DINNER AT THE NEW AURA RESTAURANT – NITA LAKE LODGE WHISTLER

This is our second time eating at Aura Restaurant. Our first dinner experience was back in March 2017 before they renovated the entire restaurant. When we found out we were coming back to Whistler, we made it a top priority to check out the relaunch of Aura Restaurant at our favorite Whistler accommodation, Nita Lake Lodge.

The re-launch of the Aura restaurant kept the same energy as an outdoor, cordial ambiance that still has the space for families but designed romanticly enough for special dates. The open kitchen and new bar section are both easy on the eyes and welcoming to the spirit.

Not only new additions to the physical appearance was but also to their menu! I started out with a Whiskey Flight – it was a great start to our evening hit all the right taste buds.

Mary loved the cocktail menu – Cure Lounge & Patio is located next to Aura Restaurant, and their menu is available while dining at Aura Restaurant. Cure Lounge & Patio changes their drinks every season with their craft cocktails. During the winter visit, the menu was inspired by fantasies of classic fairy tales.

From the Cure Lounge & Patio Cocktail menu, Mary ordered the Glass Slipper. It’s crafted with prosecco, house-made dark berry puree, simple syrup, and fresh lime.

My appetizer of choice was their Warm Bowl of Smoked Tomato Soup, which had a niçoise olive tapenade crouton and basil oil; a unique crouton paired well with the tomato soup.

Mary had the Ceasar Salad which consisted of baby gem romaine, smoked bacon, grana padano, buttered bread crumbs, caesar dressing.

As for the main dish, Mary went with the Braised Short Ribs which had Yukon gold potato and cauliflower puree, shimeji mushrooms, rapine, thyme jus. While she didn’t enjoy the short rib as much, the flavors and everything else was well enjoyed.

I went with the Butternut Squash Farro Risotto with roast leeks, Brussel sprouts leaves, mushrooms, baby carrot, lemon, pine nuts.

The best part of any dinner is the dessert! I had the Vanilla Crème Brûlée with a crispy pastry on top. It was delicious!

Mary’s dessert of choice was the Caramel Chocolate Pave with ice cream. Anything with ice cream is delightful and a great way to end the night!