Category Archives: Your Island Guide

Your guide to the best our islands have to offer.

10.02.10
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Small Bites

Bunnies Gone Wild

Coombs, British Columbia – Ex-University of Victoria feral rabbits appear to be causing problems to farmers in the area of Coombs. According to Barbara Smith, she returned from a trip recently to find at least ninety feral rabbits in her hay field. It is believed they escaped from the nearby government-approved rabbit sanctuary sometime within the last weekend. About thirty rabbits were shot on Smith’s land on Tuesday, September 28th. Smith since that time has been under siege by rabbits and rabbit supporters.
Source: Times Colonist

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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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07.13.10
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Food hopping in a July weekend

An old nursery rhyme comes to mind when James and I fanned out in search for some organic food goodness. The day was too nice to be indoors, so one piggy went to the market and the other one stayed home. Well, James hit a local farmer’s market near his home and I went to the Organic Islands Festival.

Yvonne joined us in this adventure and we found more than our wallets getting lighter by mid afternoon. With a hot sun beating down upon us, I felt more like one thirsty bloke.

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