Tag Archives: British Columbia

11.11.20
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Belfry’s Crush Fine Wine Auction Goes Online on Nov 30 to Dec 6

Job Posting – Manager, Community & Artistic ConnectionsStaff, volunteers and board members from Victoria ’s Belfry Theatre have been raiding some of this city’s best wine cellars to find rare and unusual wines to auction online for Crush 2020 presented by Odlum Brown Limited, the theatre’s premiere wine fundraiser.

This year’s lots will feature wine from France, Italy, California, British Columbia, Uruguay and two rare offerings of scotch whisky from Scotland.

Many of the bottles on offer are not available in liquor stores. Crush is the only opportunity to buy these bottles of wine – they have been held in private cellars, purchased abroad or were released in very small batches and subsequently sold out.

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09.24.20
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Rose Tints My World at the Vicious Poodle

The Vicious Poodle
726 Johnson St,
Victoria, BC

Hours:
Weekdays Noon to 10pm
Weekends: 11:00am to 10pm

On a quiet day, nobody would immediately know the Vicious Poodle pub is one of the new centres where LGBTQ can find terrific eats and enjoy an evening burlesque or drag show. One look at the menu, the focus is obvious. Also, the decor tells all. After my visit to nerd row, I was hungry and didn’t want to hit any of my regular food spots.

Any dining operation can struggle to stay afloat during a pandemic. Not every patron is willing to “come out” to support their favourite diner, especially with all the stay safe for your health restrictions in place. When owner/operator Socrates Diamant worked on converting the Sockeye Sushi Japanese diner (it had a lot of box seating) space and made it open spaced and inviting, my heterosexuality was not challenged. Instead, I saw my quest for perfect French fries ongoing. After the first bite, I was ready to sing ou la la and do the can-can.

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07.08.20
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A Fine Sült Pierogi Bar and More!

Sült Pierogi Bar
609 Yates St
Victoria, BC

Hours:
Thurs- Sat: Noon to 8pm
Phone: (778) 265-7858

Although not young by any means, a certain Pierogi Bar is hardly an old Sült. I’ve been meaning to try them out and they’re roughly a few years old. I’m not always interested in dumplings–there’s so much variety and it’s tough to beat mom’s wonton’s. Gyozas are a different manner, but for the traditional European version, I’m sure this place is terrific. However, after seeing that they’ve partnered with Papa’s Poutinerie, I had to walk in.

Going west–to downtown–has an all new meaning. It felt like I was entering a cowboy saloon. Although the operation was very empty at the time I was there (it was just as the city was entering stage two of reopening), the staff there was very friendly and I daydreamed “How the West Was Won” as I glanced at the menu. Food-wise, this meal was a poutine with garlic, bacon, cheese curds, sour cream, green onions and smoked sausage gravy piled on top. It was superb!

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06.10.20
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“Imagine” Spot Prawn Season in BC Starting Late …

Prawns | Sam Beebe | Flickr… will not prevent me from “breaking” quarantine to get my spot prawn on! It started this month for a variety of reasons, and when CTV News even reported the lineups on the mainland, all was quiet in my corner of the world at the operation where I get my seafood fresh. The succulent sweetness of this little crustacean is all I need to think about to make a beeline to Finest at Sea to pick up at least a pound’s worth for dinner tonight.

Along the way, I stopped by Imagine Studio Café for brunch–to get a bannock sammich–since I was waiting for the food truck in front of Finest to open. They have more take out random delights. The menu can vary day by day and as the name implies, it’s more of a learning environment for newcomers to the restaurant industry. Anyone who wants to cook up a storm here can.

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05.13.20
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A Blast with the Past with Mr Mikes

985 Whirlaway Cres
Langford, BC

Hours: 4–9p.m.
Phone: (250) 590-3222

Available for Take Out by phone (menu)

Going to Mr Mikes Steakhouse Restaurant is a blast of the past–a tradition from my youth. This franchise operation is renowned for their burgers and it was sad when they nearly disappeared from the local landscape in Victoria, BC in the late 80s. Like Fuddruckers, both operations were very well known and the quality was a step above what the fast-food joints offered. To make a comeback will be tougher.

I’m not just thinking of the current covid-19 stay at home order to flatten the curve and whether diners are fussy. This company needs an advertising campaign to let old timers like me (yes, I’m admitting it) that they are still around. Continue reading →

04.15.20
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[Victoria, BC] It’s Tough to Contain Starry Starry Skies Musical, Little Bird

Musical Theatre lovers in Victoria, BC and beyond can check out this local show that’s gone online! You can buy your virtual tickets on Starry Starry Skies website for multiple viewings in the three day window offered.

Ed Sum's avatarOtaku no Culture

By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Available for screening online on Starry Starry Skies’ website

When Starry Starry Skies‘ Little Bird leaves the nest, just what can our intrepid Robin Foster (Abby Corpus) do? She had an idyllic life in the farm state of Iowa, but she yearns for more. Her parents have her life fairly well charted, in hopes she’ll follow in their footsteps, but her life is defined by the music she loves. This country girl has a lot of rock-and-roll in her blood, and she decides to run away.

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