Tag Archives: Teas

02.13.11
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Victoria Tea Festival Impressions


At the 5th Annual Victoria Tea Festival, one can sample nearly everything that comes from the coveted tea leaf. Whether it’s rooibos, green, black, or yerba maté, there’s certainly something to be found, even for a berry enthusiast like myself.

There’s a lot to partake at this show and I enjoyed the various scents coming from the sample cups of tea. The show can be experienced within a few hours for those who are simply shopping. But if anyone plans on skipping the presentations, they’re just going to miss out on one of tea culture’s many secrets. On Sunday, Jasmine Wong, a naturopathic doctor is giving a presentation on medicine and tea. She’ll be talking about the health benefits and risks associated with drinking certain types of tea.

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02.13.11
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Victoria Tea Festival this weekend

To those people haven’t had a chance to check out the Victoria Tea Festival, here’s my preview of what’s happening. Thanks have to go to the Nexus newspaper team for putting this article I wrote online.

For local readers, it’s not too late to check this event out. I will have a full review of my tea and food tasting experience later today.

The event runs at the Crystal Garden (713 Douglas Street), on Saturday (12-5pm); Sunday (11am-4pm). Tickets are $25 at the door and all proceeds go to supporting Camosun College’s Child Care Services.

12.31.10
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The Year in Revue

Has it been eight months already? Although I’ve never been one to consider an end of year review of my culinary adventures, James gnawed on my arm and said we should write one.

In no particular order, the highlights of what I’ve experienced had to be in consuming more cherry coke and gourmet burgers in the past two years than at any other time.

I still have to rank Connoisseur Catering a great place to hit for packed lunch meals and for opening my taste buds up to the delights of real tasty bison. The mushroom soup I tried from them on another visit was perfect. Which leads me to my still ongoing quest for fries done right and they can be bought locally.

While Kennebac potatoes do make a difference in taste from Red Fish Blue Fish, there’s more than just how they’re cut up and cooked up. There’s a distinction and if the waitress asks for how you like them, that’s a sign of a great diner that cares about its product.

There are three ways to serve them: kettle, fry and chip. Some places fry them up once and not every place double-dips to keep ’em nice and warm.

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12.29.10
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Stop the Heart Attack, I Want To Get Off

(250) 382-8282

E: In a very windy holiday season, both James and I needed some warm liquid to keep our spirits up. The Fairmont Empress’ Festival of Trees was a decent diversion, but after the Dutch Bakery, I was still feeling hungry.

We headed to the aptly named James Bay Tea Room and Restaurant because it was all James’ fault. Really, it was. I’ve never felt so full afterwards because this place served more than just teas.

J: This was another of my “heard of it but never tried it” trips. After going Dutch I was in the mood for familiar UK surroundings. The James Bay Tea Room recently refurbished their dining area. I can see why people come here. It’s very cozy. The place is decorated with photos of various members of the royal family. Royal memorabilia adorned shelves that spanned much of the dining room.

During this festive season, the tea room took liberties with the hanging of mistletoe above the front entrance. It says too much when even elderly women won’t sneak me a Christmas kiss.

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