Come along as we taste-test various food and drink items off the summer menu at the Cilantro on the Lake restaurant at Emerald Lake!
One thing that you may have learned about me by now is that I am very willing to travel for food. Living in a small town, you can get pretty familiar with the local cuisine, which is why I am happy there are additional spots to visit in the surrounding areas.
One of the first areas that comes to mind is Yoho National Park. Naturally, the next thought that comes to mind is Emerald Lake, which offers various dining options: Cilantro on the Lake, the Kicking Horse Lounge and the Mount Burgess dining room.
Earlier this year was my first time eating at the famous Cilantro on the Lake restaurant. I think when I was younger, and didn’t have my current appreciation for food and dining, it was never a priority.
Now that I’m older, I appreciate having my husband and a family that shows as much interest as I do in these sorts of experiences. Since the last time I was there was the winter menu, it meant that there was a new summer menu to try!
Summer at Cilantro on the Lake
Summer is a whole different experience, which I’m sure locals are used to. The property is full of tourists, wanting to get a peek at the majestic scenery. I don’t blame them, it’s one of my favourite lakes and everyone should get the chance to experience it!
We made our way to the Cilantro on the Lake restaurant, which was already quite full when we arrived later in the afternoon.
Since it was a beautiful sunny day, the patio was already at capacity, but I preferred dining inside the historic building anyway; I enjoy admiring the tall ceilings and timber frame accents.
Cilantro on the Lake Menu’s
We immediately got a table inside and began reviewing the menus. We started off with the drink menu, featuring summer flavours like grapefruit, berry and a seasonal favourite, sangria. They also had a selection of local beer from Whitetooth Brewery for the beer drinkers out there.
We chose to try the “Grapefruit Rosemary Spritz” and the “Berry Mojito”. Both beverages were very refreshing, especially on a hot summer day! I was very impressed by the grapefruit and rosemary flavour combo, not something I would have ever thought to pair together.
Next was the food menu. Although there were many delicious options to choose from, we decided to opt for the cheeseburger soft tacos, the pizza margarita and the roast beef & French onion panini. Despite how busy the establishment was, I found it was a short wait for our food, which meant it was time to dive in!
I started off with the cheeseburger tacos, the chipotle aioli on top packed a good spicy punch, but I enjoyed it! A great starter option.
Up next, a slice of the pizza margarita, which was my first time trying Burrata cheese. I am a “very vanilla cheese lover,” which translates to “I like cheddar, mozza, Swiss, brie, and the occasional fancy cheese hidden in a delicious grilled cheese or mac and cheese”.
Since Burrata is a form of mozzarella, I wasn’t too worried to give it a try. I found it light and fresh tasting, which was perfectly paired with their homemade pesto!
Finally, the roast beef & French onion panini. Does anybody else save the best thing for last, or is that just me? I am a panini girl, if I can choose to grill a sandwich to give it that nice crisp, I’m gonna go with that! This sandwich was everything I wanted, thinly sliced roast beef, with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese and arugula, with a healthy layer of horseradish cream.
I’m not normally a fan of horseradish, but this was a well-balanced sauce, which is necessary for avoiding a dry sandwich! It was my favourite menu item out of the three, but I’m a bit biased with my love of paninis, as I mentioned before.
Between the rustic ambiance, the refreshing beverages, and the delicious grub, I have a hard time choosing a favourite! Combined together, they made a perfect afternoon lunch.
Visit Cilantro on the Lake
Cilantro on the Lake is open from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday through Friday (closed Saturdays). Visit their website to check out the whole food menu for yourself.
