Your guide to some of the best and inviting food establishments.
July 19 & 20, 2013
Centennial Square
Victoria, BC
I’m glad that the Victoria Street Food Festival managed to shake off the cobwebs on the second day of celebration. Even though that happened a week later, from its inaugural July 19th start, the vibe I felt while here at 3pm was far different than the one James and I experienced a week ago. He couldn’t make it this time ’round due to work, but I had to come back for a second day and give this event a chance.
July 19th and 24th, 2013
Centennial Square
Victoria, B.C.
E: On a bright hot day, Victoria’s First Street Food Festival started off with a bang. That’s what I hoped happened and that’s what I heard when a hungry lunch crowd roared out of the office and towards Centennial Square (now known as Spirit). I’m sure there were lineups everywhere, and the wait was at least 15 minutes for a hot dog, burger, pizza, poutine or waffle.
When photographer Yvonne Fried, James and I showed up ’round 3pm, I thought things were quiet. Maybe, too quiet? I had to wonder what the hungry crowds of pac-men (and women) were like during rush hour.
Blue’s Bayou Cafe
899 Marchant Rd.
Brentwood Bay
Central Saanich, BC
(250) 544-1194
J: Ed would make Jim Davis proud because when I gave him his wake up call, one could tell he hated Mondays, or mornings or even Monday mornings. Whatever the reason it was time to get his arse out of bed because our plans involved travelling outside our comfort zone via Victoria Regional Transit System (that’s stretch limos for blue collar workers). I admit I’ve grown a little tired of seeking out restaurants in downtown Victoria or the areas nearby (i.e. Oak Bay). Sure there are many interesting places to dine but seeing as how I’ve been doing this gig for quite some time it was only fair to seek out food establishments in the further reaches of Vancouver Island. And on this particular morning that place was Blue’s Bayou Cafe in Brentwood Bay.
Pluto’s Diner
1150 Cook St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 385-4747
E: I still say that Pluto is a planet, but when James and I were looking for somewhere closer to visit, the diner of the same name was the best bet.
J: Pluto’s has a long history in Victoria. It was formerly a Pacific 66 gas station and it’s history in the Victoria eatery & music scene is well known to locals. If I can remember past advertisements correctly (and someone please correct me if I’m wrong), I believe Loreena McKennitt used to perform at this establishment over two decades ago.
Note: For some strange reason our previous host provider, eBlogger, loses some of our posts. Despite our best attempts to keep regular backups, even this article disappeared from our archives. This piece had to be ‘republished.’
Itami Sushi Japanese Restaurant
708 View St
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 381-8868
J: Wow, I mean really wow. Maybe really wow just doesn’t say enough on how nice Itami Sushi looks. They spent roughly one million on the interior alone. The Japanese garden at the front entrance should’ve more care and attention paid to it. And that chandelier above the serving desk, yes I thought that was excessive but there was very little else I could find wrong. I just have to wonder what their washrooms look like. But with all of this eye candy, the restaurant was barely populated on a Friday night. I asked myself why.
Kuku’s Take Out & Delivery
24 Burnside Rd. West
Saanich, BC
(778) 430-5858
J: Ed and I found ourselves in the Harriet/Burnside area which is where my old stomping grounds were. I fondly remember local streets like Cloverdale before they were industrialized.
As a child I walked along the train tracks that once existed half way down Cloverdale’s hill (now the Galloping Goose trail) which ran next to a creek that would freeze over for the winter. I remember the friends I made and the games we used to play. 1977 to 79 were some very good years for one to be a Canadian kid.
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