Imagine yourself in a field surrounded by the most spectacular mountain vistas, while the fresh air awakens your senses as you take a seat to enjoy a four-course meal that's one for the books.
Sounds pretty magical, right? Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar's al fresco dining experience – the Longtable Dining Series – is unlike anything you've likely experienced before.
Honestly, it's one of Pemberton and Vancouver's most adored annual events.
Araxi's Longtable Dining Series at the Pemberton location — Photo courtesy of Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar
At the Longtable Dining Series, award-winning Executive Chef James Walt creates an exclusive four-course menu that highlights the best of farm-to-table dining. Plus, each course is served with wine pairings chosen by Samantha Rahn, named 2013 Sommelier of the Year by Vancouver International Wine Festival.
The Vancouver Longtable Dining Series will host 250 guests, and the Pemberton longtable is set to be the longest table staged at North Arm Farm to date.
Serving such a large group at once while providing impeccable service is a challenging task, but leave it up to renowned Restaurant Director Neil Henderson, and you're in good hands.
Feast your eyes on Chef Walt's dishes — Photo courtesy of Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Like the previous Longtable Dining Series in Vancouver, the 2015 event will be held at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival at Vanier Park in Kitsilano.
At this location, guests will enjoy stunning views of English Bay, the North Shore mountains and the city's stunning skyline while tucking in.
Walt will be joined by the Toptable Group's Chef Frank Pabst of Blue Water Cafe, Chef Andrew Richardson of CinCin Ristorante, Chef Quang Dang of West Restaurant and Chef Thierry Busset of Thierry chocolaterie.
Thirty-five kilometers past Whistler is the Pemberton Longtable Dining Series, where they're set to stage the longest table North Arm Farm's has ever had.
There are few words that can convey just how stunning this setting is, and it's truly something you need to experience to fully appreciate.
Hosting this event on the farm is the perfect opportunity to introduce guests to meet the farmers and suppliers who work so hard to provide the beautiful bounty.
This year's 2015 Longtable Dining Series dates are as follows:
- Vancouver – Monday, Aug. 3, at Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park
- Pemberton – Saturday, Sept. 5, at North Arm Farm
Regardless of which one you plan to attend, you're in for an unforgettable experience.
Tickets for the meal and wine pairings are $159 each (plus tax and gratuity). They can be purchased online at Araxi's website.
Tip: Put this on your summer to-do list right now. And purchase your tickets as soon as possible, so you don't risk being disappointed when the events sell out.