Sneak-Peek: Manteo’s Resort new Smack Dab restaurant

Executive Chef Bernard Casavant (left) Executive Sous Chef Brad Horen (right). pizza made in Smack Dab’s new state-of-the-art gas Forno oven. Photos by Claire Sear

Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel’s new restaurant, Smack Dab, officially opens on Monday, March 18th, 2013.  The waterfront patio with over 120 seats will open on the May long weekend. The 1.5 million dollar renovation of the former Wild Apple Restaurant has unveiled a modern gastro-lounge and restaurant with stunning lake views. The floor to ceiling glass sliding doors allow for the restaurant to flow naturally onto the lakeside patio which will be a big draw this summer.  Both tourists and locals will enjoy the contemporary and sleek design combined with a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

British Columbia and Pacific Northwest micro-breweries take centre stage and there are over 22 beers on the menu. Currently the 12 selections on tap include Crannóg Ale’s Gales Blood Potato Ale,   Mt. Begbie Brewery’s High Country Kolsch, Tin Whistle Brewing’s Peach Cream Ale, Steamworks Brewery’s Pilsner, Barley Station Brewery’s Talking Dog Wit Beer, Lighthouse Brewing’s Keepers Stout, Granville Island Brewery’s Island Lager,  Phillips Brewery’s Blue Buck, Firehall Brewing’s Stoked Ember Ale,   Russell Brewing Company’s Black Death, Fernie Brewing Company’s Big Caboose Red and Deschutes Brewery’s Chainbreaker White IPA. Beer selections will change according to the season.

Following the soft opening, Daniel Vogel, the manager of Smack Dab restaurant says: “We hear from local craft beer enthusiasts that our selection is fantastic and that they’ve been waiting for something like this in Kelowna for a long time.”

Wine-lovers will enjoy the carefully chosen wine list highlighting many local Okanagan wines.  Wines are available by the glass in a 3 or 6 oz pour and bottles start at just $33.00.  Wineries currently showcased include Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Mission Hill Winery, Wild Goose Winery, Blue Mountain Vineyard, Quails Gate Estate Winery, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, La Frenz Winery, Black Hills Estate Winery, Moon Curser Vineyards, Van Western Vineyards, Pentage Wines, Nk’Mip Cellars, Road 13 Vineyards, Howling Bluff Estate Wines, Kettle Valley Winery, Hester Creek Estate Winery, Foxtrot Vineyards and Painted Rock Winery. Lead Bartender, Kyle Yrjola will be creating Smack Dab’s specialty hand-made cocktails as well as premium mixed drinks. Beer or wine flights allow guests to sample and taste a selection of five different beers or wines. Smack Dab is the perfect combination of gastro-pub and wine bar complete with breath-taking views of Lake Okanagan.

Smack Dab’s culinary team is overseen by Canada’s legendary Executive Chef Bernard Casavant. The well-priced menu includes pizza made in Smack Dab’s new state –of-the-art gas Forno oven which reaches temperatures of 850 degrees. Executive Sous Chef Brad Horen who designed the menu says Smack Dab offers “classics with a twist & big bold flavors. Comfort food”.  Highlights include the Tomato Soup with mini Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Fish Tacos, Grilled Caesar Salad and Deli boards for sharing. High end pub grub includes French fries, Korean Chicken Wings and a Smokin’ Beef burger perfect for lunch or a casual dinner by the lake. The Fork and Knife section of the menu provides some fine dining options including Wild Salmon Fillet, Short Ribs & Prawns and a Grilled New York Steak. Smack Dab’s private dining room and patio can be booked for up to 36 guests.

“We are so pleased to be offering our premium casual food and craft beer selection to the Kelowna market.  During our soft opening this week, we have been receiving very positive feedback on our crazy good food, fun craft beer flights and upbeat atmosphere.  Our private dining room is already receiving bookings which is great to see. We feel this is a much needed addition for business and pleasure – and you can’t beat the view!” said Heather Schroeter, general manager of Manteo Resort.

With the biggest selection of craft beers in the Okanagan, great local wines, a relaxed menu and Kelowna’s now largest lakefront patio expect Smack Dab to be the place to be seen this summer.

Smack Dab Restaurant at Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel

3762 Lakeshore Road

http://www.manteo.com/

250-860-1031 / 1-800-445-5255