Getting very Fresh with Local delights, Wild eh?

Fresh Local Wild
Burrard St & W Hastings St
Vancouver, BC

J: The Two Hungry Blokes were in Vancouver for a concert but with Ed’s mindset, we were staying for the food. I just wanted to get to the Georgian Court Hotel for a little nap but Ed planned a detour.

With a hop off the Skytrain, we disappeared into the Waterfront district and reappeared in front of a converted trailer where their title alone was too boastful to readily accept.

E: After seeing a segment on this street cart operation on Food Network’sDiners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” I was hooked, lined and sinkered. I knew the next time I was visiting the Mainland, I have to go here above all else and try the chowder poutine.

What this operation has going for them is the perfect french fry. Although slightly over crisped, that’s how I like them. And the soft juicy clam morsels and the nector of the broth (salmon and cod were used) helped soften the crunchiness. The tender meats helped make a beautiful texture that I really enjoyed.

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There’s a Japanese in the Village

Minato Sushi
Cook Street Village Food Court
1109 Mckenzie Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6040

E: I’ve most likely said this before and I’ll say it again, never leave the decision making of where to go up to James. First it was Fairfield, getting lost and giving up any hope of tracking down a place to eat in the old country, one of the first districts to be established since the city of Victoria’s inception.

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Fanny Bay Inn

Fanny Bay Inn
7480 Island Highway
Fanny Bay, BC V0R 1W0
(250) 335-2323

Yes, another trip up island towards Courtenay meant a visit to Fanny Bay. Although the friends I was with arrived 15 minutes late to have lunch at Happy Hen’s Café, the operation that runs within Fanny Bay Service, the advice of the staff at this stop led us to Fanny Bay Inn, and we were not disappointed.

Since this township is famous for their oysters far and wide, I was considering an all oyster meal. But before I could finally decide on what to eat, I was served with a cola delivered with class. I do not often find bars that serve it with a lime wedge. That helps cut the acidity down in the pop, and it is a trick not many operations consider doing.

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[Vancouver, BC] Tony’s Fish & Oyster Cafe

1511 Anderson Street
Granville Island
Vancouver, BC V6H 3S2
(604) 683-7127

Whenever I decide to make a trip to Vancouver and plan on hitting Granville Island, a stop at Tony’s Fish & Oyster Café is moreorless going to be required. To enjoy the best of what this little stop offers does require the foreknowledge of busing in instead of driving (parking is a nightmare), and enjoying the time here with friends.

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Fanny Bay Follies

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

Going Back (in Time) with Gosworth

Gosworth Fish & Chips
3009 Gosworth Rd.
Victoria, BC
(250) 595 – 3474

J: It wasn’t long after leaving Crown Palace / Chicken on the Run that I truly astounded Ed. I wanted to eat again. I’ve had this urge for months to revisit Gosworth Fish & Chips, my old haunt. I remember the small little shop with the cafe tables and the bright white interior. On a sunny day, the whole room would be lit and you could see the kitchen as you waited for a meal. Many times I took my helping of cod and chips home in brown paper or newsprint.

E: For me, my memories were locked with Haultain Fish and Chips. Grandma fed me well.

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