Canada's north-western Yukon Territory, famous for its towering mountains, magnificent wildlife and epic road trips, is fast becoming known for its culinary appeal, with a growing organic food movement, craft breweries, funky cafes, and multicultural cuisine, all served up by salt-of-the-earth, welcoming Yukoners.
1) Locals and visitors flock to the Yukon Culinary Festival from 1 - 4 August 2019, eager to sample delicacies, forage on local farms and tour Yukon's top restaurants. The festival features cooking demonstrations, community markets and culinary competitions, including the Bannock vs. Sourdough contest, all to promote local food and products. The Yukon's northern location means long sunlight hours that promote a unique summer growing season, with the festival showcasing the flavours and culinary traditions of the Pacific Northwest region.
2) Yukon's capital city of Whitehorse packs some culinary punch. The ambient tunes coming from the record player at Wayfarer Oyster House sets the scene for lovers of good times and seafood. Relax over a plate of oysters, or dine on the best seafood Yukon, Alaska and BC has to offer.
Fans of Japanese ramen will love the newly opened Wood Street Ramen, run by celebrated chef, Troy King. The tiny Whitehorse eatery emulates ramen take-outs found in Japan and serves mouth-watering noodles produced with locally sourced ingredients.
Downtown Whitehorse, Antoinette's serves up a mix of international cuisine with a distinct Caribbean infusion. Chef, Antoinette, brings the flavours of her childhood to the menu, having grown up on the island of Tobago in the West Indies. The restaurant is as colourful and vibrant as the food itself.
For outstanding Mexican cuisine, stop at Sanchez Cantina. This family-friendly space is the perfect setting for vibrant, traditional Mexican flavours, and nothing beats the sunny deck during the long summer days.
For a truly relaxed morning coffee, head to Bean North for organic fair-trade coffee in the northern boreal forest of the Takhini Valley, just outside of Whitehorse. Known as 'the café in the woods', Bean North will entice you with home-made soups, paninis and delicious sweet treats.
3) The craft beer scene is thriving in Whitehorse, with unique flavours infused by passionate Yukoners who know a thing or two about brewing. Sample a refreshing Yukon Gold draft beer at Yukon Brewing, try a Pingo Pale Ale or a Sweater Weather Oatmeal Stout at Winterlong Brewing Co. (ironically open all year-round), or head to Deep Dark Wood Brewing, where every beer is fermented in an oak barrel using a variety of yeasts and cultures for a truly original tang.
4) There's only one other place in Canada that can lay claim to its very own single malt whiskey. Here in Yukon, the owners of Yukon Brewing have done just that. The premium charter release of the Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whiskey is heralded to be a complex nose of oak with malt depth frames the rich, layered fruit and honey body. Bottoms up!
5) Dawson City is Yukon's most historic town, with its boardwalks and original buildings that hark back to the Klondike Gold Rush. Its food, however, is anything but archaic. For organic food, wholesome meals and gluten-free options, head to the eco-conscious Alchemy Café, where the eggs are organic free-range and even the honey is locally-sourced. Owner, Florian Boulais, is a retired wood shop teacher, now devoted to providing organic fair-trade coffee, supporting Dawson's local farmers and promoting a sense of community that revolves around the sharing of stories with locals and visitors alike.
Red Mammoth Bistro serves up house-made breads and pastries daily, with to-die-for paninis. We guarantee you won't go past the giant brownies!
Klondike Kate's, housed in a Klondike-goldrush-era building, is a great dinner option. Feast on smoked barbecue meats and outstanding meals created with locally sourced ingredients Alternatively, sit out on the sun-drenched patio at Sourdough Joe's and enjoy fresh halibut, sockeye salmon, cod burgers, home-made chowder, or a hearty steak sandwich. Make sure you include a side-order of Klondike poutine with optional double bacon, cheddar and gravy. It's best to arrive hungry!
Getting to Yukon Territory
Air Canada has direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with connecting flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City available on Air North. For more information about Yukon visit www.travelyukon.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment