With its Euro-style heritage charm, the Victorian Hotel in Vancouver is a great destination for anyone visiting the city in the holiday season. For those who delight in glossy hardwood and soaring bay windows, the hotel’s vintage-y vibe makes it hard to beat in any season. However, Christmas affords Vancouver-bound holiday goers with a special opportunity. With the gourmet epicentres of Gastown, Robson, and Yaletown just 5-10 minutes away, this is the ideal base for exploring the local Christmas culinary scene.
Food and Christmas have always gone hand-in-hand. Think rich gingerbread, candied nuts, decadently spiced cider, thick holiday hams, thin crispy cookies, seductive chocolates and, of course, that perennial North American favourite—turkey! Of course, in Vancouver many restaurants will put their own inspired Westcoast twists on classic dishes. With fresh ingredients and fresher ideas, there is an endless bounty of creations designed to delight your inner gastronome. So, if you’re ready to explore a bevvy of seasonal eats and treats, read on!
Forage
Located about 5-10 minutes away on 1300 Robson Street, Forage always puts the best of BC on your plate. This restaurant connects diners to local fishers, foragers, and farmers. They also offer the best from the local craft distilleries, breweries, and wineries. Every December, this restaurant trots out their rustic holiday decor, a nod to their sustainable dining approach, and serves up a four-course family-style lunch or dinner. Last year, this included grilled kale salad, a charcuterie board, a choice of roasted Fraser Valley turkey or hay-smoked pork rack roast, and a sticky toffee pudding. Stay tuned to see what’s being served up this year. Just remember, reservations are a must in this intimate space.
Le Crocodile
Located at 100-909 Burrard (about 10 minutes away), this restaurant puts a fancy French twist on its seasonal specialities. Be on the lookout for rare delicacies like smoked and candied salmon. For the main course, tuck into Roasted Fraser Valley Duck Breast served with Pan-Seared Foie Gras and an Apple Cider Reduction. Follow that up with a chocolate cake, featuring an orange reduction that lends a seasonal fruity flair to this traditional favourite. As a bonus, Le Crocodile will be offering a New Year’s Course this year, so make your reservations early.
West
Just a brief trot away at 2881 Granville Street, West offers a modern space bathed in natural light thanks to an assortment of skylights, perfect for holiday conviviality. Guests can choose from options ranging from a three-course meal to simple à la carte selections like West Coast oysters with elderflower mignonette or an albacore tuna salad. Don’t forget to follow up with a decadent chocolate parfait sandwich, featuring a white chocolate sour cream mousse, which works perfectly with its crisp hazelnut wafers and sour-sweet raspberry compote.
After all that food, you’ll be grateful for the luxurious pillow-top mattresses, raindrop showers, and flat-screen TVs that add dimension and comfort to your stay at the Victorian Hotel in Vancouver. To top it off, the complimentary continental breakfast, which is included in your stay, will provide a light and refreshing start to the day next morning.