Washington Avenue Grill

If the ingredients for a magical meal include waterfront vistas, award-winning Pacific Northwest cuisine, a historic building and a few spectres, then the Washington Avenue Grill in White Rock has a winning formula.

Overlooking the sprawling Semiahmoo Bay, the affectionally nicknamed WAG is a landmark. Housed in a yellow home built in 1913 as a lumber mill, the WAG is reputed to be home to three troubled orbs. Over the years, the building has acted as a Presbyterian church, a school and living quarters for migrant railway workers. Its most notable ghost is caretaker Arthur Sharpe. In 1934, it became Arthur’s home and, to this day, many believe his ghoul still haunts the restaurant.

Perhaps the reason Arthur can’t cross to the other side is because of the tantalizing smells wafting through. Cue Brent Gray, one of WAG’s founding partners, who has played a big role in the business' success. “Over the years, stories have surfaced about a table rocking, curtains blowing while windows were shut tight, lights flickering and reflections of ghosts in mirrors,” quips Brent.

Brent was attending university when he was approached by one of his now business partners, John Carroll, who asked him if he was interesting in opening a restaurant. “I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur so I jumped at the opportunity," he notes. "Our vision from the beginning was to offer a place where people could come for a great meal, listen to a little live music and have lots of fun.”