The Five Must See Movies of July 18 – 24, 2014

The weekend is here and we all know what that means. No, it doesn’t mean you can sit in front of your computer and play World of Warcraft. It means you can do something better by going out with friends and/or loved ones to your local cinema. The smell of the popcorn, the rattle of candy and the slurping of soda hasn’t changed in generations.

Are any of you old enough to remember watching a film from the balcony or seeing your first film in Victoria’s Coronet. Do you even remember watching movies in the Royal Theatre? If the answer is no to the aforementioned then you are most definitely not old enough. And if you don’t have enough memories of going to the movies then perhaps a Saturday night out is what you’ve been missing.

Please check media for local showtimes, ratings and admission rates.

Continue reading

The Five Must See Movies of July 11 – 17, 2014

Vancouver Island has alot to offer our residents and visitors when it comes to outdoor festivals, foodie events and even a nature walk or two. But for people like me who enjoy a good film over a good hike, I look to our local movie houses. With the Langford Caprice suffering an early death thanks to progress, I lean on the four remaining indie theatres in my area. Although the Roxy may have converted to live theatre, as Blue Bridge at the Roxy, they still show movies from time to time.

Please check media for local showtimes, ratings and admission rates.

Continue reading

Going Back in Time with 1550’s

1550 Cedar Hill Cross Rd
Saanich, BC 
(250) 472-0047

E: 1550’s is one of those cozy bistros which will send diners back in time and if Back to the Future fans will recall, that’s where George McFly met his son, Marty, and he would not attempt to date Lorraine Baines until Marty dressed up as a nuclear suited version of Darth Vader.

Interestingly enough, on the drinks list was a drink of the same name. Coincidence?

J: At first I thought it was an alcoholic drink so strong that it would give you a force choke. But there is no such luck because it doesn’t contain any alcohol. It’s similar to a Shirley Temple and has fruity ingredients, hardly a drink for a Sith Lord and more suitable for a Hollywood child star with curls.

Continue reading

Is Young Young Nom Nom?

Young Young 
1540 Cedar Hill X Rd.
Saanich, B.C. 
(250) 388-9806

J: Young Young is one of those Asian restaurants in the University corridor of Gordon Head, known as Cedar Hill X Road. It is not only a road frequented by Camosun College Lansdowne campus students but also the University of Victoria and the St. Michael’s University students as well. What is interesting is is this is a restaurant frequented by Asians, much like Kuma Noodle across the road. And why not, the restaurant has unique seating depending on what your eating arrangements will be. You have the wooden booths for hot-pot (and a special booth available for a large hot-pot party), the cushioned booths for regular eating, tables for two with mod looking chairs and there is a cozy corner for a large group to relax.

Continue reading

Y’all Kuma back now, ya hear!

Kuma Noodle Japan
#215 – 1551 Cedar Hill Cross Rd.
Saanich, BC
(250) 590-3398

J: It’s not often one can be bought dinner for doing very little work. I managed to get away with that. I was originally meant to clean gutters at Ed’s home, but I was downgraded to moving kitchen appliances when a suitable ladder could not be located.

And for my reward Ed drove us to Kuma. He had avoided this place until a pair-up review was possible.

Continue reading

Fujiya’s Take-Out Sushi Hits

Fujiya
3624 Shelbourne St.
Saanich, BC
(250) 598-3711

Depending on the time of day that one visits Fujiya, the quality of the raw fish always varies. If you show up early enough, like ’round 11am, the fish is great, if not spectacular. As the day progresses, the quality might drop. But timing is everything here, including finding a few hidden specials, like uni in the refrigerator section.

I’ve been a regular there ever since they started selling sushi, and sadly, I miss seeing octopus, surf clam and scallop as part of their regular take-out menu offerings. You have to ask or order those particular platters in advance.

Continue reading