Tag Archives: Downtown Victoria

04.05.20
by

Oh Sugar! Delivers in time of Crisis

No photo description available.

NOW DELIVERING!

No it’s not the Crisis of Infinite Earths or anything as big. During this time where many Victorians are self-isolating because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the choice to head out to even satisfy the simplest of cravings is not without some danger. Thankfully, some operations are coming to the rescue! In addition to Uber Eats, Skip the Dishes and Door Dash bringing your favourite meals to you, just what else is there?

We need to support our local small businesses! With reduced sales and no customers coming into the stores, some have decided to change their hours of operations. It’s believed some will not even return at all. Up and along Johnson Street are a bunch of wonderful shops; to satisfy the geek side of me, Curious Comics is offering delivery of their stock, Legends Comics has pick up at their door and a few others are following in the footsteps of the latter operation. The diners here are suffering the most.

Continue reading →

01.22.20
by

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia, er Chiba! Vying more Sushi back in Victoria, BC

Chiba Sushi
2706 Government St
Victoria, BC

Hours:
Mon.-Tue., Thu. 11:30a.m.–2:30p.m.
and 4:30–9:30p.m. (Sat & Sun only)

Phone: (250) 383-9886

ES: For most of my life when challenging Victoria, BC’s crazy 7 point intersection and figuring out which way am I going, I always see Chiba Sushi. The thought of going into this operation crossed my mind and at least that decision is easier to make. This restaurant is cozy and blends a bit of the traditional–dining in a booth (shoes are taken off before entering)–with the modern. The atmosphere is better than that of  a wayfarer station. This place is almost overlooked because of its location. It’s been around for as long as I can remember. It may be older than me!

DK: I was 19 the last time I went to Chiba Sushi. New to town, and a tad naïve. I brought along a co-worker. I hoped it might be a date. She forgot her wallet. Her boyfriend picked her up. It was not a date. Ed, however, showed up with a cash card in hand and promised me his popcorn refill at a movie later. True love comes to those who wait, or popcorn and a friend at least.

Let’s continue to focus on the positive: Chiba makes a number of unique special rolls that are surprisingly satisfying. We sampled four rolls; the Mango and the Phoenix being clear winners. Both options are constructed similarly: something sweet, something tempura, something from the sea and some avocado. A winning flavour combo in both instances.

Continue reading →

10.23.19
by

Give Me a Home with the 10 Acres Bistro

10 Acres Bistro
811 Courtney St
Victoria, BC

Phone: (250) 220-8008
Hours: 11a.m.–11p.m.

Menu: 10acres.ca

I feel home at the range here, at 10 Acres Bistro. Part of their menu change on a seasonal basis, and it makes visiting every once in a while different. When they source straight from the farm, some of what’s offered for meals are on a limited basis. And they arrive at the table all dressed up with only one place to go–my stomach! I find the Fall season offers a lot more delectable delights than the late Winter, but it all depends.

One time I went here was for one of the Victoria Film Festival‘s launch party for their guide. That was years ago and was held at the other side of the venue. That is, including the bar section and The Oyster Bar, I heard it’s all run under the same banner known as The Commons. Another time was for a chance to meet Linda Blair, of The Exorcist fame. I enjoy how different spaces in this venue can be used for any occasion. Normally, it’s a date place; it’s a quiet and cozy environment.

Continue reading →

08.07.19
by

Victoria Fringe Festival 2019 and 12 Picks!

August 21 to Sept 1
Victoria, BC

The last days of Summer are almost here, and it’ll soon be time to do the Victoria Fringe Festival! This event has been defining the local arts scene for the past 34 or so years now with its unjuried selection of local and travelling acts. To see fond favourite performers return is always a joy.

However, to end the month, this party is one way to lounge around in the garden city (located on the tip of Vancouver Island). I try to grab a snack between shows and next up will be an updated list of where to get quick bites. On Labour Day—the busiest time of the 12 day event—the fuel runs are needed to keep anyone going. Some theatre-goers like to Fringe Binge.

Personally, I like to space my thrills out.

This year, my list of must see shows include (to buy tickets, please click on link): Continue reading →

07.24.19
by

Many Years in the Making, Nautical Nellies o’er the Years

1001 Wharf St
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:15a.m.–9:30p.m.
Phone: (250) 380-2260

Quite literally, this article has been years in the making. Many, many moons ago James Shaw took me out for a birthday meal at Nautical Nellies. I asked if he was sure and I’d like to turn this into our next article for our blog. He agreed. As he once wrote, “His idea of what that means is equal to an expensive dinner for the man whose tastes know no boundaries. This year’s outing was Nautical Nellies or as I would call it Naughty Nellies cause it felt like I was giving money to an exotic dancer.”

We started to do some writing and for no reason whatsoever, he never finished his part of that article. Don’t ask me why. Maybe he didn’t want to be reminded of that night?

Continue reading →

07.10.19
by

Is Milkcow Worth Mooing About?

Milkcow Cafe
762 Yates St.
Victoria, BC

Phone: (unlisted)
Hours: 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Summer is here in Victoria, BC and ice cream parlours all over the downtown area are no doubt going to see a surge in business. There’s at least one per 3×3 city block. Pretty soon, I think I will have to rate the five or so businesses that I’ve sampled over the and during the years when the craving hits. With Milkcow being the latest and a franchise-based operation, I have to ask myself if they are worth the wait?

Korean dessert shops don’t seem to have a long life-span in Gordon Head, the area which I live. One space at the corner strip mall has been turning over from one sweet shop to churros (run by a Korean) to still another sweet shop all within 2-3 years. Hopefully, in Downtown Victoria, they can last longer.

Continue reading →