For pickle-lovers, what can be said for a small jar of tiny pickles when set up against the classic Bick’s? A lot if it’s a jar of gherkins from the famed Albert Heijn of Holland. These pickles have earned not only a place in my heart but in my fridge.
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.
A Little Taste of Italy
Pizzeria Prima Strada
2960 Bridge St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-4380
J: With our bellies empty and wallets full, Ed and I donned our tights and made the mad dash to Pizzeria Prima Strada. What was once a garage is now home to brick oven baked pizzas. It seems only fitting that the place which once tuned-up cars now services people.
And that’s a good thing because we were both in need of more than a regular service. With the amount of greasy pizzas both of us had consumed in the past, Ed’s rear end shocks needed replacing and I felt like a beat up 58′ Ford Edsel.
Part Fish Part Deux
Redfish, Bluefish
1006 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 298-6877
On my second visit to the diner that James and I began our culinary journey, I couldn’t help but notice that this operation’s computer system was down again. But at least their debit/credit card line worked. Either it’s just my timing or this place really needs to consider moving on up to more stable ground.
But I swear, timing is everything for finding tasty food here. I tried the Fanny Bay Oyster Sandwich ($10). and it was like a seafood version of a Philly Cheesesteak. Although I’m comparing the two like apples to oranges, I found the sandwich had more substance to it, than something tiny that James had.
There were at least three large oysters packed in this manwich and it had a lovely squish when I bit into it. And as I worked through the soft, light bread, the soft lemony taste from the onions proved I was eating a seafood sandwich. I don’t think I can eat any form of fried sea life without lemon.
Catering a way into my Heart
2012 Update: Sadly, this business has closed down but the chef continues to cater. If you have an event you wish him to cook for, you can contact him here.
Connoisseur Catering
2512 Bridge St.
Victoria, BC
Connoisseur Catering can easily run circles around the soups I’ve had before, and they do more than just cater soirees. They serve lunch to the masses in the industrial side of town. I’m somewhat of a regular here and visit when I can to get a Wild Buffalo Burger and a green salad tossed in a vinaigrette from Milan as my side dish.
I’ve rated their burger at my buddy’s burger blog and this time, I opted for something new, a white clam chowder. At $10.50 for both, I couldn’t stop spooning mouthfuls in fast enough. I haven’t had good chowder in ages, and the stuff I eat at Chinese restaurants (a different kind of chowder altogether) is just boring. Some restaurants do a decent job too, but usually, I find it’s not as good until you put in freshly ground peppers.
That makes for a huge difference. And a good chowder should be fluid. There should be just enough clams so l’m happier than a seagull after his next meal. But like a tootsie roll pop, after one lick I want to gulp it all down. After savouring this delight, the ambrosia can enter the great whale known as my belly.
A Night at Kazablanca
Editor’s Note: This business is no longer at the address listed below.
Kaz Japanese Restaurant
#100-1619 Store St.
Victoria, BC
N/A
E: After ten years and a switch in management, I must say nothing has changed at the Kaz. The food is good, the waitresses are pretty and the sushi is still top notch. But what happened to the tea?
J: The green tea was nice and hot but I found the brew to be a little weak. I prefer my tea stronger and after a number of disappointing sips, I put aside my cup and hoped it wasn’t a sign of what was to come.
I can safely tell you Kaz is definitely my newest choice for Ramen noodles. As a Japanese restaurant, you can have a plethora of dishes but a restaurant is incomplete without decent ramen noodles as your anchor.
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