RICK MACDONNELL
 For breakfast, enjoy the Hot Spring's Tiramisu French Toast – banana bread dipped in expresso and loaded with sweet mascarpone cheese and chocolate amaretto sauce served with fresh fruit. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers |
FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS, BC — With the wealth of opportunities to be found at the Fairmont Hot Springs resort, it is very easy to burn calories there. From skiing to golfing to snowshoeing to biking, the resort will keep you on the move for your entire stay (no matter how long you're there).
If you're not careful, you'll find yourself in the middle of a geocaching hunt without the energy to continue on. Luckily, there are a few spots at the resort to keep you fueled up.
"Energy is what our food is all about," said Rusty Cox, Chef de Cuisine at the Fairmont Hot Springs. "Energy for the outdoor activities, energy for the hot pools, because you burn it off fast."
There are three dining options at the resort alone: the Dining Room, the Bear's Paw Lounge, and the Misty Waters Cafe. Each offers something a little different – from beautifully arranged gourmet dinners, to drinks and amazing appetizers, to a quick bite out by the pools – complementing one another in such a way that you'll be satisfied no matter what you're craving.
Chocolate for breakfast?
Cox, who worked at the Fairmont over a decade ago before moving on to other opportunities, has returned to his beloved resort and reinvigorated the Fairmont's dining scene.
"What we're doing is changing the whole atmosphere and the look of the menu. We're going for freshness, something that you can't get anywhere else. Something unique that's going to really get you excited about eating again."
 Poached eggs served with spinach and a maple balsamic dressing makes for a delicious and interesting lunch, especially when served in a waffle cone. RICK MACDONNELL/SnowSeekers |
One meal was all it took for Cox to make a lasting impression. His Tiramisu French Toast banana bread dipped in egg and a shot of espresso, with sweet mascarpone cheese, chocolate amaretto sauce, and some fruit ratatouille – was out of this world. And if you can believe it, you can eat it first thing in the morning.
"It's essentially an eskimo pie for breakfast," Cox said.
New twists to old favs
Another of his mind-bending concoctions is his Salad and Eggs. It's a spinach salad with maple balsamic dressing, warm poached eggs, and a cherry tomato on top. If you take a look at the photo on the side, you'll notice that it looks like an ice cream cone ... for lunch.
The man's a genius.
The Bear's Paw Lounge is a perfect extension of the chill, laid back attitude of the Fairmont. It's a great place to relax, grab a drink or two, and treat yourself to some amazing pasta or pizza. Here's a tip: ask to be served outside the Lounge, just up the stairs in front of the kayak display. Not only will you have a great private dining space away from other diners, but you be able to socialize with all the guests that make their way by you en route to their rooms. It's a great conversation starter.
Like every other aspect of the Fairmont Hot Springs, the dining crew will take the utmost care of you. Find me one moment where you aren't satisfied, relaxed, and content and I'll eat dinner in the kayak display (which, rumour has it, has been done).
For more stories and detail on Fairmont check out our SnowSeekers' destination page.