Tag Archives: Victoria

03.20.13
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Enter a World of Delights at Shanghai Noodles

2224 Quadra Street
Victoria, B.C. 
(250) 386-8802

J: Shanghai Noodles is located between two of my ol’ stomping grounds. Blanshard Community and George Jay Elementary. Between the two, one I liked and the other…well you know how it goes. It was to be a toss up for what direction this experience would take. I was hoping the coin didn’t fall over the George Jay line.

And once again Ed had to listen (or covertly tune me out) as I rambled on about the places I’d been, the people I knew and Heather, the girl I kissed.

E: Aw, isn’t young love grand? But we are not here to recount another version of “My Girl.”

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03.13.13
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Pho Hoa’s Sinking Feeling

Pho Hoa
765 Fort St.
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 477 – 2356

Has anything changed over at the franchise operated Pho Hoa? Very little and its sub-par service seems to have gotten worse. The waitresses may have to be hailed like a cab when a small party of hungry hockey fans become rabid. In this instance, only one person from my group managed to order while the rest of the gang were ignored. There was not even an attempt to ask if we were ready.

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02.14.13
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Dishing out Food Justice, Mexi-Style!

1580 Cook St
Victoria, B.C.
(836) 737-2623
Fall/Winter hours:
Tues to Sat 11:30am to 4pm

¡Ay, caramba! Fusion cuisine is nearly all the rage these days, and at Taco Justice League (TJL), they’re reinventing the tortilla in a food truck. This place serves soft tacos with a variety of fillings. From deep-fried tempura avocados to brined pulled pork, each food offering sounds delicious.

This operation is a block away from ‘The Pandora Strip.’ It’s located right between Wellburns Market and the art gallery. I’d make the trek to the fringes of town just for another burrito, or maybe a taco, especially when the Fringe Festival kicks up.

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02.12.13
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Visiting Ming’s for Chinese New Year

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Ming’s Restaurant
1321 Quadra Street
Victoria, BC
(250) 385-4405

E: Either I’m far too critical about my culture’s approach to cooking a decent meal or I do not find Chinese food all that tasty anymore. Has my palate been spoiled? Or when it comes to dining out during the start of Chinese New Year, are the cooks at Ming’s feeling just too unsympathetic to wanting to create a tasty meal? What James and I ate here was a mixed bag of digestion problems.

Hours later, after the meal, I have to wonder if the MSG in my tummy is turning sour.

J: I think it’s possible Ed’s stomach was revolting on him. It may be the cultural background. My grandmother, a Newfoundlander, can’t look at seafood now without feeling ill or having bad memories resurface. Back in Port Rexton/Trinity Bay they used to use squid when growing the potatos> Back then it was used to fertilize the soil and now it is something I consider eating. Sorry granny but I love seafood.

I’m not sure if it’s a Scottish hand-me-down or having Newfoundlander in my blood but either way you and grandad are partly to blame. Perhaps in future I need to steer Ed clear of a Chinese restaurant or else I’ll be steering him to the closest open window. But in this small city of Victoria, the Two Hungry Blokes, like General George Armstrong Custer, are surrounded by them. Ed may commit Seppuku. I’m sorry Ed but I’m eating my way out of this one. Tell my future wife (or the closest facsmilie thereof) and my illegitimate children that I would have loved them…maybe.

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02.09.13
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Lunch Time Shorts at the Victoria Film Festival ’13

The Victoria Film Festival (VFF) started their week of movies with a series of food-related shorts that I couldn’t resist going to see. I could have paid to participate in the Feast and Film program, where movie-goers are treated to a meal at Spinnakers (that I’ve reviewed a few years ago) and a movie, Azul Intangible, a film about oceanic life in the northwestern part of Mexico. Fortunately, I had the willpower because I do need to start saving my money.

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01.17.13
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This Clay Pigeon Can Fly

The Clay Pigeon
1002 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 590-6657

J: They say two birds in the hand are worth three in the bush. But it only took one bird, the Clay Pigeon, to be worth 3 food lovers. Ed and myself were accompanied by none other than Donald Kennedy of the Victoria Burger Blog and were more than glad to have his insight. Ed and I were finally able to relax in the atmosphere that is the Clay.

Our server for the night, Darion, was smart and had wonderful taste. Her knowledge of the menu and the ingredients involved in our meals astounded me. I should’ve tipped her more because her services in my opinion are worth double.

Perhaps I shall return with a “tip part 2” in a marked envelope. I knew this place was class as we were served glasses of water with small wedges of lemon bobbing about.

E: Her friendliness was what made the Clay Pigeon experience worthwhile. James and I heard of the food quality, but to finally be there with friends is what made this particular visit even better. And I finally got to try the crispy fried pig’s ear.

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