Summertime Plaid

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Topaz Park
Victoria, BC

It’s the weekend that Summer officially begins and I had a choice of geeking out at a Steampunk convention or heading to the 147th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival. I’m glad I did the latter because I’m dying for an opportunity to try haggis. Sadly, there was none to be found but plenty to toss about.

I could’ve ran out to the field to catch one, but I’m sure I’d be recreating a moment from Braveheart with angry Scots chasing after me. With no James in sight to catch the ball, I’m just gonna get plummeled.

Yes, there was Scottish food to be found, but not of the variety that I hoped. I can certainly understand that it’s impossible to predict how many pieces are haggis are needed to feed a hungry mass of people, and rationing would be required. But this isn’t the Blitz.

But at least I didn’t come out disappointed. I made some inquiries and was told haggis can be bought locally in the Brentwood Bay area.

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Fish and … what?

Red Fish, Blue Fish
1006 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 298-6877

J: I would like you to meet one of the newest fish in the ocean, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It’s a small shack down near the Inner Harbour and across from the seaplane airport. The location is prime; there’s a lovely view of the Inner Harbour, and plenty of space to sit and enjoy your meal.

They offer seafood with a flair and is an Ocean Wise partner. After you giggle at the obviously inspired Dr. Seuss name, you can stop long enough to sink your teeth into a BBQ Fanny Bay oyster tacone.

E: I can think of better oysters to eat, James. Fanny Bay is good, but there are other varieties. I’ve been to Nautical Nellie’s and Ferris’ to sample a lot of oysters (usually raw). There are juicier and tastier options; they vary in texture and sweetness. And for me, Red Fish Blue Fish is a shack for other kinds of seafood to enjoy.

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Sushi Plus or Minus?

Sushi Plus Restaurant
766 Yates Street

Victoria, BC
(250) 386-3116

J: Sushi Plus is a cozy little Japanese restaurant conveniently located in the vicinity of the Odeon Theatre. My initial experience was a pleasant one. Here was this Japanese restaurant actually run by a Japanese family.

E: James expounded strange wonders and the thrill of going to this place for the first time and all I did was pull a Mr.Spock. And I can’t say I was too thrilled at the presentation. The meal was mildly tasty, but it was more reminiscent of what a street vendor would do. And I had the authentic experience too while in Japan.

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Chinese cuisine, Redneck Style

By James Robert Shaw

Fu Wah Express Cafe
746 Goldstream Ave.

Langford Centre
Langford, BC
(250) 474-7693

Fu Wah Express Cafe is a mom and pop Asian cuisine establishment located in the heart of Langford. For the past 10 years with at least three ownerships that I’ve known, I remained a regular patron. The current owners are very nice and hospitable. The food served under their proprietorship is, in my humble opinion, the best of my patronage.

The menu is extensive and the food can be made fresh. You can either dine in or do take-out. In addition, a small buffet is topped-up through business hours. I ordered a four item buffet for $6.50. I took my usual seat in front of the window where the old Asia Express sign still remains. My meal of fried rice, chicken chow mein, sweet & sour pork and cooked vegetables with beef (you can also have vegetables without beef) were heaped in good portions on my plate. I must admit, sometimes I can not finish my meal. But this time I tempted fate by ordering 2 tempura-style prawns.

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