Jewel of the Sunshine Coast

Ruby Lake Resort is a true haven. Created in 1993 by the Cogrossi family from Milan, Italy, the resort marries their Italian heritage with a love of nature, wildlife, entertainment and great food.

Nestled around a tranquil lagoon at the top of the Sechelt peninsula, this coastal gem boasts not only cozy accommodations, a rainforest spa, outdoor amphitheatre and a fine Italian restaurant specializing in seafood, but also a 100-acre bird sanctuary. More than 40 birdhouses grace the trees, cottages One of Chef Aldo’s specialitiesand eves of the restaurant; all built by resident Chef Aldo Cogrossi, who has harboured a passion for birds ever since he was a child.

Before coming to Canada, Aldo ran a wildlife rehabilitation centre in the Italian Alps. Upon visiting a cousin living on the Sunshine Coast 13 years ago, he fell in love with the pristine beauty of the area and rallied his family to sell the family manor and move to Ruby Lake. Aldo, his parents and brother Giorgio, transformed this one-time logging camp and country café into an oasis of comfort, environmental preservation and exceptional Mediterranean food. Now over 80 species of birds populate the area including swallows, eagles, ospreys, herons and owls. Aldo is particularly proud of the return of the wood ducks, which he celebrates in an annual festival at the resort.

The Italian “Trattoria” restaurant oozes rustic charm. Warmth radiates from the stone fireplace in the centre of the dining room. First Nations carvings share wall space with moose horns, deer heads and prints of Italian villages. Behind the bar rests a large self-portrait of folk-jazz queen Joni Mitchell, who is, according to Giorgio, the resort’s number one client.

Northern Italian dishes with
homegrown herbs and vegetables

Chef Aldo raises a glass
(Belinda Bruce)

Aldo sits with us as we dig into one of his delicious appetizers – a platter of tender mussels, prawns and clams bathed in a light tomato, shallot and parsley broth – and relays his philosophy of food preparation. “I don’t just cook,” he says, “I try to educate people in what to eat.” Committed to promoting sustainable fisheries and supporting local organically grown food, Aldo uses only fresh produce and locally gathered seafood. “I won’t buy rare tropical fish like shark and marlee.” He serves fair trade coffee and maintains three vegetable and herb gardens for use in his cooking, which he describes as “simple with fresh ingredients.”

Translation: authentic Northern Italian dishes passed down through generations, accented with fine and organic wines. Deluxe comfort food, judging from our dinners: penne in a fragrant beef sauce with parmesan; red snapper with a crispy dust of breading over a rich seafood-and-gorgonzola risotto, complimented by olive oil-and-herb-drenched vegetables. The menu also offers veal, crab, octopus and an array of pasta dishes, including Aldo’s special smoked-salmon delight. Bon appetito.

As we scoop up desert – heavenly spoonfuls of tiramisu – locals drop in for dinner and friendly chatter with Aldo. Our server brings out cake with sparklers and leads the birthday song for a nearby table. We glance out at the restaurant’s adjoining deck overlooking the lagoon and the footbridge connecting the trattoria with the cottages – in summer, garlanded with coloured lights, it’s a magical experience. We anticipate returning to stay at the newly built romantic tents and enjoy live entertainment at the cedar-and-stone, Roman-style amphitheatre built around a huge Douglas fir.

There’s an old Italian proverb, “To every bird, his own nest is beautiful.” Words to live by for the Cogrossi family at Ruby Lake.