Tag: gourmet

5 Swoon-Worthy Summer Picnics

Posted on by Stirling Kelso Neff

Does anything say summer quite like dining al fresco? Around the globe, Four Seasons hotels and resorts elevate the classic picnic with enchanting settings, appetizing adventures and inspired dishes.


Florence picnic

In a Clandestine Park

How better to enjoy this 15th-century palazzo and its gated gardens than with a picnic supplied by Four Seasons Hotel Firenze‘s Michelin-starred restaurant? “This experience is quintessentially Italian,” says Vito Mollica, Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage. “Our dishes are steeped in tradition, and Italians are known for eating outdoors on holidays.” Choose your setting – a grassy lawn shaded by centuries-old ginkgo trees, a secluded gazebo or a blanket by the park’s neoclassical temple – and pop open a bottle of Tolaini al Passo. The Tuscan red pairs well with a meal of artful dishes, from melon with shaved ham and airy asparagus frittatas to classic baci di dama biscuits made with hazelnuts.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

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Seychelles picnic

On a White-Sand Beach

A tropical lunch meets relaxed adventure at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, a private isle ringed with nearly 9 miles (14.5 metres) of sugar-soft sands.

“This island is meant for exploring,” says Chef Olivier Barré, “and the picnic is a delicious excuse to pause and enjoy the view.” Guests can stroll or cycle to one of dozens of spots, on the edge of turquoise waters or shaded by coconut groves, that simply beg for a gingham blanket. Lunch, neatly packed into a bike-friendly wicker basket, is completely customizable, though bites like pesto chicken and local cassava or banana chips are perennial favourites, not to mention the kiwi Danishes. While you dine, keep an eye out for Aldabra giant tortoises – more than 100 live on the island.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

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Prague boat picnic

Aboard a Private Riverboat

Take in the Czech Republic capital’s sights – the iconic Charles Bridge, Prague Castle – aboard one of Four Seasons Hotel Prague‘s elegant wooden boats. Built by master craftsmen in Italy, the two vessels that sail the Vltava River are furnished with deep blue cushions and overseen by captains in crisp white suits. Begin the picnic with house-made pretzels (a guest favourite) and bottles of chilled Prosecco, followed by hearty salads and sandwiches stuffed with prosciutto di San Daniele or smoked salmon. “Guests see the city from a whole new angle,” says Chef Concierge Petr Zezula.

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

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Vail picnic

On a Mountain Trek

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail launched its picnic program last summer and it’s back by popular demand. “The Colorado-inspired meals are a convenient addition to mountain biking or hiking adventures,” says Kate Allan, Guest Relations Supervisor. Guests can earn their lunch with a walk along one of the Four Seasons recommended routes, such as a hike to placid Piney Lake or a tour through aspen groves to scenic Booth Falls. The backpack spread includes a selection of portable delectables such as the Resort’s popular house-made granola and sandwiches of shaved meats – pancetta, calabrese and salami, among others – sourced from the state where you’re enjoying them.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

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Las Vegas heli-tour

After a Heli-Tour

This unparalleled picnic experience from Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas starts with a helicopter trip through the Valley of Fire, a 40,000-acre nature preserve known for its bright red Aztec sandstone. Guests have exclusive access to a private landing pad at the base of the Grand Canyon. Here, a picnic fit for royalty is presented: plates like ahi tuna crudo, Waygu beef carpaccio and blackened salmon salad, along with Champagne. The food gains relish from the backdrop: towering canyon walls and the winding Colorado River. “Travellers visit Las Vegas for myriad reasons, many never realizing the destination’s proximity to one of the seven natural wonders of the world,” says Hotel Manager Angelica Palladino. After this excursion, you won’t be likely to forget it.

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A Culinary Tour of Dallas

Posted on by Alison Miller

Food and drink have long been an integral part of the experience at Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas. Case in point: The Resort has employed a master sommelier – one of only 236 in the world – since 2002. At the new rustic-luxe LAW restaurant, Chef de Cuisine Johan Van Niekerk delivers a decidedly Texas touch – and Head Bartender Davis Rhea’s homegrown cocktails follow suit next door at OUTLAW Taproom.

