Author Archives: Two Hungry Blokes

06.05.24
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Just Another Block Kitchen & Bar on the Yates Dining Strip

Block Kitchen - The DonBlock Kitchen & Bar
538 Yates St #101
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 3 to 9 pm (10pm weekends)
Phone: (250) 590-6744
Menu: blockvictoria.ca

DK:This is the type of place you feel out of place if you aren’t drinking. Not so much because the waitress acts stunned when you order water, but because really if you’re not here to drop $60 on a few cocktails, why are you here? Tell me Ed, why?

ES: Although I’m not sure how to follow up on Don’s opener, I was just as baffled too. Yes, Block Kitchen & Bar is very much a place to get a drink after work and have a light meal. I don’t think I can get filled unless I spend $100 or more, and even on a former student’s mindset and budget, I’m not willing to spend that much!

However, I did get a cocktail to go with my sort of Japanese meal. I always wanted to try the Birds of Paradise and it was a flavourful drink. The Akvavit is the foundation where more fruity flavours are put on top, and although it’s not a layered drink, it certainly gave me a good buzz when the dishes finally arrived.

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03.06.24
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In Victoria, BC, There’s a A Ramen Bar, but What’s Geekware?

This bit of tantalizing news dropped on some social media channels in the past few days, and we will update as soon as we can. This operation is opening today, and we have roving reporter Ed Sum going to this place near Market Square in Victoria, BC to investigate. We will update with further information, photographs as soon as possible.

Ramen Bar and Geek Ware

10.18.23
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An All Hallow’s Eve Guide to Victoria, BC’s Best Events

For anyone planning their Halloween week somewhat late, we got a guide for you, as published on our sister site, Otakunoculture.com! Coming soon is a guide to haunted eateries. While it’s doubtful that you’ll get a supernatural encounter, maybe if you tip your waitress well, she may have a tale to tell that hasn’t been told yet from the fine folks of Ghostly Walks.

Instead of the Same Ol’ Same Ol’, This Year’s Scary Victoria Halloween Event Guide Tries to Be Different
09.20.23
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Esquimalt Ribfest 2023 Report and Picture Gallery

2023 Esquimalt Ribfest - 00Location: Bullen Park
1140 Lyall St
Victoria, BC

Date: Early September, following Labour Day weekend.

ES: Just how often one goes to Esquimalt’s Ribfest depends on whom you like as your go-to ribber. The staple ribbers like Boss Hogg’s will be there, and for new operations, Grizzly BBQ and Smoke Dem Bones stood out. When I’m going to a ribfest, I expect to find tons of beef, not pork! And when it’s in short supply on the last day, I can either adjust when I head down or consider “if only I’m in the mood.” 

Regarding the latter operation, Dem Bones’ brisket on its own was ok. It’s nothing to rave about when they didn’t get the buns out to defrost in time for Sunday’s early crowd and forgot to slather on the sauce in my order. After more than a decade of feeding this municipality, I think it’s time to reconsider why attending is a must. Thankfully, the addition of the Colossal Onion is a bit of a game changer, but not by much.

DK: Looking back at Ed’s 2021 review of us there, I see the highlights and lowlights of this event haven’t changed much. Colossal Onion continues to be a must-eat item for fair food fanboys such as ourselves. Ribbers without LAX-style lineups continue to be underwhelming. I think the event is, after 10 years in Esquimalt, still worth attending as a fun way to get out and contribute to a meaningful community fundraiser. As a foodie event, however, the excitement of its first year has worn off significantly.

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08.02.23
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Not Necessarily Coocoo for Coco Grill at Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbour

Don at Coco Ftont1 Dallas Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(varies on weekends)
Website: http://cocogrillvictoria.com
Phone: (250) 589-0729

DK: I’ve never seen a group of kitchen staff having more fun than the ladies at Coco. Multiple times during our visit, they were doubled-over in laughter. You’ve gotta be doing something right if your staff is having a riot while smack-dab in the middle of a high-volume tourist trap. But is eating their food as enjoyable as making it seem to be?

ES: That depends on whether everything on the menu is considered authentic to Polynesia. To be specific, I’ve always wanted to try Hawaiian food. It’s not always about eating spam. One look at what Cocos menu offers got half my taste buds salivating. Although ceviche is considered Peruvian, can that region be considered close enough? What say you, Don?

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07.05.23
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How to Turn a Corn Dog to a Chung Chun Rice Dog is Easy. You just….

20230423_145323502 S King St
Seattle, WA

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Menu: chungchunricehotdog.menu11.com
Phone: (206) 682-1300

ES: I must admit that in Seattle’s International District, there’s always a delightful scent that fills the air. No, I’m not talking about the smell of weed, but rather of all the bakeries that are around. From one place that we hit up for a quick baked snack that Don recommended to just walking around the block, I’m glad I wondered about all the people walking around with a corn dog in their hand. Although it didn’t take my nose to track it down, just walking by Chung Chun Rice Dog made me realise we gotta eat here!

DK: I’m a sucker for a slightly grubby looking place with a long line, and that’s how Chung Chun presented itself to us. By the time we ordered, there were approximately 20 people packed into a space designed for about half that, with another 20 or so waiting outside. We later learned part of the reason for the clown car conglomeration was likely the restaurant’s devotion to proper deep-frying. Our dogs were shockingly un-greasy, suggesting high-heat frying and an aversion to placing too many dogs in one fryer at the same time.

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