04.07.11
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Trip the Fountain Fantastic

Fountain Diner
#102-2800 Bryn Maur Road
Langford, BC
(250) 590-6130

I said I was going to return to Fountain Diner for their lunch and boy was I surprised…at the line-up.

But once more, my parents were in tow as willing test subjects. Breakfast before was a disaster but what about lunch? I had seen Fountain’s previous advertisement for line cooks and I hoped it was of some good. I wasn’t willing to look my dad in the face for a second time just to see his disappointment.

I ordered their ‘Bad Ass Burger’ with fries that came to a slightly higher price of $12.49. It came with the usual trimmings of tomato, lettuce, mushrooms and cheese under a whole wheat bun top. An addition was red onion rings and bacon. Perhaps ‘Bad Breath Burger’ would be a more suitable name.

It’s not hard to make a burger but for some it’s harder to make a decent one.

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04.07.11
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Taste That Took the Wrong Fork In the Road


Crossroads Bar & Grill

1889 Old Island Highway
Colwood, BC

Update:  (07/28/12) – Crossroads Bar & Grill is no longer at the 1889 Old Island Highway location.

Update: (0524/11) – Following the recent post from the owner of Crossroads Bar & Grill, I want to state clearly that the name of the “House Burger” information was given to me by their server on the night in question. I took that info in good faith but I have now been corrected thankfully by Crossroads. It is not their House Burger but their “Fundraiser Burger.”

Some people follow the philosophy that some things should be best kept a secret. And on many occasions I’d agree, but this time I can’t. I can no longer keep this secret.

It took place last year. I was invited to an evening fundraiser for a junior football team by a friend. The event was to take place at the Crossroads Bar & Grill. Tickets were roughly $20 which included a meal. Now don’t get me wrong, Crossroad’s has a nice look to it both inside and out although a little cramped for a guy like me. You only had to partially fill the bar to have me bump into waitresses and punters. Or maybe I’m just used to walking about like Godzilla minus the swinging tail. But it was the meal itself that keeps me from returning.

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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.

03.30.11
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Salty’s Service Makes Mealtime Mediocre

Salty’s Fish & Chips
738 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC
(250) 474-6662
When one mentions “chippy,” what pops to mind isn’t some chubby cherub dressed in school uniform with his own BBC sitcom. Fond memories of indie shops with cod and chips served over counter, wrapped in newsprint, are lovingly recalled. To me, it’s a slice of heaven and for a time, it was named Gosworth Fish & Chips. Finding oneself a nice shop with a friendly proprietor is gold — and one can only hope it’s there for generations to enjoy much like The Golden Fish Bar in Central London.

Salty’s is a chippy of some form, but it’s more of a seafood restaurant with decent interior. The business just pushes British as you walk in. A film poster of Norman Wisdom, autographed photos from Coronation Street and wall hangings of various British regions can give an air of familiarity to British born or raised. Salty’s even carries copies of the British Columbian for an ex-pat (or ex-pat at heart) to read while waiting for a meal.

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03.23.11
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Doo-Wop Dinner

Zellers Family Restaurant
Tillicum Centre
Suite 1444, 3170 Tillicum Rd.
Saanich, BC.
(250) 385-6623

J: I had a great time seeing Tron Legacy 3D with Ed (see his review of it at Linear Reflections), it was only natural to think of food. Practically any activity will make Ed and I hungry. Whether it’s working hard, wandering around town, watching a good movie, thinking of food, eating of food or just breathing.

So after two hours in a comfortable seat, we had the urge to shake our legs in the direction of the Zeller’s Family Restaurant at Tillicum Centre.

Now you may ask “what’s the point of writing a review for a restaurant that might be gone in a year or two?” My answer would be it’s here now and not all Zellers stores will be closing (to my understanding). I was a regular at the diner in the Hillside Centre location during the late 80’s to the early 90’s. I’ve always looked forward to many tasty burgers and quick chat served up by bionic waitress June. In the Tillicum location, they copy a 50’s nostalgia in decor and that suits me fine.

E: I can certainly say both places had a similar style of decor and I felt out-of-place. There were mostly seniors about. At least here in Tillicum, nothing much has changed. Continue reading →