Saigon Harbour
1012 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 386-3354
E: I am amused that 3 Vietnamese diners are nearly a block away from each other; that makes for some stiff competition. When James and I were looking for food, it was our noses that were guiding us. And I have to believe our tracking abilities guided us to the wrong place. Saigon Harbour was not where the trail led; but the signpost showing off one of their specials, a spicy prawn dish did.
Efes Donair Kebap House
788 Yates Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 3S2
J: If you’ve read my Efes article you’ll recall how it was still under construction. I’ve eagerly anticipated stepping into a much needed restaurant to liven up Yates Street and now I have my chance. Like all new businesses there are kinks to work out and projects to finish and Efes is no different but boy did I like what I saw. I’m liking the look of the place. We were definitely looking to sit down but I was changing tables on Ed.
E: On a chilly night about town, I guess James needed a good fireplace to roast his rump near. Although this operation is over a month old, their soft opening is certainly gathering a crowd. While their wraps certainly filled our tummies, I knew I had to come back soon to try their donairs.
Murchie’s Tea & Coffee
1110 Government Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 383-3112
E: On our stroll down Government Street on a chilly December, two words jumped at me—Ginger and Chocolate—and James and I soon found ourselves inside Murchie’s. I thought the candy goodness could be found at the deli side of the operation, hopefully available for sampling. Sadly, they were not at the time.
Ho Tong Restaurant
3388 Douglas Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 475-1398
An impromptu clan gathering had most of my family visiting Ho Tong instead of Jade Fountain Restaurant. Both were within a block of each other and I had to chuckle, wondering how competitive the two diners are. Also, depending on the inflection of how the “o” is pronounced, I thought, “Doesn’t that mean, ‘it really hurts?'”
Shiki Sushi
1113 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 381-8622
If people think a restaurant can survive on all you can eat service everyday, Shiki Sushi has a secret. Diners have only two hours to order what they like, and the time it takes to bring out what people ordered will vary on the complexity of the meal.
Yates Street Taphouse
759 Yates Street.
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-5253
J: There are times when the Two Hungry Blokes deserve some R&R, to take some time off for a job well done and to relax with friends and colleagues in front of a potentially good burger.
It was Que Banh’s social at the Yates Street Taphouse. She’s a professional photographer who hosts these events every season. For once, both Ed’s and my schedule merged and we got together to schmooze with a different crowd.
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