Aura Restaurant shines with new look at Nita Lake Lodge

Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler’s only lakeside boutique hotel, is thrilled to introduce a new concept for Aura Restaurant, the lodge’s signature dining room.

Following in Cure Lounge & Patio’s footsteps with a complete makeover, Aura reopened this week to welcome in the winter season. Again working alongside award winning architects Scott & Scott and interior designer Carolyn Scholz, the new Aura space is a continuation of the subtle and modern style used throughout Cure Lounge & Patio, with bright pops of colour, bold artwork and custom furniture featured throughout.

Whilst embracing a fresh new look, the space will incorporate tributes to the property’s alpine surroundings and Canadian heritage. Oregon artist Rachel Denny has created the Dynamic Herd, seven multi-coloured deer in mid-gallop, part of her Domestic Trophies series of deer mounts covered in cozy cashmere cable knit woollens.

Coming soon is a unique wall installation made by chainsaw carver and TV star Ryan Cook, created from salvaged old growth western red cedar. The Circles of Life piece captures the light to create mesmerizing shadows and the installation involved a long process of hollowing out the wood, debarking it, burning, sanding and staining it, before assembling it like a jigsaw puzzle.

Aura’s newly redesigned space allows guests to experience the chefs in action with an open concept kitchen, whilst also enjoying one of the most unique and spectacular views in Whistler. Aura Restaurant is re-born with a new menu from new executive chef James Olberg that continues to focus on high-quality west coast ingredients, presented with a modern, innovative twist, cultivating a healthy relationship between the plate and our planet. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will feature prominently to ensure that all guests can enjoy the amazing views and upscale casual food.

Delicious new menus feature farm fresh and seasonal ingredients, some straight from the lodge’s own rooftop garden through the summer months. Seasonal starters include burrata cheese with honey glazed roasted beets and vegetable share plates such as roasted beet salad with horseradish crème fraîche, dill vinaigrette. Entrees, ranging from $27-$44, feature a modern twist on comforting favourites like braised short ribs with Yukon Gold potato and cauliflower puree, shimeji mushrooms, rapine, and thyme jus or butternut squash farro risotto with roast leeks, brussel sprouts leaves, mushrooms, baby carrot, lemon, pine nuts.

For a full look at the refreshed space, see photos here or beautiful timelapse video here. To book and plan your stay, visit www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1.888.755.6482. For dining reservations at Aura Restaurant, call 604.966.5700.