Right after checking in at Jasper Park Lodge, I joined other media at the Emerald Lounge. It is located just off the lobby on the other side of a huge fireplace. During clear weather, you have a spectacular view year-round. With the blizzard that I had during this stay, you could not see much, so I was happy to have been able to see what it is like from prior years. There is a picture-perfect view of Lac Beauvert through huge windows and when the weather is nice, you can sit on the patio too.

For dinner, I had the Caesar Salad with chopped romaine, parmesan crisp, garlic croutons, bacon and housemade dressing. The parmesan crisp was a nice change to just shredded parmesan cheese on top of the salad.

Along with the salad, I had also ordered a small cup of the Nova Scotia Lobster Chowder with saffron crème fraiche so I can taste it. The waiter came out instead with a full-size portion. After having one spoonful, I am very happy that they did. The last time I had a soup this good was in Vancouver in 2014 at a restaurant that is now closed.  It was also a lobster bisque with crème fraiche. The version at the Emerald Lounge had surpassed the one I had in Vancouver. This is the best soup I have ever had. I could have easily asked for another bowl, or maybe the pot along with some of their house-made bread to wipe it clean.

For the entrée, I had the Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs, with brown butter, shitake mushrooms and whipped potatoes. The meat was extremely tender. Some of the other media had ordered the Seared Atlantic Salmon with a saffron hollandaise, wilted spinach and lemon scented couscous.

I had ordered the Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée with Kahlua anglaise, chocolate sauce and summer berries for dessert. The presentation was like a piece of artwork, but you wanted to tap the top and break that sugar crust to taste the beautiful custard.

The restaurants at Jasper Park Lodge never fail to impress me. Just remember that the menu does change to what is in season. I am hoping that the next time I am in Jasper, that I will have a chance to have another bowl of that Nova Scotia Lobster Chowder.

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Contributor Steve Polyak |

Locale Jasper |

Topic Accommodation and Lodging | Food | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (JPL) | Travel |

Photo Gallery Jasper |Travel |