Our Editor-in-chief Sarah Bancroft gets whisked to Whistler for Araxi's Long Table dinner.

Dining en-plein-air with mountain views and a convivial table set for 136: it's like being at a wedding except there less tension, the speeches are short, and the food is delicious.

A meandering walk along Alta Lake's Rainbow Park, past these charming cabins, lead to the private and exclusive long table.

The family style platters encourage guests to share (both food and stories). Here, North Arm Farm squash blossoms stuffed with crab, crusted with panko and deep fried--hey, who needs a kitchen?

Amazing wines from La Stella flowed like the Cheakamus River (ok, maybe that's an exaggeration—have you seem the run-off this year?!) but no glass was left empty. The platters of beef with outsize tortellini were refilled apace with the sold-out crowd.  

The sun burst through in biblical episodes throughout the meal. Where're my sunglasses?

And finally, suite dreams at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (after taking in the free Vancouver Symphony performance in the Village). One could get used to this.

The final Long Table Dinner takes place August 18 and is almost sold out. $175 for cocktail reception with oyster bar and farmers market, 4 courses with wine, taxes and gratuity included. Call 604-932-4540.