Vancouver and Whistler restaurants salute Olympic medalists with complimentary meals + bubbly

Local restaurants are offering up some unique ways to honor the medal winners of the XXI Winter Olympics.

Four Top Table restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler are saluting the gold, silver and bronze medal winners by offering them a complimentary bottle of Nicolas Feuillate Champagne to share with family and friends.

They include Araxi in Whistler and Blue Water Cafe, CinCin and West in Vancouver.

"We want to congratulate the bronze, silver and gold medalists from all countries, and give them the opportunity to toast those closest to them, that took them to the pinnacle of their sport," said Jack Evrensel, owner of Top Table. "Top Table is all about teamwork, and so are the endeavours of Olympic athletes - this is a simple way to show our appreciation."

And another one of my favorite Vancouver restos, Chambar on Beatty Street in Crosstown, is treating Canadian Winter Games medalists with a celebratory dinner for each of them and a guest.

Owners Nico and Karri Schuermans want to recognize the Canadian victors during a gustatory evening of Belgian cuisine (with North African accents), fun atmosphere and "perhaps a little civilized debauchery."

Chambar is located close to BC Place and Canada Hockey Place, making it a hot spot for Olympic activity and a popular place for fans, athletes and celebrities. There's a big screen TV in the restaurant's lounge and also the back dining room (the bar is open 'til 2 AM during the duration of the Winter Games).

Champage bar aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean
Photo by Sue Frause