Sunday, April 01, 2007

Things I Love about Nelson # 3 - Whitewater Ski Resort and Whitewater Cooks


Burdockboy over at False Sense of Security has recently been so kind as to bring the following article from the New York Times on a little gem of the Kootenays to my attention. Thus I thought I too would take the time to highlight a relatively new, little known cookbook that has quickly become one of my all time favorites. The cookbook is "Whitewater Cooks."

Whitewater, for those of you unfamiliar with the area, is a tiny local ski resort tucked up tight in the Selkirk mountains about a fifteen minute drive from Nelson. It is not large, but boasts some of the best powder skiing in all of BC. But aside from the skiing, its little cafeteria, the Fresh Tracks Cafe, serves probably the best food of any ski resort in North America. For years I have wondered how other ski resorts could get away with charging outrageous prices for nothing more than a greasy burger and fries when I could purchase a delicious, healthy meal at Whitewater for much less. If you don't believe me, just ask the locals. So good is the food here, that often locals who don't ski will make a trip up to the hill just for lunch. Who wouldn't. Even their burgers beyond the ordinary. One of their best sellers, the Fancy Pants Burger, is piled with chèvre, caramelized onions, roasted garlic aioli, tomatoes, bacon and spring greens. Or if burgers aren't your thing, try one of their fabulous bowls or Whiskey Smoked Salmon Chowder, Lemony Lentil Soup or Pad Thai, Rumour has it that their 'Famous Burger Sauce' is worth the price of the book alone.

For more information on this cookbook, check out the following link by Amazon. By clicking on the "search inside" icon in the top left hand corner, you can see a few pages inside the cookbook as well as a few of their soup recipes. Bon Appetit!

19 comments:

BurdockBoy said...

if they're open in the off season i will head up the mountain next time i'm up that way, which will be soon. the cookbook may have to be in the future as well.

i also love that little bakery tucked away in an alley there in nelson. i can't recall its name. their le true bleu bread has to be one of my favourites.

The Fool said...

New cuisine tastes that come with a recommendation are the best. The chai tea recipe is a staple, and you have displayed an excellent class of taste on the blog, so I think I may take up this adventure. It's time to stir a few new recipes into the mix, and this may be just the ticket. Thanks, Carla.

***And Happy Fools' Day!!!***

Carla said...

Burdockboy, I'm not sure if they're open in the off season. They haven't been in the past, but there has been some talk of it.

Yes, that little French bakery is also one of my favorites. It's called "au Soleil Levant" but most people around here just call it the French bakery. They have fougasse to die for.

Fool, Happy Fool's day to you too...a day late. Oops. If you get the cookbook, let me know how you like it. Two other very good cookbooks...both "west coastish" are the Rebar (a very popular restaurant in Victoria) and the Hollyhock. The Hollyhock is more practical...ingredients one is more likely to have on hand. The Rebar has some delicious recipes, but sometimes you have to hunt for some of the ingredients.

I'm glad you're still enjoying the Chai recipe.

BurdockBoy said...

Ah yes the fougasse. I had one with mushrooms and cheese. A meal within itself.

We have a very decent bakery here as well. Very authentic. They have a garlic asiago bread that makes my mouth water when I smell it baking. Also a cranberry walnut that makes the best sandwiches.

I'm very passionate about coffee, bread, and cheeses (I guess like some people are with wines).

tkkerouac said...

I've linked you!

Cheryl said...

Sounds amazing - there certainly wasn't anything that fancy there when we lived there (I missed out on the bakery too).
I will definitely be looking for the cookbook!

Carla said...

Burdockboy, I hear you about the coffee, bread and cheese. The bakery has one type of bread with dark Belgian chocolate...last time I bought it, I made grilled cheese sandwiches. The combo with the melted chocolate was fabulous. Who would have thought?

Tkkerouac, thanks for the link.

Cheryl, all the more reason for you to come back for a visit. In the meantime, check out the cookbook.

JBelle said...

Burdock Boy is awesome! I went over to Amazon and clicked. It's on its way to The 'Kan EWA. And...for sure we will make it up there next winter. No, this time I really mean it!

Carla said...

JBelle, if you make it up here, do let me know. There are lots of other little local delights. Enjoy the cookbook.

Anonymous said...

I have never heard about Whitewater...but then I am not much of a skier. But I am a serious cookbook collector!

Carla said...

Sandi, I'd love to know what some of your favorite cookbooks are. Perhaps I should do a post on all of my favorites...that might take awhile though.

Steffi said...

That must be a nice cookbook but unfortunately I never heard about it.I have some cookbooks at home too but never enough time to try some recipes.

I wish you and your family "Happy Easter".

Steffi

Carla said...

Steffi, I have the same problem too. Too many cookbooks and not enough time to try all the recipes I'd like too. I hope you have a lovely Easter.

JBelle said...

Happy Easter Carla! I am so homewick for BC I am practically inconsolable.

Carla said...

JBelle, Happy Easter to you too!!! You should come and visit. Spring finally arrived this weekend and we are having fabulous weather. Even the water is looking inviting.

Dan said...

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That was me wiping the spittle off my keyboard. :)

Carla said...

Dan, I hope the spittle was from you salivating at the thought of these gourmet meals and not just some annoying reflex. Thanks for the laughs ;-)

The Fool said...

Happy Easter, Carla. I made a batch of Chai and toasted your acquaintence today. Thank you. And I'll take you up on that guest post sometime down the line. Have a great week.

Carla said...

Fool, and I toast yours as well. I'm glad that Chai recipe has gotten so much milage. And I'll be honoured to have you guest post anytime. Just let me know when. Do keep in touch.