It’s not the first time to report on the KINGFISHER RESORT near Courtenay but a recent visit for lunch warrants a repeat look. 

An old business colleague and his wife from Ottawa were visiting Vancouver and came to the Island for a day. Since they had never been past PARKSVILLE we decided to take them for a drive culminating in lunch at the Kingfisher. And we are all so glad we did. 

We arrived and settled in to a window table  in the OCEAN 7 dining room.  While we surveyed the menu we sipped on some UNSWORTH Pinot GRIS from the COWICHAN Valley. It’s crisp and delicious. 

Selections were made. An order of Calamari for the table to start. It arrived with a cucumber yogurt dip and their special lemon preserve dipping sauce that is wonderful but difficult to describe. We all enjoyed it. 

Then we ordered. One Seafood Chowder, Raw Marinated Albacore Tuna Tacos, Green Curry & Coconut Saltspring Mussels and A Korean Chicken Bowl. 

The chowder here is excellent with a variety of seafood in a rich creamy broth. Always a good choice. The Sashimi Tuna Tacos (2) looked stunning with the tuna served in little cubes. 

The mussels were the best I’ve seen in ages and we all got to sample. Large, plump mussels in an amazing green curry & coconut broth with Garlic Toast on the side. So good and a generous portion.

The Korean Chicken is a star. A bowl with sticky rice julienned carrot, a small taste of kimchi topped with the most amazingly crispy and tangy pieces of fried chicken tossed with black sesame seeds. Simply the most delicious chicken one can imagine. And a generous portion too. I can’t wait to order it again! 

Finally, we shared an amazing dessert platter which included Creme Brûlée, Cheesecake, Macaroons, and and Ice Cream. A spectacular presentation. 

The Kingfisher is not inexpensive but one cannot mind paying for truly outstanding food. 

If you are driving to Courtenay or Comox it’s a good place to stop. Wonderful food, excellent service, enjoyable ambience. Be sure and check out their gorgeous garden and peek in at the Spa. 

The resort recently won the HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR BC. Justifiably so! 

Just saying…