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.
494 Old Island Highway
View Royal, BC
(250) 478-3121
I do not often head out to the outskirts of Victoria to dine, but when I am hanging out with PARAVI, Victoria’s homegrown paranormal research and investigation society, we visited Six Mile Pub to check out its supernatural history. Or for me, to check out one of their many flavourful burgers.
The first time I was here, I ordered their Guinness Cheese and Bacon Burger ($16.50) as a take out meal. I did not want to pass up the chance in case I did not return.
The singular large crisp onion ring really made this particular meal stand out, and I quite liked the toasty warm bun. I thought the meat was very tender. It tasted was like it was braised; the juicy softness complemented the added crunch very well. And the tanginess of this particular dry stout tasted light on the cheese.
G-12 1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6622
La Fiesta is a corner diner that I tend to visit from time to time, and I’ve always enjoyed their burritos. They’re super sized and it has been many months since my last visit.
The taco dinner platter ($10) I enjoyed consisted of two overstuffed tacos and a good heap of taters. In the menu, these potato tots are called Mexi-fries, Honestly, I do not think there is such a thing as a Mexican french fry. It may be an American invention.
Happy Hen’s Cafe
Fanny Bay Service
8256 Island Hwy S RR 1
Fanny Bay, BC
(250) 335-2200
A long trip up island will eventually mean some kind of rest stop. And when one of my friends announced the need for a break to stretch our legs, we ended up in Fanny Bay, the home of some of the world’s famous oysters. They’re known for their plump and delicate taste. While I generally love eating any oyster raw, this chance visit meant our discovery of a cozy diner in a building simply called Fanny Bay Service.
For $9, they have a great offer of six large oysters with fries and toast. There were also delectable burger offerings using ingredients like locally raised chicken, which tempted me, but I did not deviate.
We asked if the diner did take-out and huge points were scored for the fact that they indeed do. We simply opted for just the oysters. They were panko coated and pan fried to a tenderness that I really liked. These large pieces were freshly shucked and I could taste the difference. These oysters had a light juiciness that really hit the spot.
If I lived in the area, I’d be back for more. The locals seem to congregate there for some old fashioned home style cooking. I imagine this service station was once a home at some point; the main level looked like it was converted so it could be a grocery store and diner. The space is very large and can accommodate at roughly 24 people at a time. I really liked the earthy feel of the dining side of the space, and with luck, I hope to return for more.
4 Blokes out of 5
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).
1510 7th Ave
Seattle, WA
(206) 452-1359
Word to the wise: if diners want to hit the super trendy Japanese restaurants in Seattle, especially Japonessa, get a reservation. After not being able to sweet talk my way to even one seat at the bar (it was just that packed), I walked away dejected and ended up at Blue C Sushi to sing, conveniently enough, the blues away. One glass of Sapporo was enough, and I treated myself to various plates of sushi that rolled by on a conveyor belt.
twohungryblokes.com 