Category Archives: Food

Your guide to some of the best and inviting food establishments.

01.17.24
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Not Quite Ole at 3 Gringos Mexican

20240106_115258735 Goldstream Ave
Langford, BC

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: (250) 391-4047

Out in the strip known as Langford’s “Downtown” core, the Three Gringos Mexican Cafe has always caught my attention. I’m not in this area often, but when I do, I like to make the most of my commute here to check out something new. With the 95 bus servicing the area every half an hour or so, I think I can visit a bit more, mostly because there’s a few holes in the wall gems that a former contributor expounded upon. While I don’t need to visit those particular places since they’re old, there’s been a few new places that has my notice. And when I’m in the area to play Dungeons and Dragons with a group who’ve made this community their homestead, I don’t mind the expedition!

While I don’t know who decided to open up this operation, John Landis’ movie The Three Amigos came to mind and I thought I’d find some kind of vibe to remind me of this place upon entering. The fiesta colours are welcoming, and I had to glance at the chalkboard to see what’s unique. Aside from licking my lips at the thought of churros to go with my lunch, I opted for the chip version to take to my gaming session. It’s a treat that’s best eaten fresh off the fryer than cold. The sweet taste is familiar, and the crisp is just right, but without the warmth, there’s just something missing.

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01.03.24
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When All I Crave is a BobaDog There’s Not Much to Bark About

20231210_1211251108 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from noon to 6:30 p.m.
With extended hours weekends
Phone: (778) 432-2622
Website: https://bobadogrestaurant.com/

ES: Every once in a while, all I want is a dog. It just has to be big and warm. As much as I would love to have a pet around the house to play with, I’m referring to the hot dog. When The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum didn’t live up to all my expectations for themed dawgs, thankfully Bobadog Bubble Tea & Hot Dogs did not disappoint! I even had a Godzilla sized appetite….

20231210_121135

DK: While Ed was hoping Bobadog would erase bad memories of lesser dogs, I wasn’t looking for much. I pass by Bobadog multiple times a week, and would have been fine never going in. But when a friend is on a hot dog mission, by God, you stand beside him.

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12.06.23
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Confused? Well Don’t Be as The Wandering Mollusk is also Shuck Taylor’s (Diner) in #yyj

20231118_1427101324 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30
Website: https://wanderingmollusk.com
Shuck Taylor’s (@shucktaylors) — Instagram

The Wandering Mollusk catering (food truck style operation) has a base of operations, and Shuck Taylor’s is the place to get as many oysters as you can eat, if not more! Thankfully there are various ways to enjoy these molluscs, and whether that’s raw or cooked, this place has it all! That also includes plans on how to expand. The last time I was in, I asked if sea urchin was possible. They are considering it, but there are a lot of things to consider, namely in how to keep them fresh!

I can’t wait for that to happen, since it’s rare to serve them fresh from the shell. They have a limited shelf life once removed from the sea and kept in its natural state. But if opened and put into a deep freeze, that’s a whole different ball game. I had the opportunity a long time ago to see how that’s done (article can be read here) and that experience will never be forgotten.

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11.08.23
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The Lebanese Burger Mafia, A Movie Review

The Lebanese Burger Mafia PosterTheatrical Release Date:
November 10, 2023

Who doesn’t love a good burger? When there are tons of franchise chains operating out of North America, much less the world, there are tons to choose from. As for locally owned and operated, there’s only a handful. Some made the transition to being a recognised brand worldwide and others forgotten. For one filmmaker who says he’s the heir to the Burger Baron franchise, the big question is will he have full rights to this name? And that’s led Omar Mouallem to explore this operation’s history in his excellent documentary, The Lebanese Burger Mafia.

Here, he not only looks at the chain’s early days from being a one off fast food operation that has grown beyond its britches. It was born under the entrepreneurship of Jack McDonnell coming to Canada in the hopes of building a new enterprise to rival that of McDonald’s. To expand the operation, he hired relatives to run the many diners across the country, but when he didn’t have any more to depend on, it became a franchise. But pretty soon, that operation collapsed under the weight of growing too fast, and some years later, Rudy Kemaldean “saved it.”

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10.04.23
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Not So Hot, When The Ingredients Are Wrong with The Hot Dog Guys’ Tillicum Operation

The Hot Dog Guys3170 Tillicum Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Menu: thehotdogguy.ca
Phone: (250) 882-7199

The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum Mall know their way around a good dog. The selection depends on what customers request or what’s on their menu, and they clearly have a passion for the craft. The catch is that their location inside the mall comes with limitations. For example, they can’t serve a true Chicago-style dog since they don’t have access to poppy seed buns, fresh tomatoes, or other toppings that require more storage and prep space.

I respect that they’re making the best of what they have, but the “mall setup” inevitably caps their potential. A great hot dog should have fresh toppings and some creative flair, and that’s difficult to deliver without a proper kitchen. While I enjoyed my visit, I left uncertain if I’d return—more because of the environment than the people running the place.

That said, the menu does tempt with regional inspirations like the Seattle Dog and the Portlander. Unfortunately, without the right tools, these creations don’t quite hit their mark. When I tried their basic dog, it was fine, but the roller-style heating left me wishing for something grilled to order. I imagine mall restrictions prevent them from cooking the way they’d prefer, which is a shame.

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09.20.23
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Esquimalt Ribfest 2023 Report and Picture Gallery

2023 Esquimalt Ribfest - 00Location: Bullen Park
1140 Lyall St
Victoria, BC

Date: Early September, following Labour Day weekend.

ES: Just how often one goes to Esquimalt’s Ribfest depends on whom you like as your go-to ribber. The staple ribbers like Boss Hogg’s will be there, and for new operations, Grizzly BBQ and Smoke Dem Bones stood out. When I’m going to a ribfest, I expect to find tons of beef, not pork! And when it’s in short supply on the last day, I can either adjust when I head down or consider “if only I’m in the mood.” 

Regarding the latter operation, Dem Bones’ brisket on its own was ok. It’s nothing to rave about when they didn’t get the buns out to defrost in time for Sunday’s early crowd and forgot to slather on the sauce in my order. After more than a decade of feeding this municipality, I think it’s time to reconsider why attending is a must. Thankfully, the addition of the Colossal Onion is a bit of a game changer, but not by much.

DK: Looking back at Ed’s 2021 review of us there, I see the highlights and lowlights of this event haven’t changed much. Colossal Onion continues to be a must-eat item for fair food fanboys such as ourselves. Ribbers without LAX-style lineups continue to be underwhelming. I think the event is, after 10 years in Esquimalt, still worth attending as a fun way to get out and contribute to a meaningful community fundraiser. As a foodie event, however, the excitement of its first year has worn off significantly.

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