Author Archives: Two Hungry Blokes

08.25.10
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Sounding off at Pike Place

Sound View Cafe
1501 Pike Pl., Suite 501
Seattle, Washington
(206) 623-5700

For some tourists, dining at Pike Place Market is a must. It’s a mecca for fresh seafood, vegetables and luxuries all over the world. Almost every culinary region is represented but as far as I’m concerned, this place is still part of a wharf. I was ready to wolf down the more exotic than traditional foods I saw here.

The place is a bit of a maze too, and it really takes a weekend to explore it. Unlike the early days where it wasn’t as famous or on the working days where this place isn’t as heavily trafficked, I’d enjoy wandering around and trying a few cafes and hitting Golden Age Collectables downstairs.

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08.20.10
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There’s a Chili in the Park

6th Annual Chili Cook-off
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Langford, BC
 

I’m always on the lookout for a good satisfying chili and this cook-off gives me ample opportunity to find just the right mix. Sauce thickness, and the right combination of ingredients can make or break a bowl. A good spoonful has to leave a warm numbness on my tongue. It has to be spicy but yet show restraint, and let the other ingredients shine. Why enjoy it now only to pay for it later with a couple of stomach relief pills.

The park was adequately decorated with tents for the teams, bouncy castle for the kids and musical entertainment for everyone else. I stepped up to Rotary Club’s registration desk and paid an inexpensive sum of $5 to attend. In return I was given a spoon and a judging card. Both were my keys to new adventures.

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08.04.10
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Fairway Market’s Facelift

2635 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 380-9773

Fairway on Quadra has a fully functional kitchen and a buffet that’s comparable to what any Chinese restaurant can offer. This place is worth hitting for those people who are tight on money; the food is good and for the speed, one can get a meal made up within minutes.

The only difference is that you have to choose what entrees you want and there’s no going back for seconds. You name it, they’ll most likely have it. To name a few, there’s dumplings, Szechuan style squid, tempura prawns, sweet and sour pork and egg rolls.

Prices begin at $6.99 and increase by dollar increments for any additional selections. While there’s no regrets buying from Fairway, there’s always tomorrow to hit the gym. Every time I consume one of those palettes of noodles with squid and prawns, I feel several pounds heavier.

Their meals are not really meant to be eaten in one go, or by just one person. Even in the smallest serving size, there’s enough for two. Sadly, while they give away squid like nothing, the prawns are limited to three per serving, and to get double that would take up a selection. The taste is about what you would expect for material made en masse. Sometimes, the squid is dry and the tempura batter greasier than oil baking out in a sun, but that’s because of how long it’s been sitting there. The people who dole out the food are probably not certified to be in a kitchen either. They take your order and look for who’s next.

If they truly cared about how to service a product, they’d be properly portioning out the food, so the packages do not feel top heavy.

I’ll be ready to tip over instead.

2 Blokes out of 5

Fairway Market on Urbanspoon

08.01.10
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Remembering a Bygone Era with Soda Shops

Note: This establishment is no longer operating.

Rogers’ Chocolates
Soda Shoppe
913 Government St.
Victoria, BC

J: Soda shops once populated the North American landscape and they are mostly are a faded memory. Places like Ma Heller’s west-side Montreal establishment was a popular hang out in the post-war era, but we can still support these simpler times by patronizing Victoria’s own The Soda Shoppe.

E: I hate to break this to you James, but there are still a few left around the world. It’s become more of a niche market. But for folks craving that old fashioned nostalgia, I’m certainly glad Roger’s Chocolates decided to open this store up. Whenever I have two spare loonies, I’d stop by and grab a cherry coke made the old fashioned way.

I still can’t forgive Coca Cola for pulling their product off the Canadian market. So I have to get my cherry pop craving elsewhere.

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07.28.10
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Breakfast Follies

Note: This establishment is no longer at this location.

Knockanback Grill
4136 Wilkinson Rd.
Saanich, BC

E: Every starving student knows that depending on where the campus is located, there’s very few or a lot of dining options to be found nearby. Well, over at Camosun’s Interurban, it’s either the Knockanback or that Chinese diner across the street.

After looking at their online menu, I had to drag James along to try this place out.

For the most part, it was good, but nothing spectacular to brag home about. Well, unless you’re a beer drinker. The almost European atmosphere had a Jamaican vibe going on the day we visited. I grooved to the music.

J: I remember the Knockanback from 15 years ago and couldn’t help but think it was nothing more than a redneck dive. After walking through those wooden doors, I can still see a few corners where a vampire could settle for pint. The waitresses were cute and the staff were helpful. But it’s not the type of place I’d frequent. If I’m looking to become a regular for a buffet meal, I’ll stick with Raymond’s. Or I’ll have a proper breakfast at Smitty’s.

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07.20.10
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Kudos to Chemainus

Editor’s Note: This business is no longer at the address listed below.

Kudos Japanese Restaurant
9875 Maple St.
Chemainus, BC
N/A

I went up island not too long ago and instead of my buddy James, it was some other good buds. We went to Ladysmith and on our way back, I suggested Chemainus as a stop. We hit upon their Wednesday Market at the downtown core and found a stall selling Japanese food from Kudos Restaurant.

The prices we paid for here are for samplers, but at these prices its easy to build a meal.

And here, both Brydon and I agree that the kaki fry (deep fried breaded oysters) were spectacular. At $2 a pop which includes a small salad, I could’ve easily bought them out.

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