Tag Archives: Vancouver Island

09.29.13
by

A Foodie’s Take on Victoria Vintage Expo

Biscotti di Notti & More
1026 Cardinal Way
Qualicum Beach, BC
(250) 752-3637
Peeta’s Pizzelle 
Kelowna Farmer’s Market
Kelowna, BC
(250) 899-4559

The Victoria Vintage Expo is a natural evolution of everything that the Victoria Vintage Fair offers. It’s far more festive because of the entertainment that’s offered throughout the day, and for people looking to see what’s trending, the two different fashion shows on both days is a plus. I’ve been to a few of the smaller shows just to check it out and the difference is very evident. I’d have to say the Vintage Expo is like a mini-convention because information panels were offered.

Continue reading →

09.28.13
by

It’s Pie not π!

#6-1701 Douglas St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 885-5220

The Victoria Pie Company at the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson looks like they will take this city by storm. On the grey day that I went, I wanted to treat myself to something nice in celebration of my birthday. I’m a year older, an inch shorter, and my tummy … well, I won’t go there. Let’s just say that while I know I should be mindful about my health, there should be at least one day in the whole year where I can do whatever I want and have no regrets about it.

So I went for their banana cream pie with fresh whip cream on top, and my oh my, it was heavenly. The individual bananas were baked just right to ensure a soft delectable consistency in those bites where I could taste the slices. The sweetness is not overpowering and the crust is done just right so that all the textures blend perfectly once when my taste-buds make love to it.

When this company touts pie porn as part of its marketing gimmick, that is an analogy well earned. This company offers quiches and pot pies, and I’m a sucker for good pastries. I was so tempted to get a mushroom bacon quiche but alas, I didn’t have enough cash-on-hand to get everything I want and their debit/credit card machine is not set up yet. They’ve been in operation for about two weeks now, and this little detail is really minor in the grande scheme of things.

Anyone who can dangle a freshly cooked pastry or pie in front of me will have me clinging to it like a blue-fin tuna still biting into the lure. So just when is Cowichan Bay Seafood going to open at the Hudson anyways?

4½ Blokes out of 5

09.19.13
by

Trying to find the Silver Lining at Japanese Village

The Japanese Village Restaurant
734 Broughton St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 382-5165

Yes, I’ll admit it. I have a life mission to try every Japanese restaurant in town, and one of the good places used to be Japanese Village. If this establishment can get past its modern trappings and a reduction to their ridiculously high prices, then maybe it could be something. This place flaunts its teppenyaki style of food over the traditional offerings and some of the staff must have forgotten that there are old souls like me around.

I was the odd man out in a party of five preferring to eat raw fish over cowboy meat. Is that bad? No. Technically, this style of cooking western food on a grill was introduced in 1945, conveniently after the United States occupied Japan. According to one source, foreigners preferred this style of cooking over other methods since they can see what is being made. Other than the soybeans, I think every other ingredient is Western Civilization in origin.

Continue reading →

09.15.13
by

Impressions of the Victoria Public Market


#6-1701 Douglas St,
Victoria, BC

Tues to Sat: 9:30am to 6:30pm
Sun: 9:30 to 5pm

The Victoria Public Market finally opened its doors to let locals into its interior. On opening day, the vibe was exuberant. I liked the feeling of how expansive the main floor was but I’m unsure of the industrial look it had along the ceiling. I didn’t feel like I was being shot backwards through time and emerging into an ancient courtyard where traders and farmers would sell their wares to commoners. Okay so I’m no Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, but I could at least hope that I would feel like a fur trader coming to ply my wares in exchange for my next day’s meal.

Continue reading →

09.12.13
by

Forget Hot Dogs! Go Chorizo!

El Guapo Chorizo Grill
Victoria Public Market at the Hudson
1701 Douglas St.
Victoria, B.C.

While at the unofficial outdoor version of the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson, which has been pushed back to September 14th, I thought having it outside felt more natural. Markets should be open and inviting. I’d say about a dozen vendors were here selling wares ranging from specialty cheeses to organic greens. There were two food vendors that drew my attention. The first was the Smokin’ Bones which I took a lukewarm interest in but the other, El Guapo, oh my! I was drooling before I even arrived in front of the operation.

The scents coming from the BBQ had me eyeing the fresh friorelli peppers being offered for sale on top of what was being cooked. The chorizo sandwich ($7) just looked tempting and before I knew it, I was whipping out my wallet and smacking my lips at what I saw being roasted. I’d have to say the cook behind the grill can serve up a mean bun. It was warm to the touch and crisp to my lips. I was smacking them after every bite to ensure not one drop of that olive oil taste was missed.

Continue reading →

09.09.13
by

Lunns Bakery Has Pumpkin Pie! And its Delish

Lunn’s Pastries
Deli & Coffee Shop
2455 Beacon Ave 
Sidney, BC 
(250) 656-1724

My oh my, Lunn’s Pastries has pie, and it’s pumpkin to boot! Well, I’ve been told that they make the best pumpkin on this side of the 42nd parallel. Well, technically their coordinates are more like 48 degrees and 39.2′ North, and its well worth the trip to this seaside town to eat a pie that tasted like it came fresh from the patch.

Continue reading →