Whispers Wine Bar

Something Different to Do This Weekend

Located at 9282 Main Street in Chilliwack, across from the old Safeway site is a real hidden gem. To the best of my knowledge this is Chilliwack’s first wine bar and it opened it’s doors in January 2009.  Husband Steve and I thought we would finally get over to sample their wares last week and were pleased that we did.

The exterior of the building is quite unassuming, with a mere coro-plast sign with red vinyl letters. Hopefully they will be doing something more permanent and appropriate for signage soon because we all know that books and business establishments are often judged by their covers. It was very quiet at 6pm when we entered but it was a hockey night in Canada so…The atmosphere is very nice although a little spare and wide open. A few more tables, rugs or art would make a world of difference.

The wine menu is extensive featuring many interesting selections with a strong concentration of BC wines. Almost all the wines are available by the glass. The beauty of a wine bar is that ordering wine by the glass, beyond a few crummy ‘house wines’,  gives one a chance to sample something new and broaden your wine experience. Steve ordered a glass of Enigma, a red blend, from Lotusland Winery in Abbotsford (can you say ‘100 mile diet?) and I had a lovely white from Hester Creek . We also ordered a delicious baked garlic brie with crackers and grapes to nibble on with the beverages. The food menu is just wine-friendly appys to enhance the tasting experience.

Service was professional and attentive but not bubbly and annoying. Low lights, cool jazz playing softly, a little candlelight, good food and drink… how can you go wrong? Perfect place to talk tete-a-tete or with a group of friends, even as start of say a movie night.

The hours for Whispers  are 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Cornerstone Gallery

Cornerstone Custom Picture Framing and Gallery at 8810 Young Road opened its doors for business on Oct.1, 2008.  This full service framing shop features a distinctive open-concept interior with an interactive framing design area and dedicated gallery space. Cornerstone Framing and Gallery offers innovative frame design service and the highest level of service and quality available.

“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome Chilliwack to our new business. With outstanding service and our convenient location we think Cornerstone Framing and Gallery is going to be a favorite destination for the people of Chilliwack,” says Krista Butt, owner. Krista began her career in the art and framing world 13 years ago after moving to Ottawa and studying to become a Museum Technician. In Ottawa, Krista worked at the Ottawa Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography where she developed her love for art and was ultimately introduced to picture framing as a career path. After moving back home to B.C, Krista has spent the last 10 years working in frame shops and galleries in Vancouver, White Rock and Chilliwack where she has lived since 2001. “Art enriches people’s lives, and personalizes our environments in a really meaningful way and as a framer, I am grateful to be a part of that process. Each piece of art or memorabilia that I frame has a story behind it, and it these stories and the wonderful people I get to meet as a result which make it exciting to come to work in the morning.”
The new store offers a large assortment of frame and matting samples, and the knowledgeable staff make choosing easy no matter what your project requires. All types of art- posters; original art; needlework; hockey jerseys and memorabilia are framed with the same attention to detail, expert workmanship and quality materials. Cornerstone Framing and Gallery also is pleased to offer in-house dry mounting, laminating and canvas transfer services with the use of the largest and most sophisticated piece of equipment in the industry.

In developing the vision for Cornerstone, we were excited to include a gallery space as a way to feature the talents of the local artists and artisans. We look forward to working together with painters, sculptors, and artisans of all types to develop our gallery and become a dynamic part of Chilliwack’s artistic community.