Clear your calendar for these special dinners featuring the chefs from Pluvio in Ucluelet and Banff’s new LUPO.

The Courtney Room - YAM Magazine Mar 2024
Photo By: Dasha Armstrong.

BY JOANNE SASVARI

Here at YAM, we’re happy to visit The Courtney Room any time. But we’re even more excited about two special dinners planned over the next few weeks, when executive chef Brian Tesolin welcomes the culinary teams from two of Western Canada’s most admired restaurants for a pair of innovative, collaborative menus. 

On Sunday, April 7, he’ll be joined by Chef Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey of Pluvio Restaurant in Ucluelet — they’ll be celebrating Pluvio’s fifth anniversary with all the creativity and hyper-local ingredients both chefs are known for. (Note that this event was close to selling out at time of writing.) 

The Courtney Room - YAM Magazine Mar 2024
Chef Brian Tesolin. Photo By: Leila Kwok.

And then, on Thursday, May 2, chef Tesolin will welcome chefs Justin Leboe and David Ryc from Banff’s LUPO Ristorante Italiano. Leboe is probably best known from his years at the helm of Calgary’s multi-award-winning Model Milk; chefs Ryc and Tesolin, meanwhile, grew up in the same town and share years of friendship and culinary collaboration between them. (Also, all three chefs are passionate about handmade pasta.) LUPO, which opened last year, was named #6 Best New Restaurant by Canada’s 100 Best, and has been a game-changing addition to the culinary scene in the mountain town. 

The Courtney Room - YAM Magazine Mar 2024
The Courtney Room tasting menu.

“We are honoured to welcome chef Barr, Lily, chef Leboe and chef Ryc to Victoria for these two exceptionally special dinners,” says 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.”

Each dinner costs $179 plus fees and includes gratuity. Wine pairings are available for an additional cost. Note that space is limited, so book your reservations soon at http://www.thecourtneyroom.com/events