05/27/2026
As always, being friends with Joni Mitchell means life keeps bringing the most unexpected and beautiful surprises.
Last night at Ruby Lake Resort was one of those truly unforgettable evenings where somehow everything aligned.
Joni Mitchell arrived with Cameron Crowe from Los Angeles, and what unfolded was the kind of evening you simply cannot plan.
We had opened the restaurant exclusively for Joni and her guests, making it an intimate and private evening. Somehow, it felt as though the entire universe had conspired to make the night perfect.
Just before Joni arrived, a beautiful painted turtle decided to cross the highway. Fortunately, I spotted it and stopped to help. A few minutes later, as Joni arrived in the parking lot, we found ourselves holding this magnificent creature in our hands. The colours underneath its shell were absolutely breathtaking, a true work of art created by nature. It felt like the evening’s first gift.
My brother Aldo and Paolo created a remarkable meal. We began with a lovely selection of drinks and Italian appetizers, including fine cold cuts, fresh burrata, and bruschetta on homemade focaccia topped with basil grown right here at Ruby Lake.
For the main course, we enjoyed fresh BC spotted prawns, wild sockeye salmon, homemade gnocchi, and more of the simple, honest Italian food that Aldo and Paolo prepare with so much love and passion.
As the evening unfolded, we shared a few bottles of Campofiorin Masi Riserva and finished everything with an incredible homemade tiramisu garnished with fresh homegrown mint.
Around the table were Joni, Cameron, his lovely partner, Joni’s nurse, my mother, Brigit, Paolo, Aldo, and our dear Tanya, who as always delivered such superb care and service, making the entire evening flow effortlessly.
Cameron and his partner were absolutely lovely and genuinely appreciative of our humble setting. It was refreshing to see people who have experienced so much of the world still finding joy in the simple magic of a special place, great food, wonderful company, and nature at its finest.
Then, just as we were enjoying the appetizers, we heard the unmistakable sound of a tail slapping the lagoon. Moments later, one of our resident beavers appeared and slowly made its way toward the waterfront patio, almost as if it had arrived on cue to welcome our guests. Before long, eagles were soaring overhead while the evening light continued to transform the landscape around us.
The light was spectacular. The greens were so vibrant and intense, and every shade of sunlight seemed to dance through the forest canopy and across our waterfront patio. It was mesmerizing. The trees, the water, the wildlife, and the people all seemed to come together in perfect harmony. At times it almost felt as though the entire property was quietly introducing itself to Joni’s guests.
The atmosphere felt so natural, so real, and so beautifully grounded, probably the complete opposite of a typical Beverly Hills evening, which somehow made it even more special.
No pretence. Just wonderful people, nature showing off, laughter, stories, and one of those rare nights where everything simply aligned.
One of those memories that stays with you forever.
Thank you, Joni Mitchell ❤️
