The holidays have cast their magic over Whistler, and independently-owned boutique cheesemonger and natural wine shop Flute & Fromage – which recently opened this spring – is encouraging locals and visitors to embrace the seasonal spirit. From fondue and raclette rentals and gift boxes to a cozy new Apero Hour, here are six ways Flute & Fromage can help you enhance your holidays:
- Easy gift-giving with “Cheese to the People” boxes. Flute & Fromage’s “Cheese to the People” gift boxes are curated by owner Tara May, a Whistler local for over 30 years. There are two indulgent options – the Medium Cheese Gift Box ($200), featuring three international cheeses, Italian crackers, dark chocolate, chutney, a wine bottle opener and more; and the Large Cheese + Charcuterie Box ($250) with four international cheeses, prosciutto and duck rillettes, jam and more. Perfect for friends, family, colleagues and clients, the gift boxes can be ordered online and picked up in-store or delivered across the Lower Mainland.
- Countdown to Christmas with the ultimate advent calendar. The gift that gives daily, Flute & Fromage’s limited-edition, 12-day advent calendar sets the bar. Designed for food lovers, each day of the calendar reveals a specially selected cheese or accompaniment. Priced at $195, and with only 50 available for purchase, the calendar is now available for online pre-order with delivery and in-store purchase beginning December 1.
- Impress your guests with a raclette or fondue rental. Elevate winter hosting with Flute & Fromage’s new fondue and raclette sets, which can be rented in-store. Expert cheesemongers will help you select an enticing assortment of cheeses and meats to accompany the melted goodness. Voila: a cozy fireside fondue or raclette you can enjoy in your Whistler home, cabin or hotel.
- Explore a new seasonal menu. Flute & Fromage’s dining menu has been reimagined with fresh winter ingredients in mind. Take a seat on the patio and prepare for a parade of shareable dishes and gourmet sandwiches paired with natural wines.
- Relax at Apero Hour. Flute & Fromage’s heated alfresco patio, situated amidst the bustle of Whistler Village, will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the Swiss Alps. With Apero Hour introduced for the winter season (daily from 2-4pm), guests can toast the scenic mountain views with new sparkling champagne cocktails, including Kir Royale and Kir St. Germain. Light bites include marinated olives; whipped feta dip; creamy burrata with warm marinara sauce, olive oil, basil and fresh sourdough bread; an assortment of savoury crostinis; and more. With nine seats, the intimate patio accepts advance reservations or walk-ins.
- Organize an effortless holiday soiree. Who says holiday hosting needs to be hard? Flute & Fromage offers a creative range of catering services for corporate and private events, whether grazing tables and boards, grab-and-go snack boxes, personalized gift boxes, or educational cheese and wine tastings. Or, make your hosting even easier by booking a group raclette experience on Flute & Fromage’s intimate, atmospheric patio. For enquiries, contact info@fluteandfromage.com.
“It has been an incredible six months since we opened the doors to Flute & Fromage this past spring. The support from locals and visitors has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to welcome new and returning guests to our first winter season,” said Tara May, owner. “Whether that’s gift shopping, hosting a holiday event, or taking time-out for apero and a festive spritz while enjoying the ambience of Whistler Village, we welcome everyone to spend a part of their holidays with us.”
Flute & Fromage is located at 102-4305 Village Stroll in Whistler, and is open daily from 8am-6pm. Learn more, and shop Flute & Fromage’s selection of fine cheeses, wines and accompaniments, at www.fluteandfromage.com.
Note: For online orders – including gift boxes and advent calendars – enjoy free delivery in Whistler or a flat rate of $20 within the Sea-to-Sky region. Delivery across Greater Vancouver is available for $35.