Author Archives: Ed Sum

02.13.14
by

[Victoria Film Festival ’14] Looking for Hidden Messages in Slow Food Story

When I have often talked about how really good food must taste, like the flavour from the land it comes from, going to see Slow Food Story at the Victoria Film Festival ’14 was a must. I did not know much about what this movie is. Other than the hints from the plot summary in the guide, I purposely did not want to know more than I should before sitting at the balcony.

What I watched was part documentary and part TedX presentation. It felt like I was back in college, sitting in at a Art History class. This movie looks more at the life and times of Carlin Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food Movement, than be a celebration of food. The latter is there, in the form of moving pictures of the food expos and parties that can happen, but there needs to be more to this film than to get political.

Continue reading →

02.09.14
by

[Victoria Film Festival ’14] Getting Into the Mystic with In the Magic of the Green Mountains

Some viewers may well be whistling to John Denver’s Country Roads after watching In the Magic of the Green Mountains. This blissful documentary looks at the life of Jeff and Melanie Carpenter, who undertake a monumental task to start up an organic farm to grow mostly herbs in the hills of Vermont, located in the northeastern United States.

But the toe-tapping bluegrass music is not the only rhythm to be found in this film. Instead, it’s about the perseverance made by two individuals looking to make a difference for everyone who benefits from the plants they grow. From the businesses who source from them to their own emotional well being, this movie is ultimately about man versus Nature — the human one and the elemental one. This movie is like a cheerleader for the 100-mile diet, and although food is not necessarily part of this movie’s presentation, it’s the herbs and how it can be used to heal the soul that makes this movie charming.

Most of the flora being grown have medicinal value, and in most of what’s being grown are being made into teas. Some are medicinal and others are simply used to drink to offer serendipity.

Continue reading →

02.04.14
by

The Victoria Film Festival offers more than just Foodie Delights!

Victoria Film Festival
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Runs from Feb 7 – 16

Various Venues

Half of the Two Hungry Blokes is definitely getting excited for the Victoria Film Festival not only for the foodie treats before going to a show, but for the smorgasbord of films offered. This year marks their 20th anniversary, and the celebrations are going to be deep in 60’s nostalgia. Tickets are almost gone for their gala event this coming Friday, but when all the really good films that I want to see are playing on that one night, I had to forgo buying a ticket to this event.

Depending on how well Chinese New Year treats me for lucky money, I may take on a Sips n’ Cinema event instead. This year features Slow Food Story, ¡ATRACO! and Putzel as part of the theme. Fortunately, for those folks just interested in the film Slow Food Story can be seen by itself. I plan on going to see this film along with In the Magic of the Green Mountains.

Continue reading →

01.29.14
by

More than Just a taste of Nippon over at Gracepoint, er Oak Bay


Just Matcha Tea Shop
2021 Oak Bay Avenue
Oak Bay, BC
(250) 813-2456

Kissako Green Tea Cafe
2027 Oak Bay Ave, 
Oak Bay, BC
(250) 370-5195

Plenty of green tea flavours can be found over in Oak Bay. Practically next door to each other are Kissako, a green tea cafe, and Just Matcha, a store that specializes on that particular brand of tea. I was in this municipality to watch the filming of Gracepoint, a US remake of BBC’s Broadchurch and I’m always keen to learn from the pros by careful observation from afar.

I have the educational background to know what I’m doing in a newsroom, but as for a film/tv set, I feel I’m not not quite there yet.

Continue reading →

12.04.13
by

Yoshi’s Sushi

#604 – 771 Vernon Ave 
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 475-3900

Yoshi Sushi is one of Victoria’s hidden secrets. I’ve been here a few times before and they have never disappointed. When I’m here for a lunch with a new friend, I had to find that prawn cocktail that I tried before and only saw that it had been replaced with a sashimi cocktail ($11). I was not disappointed, as the former meal had a sharp tanginess that could have been brought down a notch. With this new variant, the intensity is only as strong as the diner wants it when its dipped in a mix of soy sauce and wasabi. With various slices of tuna, salmon, sweet shrimp and scallop (lightly coated with roe) presented over a bed of radish noodles and seaweed salad, I thought the presentation was impeccable. The only thing missing is what I believe is a tomato that their online menu illustrates.

Continue reading →

10.13.13
by

It’s the Great Pumpkin Pie-Off, Charlie Brown!

Victoria Pie Co.
770 Fisgard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 885-5220

Lunn’s Bakery Deli & Coffee Shop
2453 Beacon Ave.
Sidney, B.C.
(250) 656-1724

Thanksgiving is upon Canada and while most folks enjoy a great oven roasted meal with family, I’m thinking about which of the two pumpkin pies I’ve sampled so far is the best. To be honest, I know more bakeries should be involved in this impromptu taste testing challenge, but until I hear about more great places to find pie, this particular verdict is going to be a bit biased.

Perhaps in the future, the test will include more bakeries that offer a great pie (sorry, but if you’re a grocery store chain, you’re not in the running). I could have gone to Dutch Bakery to add them to the list, but I don’t find everything they make to be exceptional. Hopefully readers will submit their choices of a little known bakeries that I’m not aware of that can challenge my taste buds.

Continue reading →