The Resort also plays host to several food and wine events, including the prestigious TEXSOM International Wine Awards, now in its 13th year. Chefs, farmers, sommeliers, distillers, brewers and barkeeps from the Lone Star State and beyond also gathered at the Resort in February for Cochon555, a whole-hog feast focused on sustainable farming.

But no visit to Dallas is complete without sidling up to some of the spots that make this legendary Texas town sizzle. For a proper list of where to eat and drink, we asked eight Four Seasons experts to take us to the hottest spots in their home city.

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas

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ALL-DAY PATIO

“Truck Yard is perfect for relaxing with family, friends or your four-legged pal. There are always two or three food trucks parked alongside the bar’s rustic backyard. If The Hot Potato truck is there, order the Naughty Tots – tater tots stuffed with cheese and topped with crispy bacon and jalapeño ranch.” —Justin Meselsohn, LAW restaurant manager

SHOPPING À LA MODE

“Emporium Pies is a little house turned pie shop in the Bishop Arts District, a haven of locally owned shops and restaurants. Between the sweet smells and cottage vibe, you can’t help but feel cosy. I can’t pick a favourite pie. They’re all delicious!” —Rachel Curliss, guest experience coordinator

SOUTHERN COMFORT

“Whistle Britches – order the Auntie Louann, an open-faced fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese, pickles, tomatoes and Thousand Island dressing.” —Johan Van Niekerk, Chef de Cuisine at LAW

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

“Don’t miss Dame’s Dinner Club on Wednesday nights at The Standard Pour, a cocktail bar in Uptown. Live music and a free three-course meal!” —Curliss

POST-WORKOUT MEAL

“The Crown Jewel Smoothie from The Gem is made with bananas, cashew milk, coconut manna, spinach, blueberries, dates, cacao, cinnamon and maca. Be sure to grab a pack of Alyssa’s Cookies while you’re there – they’re a sweet, healthy snack.” —Erin Epperson, personal trainer and nutrition specialist

MUSEUM DISTRICT BRUNCH

“Mercat Bistro is an authentic slice of France in downtown Dallas. The best quiche Lorraine I’ve ever had.” —Curliss

UNEXPECTED BARBECUE

“Get the Hot Mess from Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum – a baked sweet potato topped with butter, cheese, barbacoa, chipotle sour cream, bacon and green onions.” —Curliss

BREAKFAST

“Ellen’s, hands down. The Pancake Pot Pie is a must-have – hash browns, pancakes, crumbled sausage, bacon – just layers upon layers of all things breakfast. I went out on a limb the first time I had it and now it’s the only thing I order.” —Courtney Murlin, Concierge

WINE & CHEESE

“Veritas Wine Room. It’s low-lit and romantic, and the staff is very knowledgeable on all the cheeses and meats. You can pick your own or choose one of their curated plates.” —Murlin

LUNCH WITH KIDS

“Klyde Warren Park, right around the corner from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, has a playground, a splash pad and food trucks. Ruthie’s, the grilled cheese truck, is well worth the wait.” —Murlin

MUST-EAT APPETIZER

“Lobster-scallion ‘shooters’ at Abacus. Created by local celebrity Chef Kent Rathbun, they’re a wonderful starter but can also be treated as a meal if you order enough of them.” —Kevin Alderman, Chief Concierge and Les Clefs d’Or member

OFF-MENU DISH

“The bruschetta platter and the Nutella Vanilla Mela Bela dessert pizza at Cane Rosso are amazing, but you’ll have to ask for them – they’re not on the menu.” —Alderman

DINER FARE

“Maple Leaf Diner – order the classic poutine.” —Van Niekerk

UPSCALE MEXICAN

“Mesero. If the weather is nice, ask for a seat by the windows. They’re often open, which allows for a nice breeze and great people watching on Henderson Avenue. Order the Queso Mesero and a Size 2 margarita to start. Tip: Ask them to make it spicy with a little Habanero syrup or muddled jalapeño. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Del Corazon Salad followed by the Tacos Camaron or The Chairman – braised pork with cremini mushrooms, roasted peppers and onions and jalapeño ranch.” —Katy Taylor, Director of Event Sales

