In this series of posts we were in Summerland for the weekend, staying at the Summerland Spa and Resort. So when looking for dinner one night, we ventured to the neighbouring Shaughnessy’s Cove. It is literally a few steps off the hotel property, not affiliated, but a terrific option that aligns with the resort’s level of quality and customer service.
They are seasonally driven, with peak summer seeing all the tables filled in their bar/lounge area, dining room, private rooms, and water side patio. They even have their own docks where boats can stop and park at, in order to grab a bite and a drink.
As for the food, not everything made in house, but everything they need to source is done so locally, like the pasta is from the Okanagan Pasta company located in West Kelowna. This also includes the breads and wraps for the burgers, and their desserts.
We started with a couple of their best selling and signature cocktails. The Peachlandia left appropriate, given the drive through Peachland to get to Summerland. Rosé, St. Germain, Peach Schnapps, Apricot Liqueur, Aperol, Lemon, Simple Syrup, and Sparkling. My favourite part were the slices of canned peaches bobbing in the mix, left to soak up extra liquor.
They have recently expanded their margarita offerings, jumping off the popularity of the Cove Marg with Olmeca Silver Tequila, Blue Curacao, Campari, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup. This is definitely extra alluring with its colouring and proximity overlooking the dock and water.
As for food, the menu is globally inspired. I was hesitant about going for the more ethnic picks, but upon hearing that the Chef is from Vancouver and has done a stint at St. Lawerence my faith was renewed and enough to try their sushi option, as I was craving some.
This is their take on Oshi Sushi, which I would described as being more party forward, than traditional. This is due to its number of toppings, bold flavours and overall saltiness that has you reaching for a drink. Hand pressed ‘box’ sushi, sockeye salmon, torched miso mayo, furikake, pickled serrano, and crispy rice paper. I wish the rice was softer and that there was less mayo to allow the flavour of the salmon and the crisp of the rice paper to come through. It definitely did not need any soy or wasabi, and I found the ginger also too much with it.
I really enjoyed the creamy New England-style chowder with bacon and clams. We added on the garlic bread and found it a great vessel to dip with. The soup was chunky, thick, and meaty, peppered with sweet corn. No complaints, homey and satisfying.
The Fried Chicken was a solid option. Available in regular or Nashville, we had the latter for its zesty spice. Buttermilk marinated chicken, American cheese, garlic aioli, dill honey mustard, pickles, and lettuce, all between a potato bun. The cream drenched slaw helped to temper some of the heat, but the crispy and juicy white meat chicken chunks were definitely the star of this handheld burger.
My unexpected favourite was the vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan. Fearing that it would be bland, we added on some garlic prawns, only to find it unnecessary and not all that complimentary. The slices of breaded and deep fried eggplant stood on its own. It was stacked artfully like a tower, eating like lasagna in layers with tomato sauce and a side salad of tomato, basil, and bocconcini. This was full of flavour, flavourful, and exciting from first bite to last.
In closing, we had a great meal, and can recommend them to any one staying at Summerland Spa and Resort. Having it not connected to the hotel, I found that they were not trying to accommodate everyone and all palate types, but instead provide a gathering of exciting, tried and true favourites. And in that they succeeded.
Shaughnessy’s Cove
12817 Lakeshore Dr S, Summerland, BC VOH 1Z1
(778) 622-3539
shaughnessyscove.com
