(pictured: Liquidity Bistro Chef
Rob Walker on the patio with a killer view of OK Falls in the background.)
The moment you sweep through the gates at Liquidity Wines, you will be captivated. The various expressions of art woven through the garden, a pink lily pad dotted pond and ahead, the clean lines of the modern looking winery building surrounded by nature will inspire. Inside, the art walk continues through to the tasting room and on to the Bistro where the wall of windows offers a jaw-dropping view of Okanagan Falls.
On through to the wine tasting bar to sample the five wines remaining from the portfolio of eight after record sellouts. Each offer an elegant expression the local terroir all created by celebrated winemaker Matt Holmes. A crisp Pinot Gris, a French-style Chardonnay, a voluptuous Viognier, an exotic White Blend and a smooth and feminine Pinot Noir create a full tour of what their vineyards are creating. The Riesling and Rosé as well as the bubbly were sold out. We did have a chance to sample the gorgeous Sparkling Chardonnay later in the Bistro.
The vision for both the food and wine experience at Liquidity was to build a “cornerstone for Okanagan Falls – a place that really represents the terroir of the area through both the food and the wine,” says President Ian McDonald. Wine country restaurant veteran Dave Keeler of Vintage Hospitality operates the Bistro and shares that vision. Keeler says Chef Rob Walker has manifested a beautiful menu around that theme, building relationships with local farmers and artisans, growing his own kitchen garden on site with the help of Oliver grower Carolyn Tipler at Le Petit Clos.
Dave started working with Rob a few years ago when he was opening The Bonfire Restaurant at The Cove in West Kelowna. He recalls, “From day one at Bonfire, I saw that Rob was something special. I knew that he had to be in a restaurant like this one.” Creative and passionate about the local terroir, Chef Walker has built a lunch and evening menu featuring the best of BC’s bounty. Choices for starters include house made local charcuterie with BC artisan cheeses or a colourful Forno Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad. As an entrée at dinner how does the West Coast Halibut with Estate Basil Verde, Charred Tomato Puttanesca Relish and Lemon Whipped Potato sound? For Afters (creatively named instead of desserts) the Vanilla Scented Madeleine Cake with Fresh Local In Season Fruit, Garden Mint Semifreddo and Cherry Berry Syrup calls my name. The wine list includes Okanagan Falls bottles exclusively- love that.
The Bistro is open daily through the season up to Thanksgiving after which they are open Thursday-Sunday. What a place to book a Christmas party!
Chef Walker has some innovative dinner fall party ideas too – stay tuned for updates on their website.
~ Jennifer Schell