Not Quite Ole at 3 Gringos Mexican

20240106_115258735 Goldstream Ave
Langford, BC

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Phone: (250) 391-4047

Out in the strip known as Langford’s “Downtown” core, the Three Gringos Mexican Cafe has always caught my attention. I’m not in this area often, but when I do, I like to make the most of my commute here to check out something new. With the 95 bus servicing the area every half an hour or so, I think I can visit a bit more, mostly because there’s a few holes in the wall gems that a former contributor expounded upon. While I don’t need to visit those particular places since they’re old, there’s been a few new places that has my notice. And when I’m in the area to play Dungeons and Dragons with a group who’ve made this community their homestead, I don’t mind the expedition!

While I don’t know who decided to open up this operation, John Landis’ movie The Three Amigos came to mind and I thought I’d find some kind of vibe to remind me of this place upon entering. The fiesta colours are welcoming, and I had to glance at the chalkboard to see what’s unique. Aside from licking my lips at the thought of churros to go with my lunch, I opted for the chip version to take to my gaming session. It’s a treat that’s best eaten fresh off the fryer than cold. The sweet taste is familiar, and the crisp is just right, but without the warmth, there’s just something missing.

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A Blast with the Past with Mr Mikes

985 Whirlaway Cres
Langford, BC

Hours: 4–9p.m.
Phone: (250) 590-3222

Available for Take Out by phone (menu)

Going to Mr Mikes Steakhouse Restaurant is a blast of the past–a tradition from my youth. This franchise operation is renowned for their burgers and it was sad when they nearly disappeared from the local landscape in Victoria, BC in the late 80s. Like Fuddruckers, both operations were very well known and the quality was a step above what the fast-food joints offered. To make a comeback will be tougher.

I’m not just thinking of the current covid-19 stay at home order to flatten the curve and whether diners are fussy. This company needs an advertising campaign to let old timers like me (yes, I’m admitting it) that they are still around. Continue reading

What’s Paul Bunyon Doing in Canada at the Loghouse?

dan Aykroyd and Ed2323 Millstream Rd
Langford, BC
(250) 474-1989

The  Loghouse Pub
is a watering hole that many a local living near Western Speedway may visit. I’m not one of them, but when Liquor Planet had a product I really wanted to pick up (The Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary Gift Set which included Crystal Head Vodka — it’s a really smooth product BTW) and they had a very special guest visiting to promote the product, I made the cross city trek from my side of the island to theirs just to see what the fuss is about, and have a meal at the same time. In this area of the woods, a car is needed to head out and go home for those who live far away.

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Dining for Under Ten Bucks: Maiko Sushi

Maiko Sushi Restaurant
#119 – 877 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, B.C.
(250) 995-8432

It may be easy for someone from my generation to confuse the former Maiko Gardens with Maiko Sushi but apart from Maiko Gardens having served Japanese cuisine, there is little they have in common.

Mariko, owner of Maiko Sushi (now former owner, she just sold the restaurant) has a keen eye for creating decent decor and should seriously consider her future as an interior decorator. Her sense of style is pleasing to the eye from the Japanese influenced displays in her business right down to the brightly furnished and vibrant washroom.  But in this current day and age Maiko still has some growing to do before they could eve match what locals remember so fondly of the name’s predecessor.

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L’Authentique Poutine’s Second Life!

L’Authentique Poutine and Burger
Langford, B.C.

Just how much poutine can one bloke have? Fortunately, when the portions are decently sized, plenty!

As some readers may know, I love a good french fry. And very rarely will I venture into James’ territory, Langford, to test the places that he has no time to hit. That includes a food cart operation that touts some good ol’ fashioned poutine. While most of their food is touted to be made with the heart and soul of a native Quebecois, well, is that just fancy copy writing or is that true?

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Dagwoods Cafe

Dagwoods Cafe
#133-622 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC
(250) 590-4342

When I’m flying about on a Sunday morning and looking for bargains, I tend to get hungry. Money saved can sometimes be money spent on a nice meal. I had already purchased my usual amount of samosas from the Goldstream Flea Market and baked goodies from Three Sisters’ Tea Tyme Treats (also at the market) before the craving hit.

I needed something to fill me with the energy that I was lacking. Dagwoods Cafe was within eyesight of the market and it was open (that’s always a bonus).

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