Tag Archives: Vancouver Island

12.08.15
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Tasting the Times at The Breakwater Cafe & Bistro

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The Breakwater Cafe & Bistro
199 Dallas Road
James Bay
Victoria, BC
(250) 386-8080

J: It seems I can’t get my hands on some decent tea. Instead of sitting in the Fairmont Empress drinking tea from a nice China cup, having a tea-pot and all the amenities that it brings, because of a parking issue with our photographer’s car, I’m drinking tea from a mug with coffee creamers on a side plate. And instead of the Empress’ own blend or even some British created tea bag, its English Breakfast from an American company called Harney & Sons. Oh how we’re living it up now. Pinkies raised, pinkies raised.

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11.05.15
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Can Victoria’s Foo(d) Compare to Vancouver’s Ramen Scene?

FooRamen1Foo Ramen Bar
762 Broughton St.
Victoria, BC
(778) 432-4366

J: When it comes to ramen I’m obsessed. I can eat ramen anytime of the day. When Foo decided to open up a ramen shop, I was excited. It is the next step in their evolution and I wanted to be a part of it. Yet it took me over a year to finally bring myself to their door. There are very few places that serve ramen in the greater Victoria area, Zin Sushi and Noodle, Sushi Plus and Kuma Noodle off the top of my head. And of those only Kuma is the place I return to over and over again. For this review Ed and I were in need for a quick refueling before we were to see comedy legend Billy Connolly grace the stage for what may be the final time.

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09.02.15
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Beware Looking for the Best Meal You Ever Had … You’ll Want to Seek it Out at Brasserie L’école

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Brasserie L’école
1715 Government St.
Victoria, BC
Phone: (250) 475-6260

After going to see The Best Meal You Ever Ate at Victoria Fringe Festival, I could not resist or even hesitate: the desire to have French food set me on a course towards the Brasserie L’école, a small diner located next to Chinatown. As with most French restaurants, reserving in advance is recommended (especially over at the Matisse and Chez Michel) and this establishment is the only place where you can wait in line for a seat. It didn’t take long to get one and I was fine with being at the bar.

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08.24.15
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Ganbatte Kudasai Sushi Matsuri!

239 Menzies St.
James Bay
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-8110

J: It was a chance that Ed and I couldn’t miss. The city of Victoria — be it due to the improved air quality after the Vancouver Island fires or to an actual break in the weather — was cooler and bearable. Although I still prayed for rain, at least a plump (devilishly handsome) man like me could meet my best bud, pay him money owed before enjoying what this town had to offer.

After a stop at Curious Comics on Johnson Street, Ed felt hungry (I think receiving money makes it so). I must admit I felt peckish (giving money must have the same effect). I was determined to hit Sushi Plus but I had to compromise for Ed. I agreed on a Japanese restaurant I spotted in James Bay a week previous. It is run by Koreans but if you didn’t look at the menu one would hardly know. The restaurant itself is small and very intimate. I felt very much at home here.

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06.02.15
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[Comox Valley, BC] Fresh Fest is First to Delight Seafood Lovers!

940Marina Park
Between Wilcox St. & Port Augusta St.

$25 online • $35 at the gate
Children 8 & under FREE

The Comox Valley is going to offer more than just a li’ bit country fun as BC’s Shellfish & Seafood Festival enters its 9th year. Fresh Fest is going to kick off this 10 day event with its own special night that will take place at the Comox Marina Park on Friday, June 12th, from 4-9pm, and all proceeds are going to be donated to the North Island College Culinary Program.

This special dinner will be cooked by chefs Andrew Stigant (Russell Food Equipment) and Hamid Salimian (Captain of Culinary Team Canada for the World Culinary Olympics). They will be assisted by talents from Local Restaurants, Custom Gourmet, Eatmore Sprouts, Prontissima Pasta, Captain and the Chef Marine Services, As you Like it Products and Catering, and West Coast Mobile Kitchen.

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05.25.15
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Feast Your Eyes on “The Dream,” A Culinary Movie Review

af-el-somni-poster-cat1Plays Sunday, May 31
Oak Bay Beach Hotel
Victoria, BC

Brunch: 11 AM
Film: 12:15 PM

El Somni (The Dream) is one of those films that is more of a visual exposition than a by-the-book style documentary about brothers Joan, Josep and Jordi Roca. After taking home the first place award in the 50 Best Restaurants in the World ceremony of 2013, just what can they do next is explored in this film. These siblings desire to create a new artistic culinary movement to engage the five senses — if not six to create a spiritual awakening — of a dinner can make or break their established careers. They’re reknowned chefs from El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain.

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