NEIGHBORHOOD TEX-MEX

“Mi Camino. Ask for a prime seat on the patio and order a spicy skinny margarita and their fabulous Queso Blanco with roasted corn and poblanos. You also can’t go wrong with the Yucatan chicken salad with fresh mango and chopped rotisserie chicken or the Estilo M.C.R. Tacos – grilled beef or chicken topped with caramelized onions, blue cheese and shredded cabbage. They have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and you can sip a cocktail while watching the sun set over Bachman Lake.” —Taylor

TASTE OF OLD DALLAS

“Visit the original Twisted Root Burger Co. in Deep Ellum – everybody should experience Deep Ellum. James Boso, who opened it back in 2006, is a former Four Seasons Resort Dallas employee and also runs Truck Yard.” —James Tidwell, Master Sommelier

STRESS-FREE DATE NIGHT

“Tei-An is a great pre-theatre date night spot. It’s a soba house, but it also has some of the best sushi in town. Chef Teiichi Sakurai has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations. It’s a beautiful restaurant in that it’s not overly adorned. It’s a very calming, Japanese atmosphere.” —Tidwell

SEE AND BE SEEN

“Chef Bruno Davaillon, former executive chef of the iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, recently opened Bullion, which deserves recognition for elevating the game in Dallas. It has a high-end Parisian bistro feel, but the food is approachable.” —Tidwell

BYOB

“Hello Dumpling and 20 Feet, a seafood joint, are two doors down from each other in East Dallas, and both are BYOB. A mile down the road, Le Caveau stocks a beautiful array of well-selected wines, or you can hit Goodfriend Package right across the street.” —Tidwell

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Aerial view of golf course

7 Reasons You Must Go Truffle Hunting
in Tuscany

Posted on by Laura Begley Bloom

Food writer M.F.K. Fisher once wrote that truffles “may or may not be as good as they are rare and dear.”

I take issue with that statement. When I used to cover the fashion shows in Milan as part of my job, it was amazing to see the high style on the runways. But I admit it: What I found most exciting about being in Italy during the fall was being there for white truffle season. The pleasure of eating this rare delicacy so close to the source went far beyond my enjoyment of any truffle I’d ever tasted in the United States.

Yet I dreamed of more, of going to the Italian countryside to hunt for truffles and try one plucked right from the earth. During a trip on the Four Seasons Private Jet, I got to do just that.

Here are seven reasons why you need to add this experience to your bucket list. Or any itinerary.


Savini Tartufi headquarters

Photo courtesy Savini Tartufi

1. IT WILL SURPRISE YOU

About an hour’s drive outside of Florence, Savini Tartufi is hidden away in the tiny village of Forcoli. Driving up to the headquarters, set in a nondescript building in an equally nondescript industrial area, my heart sank. This was not what I had envisioned. But inside, it was another story. The walls of this fourth-generation family company were lined with all kinds of divine truffle products, and a vintage scooter was propped in one corner. Luca Campinotti was weighing and packaging beautiful specimens, still covered with fresh earth, to deliver to some of Italy’s top restaurants and beyond.


The site of the truffle hunting in Tuscany

Photo courtesy Laura Begley Bloom

2. IT’S THE HOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST TRUFFLES

There are dozens of varieties of truffles in the world, but Italy’s white truffle is one of the most elusive, most delicious and most expensive. It’s found only from September to December and in just the right conditions, growing on the roots of trees under layers of damp leaves and dirt. I was surprised that the Savini team didn’t blindfold us as they led us to a secret forest that must be worth millions, thanks to the treasures it conceals.


World record–winning truffle

Photo courtesy Savini Tartufi

3. IT’S ALSO THE HOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE TRUFFLE

In 2007, two of the family’s hunters – Luciano and Cristiano Savini – unearthed a 1.28-kilogram (2-pound, 13-ounce) truffle that sold at auction for a whopping USD 330,000. That price is recognized by Guinness World Records as the most money ever paid at auction for a white truffle. You can check out a replica of the truffle at the headquarters. Fun fact: The dog that found the original was 14 years old.


