Tag Archives: Downtown Victoria

09.15.13
by

Impressions of the Victoria Public Market


#6-1701 Douglas St,
Victoria, BC

Tues to Sat: 9:30am to 6:30pm
Sun: 9:30 to 5pm

The Victoria Public Market finally opened its doors to let locals into its interior. On opening day, the vibe was exuberant. I liked the feeling of how expansive the main floor was but I’m unsure of the industrial look it had along the ceiling. I didn’t feel like I was being shot backwards through time and emerging into an ancient courtyard where traders and farmers would sell their wares to commoners. Okay so I’m no Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, but I could at least hope that I would feel like a fur trader coming to ply my wares in exchange for my next day’s meal.

Continue reading →

09.12.13
by

Forget Hot Dogs! Go Chorizo!

El Guapo Chorizo Grill
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
1701 Douglas St.
Victoria, B.C.

While at the unofficial outdoor version of the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, which has been pushed back to September 14th, I thought having it outside felt more natural. Markets should be open and inviting. I’d say about a dozen vendors were here selling wares ranging from specialty cheeses to organic greens. There were two food vendors that drew my attention. The first was the Smokin’ Bones which I took a lukewarm interest in but the other, El Guapo, oh my! I was drooling before I even arrived in front of the operation.

The scents coming from the BBQ had me eyeing the fresh friorelli peppers being offered for sale on top of what was being cooked. The chorizo sandwich ($7) just looked tempting and before I knew it, I was whipping out my wallet and smacking my lips at what I saw being roasted. I’d have to say the cook behind the grill can serve up a mean bun. It was warm to the touch and crisp to my lips. I was smacking them after every bite to ensure not one drop of that olive oil taste was missed.

Continue reading →

08.21.13
by

Brickyard Pizza Doesn’t Always Slice

BrickYard1Brickyard Pizza
784 Yates St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 995-2722

E: One free movie and pizza night sounds like a good deal to me. I had a pass to an advanced screening of The World’s End and James had one for The Brickyard. And for once, that was a plan worth putting together. Who doesn’t want to have an all expense paid free night in downtown Victoria?

J: I won these coupons at one of Brickyard’s few Cosplay parties. I’ve heard differing opinions about Brickyard but a lot of it was positive and those that were in the negative were not horror stories. Brickyard seems to me to be a good choice for a bite before we attend The World’s End (I always wanted to say that). I was craving Hawaiian but silly me left the decision to Ed like it was his birthday.

Continue reading →

08.20.13
by

Where Has the Market Gone?

Some massive confusion may exist over what is happening over at The Hudson. James and I have been talking about it between ourselves for the past two months, but on August 15th I finally found out. I’m not always downtown to observe what’s happening. The Times Colonist article has put to rest that detail: the official grand opening is on Sept 14th, 10am, “with Victoria’s poet laureate Janet Rogers, as well as drumming, cooking demonstrations by chefs at the community kitchen, children’s activities and music throughout the day,” said Philippe Lucas, chairman of the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society.

Continue reading →

07.27.13
by

Victoria Street Food Festival Part Deux Gets Better

July 19 & 20, 2013
Centennial Square
Victoria, BC

I’m glad that the Victoria Street Food Festival managed to shake off the cobwebs on the second day of celebration. Even though that happened a week later, from its inaugural July 19th start, the vibe I felt while here at 3pm was far different than the one James and I experienced a week ago. He couldn’t make it this time ’round due to work, but I had to come back for a second day and give this event a chance.

Continue reading →

07.24.13
by

Growing Pains & Staffing Shortages for Victoria’s First Street Food Festival


July 19th and 24th, 2013
Centennial Square
Victoria, B.C.

 E: On a bright hot day, Victoria’s First Street Food Festival started off with a bang. That’s what I hoped happened and that’s what I heard when a hungry lunch crowd roared out of the office and towards Centennial Square (now known as Spirit). I’m sure there were lineups everywhere, and the wait was at least 15 minutes for a hot dog, burger, pizza, poutine or waffle.

When photographer Yvonne Fried, James and I showed up ’round 3pm, I thought things were quiet. Maybe, too quiet? I had to wonder what the hungry crowds of pac-men (and women) were like during rush hour.

Continue reading →