The Word from Waterton Park
April 2004

A Note From The Editor...
Welcome to the twenty-first edition of "The Word From Waterton Park!" Thank you for expressing interest in our friendly internet newsletter. If you would prefer to be removed from our mailing list, you can e-mail us at info@watertonpark.com and we will take you off our list. If you have any feedback or if there is something special you would like to see in the newsletter, please let us know. Please note the address from which this newsletter is sent is for sending purposes only and messages addressed there might be missed. We look forward to seeing all of you in Waterton Park sometime soon!


In this edition...
1. Since We Last Spoke...
2. Monthly Draw Winners
3. Once Upon A Time in Waterton
4. Kilmorey Tasting Country
5. A Light Moment
6. Going On A Bear Hunt
7. Introducing...
8. Wok with James



1. SINCE WE LAST SPOKE...

Since we last spoke, I have watched spring come and go while summer firmly established herself in Waterton Park.  Both the Aspen Village Inn and the Kilmorey Lodge are colourfully festooned with flowers, much to the delight of all the deer!  As you look around town, and the park, you will see several cute little spotted animals -- both the deer and the elk have spotted young.  A mother and bear cubs have also been seen wandering along the Red Rock Canyon road.

Everything is new at this time of year!  Of course, most the shops and restaurants are fairly recently opened with interesting giftware, original artwork, creative menus and plenty of new staff faces around town.  The grass is green, the wildflowers are abundant and all the trees have bright new leaves!  We have been alternating between sunshine and rain showers.  This keeps the whole park looking and smelling fresh.  The air even tastes good! 

We have had several small and very successful weddings this spring.  Congratulations to all the newlyweds!  Some of the couples in May took advantage of our "Mountain Gourmet" package and had seven course wedding dinners.  A few different Senior Groups have also stopped in for lunch and taken advantage of our new Senior Group Lunch Menus

We also have several other new things happening at the Kilmorey Lodge and the Aspen Village Inn.  Our guests at the Aspen Village Inn can now order a "Family Cookout" and we will deliver a cooler with everything you need for your barbeque for four.  "Everything" includes hamburgers, buns, condiments, drinks, watermelon, s'mores and more!   The Waterton Experience package at the Aspen Village Inn includes your Room for one night, a Surrey Rental from Pat's, a Boat Ride with Shoreline Cruises, Breakfast at the Kilmorey Lodge and all taxes.   

For something different this summer at the Kilmorey Lodge, the Ram's Head Lounge is smoke-free!  Please come in and tell us how you feel about this change.  Also coming soon to the Kilmorey Lodge you can order a Romantic Picnic Basket -- for just the two of you on your peaceful Waterton Summer Getaway!  Keep checking our website for more package information and pop-up specials. 

We look forward to sharing all of these new things with you.  See you soon in Waterton Park!

2. MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

Two lucky ladies were rewarded for filling out their comment cards in the Lamp Post Dining Room.  Janet Havill visited Waterton Park in April from Calgary, Alberta.  Isabel Malthy visited us in May from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Both have received a gift certificate for Lunch For Two in our award winning Lamp Post Dining Room.

 We would like to thank Ms. Havill and Ms. Malthy again for filling in their comment cards.  The feedback regarding your service, your meal and your overall dining experience is extremely valuable to us in maintaining and improving the quality of our product and service. 

 We look forward to welcoming our two winners back again soon!



3. ONCE UPON A TIME IN WATERTON

Strange Animal Encounters and Other Fun Stuff!  by Kristin Roblick

I first came to Waterton Lakes National Park in the summer of 2000 for a college internship.  I then returned the summer of 2001, 2002, and 2003, and I have been here since.  I have experienced snow in June, trying to walk through a herd of sheep on my way to work, and a wide array of many interesting things that are unique to living in Waterton Park.  It is hard to define what draws me here however I can say that it is one of those places that you always want to return to.  Any time of year, year after year, there is no other place on earth like it. 

