Nestled at the centre of South Okanagan grape country sits Spirit Ridge Resort, basking in Canada's only desert. It is just steps from the regions top wineries, splendid golf course, posh spa, riding stables, family and adult pools, cardio studio, biking, hiking and riding trails....In spite of the wealth of amenities, Spirit Ridge is devoted to the preservation of Osoyoos First Nation ecology, history and indigenous culture.
With the vast activity venues, guests love to indulge in the food fare of the 'big chief' restaurant here: The Bear, The Root, The Fish & The Berry. This is a culinary mouthful, a rascally term with the muscle of its menu as modern vineyard cuisine inspired by indigenous roots. As an 'Ancestral Food Belief' these roots stem from the Okanagan First Nation People whose approach to food is based on Four Food Chiefs that represent the key elements of indigenous cuisine (Bear, Root, Fish & The Berry). The culinary team is strongly trained in the cultural aspects of the menu to reflect the local environment in the dishes.The menu categories of the restaurant are structured in the following formations: The Bear (Meat), The Root (Starters), The Fish (Seafood), & The Berry (Dessert). From the seafood column I opted for the Salmon Platter, from the meat section; the 3 Sisters Turkey Soup and from the dessert row , the Butterfly Dream.....and all were savoury items. The Butterfly Dream; however, was presented so beautifully that I didn't know whether to just stare at it or eat it. I ate it. Service was admirably executed.
So if you crave dishes out of the ordinary and based on ingredients farmed from Indian land and the creatures that are the key elements of the indigenous food spirits......the try ......The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry....Chief Indigenous Food Elements.More