Tag Archives: Sweets

12.13.12
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A Tale of Two Candy Stores

The Sweetest Things
4649 West Saanich Road
Saanich, B.C. 
(250) 590-6619

Store Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10am – 5pm
Sun: 10am – 4pm

Sweet Delights
#113 – 2187 Oak Bay Avenue 
Oak Bay, B.C. 
(778) 430-4906 

Store hours:
Mon – Sat: 10am – 5:30pm
Sun 11am – 4pm

To be fair, The Sweetest Things and Sweet Delights are two other candy shops in Victoria, and they are distinguishable. The former is located in the district of Saanich and the latter Oak Bay. Although Delights have been around longer and Things are somewhat new, the areas they are located in are not really convenient for me to reach by car. Busing into either store is far easier than finding parking—especially when I consider a good part of residential Oak Bay to be riddled with maze-like streets.

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11.26.12
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Mr. Stay Puft Arrives for Christmas Gifting at Oh Sugar!

Oh Sugar
561 Johnson Street
Victoria, B.C.
778-440-9192

To answer the question of what the difference is between the new Stay Puft marshmallow box and the old one, that’s in two key ingredients: the amount of caffeine and salt used. The cheaper product is being sold to build interest for the third movie. And for the die-hard, the pricier variant is what “real” Ghostbusters may require while searching for spirits during a long night. Or just maybe, like in the second movie, might build up in interest for a holiday celebration.

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10.08.12
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It’s Thanksgiving? Time to Pimp my Gelato!

Victoria Ice Cream & Fudge Factory 
905 Government Street 
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 381-1881
 
Walking down Government Street is like walking down tourist row; all the shops price their goods accordingly for the tourist crowd, not home-town. And that can make for some expensive finds.

When I saw the offer for a free sampling of Victoria Ice Cream and Fudge Factory’s Fall time special, a pumpkin gelato, I did the the opposite of what James would do. Instead of getting something tiny, or to try it free, I went double double and put my order in a waffle cone! After dishing out $7.78, I have to consider who else will manufacture this seasonal treat? I have no love for Island Farms, and I may have to visit Spinnakers a bit more often to see what they may have in their little shop. I found a rose flavoured ice cream once, and pumpkin is quite possible.

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07.27.12
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Singing the praises of Oh Sugar!

Oh Sugar
561 Johnson Street
Victoria, BC
778-440-9192

2016 Update: This operation is now under new ownership.

I could very well sing the praises of the traditional folk song “Oh Susanna” in place of Oh Sugar than The Archie’s “Sugar Sugar” once this candy store really takes off. This company’s logo certainly has me praising something.

According to Rick Goodman, who runs the shop with his wife Justyna, the more exotic and stranger the candy is, the more likely this operation will carry it. I had to ask Rick about Stay Puft Marshmallows and if he could special order it for crazy clients like me. Fans of Ghostbusters know what the fuss is all about; yes, these puffy delights are caffeinated!

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09.30.11
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Eatin’ up the Food and Arts scene in Vancouver

I spent yesterday at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s “The Colour of My Dreams” Surrealist art exhibit as my way to celebrate another year in transition. After the show, I was thinking of hitting a nearby restaurant, but time was tight and I should’ve made my way home. By chance, I happened to be at the Vancouver Farmers Market that was set up at Thornton Park, next to the Main St. Skytrain Station. This event runs at different locations throughout the year, and in this case, I was in the right place at the right time. This particular market runs from June 1st to October 5th.

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09.04.11
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How to do the Fringe Part 4: Going Club Med

Blair Mart Mediterranean Foods
924 Pandora Ave
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 721-1626 ‎

The fact that this grocery store is open after 8pm can easily have me singing the praises to Allah than that other deity. But if I am to look around the corner, I might find a shrine to Zeus tucked way and I’d still be awestruck.

To see this store still open (9pm) after Whiskey Bars: a kabarett with the songs of Kurt Weill must show that the staff has dedication. Actually, I think there’s only one guy who operates this store and he’s very accommodating to the night life in Victoria. People can venture in to buy groceries or grab a bite to eat nearly any time of the day. There’s a small deli serving up Halva’s, Nougats, and Baklavas. For me, it’d be the authentic and homemade Turkish Delights.

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