Bear Mountain Resort has some serious 'altitude” about its world-class Jack & Steve Nicklaus co-designed Bear Mountain 'Mountain” golf course, but now it is scoring raves reviews for the myriad dining options up on top.

Under the expert direction of recently appointed Executive Chef, Iain Rennie, the food and beverage scene at Bear Mountain is one of freedom of choice. From fine dining to scrumptious burgers or sushi, a drive to the top of Bear Mountain is all about 'destination dining on high.'

Panache Restaurant
Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort and Spa

The Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort and Spa, opened in May 2006, is home to the elegant and exclusive 42-seat Panache Restaurant. This intimate tête-à-tête restaurant, has developed a loyal following amongst those who love their beef rare and their wine the same way.

With its on-site fresh herb garden, open gallery 'chefs in action' kitchen, Panache is home to a steak’s best friend, the Montague Grill. This broiler sears steaks to perfection on its 'hotter-than-the- surface-of-the-sun' grill, ensuring a perfect steak every time. Patrons are invited to pick their own steak via an open-view fridge from Panache’s selection of well-aged Triple A Alberta beef.

With a breathtaking terrace overlooking the 18th green and jaw-dropping views, Panache is also the locale for those who know and enjoy their wine, with a growing and evolving wine collection that would rival a number of chateaus in Europe.

Panache – In the Future

In 2007, Panache will undergo an expansion adding additional seating for 25, a large open hearth fireplace with access to the resort’s climate-controlled 'wine cellar' which will house over $500,000 worth of exclusive, fine and rare wines from around the world. There will also be a 'wine-makers' table located in the wine cellar for those who prefer to sip and sup in a 'wine shrine.'

Panache will also offer a 'Grill’s Best Friend' cooking school for those who want to learn the art and craft of grilling, all under the guidance and direction of Chef Rennie.

Copper Rock Grill
Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

This all-day casual dining restaurant, also located in the Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa caters to a relaxed 'west coast' style of dining.

A favourite spot with locals, Copper Rock’s signature specials, and the list is long, include spicy crab cakes, Guinness slow-roasted beef short ribs, local wild seafood and salads from Cobb to grilled calamari. The Copper Rock Grill, as at Panache, has a Montague Grill for 1600 degrees of grilling fire-power for delicious steaks and burgers done to order.

With seating for 58 and open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Copper Rock Grill is a place for great food made even better because of the view. The heated, year-round outdoor terrace wraps around the restaurant, giving patrons stunning views of the 18th green and Mount Baker.

Masters Lounge – Off the Main Lobby – Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

Rich leather seating sets the tone for the opulent Masters Lounge. With service for 60, this exquisite lounge area offers a relaxed ambience conducive to unwinding after a long day of meetings or an invigorating game of golf.

Food is for sharing and an elegant tapas menu is featured for all-day dining. An extensive drinks menu, including all the premium brands and exceptional wines from the new and old world makes The Masters Lounge an ideal 'second office' or 19th hole.

The Masters Lounge has access to the large outdoor terrace which expands the size from 60 inside to additional seating for 80 outside on the covered patio.

Hours: 11 a.m. until 12 midnight – 7 days per week

Jack’s Place – Interim Clubhouse

Located by the second green, in the original clubhouse building, Jack’s Place, is the place on the mountain to kick-back and relax after a round on the course. The menu is upscale pub-style, with a saucy and savory selection that ranges from wings to wedgies (the potato kind), to burgers and wraps and pizzas and pasta.

At the helm is Chef Josh Houston, whose fresh approach to food comes from a fast-paced cooking career that started in high school at a local Keg Steak House. He has moved up the kitchen ladder, cooking at the world-renowned Butchart Gardens and a Victoria classic, McMorran’s.

Jack’s Place also offer patrons a sampling of specialty beers, including two house brands, Bear Mountain Copper Ale and Grande Pilsner, custom brewed for Jack’s Place by Russell Brewery of Victoria.

With seating for 70 inside and additional seating for 100 outside on The Sunset Terrace, Jack’s Place has become a popular spot for special functions, BBQ’s and weddings. Large screen TVs mounted in various locations around Jack’s Place also make this an ideal spot to 'catch the game' with friends or colleagues.

Jack’s Place – In the Future

In January 2007 Jack’s Place will undergo a transformation converting the look of the place into a true pub-style restaurant with the addition of bar stools and more entertainment options. The menu will also go through a transformation and complement the new environment.

Kuma Sushi

Kuma, the name for the new 60-seat sushi restaurant, means 'bear' in Japanese.

Located next to Jack's Place, Kuma is a sleek modern room fashioned in bright vivid colours. Transparent plexi-glass orange tables and countertops are surrounded by burgundy walls and an energetic open-view kitchen. Large windows frame the room and a patio on two sides gives patrons access to the great outdoors and endless views.

Chef Andrew Yamamoto, lured from Vancouver to head up Kuma's kitchen, learned the art of sushi making from his father, a sushi master and chef /teacher who, for twenty years, owned a string of Japanese restaurants in Vancouver long before there was one on every corner. Yamamoto's style is cutting edge Tokyo, having recently spent two years in Japan learning the newest trends and techniques.

Yamamoto has created a number of unique Kuma signature specials such as the California Crunch, a traditional California roll of real crab and avocado, dipped in Japanese penko crumbs, deep fried to a golden bear crisp and served with one of their three flavoured dips, spinach and wasabi, spicy chili and corn and curry. Kuma will also offer a full complement of sashimi, tempura and teriyaki dishes.

Realizing the local communities of Langford and The Highlands do not have any sushi restaurants at present, Kuma offers take-out and plans home delivery by the winter of 2007. Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., six days a week, closed Mondays

About Bear Mountain Resort

The premier destination and first and only master-planned resort community on Vancouver Island, Bear Mountain Resort provides a complete lifestyle experience, offering a variety of residential and vacation real estate opportunities as well as The Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa. Situated on 1,500 acres of mountainside property, the community features the first and only 36-hole Nicklaus-Design golf offering in Canada, medical and traditional aesthetics at the Santé Spa, five world-class restaurants and the state-of-the-art Mountainside Athletic Club, all within minutes of the beautiful seaside inner harbor of Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.bearmountain.ca or call 1.888.533.BEAR.