Category Archives: Your Island Guide

Your guide to the best our islands have to offer.

02.08.12
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Ferris Oyster Bar’s Day Off

E: Late Saturday evening was ablaze with several fun-filled activities for James and I. Amazingly, I dragged him out from work and into downtown Victoria for two after-parties. It was the second day of the Victoria Film Festival, and it was far better than I had imagined.

After a busy day, I waited for James at Absolute Underground’s Lloyd the Conqueror screening pre-party shin-dig ….

J: And I was fashionably late as usual. I was eager to mingle with some very talented and creative people; I hadn’t done so since Victoria’s Celebration of the Body. I prefer a good social party over a booze-up any day. Some of us are incapable of drinking pints of beer while standing on our head unlike my writing partner.

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09.06.11
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Greek Fest 2011

10th Annual
Victoria Greek Fest
4648 Elk Lake Dr.
Royal Oak, B.C.

Either James is still recovering from our last outing or he’s hard at work at his day job, while I’m partying like it’s 1999. My counterpart is showing his age and slowing down, but yet, I’m moving at warp speed and I’m older!

Sunday’s weather topped at 25 degrees Celsius when I was at Greek Fest 2011. I met up with Mike from 28 Days Later Analysis, the horror news and reviews website, to hang out with and to enjoy the atmosphere. But more importantly, I didn’t want to miss out from what I didn’t try last year.

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09.01.11
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How to do the Victoria Fringe Festival: Going Japanese?

The Victoria Fringe Festival has grown and so has my waistline. With this event celebrating its 25th year, I knew this was one party I couldn’t miss. When this event has regular venues that remain consistent every year, one thing I will often do his hit familiar dining spots to satisfy my appetite. Fast food does not always mean hitting burger joint. Maki Rolls are considered fast food in Japan, and while there’s no option for Takoyaki here in Victoria, there are a few establishments to get a quick bite in before a show. When the Metro Studio, St. Andrews (Downtown Victoria) and Langham Court Theatre (Oak Bay) are very close by, there’s a few places nearby to get a snack in.

In Gordon Head, where St. Michael’s Richmond Campus lay, there’s even Fujiya’s Grocery. This place is well-known for churning out meals by the truck-load. They close at 7pm.  Herein contains my picks for folks looking for a bit of Nippon for their Fringe show for this year and beyond, as these operations show no sign of closing.

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07.16.11
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My Samosa

Goldstream Flea Market
Every Sunday, 9am – 3pm
679 Goldstream Ave.
Goldstream Masonic Lodge
Langford, B.C.

Ooh my little pretty one, pretty one. When am I going to have some time, samosa?

If you hurry on down to the Goldstream Flea Market, you’ll meet a very unusual vendor. She’s not unusual for her taste in clothes or for her hair but she is unique for the food she serves. She deals in Samosas. These little curried pastry puffs were the creation of her husband.

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07.04.11
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Ed’s Summer Daze

The summer may have kicked off just over a week ago, but for me, the season doesn’t start until the Canada Day long weekend. I must admit, I felt like a bear waking up from hibernation, and it takes a long time to get me going. When I do, I’m like the wind. Wherever life goes, I have my nose and stomach guiding me.

This past weekend, the Inner Harbour was abuzz with people checking out the last of the celebrations and the nice day had me lumbering around town. I had to see what the markets in the bustling city core had to offer.

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07.02.11
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Thrifty’s Back Bacon Day

b0180-thrifty2b008J: I only had one thing on my mind the day before Canada Day and that was back bacon! The idea of heading down to Thrifty Foods for some BBQ grilled Freybe’s back bacon. It had my mouth watering. I arrived at their Colwood location with money to donate (it’s suggested in their advertising).

E: And for those roosters out there, a great way to start the day. I’m more like the owl and I was yawning all the way to take a look at what’s happening at the Tuscany Village and Saanich Centre location since they’re nearby.

For this event, it’s all about location, location, location … any other detail doesn’t matter.

And quite simply: helping local communities. In Victoria, the money raised will go to Jeneece Place and on the mainland, to the BC Children’s Hospital. It’s great to see these grocers support these local causes.

J: And goodness knows I did my part. But I was a little disappointed I could only eat two before my stomach said, “no more!” Come on stomach, the back bacon was delicious! The staff were very friendly and I chatted with a few of them. But alas all good things must come to an end. Work was calling and I had to shuffle off (which was all I could manage on a full belly).