05.18.12
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James’ Pick of the Events – May, 2012

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.

05.14.12
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Fanny Bay Follies

Happy Hen’s Cafe
Fanny Bay Service
8256 Island Hwy S RR 1
Fanny Bay, BC
(250) 335-2200

A long trip up island will eventually mean some kind of rest stop. And when one of my friends announced the need for a break to stretch our legs, we ended up in Fanny Bay, the home of some of the world’s famous oysters. They’re known for their plump and delicate taste. While I generally love eating any oyster raw, this chance visit meant our discovery of a cozy diner in a building simply called Fanny Bay Service.

For $9, they have a great offer of six large oysters with fries and toast. There were also delectable burger offerings using ingredients like locally raised chicken, which tempted me, but I did not deviate.

We asked if the diner did take-out and huge points were scored for the fact that they indeed do. We simply opted for just the oysters. They were panko coated and pan fried to a tenderness that I really liked. These large pieces were freshly shucked and I could taste the difference. These oysters had a light juiciness that really hit the spot.

If I lived in the area, I’d be back for more. The locals seem to congregate there for some old fashioned home style cooking. I imagine this service station was once a home at some point; the main level looked like it was converted so it could be a grocery store and diner. The space is very large and can accommodate at roughly 24 people at a time. I really liked the earthy feel of the dining side of the space, and with luck, I hope to return for more.

4 Blokes out of 5

05.04.12
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Is Yogurt Food of the Gods?

Good morning to all of you. If you happen to live and shop in beautiful downtown Victoria, British Columbia, forget the weatherman. Look not to the skies today but something closer. If one inspects the streets we know and work on, one may find a Greek God giving out samples of yogurt. Who knew the Gods of Olympus had time for such things. And ladies, hands off the olive-oiled chest.

Victoria, B.C. – (May 3, 2012) – Hain-Celestial Canada, ULC, a leading natural and organic food company, will give away almost 2,500 tubs of The Greek Gods™ yogurt in downtown Victoria tomorrow Friday May 4th 2012 between 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Commuters can enjoy this delicious treat for free, while also meeting with ‘The Greek God’, who will bestow the yogurts upon Victoria.

“We are excited to offer people in Victoria a taste of our indulgent traditional Greek Style yogurt. The Greek Gods™ yogurt is a great option for a nutritious main meal or snack,” says Heather McTavish Taylor, Vice President, Marketing of Hain Celestial Canada.

The Greek Gods™ yogurt has five active and live cultures including probiotics and is available in four flavours – Plain, Honey, Honey Strawberry and Honey Vanilla. The 650g-sized containers will allow many residents of the beautiful island to enjoy this delicious yogurt.

Yogurt lovers can stop by the following intersections during their lunch break to meet The Greek Gods™:

• Fort Street and Douglas
• Government Street and Humboldt Street

For more information about The Greek Gods™ yogurt visit www.greekgodsyogurt.ca

04.30.12
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10th Annual Quadra Village Day

                            Would you like to volunteer for this event?

Contact:
Quadra Village Day Planning Committee
                            c/o Blanshard Community Centre
                            901 Kings Rd., Victoria
                            250-388-7696
                            quadravillage at gmail.com

04.30.12
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Dagwoods Cafe

Dagwoods Cafe
#133-622 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC
(250) 590-4342

When I’m flying about on a Sunday morning and looking for bargains, I tend to get hungry. Money saved can sometimes be money spent on a nice meal. I had already purchased my usual amount of samosas from the Goldstream Flea Market and baked goodies from Three Sisters’ Tea Tyme Treats (also at the market) before the craving hit.

I needed something to fill me with the energy that I was lacking. Dagwoods Cafe was within eyesight of the market and it was open (that’s always a bonus).

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