Tag Archives: Dinner

09.07.16
by

The Stubborn Chef 拉麵館 changes the Ramen Scene ‘Round with AsUsual Cafe – 老地方

stubborn_chefStubborn Chef – 拉麵館
AsUsual Cafe – 老地方
3960 Shelbourne St
Victoria, BC
(778) 432-3818

Only James can think Kuma Noodle Japan has the best ramen all around Victoria. He’s most likely right, but he’s not had the complete Japanese experience (I had it in Japan, a place he has yet to travel to). Yes, I’m relentless in teasing him about this fact and one year, we will visit the Land of the Rising Sun to sample the food together. Back in Victoria, in the meantime, competitors eventually will emerge to challenge my buddy’s statement.

Trying to schedule his willingness to go out with my Pokémon GO adventures (I need to fuel up somehow) is like dragging a closet gamer out of the comfort of his own home to see the light, er sun.

We have tried a few places together. Foo Ramen Bar has been running for a while and unless you know which Japanese restaurants to go to, they will have this common staple buried along with the Udon and Soba. Next to the Victoria Public Market downtown is Ox King Noodles. In Gordon Head, The Stubborn Chef specializes in a variety of noodles. James finally checked out this place during one of his rare departures from Langford. By then, I’ve been here for the third time. Interestingly, the chef is a third generation noodle-maker. He’s been trained by the best and I’m glad he’s settling into the Gordon Head culinary landscape. The folks who ran this operation used to operate out of Chinatown in the past five years. And when it was sold a few years ago, I’m assuming the change of pace is because this municipality is closer to home. There’s less distance to travel. I’m thinking the owner/operator is taking a cue from James’ book. Why travel far when you can enjoy the comforts of home?

Continue reading →

08.31.16
by

The Road to Germany at Rathskeller

rathskeller13

The Rathskeller Schnitzel House
1205 Quadra St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 386-9348

J: After eating our weight around Victoria and up and down this island, I’ve grown a little tired of the local restaurant scene. There are some good places, but in order to really get a large variety of restaurants, I would have to leave this city for greener pastures.

E: And before we see some old establishments completely disappear, I suggested that we visit the only one German Restaurant before it completely closes. The Times Colonist reported the news that this establishment will be closing, near the end of the year — and the faithful will be coming here to feast for perhaps one last time.

J: That is why I was eager to check out this Bavarian restaurant I forgotten. It has been in this city for over 40 years and this was my first time stepping onto the premises. But not Ed, he’s a veteran.

E: I’ve been here a few times, and generally enjoyed the food. This was before Two Hungry Blokes started, and while I did not think the food was exceptional, I had to see if anything has changed in the years that passed. There are a few Polish diners in town that I enjoy going to more. I was Hungary for something unique I don’t often find elsewhere. The last time I enjoyed a truly enjoyable German meal was in Leavenworth, Washington where I got Amadeus to “feed me.”

Continue reading →

08.31.16
by

Part and Parcel Hits Home & Out of the Park!

IMG_20160803_190109406

Part and Parcel
2656 Quadra Street
Quadra Village
Victoria, BC
(778) 406-0888

Quadra Street Village keeps on changing with the times and my pal, James Shaw, is being left behind. That is, he does not keep up with what’s happening here as much. I’m here a bit more often than he because this particular Fairway Market is the largest operation out of those I’ve been to (unlike others, and before Shelbourne got theirs built, they have a fully functional kitchen) and Epic Games is here. With Pokémon GO being all the rage, I have reason to be here more often. It’s a Clefairy paradise, and I was smitten with love for the newest eatery to set up shop here. On this special occasion, the Victoria Fringe Festival is taking place with The Roxy aka Blue Bridge Theatre as an official venue, and I knew I had to return to this particular establishment!

Part and Parcel is aptly named for daily specials that can easily be packed up for lunch later on or to eat on the go. I was greeted with a smile, since I was recognized as not being a regular, and the service was great even on a busy day. Their menu often changes, so like hunting Pokémon, what you find coming back does not necessarily have to be the same ol’ same ol’.

Continue reading →

08.10.16
by

[Vancouver, BC] Going Back in Time with The Templeton

Templeton3The Templeton Restaurant
1087 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC
(604) 685-4612

E: Lining Granville Street are numerous eateries of various design. When James wants to go cheap, he certainly knows how to find ’em, and sometimes I feel reluctant to go the route of just the basics, ma’am. In a diner that’s been around since the 20th century (the 1940s), that’s not too much of a bad thing.

For a late night snack, I can appreciate The Templeton for what it is. But I will have to give James the evil eye for not being willing to put up with the lineups at the Fritz European Fry House cause I was tempted by the New York style presentation of what looked like delicious fries… the only deterrent was my appetite since James could eat a whale, and I was thinking of splitting the order.

Continue reading →

08.03.16
by

[Vancouver, BC] It’s Not Hard to Put on a Smile on Camera

smile-diner

Smile Diner
424 W Pender St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 681-9911

E: Smile, you’re on candid camera! In this case, that’s the name of this diner that has been used in many a television production. This operation certainly has a vibe to being used in front of a camera. One such show that’s been said to have featured this diner is Delete, a sci-fi drama that featured Janet Kidder, Jaylee Hamidi, Jessica Lee, and Mike Azevedo. Another program was Caprica and I’m sure if you look carefully, its exterior might be noticed from afar in productions like CW’s Arrow.

I may have to start looking back at programs filmed in Vancouver just to see what other shows used this pleasant and cozy place. For me, it was like going back in time to a simpler place for some good ole’ fashioned eats.

Continue reading →

07.27.16
by

[Vancouver, BC] Late Night Bites at Urban Fare

qTlEcbqD_400x400Urban Fare
305 Bute St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 669-5831

J: I’ve been to many supermarkets and some impress me with their food, some impress me with their services, and some impress me with both. And while Ed and I were in Vancouver staying at the Marriott Pinnacle, I found a supermarket with all the qualities I was looking for. Urban Fare on Bute is pleasing to the eye both in their food selection and the design of the store. It doesn’t have that giant American supermarket feel.

It feels more intimate and it won’t be causing this Hungry Bloke any stress should I shop here. And it is not just the layout of the store that makes me feel welcome, the staff were exceptional in their service and very warm to a stranger like me. I’m glad I took the initiative and investigated this place for a bite to eat. Ed, fortunately, had both legs to walk in the store with had he not gnawed them off during his food deprivation.

Continue reading →