How to do the Fringe Part 3: On the Bison Trail

5th Street Bar & Grill
1028 Hillside Ave.

Victoria, BC

(250) 380-4600

Ever since Connoisseur Catering’s storefront operation was forced into closure (the building’s space wasn’t up to code), I had to wonder where could I get my bison fix. Sadly, I don’t think much of where Pink Bicycle gets their bovinae (it’s from Vancouver Island Bison), and when I was last at 5th Street Bar and Grill, I asked where they get their meat. They gave me the answer that nearly made me go Hallelujah. It’s Albertan.

Continue reading

How to do the Fringe Part 2: Sammiches!

Sam’s Deli & Bistro
805 Government Street

Victoria, BC (250) 382-8424

I ran into my friend Janine just as I was heading to see Zack Adams: Love Songs For Future Girl and here I was, with a bag of chips and a bottle of pop as my dinner. Oh boy, did I ever look sad.

After she looked at what I had, I tucked the chips into my satchel, and we walked down to Government St. for the healthier option at Sam’s Deli. This place is a favourite of her’s, and hopefully I’ll get her to insert a review too.

Continue reading

Losing their Chinese Marbles

Marble Arch Fish & Chips
3468 Tllicum Rd.
Saanich, BC
(250) 386-7141

E: When considering the price of popcorn and pop at the movie theatre these days, trying to stave off a case of the munchies while watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two was difficult. James had an idea to check out a chinese diner… or is that a seafood place? I’m not sure what that restaurant was, but it was like I walked into magical mystery store.

Continue reading

Nevermore My Arse!

Raven Street Market Cafe
321 Fernwood Rd.
Fernwood
Salt Spring Island, BC
(250) 537-2273

J: Raven Street Market Cafe is a 8½ km bus ride north of Ganges and it’s well worth the trip. With fantastic views of the north side, blue herons and the salty air, Ed and I arrived earlier than expected.

We were met by a kindly staff member who went above and beyond what’s considered good service. To occupy our time until the kitchen finally opened, which is at noon, we explored the beach off Walker’s Hook Road.

The late morning exercise put us in the mood for a satisfying meal.

Since I was unable to harvest any of the huge shellfish along the shore (they were poisonous), I felt I deserved some finer reward.

E: James found a beautiful piece of rose quartz that he gave me (what a pal), and the reward he was waiting for rested within the cafe. I bought an appy for us to share.

Continue reading

Bistro at the Center of the Universe

Barb’s Bakery & Bistro
1-121 McPhillips Ave.
Ganges

Salt Spring Island, BC
(250) 537-4491

E: At the start of a new day, the only thing I could think of was enjoying some morning Salt Spring air and my next meal. I considered Salt Spring Coffee along with some bacon & eggs. After some quick inquiries, we walked down to Barb’s Buns, and oh how sweet and firm they were.

J: A local who worked over at Mouat’s Home Hardware told us Barb’s has the best coffee on the island. It was then Ed and I wished Yvonne was with us. She has a better appreciation for good coffee.

Continue reading

Swinging on By to the Tree House

Tree House Cafe
106 Purvis Lane
Ganges
Salt Spring Island, BC
(250) 537-5379

J: People may have thought Ed and I were enjoying a holiday on Salt Spring but nothing could be further from the truth. We were there to sample the finest of what Ganges had to offer and in the spirit of things, test our gastronomical boundaries.

It was hard work lifting those strawberry cremes from Embe Bakery or digging for delicious noodles at the Salt Spring Noodle Bar & Curry House. After a hearty day and with sweat on our brow, it made sense to sample some drinks at the Tree House Cafe.

Continue reading