Oak + Cru debuts as Kelowna's newest hot spot

Kelowna officially has a new hot spot, and it features a spectacular patio that is right on the water.

More than $9.4 million was spent as massive renovations took place at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort; it was money well spent. What used to be the Grand Bay Café is now Oak + Cru. On Wednesday evening, hundreds of people poured into the restaurant to sip wine, eat delectable food and take in the luxurious space. The restaurant’s interior features ample amounts of oak, a nod to the name. Cru is a French wine term that translates to growth. The name draws parallels to farming and growth in the Okanagan.

The culinary team, led by executive chef Iain Rennie, locally sources food and relies on dozens of farmers to create its unique menu. With his own herb garden and 80,000 bees that live on the roof of the hotel, fresh is the theme for the menu. Featuring a 6,000-pound signature fire deck oven, the team creates signature flatbreads that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. The menu includes favourites such as seared halibut, BC mussels, an array of sandwiches and the signature baked mac and cheese. Your meal is then finished with a sweet masterpiece created by award-winning pastry chef Arthur Chen.

Far from pretentious, the menu caters to every taste and is moderately priced.

With more than 2,800 carefully chosen wines in the cellar, 300 from local wineries, Oak + Cru boasts one of the best wine menus in the Okanagan. With prices starting at $10 per glass, there are dozens of by-the-glass wines to enjoy at the wine bar. If wine is not your thing, the fridges are stocked with local beers and ciders, or the bar team can create a signature cocktail or two for you.

Food and drink aside, the real reason for checking out Oak + Cru is the patio and the view. Spectacular is the only word to describe it. Tastefully designed and featuring comfy and inviting seating, you won’t want to leave. The patio is set along the lagoon at the resort and every night patio-goers are treated to their own private sunset as the mountains are set ablaze with yellows, pinks and orange.

Once the sun goes down, there is no need to go inside as heaters above will keep you warm and gas fireplaces at each table will keep you toasty. This will be your new favourite place to spend an afternoon or evening, I guarantee it.

What was once a depressing and closed-off space is now an open an inviting room that elevates the resort’s position in Kelowna. With 263 restaurant seats and 130 more seats on the patio, the restaurant is expected to be a gathering spot for many.

When you think you have seen it all, the prized feature is still to come. The Wine Experience Centre takes a nod from world renowned destinations such as Whistler or Las Vegas. The room features a communal table for up to 10 people. Carefully selected tableware and lighting features set the tone for what is to come. Guests are treated to an experience that begins with a specially crafted menu that is not available in the restaurant.

Chef Rennie will cater the evening with a local menu paired with wines from the cellar. A sommelier will walk you and your guests through specially chosen wines for the evening. No expense is spared during the evening and almost any request can be accommodated, the hotel staff says.

Expertly trained and knowledgeable staff will leave you feeling good about your choice for the evening. No detail was overlooked at Oak + Cru and the new restaurant and wine bar are expected to wow locals and visitors alike.