"We want trade to be predominantly locals. A hide away for the people who work here to get away from the tourist crowd" Richard Yee.
Spreading like Wildwood fire
The locals’ secret that’s out of the bag
Ask a local Whistlerite "where’s a good place for a nice meal that’s reasonably priced?" and chances are they are going to say "the Wildwood Pacific Bistro."
Why? Because the proof is in the pudding. The owners have put their money where their mouths are and all the other food-related proverbials you can think of.
With practically no advertising, no promotions and no official restaurant reviews, the Wildwood Pacific Bistro has managed to stay consistently busy since it’s December ’02 opening and continues to rate as one of the best choices in town.
Despite the buzz among foodies though, Head Chef and founding partner for the Wildwood, Richard Yee, said he’d like the relative anonymity to continue.
"We purposely didn’t even put signage up out the front to keep the clientele down," he said confusingly.
Err, excuse me if I’m wrong Richard, but don’t most businesses want as much trade as they can get?
"In most cases, yes. But for us, we want trade to be predominantly locals. A hideaway for the people who work here to get away from the tourist crowd," said Yee.
The unusual plan seems to be working, with regulars pouring through the door from sun up thanks to their famed eggs benny dishes, lunch time with their tasty sandwiches and salads, and now dinner with their exciting steak and seafood Asian-fused selections.
The Wildwood Pacific Bistro is the a la carte offspring to a successful Function Junction catering and café business with the same name. Co-owned by old friends and co-workers from the early days at the Crab Shack – Yee, Cindy Pelletier, Chris Skene and Paul Saulnier – the constant trips down to the village over the years have had them thinking about a more centralized extension for quite some time. It wasn’t until May 2002 though when the perfect spot became available. The Whistler Racquet Club asked the Wildwood crew if they’d be interested in using their kitchen.
"We jumped on the opportunity right away. We couldn’t believe we’d get offered such a good location," said Yee staring out over the sunny patio, the tennis courts, the pool and the mountains beyond.
The Wildwood group put their thinking caps on based on their experience in the business so far and came up with something they thought Whistler needed – low priced, high end meals providing locals with a place to go out on a weekly basis that wouldn’t break the budget.
"We were a bit hesitant to go with the somewhat risky theme first up but we all knew in our hearts it was exactly what was needed around here and so we just jumped in head first to test the waters," said Yee.
"Six months later, I really think we’ve exceeded our expectations. We’ve created a level of cost that the locals can walk out and be happy about. We know people are saying that wasn’t a budget meal, it was a budget price. We’ve created a price level and portion size that really can’t be matched anywhere else in town and that’s what’s making people come back."
And coming back they are. In droves. With friends and family from out of town in tow. As well as with business associates and clients. And now, naturally, the tourists are flocking too.
Whoever said word of mouth was not a powerful medium obviously hasn’t tried the Wildwood’s macadamia nut-crusted halibut with a papaya relish, or the lime and chili Ahi tuna with a sweet sangria sauce.
"We are finding a lot of our new clientele is finding us on the recommendations of locals. On the weekends I would say the seats are taken up by a lot of tourists," said Yee.
But I thought you didn’t want tourists?
"If they are coming on the word of locals, they are more than welcome. If they are coming to support the local community, they are more than welcome."
With a new dinner menu just one week old, a recently opened patio that takes full advantage of the sun, and a potential kitchen and bar expansion in the works, Wildwood looks like it’s in for the long haul.
"We want to be a year round operation here at the tennis club, not just a seasonal or weekend one. Our philosophy is to keep the menu fresh, keeping the wine and meal prices affordable for those that do live here and treat the tourists like they should live here. We hope we’ll get the support through the off season by sticking to our principles," said Yee.
The summer menu has a distinct Pacific Northwest feel, focusing on fresh seafood, poultry and steaks that benefit from Yee’s cultural background with Asian ingredients.
The choices also keep in line with the local health nut trends, with nearly 80 per cent of the menu containing no carbohydrates. Does that mean the strawberry and brie stuffed chicken breast is actually good for me? I’ll have two then. With dessert as well – hell why not? After all, I can afford it at these prices.
The Wildwood Pacific Bistro is located at the Whistler Racquet Club at 4500 Northlands Boulevard and open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Come for a sit down meal, a take-out treat or appetizers after work. Phone 604-935-4077 for reservations.
