Fountain Diner
#102-2800 Bryn Maur Road
Langford, BC
(250) 590-6130
For me, breakfast at the Fountain Diner was an eating experience in excess. And I don’t mean too much food. After waiting for what seemed like ages for a decent breakfast café to finally open in Langford (I was too lazy to go to Jasmine’s), I was rather disappointed after sampling their wares. It appears good things don’t always come to those who wait.
J: Ed, myself and professional photographer Qué Banh were to hold a proper Chinese New Year celebration but unfortunately Qué fell ill, leaving the monkeys to run the zoo.
We took two flights of stairs to the basement of the Red Lion Inn. A former ballroom-turned restaurant, Jade Fountain was populated. My reservation for Sunday brunch, made over half a week earlier, meant nothing. Instead, we were given a number and directed down a crowded ramp in the vicinity of the washrooms. Today it appeared, was not a good day to be of either Chinese descent or big boned. Fortunately I was only the latter. Ed and I played the child’s game of ‘Traffic Lights’ for a half hour, slowly making our way towards the dinning tables before our lucky 13 was finally called.
E: Be glad it wasn’t the unlucky number four. In Chinese or Japanese, the word has two meanings: either the number four or death. For the most part, it’s considered an unlucky number.
Today’s Valentine’s Day instalment comes from our guest writer, Michael Allen, the webmaster of 28 Days Later Analysis, an informative website dedicated to news and reviews in the independent horror entertainment scene.
Camille’s Restaurant is a fine dining establishment located in the heart of Victoria. Situated just a stone’s throw away from where Judge Begbie (The Hanging Judge) sentenced his court attendees, Camille’s is situated near the inner harbour, in Bastion Square. This restaurant has been cooking in this locale for over twenty years and the excellent dining experience therein is widely known. The food is exceptional; however, so are the prices!
To those people haven’t had a chance to check out the Victoria Tea Festival, here’s my preview of what’s happening. Thanks have to go to the Nexus newspaper team for putting this article I wrote online.
For local readers, it’s not too late to check this event out. I will have a full review of my tea and food tasting experience later today.
The event runs at the Crystal Garden (713 Douglas Street), on Saturday (12-5pm); Sunday (11am-4pm). Tickets are $25 at the door and all proceeds go to supporting Camosun College’s Child Care Services.
Osaka Sushi
1951 Oak Bay Ave.
Oak Bay, BC
(250) 590-6650
E: Oak Bay has a little secret, there’s a great place to hit for sashimi and it’s known as Osaka Sushi. While the graphic designer in me cringed at the familiarity of a papyrus-like font in their signage, I’m glad I didn’t let it deter me from walking in to try their food.
After heading to The Blethering Place for haggis earlier that night, I was still hungry. Instead, what caught my eye were the pretty waitresses …
J: On my previous trips to Oak Bay, I always passed by this cosy looking restaurant. But to actually sit down in a private booth and relax to smooth jazz while the world marches on outside, is bliss. Our servers were fast, polite and yes, attractive. I wanted for nothing while in their care.
Green tea was served while I spun my head at their extensive menu. It came in two parts and I warn you, it’s not for a potential indecisive like myself. If you can get over that hurdle, the prices are very reasonable.
The Blethering Place
2250 Oak Bay Ave.
Oak Bay, BC
Update: (02/01/11) – The Blethering Place is no longer at the 2250 Oak Bay Ave. location.
J: What started out as a celebration for a pre-Robbie Burns day turned into a wake for the Blethering Place. The little old tea room, woven into the fabric of Oak Bay’s society, is closing. Yes, that’s right. According to staff members, the owner, Ken Agate, sold the establishment to Floyd’s Diner, who allegedly plans to convert it into a bistro.
Closure is expected to take place at the end of January. With what little time there is left, I would suggest a visit (or revisit) to this grand old lady before she’s defrocked.
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