Tag Archives: Lunch

06.19.24
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[Seattle, WA] Just Chillin’ at Ohana Belltown

Screen Shot 2024-06-12 at 3.32.37 PM2207 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121

Hours: 3 pm to 1:30 am (12pm Tues)
Phone: (206) 956-9329
Menu: http://www.ohanasushigrill.com/menu.html

Hawaiian food can be unique, and to say it’s a fusion of other culinary styles brought to the island depends on who you ask. I’m sure most folks agree it really is a combination of ideas from other regions and when I’m craving something authentic, I just have to visit Hawaii and hope I get invited to a Lūʻau. I want to experience that true Ohana spirit, and this operation is so aptly named, I want to come back!

What’s provided at Coco Grill (review) is “real” but it’s not the food I’m looking for. Where’s the poi? As for all the pokes, they’re a dime a dozen and while they come from humble island origins, that’s not what I’m after. There’s always going to be some pork dish at all diners, but what about the seafood? With eel, having enough to feed the masses can be problematic. And who would’ve thought Seattle would have the ideal outlet to get my Japanese and local flavour right. At Ohana, the environment felt just right, and I dived right into the ocean blue as easily as a dolphin into water.

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05.01.24
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Meditating on What Makes Pho Wisdom Better Than the Strip of Pho Eateries A Block Away

20240430_180235102-915 Fort St
Victoria, BC

Open:
Tues to Fri 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m.
Sat and Sun 12–8:30 p.m.

Menu: phowisdom.com
Phone: (250) 384-2971

Every time I take a stroll along Fort and count the number of Pho operations that exist along this street, I have to ask the big question: which one tastes the best and who in the right mind wants to challenge neighbouring competitors? Although I can’t answer the former query just yet, I’d say Pho Wisdom is the smartest of the bunch to not be so close. Plus, in addition to nearly everything that’s traditional in a Vietnamese menu, they got Thai too! 

In the next two weeks, they’ll be offering five different curries for the lunch and dinner crowd! I’ll certainly have to find time to return, as they’re claiming to be as genuine as this dish can be. 

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01.17.24
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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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12.06.23
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Confused? Well Don’t Be as The Wandering Mollusk is also Shuck Taylor’s (Diner) in #yyj

20231118_1427101324 Blanshard St.
Victoria, BC

Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30
Website: https://wanderingmollusk.com
Shuck Taylor’s (@shucktaylors) — Instagram

The Wandering Mollusk catering (food truck style operation) has a base of operations, and Shuck Taylor’s is the place to get as many oysters as you can eat, if not more! Thankfully there are various ways to enjoy these molluscs, and whether that’s raw or cooked, this place has it all! That also includes plans on how to expand. The last time I was in, I asked if sea urchin was possible. They are considering it, but there are a lot of things to consider, namely in how to keep them fresh!

I can’t wait for that to happen, since it’s rare to serve them fresh from the shell. They have a limited shelf life once removed from the sea and kept in its natural state. But if opened and put into a deep freeze, that’s a whole different ball game. I had the opportunity a long time ago to see how that’s done (article can be read here) and that experience will never be forgotten.

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10.25.23
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10 Well Known Haunted Pubs and Restaurants in Victoria, BC, 2023 Edition

Scarey Victoria BCAlthough it hasn’t been ten years since my prior post about what are the most haunted restaurants in Victoria, BC, a lot has changed. Some have closed and for operations that have taken over the space, is it still haunted? The new managers aren’t saying, but I’m curious!

Most of the ghosts one may encounter aren’t malicious, but due to the nature of how we react when encountering something paranormal, to be fearful is a natural reaction! Also, there’s no such thing as real life ghostbusters and the best paranormal investigators can do is tell the wayward spirit that it’s best to move on and hope it does so. The stuff you see on television where folks are attacked are very rare, and in my opinion, mostly embellished. The stuff you see on the tube (or streaming) leans more on entertainment than anything else!

But for anyone looking for a supernatural experience, presented here is a list of operations reputed to have some kind of paranormal activity. To note, the operations located near Bastion Sqaure and Market Square perhaps has more ghosts per block than any other area! The 👻 rating is on the scale of out of ten for a chance of an encounter. The food review score is not included in this guide as they all offer fairly tasty delights, for any budget! Some I’ve reviewed before in this blog’s long history of being active. Links are provided where possible. Listed in no particular order are:

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10.04.23
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Not So Hot, When The Ingredients Are Wrong with The Hot Dog Guys’ Tillicum Operation

The Hot Dog Guys3170 Tillicum Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Menu: thehotdogguy.ca
Phone: (250) 882-7199

The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum Mall know their way around a good dog. The selection depends on what customers request or what’s on their menu, and they clearly have a passion for the craft. The catch is that their location inside the mall comes with limitations. For example, they can’t serve a true Chicago-style dog since they don’t have access to poppy seed buns, fresh tomatoes, or other toppings that require more storage and prep space.

I respect that they’re making the best of what they have, but the “mall setup” inevitably caps their potential. A great hot dog should have fresh toppings and some creative flair, and that’s difficult to deliver without a proper kitchen. While I enjoyed my visit, I left uncertain if I’d return—more because of the environment than the people running the place.

That said, the menu does tempt with regional inspirations like the Seattle Dog and the Portlander. Unfortunately, without the right tools, these creations don’t quite hit their mark. When I tried their basic dog, it was fine, but the roller-style heating left me wishing for something grilled to order. I imagine mall restrictions prevent them from cooking the way they’d prefer, which is a shame.

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