Adventure and fine dining. Two things that go together like me and wine. Meant to be. One of my absolute favorite destinations ever, is Golden, British Columbia. Literally, I just love that place. The energy there is fantastic – as well as the natural charm. With the green river flowing through it, the majestic mountains surrounding, and the small quaint size of it. I just cant get enough.
Golden has loads of activities on offer from, cycling, hiking, white water rafting, paragliding, and so on and so forth, I intend on spending quite a bit of time around there this summer. Endless excitement for my little adventure loving heart.
This time around, it was a weekend road trip with one of my long time gal pals.
Even though it was raining, it didn’t stop us. I am a damn trooper, it takes a lot more then that to stop this gal. There is nothing like hitting the open road, cranking your tunes, and laughing with one of your nearest and dearest. It’s always a nice change for myself as I do tend to do a sufficient amount of solo travel. It’s not my fault I like spontaneous adventures, and I don’t always have the time to wait for anyone else to join. Besides, ‘me time‘ rocks too!
Obviously aside from physical activities, Golden does offer a fine little culinary scene. One I also need to explore more of. I ever so graciously received a gift certificate from Tourism Golden for The Island Restaurant, an establishment in which I had not yet had the pleasure of being acquainted with. I love trying new things! Clearly. I think that goes without saying.
The Island Restaurant is a beautiful log building, and the location was prime with a patio that was over looking the river. It has such a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws you right in.
Mother nature decided to be a gem and hold up on the rain for us so we could enjoy the splendid patio ambiance.
Yes, I was already in my happy place with the way things were progressing – and it was about to get a whole lot happier when the vino started flowing. Anyone who know’s me, know’s that wine is a hobby of mine. It’s an art, one that I like to enjoy.
Before I decided on the bottle, we were offered a sample. A generous one at that. She said these two mixed together would taste the equivalent of Summers night. So off I went to experience it.
Wait it was a bit difficult, so I tried another route.
Yup, sold! Pretty darn delicious. Bring on the Summers Night.
Clearly I am a total class act, 100% of the time.
The service was top notch! Super charismatic, and above and beyond. Right from the get go.
We were having the best time ever. Having an awesome person taking care of you, always takes the experience way up as well!
Since you can’t live on Vino alone, it was time to begin our culinary journey.
I decided to try the Elk for my Entree. I like to keep things as local as possible no matter where in the world I am, so I figured you can’t get much more local then Elk. It was served as an Elk patty plated on top of rosti potatoes and roasted vegetables.
With a side of salad, and a pastry stuffed with cheese.
The Elk had a very interesting flavor to it. I mean the flavoring they added was great, but the meat itself has quite a different taste to me. I am not sure I would be ordering Elk myself again anytime soon. However, everything else I had was ridiculously good.
Natasha went for the Mozzarella & Grape Quasadilla.
She also loved hers, and couldn’t resist in finishing every last bit.
Clearly we had to top it off with dessert, and went for the Apple pie. Freshly baked and perfectly delicious. Party in my mouth. Ok, that was the wine.
I can tell you one thing, if you come hungry, you absolutely will not be leaving hungry. They take very good care of that. Perhaps I should have worn sweat pants…..
I was also treated to a tour by the chef. I always love a behind the scenes look at things. We even hung out with the owner for a bit.
The whole experience was so much fun, it was hard to leave. ‘No, I don’t want to go!’
Although I did leave in the end, and I know one thing for a fact, well two things actually. Firstly, I am going to be back in Golden in no time. Secondly, I will be visiting The Island Restaurant again. It has the view, the ambiance, the service, and the cuisine. Everything you could ever ask for in a culinary experience. When you wake up in the Golden area, don’t miss out on the chance to heighten all your senses.
There is no cell service so the pay phone really does come in handy. It’s great and refreshing to disconnect from the world sometimes.
Having a free fall of 254 meters(same height as the bungy jump I did in South Africa), they stand to be one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.
A Pursuit of Life - Barefoot& High Heeled 