Category Archives: Your Island Guide

Your guide to the best our islands have to offer.

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).

06.28.11
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Fernwood Bites Back

Fernwood Bites 2011
Fernwood Square
Victoria, BC
June 26, 2011

E: At the rate I was flying on a Sunday, the early evening couldn’t come any sooner. Expectations were very high between James and I for Fernwood Bites, and I must say, we weren’t disappointed. It helped us identify what the best of Fernwood is all about: locally grown products and innovation.

Aubergine Speciality Foods, a quaint grocery store, was our first stop and we were greeted with rustic tomatoes and Cherry Coke from Great Britain!

J: I was keeping my eyes on the groceries from the UK, the locally grown produce and those South African teas. But let’s not forget the baked goods and fair trade coffee. Mmmm, cookies with macadamia nuts.

I walked away with something for almost everyone in my family. My dad loved that Heirloom tomato.

While Ed rushed off after forgetting his wallet and apparently his pants too (he was flashing knees in khaki shorts), I took my mark near the Fernwood Bites starting line.

Continue reading →

06.26.11
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Fernwood Bites 2011, this coming Sunday.

Well, not quite, but yes, James and I will kick-start the summer (at least) by attending Fernwood Bites 2011. This local event returns for its second year, and we’re already donning our bibs in preparation. I don’t know if I can convince James to sport a bonnet to celebrate his Scottish heritage, but we’ll see since this year’s event promises to have more wine tasting.

But for me, I’m looking forward to sampling what Kulu Restaurant, The Parsonage Cafe, Stage Wine Bar, and The Superior will offer. They’re just a few names out of the many that will be present.

And upon entry, I’ll most likely make a beeline to the Sea Cider Farm’s table. I bought a jar of hickory smoked sunflower seeds from them last year at the Organic Islands Festival and Sustainability Expo, and that barely survived a week. Although I don’t expect to see them selling a complete line of their other products, anything can happen. I’m already curious to see if I can find the elusive huckleberry when that Expo returns in 2012.

06.25.11
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There’s Always Room for Bacon


Two Hungry Blokes will be getting our fill of Freybe’s back bacon courtesy of Thrifty Foods’ 8th Annual Back Bacon Breakfast. Bunwiches with back bacon, lettuce and tomato will be served to support the Queen Alexandra’s Jeneece Place and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 30th from 6am – 10am at all Thrifty Foods’ stores.

05.31.11
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Goldstream Station Market 2011

Saturdays
10 am – 2 pm
May 28 – October 22, 2011
Bryn Maur Rd.
Langford, BC

I welcomed the return of the Goldstream Station Market and not even the rain could dampen my spirits. Many familiar faces from the local farming community, as well as talented crafters, were on hand to hail the start of another great market year.

The Shriners’ Clown Unit were out in full force sans makeup for the sake of collecting for charities. And with their old train on site (actually it’s just a vehicle with a steam engine facade), one couldn’t help but marvel at this Victoria Day parade veteran. With a pitched tent out the back of the caboose, the Shriners were ready to deliver some barbecued goodies. Continue reading →

04.06.11
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A Couple of Delicious Fundraisers

This one almost slipped my radar but thanks to Stephanie of Cupcakes & Sundry, I managed to home in on it. For those people who live in the greater Toronto area, this Sunday April 10th there were be multiple bake sales to help raise funds for the Japan earthquake victims. Some of the best bakers in the TO area will be selling off delicious goodies for only a fraction of the cost.

There is also live music and pieces of artwork will be auctioned off. Come out and show your support for those in need.

Stephanie of the Cupcakes and Sundry food blog will be selling her wares at the Liberty Noodle from 11am to 3 pm.

On Saturday, April 16th, the Langford Fire Hall #1 in Langford, British Columbia will be hosting a Book & Baked Goods Sale from 9am to 2pm. All proceeds go to support a family with one final wish.

Donations of monetary value or book sale items may be made by contacting Rebecca at 250-920-8433. Please only donate what would be sellable.

Special thanks for this fundraiser go to the Langford Fire & Rescue and the Langford Women’s Auxiliary.