A truffle hunting dog

Photo courtesy of Savini Tartufi

4. THE TRUFFLE-HUNTING DOGS ARE CUTE – AND TALENTED

In the past, hunters used to rely on pigs to sniff out these prized discoveries. Problem was, the pigs loved to eat them. These days, well-trained dogs who don’t care for the taste are used for foraging. We got to meet Giotto, a Lagotto Romagnolo who has become mildly famous thanks to his myriad media appearances. On this excursion, though, Luca had invited Giotto’s buddy Birba, a little beagle mix, to lead our small group. Birba was charming and friendly until we hit the woods; then her hunting instincts kicked in as she scratched at the undergrowth. Her reward for finding a truffle? A measly biscuit.


A truffle hunting dog searches for truffles

Photo courtesy of Savini Tartufi

5. THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

The private chef on the Four Seasons jet took a picture of a truffle at headquarters in case we didn’t find any to share on social media, but fortunately we didn’t need it. Our dream team — Birba and Luca — delivered. Within an hour, they had discovered three perfect, delicious white truffles. We even got to sample a sliver of one, seconds after it came out of the ground. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone smile as broadly as our chef did as he cradled that truffle in his hands for a photo to share on Instagram. The experience was foodie nirvana.


A truffle hunting dog with his findings

Photo courtesy of Savini Tartufi

6. YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY

Besides the hunt, there was something magical about wandering through the quiet forest, with Birba prancing through the brush and Luca softly offering her praise and encouragement in Italian. Light streamed through the leaves of the trees. Birds chirped overhead. It was like something out of Alice in Wonderland, except we had a treat coming at the end of the tunnel that would be much better than any tea party.


Dish with shaved white truffles

Photo courtesy of Savini Tartufi

7. NOTHING WILL EVER COMPARE TO THE TASTE OF THESE TRUFFLES

After our journey through the forest, we went back to the Savini headquarters, where Luca and his team whipped up a multi-course meal, with truffles generously heaped over everything from tagliolini pasta to fried eggs, served with local Tuscan wines. I’ve never tasted anything as heavenly as the truffles that we had helped collect just moments before the meal. It was definitely worth the journey.

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How to Spend 150 Hours in Canada

Posted on by Jamie Moore

Age is nothing but a number – but certain milestones are worth commemorating. Case in point? Come July 1, Canada will celebrate 150 years, a crowning achievement for any Commonwealth realm.

From coast to coast, you’ll find special events and exhibits, free admission to national parks – 47 of them, to be exact – and an extra dose of glowing national pride across 10 provinces and three territories. You’ll also find that visiting is easier than ever, with special offers available at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

Now is a perfect time to share in what Canadians love most about their country, from incredible restaurants in vibrant cities to adrenaline rushes in the mountains. Here, our top recommendations on how to spend 50 hours each in Vancouver, Whistler and Toronto, for a total of 150 that will leave you wanting more.

Nothing beats Vancouver’s stunning West Coast views on a sunny day. “The city is best explored on foot, allowing for a more in-depth look at its many great neighbourhoods and views,” says Bertine Hage, Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver.

When it rains, simply gear up like a Vancouverite, get outside and explore.

“Ditch the umbrella for a waterproof, three-quarter-length coat – say, from Lululemon or MEC – and walk freely without concern when the raindrops come and go,” recommends Hage. That way, you’ll always be a few steps away from nature and culture when enjoying the following activities.

A biker pedals along the seawall of Stanely Park, Vancouver.

Rent a bike at Stanley Park and ride the sea wall: Stop to see totems, sandy beaches, a lush rainforest and the Vancouver Aquarium along the way. Refuel at the park’s Teahouse Restaurant, a popular place to dine on B.C. salmon and watch the sunset over English Bay.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images/Kris Bergen

Historic Gastown in Vancouver, Canada.

Take a walking tour of historic Gastown: Explore Vancouver’s first downtown core. Cobblestone side streets offer an interesting mix of boutiques, film schools, recording studios and restaurants.

Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Tourism

Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver

Cross the 450-Foot Capilano Suspension Bridge: Sway 230 feet (70 metres) above the Capilano River in North Vancouver.

Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Tourism

Chefs prepare dough in a kitchen.

Bake with Executive Pastry Chef Mark Burton: In the Bake Shop of Four Seasons Vancouver, learn tips on selecting the best ingredients for desserts and how to prepare one of his signature dishes.

Paddle an ocean-going canoe through a North Vancouver fjord: While doing so, a guide from the Coast Salish Nation will sing songs, retell legends and show you the sites of ancient villages.

