Tag Archives: Vancouver Island

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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02.01.23
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Yukatsu&Uburger Has Got Our Soul

120230104_172724008 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC

Hours: Mon to Sun 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Menu: yukatsuuburger.love
Phone: (250) 853-2100

DK: Something something Pink Bicycle. Something something beloved downtown eatery. Something Something new kid in town. Something, something shoes to fill. 

Ok, now that we’ve got the preamble out of the way–Ed, what do make of this new, also rather Pink, burger spot on Blanshard?

ES: Other than the fact Yukatsu & Uburger kept some original decor from the former operation, I’m generally impressed. With operations closing down and new ones in its wake, I’m glad the theme is at least kept! As for what this operation entails, it’s tough to say if they’re Korean and Japanese, or just the latter? With a tantalizing video of their deep-fry process playing nonstop, I’m definitely drooling.

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01.18.23
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When All You Want is Royal Spice Indian Cuisine

20221217_200051212-815 Cloverdale Ave
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm daily
Phone: (250) 380-1881
Website: royalspicevictoria.ca

Winter is a good time to have a hot meal, and when I refer to the temperature, I’m actually talking about the spice level that Indian food is famous for. Royal Spice Indian Cuisine knows how to kick everything up a notch, and then some! I was here with another pal since our Call of Cthulhu RPG session with other gamers was a bust–nobody wanted to game in the late month of December. I understand the holidays change priorities, but for us hard core gamers hoping to embark on a mission, it can be disheartening.

This intimate establishment knew how to turn our disappointment around. Even on a cold night, we were warmly welcomed and it was busy. This city had a blast of winter snow, and it didn’t deter those brave the slick streets from dining out.

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10.05.22
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The Candid on Smile Chicken, in a busy Korean Fried Scene…

smile chicken1001 Douglas G12
Victoria, BC

Hours: 11:30 am to 10pm
Phone: (604) 782-8592

Sadly, La Fiesta Café, the Mexican diner at the corner of Douglas and Broughton, is no more. In its place is Smile Chicken. I think the fact we have two new Korean Fried operations (one still coming) downtown is amusing when considering there was a chicken shortage in 2021. One year is more than enough to regrow a population, but are the hens happy? It’s safe to say most likely not.

I’ve been here three times now, and when this operation has corn dogs on the menu, why not? When I’m craving this carnival food staple, it certainly satisfies.

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