Category Archives: Reviews

Read along as we seek out the best of what the British Columbia coast (and beyond) has to offer.

09.14.12
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[Vancouver, BC] A Tale of Ten Little Ebis, or Eddies?


Ebi Ten
388 Robson St.
Yaletown
Vancouver, B.C.
(604) 689-9938

J: Ebi Ten is just one of those little discoveries of Ed’s from 6 years ago. Despite a few repeated attempts, Ebi failed to please the freelance food critic with their takoyaki. It was a good thing Ed took little convincing to give Ebi another go. The girl behind the counter was very young and helpful. And it didn’t hurt that she spoke the language of the food she served. With our orders placed, we took a seat near the entrance. I wasted time by pointing out Ed’s age and how the girl at the counter was easily in elementary when Ed first visited.

It was clear his age is starting to bother him because he responded with a quick punch. I’m only grateful his strength is not as it once was.

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09.13.12
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Getting very Fresh with Local delights, Wild eh?

Fresh Local Wild
Burrard St & W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC

J: The Two Hungry Blokes were in Vancouver for a concert but with Ed’s mindset, we were staying for the food. I just wanted to get to the Georgian Court Hotel for a little nap but Ed planned a detour.

With a hop off the Skytrain, we disappeared into the Waterfront district and reappeared in front of a converted trailer where their title alone was too boastful to readily accept.

E: After seeing a segment on this street cart operation on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” I was hooked, lined and sinkered. I knew the next time I was visiting the Mainland, I have to go here above all else and try the chowder poutine.

What this operation has going for them is the perfect french fry. Although slightly over crisped, that’s how I like them. And the soft juicy clam morsels and the nector of the broth (salmon and cod were used) helped soften the crunchiness. The tender meats helped make a beautiful texture that I really enjoyed.

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09.11.12
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There’s a Japanese in the Village

Minato Sushi
Cook Street Village Food Court
1109 Mckenzie Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6040

E: I’ve most likely said this before and I’ll say it again, never leave the decision making of where to go up to James. First it was Fairfield, getting lost and giving up any hope of tracking down a place to eat in the old country, one of the first districts to be established since the city of Victoria’s inception.

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09.05.12
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Blk Water Hardly Stands Out

Thankfully, I don’t watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey and nor do I care that the show’s stars are involved in a promotion of a black water product called Blk. Now if it was the third installment of Men in Black promoting this particular beverage, the geeks might be sold. But this drink’s claims of rebalancing a body’s natural pH level is questionable when there are other methods to do the same thing.

Fulvic acid may have its uses in agriculture, but as a product to consume, that does not sound all that appealing. I’d rather look to aquaculture or even cocunut water to help satisfy part of my nutritional needs.

I’ll admit the black look for this Blk is very slick. Its packaging and design is trendy, but as for its taste: give me white grapefruit juice to sip instead. I prefer a pleasant aftertaste than something mildly metallic. The drink itself is slightly acrid and sensitive taste-buds may not necessarily enjoy it.

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09.04.12
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Fly over to Greece for Consistency

Victoria Greek Fest 2012
4648 Elk Lake Dr.
Royal Oak, BC

J: When Ed asked me if I would the return to the annual Greek Fest, my exuberance knew no bounds. To me the Greeks are a wonderful and beautiful people who I find have many similarities to the Portuguese and Italians. Many of them have a passion for food, love and their religion. The last of which I most admire.

I was hoping to find 2 out of 3 on the recent Blokes outing (I was already spoken for). My natural curiousity to view the grandeur that is the Greek Orthodox Church had not waned in the two years since my failed attempt.

On my stroll to the occasion I took a moment to observe the Churches of both peoples, the Greeks and the Portuguese, as they stood proudly against a Saanich summer sky. They reminded me more of two embassies than churches, steadfast and a better representation for their people than any diplomat could offer.

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08.27.12
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Oh My Paletas

Fruition Paletas
837 Fisgard St.
Victoria, BC
250-580-3934

On a warm August day at Bastion Square Market, having a delicious fruity ice pop from Fruition Paletas certainly hits the spot. The availability of certain flavours are seasonal, and I can easily see some ice pops sell out faster than others. The richness of the fruit and creaminess of the base product certainly had me polishing off the fruit on a stick in no time.

As August was ready to fade away and I was at the Intrepid Theatre looking to buy a few tickets to the Fringe Festival, I was told there was an “ice cream” shop nearby. Much to my delight was this operation’s storefront. Not many cart operations actually have a store to operate from and to know where I can get my fix without having to hunt is great.

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