The debut of OROLO Restaurant + Cocktail Bar and Chronos Tasting Room by TIME Family of Wines in late March was met with a swell of enthusiasm by the community. So, you’ll want to make reservations soon to preview this beautiful urban setting, then dazzle your summer guests with ‘big city’ lights in downtown Penticton.
The winery embarked on a massive reformation behind closed doors over the winter. The space was transformed into a fitting functionality for the brilliantly metamorphosed food and beverage program. Horology, the study of time, was the inspiration in naming OROLO. It is about connections and the circles integral to the chic design echo the cyclical flow to winemaking and relationships.
Anticipation mounted as pre-opening announcements in consultation with Townhall Brands previewed what to expect. Stakeholders such as suppliers, fans and media in the food and drink industry were invited to a series of separate reveal events to experience the ambiance and deliciousness.
Committed to providing the community with a unique culinary experience, OROLO’s goal was a menu to pair exquisitely with TIME’s diverse line of wines as well as carefully curated selections from other wineries. In 2020, Ron and Shelley Mayert became the owners of TIME Family of Wines. Respecting the legacy of the McWatters family with a legacy of 50 Okanagan vintages, led by late founder Harry McWatters, the Mayerts brought their own vivacity. The winery team accesses the best fruit through its long relationships with growers to present the McWatters Collection, Evolve Cellars, TIME Winery, and Chronos.
To shepherd that continuity, the Mayerts retained Christa-Lee McWatters as General Manager, Darrien McWatters as Operations Manager, and Lynzee Schatz as Winemaker. Tom Swope is the Restaurant Manager.
On-site Dry Aging Beef Program and Elevated Cocktails
The stage was set for a theatre of exciting craft cocktails to augment your meal or as their own adventure. Kirk Morrison was hired as Culinary Director to oversee these sensory offerings at all TIME locations including the District Wine Village in Oliver. Morrison collaborates closely with Damian Cole, executive chef, and the rest of the team to mastermind the OROLO and broader culinary vision.
The impressive cocktail list includes such popular choices as Italian Espresso Martini, Bee’s Knees, Negroni Spagliato, Martinis of numerous compositions, and house Smoked Old Fashioned. The Designated Driver list is equally drool worthy.
The perennial question ‘where can you get a great steak here’ is answered by the on-site dry aging beef program. The dry aging meats prominently displayed in the dining room are sourced through Two Rivers Meats. OROLO’s own meat raised in Summerland to be butchered in Rock Creek will ultimately join the showcase in future years.
I can attest to the dry aging and adept care in the kitchen given the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of cuts my husband and I tried. Beef tartare, fire grilled rack of lamb and filet displaying an exemplary seared crust almost brought tears of joy. An array of sauces such as Chimichurri, Béarnaise, and Brandy Peppercorn to layer on the flavour are available.
Local Farmers, Producers, Purveyors
The menu is a treasure map of intriguing combinations that supports local farmers, producers, and purveyors: A few we tasted include Crispy Cauliflower, Trout Crudo, Golden Polenta, Gnocchi, Octopus + Prawn Cocktail, Country Style Pork Pate, and Rosemary Smashed Potatoes. Everything was so pretty and delicious. Much to the pleasure of returning fans, the TIME Original Burger remains. Do I hear whisperings of the rebirth of the Okanagan Burger Tour?
The hyper-local focus also incorporates some delightfully luxurious items such as Acadian Sturgeon Caviar, dry aged Ribeye, Steelhead Trout, Foie Gras and Truffles.
Yes, and save space for dessert like a Tower of Cream Puffs!
Filling A Gap
GM Christa-Lee said, “Many Penticton restaurants are open five days per week. OROLO will be open seven days weekly with some special offers based on gaps our team has identified. For example, Monday evenings are perfect for industry nights and on Thursdays, live entertainment will add to the ambiance.”
The dinner service starts at 5 pm with regular hours Monday and Tuesday, 5 to 9 pm; Wednesday and Thursday, 12 noon to 9 pm; and Friday and Saturday, 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday, 10:30 am to 3 pm, is for brunch. Happy Hour is 3 to 5:30 pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and 9 to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday.
For information on upcoming wine releases, restaurant features, and winery events, you can sign up for TIME’s monthly newsletter.
Chronos Tasting Room
Within the former PenMar Theatre at 361 Martin Street next door to OROLO, the newly designed Chronos Tasting Room is about to open. Here you can taste and purchase wines from TIME’s portfolio and linger over an elevated tasting experience or move seamlessly from tasting to dining or dining to tasting.
While final touches are underway in the Chronos Tasting Room, TIME offers a selection of tasting experiences including tastings in the McWatters Tasting Lounge.
Located at 361 Martin Street, Penticton, BC.
OROLO’s Gallery of Culinary Possibilities