 Why I love living in Waterton Park:

1. I feel like I live in a zoo because of the countless animals roaming the streets
2. My creativity has increased as I now know how to live without power and electricity for several days and still manage to have a daily routine
3. I don't have to know street names and addresses and I still know where everything is (this is great because I really dont like numbers)
4. The only traffic jams are caused by deer, sheep, and bears
5. When people refer to cougars they are actually referring to the animal
6. If I need something that is not sold at Pat's (the town gas station and store where you can pretty much find anything), he will go to his house and find something there for me
7. I never feel stressed out deciding what to watch on TV because there are only a few channels
8. I don't need to spend money on expensive exercise equipment because the mountains are my playground
9. Cars are irrelevant in terms of travel within the town
10. The liquor store opens for period breaks when the Stanley Cup Playoffs are on (only when the Calgary Flames are playing of course)
11.  I know the true meaning of solitude and serenity
12.  I can walk to British Columbia and Montana in less then a day
13.  I know real cowboys and mountain men
14.  There is an endless supply of Saskatoon Berries, mmmmmmmm
15.  On windy days the lake comes alive and the crashing waves make me  feel like I live at the ocean
16.  If I am bored I can spend all day identifying different plants and animals in the park or observe different creatures such as the salamanders
17.  Going to get the mail is a social activity that can take several hours (love the small town life)
18.  The only noise that wakes me up is the roaring of Cameron Falls
19.  There are no buildings higher than the trees and you can see for miles and miles
20.  You never need to tell the bartender what you want to drink and your drink is poured before you even ask
21.  I have seen a deer give birth
22.  I can play over 15 Christmas Carols on the guitar
23.  I can go camping in my back yard and it feels like I am being adventurous
24.  The weather is always full of surprises and you never know what to expect
25.  I can now crochet and play a board game at the same time (the beauty of multi-tasking)
26.  I know how to share with ghosts
27.  Everyone knows where everyone else is so I wouldn't even need a cell phone if there was reception (I have not yet decided if this is a good thing)
28.  Getting to meet people from all over the world

As you can see, I could go on and on forever!  There are a million and ten reasons why I love living in Waterton Park.  Hope to see you soon! 



4. KILMOREY TASTING COUNTRY

Gray Monk Pinot Noir 2002

Gray Monk has been producing grapes in B.C. for more than 30 years and at over 20 years old, is the oldest family owned and operated winery in B.C.

This 2002 Pinot Noir is a very enjoyable light style red wine.  Ripe, fruity berries come through on the nose with a hint of oak.  We found the nose and palate matched very closely with this wine... lightly tannic, with ripe berries upon first tasting.  The finish is long and very pleasant with a fruity, full mouth feel.  This wine would pair well with lamb, venison and salmon. 

Well, that is all for this tasting session.  If you would like to share a wine experience, send us an e-mail or come and see us when you are in Waterton Park!

Happy Tasting!

Your taster,

Paul



5. A LIGHT MOMENT

A mangy looking gentleman goes into a bar and orders a drink.  The bartender refuses: "I doubt if you can pay for it."  The man says, "True, but if I show you something you have never seen before, will you give me a drink?"  The bartender agrees, "Only if what you show me ain't risque."

"Deal!" says the man and reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a hamster.  He puts the hamster on the bar and it runs to the end of the bar, down the bar, across the room, up the piano, jumps on the keyboard and starts playing Gershwin tunes.  AND the hamster is really good!

The bartender says, "You're right.  That is the first time I have ever seen anything like that before.  That hamster is truly amazing on the piano."

The man downs his drink and asks the bartender for another.

"Money or a miracle and you can have another drink," says the bartender.  The man reaches into his coat again and pulls out a frog.  He puts the frog on the bar and the frog starts to sing.  He has a marvelous voice and great pitch... a fine singer.

A stranger from the other end of the bar runs over to the man and offers him $300 for the frog.  "It's a deal," says the man.  He takes the three hundred and gives the stranger the frog.  The stranger runs out of the bar.

The bartender says to the man, "are you some kind of nut?  You sold a singing frog for $300?  It must have been worth millions.  You must be crazy."

