Tag Archives: Lunch

05.01.11
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Yokohama Blues

Yokohama Japanese Restaurant
980 Blanshard Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 384-5433

2016 Update: This operation has since closed and become Xiang Rui Chinese Restaurant.

The Yokohama Japanese Restaurant has been around since ‘79, but that doesn’t mean anything in terms of quality. Especially in regards to the quintessential ingredient that’s used in Asian cuisine—rice.

At dinnertime, their “Regular Sushi” was priced at $13.95, $2 more than what’s listed on their lunch menu. Let’s hope that wasn’t a misprint. Both came with a bowl of shabu soup. The soup arrived quickly, and I gulped the flavourful broth down in nearly no time. When I was examining the ingredients in this soup, I wondered about the other flavours. The carrot slivers tasted like they came from the outer skin than the core, and the mushrooms were nothing special. Normally, I’d expect to have shitake than white, so I was left with mixed feelings when the bowl sat empty.

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03.23.11
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Doo-Wop Dinner

Zellers Family Restaurant
Tillicum Centre
Suite 1444, 3170 Tillicum Rd.
Saanich, BC.
(250) 385-6623

J: I had a great time seeing Tron Legacy 3D with Ed (see his review of it at Linear Reflections), it was only natural to think of food. Practically any activity will make Ed and I hungry. Whether it’s working hard, wandering around town, watching a good movie, thinking of food, eating of food or just breathing.

So after two hours in a comfortable seat, we had the urge to shake our legs in the direction of the Zeller’s Family Restaurant at Tillicum Centre.

Now you may ask “what’s the point of writing a review for a restaurant that might be gone in a year or two?” My answer would be it’s here now and not all Zellers stores will be closing (to my understanding). I was a regular at the diner in the Hillside Centre location during the late 80’s to the early 90’s. I’ve always looked forward to many tasty burgers and quick chat served up by bionic waitress June. In the Tillicum location, they copy a 50’s nostalgia in decor and that suits me fine.

E: I can certainly say both places had a similar style of decor and I felt out-of-place. There were mostly seniors about. At least here in Tillicum, nothing much has changed. Continue reading →

03.09.11
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A Little Bit of Willie

Willie’s Bakery
537 Johnson Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 381-8414

A while ago, I went to Willie’s Bakery & Cafe with my pals, Don (of the Victoria Burger Blog) and Alex. I showed up early to grab a table before the lunch-time rush and somehow in that hustle and bustle, my order was mixed up.

I ordered the Eggs Benedict and asked for a salad instead of potatoes. When the dish arrived, I got the latter and I had to scratch my head. When considering how busy this place became, I didn’t want to waste any more time to point out the mistake to my server.

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02.28.11
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These Little Piggies Went To the Vintage Fair

The Little Piggy
D2-1284 Gladstone Ave,
Victoria, BC

(250) 386-1020

J: After a day at the Victoria Vintage Fair, all the browsing made me hungry. It was almost the flip of a coin between Little Piggy and Stir It Up. Fernwood has a number of great eateries but when your nearly skint after spending $25 on one of Sir Walter Scott’s works, Little Piggy is more within one’s financial grasp.

E: But you didn’t see me haggling, James. I managed to save a little so I could take us both out for some good eats.

Victoria’s sudden bout of winter weather didn’t stop James and I from having a merry ol’ time in Fernwood. While dodging snow flurries, we headed into Little Piggy for a taste of Mexican. Mind you, near the end of the day, James was almost looking like a merry old snowman himself.

For $16.50, we feasted on tacos and tostados. I asked for an extra one since I was feeling hungrier than a walrus.

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02.15.11
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Fountain Diner Fickle

Fountain Diner
#102-2800 Bryn Maur Road
Langford, BC
(250) 590-6130
For me, breakfast at the Fountain Diner was an eating experience in excess. And I don’t mean too much food. After waiting for what seemed like ages for a decent breakfast café to finally open in Langford (I was too lazy to go to Jasmine’s), I was rather disappointed after sampling their wares. It appears good things don’t always come to those who wait.

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01.27.11
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Three Girls for Two Blokes

Osaka Sushi
1951 Oak Bay Ave.
Oak Bay, BC
(250) 590-6650

E: Oak Bay has a little secret, there’s a great place to hit for sashimi and it’s known as Osaka Sushi. While the graphic designer in me cringed at the familiarity of a papyrus-like font in their signage, I’m glad I didn’t let it deter me from walking in to try their food.

After heading to The Blethering Place for haggis earlier that night, I was still hungry. Instead, what caught my eye were the pretty waitresses …

J: On my previous trips to Oak Bay, I always passed by this cosy looking restaurant. But to actually sit down in a private booth and relax to smooth jazz while the world marches on outside, is bliss. Our servers were fast, polite and yes, attractive. I wanted for nothing while in their care.

Green tea was served while I spun my head at their extensive menu. It came in two parts and I warn you, it’s not for a potential indecisive like myself. If you can get over that hurdle, the prices are very reasonable.

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