Category Archives: Annual Events

Events held yearlyor regularly throughout the year.

10.10.10
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Behind the Scenes of Peninsula Ribfest

Despite a few shortcomings about what I saw in the 3rd Annual Peninsula Ribfest from last month, I found myself enjoying my time at the airport. This area isn’t a place I regularly frequent, but for my time out—to get up and close with the man made beasts that can send man flying in the sky with two wings and a jet engine is uniquely thrilling.

That’s all part of the fun in going to Ribfest.

“The airport is a draw in itself,” says Rick Peters, event organizer. “You come in and see the various planes that are out here. We get reservations all the time at the restaurant and everyone wants a window seat to watch the planes as they take off and land.”

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10.10.10
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Afterthoughts on the Ribfest

The skies over the Victoria Airport was high with a lot of friendly, competitive, fun at the Peninsula Ribfest. The third annual event came and went, and just like any other party, it was not without its hitches. I saw some of them when I went there, and had a few things to say.

But after having had a chance to talk to Rick Peters, one of the event organizers and owner of RC Grillhouse and Lounge, I learned that a lot of those hiccups aren’t really their fault.

“The same thing happened last year,” explains Rick. “We originally had 35 teams in, but lost a lot of them because unbeknownst to us, there was a chef’s conference up island this year. We lost a lot of the major hotels. They dropped out 3-4 days prior.”

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09.13.10
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To market, to market

Goldstream Station Market
Every Saturday
10am – 2pm
June 5th – October 16th, 2010
Bryn Maur Rd.
Langford, BC

This little piggy went to market and boy did I come away with some goodies. The Goldstream Station Market was advertising a zucchini cook off and zuke races, but due to unforseen circumstances it turned into a zucchini show-off. With just Chef Dave Higgins exihibiting his prowress, I doubt anyone could stand up to this man after tasting his soulfull bruschetta. With the exception of the bread, all ingrediants were local.

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09.12.10
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Flying Away on a Rib and a Prayer


Peninsula Ribfest 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
#202 – 9800 McDonald Park Rd.
North Saanich, BC

Cloudy days make for a great outing to the boonies known as the Victoria Airport, but that wasn’t what drew me to the 3rd Annual Peninsula Ribfest.

Initially, I was going there to take some photos, as a favour for my photographer friend, Qué Banh, but since this event involved food, how could I not? And who doesn’t love smooth as silk ribs? You can suck on it, caress it, enjoy the velvety fine flavours of tomato sauces. Ooh, baby.

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09.06.10
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It’s all Greek to Us

9th Annual
Victoria Greek Fest
4648 Elk Lake Dr.
Royal Oak, BC

E: Rain or shine, the 9th Annual Greek Festival happened with a blast and I was ready to go opa instead of oh no. By the time I was out the door, it was raining.

When James and I arrived at the venue, I was immediately lured to the tents with the wonderful smell of lamb roasting on a spit.

J: I was definitely shouting Opa. With a little wine, some Greek food and being entertained by lovely belly dancers, I couldn’t ask for more. The last time I had visited these grounds, it was an open gravel lot.

But now a beautiful Greek Orthodox church stands here. It’s a vast improvement.

The rain didn’t dampen my spirits; in fact I’m a self-confessed rain lover. I was saddened however that Ed and I had just arrived at the tail end of the last show. The Greek dancers were wearing authentic costumes.

E: And I would’ve been amused if James got up on stage to dance with them. Especially with the amount of spirits he was having, but I digress.

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08.20.10
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There’s a Chili in the Park

6th Annual Chili Cook-off
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Langford, BC
 

I’m always on the lookout for a good satisfying chili and this cook-off gives me ample opportunity to find just the right mix. Sauce thickness, and the right combination of ingredients can make or break a bowl. A good spoonful has to leave a warm numbness on my tongue. It has to be spicy but yet show restraint, and let the other ingredients shine. Why enjoy it now only to pay for it later with a couple of stomach relief pills.

The park was adequately decorated with tents for the teams, bouncy castle for the kids and musical entertainment for everyone else. I stepped up to Rotary Club’s registration desk and paid an inexpensive sum of $5 to attend. In return I was given a spoon and a judging card. Both were my keys to new adventures.

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