The best thing to know about Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) or Sakuracon at the Washington State Convention Center is that there are great nearby places to dine in before or after the show. People don’t have to go eat at the overpriced Cheesecake Cafe. I liked them once, but there are better options for the frugal con-goer.
Author Archives: Ed Sum
Is LANtasy offering a Taco Revolution?
Varying locations in Duncan, BC
(250) 244-6492
Would you believe I went to a broad spectrum gaming type event just for the food trucks parked here? I had this plan in mind ever since LANtasy announced the Duncan-based operation, Taco Revolution, will be coming down to feed the hungry masses. Between this truck and Coast Lunch Box (they have really tasty rosemary garlic fries with truffle oil aioli), I had my motivation in place although I was not all that hungry for the show itself. I’m saving up for Seattle‘s Emerald City Comicon — every dollar counts when I’m thinking about current foreign exchange rates.
With help from my friends at VicLUG, I changed my mind the next day because I truly appreciate what this gaming convention is doing for the local geek community. When I’ve been spoiled by the big conventions with a huge variety of exhibits and discussions, to go back to basics is difficult. Even the local events can be spectacular when done right, but when this exhibition did not offer panels this year for folks to learn about the latest rumblings in the industry, well …. This detail will be corrected for future events tho’. When I go to a show, I like to learn and discover. I wrote an article on Otakunoculture.com, where I looked at the show from the perspective of an outsider instead of someone immediately in the know.
I too felt affected by the sour impression the staff of Island Fantasy Con left upon the fan community when they took over the reigns and announced the cancellation after Bill Code fell deathly ill. He was no longer in control. I’m not as upset as others are, but with Mr. Code as the face of that operation, he needs to make a statement to clear the air. Whatever the reaction is, I’m sure voices will be heard calling for a revolution.
Victoria, BC Gets a Visit from The Phantom of the Opera!
The St. Michaels University School performing arts department puts on at least one musical theatre production per year, usually during Victoria Fringe Festival time, and I’ve been fortunate enough to watch more than a few recognizable faces grow up before my eyes. While I have to admit I don’t follow all this school’s productions (this film and nerd enthusiast’s life gets hectic at times), but after seeing their version of Phantom the Opera at McPherson Theatre last weekend only further enhances my appreciation in the shows they love to put on. In the past, they have done West Side Story, Pirates of Penzance and Jesus Christ Superstar. These are shows I could have gone to see, but I’m still holding out for Grease and Hairspray.
Theatre director Ian Collett revealed to the Two Hungry Blokes early on last year about what was next after their Fringe show, Band Geeks. I enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s works and have only watched and listened to his shows through recordings. Being island bound does not prevent me from going to the big shows in Seattle, but it does get expensive. I really have to pick and choose when I hear about a must see show off the island but for the Phantom, he’s one who must not slip away!
Omakase to My Heart! New Sushi Diner in Town!
990 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC
(778) 265-8688
On a wet February night in Downtown Victoria, life was very good. Here I am, headed to Parkside Hotel & Spa to screen Empire of Corpses (屍者の帝国) as part of the Victoria Film Festival, and I passed by a corner to find it’s now occupied by a new Japanese restaurant. A few doors ahead was Yokohama, which has now changed to a Chinese only restaurant, and in bold letters read Omakase. I knew what that word meant in Japanese — the selection comes from the chef, and from Shingo Sano, I was wooed by the offer of fresh Japanese mackerel, local geoduck and fresh uni — all of it was delectable. I swear it came out of the ocean that day. There was a bit of processing on the sea urchin, meaning it was probably handled that morning, but I could feel the roe from the sea urchin tickle my tongue like a certain lover I met long ago.
Did I miss the anime? Fortunately not, but I was tempted to head in again on that night. I did visit this diner on the previous day, only to have my movie going schedule altered due to my food coma, but the price I paid was well worth it. I had intended to go see The Lobster, and wanted to celebrate by having the hefty lobster roll offered here. After seeing the size of that maki, I did not want to rush the meal by any means.
Fol Epi and the Yates Street Eater’s Bonanza!
Fol Epi
732 Yates St,
Victoria, BC
(778) 265-6311
Yates street is truly becoming a diner’s paradise. On one side of the street is Foo Asian Street Food, Hernande’z and Yates Street Taphouse. And on the other side is Cenote, Efes, Brickyard Pizza and Fol Epi, the latter being the latest occupant to a very busy street in what I consider to be the true downtown core of Victoria, BC. James will hate me, but Sushi Plus doesn’t count. They offer cheap Japanese treats, but my experiences here is less than stellar when nearly most of their offerings just does not have the flavour intensity I enjoy.
During the Victoria Film Festival, I found myself coming to Fol for more than just one quick bite. They have sandwiches I can buy on the go, macaroons to sneak into the theatre and a brunch that I should return to sampling. I’m more intrigued with their evening dining, but I have yet to look at their menu. I’m told everything is sourced locally, and that’s enough to get me curious. Next time I’m here, I’ll have to pick up some of their home-made sausages and pepperonis to make sandwiches at home.
Who are Ya Gonna Call When Hanks Untraditional BBQ Cooks Up a Storm & A Few Years Later Mysteriously Closes?
Hank’s Untraditional BBQ
1001 Douglas St
Victoria, BC
(778) 433-4770
March 9, 2016 Update:
Hanks is back in business at this location! The mystery closure was apparently because they were renovating.
There are times where I wonder if Unit G2A in the square by the bus stop on Douglas Street is cursed. At least three different eateries existed at this spot in the past eight years, and neither of them lasted long. I recall it as a pizza joint once, a cheese sandwich shop the next and was a BBQ style joint where the fixin’s get tasty. They offer wings, meat on biscuits, BBQ and smoked mains.
I wanted to return to sample more of the latter half of this list but by the time I get a craving to visit, they’re closed! I didn’t find any signs indicating what’s going on but I was concerned. Not many places offer game meat for their dishes and when I am hankering for some, I see the signs say the operation has closed and to keep an eye out on their website for updates. The day after, even that sign is missing! Now all I have to go by is my memory of the Duck Egg Bolognese Pasta.
