Author Archives: Ed Sum

04.22.15
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Let Me Sing a ‘Fig’aro and I’ll Be Back for More

Fig Mediterranean Delicatessen
1551 Cedar Hill Cross Road
Gordon Head
Saanich, BC
(250) 727-3632

Just where Cedar Hill Cross Road, Shelbourne and Cedar Hill meet is a mecca for lunch, and every regional delight is represented here. There’s 1550’s, Kuma Noodle, Young Young and Fig Delicatessen. The latter is often missed because it’s a deli. Who would’ve thought this market has a huge kitchen inside and the scents is a delight when you’re hungry.

To miss out on this hidden gem will mean hungry students will miss out in the best of what Mediterranean food has to offer. There’s bins of candied fruits, plenty of nuts, a treasure trove of spices, and scented olives to feast upon visually. It doesn’t feel as crowded as Blair Mart Mediterranean Foods downtown, and with this place very close to where I live, I don’t have to travel far when the mood hits me. Nearly all the countries surrounding the Mediterranean are represented here, and yes they have homemade Turkish delights!

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04.09.15
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[Vancouver, BC] Oh My Gyoza!

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Gyoza Bar + Ramen
622 W. Pender St.
Vancouver, BC
(604) 336-5563

In a random moment of letting the wind take me to wherever I could land in the business district of Vancouver, the Gyoza Bar and Ramen shop on West Pender certainly managed to captivate me. On a a slightly chilly day. I needed to bring my resistance up.

I really didn’t know where I wanted to eat while here during the long weekend for Fan Expo Vancouver. Not many operations are open during the holidays, and I wanted to hit someplace new than to revisit my favourite kangaroo spot. I could’ve but I might have been hopping after far too many drinks.

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04.07.15
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[Vancouver, BC] Just Relaxing at Moonpennies Coffee & Fine Foods

Moonpennies Coffee & Fine Foods
1102 W Pender St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 669-6092

Moonpennies deserves more credit for being open during holiday hours than any other operation in the business district of Vancouver. When I needed a break from Fan Expo Vancouver on a Saturday, this diner was not too far away to settle into for a relaxing time from the chaos that’s known as nerd fandom.

Although they were not open early enough for breakfest, I found them ready, willing and able for lunch! I’m sure everyone went to Subway or Starbucks instead, but if they only travelled a few blocks more, they would’ve found a more calm place to sit in.

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04.01.15
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[Seattle, WA] Follow Me, oh Follow Me… to Japonessa

Japonessa Sushi Restaurant
1400 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA
(206) 971-7979

Opening in 2016
at Bellevue
at Lincoln Square 2

I suspect that once R.E.M. hears about one of Seattle’s best restaurants featuring food inspired by the land of the rising sun, Japonessa, and the land down under, they will be regular visitors. The reason is simply that this restaurant has a sushi roll named The Orange Crush. Although the items from this part of the menu are pricey as heck, the expense is worth it. The two dishes I tried on my first visit was fabulous.

I tried the Crush along with a Barcelona Sunset and the flavours are just simply divine. The temperature and flavours emerging from the rice was just right. The cilantro and mango added to the first roll were not overpowering and it gave the rice a fruitiness that I throughly enjoyed. When the habañero allioli was gently used on the Sunset roll, all I could do was imagine myself watching a drifting sun cast its last breath of warmth upon my lips as I gently nibbled away.

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03.21.15
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When Pulling Into Harbour, You Leave the Sailor at Sea

Harbour House Restaurant
607 Oswego St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 386-1244

E: I could get used to dining at the swanky Harbour House. One benefit for tourists is that it’s barely a hop, skip and a jump away from The Clipper and the nearby hotels in the bustling Inner Harbour of Victoria, BC. If I’m sounding like an ad, then yeah, that’s the purpose. Forget the Old Spaghetti Factory. Come here instead!

J: Harbour House has been providing fine dining in Victoria for 37 years. Their motto at the door is “We dress up so you don’t have to” and it couldn’t be closer to the truth. Our server was dressed in a tuxedo with bow tie for the finishing touch. If he had said “walk this way” and then waddled like an adelie penguin I might’ve walked the same manner due to the posh interior of the restaurant. But don’t worry, the prices aren’t as posh as one would expect.

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03.11.15
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Cowichan Bay Seafood: Food Prepped Before Your Eyes

Cowichan Bay Seafood
#12 – 1701 Douglas St.
Victoria Public Market
The Hudson
Victoria, B.C.
(778) 433-4385

E: Yes, I know where I want to retire should I ever strike it rich. Cowichan Bay is the home to beautiful scenic views and scrumptious foods. I’ve been up there a few times to enjoy the former, but for the latter, the trips were not long enough to find where the good eateries are. To see Cowichan Bay Seafood in full operation at the Victoria Public Market, selling products from this region, has me salivating in delight. Oh, all those spot prawns … or should I say Dungeness?

J: I was fortunate enough to visit Cowichan Bay, it’s a sleepy little town that I bet gets sleepier during the winter. It has a great close-knit community that I can’t ignore. I could see this community being a possibility for retirement. I could learn to love the peace and quiet and the great shops along the waterline. But for now I’ll get acquainted with the local food by eating Dungeness crab in a sub with chipotle aioli. This research is very hard work.

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