We are very fortunate to have time share in Whistler Canada, and every year we look forward to our one dinner out while we’re there.

Whistler has a lot of really nice dinning options and experiences…almost too many to choose from! About 7 years ago we came across Bearfoot Bistro (celebrating still being alive after bungee jumping!) and we have been enjoying our one night out for dinner there ever since. It may sound crazy, but we look forward to that dinner all year long!

We’ve seen the restaurant change over the years, but the thing is…it was already darn near perfect. Each improvement just pushes it a little more over the top, and makes it better without even realizing you wanted/needed it to be better. P.S. prices have not shot up…which is nice.

From the moment I call to make the reservation it’s an experience that is so enjoyable. Repeat customers are in their system, so when I called they verified they were accommodating Mark’s allergies, and that it was our anniversary celebration. 3 days before dinner I already felt like I was being cared for, and cared about.

This year was a perfect storm of fortune in that we were able to reserve a chefs table, and order the Chefs Menu: 5 courses and 5 wine pairings. (Fine dinning can be pricey…we usually opt for the more cost effective option when eating at Bearfoot Bistro…this year was a splurge that was so worth it! We have never been treated different based on the price of our order…the service is impeccable either way!). It was a bit of a stretch for me because you don’t know what you will get with a Chefs Menu, it’s their choice. So if squid shows up (I don’t like it in any shape or preparation and can’t stand the smell of it) you are eating squid like it or not. But, I took the plunge and am so thankful I did!

When ordering the Chefs Menu just know that it’s like entering a long-term relationship. You want to take your time, enjoy every bite you take, don’t rush drinking the wine, ask questions (you have a view of the kitchen, and are being well cared for by people who take pride in their job, enjoy it!), and if you can meet the chef! We were there for 3 1/2  hours, and it seemed to go by so fast. I was shocked when I looked at my watch!

I totally had a fan-girl moment when head chef Melissa Craig walked into the prep area of the kitchen and was working on our main dish…I admit I was giddy! After Mark pointed out to the server I was a fan, and had a question for her about her menu creation process, our server talked to her and she came out (twice) and answered questions, asked how we liked the food, and was just really, really nice! I kinda wanted her autograph, but I kept my cool, sort of.

If you’re ever in Whistler I can’t recommend Bearfoot Bistro enough, it’s worth the visit. They are great with kiddos (thankfully we were Sky free for this dinner) and go above and beyond to accommodate food allergies.

 

A few tips for eating out with allergies:

-Look at the menu on line before you go.

-Call ahead and verify they can accommodate you, and ask if you can bring your own bun/bread etc. to make it work.

-Don’t be scared to double check before taking the first bite!

-Generally the nicer the restaurant the better the accommodation will be, and the more willing they are to be helpful.

-Whistler is a pretty great place to eat with allergies. We’ve found several great options for Mark, obviously sticking to our fave for dinner though.