Category Archives: Reviews

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

08.24.15
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Ganbatte Kudasai Sushi Matsuri!

239 Menzies St.
James Bay
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-8110

J: It was a chance that Ed and I couldn’t miss. The city of Victoria — be it due to the improved air quality after the Vancouver Island fires or to an actual break in the weather — was cooler and bearable. Although I still prayed for rain, at least a plump (devilishly handsome) man like me could meet my best bud, pay him money owed before enjoying what this town had to offer.

After a stop at Curious Comics on Johnson Street, Ed felt hungry (I think receiving money makes it so). I must admit I felt peckish (giving money must have the same effect). I was determined to hit Sushi Plus but I had to compromise for Ed. I agreed on a Japanese restaurant I spotted in James Bay a week previous. It is run by Koreans but if you didn’t look at the menu one would hardly know. The restaurant itself is small and very intimate. I felt very much at home here.

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08.10.15
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Follow the Rising Water known as Yakona, A Documentary

Originally published on Otaku no Culture by Ed Sum

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Plays at Cinecenta
University of Victoria
Victoria, BC
Aug 11 7:00 & 9:15 pm

For other showtimes, please click here.

Not many documentaries can hold a viewer for more than 45 minutes. When one does, they are typically filled with narration to explain the purpose of why it is expanding an individual’s mind to the wonders of the planet Earth, or the universe. Sometimes, in a theatrical presentations like Yakona, the purpose is to captivate and let the viewer decide for themselves what the visual thesis is about. Through sound and image instead of narration (having this track would have been beneficial), a creation and apocalyptic myth are being forged about the San Marcos River (located in Central Texas) as it borne from springs in the aforementioned region to Spring Lake.

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07.28.15
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GottaCon’s Last Dance (2009 – 2015)

Article previously published by Ed Sum on Otaku no Culture.

gottacon RIP

The Geeks of Victoria will most likely be mourning a loss of a gaming convention. It did an admirable job of hanging on for more than five years. When compared to other nerdy conventions that ran in this city (toy shows don’t count), that’s twice the power but thrice the bad luck since it’s move from the Pearkes Recreation Centre. In a statement issued Monday evening, Gottacon Conventions will no longer be continuing. They cite financial losses and the lack of internal support to keep on going.

Hopefully other shows can help carry on the torch, as this city needs more geeks with power to keep nerdom alive.

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07.21.15
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Pier 66 is Home to Anthony’s Fish Bar

10492482_10205723565380872_8758731943997397702_nAnthony’s Fish Bar
Belltown
2201 Alaskan Way
Seattle, Washington
(206) 448-6688

Pier 66 in Seattle is home to cruise ships bringing people here to find fish n’ chips. Well not quite, but they do bring folks from abroad to this fine emerald city. Even the Clipper is located nearby to ferry Canadians home or Americans to the garden city of Victoria, and one of the first things some travellers think of is what can I eat that’s nearby? I’ve been to The Crab Pot for evening meals upon arrival, but when I’m heading home and my time is limited, I’d rather go take-out. Finding a snack at Anthony’s Fish Bar certainly fits the bill. The prices are a touch high since it’s right next to cruise ship central.

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07.13.15
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Flying Around in Search for Food Near Sea-Tac Airport

SeaTacCentralTerminal_2Sharps RoastHouse
18427 International Blvd.
(206) 241-5744

13 Coins
18000 International Blvd. #113
(206) 243-9500

When people are having a layover at Sea-Tac Airport and can’t really stray far, the options in what to eat nearby does not have to be limited to what’s contained within the busy lounge. Airport food is expensive and you hardly get the quality expected. As recently expressed on Reddit in a photo that went viral, one traveler bought one heck of a joke of a sandwich. If only he was able to go elsewhere. If time allows for leaving the terminal, especially at Seatac, the hotels nearby have their own in-house restaurants and five blocks further is Taco Time, Jack in the Box and Denny’s. They’re no better, but if you have coupons and enough time to head there, a fast snack can be purchased that can put that sandwich to shame.

When I was in the area, the question that ran in in my mind was in whether I could dine as cheaply as possible. The dollar exchange was not with me on this recent trip, but I had to be in SeaTac for a Doctor Who convention! The hotel chosen for this show makes sense for the people flying in from Britain. They don’t have to deal with the busy highway to get to the venue. Two operations caught my eye as I staked out the area. Both are popular amongst locals and of the two, I’d come back again to one more than the other.

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07.04.15
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Pike Place Market is a B*tchin’ Place for Biscuits!

Biscuit Bitch

Biscuit Bitch at Caffé Lieto
1909 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA
(206) 441-7999

Honestly, I think I’ve given up on trying to hit Bayou on 1st, located at Pike Place Market. Everytime I walk by there in the early morning, they are closed! Are they ever open on time, like 8am sharp? They are the closest place I can reach (before relying on Metro to hit the International district) to sate my crawfish craving whenever I’m in Seattle for a convention. One day, I will find it open, or else I’ll have to keep walking northwards to another inspired eatery (located inside Caffé Lieto), for other southern inspired fixins.

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