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Immediate Release

The Empress announces the opening of "Kipling’s"

May 1997

"There is a view when the morning mists peel off the harbour where the steamers tie up, of the Houses of Parliament on one hand, and a huge hotel on the other, which as an example of cunningly-fitted-in waterfronts and facades is worth a long journey." Rudyard Kipling

Victoria, B.C. April 15, 1997-- After a $400,000 renovation, The Empress will be opening its new all-day restaurant "Kipling’s" the beginning of May, offering a fresh new approach to dining at the hotel.

While Victorians will recognize the location, the old Garden Cafe, they will not recognize the surroundings. Award-winning designer Deborah Lloyd Forrest has brightened the room by painting the walls a sunny yellow, taking the curtains from the arched windows to let in more light and adding window boxes full of flowers. Hand-painted murals will also adorn the walls.

Named after Rudyard Kipling, a frequent visitor to Victoria, "Kipling’s" was chosen from over 50 names submitted by Empress co-workers. Kipling visited Victoria during his many travels and was a fan of the city. He wrote many descriptive passages about the inner harbour, the local Victorians and the beauty of the surrounding countryside in his letters to friends and relatives.

The name reflects the flavour of the restaurant; an elegant, informal alternative to The Empress Room. Throughout the day, a buffet will feature regional cuisine, using as many local Vancouver Island products as possible. Buffet prices will range from $7.50 - $19.95, depending on the selection of the cold and hot buffet, served during breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the dessert buffet with tea or coffee. Children’s prices will be $1 per year up to 11 years-of- age. In keeping with Canadian Pacific Hotels’ recent partnering with the Vintner’s Quality Alliance (VQA) of Canada, the wine list will feature mainly Canadian wines.

A small a la carte menu will offer traditional favourites like a Roasted Lamb Loin sandwich, New York Steak and Seafood Chowder. For travellers from different time zones, there is a traditional all-day breakfast.

With the exception of special occasions (Mother’s Day, Easter, Christmas) The Empress’ Sunday Brunch will also be served in Kipling’s. A vast array of choices will be offered for this popular Sunday morning indulgence along with a "child-minding" area, where kids can watch movies and play games, allowing their parents to enjoy a leisurely meal. The price for Sunday Brunch at Kipling’s is $25.00 per person with $1 per year for children up to 11 years-of-age.

For reservations, people may call The Empress Dining Reservation number at (250) 389-2727 or the hotel’s main number at (250) 384-8111.

The Empress is owned and operated by Canadian Pacific Hotels. As Canada’s largest owner-operated hotel company, Canadian Pacific Hotels is promoting and celebrating regional and Canadian food and wine through all its 26 hotels across the country.

For more information contact:
Suzanne Girard, Director of Public Relations or
Roger Soane, Director of Food & Beverage
(250)384-8111/381-5959 fax

" To realize Victoria you must take all that the eye admires in Bournemouth, Torquay, the Isle of Wight, the happy valley at Hong Kong, the Doon, Sorrento and Camp’s Bay - add reminiscences of the Thousand Islands and arrange the whole around the Bay of Naples with some Himalayas for the Background." Rudyard Kipling