Inside the Cove Lakeside Resort, on the sunny shores of the Okanagan Lake and with one of Kelowna’s best waterfront facing patios, is Bonfire Restaurant. A restaurant specialising in rustic cooking and using only the finest locally produced and sourced ingredients, Bonfire speaks to what Kelowna is all about: real Canadian comfort that is in tune with the wilderness surrounding it.
Featuring an indoor restaurant with an open kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a rustic and old world feel–plus an intimate wrap-around bar perfect for mingling with fellow guests. But the real treat at Bonfire restaurant? One and one Kelowna’s most stunning patios overlooking the waterfront – soak in the beautiful gardens, and unforgettable mountain views that surround Okanagan Lake. No matter where you pull up a chair, the ambiance at The Cove is soothing and relaxed, the perfect place to wind down with a glass of local wine in hand. “Your place by the lake.”– Dave Keeler and his team are committed to making every guest feel welcome, nourished and cared for…just as if you were at home.
From Sunday brunch, to small bites for happy hour and a full dinner experience, the menu at the cove feels familiar with your favourite classics – but with a rustic edge. Indulgent starters, meat-forward mains and refreshing salads to cleanse your pallet, the menu feels intentional to showcase all of the freshest local ingredients.To start, I had the Pulled Pork Tacos with Pickled Jalapeno and Shaved Cabbage whilst my guest had Salted Beet Salad with Arugula, Baked Happy Days Goat Cheese, Candied Pecans, Citrus Apple Meringue & Roasted Shallot Dressing. The tacos were excellent, juicy and smoky with a welcome tang from a mango chutney, and some spice from the fresh jalapenos. Featuring abundant fresh cabbage, they had a pleasant crunch, and despite being rich in the meat, made an apt starter – not too filling, yet definitely satisfying. My guest’s beetroot salad was fresh and flavoursome, presented well with lashings of fresh rucola, crumbles of goat cheese, and a zesty dressing. To drink, I had the white wine blend of The Hatch, Talking Stories, West Kelowna whilst my guest had the Pinot Gris from Gray Monk, Kelowna.
For mains, I had the Steak (in a restaurant named Bonfire, I had to), called the Steak Frites Grilled Sterling Silver New York Striploin, with Frites, Winter Vegetables & Peppercorn Sauce whilst my guest had the Grilled British Columbia Salmon with Spinach Risotto, Kalamata Olives, Braised Carrots, Happy Days Goat Feta & Toasted Pine Nuts. My steak was well done, salty and flavoursome, with a distinct smokiness akin to the pulled pork tacos that added an indulgent ‘Bonfire’ depth to the dish. The vegetables were crispy and felt fresh, whilst the fries were delicious as ever. My guest’s salmon was satisfying, soft and moreish, with the same crispy vegetables. To drink, we had Quails’ Gate, Chardonnay, West Kelowna (delicious), and the Mission Hill, Sauvignon Blanc, West Kelowna. Both of these wineries we visited the following day, and you can read my reviews online in the Travel section.For dessert, despite being full, we chose to share the Goats Cheese and Lemon Cheesecake, which came served with Graham Cookie Crumble, Red Wine Poached Pear and Spiced Pecans. Unfortunately my guest was too full to partake too much in this course, but luckily it was moreish enough that I finished it by myself. An excellent choice: the goats cheese gave the cheesecake a refreshing tang, distinguishing it from your average creamy dessert, and ensuring it was quite easy to finish. To pair, we had a glass each of the sparkling wine from Gray Monk, Odyssey, Kelowna. A lovely crisp end to our meal.
All in all, Bonfire delivered on its name with its smokey renditions of meat dishes, and on its vicinity with its zesty local produce, crispy vegetables, and fresh flavours. With a wine selection that showcased the best of local wineries (just 15 minutes drive from the venue itself), this restaurant marked a pleasant point in our weekend in Kelowna. When staying in West Kelowna, do swing by.
Bonfire Restaurant
4205 Gellatly Road
West Kelowna
BC V4T 2K2
Canada
