The Aubergine Grille

We never spent a night before in Whistler, it was always a daytrip until I got a deal I couldn't passed up.

It was an overnight with three course dinner for 2 at good price of $199 at Travelzoo. The overnight stay itself costs $270++ regularly and with a 3 course dinner for 2 thrown in with the package, it was just a no brainer :)

We had this planned for months with a lot of weekdays in the promo, we reserved the first weekend that was included so...

* The Aubergine Grille

Reservation was at 6 pm...

* Karl and Stone

* Twins and Mel

It was a nice surprise that we got to choose an individual 3 course meal, no shared appetizer or dessert in this promo. Then, we got (2) 3 course meal for the kids which was another bonus. The best part was that it was free and that the selection was way over my expectation. Wherein some restaurants offer the normal fare like Macaroni and cheese or chicken strips with fries for the kids. Not Aubergine, the free entree included was from a simple spaghetti (which we ordered) to Angus Beef steak and Sockeye Salmon. They got their own appetizer as well, with nice selections to boot and a really good dessert selections for each kid. The presentation for the kid's meal was just as nice. <blown away>

* Our Appetizer/ Entree Selections

The bottom right is the kid's entree complete with plating :).

The appetizer was great. Beef Carpaccio was sliced a bit too thin but the oyster for mine was really fresh and the Dungeness Crab Spring Roll was really yummy with crabs you can really taste plus the great sauce that accompanied it.

The Lobster and Steak was done really well as well and we were full by the time we finished our entrees.

* Dessert Selections

I chose the Sorbet and Rainbow Ice Cream for the kid's dessert which we shared. I especially loved the strawberry and vanilla ice cream with it's creaminess and loved the peach sorbet that comes with the trio sorbet. Stone chose the Flourless Chocolate cake that was really good while the Maple Creme Brulee was okay. The Best Creme Brulee I had was from Bistro Sakana, I loved all the food from Bistro but the food took way too long to be served. The Aubergine Grille got everything right, good food, nice ambiance, impeccable service, food arrived just in time and kids got three course meal with an adult's 3 course meal for free.

* * * * *

THE AUBERGINE GRILLE

Westin  Resort and Spa

Whistler, B.C.

The Westin Resorts and Spa at Whistler

I used to take a picture from outside this hotel when we go to Whistler. I just like the way it looks...

* Hotel Facade

I finally got the chance to stay at their junior suite with friends who stayed a room apart from us. It was like a giant slumber party. Even Kimi had playmates in the form of Heidi's daughters, Aimee and Sherilyn, she was excited to go and knock in their room and share snack as well as have them stay in our room to play.

Aside from the room, we got a picturesque view as soon as we woke up.

* Mountain view from our room

We had our certificate for dinner at the reception. 

* Certificate to a full dinner

...and a sweet  welcome

* Chocolate covered strawberries....

...which we devoured right away

* Oooh la la...

The Junior Suite (#763) was a good size for us with a King size bed and a sofa bed for additional sleeping areas. 

* King Size bed for 4

* Entertainment Area

* Kitchenette with an oven inside

The kitchen was fully-equipped with plates and utensils conveniently placed when needed. 

We loved the hotel room and especially the view. The location of the hotel is a given with everything a stone throw away. I would definitely come back if there is another good deal for this place.

* * * * *

THE WESTIN RESORTS & SPA

Whistler, B.C.

Hamilton Street Grill

I scored another nice deal to another restaurant in Yaletown.

I saw the pictures and the reviews and decided to get the deal. I wasn't able to use it up until this April. With 2 kids in tow, hubby and our couple friends, Twinny and Stone. We headed for Hamilton Street Grill.

* Nice Patio for Summer 

* This sign screams meat and steak!!!

* Travelzoo Menu 2 for $49 deal

I didn't post the pictures because of the lighting but we weren't expecting a full size meal because of the deal but it was really big and we agreed that it was really worth the price for the price we paid especially.

Shared Appetizer

Mussels with chipotle and bacon in cream sauce

-Unanimous decision: YUMMY!

One Entree Each

Hubby: 12 oz Blackened NY Strip Steak with Garlic Sauteed Mushrooms (Medium Well)

-It was good and a big size too!

Mel: Red-wine Braised Lamb Shank with caramelized onions and herb mashed potatoes 

- First time to try lamb and it was good. I just keep thinking "lamb' every time I take a bite

Shared Dessert

No option for this: Gingerbread pudding with warm caramel sauce

-So full but had room for this yummy dessert. Ice cream in ginger sounds weird but it was surprisingly good as well. Time Out Vancouver calls this dessert "famously spectacular"

...afterwards, some photo op

* My Little Fashionista

* ... and My Little Guy

* * * * *

HAMILTON STREET GRILL

1009 Hamilton Street

Vancouver, B.C.

Hotel Grand Pacific

It started with a deal from Travel Zoo recently. Then, my mind started turning...

RELAXATION.

I'm sold....

* Hotel Grand Pacific

Right next to our hotel on the left is this coat of arms sort of park. I am not sure what you call this place but that is the best I can do ;)

* Splendor.

* Coat of Arms of all the Canadian provinces and territories

* Fountain at the middle

Love the location... A few steps away to the Inner Harbour. It almost feels like the Inner Harbour is your whole front yard :). To the right is the Parliament Building. Really good eh? Even hubby was raving about this hotel.

* Nice Entrance with Glass Awnings

It was like a Hotel that says luxury... even the Interior of the hotels speaks of Classic and Regal

* Kimi has been begging for a horse ride

it was way expensive so....maybe next time!

It's a good thing that Kimi is not a girl who does tantrum when she doesn't get her way. It is easy to distract her with another offer. :) Whew!

* Waiting Area

* Look Ma, Canadian Leaf!

Now, A tour of our room...

* Room 215

* Comfortable Bed

* Classic Armoire with Side Chairs for late night coffees

* Complimentary Coffees

* Ice buckets and Glasses

* Bathroom were a good size plus 2 sinks!

I wish that there was a shower hand spray for the kids in the shower though.

* Bathroom Neccessities

Overall, the hotel was a great choice and we also had spa at 10% off so no complaints there except I think the spa area was too small and not maintained as well as the hotel. I learned though that it was previously privately own and the owner went back to Japan so the hotel just held onto it while no one is interested in buying. The massage therapist was okay and friendly but it would have been more of an experience if there were candles or some scent to add to the spa experience.

* * * * *

HOTEL GRAND PACIFIC

Victoria, B.C.