Fernwood Inn
1302 Gladstone Ave.
Victoria, BC
(250) 412-2001
J: After Two Hungry Blokes, came, saw and ate at Fernwood Bites 2011, it seemed only proper to keep Ed walking until the alcohol wore off (or wore out). Emergency coffee was needed and Fernwood Inn only too gladly supplied. This place has changed from its days as the George & Dragon.
The Village Burgers
Unit 105 – 3800 Bayview St.
Richmond, BC
(604) 275 6710
While away from the rock, and adventuring to a part of Richmond that I haven’t been to before, I found a little dive known as The Village Burgers. They serve up a variety of burgers. And the French fries I saw the kids there nibbling on looked good. I was treated to a rousing rendition of “O Canada” while waiting for my Hinden Burger ($9.95), and the wait was worth it.
In all the Japanese restaurants that I’ve frequented in the past five years, I have always asked if they have sea urchin (uni). Low grade pieces can be as salty and briny as one may expect, with a strong taste not befitting for most people to eat; and the uni one finds in grocery stores will most likely have been processed–further altering its taste.
They aren’t worth touching unless one is desperate. There are a few restaurants that may order these processed packs, but if one sees the real deal, spikes and all, the pieces of roe coming from off the sea is far better than what a processing factory may do.
Salty’s Fish & Chips
738 Goldstream Ave.
Langford, BC
(250) 474-6662
When one mentions “chippy,” what pops to mind isn’t some chubby cherub dressed in school uniform with his own BBC sitcom. Fond memories of indie shops with cod and chips served over counter, wrapped in newsprint, are lovingly recalled. To me, it’s a slice of heaven and for a time, it was named Gosworth Fish & Chips. Finding oneself a nice shop with a friendly proprietor is gold — and one can only hope it’s there for generations to enjoy much like The Golden Fish Bar in Central London.
Salty’s is a chippy of some form, but it’s more of a seafood restaurant with decent interior. The business just pushes British as you walk in. A film poster of Norman Wisdom, autographed photos from Coronation Street and wall hangings of various British regions can give an air of familiarity to British born or raised. Salty’s even carries copies of the British Columbian for an ex-pat (or ex-pat at heart) to read while waiting for a meal.
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
Spinnakers Brew Pub
308 Catherine St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 384-0332
Ed
With no James in sight (he’s being frugal lately), I went to Spinnakers with Yvonne and to my sadness, there was no rose petal ice cream. That’s okay, because I wanted to try out this brew-pub’s other delights. The last time I visited, the meals were great, the baked oysters were delicious and I had a great time with my friends.
Today was no different, and even over time nothing has changed. The place has always remained a social environment for people to drink a few pints and mellow out. The food has always been secondary.
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