"Not so," says the man, "The hamster is also a ventriloquist."



6. GOING ON A BEAR HUNT

by Dan Allen

I sometimes get strange looks when I tell people that I am going on a bear hunt.  It's merely a figurative term, meaning that I am going out looking for bears.  I myself could never fathom the idea of killing a bear.  Not that I am against hunting overall, I just know that I myself would not be able to take the life of such a majestic creature. 

Living in a National Park allows me to see a lot of wildlife, but nothing is more exhilarating than seeing a bear in its' natural surroundingsexcept of course maybe seeing a cougar!  But alas, I have been working in Waterton Lakes National Park for three years and I have yet to see a cougar.  I suppose that it is a good thing; knowing my luck I'll be walking home on a crisp fall evening when I will finally get to meet the largest North American Wildcat. 

The bears though are the highlight of living in Waterton.  This time of year is ideal for seeing young cubs the size of knapsacks frolicking in the trees with a very observant Momma Bear nearby.  To be able to sit back and observe these playful creatures is a privilege, and teaching others the etiquette of appropriate bear watching has been a pleasure.  Taking new staff on a "bear hunt" through the park can be both exciting and rewarding.  Sometimes people are quite intimidated about a run in with a real live bear, but usually their preconceptions are based on myth rather than fact.  I know I was quite misinformed about the behavior of bears until I was able to see them in their own surroundings.  A bear is unlikely to charge you on the spot.  Unless intimidated or threatened, a bear is more intent on eating a bit and moving on, usually away from the prying eyes of humans.  If given their space though, a bear can be watched for many hours, and it can be quite relaxing.

Living in the mountains has given me the appreciation for my place in the world.  I feel more at one with the earth now than when I lived in a bustling metropolis.  Not that I hate the city or begrudge those who choose to live in the city, but you just can not have an appreciation for living in the mountains until you have taken the opportunity to actually move away from the city for any stretch of time.  Now I have reached the point where I miss the mountains when I am gone, and again this fall I will sadly leave my home in paradise to spend another dreary winter in the city.  Thankfully I can trust nature will spring out of its' cold slumber, and I will be able to return next season to watch the newest bear cubs frolicking in the trees, and I will be able to return to my peaceful appreciation for the world that I live in, and the small little town called Waterton that I call home. 



7. INTRODUCING...

We have decided to renew your acquaintance with our regular kitchen contributor to "The Word from Waterton Park." 

Subject: His Honour Executive Chef James William Rowley

Alias: Smiley

Born in Lethbridge, James spent a lot of time in Waterton Park when he was a kid.  He has fond memories of fishing in Waterton Lake with his father and grandfather, family picnics and overnight camps in the park.  At this young age James developed an appreciation for the beauty of his surroundings and a passion for being outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking.

At age fourteen, his family moved to Calgary where he started in the restaurant business as a dishwasher at the Calgary Inn.  After a year he moved to busboy, helping set-up banquets, serving and cleaning.  It was at this time an older chef in the hotel took a shine to James and began giving him samples of the various recipes he was preparing, exposing James to a wide variety of dishes and sauces.  "I guess he kinda spoiled me in a way," says James, who had found his role model.

At age nineteen James married and began apprenticing at the 400 Club, a private Oilman"s Club in Calgary.  This was a three year cooking program, largely consisting of on the job learning with formal classroom education taking two months of every year.  James graduated at age twenty two and was invited by the Calgary Academy of Chefs to a special dinner where he was presented with a plaque and a set of knives for achieving the highest marks ever awarded to anyone in the history of that cooking program.

James stayed on at the 400 Club as Sous-Chef for five years before moving to British Columbia to gain experience in a wide variety of environments.  Averaging three to four years at each place, James held a variety of positions from Executive Chef in a prominent hotel to cooking at Golf Clubs.  He gained experience in fine dining, large buffets, menu development and kitchen management.  Throughout all this time he maintained a hands on attitude, choosing to work alongside his staff, never behind a desk.  This is essential, he claims, for boosting morale and getting the most out of all your staff.

