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.

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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.

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THE WESTIN RESORTS & SPA

Whistler, B.C.

Whistler Village's Kids Playground

One of the highlights for our kids is going to the Whistler Village's Kids Playground. 

We decided to go there first and on our way to the playground we passed by the Whistler Blackcomb place wherein you can purchase a ticket to go up the gondola but there were already snow on the ground which the kids excitedly ran into and played. 

* Aimee and Kimi... that is a ski area not a snow playground

* I don't think that is such a good idea....

* Tall ladies: Mel, Heidz and Twinny

Little Ladies: Kimi, Aimee and Sherilyn

Despite the cold, we still go some ice cream for the kiddos.

* Brrrr-eat!

* Moose

Finally! We arrived at the playground... soft grounds to walk in and accessible for both the young and the young at hearts to enjoy

For the more adventurous one...

* Sway Fun Glider

...and for the one who likes the conservative but fun as well

* Slides with a twist

* Logs as steps

* Making the conventional, unconventional

* Treehouse keeper

* Welcoming sight... :)

The adults kids were finally exhausted from all the running around...

we headed out for an afternoon nap before dinner

* Mommy Heidz and Mommy Mel

* Olympic rings...

* Little Olympians

* Cuddling up to the big bear

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WHISTLER's KIDS PLAYGROUND

Whistler, B.C.

White Spot at Whistler

* Loooong lunch but it was good with friends to converse with

Even Kimi and Sam had their moments in this restaurant... It was such a treat to finally see them conversing between each other and having a good time....

Pirate Pak Menus comes with coloring and activities to keep the kids busy while the cooks take their time preparing the meal...

* Color me up Pirate Pak Menu

* Kenzo giving out flying kisses....

* All around kisses... happy to be full. Baby food :)

* Sampling their Pirate Pak combinations

* Target: Golden Chocolate Coin...

Finally, our dishes arrived....

* Starter Size: Pulled Pork Sliders

* Caesar Salad with Chargrilled Chicken for Karl 

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WHITE SPOT

Whistler, B.C.

Mini Field Trip #4: Whistler's Children's Art Festival

It was a perfect to do a festival and for the love of our kids, we drove up to Whistler just to attend the celebration :)

$ 8 - per child

Donation for adults.

* Festival Area where the tent for paid activities are located

We were one of the few who got there first and some of the tents were just starting to open. Over excited he he! The strong man stilt walker was the one who welcomed us or maybe he was on his way to the village as well... That was how early we were... 

* It's so light... Mommy is so stroooong!

* Now with my hubby :)

We decided to check out the different FREE activities available on site which was really good. The usual- Face painting, balloon making are there but I was happy to find some unique ones that are free as well. Caricatures, Henna Tattoos....

* Eron came with us for some kiddie fun as well :)

* Family pic with a dog mascot

We started with the face painting. I figured out that it's not worth it to line up the face painting booths that are long already (although they yield better face painting results) because it was the experience and the kids wouldn't tell the difference between a work of art on their face from a simple drawing... So short line it was :)

* Way too simple... Fat brush- less details... Oh well

* Foxy lady passed by and I grabbed the chance for a quick shot

* Here comes Kimi's partner for the day... Sam :)

* Sam's turn for her face painting session

Karl was already in line for the next activity while we were in line with the face painting. It works better, less wait = more time to enjoy :). Next stop was the Caricature...

* Kenzo has no inkling of what is going on, Kimi stayed still

It was so funny Kimi so serious and trying not to move... at all. It is okay to move Kimikins....

* Caricature does NOT look like them at all haha

* The Kid and Kid at Heart :)

* Sam and Steve :)

We were a bit famished by the time we were done with the activities and decided to have lunch at White Spot... (another post)

Play Area at Whistler Village was up next on our list....

* Whistler View from the Play Area

* Picture of Kimi from the Eye shaped hole of the tree trunk 

* Another view from the play area

* Sam and Kimi went down down down the slides... NO FEAR!

Having Eron with us for this trip, we decided to do a short walk just so he can see more of Whistler. It was his first time...

* Eron and Kimi at the Olympic Rings...

* Our turn minus sleeping Kenzo

* Feeling Geisha

* The view near Whistler Blackcomb

* Whistler Blackcomb... Future list of things to go... Up up up!

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WHISTLERs CHILDRENs 

ART FESTIVAL

Whistler, B.C.