It’s time to start thinking about summer holiday plans, and if an Okanagan getaway is on the list, consider making a stop at the Turtle Bay Pub in Lake Country.
Located just off Highway 97 along the southwest shore of Wood Lake, midway between Kelowna and Vernon, the pub offers an ideal lakeside setting. The expansive deck overlooks the marina and the water, making it an easy place to settle in with a cold drink on a warm summer afternoon.
Recently, while running errands in Lake Country, we decided to stop in for a bevy and a bite. We arrived during Happy Hour and quickly found ourselves intrigued by several items on the menu.
Both of us enjoy IPA beers, but neither of us had tried the Steamworks Halo Light IPA before, so we asked Chad, our server, for a sample. Light, fruity, and refreshing, it proved to be an excellent choice, and we each ordered a pint. A quick search later revealed it clocks in at just 3.5 percent ABV — roughly half the alcohol of many traditional India Pale Ales. A welcome bonus on a sunny afternoon.
On the food side, the “Let’s Get Dirty” Fries immediately caught our attention: slow-braised Korean beef topped with fresh jalapeños, basil, cilantro, mint, sesame aioli, and toasted black and white sesame seeds. It sounded unusual enough that we had to try it, and the dish delivered on both flavour and texture.
We also shared the Italian Deli Sandwich, layered with freshly sliced Calabrese, lemon-herb dressed baby arugula, olive tapenade, fior di latte mozzarella, balsamic reduction, and served on schiacciata bread. A Caesar salad rounded out the meal nicely.
Service can make or break a casual pub experience, and Chad handled the room with the ease of someone who has done this for years. He seemed to appear at the table just as we were about to ask for something, attentive without hovering.
With its relaxed atmosphere, lake views, solid food menu, and easy summer vibe, Turtle Bay Pub is worth keeping in mind the next time your travels take you through the Okanagan.
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck) Feature image courtesy of Turtle Bay Pub