I am frequently reminded while traveling in Australia that Whistler is jam-packed with snowseekers from down under looking to do a season….. or a lifetime in the powder. Of course many hail from ever-sprawling cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, and realize prior to arriving in our little mountain town that things will be drastically different from home….that is the reasoning for coming after all isn’t it?

No beetroot on burgers, kebabs to save the late night needs, or shelves of glistening savory pies in the Village. And although those Aussies who have spent time in our snowy town bring back fond memories of Sake margs, Beavertails and poutine, they are quick to mention that we Canadians just don’t do certain favorite dishes quite the same.

But while I have my go-to dishes in the land of AUS, I do wish sometimes I could be like Dorothy and click my heels together for some of my Whistler yum cha equivalents. As I am handed a tiny take away cup of boiling hot tea, for instance, I wish for David’s Tea or Blenz to be just around the corner…..adult size tea isn’t such a horrendous idea is it?

A complete sushi feed for under $50/ person at Nagomi or Sushi Village outshines the high prices of the establishments I frequent this side of the equator…..really the price of all food and drink has me laughing at the idea that some find Whistler expensive as a whole. And although it does not initiate hunger pangs, the customer service in Whistler overall does get my vote if going head to head with that of Aussieland…..likely a result of the tipping vs. non culture. Or perhaps it is the Sunday surcharge wallet-hit speaking.

Hard to say but as much as I love my Tom Yum soup and Som Tum salad annual overload, it is nice to think that home still has my heart and my taste buds, regardless of how much smaller it may be. Now if only brussel sprouts were as trendy here as they currently are in Vancouver…