After delays in renovations resulting from circumstances no one could have predicted, Sooke Harbour House is ready to welcome guests to the hotel with a long-established international reputation for fine dining and million-dollar views.
Sooke Harbour House Bistro opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, said Sooke Harbour House managing partner Andre St. Jacques, who brings 40 years of experience to his new role.
"Sooke Harbour House Bistro is more of a casual setting than the completely renovated main dining room," he said. "We wanted something with a West Coast vibe for the bistro that would appeal to locals, as well as guests from around the world."
The main, more formal dining room will feature an eight to 10-course tasting menu that will change daily. It's scheduled to open at the end of August, when guests will begin filling the hotel's 28 individually accented rooms, some with rustic fireplaces that hearken back to the hotel's early days.
Saint-Jacques said his partner in life and work, managing partner Melissa Craig, has been working tirelessly on the menu for the bistro and the main dining room for more than a year.
The couple is well-known for launching and running the acclaimed Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler for 20 years.
"Melissa's reputation speaks for itself," said Saint-Jacques, who has 40 years experience in food service. "She was named best chef in Canada in 2008, and has added numerous awards and accolades since then. We want to continue with the legacy and international reputation established by Sooke Harbour House over the past 40 years."
Craig grew up on Vancouver Island and has a deep connection to Sooke that dates back to her culinary training.
"I am deeply honoured to be back where it all started," she shared in a previous interview with the Sooke News Mirror.
The exterior at the back of the hotel overlooking the stunning ocean and shoreline views has two new decks on different levels that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
"We're already starting to book weddings," Saint-Jacques noted. “It will be nothing short of spectacular. We have a plethora of incredible ideas for innovative and one-of-a-kind experiences. Our goal is to create lifelong memories for our guests.”
He praised the work done by AIG Enterprises, which purchased the property for $5.6 million in July 2020.
The renovations respect the building’s history while adding modern touches to the rooms and public spaces, he added.
Sooke Harbour House has about 100 employees, with the majority living in Sooke.
After COVID and accompanying problems such as supply issues delayed the opening longer than anticipated, Saint-Jacques was pleased and relieved to raise a toast and host a welcoming session with hors d'oeuvres and bubbly for the hotel's neighbours, associates, and guests on Monday.
