I am a huge brand fan of Veuve Clicquot. I love the fact that they have their own iconic colour that it is synonymous with their luxury brand of champagne and lifestyle.
Therefore I was excited to learn of their new pop-up located in Fairmont Vancouver Airport. Here they are inviting travellers and locals alike to celebrate the holiday season in this curated lounge. A chalet theme with furnishing in Veuve Clicquot’s yellowy-orange hue. Opened as of December 1st and available for seating until January 31st, 2025.
The scene was set with an orange dresser, branded champagne cart, throw pillows and blankets.
The decor was given a taste of Aspen with ski posters, a hung up puffer vest and a set of skis (also branded in their trademark orange).
I have always thought that Veuve Clicquot should open their own apparel store to sell such accessories, which although for novelty sake, would do well. In events of the past I have seen them tag rain boots, a desk lamp, and even a retro television that doubled as an ice bucket.
For service you check in at their lobby restaurant, and then are invited to take any available seat of your choosing in the lounge. This is advertised as a champagne lounge so there is an age requirement for seating.
The menu includes Veuve Clicquot by the glass or the bottle. The Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, the Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé, or Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame. Each served in their branded stemware, either a glass flute with an orange stem or a plastic orange flute.
We started off with a glass each of the brut, before moving onto a couple of their cocktails. Cocktails prepared with more Veuve Clicquot, alongside other spirits for a Paloma, or a gin and tonic.
The Champagne Paloma was Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Altos Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, and Lime Juice. This was booze forward and strong with tequila at the forefront.
The Madame Fleur was more botanical. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Hennessy VS, Chamomile Syrup, and Lemon Juice. Bold with citrus, and a faint sweetness from gentle florals.
This limited time only pop up also includes small bites. For the chalet vibe there is Swiss cheese fondue for two with Green Apple Wedges, Multigrain Baguette, and Cornichon. There is also shrimp cocktail and truffle fries, but went for the small plates that are more fulsome, that could serve as a meal.
Beef Tenderloin Tartar with Crispy Sushi Rice, Shallots, Gherkins, Sambal Mayo, and Okonomiyaki Sauce. We found this a unique take on raw minced beef. A muddy colour seasoned in Japanese inspired flavours, and served over a brick of crispy fried rice. This made it a lot more diner friendly (even despite the look), for those less adventurous staying at the hotel. Strong salty and umami flavours made this a good one to pair with the sparkling.
Lamb Sliders With Local Lamb Shoulder Meatballs, San Marzano Tomato, Ricotta, Basil, and a Brioche Bun. These were our favourites with the well-seasoned smashed meat ball well contrasted by the crumbly cheese. We liked the flavour, but could have used more acidity and salt from the tomato sauce, and more basil for more freshness. The cheese is certainly a highlight, tying everything together.
We spent a leisurely afternoon enjoying the setting that offered privacy and comfort. This was a fun way to feel as if we were traveling, without leaving the city. For parking at the airport, you can ask the server to validate your parking. They will give you a card to scan at the machine that allots you 3 hours of free parking. Otherwise two hours of airport parkade parking is $56.
Be sure to check out this unexpected spot for drinks before the pop-up closes January 31, 2025. Open daily from 3-5pm. Seating at Chalet Clicquot is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jet Set Bar
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A6
604-248-3281
fairmont.com
