Not So Hot, When The Ingredients Are Wrong with The Hot Dog Guys’ Tillicum Operation

The Hot Dog Guys3170 Tillicum Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Menu: thehotdogguy.ca
Phone: (250) 882-7199

The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum Mall know their way around a good dog. The selection depends on what customers request or what’s on their menu, and they clearly have a passion for the craft. The catch is that their location inside the mall comes with limitations. For example, they can’t serve a true Chicago-style dog since they don’t have access to poppy seed buns, fresh tomatoes, or other toppings that require more storage and prep space.

I respect that they’re making the best of what they have, but the “mall setup” inevitably caps their potential. A great hot dog should have fresh toppings and some creative flair, and that’s difficult to deliver without a proper kitchen. While I enjoyed my visit, I left uncertain if I’d return—more because of the environment than the people running the place.

That said, the menu does tempt with regional inspirations like the Seattle Dog and the Portlander. Unfortunately, without the right tools, these creations don’t quite hit their mark. When I tried their basic dog, it was fine, but the roller-style heating left me wishing for something grilled to order. I imagine mall restrictions prevent them from cooking the way they’d prefer, which is a shame.

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Los Panas Kitchen, the Perfect Place Venezuela Comfort Food in Victoria, BC

las pana kitchen ownerMarket Square
560 Johnson St
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00pm, Thurs to Sunday
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lospanaskitchen/
Phone: (647) 861-9446

Los Panas Kitchen can sometimes be hard to find as they’re a food truck style operation, and they only operate when the weather cooperates. During the summer, they’ve been very busy, attending local fairs and setting up camp elsewhere than their traditional location. That makes life tough for me when the desire to want their food products hits, and I find they’re not at their usual Market Square location.

That’s because what they serve are delicious Venezuelan arepas and patacones! The fried plantains are the bomb, and I doubt I can even replicate how they prepare it at home. There’s a soft crisp to them which is perfect when other proteins like pork are piled on top. As for whether they serve enough in each individual order, I could probably debate that, as I got a ton of meat but not enough of this fruit. Continue reading

Top Picks from the 2023 Victoria Fringe to Check Out!

Victoria Fringe Festival 2023 PosterThe annual Victoria Fringe Festival is here, and what I offer is my nerd’s guide on what to see. As the show has officially started today, not everything will be offered from the get go. The fun really begins Friday, and as it stretches from one weekend to another, there’s plenty to see and do. And without further adieu, these are my top picks in no particular order. The links go to show dates and how to purchase tickets.

Dave and Jon’s Mixtape

Dave and Jon's MixtapeAug 24 05:00 pm Aug 25 08:15 pm Aug 26 02:15 pm Aug 27 03:45 pm Sep 02 04:30 pm Dave and Jon are talented Improv artists, and by combining that with music, this show will no doubt be interesting to see. Just what kind of curves can be thrown at them depends on whether they can combine Ozzy with Pee Wee Herman, and anything else audiences can throw at them.

https://www.djmixtape.ca/

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Oh My MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillería and the Taste of the Exotic!

MAIIZ TORTILLIASMAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillería
540 Fisgard St
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily 11 AM to 6 PM
Website: https://maiiz.ca
Phone: (778) 433-1544

MaiiZ is the home to more than just tortillas. Here, they serve all the basics of Mexican food–tamales, tacos and quesadillas. I visited one week for their mushroom tacos, another for their huitlacoches (corn smut) and finally grasshoppers! Regarding the former, these shrooms were slow cooked and basted in a special recipe to bring out the extra flavour. And anyone willing to accept that eating bugs isn’t gross, these insectas aren’t just randomly plucked from anywhere!

One layer of the flatbread isn’t enough to hold some of these tacos. Depending on the ingredient, two gets used to keep everything from sagging. When I first visited, I was curious about the fungi, and the woodsy scents and flavours that made my mouth salivate are perfect. In the middle are a wonderful mix of fresh cilantro, cabbage and pickled red onion. I prefer mild salsa so that my mouth isn’t burning afterwards, but maybe next time I’ll go all the way.

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Kattia’s Kitchen is Certainly A Hit in this Top Three List of Favourite Hispanic Operations in #YYJ!

Kattia's Kitchen at Spot Prawn Fest4636 Elk Lake Dr
Victoria, BC

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00pm daily
Website: https://www.kattiaskitchen.net/
Phone: (250) 812-2565

Kattia’s Kitchen may well rank as my second most favourite authentic Mexican experience when that craving hits. What this food truck offers is ice cream burritos, and if that’s not enough to whet one’s appetite for the summer, then I don’t know what will. The restaurant is located by Saanich Commonwealth Place, which is at the outskirts of Victoria proper, and I just may have to visit there more often!

That’s because I want to sample more of Kattia’s wares. At the diner are a lot more than the usual street food offerings–tacos, burritos and quesadillas–since they post on social media what their specials are, and in a proper kitchen, what’s offered allows them to advertise Tortas Ahogadas and offer more sweet, colourful treats! My mouth is already salivating.

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Sometimes It’s Tough to Rate Victoria’s Favourite–Floyd’s Diner

Inside Floyd's DinerMultiple Locations 
Victoria, BC

Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Daily
Website: floydsdiner.ca
Phone: (778) 440-1200

In Victoria, BC, Floyd’s Diner has been a mainstay since the start of the century. Although the original location on Quadra and Yates closed down (it’s become a poke salad lounge according to Google), I’m glad they have other locations to keep going at. Regulars come her for the ambience. You can feel it with all the vintage and pop culture decor that decorates the place. And the vibe you feel from entering is what defines the experience. The staff are very friendly, and as for what to eat, not many appetites are prepared for the Mahoney!

This meal can be anything. It’s described as whatever the cooks want to whip up! Pictures from their website show just how innovative and huge they are. And the pricing reflects that. It’s not so much about whether this meal can be finished in a sitting, but if you’re willing to gamble! If you flip a coin and call it right, you pay double the price, otherwise it’s a free meal! Or to be fair, one can just pay the listed price which is $23.95! 

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