15 Park Bistro at Watermark
“The best single dish I have had in the South Okanagan”
A few years ago, I visited 15 Park Bistro at the Watermark Resort in Osoyoos. At the time, it was “fine,” but not enough to make me go out of my way to return. The issue I had then was that the restaurant seemed unsure of its identity – was it a casual spot for hotel guests, or was it an elevated dining experience for anyone?
I’m happy to say that those questions are no longer an issue. After a full revamp of the menu, the hiring of the talented Executive Chef Jeffrey Young, and a clear concept of what 15 Park Bistro aims to be, I can wholeheartedly say: If you haven’t been since these changes, it’s time to return and experience the difference for yourself.
I had the chance to speak with Chef Young, who shared that the new menu is designed to be inviting, fun, and offer a relaxed atmosphere with elevated dishes. The goal is to cater to both locals and hotel guests, offering food options that won’t break the bank while maintaining the quality and sophistication expected at The Watermark Resort.
Beef bourguignon at 15 Park Bistro.
As Chef Young returned to the kitchen, one of the staff members suggested I try the Beef Bourguignon.
It had been years since I’d had an authentic version of this dish, often taken for granted as “simple” when, in reality, it requires sound technique and a deep understanding of flavours and textures. It’s like cooking an egg – anyone can do it, but you can immediately tell the difference when it’s done by a skilled chef or a home cook. This beef bourguignon was no different.
The dish featured tender beef, mushrooms, pearl onions, and smoked bacon unlike any I’ve had before. The combination of flavours came together like a symphony, leaving me wanting more. But there was something about the underlying taste I couldn’t quite place, so I asked my server what it was. When she told me, it was one of those “aha” moments: Veal demi-glace! It rounded out the dish with a distinctive flavour that’s rare in the South Okanagan and typically reserved for higher-end restaurants.
Served with a fantastic piece of sourdough bread, the dish reminded me of coming in from the cold after a snowy day and enjoying a hearty, comforting meal – like the one my mom used to cook on the stove all day. It was so good, I packed up part of it and brought it to my mom to try.
When describing this dish to a friend, I told them it reminded me of the scene from the Disney/Pixar movie Ratatouille, where the grumpy food critic eats a classic, humble dish that takes him on an emotional journey back to his childhood. That’s exactly how the beef bourguignon made me feel, and I hope it creates the same experience for you.
I can confidently say that, so far, the beef bourguignon at 15 Park Bistro is the best single dish I’ve had in the South Okanagan. When you visit (and I say when not if), be sure to order it and tell them Sheldon sent you.
15 Park Bistro is located at The Watermark Hotel, 15 Park Place, Osoyoos, BC. It’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone 250.495.5508 or click here for reservations.
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Sheldon Herman is the author of the international best-selling book The Tortured Traveller: How I Survived The Worst Vacation Ever and has travelled to and eaten in 60 different countries. Neither the writer nor the newspaper received financial compensation for this article; the thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly those of the writer. If you’re a restaurant owner or have a suggestion for one you’d like to see featured, please send an email to [email protected].
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