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images/ Andriy Baranskyy

The tents of Bard on the Beach on the waterfront at Vanier Park, Vancouver.

Watch Shakespeare on the waterfront at Vanier Park: From June through September, watch live outdoor theatre, or catch a live play or musical at one of several theatres downtown.

Photo by Bard on the Beach/Christopher Gaze

Granville Public Market in Vancouver, Canada.

Take a water taxi across False Creek to a public market: Enjoy diverse food stalls, fishmongers, flower vendors and restaurants on Granville Island. Spend the afternoon hopping between artisan studios, meeting the island’s potters, painters, metal fabricators and boat builders. Stay for a live performance in the theatre or comedy club.

Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Tourism

A statue outside of the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery: While there, don’t miss Emily Carr’s striking wilderness paintings. Afterward, see First Nations public art installations celebrating Canada’s 150th in several places around the city, including the nearby Queen Elizabeth Theatre and Larwill Park.

Photo Courtesy of picturelibrary / Alamy Stock Photo

Two Grizzly Bears at the Vancouver Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge.

Visit orphaned grizzlies at the Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge.: Or, during the winter months, ski one of three mountains on the North Shore.

Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Tourism

Robson Street Vancouver, Canada.

Shop designer boutiques on Robson Street: Along the way, pop into high-end luxury outfits like Gucci and Christian Dior.

Photo Courtesy of Vancouver Tourism

A cocktail from YEW at the Four Seasons Vancouver.

Enjoy ocean-inspired cocktails at YEW Seafood and Bar: Lauren Mote has designed 16 drinks that perfectly complement items on menu. “Pair the Fisherman Box – a great selection of delectable, sustainable West Coast seafood,” suggests Hage.

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Ranked North America’s best ski destination in 2017 by Ski magazine, Whistler is your next thrill waiting to happen.

“Whistler’s vibe is young and welcoming, and the area has everything: exciting adrenaline-driven activities, relaxing places, art, and history,” says Hana Lynn, Lead Concierge at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. “I think that is why so many guests keep coming back for more.”

A Four Seasons Whistler guest participates in an ice-cave exploration.

Take a helicopter flight tour to an ice cave in Pemberton back country:  “The ever-changing light makes this site absolutely spectacular,” says Lynn, Lead Concierge at Four Seasons Whistler.

Women snowshoe at the Lost Lake Park, Whistler.

Explore 15 miles (25 kilometres) of Lost Lake Park: Cross-country ski and snowshoe during the winter, and swim and hike during the summer. Trails, all named after Frank Zappa songs, start in the valley just across the street from Four Seasons Whistler.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/David McColm

A Gondola crosses between peaks at the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort.

Downhill ski or snowboard Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: Don’t forget to ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola between the peaks.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Whistler/ Mike Crane

An audience listens to performance at Whistler Olympic Plaza on Canada Day.

Spread a blanket at Whistler Olympic Plaza on Canada Day to hear the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: “Hearing the orchestra’s sounds with the acoustics of the mountain surrounding and watching the sunset is an unforgettable experience,” Lynn says.

Photo Courtesy of David Buzzard / Alamy Stock Photo

A biker at Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Hop the lift up to Whistler Mountain Bike Park: Then, race down one of 70 bike trails at the world-renowned playground.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/ Mike Crane

Dogs pulling a sled in Whistler, Canada.

Sleigh, snowmobile or dog-sled through Callaghan Valley: Follow winding, forested trails on a tour and see where some events of the Winter Olympics took place.

Photo Courtesy of Blend Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler.

Explore a traditional pit-house at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: While there, watch totem carving, or drive the Cultural Journey route that leads to the centre.

Photo Courtesy of mikecranephotography.com / Alamy Stock Photo

A bobsledder races down the tracks at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

Try bobsledding, fat-biking or ski jumping at Whistler Olympic Park or Whistler Sliding Centre: “The Whistler Olympic Park is also home to many local black bears,” Lynn says. “Ask the Concierge to book a bear-viewing tour there or on Whistler Blackcomb.”

Photo courtesy of Whistler Sport Legacies/ David McColm

A bungee jumper at the Treetop Adventure Course in Whistler, Canada.

