For the second year in a row, Q at the Empress restaurant, situated in the iconic Fairmont Empress hotel, has been honoured with Wine Spectator’s 2018 Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Ranging in size from 90 selections to several hundred, these lists are well-focused and tend to emphasize curiosity and discovery.
Under the culinary guidance of Executive Chef Morgan Wilson, the Pacific Northwest inspired menus at Q at the Empress feature an exciting variety of ingredients sourced from local producers, complemented by fresh herbs from the hotel’s rooftop garden.
“The reimagined Q at the Empress opened its doors in June 2016 and we are flattered to once again be the recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence,” says Indu Brar, Fairmont Empress General Manager. “Q’s wine list is thoughtfully curated to be a celebration of quality wines from around the world, with a selection of regional wines that pair perfectly with our locally inspired menu.”
In such a storied space, where Winston Churchill dined with his teapot of tipple, and where A-list celebrities like Bob Hope and John Wayne were regulars, Q at the Empress is a cheeky nod for Queen and country. A central focus of the stunning $60 million restoration, this 88-seat restaurant successfully bridges old and new; blending iconic 1908 architecture with contemporary interior design.
Fairmont Empress – An Iconic Restoration
Recognized as one of Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine, honoured with Travel + Leisure distinction as Top Canadian Hotel, and regarded as a Condé Nast Readers’ Choice and Gold List hotel, Fairmont Empress is located in Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. In June 2017, Fairmont Empress completed a $60+ Million restoration that celebrates its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury; transforming this iconic property into an elegant must-visit destination for the world’s discerning travelers. This Forbes Four-Star, 4-Diamond property offers 464 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Willow Stream Spa with signature West Coast experiences, Q at the Empress Restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine and award winning wine list, Q Bar’s regionally focused cocktail culture, and a reimagined Fairmont Gold Lounge with stunning harbour views. Served daily since its opening in 1908, world famous Tea at the Empress is served in the sophisticated Lobby Lounge. Located on the picturesque West Coast of Canada, Fairmont Empress is the ideal starting point to explore the stunning natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Visit Fairmont.com/empress
