Tag Archives: Downtown Victoria

12.29.10
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Wooden Shoes Not Included

The Dutch Bakery & Coffee Shop
718 Fort Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 385-1012


J: I’ve heard of the Dutch Bakery. And on the days I’ve strolled down Antiques Row, I would often see the delicious pastries tempting me from the display window.

But never have I stepped into the establishment. Me, a man born and raised in this fine city was completely unfamiliar with this place. I learned that in 1955, Cornelis J. Schadelee bought a failing coffee shop and turned it into one of the most successful independent businesses in the city. As I entered this bit of Victoria’s heritage, it was bustling.

People were queued-up to buy pastries for Christmas. Others sat in the diner that has changed little in appearance.

The diner was decorated in Dutch-themed wall hangings. Large black and white photos depicting the business history adorned one wall.

One would think Dutch Bakery takes great pride in their past.

E: I can only imagine what being here must be like when those meat pies are fresh out of the oven. Most of the time, when I want to treat myself, I pop in to grab one and delight in the buttery tenderness of the pastry they use to make these heavenly pies.

At $2.30 each, I can easily stop in anytime. Today, after bumping into my ol’ schoolmate, Shane Priestly, while heading there, all three of us sat down for a spell and enjoyed some good times reminiscing amidst the holiday rush. Both Priestly and I are recent graduates from Camosun College’s Applied Communication Program.

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12.07.10
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Here We Come a-Waffling!

West Coast Waffles
1235 Broad Street
Victoria, BC
250-590-3400

Waffles are often tricky to make, and while the majority of what I’ve tried is of a simple design—based on what a motel can offer cheaply—to have the real deal requires the love of grandma’s home cooking or the imagination of West Coast Waffles.

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09.21.10
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Dining for the Undead

Fan Tan Cafe
549 Fisgard Street
Chinatown District
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-1611

J: It was dinner and a movie day. Ed and I were to be used as extras in a local indie zombie film. But before we reached the set, a little stop over in Chinatown was in order. Becoming the undead is hungry work and what better to serve two overweight zombies than brains in a bowl of broth.

E: Well, you were the sound man, and I was the hungry zombie. And, y’know… those dumplings that are found in won ton noodle soup are like little brains. They’re juicy, delectable and plump. And the best part, no humans were harmed in the making of this review. Well, maybe some pigs and sea life.

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06.28.10
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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.

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05.24.10
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Carribean Cooking Calypso

The Reef
533 Yates St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 388-5375

E: Avast ye mates! Shiver me timbers and gimme a beach to land on. Where I be today is at the Reef. In the Caribbean and ready to sample some rye. But, it’s really a bottle of rum that I seek.

J: Add tasteful mosaic tiles, one lifeless parrot (Monty Python sketch not included) and a bar that’d you expect at a beach, that’s only scratching the surface.

I rather enjoyed this place and I grooved to reggae music (or maybe my pants were too tight). Our friendly and helpful waitress even had that cock-eyed attitude that I love. If Blackbeard walked by and asked to use the little pirate’s room, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.

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