What is the cost of just one sip???

"One of these things is not like the other"...that song has been running through my head since I arrived in the vacation mecca of Whistler, B.C. On my previous visits I have been able to conceal my inability to ski by the distractions of the 2010 Olympic Games or the searing heat of July. Unfortunately...it's January, smack dab in the middle of prime nordic adventure time - and I stand out like a sore thumb. The narcissistic side of me feels like all the North Face clad skiers are staring at me with a quizzical look..."why is that obvious alpine novice in our presence?"

So while Pam tackles the hill, I have remained lodge bound...with an ecualyptus steam room, heated outdoor pool and jaccuzzi tub. I'm holding up.

One of the in-room magazines highlighted a unique cocktail at Bar 52 Eighty; the Peak to Peak martini was described as "The Pinnicale Apres - heavenly ascend in a glass". How could we not go and have a sample? So to start a night out, Pam and I ventured next door to the Four Seasons Bar, plopped down in some fantastic fireside leather chairs and ordered a few glasses of Heaven. Our first sign of a problem should have been the wide eyes of the waiter...he stuttered that they had officially stopped making the drink but that he would speak to the bartender see if the reciepe was available. The waiter returned shortly and presented a creativly layered libation with flurish for our approval.

One sip of the cocktail told us that some appetizers would be required to help absorb alcohol if we were ever to make it respectfully to the door. Ahh the Whistler life, sitting fireside, sipping our fancy martinis and nibbling on Lobster and truffle potato skins...not a care in the world...until the manager appeared. You know when you have made a hasty decision that will eventually come back to haunt you...a haircut with bangs, marriage, skipping breakfast...I was quickly getting that sinking feeling. Mr. Four Seasons Manager came over just to chat with us, a distinction that he appeared not to share with other guests...he enquired as to how we were enjoying our "Peak to Peak" martinis. After we suitably gushed over the drink, Mr. Manager lamented how it formerly was their most popular cocktail...until the downturn in the economy. Que sinking feeling. I tried to swallow the pricey sip I had in my mouth, while smiling and nodding at the manager that was mentally planning to stiff with the bill.

Of course I wouldn't acually do that...but the thought did cross my mind. Someone watching me from a far would have been undoubtedly puzzled by the contridictory facial expressions of anxiety vs bliss as all thoughts of the loan I would need to take out to cover the cost of this drink dissapated as every pricey sip of top shelf warmth swept over me.

Then the bill arrived. It was extreme. No, I am not telling you the cost - quite frankly because it makes me look like an idiot. But if I can give you a little piece of life advice...try and always see the menu first, but for those rare instances when you don't - savour every sip...

(Ingredients for your own...Remy Martin 'Louis XIII', Absolut Vanilla, Hill's Absinthe, White Creme de Cacao, Elephant Island Framboise with a Curacao soaked mountain ice cube - feel free to invite me over....)