Climb, swing and bungee jump at Treetop Adventure Course: Enjoy the summer air, or take a zip-line tour in any season.

Photo Courtesy of The Adventure Group, Whistler

Audain Art Museum, Whistler.

Check out First Nations masks at Audain Art Museum: Five minutes away, snap a photo with a real Olympic torch at Whistler Museum.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Whistler/ Justa Jeskova.

Inukshuk at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain

Visit the Whistler Mountain Inukshuk Statue: This stacked stone statue of the human form was created as a symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia. But the inukshuk, which represents hope and friendship, has long been a cherished figure for the country.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/ Mike Crane

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A patchwork of diverse neighbourhoods and cultural experiences invigorates Canada’s largest city with a fresh, international vibe. Liloo Alim, Chief Concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, says the best time to visit is in September, when the weather is beautiful and the Toronto International Film Festival descends on the city for 10 days.

“There’s an excitement in the air,” she says. “People come from all over the world for the festival. Four blocks of King Street turn into one big street party where the red carpets take place. There are ball gowns, after-parties, Champagne, music, food trucks and people jamming the sidewalks going from one film to another.”

View of Toronto from the harbour.

Take a cruise or paddleboard through Toronto Harbour: “From the harbour, the view of the Toronto skyline is very pretty with the sun going down,” Alim says. “It rivals the New York skyline.”

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

The Royal Ontario Museum at night, Toronto.

See the world-renowned fossil collection at the Royal Ontario Museum: Nearby find a life-size orca skeleton composed of cedar “bones,” honouring coastal First Nations carving traditions, at the Ontario Science Centre.

The exterior of St. Lawrence Market, Toronto.

Eat a famous peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market: Afterwards, browse antiques at the 200-year-old Toronto institution.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

An exterior shot of Toronto's famous Casa Loma.

Take a guided tour of Casa Loma Castle: See the suites, secret passages and stables of one of the city’s favourite escape room locations.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

The interior of Four Seasons Toronto's Café Boulud.

Indulge in a cocktail or dessert at Café Boulud: “The must-try dessert is one of the most Instagrammable in the city: chocolate profiteroles,” Alim says. “The must-try cocktail is the Yorkville Affair, a delicious blend of Tanqueray gin infused with rose petals, mixed with St.-Germain elderflower liqueur and white cranberry juice served over ice with rose petals inside.”

Cars drive by the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at night.

Plan a date night at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts: Watch ballet or opera in the intimate, horseshoe-shaped auditorium.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto/ Sam Javanrouh

Two women in on of the Toronto Distillery District's historic restaurants.

Dine and shop at the Distillery Historic District: Take in the view of restored Victorian factory buildings while trying out cafés, galleries and more.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto/ Hubert Kang

Catch a ferry from Downtown to Centre Island: Outside the city, you’ll find the quiet, car-free Toronto Islands, with biking, beaches, a theme park and stunning views.

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock / maxi_kore

A plated dish at Alo, a Toronto restaurant.

Enjoy dinner at the top-rated restaurant, Alo: “It’s beautiful, the service is top-notch, and the food is amazing,” Alim says. “Chef Patrick Kriss is so down to earth. He comes around to socialize at every table before he has to run back to the kitchen.”

Photo by Nikki McKean

Indian statues on display in the Gerrard India Bazaar, Toronto.

Explore Gerrard India Bazaar in Little India: Immerse yourself in the fabrics, jewellery and flavours.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Toronto

A game in play at Toronto's Blue Jays stadium.

See Why Toronto Loves Sports: “Toronto goes crazy over our Blue Jays baseball team and Raptors NBA team,” Alim says. “Raptors tickets with access to the nightclub of our hometown rapper, Drake, or views of the CN Tower from the open dome during a Jays game, will have you feeling like a local.” Of course, you can’t miss a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Photo Courtesy of Denman / Alamy Stock Photo

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Need additional ideas? Explore the Four Seasons Canada Collection to find your perfect itinerary.

