What is "Authentically Local Food Experiences"
Mar 20, 2015, 10:11 am
#1
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What is "Authentically Local Food Experiences"
I chose that option. When I checked into the Royal York, I asked what it would get me. They told me "an appetizer". Seems small though.
Is there any published definition of what the scope of this is supposed to be?
Is there any published definition of what the scope of this is supposed to be?
Mar 20, 2015, 10:41 am
#2
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I don't think any information has been made available other than the info posted when making the selection which reads:
"AUTHENTICALLY LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE FOR TWO
Treat yourself and a guest to an authentically local food experience and taste the fresh and seasonal dishes your destination has to offer. Upon confirming your selection, an e-certificate will be added to your online profile."
...which obviously is pretty vague.
Afaik most Fairmont properties will offer a main course (and some even a multi-course meal, but that's probably the exception), an appetizer indeed doesn't sound too impressive.
"AUTHENTICALLY LOCAL FOOD EXPERIENCE FOR TWO
Treat yourself and a guest to an authentically local food experience and taste the fresh and seasonal dishes your destination has to offer. Upon confirming your selection, an e-certificate will be added to your online profile."
...which obviously is pretty vague.
Afaik most Fairmont properties will offer a main course (and some even a multi-course meal, but that's probably the exception), an appetizer indeed doesn't sound too impressive.
Mar 20, 2015, 11:46 pm
#3
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- Orchid = 3 course meal - apps, pork steaks and dessert. That's what it got me last year if I'm not mistaken. Delicious!
Mar 23, 2015, 3:10 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Last year, which was just a Locally Authentic Experience, not an experience for TWO, got me an exceptional meal at the Banff Springs, Grapes Wine Bar.
They gave us a cheese fondue ($42) and a Charcuterie Board ($36). It was exceptional.
They gave us a cheese fondue ($42) and a Charcuterie Board ($36). It was exceptional.
Mar 23, 2015, 4:22 pm
#5
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This is probably a useful thread to maintain what people have received, so anybody planning on redeeming one has an idea of what to expect at various properties.
I also used one at Banff Springs (2 years ago) at the Banffshire Club. All they did there was allow us to order the 3 course meal for the price of 2. It was for 2 people. Not horrible value considering the price of Banffshire Club, but nothing unique either.
About 3 years ago, I used one at Jasper Park Lodge. We ate at Cavell's, and the chef met with us the day before to discuss our tastes. They gave us a special table by the front window and we ordered what we wanted from the menu, and had to pay for that, but they did make it a real local experience. The chef came out (personally) with an additional small dish between every course, with a custom local enhancement to our meal. I really enjoyed that and appreciated the thought that went into it.
I also used one at Banff Springs (2 years ago) at the Banffshire Club. All they did there was allow us to order the 3 course meal for the price of 2. It was for 2 people. Not horrible value considering the price of Banffshire Club, but nothing unique either.
About 3 years ago, I used one at Jasper Park Lodge. We ate at Cavell's, and the chef met with us the day before to discuss our tastes. They gave us a special table by the front window and we ordered what we wanted from the menu, and had to pay for that, but they did make it a real local experience. The chef came out (personally) with an additional small dish between every course, with a custom local enhancement to our meal. I really enjoyed that and appreciated the thought that went into it.
Mar 26, 2015, 3:59 am
#6
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@ Kea Lani it was a large steak and seafood plate per person. Value about 45$ per person based on similiar items on the menu.
You usually get much better value at the resort destinations than the business ones.
You usually get much better value at the resort destinations than the business ones.
Mar 26, 2015, 9:17 am
#7
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Mar 31, 2015, 6:17 am
#8
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We used the local food experience last year at the Savoy in London. They were not very aware of it despite me having emailed Kaspar's the day before. It turned out that there was nothing that wasn't charged for on the bill but the food was very good. We ate with our 22 year old daughter.
Mar 31, 2015, 5:33 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
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We used the local food experience last year at the Savoy in London. They were not very aware of it despite me having emailed Kaspar's the day before. It turned out that there was nothing that wasn't charged for on the bill but the food was very good. We ate with our 22 year old daughter.
Apr 3, 2015, 5:29 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2010
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In Feb'15, I used it at Oru at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, it was for 2 entrees off.
Apr 24, 2015, 12:16 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2003
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What is "Authentically Local Food Experiences"
Tried to use mine last week at Fairmont Sanur - Bali but they weren't sure what it meant either. They referred me to a cooking class they had but I had just taken the one day Bumbu Bali cooking class so I just said thanks and used my dining certs for a 'romantic meal' in a small cabana at the beachfront. Was wonderful service and experience, but I was hoping to use the 'Authentic Local Food Experience' for something unique while we were there.
May 1, 2015, 1:08 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 938
We used it last year at Fairmont Makati in Manila. When I asked the front desk what it would include it took them a good 30 minutes to find out. We were then offered the full buffet dinner at the main restaurant. It was very good with lots of choice (local and international) and the usual price is approx PHP 3000 (USD 75) or so per person.
May 2, 2015, 11:56 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 2,120
As a data point, I emailed both Empress (Victoria) and YVR regarding the Authentically Local Food Experiences as I'll be in both places later this month and have not yet selected my Platinum benefits.
Empress said the cert gets you a "specially created, beautiful dessert tier, inspired by our famous Afternoon Tea. This includes a generous selection of pastries for which we are well-known, as well as coffee or tea for two."
Globe, no response, but I did find this other comment in a different thread that looks promising! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24442830-post26.html
Empress said the cert gets you a "specially created, beautiful dessert tier, inspired by our famous Afternoon Tea. This includes a generous selection of pastries for which we are well-known, as well as coffee or tea for two."
Globe, no response, but I did find this other comment in a different thread that looks promising! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24442830-post26.html
May 17, 2015, 3:21 am
#14
Join Date: May 2012
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No-one had heart of the ALDE in the Fairmont Monaco and an hour of negotiation got 2 mains (60€) knocked off our bill, I would reccommend using them elsewhere!
May 27, 2015, 1:13 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 2,120
I can confirm the YVR still offers a full meal experience for this certificate. We were there on the weekend and the sous chef came over to discuss our preferences. We were offered two beet (greens) salads, truffle fries (asked specifically for them and expected to pay, but did not! ^ ), sable fish main dish, and a chocolate dessert + apple pastry. Not a bad deal at all, but questionable if the $100 US wouldn't have been a better deal yet with the exchange rate as it is right now. Still, very impressed with the meal!
