Tag Archives: Lunch

05.25.16
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Travelling North of the 48th in Victoria is Worth the Crossing

north48restaurantNorth 48
1005 Langley St
Victoria, BC
(250) 381-2428

Some bistros like North 48 are worth revisiting time and time again, and I’m glad I’m a resident of these parts so I don’t have to deal with border security! I arrived here with friends who were visiting from up island, and since we could not decide in where to dine, we hit the first place that looked good and there ye be, we sat down to marvel at a fancy menu with tastes from different ports of call. There’s the traditional French fair, Japanese delights and the odd Mexican. Well, I honestly could not decide. Should I go for the Octopus Tacos, Corn Dog Bites and French Onion Soup as my meal?

The service was very friendly here, and we couldn’t decide right away in what we wanted. I was torn between something fusion or going for a traditional European-style meal.

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05.17.16
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La Taqueria Pinche vs La Taquisa

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Victoria‘s La Taquisa is facing stiff competition with Vancouver‘s La Taqueria Pinche now on the island. The former operation has two seafood offerings (cod and shrimp), the latter has one (albacore tuna). As for beef, the latter has three different cuts to choose from: flank, cheeks and tongue. I’m in bovine heaven! The only thing our home-grown operation offers, in addition, are burritos and even then I’m not sure that’s enough for me to be loyal.

Ever since I visited their Broughton street operation and had a few sloppily made tacos, I never had the desire to go back. Back when they were a food truck style operation at Cook St., better care and attention to the product was made. I’m fairly sure I lost my custom (matching frame) sunglasses there and none of the staff were all that helpful when I returned to check. This happened a few years ago, and I left feeling unimpressed.

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05.11.16
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[Sidney, BC] Isn’t Far to Get a Taste of Tokyo

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Taste of Tokyo
9842 Resthaven Dr.
Sidney, BC
(250) 656-6862

J: No matter how hard we try the Two Hungry Blokes can’t seem to stay away from the attractive town of Sidney-By-the-Sea. It’s either we keep coming back to browse their locally owned shops in and around Beacon Avenue or to fill our bellies from the various eateries we have yet to fully explore. This time, it was the latter. Ed was being treated to a meal for his services rendered and I was paying out of my pocket. After 4 years of talking about it, then scheduling, and rescheduling, we finally managed to visit Taste of Tokyo. It would’ve been a perfect Saturday night if the fog hadn’t rolled in.

E: With me also imitating a fog horn to indicate that we were about to hit land, I’m certainly glad where we landed was in the bay within the heart of Tokyo! Yes, I could go on about my trip from more than a decade ago, but I have fond memories. I even sailed within this bay to spot, of all things, the Statue of Liberty, see where NHK Japan’s head office is and walk along the causeway. But hunger did strike fast and hard. Out of all the Japanese style buffets offered within or near Victoria, I always find going here to be the best and I always hit their baked oyster selection first! Throughout the night, their sushi and nigiri offered are get as much as you want before the selection of fish changes for the next plate is put out!

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05.04.16
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Ayo-oooga! Let’s Set Sail to Indonesian Styled Fast Food

ayo IMG_20151020_160902535_HDRAyo Eat
Market Square
Unit 140 – 560 Johnson St.
 Victoria, BC
(250) 590-4231

If Indonesian food simply means adding prawn chips to the dish then I’m sold! Ayo operates out of a corner space in Market Square and the small space should not be a deterrent when the space downstairs is a stage to sit, snack and relax in. In any season, this hub is a nice place to visit. I miss it; I frequented this space more in my youth during the early 90’s when Island Fantasy Comic Shop occupied the lower quarters beneath this food operation. Ever since they closed their doors, I don’t frequent this space as often.

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04.27.16
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Is Hanks Just “A” Restaurant?

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Hanks * A Restaurant
Unit G2A – 1001 Douglas St.
Victoria, BC
(778) 433-4770

I have to wonder if Hank’s in Victoria has separated from the Ucluelet operation which does Untraditional BBQ. Because if they did, that might explain why there’s inconsistency in their product and menu offerings. I’ve noticed on their page no mention of the city operation. Despite my concern, after seeing the Douglas street operation closed for a few weeks, I was glad to see them reopened, with new signage, look and everything.

Yes, they’re open, and no, they did not suffer from the curse this particular space seems to suffer from. On a busy Friday early evening, it was populated with hungry hippos (men) craving drinks and protein. Their Wagyu meat offerings certainly explain why this place is popular. For those who do not know about this particular breed of cattle, they’re known for a marbled fatty texture and are from Alberta.

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04.20.16
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[Seattle, WA] Can You Be My Sansei?

Sansei-Horizontal-Logo-ReverseSansei
815 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 402-4414

I figure Seattle, Washington has more truly upscale Japanese restaurants than Victoria, British Columbia. If that says something about finding a place to enjoy my meals and sample the unique, perhaps I should live in this State instead of the province to get my fusion-style cuisine on. I noticed this operation while here for my annual nerdvana. Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) and Star Trek Ultimate Voyage took place on the same weekend.

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When I arrived at the historic Paramount Theatre, I was more than gobsmacked. I was licking my lips at seeing Sansei, a seafood restaurant and sushi bar across the street. I seem to have a knack for wanting to visit well-established operations when in the States without knowing a lot about their reputation beforehand. Hitting Portland, Oregon blind years ago demonstrated that. I had little knowledge about Jakes Famous Crawfish and only heard a few stories about Voodoo Doughnuts. I rode through this city with my road trip buddy, and we lucked out in getting into two of this city’s most well-known operations.

I was not too sure about what to expect when I visited Sansei the next day to get a bite, a simple dinner — or so I hoped. I had no idea about this establishment’s excellent reputation in Hawaii until I read the literature. A quick chat with the waitress and search via Google revealed them as “one of America’s Best Sushi Bars” to which I could have spent my entire convention food allowance on or I could sit at the table for a ramen dish only to tease James from afar later. His only words over the phone were, “You’re despicable.”

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