Author Archives: Two Hungry Blokes

12.29.10
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Stop the Heart Attack, I Want To Get Off

(250) 382-8282

E: In a very windy holiday season, both James and I needed some warm liquid to keep our spirits up. The Fairmont Empress’ Festival of Trees was a decent diversion, but after the Dutch Bakery, I was still feeling hungry.

We headed to the aptly named James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant because it was all James’ fault. Really, it was. I’ve never felt so full afterwards because this place served more than just teas.

J: This was another of my “heard of it but never tried it” trips. After going Dutch I was in the mood for familiar UK surroundings. The James Bay Tea Room recently refurbished their dining area. I can see why people come here. It’s very cozy. The place is decorated with photos of various members of the royal family. Royal memorabilia adorned shelves that spanned much of the dining room.

During this festive season, the tea room took liberties with the hanging of mistletoe above the front entrance. It says too much when even elderly women won’t sneak me a Christmas kiss.

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12.29.10
by

Wooden Shoes Not Included

The Dutch Bakery & Coffee Shop
718 Fort Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 385-1012


J: I’ve heard of the Dutch Bakery. And on the days I’ve strolled down Antiques Row, I would often see the delicious pastries tempting me from the display window.

But never have I stepped into the establishment. Me, a man born and raised in this fine city was completely unfamiliar with this place. I learned that in 1955, Cornelis J. Schadelee bought a failing coffee shop and turned it into one of the most successful independent businesses in the city. As I entered this bit of Victoria’s heritage, it was bustling.

People were queued-up to buy pastries for Christmas. Others sat in the diner that has changed little in appearance.

The diner was decorated in Dutch-themed wall hangings. Large black and white photos depicting the business history adorned one wall.

One would think Dutch Bakery takes great pride in their past.

E: I can only imagine what being here must be like when those meat pies are fresh out of the oven. Most of the time, when I want to treat myself, I pop in to grab one and delight in the buttery tenderness of the pastry they use to make these heavenly pies.

At $2.30 each, I can easily stop in anytime. Today, after bumping into my ol’ schoolmate, Shane Priestly, while heading there, all three of us sat down for a spell and enjoyed some good times reminiscing amidst the holiday rush. Both Priestly and I are recent graduates from Camosun College’s Applied Communication Program.

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12.06.10
by

Lebanese Nights

Editor’s Note: This establishment is no longer located at the address below.

Beirut Express
787 Fort Street
Victoria, BC

J: Beirut Express can best be described as a hole-in-the-wall with murals showing off the beauty of the Middle East. The place was immaculately clean. To find tables with chairs next to them were sparse and what seating was available were near the front door.

Our seating arrangement wasn’t one of my best ideas when considering how cold it was outside, but Ed was never in any danger of a numb bum.

The radio played as we sat but it struck me as odd that the TV was also turned on. I didn’t see the point. We ordered-up and then retrieved our canned drinks from the cooler.

Curiously, they were dented.

E: I had to wonder what was up with that. Fortunately, we weren’t victims of cola exploding onto our faces, but when the baba ghanoush we ordered arrived a few minutes later, what I saw didn’t look appetizing at all.

I’m used to eating food with vibrant colours to highlight the details, not something sprayed out of Mt. Vesuvius.

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11.11.10
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These Boots are Made for Walkin’

17 Mile Pub
5126 Sooke Road
Sooke, BC
(250) 642-5942

Heading out to Sooke may feel like a chore to some, but for other’s it’s like walking 500 miles, especially when it comes to parking down the hill and walking the rest of the way to the Sooke Pot Holes. But for hungry foodies like me, the song by the Proclaimers must’ve meant more than just about the quest for love, it’s the hunt for good food.

Just outside of Sooke is 17 Mile Pub and they have some decent grub. Also, for adreniline junkies, right next door is Adrena Line, a zip line park.

Fortunately, one can stop here for some very good french fries. For the second time in the past few months, I found some decent crisps that I lovingly devoured.

If I were to truly walk a hundred or so miles to this pub and home, I would’ve burned off all the calories of the fries I had and then some. The travel was worth it.

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11.10.10
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Fishing a line to Spinnaker’s

Spinnakers Brew Pub
308 Catherine St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 384-0332

Ed
With no James in sight (he’s being frugal lately), I went to Spinnakers with Yvonne and to my sadness, there was no rose petal ice cream. That’s okay, because I wanted to try out this brew-pub’s other delights. The last time I visited, the meals were great, the baked oysters were delicious and I had a great time with my friends.

Today was no different, and even over time nothing has changed. The place has always remained a social environment for people to drink a few pints and mellow out. The food has always been secondary.

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