By this time, James had a young family and decided he would prefer to raise his two children in a more rural environment, away from the big city.  He and his wife purchased a piece of property in Hillspring (population 280), a little town approximately 35 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park.  This was when James first came to work at the Kilmorey Lodge.

This was a fun time for James as the business grew with the then fairly new owners at the Kilmorey Lodge, Gerry and Leslie Muza.  James has memories of dancing with Leslie in the dishpit and trading stories with Gerry as he bussed tables.  It was two years before James received an offer to run the cafeteria at the Temple in nearby Cardston.  He took a hiatus from the Kilmorey Lodge to pursue this new opportunity, providing good, wholesome food to local traffic and the multitude of tourists passing through. 

After ten years James felt the need to flex his creative muscles again, missing the challenge of producing high quality dishes, developing menus and exercising the many skills he had trained for.  One day he stopped in for a chat with Leslie, who said there would always be room for James at the Kilmorey Lodge.  In his position of Executive Chef James especially enjoys working with and teaching the new staff, appreciating the enthusiasm they bring to their work.  He likes the challenge of the busy kitchen, the owners who are now old friends and yes, even writing for "The Word from Waterton Park!"

For the second term in the last ten years, His Honour, James William Rowley, is the Mayor of the town of Hillspring. In his first term he and his council are credited with the major accomplishments of balancing the town's books and paving several local roads.  During his current term one of their greatest accomplishments has been to establish an underground sprinkler system for the entire town.  Elections are coming up soon and he hopes to be voted in again.  What is certain is with his honest, straight forward attitude, the town of Hillspring and the kitchen of the Kilmorey Lodge are in very good hands.

Asked what he believes his greatest accomplishments are, this humble gentleman responds they must be the relationships he has made in his life and more particularly, his family.  He is a grandfather now and loves to take his two grandchildren hiking and fishing in Waterton Park, just as his grandfather did when he was a boy.   He firmly asserts his grandfatherly prerogative to "spoil 'em rotten and send 'em home!" 

This is a simple introduction to Chef James Rowley.  It does not cover his adventures and sometimes misadventures as a long time motorcyclist, snooker champ etc. etc.  But hey, everyone is entitled to some secrets!

8. WOK WITH JAMES

Good day out there in cyberspace!  Hope my article finds you all in good health and happy.  The recipe I have chosen to share with you this month is a Pickled Vegetable Antipasto.  This recipe will serve six.

             1/4 Small Cauliflower

             2 Carrots

            1 Red Pepper

            1 Green Pepper

            100 grams Okra

            25 Pickled Onions

            20 Black Olives

            1 Radicchio Lettuce

            120 grams Csabai Salami sliced

            250g Pitted Black Olives (extra)

            Pickling Vinegar

            4 1/2 cups White Vinegar

            2 tsp. White Mustard Seeds

            1 tsp. Turmeric

            1 tsp. Garam Masala  

            4 Bay Leaves

            12 Black Peppercorns

            2 small Red Chili Peppers

 1. Make the Pickling Vinegar by combining Vinegar, Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala, Bay Leaves, Peppercorns and whole Chili Peppers in a large jug.

 2. Cut Cauliflower into small pieces.  Cut Carrots and Peppers into 1cm x 5cm strips. 

 3. Cook Cauliflower, Carrots, Peppers, Okra and Onions in a large pan of boiling water about 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender and drain. 

 4. Place hot Vegetables and Olives in sterilized jars.  Pour the Pickling Vinegar over the vegetables, seal the jars and let them stand one week before using. 

 5. Serve pickled vegetables wrapped in Radicchio Lettuce with sliced Salami and the extra Olives.

 Bon Appetit!

James Rowley, Chef - Kilmorey Lodge  



Thank you for reading our friendly Internet Newsletter! If you have any feedback or if you would like to contribute to our newsletter, please e-mail us at info@watertonpark.com, attn: Nicki. For more information on Waterton Lakes National Park and links to many other area attractions,
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