Jasper's newest restaurant is bringing a set menu, guided wine pairings and stunning views to the mountain town's culinary landscape.
Want maximal meal satisfaction with minimal decision making? The Peacock Cork & Fork takes diners on a drool-worthy tour of Canadian food and wines, while also including grape selections from around the globe. With intimate seating capacity and a personable host that guides you through the evening, it's a luxurious experience that elevates what would already be a delicious meal to something truly memorable.
The four courses are nicely portioned and exquisitely plated. Each dish—a salad, seafood starter, meaty main and decadent dessert—is professionally paired with one or two glasses of wine (the first seating at 5:30pm includes five wines, the second seating at 8pm has seven). The host explains not only the origins and tasting notes of each wine, but also dives into the mechanics of pairing.
There's congruent and complementary pairings, our host Rachel says on the night I visit. And our first dish contains both. As friendly longtime Jasperite and third level sommelier, Rachel strikes a balance between best friend tone and trustworthy expert as she cues us to notice how the acidity of our first sauvignon blanc complements the creamy avocado and cheese in our opening salad. Faces light up around my small group's table as everyone remarks on the increased saliva that heightens their taste buds. As the only pregnant person present, I grudgingly sip my non-alcoholic offering, only to be pleasantly surprised at the indulgent facsimile. I feel like it contains similar gustatory elements we've been told to watch out for, and is better than any non-alcoholic wine I've had before.
The seafood appetizer comes out next, with a pinot blanc and a versatile pinot noir. The dish takes us to the east coast, with PEI mussels and sweet shrimp on a bed of caramelized carrot cream puree that offers the sauciest hint of heat off the back. We're advised to quarter the accompanying arancini and have a bit with each bite. I nearly die from pleasure.
No steak knife is necessary for the bison medallion main course that comes out next; it falls apart at the slightest provocation. A touch sweeter than steak, the meat is balanced nicely by pomegranate jus and a savory leek and mushroom truffle reduction.
Finally, an elegant port is placed before us, which brings out the best of the rich chocolate delice it's paired with. Sitting on a bed of bourbon macerated strawberries and puffed rice cookie crumble, our group sighs in satisfaction and immediately starts debating over our dishes from the night. The table is split on whether the seafood or bison reigned supreme, but the disagreement is amicable; there are no losers in this war.
Want a tipple and snack earlier in the day? The patio is open from noon until 9:30pm with a taster's menu of charcuterie, cheese, mussels and local sourdough and wine list.
For dinner, reservations are required. Most dietary limitations and preferences can be accommodated when noted in advance, including dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian and more. There's no particular dress code at this elevated yet approachable spot: come as you are, whether that's with hiking boots or high heels. While the decor is chic with gold and black accents, the personalities you meet through the night will have you feeling eminently comfortable and ready to dig in.
Book your table now at thepeacockjasper.com.
