Chef Brad's Blog Archives - Winter 2012

SuperFoods
Posted March 15, 2012 @ 11:25 am

Among the many lessons I learned from my grandparents is the concept of eating unprocessed whole foods. Today’s advancements in science and nutrition have taken this to another level with the advent of SuperFoods. These foods are nutritional powerhouses that are packed with especially high concentrations of nutrients crucial to a long and healthy life.

Although the term sounds like the product of a genetic scientist’s laboratory, the best part about SuperFoods is that they are completely natural, unprocessed whole foods. You can learn about the entire list of 25 SuperFoods here. My personal favorites are wild salmon, blueberries, tomatoes, apples and onions. (I can source all of these locally, so it’s no surprise they are my favorite!)

Westin does a great job at infusing health and wellness into the guest experience with SuperFoods. I love that we strive to ensure that our guests leave feeling healthier and more rested than when they first arrived. When you dine at The Westin Whistler you’ll notice this influence in all of the recipes I’ve designed, and hopefully you’ll be feeling the same way at the end of your stay too!

Valentine’s Day Decadence
Posted February 9, 2012 @ 2:20 pm

Many people complain today about how over-commercialized Valentine’s Day is. Be that as it may, I think it’s still an excellent time to slow down and take a moment to share a delicious dessert with the one you love. This recipe has just six ingredients, and the more time, love and care you put into choosing them, the more delicious the result will be.

Warm Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

275 g dark chocolate
275 g butter
325 ml sugar
5 whole eggs
2 oz espresso
174 ml flour

Method

Butter and sugar 8 ramekins.

Roughly chop chocolate into small pieces. Add butter to chocolate and melt over double boiler.

Add espresso to chocolate mixture and set aside in warm place.

Mix sugar and eggs together in stainless steel bowl. Slowly add chocolate mixture to egg mixture. Add flour and whisk until fully incorporated.

Ladle mixture into sugared ramekins. Wrap, refrigerate for 2 hours.

Place in oven at 375 and bake for 13 – 15 minutes.

Welcome!
Posted January 31, 2012 @ 10:29 a.m.

I love my job. I get to combine my two passions; the natural wonder of Whistler and the excitement of creating my own culinary vision at The Westin Resort & Spa. As a Whistler local I can’t get enough of the abundance of local ingredients and creative inspiration that our region provides. My philosophy in the kitchen is simple:  choose wonderful, healthy and natural ingredients and let the flavors speak for themselves.

I love it when a guest asks me to share one of my recipes with them. It’s a very special souvenir to recreate a dish in your own home that takes you back to a memorable family vacation or a weekend getaway.  One of the most commonly requested recipes is muesli; a top favorite on our breakfast buffet. It’s simple to make, has a rich flavor and is surprisingly healthy.

Breakfast Muesli

Ingredients

1 cup organic honey granola
½ cup sliced almonds
¾ cup walnut pieces
¾ cup raisins
1 sliced banana
1 grated granny smith apple
¼ cup organic local honey
2 cups greek yogurt
1 cup apple juice

Method

In a large bowl mix together all dry ingredients.

Add apple juice and let soak for 1 hour.

Add in fresh fruit, honey and yogurt stir well. Garnish with fresh seasonal berries.