ARAXI is GOLDEN
(Directly from the Press Release)

Cementing it’s standing as the resorts premier culinary destination, Araxi wins gold ‘Best in Whistler’ for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year!

18th Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards
Gold, Best Whistler Restaurant
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
Gold Wine List Award

Whistler, BC – affirmation of Araxi’s continued standing as a Whistler culinary cornerstone was delivered earlier this week at the 18th Annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. The panel of eighteen judges concurred to award Araxi Gold, Best Restaurant in Whistler, for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year.

Araxi is “consistently the best fine-dining restaurant on the mountain� reports the magazine, adding that diners will “find fresh ingredients handled simply (the seafood preps show a deft hand), often with exquisite results.� This high praise is a testament to the talents of Executive Chef James Walt, whose impressive resume includes time spent cooking in Italy as well as in some of the country’s top kitchens. In 1998 Walt was the first Whistler chef to be invited to cook at New York’s prestigious James Beard Culinary Foundation, he has since returned in 2002 and 2006. Now living in Pemberton Valley, just north of Whistler, Walt is able to work closely with local farmers and hand pick pristine ingredients.

Restaurant Director & Sommelier Steve Edwards attended Monday’s industry event to collect the award “of course we are thrilled� he says “its been eight years but we are always mindful never to become complacent, we are constantly focused on finding new ways to elevate the dining experience at Araxi and to go above and beyond the expectations of our guests.�

Award winners from the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival were also announced “wine is an integral part of the experience at Araxi� says Wine Director Alain Canuel who was also delighted for the restaurant wine list to receive a Gold Award “ our cellar offers over 800 labels, we search to include lesser known boutique wines alongside cult wines and the most sought after labels, we strive to have something for everyone.�

This summer is set to be an exciting time for Araxi with patio renovations already underway; new umbrella’s, new state-of-the-art heaters and more planters will create a lush haven in the heart of the village square. And on June 20th the restaurant will hold its first Annual Araxi Golf Tournament & Dinner. A Reception sponsored by De Venoge champagne and Kendall Jackson wines will follow play, with the evening culminating in a multi-course menu for 100 guests. 10% percent of all proceeds will go to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.

Araxi is located at 4222 Village Square, offering regional fine dining in the heart of Whistler. For reservations & enquiries telephone 604 932.4540 or, for further information visit www.araxi.com.

Other recent awards:

Georgia Straight Golden Plate Awards, 2007
Best Restaurant in Whistler, Critic’s & Reader’s Choice

-- Shelley McArthur / Annabelle Hawksworth