Tag Archives: Vancouver Island

10.04.23
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Not So Hot, When The Ingredients Are Wrong with The Hot Dog Guys’ Tillicum Operation

The Hot Dog Guys3170 Tillicum Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Menu: thehotdogguy.ca
Phone: (250) 882-7199

The Hot Dog Guys at Tillicum Mall know their way around a good dog. The selection depends on what customers request or what’s on their menu, and they clearly have a passion for the craft. The catch is that their location inside the mall comes with limitations. For example, they can’t serve a true Chicago-style dog since they don’t have access to poppy seed buns, fresh tomatoes, or other toppings that require more storage and prep space.

I respect that they’re making the best of what they have, but the “mall setup” inevitably caps their potential. A great hot dog should have fresh toppings and some creative flair, and that’s difficult to deliver without a proper kitchen. While I enjoyed my visit, I left uncertain if I’d return—more because of the environment than the people running the place.

That said, the menu does tempt with regional inspirations like the Seattle Dog and the Portlander. Unfortunately, without the right tools, these creations don’t quite hit their mark. When I tried their basic dog, it was fine, but the roller-style heating left me wishing for something grilled to order. I imagine mall restrictions prevent them from cooking the way they’d prefer, which is a shame.

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09.20.23
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Esquimalt Ribfest 2023 Report and Picture Gallery

2023 Esquimalt Ribfest - 00Location: Bullen Park
1140 Lyall St
Victoria, BC

Date: Early September, following Labour Day weekend.

ES: Just how often one goes to Esquimalt’s Ribfest depends on whom you like as your go-to ribber. The staple ribbers like Boss Hogg’s will be there, and for new operations, Grizzly BBQ and Smoke Dem Bones stood out. When I’m going to a ribfest, I expect to find tons of beef, not pork! And when it’s in short supply on the last day, I can either adjust when I head down or consider “if only I’m in the mood.” 

Regarding the latter operation, Dem Bones’ brisket on its own was ok. It’s nothing to rave about when they didn’t get the buns out to defrost in time for Sunday’s early crowd and forgot to slather on the sauce in my order. After more than a decade of feeding this municipality, I think it’s time to reconsider why attending is a must. Thankfully, the addition of the Colossal Onion is a bit of a game changer, but not by much.

DK: Looking back at Ed’s 2021 review of us there, I see the highlights and lowlights of this event haven’t changed much. Colossal Onion continues to be a must-eat item for fair food fanboys such as ourselves. Ribbers without LAX-style lineups continue to be underwhelming. I think the event is, after 10 years in Esquimalt, still worth attending as a fun way to get out and contribute to a meaningful community fundraiser. As a foodie event, however, the excitement of its first year has worn off significantly.

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09.06.23
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Los Panas Kitchen, the Perfect Place Venezuela Comfort Food in Victoria, BC

las pana kitchen ownerMarket Square
560 Johnson St
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:00 am to 5:00pm, Thurs to Sunday
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lospanaskitchen/
Phone: (647) 861-9446

Los Panas Kitchen can sometimes be hard to find as they’re a food truck style operation, and they only operate when the weather cooperates. During the summer, they’ve been very busy, attending local fairs and setting up camp elsewhere than their traditional location. That makes life tough for me when the desire to want their food products hits, and I find they’re not at their usual Market Square location.

That’s because what they serve are delicious Venezuelan arepas and patacones! The fried plantains are the bomb, and I doubt I can even replicate how they prepare it at home. There’s a soft crisp to them which is perfect when other proteins like pork are piled on top. As for whether they serve enough in each individual order, I could probably debate that, as I got a ton of meat but not enough of this fruit. Continue reading →

08.02.23
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Not Necessarily Coocoo for Coco Grill at Victoria, BC’s Inner Harbour

Don at Coco Ftont1 Dallas Rd
Victoria, BC

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(varies on weekends)
Website: http://cocogrillvictoria.com
Phone: (250) 589-0729

DK: I’ve never seen a group of kitchen staff having more fun than the ladies at Coco. Multiple times during our visit, they were doubled-over in laughter. You’ve gotta be doing something right if your staff is having a riot while smack-dab in the middle of a high-volume tourist trap. But is eating their food as enjoyable as making it seem to be?

ES: That depends on whether everything on the menu is considered authentic to Polynesia. To be specific, I’ve always wanted to try Hawaiian food. It’s not always about eating spam. One look at what Cocos menu offers got half my taste buds salivating. Although ceviche is considered Peruvian, can that region be considered close enough? What say you, Don?

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06.21.23
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Kattia’s Kitchen is Certainly A Hit in this Top Three List of Favourite Hispanic Operations in #YYJ!

Kattia's Kitchen at Spot Prawn Fest4636 Elk Lake Dr
Victoria, BC

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00pm daily
Website: https://www.kattiaskitchen.net/
Phone: (250) 812-2565

Kattia’s Kitchen may well rank as my second most favourite authentic Mexican experience when that craving hits. What this food truck offers is ice cream burritos, and if that’s not enough to whet one’s appetite for the summer, then I don’t know what will. The restaurant is located by Saanich Commonwealth Place, which is at the outskirts of Victoria proper, and I just may have to visit there more often!

That’s because I want to sample more of Kattia’s wares. At the diner are a lot more than the usual street food offerings–tacos, burritos and quesadillas–since they post on social media what their specials are, and in a proper kitchen, what’s offered allows them to advertise Tortas Ahogadas and offer more sweet, colourful treats! My mouth is already salivating.

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02.15.23
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Going Vegetarian at Rebar Modern Food

20230204_16432750 Bastion Square
Victoria, BC 

Hours: Weds to Sun 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Menu: rebarmodernfood.com
Phone: (250) 361-9223

I can easily do the jailhouse rock at Rebar Modern Food. Or rather, I might get jailed for going vegetarian since I’m better known for going primal, enjoying steaks at home than dining out for them. It saves me money since prices jump when getting somebody else to prepare them. But for fish, I get it; you have to slice those fillets and crisp it just right to bring out the flavour and texture of the meat. 

This cozy restaurant is tucked to one corner in the famously haunted Bastion Square. As we chatted about the paranormal, on her way here, I wondered if this place had any stories. I know the pubs that’ are up a few doors from this place are, but I don’t recall if there are any stories here. Not like it’d deter us from sitting down for a bite. We were greeted by a friendly server, and opted for a seat with a view of the area.

I’m very pleased to say their greens are tops. Unlike other places where I sometimes get something less than crispy, the flavours and tastes for even a salad had me smacking my lips. I loved the cucumber dill dressing that went with my Blackened Rockfish Burger. I wasn’t sure if that’d fill me, as I had a small snack before coming into town to meet my friend from the National Film Board of Canada after a Victoria Film Festival screening. I was more interested in the Q&A since I got to see the documentary, The Colour of Ink, prior. This work is simply beautiful in teaching viewers about what this medium can do. My review can be read on the sister site, Otakunoculture.com.

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