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A Michelin-Starred Chef Stirs Up Soupe à l’Oignon

Posted on by Rooksana Hossenally

I’m at Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, following my guide through the sumptuous gallery lined with regal Flemish tapestries. As I watch guests leisurely enjoy a late breakfast, suddenly he taps a hidden button on the floor, and we slip behind the wall into the labyrinthine kitchens of Le Cinq. The Hotel’s fine dining restaurant has just been awarded three Michelin stars for the second consecutive year, while the Mediterranean menu at Le George and the Hotel’s newest dining addition, L’Orangerie, each recieved their first Michelin star this year.

For me, to succeed in making a humble local product luxurious is the role of haute cuisine today. – Chef Christian Le Squer

We navigate around hot plates, sizzling pans and trays of freshly baked croissants to find Le Cinq’s Executive Chef Christian Le Squer in his whites, supervising the meticulous preparation of one of his signature dishes, a soupe à l’oignon. The classic French soup he serves, like many of the Hotel’s deft details, is quintessentially French, yet unique.

Originally from Brittany, Le Squer maintains a strong connection to slow-life values – he still cycles to work most mornings – and sustainability is important to him. To ensure the quality of the dishes, Le Squer and his team constantly seek out the best produce.

Chef Le Squer cooks in the kitchen at the Four Seasons Paris

Chef Le Squer is meticulous while overseeing dishes in his kitchen at Four Seasons George V in Paris.

Photography courtesy Eddy Brière

Chef Le Squer rides his bike in Paris

A believer in slow-life values, Chef Le Squer begins his workday by riding his bike to Four Seasons Hotel George V. He often rides his bike to the local markets, too, to select fresh, local produce for his recipes.

Photography courtesy Morel

Chef Le Squer from the Four Seasons Paris shops in a market

The Ile de France region is rich with quality produce, which is why Chef Le Squer shops at local markets whenever possible.

Photography courtesy Morel

“We usually order from the best farmers, usually from people who specialize in one product,” he says. “For instance, for the onion soup, the onions come from one place in summer, and at this time of year they come from another, from the Cévennes [in south-central France], because they have a certain sweetness to them that I like.”

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Earning Michelin stardom

For more than 10 years, Le Squer was at Pavillon Ledoyen, another Parisian institution, where his cuisine earned him three Michelin stars. When he arrived at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, in 2014, the chef’s challenge was to retrieve a third Michelin star for Le Cinq. By February 2017, he’d succeeded in doing so twice. And it’s easy to see why.

I’m just like a perfumer. Inside my head it’s like a library of scents, but for flavours. I remember flavours and I know which ones I’d like to put together. – Chef Christian Le Squer

The extravagant, colonnaded Louis XV and Louis XVI surroundings certainly help, as does the stellar service, but the jewel in the crown is Le Squer’s cuisine, which plays on refined simplicity and a dedication to marrying unusual flavours.

“What drives me is my insatiable passion for movement, for evolution, for finding surprising new combinations,” he says. He vividly recalls one such surprise, a match made between oysters and foie gras that he tasted in Japan: “The iodic taste of the oyster cut through the bold fatty taste of the foie gras. It was wonderful.”

A modern twist on a classic


Chef Le Squer's onion soup

This French onion soup, a classic reinvented by Chef Le Squer, is served on a plate opposed to in a bowl. It’s one of the signature items at the three-Michelin-star Le Cinq restaurant.

Photography courtesy Amara Becirovski

While Le Squer’s creative cuisine can be adventurous and doused in plenty of Breton spirit – he particularly likes seafood and fish – his signature dish remains the modest onion soup. “I wanted to reintroduce this old traditional bistro dish,” says the chef of soupe à l’oignon. “However, we’ve completely redesigned it, like Yves Saint Laurent, who redefined how women dressed with his trouser suit. For instance, we serve it on a plate as opposed to in a bowl.”

When the dish is placed before me, I hesitate to spoil the presentation – small, bulbous sweet onions arranged like flower petals on a fine Parmesan galette, dotted with confit onion beads and finished with a dash of truffle and thyme coulis. But I do, and every mouthful is a burst of flavour with all the gourmand comfort of a home-cooked soup.

“It’s precisely that emotion that flavours create that I love. To share that emotion with people is incredible,” Le Squer beams. “You know, it’s important to remember that eating doesn’t belong just to the luxury world. Wherever you cook, the most important thing is always to bring flavour – and therefore emotion.”

Your Journey Begins Here

Taste this soupe à l’oignon for yourself.

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