Category Archives: Food

05.14.12
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Fanny Bay Follies

Happy Hen’s Cafe
Fanny Bay Service
8256 Island Hwy S RR 1
Fanny Bay, BC
(250) 335-2200

A long trip up island will eventually mean some kind of rest stop. And when one of my friends announced the need for a break to stretch our legs, we ended up in Fanny Bay, the home of some of the world’s famous oysters. They’re known for their plump and delicate taste. While I generally love eating any oyster raw, this chance visit meant our discovery of a cozy diner in a building simply called Fanny Bay Service.

For $9, they have a great offer of six large oysters with fries and toast. There were also delectable burger offerings using ingredients like locally raised chicken, which tempted me, but I did not deviate.

We asked if the diner did take-out and huge points were scored for the fact that they indeed do. We simply opted for just the oysters. They were panko coated and pan fried to a tenderness that I really liked. These large pieces were freshly shucked and I could taste the difference. These oysters had a light juiciness that really hit the spot.

If I lived in the area, I’d be back for more. The locals seem to congregate there for some old fashioned home style cooking. I imagine this service station was once a home at some point; the main level looked like it was converted so it could be a grocery store and diner. The space is very large and can accommodate at roughly 24 people at a time. I really liked the earthy feel of the dining side of the space, and with luck, I hope to return for more.

4 Blokes out of 5

05.04.12
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Is Yogurt Food of the Gods?

Good morning to all of you. If you happen to live and shop in beautiful downtown Victoria, British Columbia, forget the weatherman. Look not to the skies today but something closer. If one inspects the streets we know and work on, one may find a Greek God giving out samples of yogurt. Who knew the Gods of Olympus had time for such things. And ladies, hands off the olive-oiled chest.

Victoria, B.C. – (May 3, 2012) – Hain-Celestial Canada, ULC, a leading natural and organic food company, will give away almost 2,500 tubs of The Greek Gods™ yogurt in downtown Victoria tomorrow Friday May 4th 2012 between 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Commuters can enjoy this delicious treat for free, while also meeting with ‘The Greek God’, who will bestow the yogurts upon Victoria.

“We are excited to offer people in Victoria a taste of our indulgent traditional Greek Style yogurt. The Greek Gods™ yogurt is a great option for a nutritious main meal or snack,” says Heather McTavish Taylor, Vice President, Marketing of Hain Celestial Canada.

The Greek Gods™ yogurt has five active and live cultures including probiotics and is available in four flavours – Plain, Honey, Honey Strawberry and Honey Vanilla. The 650g-sized containers will allow many residents of the beautiful island to enjoy this delicious yogurt.

Yogurt lovers can stop by the following intersections during their lunch break to meet The Greek Gods™:

• Fort Street and Douglas
• Government Street and Humboldt Street

For more information about The Greek Gods™ yogurt visit www.greekgodsyogurt.ca

04.30.12
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Dagwoods Cafe

Dagwoods Cafe
#133-622 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC
(250) 590-4342

When I’m flying about on a Sunday morning and looking for bargains, I tend to get hungry. Money saved can sometimes be money spent on a nice meal. I had already purchased my usual amount of samosas from the Goldstream Flea Market and baked goodies from Three Sisters’ Tea Tyme Treats (also at the market) before the craving hit.

I needed something to fill me with the energy that I was lacking. Dagwoods Cafe was within eyesight of the market and it was open (that’s always a bonus).

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04.16.12
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Eating Seafood: The Puerto Vallarta Way

Fisherman’s Wharf
Float Home Village
12 Erie Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-4415

On a beautiful sunny day, I had to go out and check out Puerto Vallarta Amigos’ new digs at Fisherman’s Wharf. They are well known for their tacos, and the Espinoza family (who runs this operation) have certainly cemented their status in, an irony of ironies, a floating base of operations. Appropriately enough, by being located in fish territory, their seafood options intrigued me. And with James working yet again, I was on my own to fill two stomachs than one. Fortunately the day included opening ceremonies festivities, like dancing. A few spectators even joined in so they could work off their meals.

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04.16.12
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Singing the Blues in Seattle

1510 7th Ave
Seattle, WA
(206) 452-1359

Word to the wise: if diners want to hit the super trendy Japanese restaurants in Seattle, especially Japonessa, get a reservation. After not being able to sweet talk my way to even one seat at the bar (it was just that packed), I walked away dejected and ended up at Blue C Sushi to sing, conveniently enough, the blues away. One glass of Sapporo was enough, and I treated myself to various plates of sushi that rolled by on a conveyor belt.

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04.15.12
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A Tale of Two Hotdogs: Gourmet Dog Japon Seattle

Corner of Pike St. and 2nd Ave.
Seattle, WA

Nearly most of Seattle is raving about Gourmet Dog Japon, a street cart operation that makes some mighty mean dogs. But what’s so special about this fast food? Which operation is better? Supposedly, owner Shinsuke Nikaido took the idea from the Japadog carts in Vancouver and he put his own design in what makes a good dog.

My vote is for the Seattle location since they were open at 11pm on a Friday, just when most restaurants are closed. I imagine if I wanted a bite even after midnight, I’d find this particular operation still going strong.

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