A sweet buzz at the Fairmont Washington - 3 ways to try their rooftop honey

During my recent stay at the Fairmont Washington, I learned of their rooftop honeybee hives, from which they harvest honey to use.  This is not the hotel’s first foray into sustainable farming – their beautiful courtyard is already home to fresh herbs and edible flowers that are used in the hotel’s culinary programs and at the Juniper restaurant.  A few years back, as the Fairmont looked into new and creative ways to enhance their sustainability program, the honeybee program was initiated and is now being done in over 10 different Fairmont properties across the country and internationally. 

They place honeybee hives on hotel rooftops and gardens making structures that provide the much needed urban habitat for the pollinator bees that pollinate over 80 % of flowering plants. 

From the Fairmont:

“Not only does the installation and maintenance of bee apiaries help the local environment by providing bees with a home to pollinate area gardens and parks, but by harvesting the honey, chefs can offer delicious, local and sustainable honey for use in onsite bars and restaurants.”

How to enjoy the honey without having a don a safety suit and getting up to the rooftop?

1.       The Beetini cocktail at the lobby bar – This is the signature cocktail at the Fairmont, and can be enjoyed in their lobby bar. A cocktail made with vodka, tequila, lemon, honey and honeycomb from the rooftop, it has the distinctive taste of the honey and is a sweet start (or end) to a stay at the hotel.

beetini 

2.       Honey walnut bread at Juniper – This bread, served at lunch and dinner, is absolutely fantastic. Served warm, it’s chewy with a slight taste of honey and is divine with the accompanying black salt honey butter. Absolutely worth every cent of it and is a must-get at the restaurant. Heck, I’d go back to buy loaves of this bread!

oney walnut bread

3.       Bee my honey doughnut – In partnership with local doughnut maker, District Doughnut, the “Bee my Honey” doughnut is a mocha-glazed doughnut is filled with honey pastry cream and is finished with a powdered sugar honeybee design. It is available at Juniper restaurant for breakfast Tuesday through Sunday. GO EARLY, they do run out, and if you have one, you will know why! Large doughnuts at $5 a piece or you can 2 minis for that price instead. I love this local partnership!

bee my honey doughnuts

I love the fact that the Fairmont is setting an example for other big chains in leading with sustainable practices, every little bit helps and it's commendable. As a consumer, I always look to support businesses that make an effort, and can definitely say the Fairmont has made a great impression. 

Make sure to try atleast one of these at the Fairmont, but I highly recommend trying them all!