Monthly Archives: May 2011

05.31.11
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Goldstream Station Market 2011

Saturdays
10 am – 2 pm
May 28 – October 22, 2011
Bryn Maur Rd.
Langford, BC

I welcomed the return of the Goldstream Station Market and not even the rain could dampen my spirits. Many familiar faces from the local farming community, as well as talented crafters, were on hand to hail the start of another great market year.

The Shriners’ Clown Unit were out in full force sans makeup for the sake of collecting for charities. And with their old train on site (actually it’s just a vehicle with a steam engine facade), one couldn’t help but marvel at this Victoria Day parade veteran. With a pitched tent out the back of the caboose, the Shriners were ready to deliver some barbecued goodies. Continue reading →

05.25.11
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Burger’s in the Village

The Village Burgers
Unit 105 – 3800 Bayview St.
Richmond, BC
(604) 275 6710

While away from the rock, and adventuring to a part of Richmond that I haven’t been to before, I found a little dive known as The Village Burgers. They serve up a variety of burgers. And the French fries I saw the kids there nibbling on looked good. I was treated to a rousing rendition of “O Canada” while waiting for my Hinden Burger ($9.95), and the wait was worth it.

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05.23.11
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A Quick Connoisseur’s Guide to Sea Urchin

In all the Japanese restaurants that I’ve frequented in the past five years, I have always asked if they have sea urchin (uni). Low grade pieces can be as salty and briny as one may expect, with a strong taste not befitting for most people to eat; and the uni one finds in grocery stores will most likely have been processed–further altering its taste.

They aren’t worth touching unless one is desperate. There are a few restaurants that may order these processed packs, but if one sees the real deal, spikes and all, the pieces of roe coming from off the sea is far better than what a processing factory may do.

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05.21.11
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Cruisin’ the Grand Pacific Buffet

The trip on and off the rock known as Vancouver Island is wrought with one potential problem: the cost of using BC Ferries. Love them or hate them, they’re one means getting people away from or to the capital of British Columbia. One could enjoy the feasting of the Pacific Buffet ($22 at dinnertime) until the next harbour is reached.

The quality of the food is fairly good even though prices have gone up since I last entered through their frosted glass doors. Depending on the ferry, Spirit of British Columbia or Spirit of Vancouver Island and Coastal Celebration, what gets served will vary. Prices also vary depending on the time of day.

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05.20.11
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Shaking it up Shiki Style

Shiki Sushi
1113 Blanshard St.,
Victoria, BC
(250) 381-8622

Shiki Sushi has plenty of flavourful options to shake up the establishment. I appreciated the fact that they moved to bigger digs over a year ago, and recently, I managed to see how big they’ve grown. Their new décor reflects a post-modern Japan, and the spaciousness helps add to the ambience for the new look they’re going for. If I were to decide on a jaunt to swing on by to, this place would be it.

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05.16.11
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Doing the Dancehall Craze

Stir It Up
1284 Gladstone Ave.
Victoria, BC
(250) 294-0153

After checking out the Victoria Energy Expo during the weekend, I stopped by Stir It Up, a Jamaican restaurant, in the hope of finding a meal for less than $10. There were plenty of options, and while I was looking for something near the $5 mark, it was more my fault for showing up near the end of the day. Had I been by earlier or had the extra money, I could’ve filled up on Jamaican Patties ($3.50 each). I didn’t think one would be enough, so I simply asked.

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