Story by Dee Raffo | Images by Joern Rohde
Caramba
Caramba recently won the Service Excellence: Large Business Award category at the Whistler Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. They offer a three-course menu for $30, available Sunday through Friday (excluding holiday weekends). Our mouths water at the thought of house-made ricotta with Lillooet honey and crunchy sourdough. However, their signature (best in town) calamari a la plancha is always delicious. Their Caramba burger was anointed “Best in Whistler” by a local who’s been testing Whistler’s burger offerings for more than 23 years.
A locals’ favourite is their craft, woodfired pizzas; we like the spicy calabrese. On select Tuesdays, you can get a 20-inch pizza for $20 (dine-in or take-out) and drink specials all night. Also note that they have happy hour on weekends from 3 to 5 p.m. and 20 per cent off their breakfast food menu Wednesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Caramba is locally owned and loves to incorporate local produce. The atmosphere is friendly, and their playful jumbo Caesars could double up as snacks. Visit carambarestaurant.com for up-to-date information and hours of operation.
Pasta Lupino
Pasta Lupino was a finalist in the Service Excellence: Small Business Award category at the recent Whistler Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Unsurprising, as it has consistently been a local favourite for fresh pasta and more (it’s where many of us get our pizza dough). They are currently offering a buy-one-get-one-50 per cent off dinner deal on their adult pasta for dine-in only. They also have a lunch special on their choose-your-own pasta for just $7.50.
I love the flexibility of choosing my own pasta and sauce, often opting for their spinach cesare pasta with alfredo sauce and adding Italian sausage. They are Whistler-famous for their decadent chicken parmigiana, which comes slathered in mozzarella cheese and served on a bed of linguine. They also offer classics like spaghettini and meatballs and meat and vegetarian lasagna. Open seven days a week, the dinner deal is available from 5 p.m., the lunch special is from 1 to 3 p.m., and they don’t take reservations. The vibe is relaxed and friendly; you’ll often see families dining early. pastalupino.com
Mexican Corner
Bring some heat to the fall with Mexican Corner’s three-course menu for $29, which is available daily from 5 p.m. The three courses are all savoury, with dishes like blackened ahi tuna and aguachile negro as a first course, a warming sopa de tortilla or empanada among the offerings on the second, and a choice of fajitas, tacos or enchiladas for the third. The team at Mexican Corner mostly hails from Mexico, assuring authenticity at this fun restaurant located steps from the base of the mountains.
There is the option of a margarita pairing (a clever twist on the traditional wine pairing) for $34, which is certainly a fun addition. Plus, they do a Fiesta Hour with specials on food and drinks daily between 5 and 6 p.m. themexicancorner.ca
The availability of these specials is subject to change. Please visit the restaurant's websites or follow them on social media for dates and their latest menus.
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