Halibut House
3500 Quadra St
Victoria, BC
(250) 385-4944
E: After managing to kill an hour in two malls, Uptown and a quaint strip mall off of Quadra and Cloverdale, James and I found a taste of what I fondly remember from Cantonese style cooking cuisine. I heard good things about Halibut House from both cultures; the fish n’ chips are said to be killer, and a buddy who’s a chef says not many places can prepare tripe right.
Voodoo Coffee and Taboo Gourmet Cheesecake
400-2950 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC
250-590-1017
When a name like Voodoo Coffee and Taboo Gourmet Cheesecake hits me with a ‘must try’ spell, I was in there and enjoying some beautifully smooth chocolate cheesecake pie. I was more than captivated. This place does very well to replace the once popular Cheesecake Café that graced this city of Victoria more than ten years ago.
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!
Fan Tan Cafe
549 Fisgard Street
Chinatown District
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-1611
J: It was dinner and a movie day. Ed and I were to be used as extras in a local indie zombie film. But before we reached the set, a little stop over in Chinatown was in order. Becoming the undead is hungry work and what better to serve two overweight zombies than brains in a bowl of broth.
E: Well, you were the sound man, and I was the hungry zombie. And, y’know… those dumplings that are found in won ton noodle soup are like little brains. They’re juicy, delectable and plump. And the best part, no humans were harmed in the making of this review. Well, maybe some pigs and sea life.
Pizzeria Prima Strada
2960 Bridge St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 590-4380
J: With our bellies empty and wallets full, Ed and I donned our tights and made the mad dash to Pizzeria Prima Strada. What was once a garage is now home to brick oven baked pizzas. It seems only fitting that the place which once tuned-up cars now services people.
And that’s a good thing because we were both in need of more than a regular service. With the amount of greasy pizzas both of us had consumed in the past, Ed’s rear end shocks needed replacing and I felt like a beat up 58′ Ford Edsel.
Redfish, Bluefish
1006 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 298-6877
On my second visit to the diner that James and I began our culinary journey, I couldn’t help but notice that this operation’s computer system was down again. But at least their debit/credit card line worked. Either it’s just my timing or this place really needs to consider moving on up to more stable ground.
But I swear, timing is everything for finding tasty food here. I tried the Fanny Bay Oyster Sandwich ($10). and it was like a seafood version of a Philly Cheesesteak. Although I’m comparing the two like apples to oranges, I found the sandwich had more substance to it, than something tiny that James had.
There were at least three large oysters packed in this manwich and it had a lovely squish when I bit into it. And as I worked through the soft, light bread, the soft lemony taste from the onions proved I was eating a seafood sandwich. I don’t think I can eat any form of fried sea life without lemon.
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