Kuma Noodle Japan
#215 – 1551 Cedar Hill Cross Rd.
Saanich, BC
(250) 590-3398
J: It’s not often one can be bought dinner for doing very little work. I managed to get away with that. I was originally meant to clean gutters at Ed’s home, but I was downgraded to moving kitchen appliances when a suitable ladder could not be located.
And for my reward Ed drove us to Kuma. He had avoided this place until a pair-up review was possible.
Cleopatra Hookah
and Coffee Lounge
732 Broughton St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-7240
E: Very rarely will I ever have the eyes of a hawk and spot a new establishment offering, of all things, something Egyptian.
James and I were leaving the downtown library when the arms of Cleopatra embraced me. Like Marc Anthony, I was drawn to her mystique, and this shop offered more than just coffee.
J: Cleopatra must like to leave furniture in places customers least expect. I was soon to learn this after almost tripping over a foot stool as I entered. The place was cluttered but the decor of red painted background with framed Egyptian art on papyrus was a nice touch.
Esquimalt’s Buccaneer Days
I may not have a peg leg but I knows a good pirate festival when I sees one. What true pirate can resist a fair? or refuse a pancake breakfast? A pirate has to have something to go down with the rum. Activities for the whole family including a parade, a craft and garden sale, children’s activity area and a Saturday night dance.
Vee Dub 9 Skateboard Competition
Much has changed since the days of being thrown from a banana board and today, the sport isn’t just for kids.
Island Chefs’ Collaborative Food Festival
What can be better than partaking in alcoholic beverages and food in the beautiful historic setting of Fort Rodd Hill. Names of the new businesses, the old establishments and the well established have served their wares at previous ICC Food Fests. Let’s hope for the sun on this one.
Christ Church Cathedral Community Fair
I can easily enjoy a good church social and the CCC’s Community Fair sounds very inviting. Here, I can look for local baked goods, And Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore will be performed. The Church has a strong history. They were graced 2 years ago by the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. In the 1960’s CCC produced a record of songs performed by choir boy Bill Dyson.
First Peoples Festival
In elementary school, I was read the stories of Raven, I was also taken to see the Aboriginal People’s exhibit at the Royal BC Museum. Here at the festival, I can relive some fond memories of observing wood carvers, jewellers, and weavers ply their craft. Also, there will be knitters from Cowichan Valley and shamans teaching traditional medicine.
Fernwood Bites 2012
Victoria’s neighbourhood of Fernwood is “distinct.”
Topped by the crown jewel that is the Belfy Theatre, this commuity offers a decent amount of fine businesses to patronize — Aubergine Specialty Foods, Fernwood Inn, The Little Piggy and Stir It Up.
Besides an excellent Vintage Fair, Fernwood Bites is a must attend. They offer many delights for attendees to savour. They have plenty of delicious food, fine wines and spirits. But it is the meeting of many creative individuals that make this scene an excellent venue for anyone to mingle in.
To those people who loathe the nightclub scene, this event is a refreshing salvation.
494 Old Island Highway
View Royal, BC
(250) 478-3121
I do not often head out to the outskirts of Victoria to dine, but when I am hanging out with PARAVI, Victoria’s homegrown paranormal research and investigation society, we visited Six Mile Pub to check out its supernatural history. Or for me, to check out one of their many flavourful burgers.
The first time I was here, I ordered their Guinness Cheese and Bacon Burger ($16.50) as a take out meal. I did not want to pass up the chance in case I did not return.
The singular large crisp onion ring really made this particular meal stand out, and I quite liked the toasty warm bun. I thought the meat was very tender. It tasted was like it was braised; the juicy softness complemented the added crunch very well. And the tanginess of this particular dry stout tasted light on the cheese.
G-12 1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6622
La Fiesta is a corner diner that I tend to visit from time to time, and I’ve always enjoyed their burritos. They’re super sized and it has been many months since my last visit.
The taco dinner platter ($10) I enjoyed consisted of two overstuffed tacos and a good heap of taters. In the menu, these potato tots are called Mexi-fries, Honestly, I do not think there is such a thing as a Mexican french fry. It may be an American invention.
I know what you’re going to say, “Why write an article about events in May when the month is more than half over?”
Well to be quite honest I didn’t give the idea of a monthly events breakdown much thought until today. And I’ll justify it by saying there are still plenty of juicy events just ripe enough to pick.
All British Field Meet, May 19th
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Vancouver, B.C.
http://www.westerndriver.com/?page_id=96
With both sides of my family originating in the United Kingdom, it’s only natural that I carry a fondness for items that remind me of home be it what I would like to call my Yorkshire cap (ala Last of the Summer Wine) down to my wool duffle coat. But to me, British automobiles have a downright attraction from the comfortable ride of the classy jaquars to spending a day in the country with your Morgan.
For the observer, ABFM will be paying tribute to MGB’s 50th but for the paticipant, there’ll be a GB motor car run to Whistler.
Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival, May 19-20
Topaz Park
Victoria, B.C.
http://victoriahighlandgames.com/
Highland games isn’t just for kilt-wearing kin, it can be for everyone. The exuding of strength in the games and the pride of Scotland in the traditional dances make this event hard to beat. And you watch, it won’t be long before kids adopt caber tag at the playground. I always thought playground games needed sprucing up.
Island Farms Victoria Day Parade, May 21st
Douglas St. (Mayfair Mall to the Legislature)
Victoria, B.C.
The floats, the marching bands and the clowns …. There is no better way to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria and our current monarch than with a street parade for the people.
Old-Time Barndance, May 26th
Edward Milne Community School
Sooke, B.C.
http://emcs.sd62.bc.ca/
If they are true to the old ways, perhaps they’ll have a very good caller. Although it is held at Edward Milne school, I’m hoping the decorations will leave little to the imagination. Why is it that I can never think of a barn dance without associating it with the Wingfield series? Maybe it’s because having people like Freddy and his nephews appear at a country hoot would be like someone spiked the punch.
Goldstream Station Market
May 26th
Bryn Maur Road
Langford, B.C.
http://goldstreamstationmarket.ca/
The annual opening of Langford’s own farm market and just within arms reach of my residence. I come here for the jams, eggs, tomatos and lovely cheeses.
Fawlty Towers 2
May 26-27
Sooke Community Theatre
Sooke, B.C.
http://www.sookeharbourplayers.ca/Home.html
After a successful premiere last year for the Sooke Harbour Players, Fawlty Towers (created by John Cleese and Connie Booth) has been brought back for a 2nd annual run. And with my holiday landing on at least one of the performance days, I’ll have a chance to get me some tickets.
