Wine glasses were put to the side for a moment and the clang of beer mugs could be heard as Manteo Resort–Waterfront Hotel and Villas announced plans for Kelowna’s first waterfront craft beer and premium casual dining experience.
Smack Dab, named quite literally after its prime location in Manteo Resort on the shores of Okanagan Lake and Kelowna’s waterfront district, will open mid-March in the space previously occupied by Wild Apple Restaurant, bringing together craft beer culture with seriously good food.
Over $1.5 million has been dedicated to build-out the open concept space that has been under construction since Wild Apple closed in early January.
Designed to take full advantage of the incredible lake views, once complete Smack Dab will feature 120 seats in the lounge and restaurant, a private dining room for 18 to 40, and Kelowna’s largest lakeside outdoor patio seating an additional 150 guests.
Large folding glass doors will allow for an open-air environment in the summer months and protection from the elements when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
“Whether a tourist looking to cleanse their palate between wineries or a local who just wants a to grab a great pizza and a beer after work, we wanted to create a neighbourhood gathering place that locals can enjoy as much as our hotel guests,” said Heather Schroeter, general manager of Manteo Resort.
“Kelowna has some amazing restaurants and chefs who are doing incredible things with wine country cuisine but we saw the opportunity to deviate a bit from the expected and offer an experience you can’t find anywhere else in the city,” she said.
With a culinary team assembled by Manteo’s world-class executive chef Bernard Casavant, the kitchen at Smack Dab has been buzzing for months as the team gets ready to introduce their version of premium casual.
The menu, designed by executive sous chef Brad Horen, will feature a wide array of flavour-packed appetizers, sharing plates, forno oven pizzas, signature entrees and desserts that are all fresh, prepared in-house and suited for all members of the family.
Equally serious about their suds as they are their food, Smack Dab will offer Kelowna’s largest selection of craft beer—12 on tap and 20 by the bottle—celebrating B.C. and Pacific Northwest producers.
While the beer will no doubt be the focal point, Smack Dab will also offer a complete wine list featuring local wines and international favourites as well as a seasonal cocktail menu.
Further details on Smack Dab’s menu, beer program, wine list, private dining room and patio opening will be shared at a series of opening celebration events in mid-March.
To stay connected on the progress of Smack Dab up to and including its launch in March, link up through:
• Facebook, www.facebook.com/SmackDab
• Twitter, www.twitter.com/SmackDabManteo
• or the website, www.smackdabmanteo.com.
