100 Mile Diet
July 2 - September 30, 2008

The Hotel Grand Pacific is a Four Green Key hotel, awarded by the Hotel Association of Canada’s ECOmmodation Rating Program, committed to improving our bottom line fiscal and environmental performance. As part of our commitment, we have incorporated the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program, a conservation initiative guaranteeing sustainable seafood that is ocean-friendly, into our restaurant menus.

This summer we are pleased to feature a 100 Mile Diet.

WHAT IS THE 100-MILE DIET?
When the average North American sits down to eat, each ingredient
has typically travelled at least 1,500 miles from farm to plate
- call it "the SUV diet."

100 Mile Diet Menu

Think Outside the Crumpet
June 1, 2008

The Hotel Grand Pacific presents West Coast Afternoon Tea

"Veddy British" Victoria is losing her grip on Afternoon Tea. Put down the finger sandwich and back away from the strawberry jam because there IS life after clotted cream.

Imagine the punchy spices of Pacific Pan Asia meeting the clean savoury flavours of the wild West Coast. The Pacific Restaurant in the Hotel Grand Pacific is "tea-sing" you to come in and enjoy a "High Tea" far above the ordinary.

Sample such intriguing nibbles as Asian five-spice scones with local Vancouver Island jams and jellies. Indulge in wild smoked BC salmon sushi with traditional First Nations' bannock. Sweet and salt marry exceptionally well with an afternoon menu that also features Thomas Haas chocolates and fruit gelees.

It gets better. Tea lovers rejoice. Restaurant Chef Michael Minshull has a wild new take on Tea, but gives a nod to tradition with an outstanding selection of world teas, and the use of English Tea Council approved Bodum tea pots for the perfect "cup-ah". Guests may brew to order at their table using individual Bodum tea kettles, thus ensuring their Biodynamic Single Estate Darjeeling is steeped with full boil water or their green tea is washed in water just below a boil.

West Coast Afternoon Tea at the HGP is available 7 days a week from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Priced at $36 per person.

For reservations call The Pacific Restaurant at 250-380-4458.

Our Tea Menu

International Sommelier Guild Courses offered
at Victoria’s Hotel Grand Pacific
March 2, 2008

The Hotel Grand Pacific and the International Sommelier Guild are offering ISG Level I, accredited by The International Sommelier Guild (ISG), providing Vancouver Island residents with the opportunity to build their wine knowledge without having to travel to the Lower Mainland.

The Hotel Grand Pacific is the first in Victoria to offer courses accredited by the leading wine resource authority. Well-known industry professional, sommelier and wine educator, Lesley Brown, will lead the ISG Fundamentals courses.

ISG Wine Fundamentals Certificate Level 1 is an introductory course for the novice wine enthusiast. It is designed for those pursuing a career in hospitality or for those who wish to enhance their knowledge and enjoyment of wines. Participants will acquire skills in basic wine terminology, wine tasting and recognition of the major grapes used to make wine. The course starts on Sunday, March 2nd, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and runs for 8 weeks.

The International Sommelier Guild brings together the resources of top educators, industry leaders, leading restaurateurs, wine merchants and wineries. ISG strives to pool the knowledge of the best minds available to stay on top of new trends, research, developments and standards. The ISG has certified Sommeliers for over 17 years and works closely with the hospitality and culinary industries to train professionals in wine and spirits.

For further course information, contact Lesley Brown at lbrown@internationalsommelier.com
or Emory Haines, Director of Operations at the Hotel Grand Pacific (250) 380-4451. Haines is committed to building a strong wine program at the hotel through education and experience. "This is a unique opportunity", said Haines, "to take an ISG course without having to travel to Vancouver or Seattle".

Registration is available on line at www.internationalsommelier.com.