Last week, Ray, Bruno and I took a day trip to Emerald Lake to take advantage of the beautiful weather we’ve been having lately! I figured the crowds would be minimal since we are on the tail end of the winter season.
There were only a few other cars, a huge difference from the bumper-to-bumper cars during the hectic tourist season. We wandered around the lake a bit, and then, through the village, Ray and I enjoyed a late lunch at the Cilantro restaurant.
Known as “the Cabin on the Lake,” a frequent star on social media feeds, the Cilantro restaurant features an après experience with starters perfect for sharing and heartier mains using locally sourced ingredients. The cozy space includes comfier seating for relaxing with good food and drinks.
We debated ordering multiple starters, but decided on one since we would each get our main dish. We started with the baked brie, which I’ve always been a huge fan of. I usually only have it during the holidays. It was the perfect sharing size for two people! I will try the “bread and spreads” next time and the charcuterie board.
Regarding the mains, I immediately had my eye on the roast chicken. I’m always hesitant about roast chicken because it can be dry, but this dish did not have that problem. The skin was crisp, while the meat was nice and juicy!
It was served with lemon thyme potatoes and glazed baby carrots. A surprising pairing to the dish was a plate of garlic aioli, which my eye zeroed in on when we first reviewed the menu. I’m unsure if it was for something specific in the dish, but I happily dipped everything!
Ray’s main course was the braised lamb shank. This choice didn’t surprise me, considering he enjoys lamb, which isn’t my first choice. It was served with soft polenta, asparagus, tomatoes, grana padano, and Chianti.
We did an exchange of dishes, which went surprisingly well. Nobody’s food ended up on the table or the floor! I was impressed by the lamb; usually, one of my things is the meat’s gaminess, but this one was so tender that I barely noticed it. This was also my first time having polenta, and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it yet. Ray will try making it himself, so perhaps I’ll learn to like it.
We were so full of delicious food that I was a little upset when Ray pointed out there was a dessert menu! We’ll have to leave that for next time.
Once we had finished our meals and boxed up the remains, I could look around the space at the old photos hanging on the walls. The first one showed some of the first cabins built on the island. There was also one of the lake and the surrounding scenery, but I found the description interesting.
Since the photos were only in black and white back then, they couldn’t show the colours that made up the landscape, having to try and explain in words how majestic the view was when all you could see in the photo were shades of black and grey. I guess it just encouraged people to come and see it in person for themselves.
I find it funny that most people on the internet think the Cilantro is a cabin to sleep in when it is a restaurant! They most likely don’t realize that the whole Emerald Lake property can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The Cilantro restaurant, located at Emerald Lake, is open Wednesday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you are making a specific trip, consider calling ahead to ensure no event is going on.
Their new summer menu is now available with ‘casual summer dining in mind, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.’
Emerald Lake Lodge is in Yoho National Park, near Field, BC.
