Category Archives: Reviews

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

04.28.20
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Victoria, BC’s UNO Fest Goes Online, Y’know

You know it’s UNO Fest time when the end of April rolls around in Victoria, BC. Under normal situations, this would be a live theatre event taking place at venues across this city. In the midst of the current coronavirus-19 crisis where governments are encouraging their citizens to stay at home so avoid contact with possible carriers, just how entertainment gatherings are adapting is to simply go online! Plus, there’s free events on this festival’s Facebook page.

This event starts today, and when coming to the garden city isn’t possible, fans of solo theatre can check out this unique art scene from afar.

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04.15.20
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[Victoria, BC] It’s Tough to Contain Starry Starry Skies Musical, Little Bird

Musical Theatre lovers in Victoria, BC and beyond can check out this local show that’s gone online! You can buy your virtual tickets on Starry Starry Skies website for multiple viewings in the three day window offered.

Ed Sum's avatarOtaku no Culture

By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Available for screening online on Starry Starry Skies’ website

When Starry Starry Skies‘ Little Bird leaves the nest, just what can our intrepid Robin Foster (Abby Corpus) do? She had an idyllic life in the farm state of Iowa, but she yearns for more. Her parents have her life fairly well charted, in hopes she’ll follow in their footsteps, but her life is defined by the music she loves. This country girl has a lot of rock-and-roll in her blood, and she decides to run away.

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03.18.20
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Chestnuts or Peanuts Roasting on an Open Fire?

At the close of winter, I should have chestnuts roasting on an open fire to keep Jack Frost staying outside and not knocking at my door. The current COVID-10 crisis has many restaurants closing early or only offering take out. With many governments encouraging their citizens to stay at home until the situation is in control, yes this foodie review site will have to look into other creative options to continue generating content.

Fortunately, a few restaurants have been visited before the outbreak and they will be published alongside product reviews of snacking options I find at grocery stores; there’s usually something new to discover (especially at Fairway Market) to sample! That’s provided this operation can import them in.

Whether fresh-roasted garlic peanuts can help build my immunity or not, the added flavour will certainly give me a mild garlic breath! When I first discovered Watson Enterprises‘ LJK-Peanuts (Garlic Flavour), it was out of curiousity. When I was in Vancouver, T&T Markets had them in ample supply and buying two bags to return to Victoria with were not enough!

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03.04.20
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[Vancouver, BC] Nouveau Kokomo! Soba & Ramen in one place!

Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba
551 Seymour St
Vancouver, BC

Hours: 11a.m.–10p.m.
Phone: (604) 559-8872

When Japanese tradition gets nouveau, it’s time to hit the Kokomo! Japanese Chef Takuma Ishikawa invented the mazesoba dish and has expanded the franchise out to Vancouver. I’ve been busy of late with my other preoccupation (fandom/comic conventions) and when hunger strikes, I still pay attention to my foodie desires. This large diner has been the talk of the town since it opened two years ago. When I heard fellow Fan Expo Vancouver attendees talking about where to go for ramen, my ears perked. A hop, skip and jump of about four blocks had me faced with the difficult choice of which one of the three dishes should I have? Should I have ramen, a don or mazesoba?

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02.05.20
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[Victoria Film Festival 2020] Sovereign Soil, A Preview

Screening at the Victoria Film Festival with the director in attendance.

Feb 13 at 5:30 p.m.
The Vic Theatre
808 Douglas St,

Feb 15 at 12:15 p.m.
SilverCity Cinema #3,
3130 Tillicum Rd

If there’s one thing viewers can learn about Sovereign Soil, I firmly believe it’s in the pioneering spirit of those attempting to harvest where agriculture does not come easy. The area around the tiny sub-Arctic town of Dawson City, Yukon is not exactly the easiest land to work in. Some claim it is very rich in nutrients to grow crops in, but to toil hard to find those spots require more than using divining rods and laying a claim. Thankfully, the weather around here is not always cold year-round.

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01.22.20
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Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia, er Chiba! Vying more Sushi back in Victoria, BC

Chiba Sushi
2706 Government St
Victoria, BC

Hours:
Mon.-Tue., Thu. 11:30a.m.–2:30p.m.
and 4:30–9:30p.m. (Sat & Sun only)

Phone: (250) 383-9886

ES: For most of my life when challenging Victoria, BC’s crazy 7 point intersection and figuring out which way am I going, I always see Chiba Sushi. The thought of going into this operation crossed my mind and at least that decision is easier to make. This restaurant is cozy and blends a bit of the traditional–dining in a booth (shoes are taken off before entering)–with the modern. The atmosphere is better than that of  a wayfarer station. This place is almost overlooked because of its location. It’s been around for as long as I can remember. It may be older than me!

DK: I was 19 the last time I went to Chiba Sushi. New to town, and a tad naïve. I brought along a co-worker. I hoped it might be a date. She forgot her wallet. Her boyfriend picked her up. It was not a date. Ed, however, showed up with a cash card in hand and promised me his popcorn refill at a movie later. True love comes to those who wait, or popcorn and a friend at least.

Let’s continue to focus on the positive: Chiba makes a number of unique special rolls that are surprisingly satisfying. We sampled four rolls; the Mango and the Phoenix being clear winners. Both options are constructed similarly: something sweet, something tempura, something from the sea and some avocado. A winning flavour combo in both instances.

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