After years of anticipation, the Hilton Whistler’s beloved Cinnamon Bear has officially reopened its doors with a new, contemporary design and an exciting menu overhaul. Executive Chef Julian Owen-Mold, who has been waiting for this renovation for over a decade, is thrilled to see his vision for the space come to life. Originally a sports bar, the revamped Cinnamon Bear now boasts an open, airy layout that blends the casual charm of a local haunt with modern elegance.
A Vibrant, Welcoming Atmosphere
The updated Cinnamon Bear seamlessly merges the lower-level bar area with the restaurant on the second floor, creating an inviting environment perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a round of pool with friends or celebrating an anniversary with a tomahawk steak, the space is designed to cater to every kind of guest. Chef Owen-Mold emphasized that the goal was to maintain the welcoming vibe that the Cinnamon Bear has been known for since 1982, while updating the interior to reflect a more contemporary feel.
A Family-Style Menu with Coastal Inspirations
One of the highlights of the renovation is the new family-style menu, crafted by Owen-Mold in collaboration with Hilton GM Chris Vick. The menu draws inspiration from coastal cuisines ranging from Peru to Alaska, offering a variety of share plates designed for communal dining. The idea was inspired by the duo’s experiences dining at a Chinese restaurant in Vancouver, where the focus was on shared meals.
Standout Share Plates
Some of the must-try tapas include Latin American-inspired street corn, vegan muhammara, and octopus and Humboldt squid anticucho with aji mirasal chile, adobo, and crushed marble potatoes.
Hearty Main Dishes
For larger appetites, the main dishes feature hearty options such as herb-marinated salt-brick chicken with romesco sauce, a lamb porterhouse chop with rosemary and garlic, and a rolled trofie pasta with pesto, potatoes, and green beans.
Giant Plates for Groups
For those looking to indulge in something extraordinary, the extra-large plates menu includes a massive PEI tomahawk steak, cedar-smoked B.C. salmon, and a whole Dungeness crab cooked in tamarind, ginger, and garlic, served over crab-fried rice. Owen-Mold describes Dungeness crab as the West Coast’s version of lobster, and it’s one of his personal favorites.
Premium Steaks and Pub-Inspired Cocktails
The Cinnamon Bear also features a selection of premium steaks cooked on a cast grill, perfect for sharing. From an eight-ounce bavette Angus beef steak to a 10-ounce ribeye from Okanagan’s 63 Acres Ranch, the steak offerings showcase some of the best beef producers in the region.
Meanwhile, the cocktail menu offers a playful twist on classic drinks. Highlights include the black peppercorn-infused gin Garden Tonic, the spicy Green Inferno with chili-infused tequila, and the London Cloud, a gin cocktail with Earl Grey syrup and egg white.
A Modern Twist on Pub Fare
While the Cinnamon Bear embraces its new, contemporary vibe, it still offers familiar pub fare with an upscale twist. Guests can enjoy a mix of classic comfort foods, crafted with a thoughtful, modern approach.
Open Daily
The Cinnamon Bear is now open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, offering both breakfast and dinner options, along with an enticing selection of cocktails and shareable plates. Whether you’re a Whistler local or just visiting, the revamped Cinnamon Bear is sure to become a favorite spot for both casual dining and special celebrations.
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