02.22.12
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A Financially Lean Lunch

Culis Market
#153 – 2745 Veterans Memorial Parkway
Reflections Building
Langford, BC
(250) 590-8881

I was on special assignment recently. My job, if I chose to accept it, was to locate a lunchtime meal for under ten dollars. From Liberty Cafe to Renaissance Bakery, it wasn’t until I arrived on my home turf of Langford that I found that little bit of what I was craving. Culis Market offers a decent Vietnamese sub but I was after Anne’s (the owner) pork wonton. $5.99 was a deal I couldn’t refuse.

What Anne brought me was a large bowl one would normally find served in a Vietnamese restaurant. She fluttered about my table once she saw my camera — very little slips by Anne. My bowl was like a professional female model, you have to snap the photos before she loses steam.

I must admit this meal was traditional. There were several large pieces of wonton dumplings bobbing about. In decor, bits of chopped green onion and chop suey managed to hide themselves at the bottom. Perhaps a little of Kikkoman soy sauce would help liven it up.

The broth was very tasty. She was using a chicken stock and cilantro for flavour. It surpassed Fu Wah Express and Ming’s broth. But both of them could safely say they have more garnish.

The dumplings are supplied by Hung Kee Wonton and Noodle in Vancouver and I must admit it’s a heavier meatier taste. I found inconsistency in the manufacturing. Either there was pork or there was fat. I think that a little fat makes for a better flavour.

When I finished the meal, I was still hungry. But a big man like me can consume much in one sitting. Overall this is a nice meal for those looking for a fast lunch. The flavour is certainly there but traditional wonton isn’t my style. I’ve been spoiled rotten and it shows.

3 Blokes out of 5

Culis Market on Urbanspoon

02.14.12
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A Big Wheel Update

I returned to the area of Cook Street Village to return videos to Pic A Flic and do what I planned on since reporting about this diner, and that’s to order their double double… well, a double patty burger. It was certainly much more filling and tastier. I could taste the grazed beef difference because of the volume, and has much changed?

Not really. With more meat to evaluate, it could do with some veins of bovine fat or being cooked with walnut oil (to bring out the flavour). Also, the condiments were not evenly spread out, but aside from that, I must say I commend their customer service.

I distinctly remembered that I ordered a double but when I looked at my bill afterwards, I saw that I paid for a single. When went to the counter to ask if a double is indeed coming my way, I was treated to a huge surprise. Not only did the staff corrected my order, but they did not ask me to pay the $2.25 difference. I received a complementary milkshake. There was even an apology by the manager which I found cool.

And since I got to try one their shakes, I have something new to report: I loved it. It was rich, creamy, and thick. The chocolate was not too strong. It even did not melt at all in the 15 mins it took for me to finish it off while on the way to town.

I have to say Big Wheel earned a huge point in its favour that day.

Big Wheel Burger on Urbanspoon

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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02.07.12
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[Victoria Film Festival ’12] Food-related Movies made for Thought

Last year, I reviewed one food related film that was playing during the Victoria Film Festival. This year, there were more! I could have gone to them all but what stopped me was what something more intriguing: I had to decide between drama or documentary, and that was a tough one. I chose the latter because of the environmental messages being delivered.

The impact food wastage has on a global scale (and shortage too) is very serious, and I thought the documentary, Taste the Waste, made many important points that are also applicable in North America too. This movie primarily focuses in on the European Union. Just because one item in a packaged unit going to market looks like a mutant, it really should not be disposed of. That would put the rest of the good products in that unit to waste. With moldy products, that makes sense.

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02.04.12
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Puerto’s New Location

For the fans of Puerto Vallarta Amigos or for those of you who are just dying to jump the border in reverse for the taste of authentic Mexican food, Puerto will be opening up a new location sometime in February of this year. This time they’ve upgraded from a food van to a floating eating establishment on Fishrman’s Wharf in the picturesque community of James Bay.

 

01.28.12
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From Downtown to Small Town, Cook Street Village

2015 Update:
This operation has permanent digs at: 1017 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC
(250) 889-5803

E: Our rainy day in Cook Street Village wasn’t over. And even though I was technically filled, I can always make room for tacos! At $2.50 a piece, La Taquisa has won both my heart and my wallet. As pricy as one piece sounds, it’s worth it. They press each soft shell right there while you wait, lightly heat it up, and put a good heap of filling on top. I opted for the Okanagan Valley beef and I savoured the taste.

I could have bought more, but I was simply craving a simple dessert.

J: I was more worried about the rainwater dripping off the roof onto the press. I think a pool had formed and our tortillas were being mixed into it. But mother nature did me no harm that day. Perhaps if I was in Los Angeles.

E: I’ve been to as far down as Anahiem to sample a few of Mexico’s signature dishes. But until I see cactus listed here, what this location offers is B.C. raised, if not grazed, products. For the most part, I’m really liking it. Even two tacos makes for a typical lunch. But next time, I’m going for their $10 meal deal.

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