in the natural world. Founded by ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph of Squamish First Nation, this is plant medicine for skin and spirit. PÁ7PAWTN (pa-pow-tin) translates to “plant that relieves sore muscles.” This powerful salve is made with oils of organic, wildcrafted nettle and arnica—natural plant ingredients that help ease sore muscles. Experience deep relief along with a soothing tingly sensation created from peppermint essential oil. Available at 3 Singing Birds. $20 >>

SHOPPING AREAS

Nesters UPPER VILLAGE

Village North WHISTLER VILLAGE

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE

FUNCTION JUNCTION

To Vancouver

Whistler Village is the hub of

activity at the base of the mountains. A pedestrian-only paradise, it offers over 200 stores, galleries, restaurants and bars.

Village North is centred around Whistler Marketplace, which offers a supermarket, liquor store and many fine shops and amenities. Upper Village, situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, is another walking-only area with many wonderful stores, restaurants and galleries. Nesters is just two minutes north of Whistler Village and offers a variety of shops and restaurants, with a liquor store, grocery store and restaurants.

Rainbow Plaza, a five-minute drive north of the Village, has a grocery store, liquor store, coffee shop, gas station and more. Whistler Creekside, a

five-minute drive south of the Village, is a shopping area near the base of Whistler Mountain.

Function Junction is just 10

minutes south of Whistler Village and offers hardware, organic groceries, breweries, bakeries and many more shops and services.

24OZ BLACK TOPOGRAPHY WATER BOTTLE Camp’s water bottles are proudly made by Liberty BottleWorks, a company that strives to do both humanitarian and environmental good. With a sleek body and matte black finish, the bottle features a unique topographical design of the Whistler area in gloss red and gloss white. The bottles are made from recycled aluminum in a zero-waste facility. The lids, designed to hang and twist ergonomically, are made from recycled milk cartons. Available at Camp. $46 SMUDGE BOWL BY PATRICK LEACH

Patrick Leach is from the Coast Salish community, Snuneymuxw First Nation (Nanaimo, BC) and raised in the community of T’it’q’et, (near Lillooet, BC) St’at’imc Nation Territory, as a member of the P’egpig’7lha (Frog) Clan and currently resides in Vancouver. Leach has combined two major loves in his life—photography and pottery, to bring to his clients beautifully artistic and earthy works for art. This Pictographs ceramic smudge bowl is engraved with an interior glaze, and measures 6.75" round. Available at the Squamish Lillooet

Cultural Centre. $350

POLO SHIRT FROM A FISH NAMED FRED A Fish Named Fred is an exclusively men’s lifestyle brand that stands for uniqueness and individuality. Every collection is fresh, colourful and impossible to miss — you'll always find a theme that is reflected in daring prints that you’ll not only see on shirts, but in the lining of jackets and the pockets of trousers. Available at Kabn. Prices vary

ALEX GIBSON

DZUNUKWIS MASK BY COLE SPECK (KWAKWAKA’WAKW) Red cedar, acrylic, cotton fabric, horsehair Cole Speck was raised on the Namgis reserve on Alert Bay, B.C. As an apprentice of the late master carver Beau Dick, Speck continues to promote Kwakwaka’wakw culture through his practice and the knowledge gained from his mentor. Speck has a tremendous love and respect for his culture and he aspires to keep old traditions alive while allowing his contemporary style to emerge.

In Kwakwaka’wakw myth, Tsonokwis is the undersea world equivalent of the forest Wild Women of the Woods. She is always very sleepy and when she dances, she sometimes falls down and her attendants must awake her. Available at Audain Art Museum. Courtesy of Fazakas Gallery. $4,200 >>

THE AUDREY SANDAL BY BUENO Audrey has so many cute details that it is love at first sight. Featuring a ribbon design sitting directly above the keyhole detail, this is a perfect summer slide to add a touch of sweetness to any outfit. Leather upper, lining and footbed. Available at Soles. $135

HINZA BAG The elegant Hinza Swedish design from the 1950s makes for great shopping bags, beach bags or picnic bags. Made of durable plastic, it can easily be cleaned and holds more than you'd think. Made from polyethylene plastic, the Green Plastic version contains polyethylene bio-plastic, where sugar cane is used as a raw material instead of oil. Available in several colours from Whistler Kitchen Works. Small 56.99 Large 65.99 >>

IN THE SOUL OF THE VILLAGE, OPPOSITE TAPLEY’S.

12-4122 Village Green | 604 905 0036 | solesofwhistler.com

MERRELL BARE STEPS 2.0 TODDLER BOOTS This boot is made with environmentally friendly materials and features an alternative closure with fixed laces for an easy fit and a hiker-inspired look. Its wide toe box and rounded outsole follow the natural shape of a child’s foot to ensure healthy foot development and its light, flexible outsole makes it durable. Leather upper with memory foam footbed for all-day comfort. Available at Mountain Kids Outfitters. $70

PYP WHITE OUT GIFT BOX The peak of perfection in handmade chocolates! Stop by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to watch fudge being made by hand, feast your eyes on the decadent caramel apples, and, of course, take home a selection of handmade chocolates. Each White Out box includes a Cheesecake Naked Bomb, Almond Cluster, Kahlua and Cream Caramel, Raspberry Dome, and a Tiramisu Caramel. Available at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. $16

AWESOME MAPS MOUNTAIN BIKE MAP This map shows you the world of mountain biking, from famous longdistance cycle routes to epic MTB downhill tracks, with over 400 mountain bike trails and bike paths and information on length, type of track, ascent and descent. Printed on silk coated, acid free paper with re-writability coating (use with a whiteboard marker). Available at Get the Goods. $49 >>

111 PLACES IN WHISTLER THAT YOU MUST NOT MISS by Dave Doroghy and Graeme Menzies The ultimate insider's guide to Whistler featuring interesting and unusual places not found in traditional travel guides, and part of the international 111 Places/111 Shops series with over 650 titles and 3.8 million copies in print worldwide. This guide takes you on a ride along Canada’s most scenic highway to discover the scenic vistas, ancient legends, quirky characters, and unusual places in Britannia Beach, Squamish, and Pemberton that make Whistler a destination full of wonder and outdoor adventure. Available at Armchair Books and Fresh St. Market. $24.99 W

a clothing and goods store that focuses on the local, handmade and sustainable…… discover all manner of beautiful and curated things… all emphasizing the unique lifestyle of the pacific northwest…

Located at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola 604.932.4100

Located at 122-4340 Lorimer Road & Fairmont Chateau www.3singingbirds.com