Villa Eyrie Resort - A Mountainside Culinary Retreat
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or secluded local retreat, Villa Eyrie Resort is the true definition of mountainside luxury. Perched atop of the Malahat ridge, just North of Victoria, it overlooks expansive forests and Finlayson Arm.
I was fortunate enough to spend a night in the Master Suite in the Villa Principale this spring. There was still some remaining snow at the time we visited, so I really appreciated cozying up in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea (and some sparkling wine) upon arrival. Not only was the interior of the suite beautiful, so were the views from the arched windows and the wrap-around balcony. The real show-stopper was the huge two-person soaker tub in the suite. Lined with white Roman pillars and tons of pressure jets, this soaker tub instantly melted all of my worries away.
My dining experience at the newly renovated and renamed Alpina Restaurant exceeded all expectations— in terms of the cuisine and the setting. Once you step into the dining room, you are instantly taken back by 180 degree views of the surrounding mountains, forests and water. The large windows and airy contemporary design make you feel like you are floating in a cloud amongst the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. But in reality, you are moments away from enjoying a remarkable dining experience.
I began the meal with my favourite cocktail, a negroni, that was perfectly made. I enjoyed this with an intricately-crafted plate of red beet carpaccio. Local blue cheese, thin shards of crisp green apple, fresh greens, and toasted walnuts were strewn on top of the thinly sliced red beets, ensuring that every bite was fresh, creamy, and crunchy.
For the main course, I indulged a gorgeous piece of pan-seared halibut in a red wine butter sauce. Typically, I tend keep fish and red wine away from each other, but this pairing almost had me licking the plate! The plate was garnished with a handful of
fluffy handmade gnocchi, baby spinach, pine nuts, and fresh side-stripe shrimp. A thorough sprinkling of fried capers added right amount of acidity to tie this complex dish together.
And despite being tempted by a rich slice of Black Forest Cake or gelato, I savoured a bowl of tangy homemade lemon sorbet. Made from lemon juice, sugar, and water, this was a light and refreshing way to end the meal.
While Alpina Restaurant is well-known for their elegant dinner menu, it is also becoming increasingly popular as one of the best brunch spots in town. Their brunch menu offers a wide-range of classic brunch items with a local twist. If you enjoy brunch on the sweet side, try the Belgian Style Sourdough Waffles or Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. If you prefer a savoury brunch, go for the Two-Egg Omelette made with local Lockwood Farm eggs, or try the Huevos Rancheros with homemade jalapeño jam.
In true west coast and Italian fashion, Alpina actively takes part in the farm-to-table movement, using seasonal and local ingredients from all over Vancouver Island. In fact, you do not have to go far to see it. Just take a peek around the lobby entrance and you will stumble upon the chef’s very own herb garden. It doesn’t get more local than that!
The next time you are looking to have a relaxing getaway on Vancouver Island or a wonderful dining experience with a view), be sure to consider Villa Eyrie Resort.
