12.06.23
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Confused? Well Don’t Be as The Wandering Mollusk is also Shuck Taylor’s (Diner) in #yyj

20231118_1427101324 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30
Website: https://wanderingmollusk.com
Shuck Taylor’s (@shucktaylors) — Instagram

The Wandering Mollusk catering (food truck style operation) has a base of operations, and Shuck Taylor’s is the place to get as many oysters as you can eat, if not more! Thankfully there are various ways to enjoy these molluscs, and whether that’s raw or cooked, this place has it all! That also includes plans on how to expand. The last time I was in, I asked if sea urchin was possible. They are considering it, but there are a lot of things to consider, namely in how to keep them fresh!

I can’t wait for that to happen, since it’s rare to serve them fresh from the shell. They have a limited shelf life once removed from the sea and kept in its natural state. But if opened and put into a deep freeze, that’s a whole different ball game. I had the opportunity a long time ago to see how that’s done (article can be read here) and that experience will never be forgotten.

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11.08.23
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The Lebanese Burger Mafia, A Movie Review

The Lebanese Burger Mafia PosterTheatrical Release Date:
November 10, 2023

Who doesn’t love a good burger? When there are tons of franchise chains operating out of North America, much less the world, there are tons to choose from. As for locally owned and operated, there’s only a handful. Some made the transition to being a recognised brand worldwide and others forgotten. For one filmmaker who says he’s the heir to the Burger Baron franchise, the big question is will he have full rights to this name? And that’s led Omar Mouallem to explore this operation’s history in his excellent documentary, The Lebanese Burger Mafia.

Here, he not only looks at the chain’s early days from being a one off fast food operation that has grown beyond its britches. It was born under the entrepreneurship of Jack McDonnell coming to Canada in the hopes of building a new enterprise to rival that of McDonald’s. To expand the operation, he hired relatives to run the many diners across the country, but when he didn’t have any more to depend on, it became a franchise. But pretty soon, that operation collapsed under the weight of growing too fast, and some years later, Rudy Kemaldean “saved it.”

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10.25.23
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10 Well Known Haunted Pubs and Restaurants in Victoria, BC, 2023 Edition

Scarey Victoria BCAlthough it hasn’t been ten years since my prior post about what are the most haunted restaurants in Victoria, BC, a lot has changed. Some have closed and for operations that have taken over the space, is it still haunted? The new managers aren’t saying, but I’m curious!

Most of the ghosts one may encounter aren’t malicious, but due to the nature of how we react when encountering something paranormal, to be fearful is a natural reaction! Also, there’s no such thing as real life ghostbusters and the best paranormal investigators can do is tell the wayward spirit that it’s best to move on and hope it does so. The stuff you see on television where folks are attacked are very rare, and in my opinion, mostly embellished. The stuff you see on the tube (or streaming) leans more on entertainment than anything else!

But for anyone looking for a supernatural experience, presented here is a list of operations reputed to have some kind of paranormal activity. To note, the operations located near Bastion Sqaure and Market Square perhaps has more ghosts per block than any other area! The 👻 rating is on the scale of out of ten for a chance of an encounter. The food review score is not included in this guide as they all offer fairly tasty delights, for any budget! Some I’ve reviewed before in this blog’s long history of being active. Links are provided where possible. Listed in no particular order are:

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10.18.23
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An All Hallow’s Eve Guide to Victoria, BC’s Best Events

For anyone planning their Halloween week somewhat late, we got a guide for you, as published on our sister site, Otakunoculture.com! Coming soon is a guide to haunted eateries. While it’s doubtful that you’ll get a supernatural encounter, maybe if you tip your waitress well, she may have a tale to tell that hasn’t been told yet from the fine folks of Ghostly Walks.

Instead of the Same Ol’ Same Ol’, This Year’s Scary Victoria Halloween Event Guide Tries to Be Different
10.04.23
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Not So Hot, When The Ingredients Are Wrong with The Hot Dog Guys’ Tillicum Operation

The Hot Dog Guys3170 Tillicum Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Menu: thehotdogguy.ca
Phone: (250) 882-7199

The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum Mall know their way around a good dog. The selection depends on what customers request or what’s on their menu, and they clearly have a passion for the craft. The catch is that their location inside the mall comes with limitations. For example, they can’t serve a true Chicago-style dog since they don’t have access to poppy seed buns, fresh tomatoes, or other toppings that require more storage and prep space.

I respect that they’re making the best of what they have, but the “mall setup” inevitably caps their potential. A great hot dog should have fresh toppings and some creative flair, and that’s difficult to deliver without a proper kitchen. While I enjoyed my visit, I left uncertain if I’d return—more because of the environment than the people running the place.

That said, the menu does tempt with regional inspirations like the Seattle Dog and the Portlander. Unfortunately, without the right tools, these creations don’t quite hit their mark. When I tried their basic dog, it was fine, but the roller-style heating left me wishing for something grilled to order. I imagine mall restrictions prevent them from cooking the way they’d prefer, which is a shame.

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09.20.23
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Esquimalt Ribfest 2023 Report and Picture Gallery

2023 Esquimalt Ribfest - 00Location: Bullen Park
1140 Lyall St
Victoria, BC

Date: Early September, following Labour Day weekend.

ES: Just how often one goes to Esquimalt’s Ribfest depends on whom you like as your go-to ribber. The staple ribbers like Boss Hogg’s will be there, and for new operations, Grizzly BBQ and Smoke Dem Bones stood out. When I’m going to a ribfest, I expect to find tons of beef, not pork! And when it’s in short supply on the last day, I can either adjust when I head down or consider “if only I’m in the mood.” 

Regarding the latter operation, Dem Bones’ brisket on its own was ok. It’s nothing to rave about when they didn’t get the buns out to defrost in time for Sunday’s early crowd and forgot to slather on the sauce in my order. After more than a decade of feeding this municipality, I think it’s time to reconsider why attending is a must. Thankfully, the addition of the Colossal Onion is a bit of a game changer, but not by much.

DK: Looking back at Ed’s 2021 review of us there, I see the highlights and lowlights of this event haven’t changed much. Colossal Onion continues to be a must-eat item for fair food fanboys such as ourselves. Ribbers without LAX-style lineups continue to be underwhelming. I think the event is, after 10 years in Esquimalt, still worth attending as a fun way to get out and contribute to a meaningful community fundraiser. As a foodie event, however, the excitement of its first year has worn off significantly.

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