The Courtney Room Announces Spring Guest Chef Dinners

Chef Brian Tesolin welcomes esteemed Chefs from Pluvio Restaurant in Ucluelet
and LUPO Ristorante Italiano in Banff

The Courtney Room’s Executive Chef Brian Tesolin is excited to welcome chef teams from two of Western Canada’s most admired restaurants to Victoria to partner on innovative, collaborative menus each for one night only.

On Sunday April 7th, Chef Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey of Pluvio Restauran t in Ucluelet will be in the kitchen at The Courtney Room for an incredibly special collaboration. Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Pluvio’s opening, Chef Warren Barr is known for creative and inspired Canadian cuisine focusing on seasonal and wild, hyper-local ingredients. The evening will start with two delicious Snacksfrom each chef featuring Pluvio Signature Candy Salmon and Foie Gras Parfait, followed by multiple courses including Dry-aged Hiromasa Crudo with pear, turnip, fermented cabbage and dashi gelee; Elk and Purple Barley Porridge with raisin, hazelnut, Nostrala and cocoa; Lamb Saddle with carrot, buckwheat, Salt Spring Island citrus kosho and miso caramel jus.

On Thursday May 2nd, Chef Brian Tesolin will welcome Chef Justin Leboe and Chef David Ryc from Banff’s LUPO Ristorante Italiano. Growing up in the same town, Chef Tesolin and Chef Ryc share a lifetime of partnership both in and out of the kitchen as well as a deep passion for hand-made pasta. The LUPO team has achieved numerous, impressive accolades including #6 Best New Restaurant in Canada’s 100 Best following its opening last year. The collaborative menu will reflect nostalgic elements alongside all three chef’s shared passion for local and seasonal produce. Menu highlights include Foie Gras Mousse Pizzelle with Italian Cherries, Stuffed Chicken Wing with Apple Shaoxing Glacé and Roasted Potato Gnocchi with Parmesan Broth and Black Truffle.

“We are honoured to welcome Chef Barr, Lily, Chef Leboe and Chef Ryc to Victoria for these two exceptionally special dinners,” says Chef Brian Tesolin. “Both restaurants featured on the 2023 Canada’s 100 Best list, and are known for their innovation in the kitchen and passion for local produce. We can’t wait to collaborate and create delicious dishes for guests at The Courtney Room.” Reservations for the collaborative dinners are available to book on The Courtney Room’s website.

Visit www.thecourtneyroom.com/events to purchase. Each dinner costs $179 + fees and includes gratuity. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost. Space is limited.

About The Courtney Room

Old world meets new at The Courtney Room in Victoria, B.C., named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurant (2018 #10), included in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (2019 #94), Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards® Regional Honoree for Best International Hotel Bar for Canada (2023) and a Platinum tier wine program recognized at the Vancouver Wine Festival Wine Program Excellence Awards (2024) – the first restaurant on Vancouver Island to achieve the distinction. Born of the desire to showcase the best of the region, The Courtney Room is a modern dining space focused on genuine and thoughtful hospitality. Savour Pacific Northwest cuisine with bright flavours from both land and sea. Menus showcase local seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on Vancouver Island sourcing and partnerships. Elevate the every day with quality ingredients, thoughtful service and impeccably prepared, seasonal fine dining. www.thecourtneyroom.com

Media release and images provided by Marisa Cuglietta, Hawksworth Communications.