Category Archives: Food

06.07.10
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A New Urban Bite

E: The community of Fernwood is a really nice place to visit, and I really wish I lived here. I feel right at home, and just attending their inaugural foodie fest is just temptation in action. Especially with all the good restaurants located here. To name a few, there’s Lucy’s In the Square, the Cornerstone Cafe, Fernwood Inn and Stir it Up. And all of them didn’t disappoint at this event.

J: And don’t forget the wonderful Little Piggy, Ed. I definitely felt very comfortable among the crowd. I talked with people I didn’t know, bumped into those I did and enjoyed the very social atmosphere that was Fernwood Bites. I’ll be planning a return. Aubergine is just one of a a few businesses that really caught my attention. They’re also highly regarded too.

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05.28.10
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Spin me an Ice Cream

8aa3174ec22106894fe617617391a7a3_400x400Spinnakers Brew Pub
308 Catherine Street
Victoria West, BC
(250) 384-2739

What’s in an essence—the flavour? the spirit within? Perhaps it’s the divine force that’s unique to each and every soul.

In this case, it’s what’s unique to each and every ingredient. Spinnaker’s prides themselves in locally grown and produced products, and while I stopped by to purchase tickets to the coming Island Chefs’ Collaborative 3rd annual food festival, Defending our Backyard, I couldn’t help but notice they were selling ice cream too, at $6 per 12 oz tub.

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05.24.10
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Carribean Cooking Calypso

The Reef
533 Yates St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 388-5375

E: Avast ye mates! Shiver me timbers and gimme a beach to land on. Where I be today is at the Reef. In the Caribbean and ready to sample some rye. But, it’s really a bottle of rum that I seek.

J: Add tasteful mosaic tiles, one lifeless parrot (Monty Python sketch not included) and a bar that’d you expect at a beach, that’s only scratching the surface.

I rather enjoyed this place and I grooved to reggae music (or maybe my pants were too tight). Our friendly and helpful waitress even had that cock-eyed attitude that I love. If Blackbeard walked by and asked to use the little pirate’s room, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.

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05.23.10
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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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05.21.10
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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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05.18.10
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Fujiya’s Take-Out Sushi Hits

Fujiya
3624 Shelbourne St.
Saanich, BC
(250) 598-3711

Depending on the time of day that one visits Fujiya, the quality of the raw fish always varies. If you show up early enough, like ’round 11am, the fish is great, if not spectacular. As the day progresses, the quality might drop. But timing is everything here, including finding a few hidden specials, like uni in the refrigerator section.

I’ve been a regular there ever since they started selling sushi, and sadly, I miss seeing octopus, surf clam and scallop as part of their regular take-out menu offerings. You have to ask or order those particular platters in advance.

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