A taste of Italy in Sun Peaks

Added programming to improve the destination

Foodies of Sun Peaks will be satiated when Chef Massimo Capra visits the mountain March 16.

The event is part of a series of chef visits hosted by the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre since 2017. Previously Vikram Vij and Tawfik Shehata were on stage and teaching guests at the hotel.

Capra, born in Italy, hosts his own TV show Gourmet Escapes, is a host on the Food Network series Restaurant Makeover and a judge on the show Chopped Canada. He is also an award winning author and the food editor for Canadian Home Trends magazine.

“Chef Capra has been involved and will have his personal touch throughout,” said Mike MacLeod, director of sales and marketing for the hotel.

The weekend’s events will be kept smaller in order to give guests the chance to engage with the chef, MacLeod said.

“It’s important to continue to diversify our offerings, even in season. We want to to continue to add value all year, guests can come for the weekend and because the event is one day they can ski and board and do other things as well.

“It’s a unique opportunity to have access to someone fairly well known and ask questions.”
He said previous attendees have given positive feedback on the series, adding it attracts guests from near and far with some travelling to the resort specifically for the event.

“It’s important to signify that the resort is coming of age, it’s maturing a bit as a destination and I think our audience and customer base is looking for some elevated experiences. It’s so people know that there’s more here than just skiing and après.

“As business owners it’s important that we bring more to the destination and that we don’t just rely on TSP (Tourism Sun Peaks) or the resort (for events).”

At 10:30 a.m. on the Saturday, Capra will host a cooking demonstration followed by lunch for $160. That night at 6 p.m. he will host a gala dinner with a family-style Italian meal accompanied by live music between courses for $130.