Williams Lake had an opportunity for a taste of what is to come on the local restaurant scene.
While the highly-anticipated Osprey Nest Social House & Eatery opening has been delayed, area residents have continued to watch for any sign the project is nearing the opening day.
On Nov. 2 and 3, residents had a chance to enjoy sneak peak previews over the weekend featuring samples of food, an introduction to the space and a look at the menu.
Tickets were made available online via Evenbrite through the Osprey Nest's social media, and the Saturday sitting was sold out quickly. Sunday morning, the crowds gathered again, with the morning sneak peak feeling like a full house as the Tribune staff finished up.
Crystal Baba, the founder of the beloved (now closed) Gecko Tree Cafe, is the general manager of the new eatery, helping plan the menu and get it up and running for Williams Lake First Nation.
Patrons of the Gecko Tree will be excited to hear there are some nods to traditional favourites on the Osprey menu, like eggs benedict, but it also will feature Indigenous-inspired foods with salmon frittata and bannock flatbread.
The new restaurant's main dining area is situated on the edge of the Scout Island marsh and definitely has the urban feel they said they are going for. The panoramic view of the marsh through the floor-to-ceiling windows are a definite highlight, with patrons able to look for the various birds and the rare painted turtle and other species while they eat.
The sneak peak on Sunday featured samples of baking, including gluten-free options, and two types of frittata.
A smaller, private dining area is available by reservation on the second floor, facing to the north.
The restaurant is slated to open fully on Nov. 13, and Baba said they plan to be open five days a week at the onset, but aim for seven days a week once they are able.
