Esquimalt’s RibFest & Beyond


Esquimalt Ribfest 2013
Sept 13 – 15, 2013
Bullen Park
Esquimalt, B.C.

Toothpicks and dental floss are going to be needed after anyone who partakes in Esquimalt’s first annual Ribfest. It runs from Sept 13 to 16 with one hungry bloke really eating for two. James had no interest and I was not going to miss out in some potential meaty bone sucking goodness. His loss is my weight gain, but I think anyone wanting to try the best in what each of the five ribbers offer will suffer a financial setback as well.

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Redemption for Dog Nation

Uptown Plaza Anniversary
August 24, 2013

Uptown Shopping Centre
Douglas St. at Saanich Rd.
Saanich, B.C.

Readers who have followed the thread about Dog Nation when James and I visited them will know we came down on them pretty hard. James has his reasons for not returning, but I felt that they deserved a second chance. After all, this issue was more with being an open air environment where the offending hair could have blown in from anywhere and about one poor choice to continue using buns that not everyone can take a liking to.

That decision can topple any country and send it into chaos. But in this case, British Columbia is safe for now, and I can’t say much about Canada since I don’t monitor politics, or all the back room dealings this government has with private corporations.

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Where Has the Market Gone?

Some massive confusion may exist over what is happening over at The Hudson. James and I have been talking about it between ourselves for the past two months, but on August 15th I finally found out. I’m not always downtown to observe what’s happening. The Times Colonist article has put to rest that detail: the official grand opening is on Sept 14th, 10am, “with Victoria’s poet laureate Janet Rogers, as well as drumming, cooking demonstrations by chefs at the community kitchen, children’s activities and music throughout the day,” said Philippe Lucas, chairman of the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society.

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Victoria Street Food Festival Part Deux Gets Better

July 19 & 20, 2013
Centennial Square
Victoria, BC

I’m glad that the Victoria Street Food Festival managed to shake off the cobwebs on the second day of celebration. Even though that happened a week later, from its inaugural July 19th start, the vibe I felt while here at 3pm was far different than the one James and I experienced a week ago. He couldn’t make it this time ’round due to work, but I had to come back for a second day and give this event a chance.

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Refining Taste Buds for a New Burger Generation

The Refiner Diner Food Truck
950 Yates Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 884-5643

The Refiner Diner Food Truck has been much raved about, and why? I’d say it’s because of the fries than their signature crispy cheeseburger. I’m not always in town during lunch-time, and half their product tends to sell out fast during this part of the day. When they first started, I imagine all the people from the Victoria Police Department came here to graze and buy out all of the Refiner’s products. I’m glad this operation tends to post hourly updates on Twitter and Facebook of when certain menu items are out. In a social media generation, I have to say I love their commitment to customer service.

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Mexican is Norte just Street Food, To Enjoy the Heat is a Lifestyle!

Note: This restaurant is closed / no longer at this location. It has reopened at Shoreline Surf and SUP Ltd. The corner of Douglas and Princess St.

 

Norte Street Food
1308 Gladstone Ave.
Fernwood
Victoria, BC
Phone: (250) 882-8594

If a huge difference is supposed to exist between the food of North Mexico and South, I will honestly admit I don’t know what it is. The tortilla is a staple of many a product from this country, and if that is not well made, or good enough, the rest of the meal will fall apart.

One can simply replace the shell with a new one, and that’s what the cook at Norte Street Food did, when he saw that it crumbled as I tried eating a beef taco, a Picadillo, using some mighty fine beef from Two Rivers Meats. I’ve tried this brand before, and they produce some awesome bacon! Continue reading