Read along as we seek out the best of what the British Columbia coast (and beyond) has to offer.
An old nursery rhyme comes to mind when James and I fanned out in search for some organic food goodness. The day was too nice to be indoors, so one piggy went to the market and the other one stayed home. Well, James hit a local farmer’s market near his home and I went to the Organic Islands Festival.
Yvonne joined us in this adventure and we found more than our wallets getting lighter by mid afternoon. With a hot sun beating down upon us, I felt more like one thirsty bloke.
Pizzeria Prima Strada
2960 Bridge St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-4380
J: With our bellies empty and wallets full, Ed and I donned our tights and made the mad dash to Pizzeria Prima Strada. What was once a garage is now home to brick oven baked pizzas. It seems only fitting that the place which once tuned-up cars now services people.
And that’s a good thing because we were both in need of more than a regular service. With the amount of greasy pizzas both of us had consumed in the past, Ed’s rear end shocks needed replacing and I felt like a beat up 58′ Ford Edsel.
Redfish, Bluefish
1006 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 298-6877
On my second visit to the diner that James and I began our culinary journey, I couldn’t help but notice that this operation’s computer system was down again. But at least their debit/credit card line worked. Either it’s just my timing or this place really needs to consider moving on up to more stable ground.
But I swear, timing is everything for finding tasty food here. I tried the Fanny Bay Oyster Sandwich ($10). and it was like a seafood version of a Philly Cheesesteak. Although I’m comparing the two like apples to oranges, I found the sandwich had more substance to it, than something tiny that James had.
There were at least three large oysters packed in this manwich and it had a lovely squish when I bit into it. And as I worked through the soft, light bread, the soft lemony taste from the onions proved I was eating a seafood sandwich. I don’t think I can eat any form of fried sea life without lemon.
From one food sampling event to another, James and I are planning on hitting Fernwood Bites. Well, that’s assuming there’s still tickets left. Like the ICC Fest, this one has an impressive list of vendors. Unlike it, this one’s exercising crowd control.
Tickets are $35, and they can be bought at Lucy’s in the Square, Fernwood Inn, Cornerstone Cafe and the Fernwood Community Centre.
In this inaugural event, there’ll be plenty to do, like live music to dance to and a silent auction to spend your money on. Not only will it expand our already growing waistlines but also contribute to a good cause. It’s a fundraiser for a much needed Fernwood Neighbourhood Chest Fund. It’s designed to help the community grow and use in times of need.
So shake your tail feather, and let’s support our local communities.
Unfiltered Fireweed Honey
Sea Bluff Farm
565 Wootton Rd.
Metchosin, BC
(250) 590-7415
Much can be said about consuming the golden smoothness of unfiltered fireweed honey. I purchased a large bottle ($20) from Sea Bluff Farm and I hope there’s enough to last me awhile. I could see the lighter yellow of the honey inside the mason jar. To me, unfiltered means all natural, including all the stuff the bees leave behind, so why mess with a good thing?
While Fireweed is considered the most sought after honey available, I definitely wouldn’t ignore other types. The taste of honey can vary depending on the region and the process used by the beekeeper.
Since I’m British in descent, I decided to have my first taste by using the tried and true toast with tea method: A cup of Red Rose and two slices of buttered toast. I spread a good amount of honey on my toast but I refrained from drowning the two slices. With unfiltered fireweed honey (or at least with Sea Bluff’s) you need to avoid being overpowered by the natural sweetness. The delicate taste will trick you.
I settled in for a bit of heaven. I quietly wondered if bees have tea breaks? Has a bee ever been fired for dipping into the company vat? Do ants go to discos? The strange things one thinks when under the influence of tea and honey.
Shopper’s Tip: When purchasing honey in the province of B.C., it is always a good idea to support our own bee keepers by purchasing their products.
For more information on local beekeepers or beekeeping visit the Capital Region Beekeepers Association.
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.
