Sometimes you have to search a little to find the true treasures in life. And Grapes in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an adventure you definitely want to take. Hidden away in a tiny, gorgeous space on the second mezzanine level of the hotel, Grapes is a magical portal into the delicious world of charcuterie. The chef presides over an open, bar-style prep area that overlooks an intimate space that might seat 20 at capacity. Where you might usually find bottles of whisky and liqueurs lining the shelves behind the bar, neat rows of jars filled with colourful fermentations are at the ready to accompany the spectacular (and always evolving) list of meats, cheese and chutneys that make up this menu.
Still outfitted with many of the castle’s original finishing’s, the space features giant, single-pane arched windows adorned with stained glass crests that offer guests in recessed nooks spectacular views of the grounds and peaks beyond.
But the food is the real jewel in this crown. With ingredients sourced locally and from around the world, the menu and accompanying wine list offer a culinary quest for your palate that will take you through a kingdom of flavours, colours and textures and leave you satisfied, accomplished and full. Choose your own adventure through nibbles, bites and plates or let the chef lead your expedition through one of her tastings.
We chose to indulge in the chef’s Grand Tower, which features an array of meats, cheeses and seasonal jams and chutneys specially curated for you. We loved the salty Spanish boquerones, the Canmore-based Valbella venison salami, house-made terrine, tangy zucchini relish and a beautiful harvest chutney made with fresh pumpkin, squash, pears, apples and red current. Never having met a cheese we didn’t like, we were delighted by the l’Extra triple cream brie and the Lindsay bandaged goat cheddar. Paired with a fantastic Austrian Gruner Veltiner by Weszeli Langenlois and a suite of breads and crackers made in the hotel’s bakery, this tower is a spectacular meal. Finish it off with a little something from the truffle menu (by Calgary’s Chocolate Lab) and you’ve got yourself the perfect date night.
Visit Grapes 6-9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. The restaurant will be closed Oct. 16-Dec. 18, so make your reservations in advance as seats will surely be in high demand.
Camie Leard
Camie has a passion for music, food and the people who make them. A lifelong Calgarian, Camie brings 20+ years of experience telling stories about the area as an editor, communications professional and blogger. In her spare time, Camie is a painter and musician who is always looking for the next great meal.
