A New Urban Bite

E: The community of Fernwood is a really nice place to visit, and I really wish I lived here. I feel right at home, and just attending their inaugural foodie fest is just temptation in action. Especially with all the good restaurants located here. To name a few, there’s Lucy’s In the Square, the Cornerstone Cafe, Fernwood Inn and Stir it Up. And all of them didn’t disappoint at this event.

J: And don’t forget the wonderful Little Piggy, Ed. I definitely felt very comfortable among the crowd. I talked with people I didn’t know, bumped into those I did and enjoyed the very social atmosphere that was Fernwood Bites. I’ll be planning a return. Aubergine is just one of a a few businesses that really caught my attention. They’re also highly regarded too.

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Carribean Cooking Calypso

The Reef
533 Yates St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 388-5375

E: Avast ye mates! Shiver me timbers and gimme a beach to land on. Where I be today is at the Reef. In the Caribbean and ready to sample some rye. But, it’s really a bottle of rum that I seek.

J: Add tasteful mosaic tiles, one lifeless parrot (Monty Python sketch not included) and a bar that’d you expect at a beach, that’s only scratching the surface.

I rather enjoyed this place and I grooved to reggae music (or maybe my pants were too tight). Our friendly and helpful waitress even had that cock-eyed attitude that I love. If Blackbeard walked by and asked to use the little pirate’s room, I wouldn’t have batted an eye.

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Summertime Plaid

Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Topaz Park
Victoria, BC

It’s the weekend that Summer officially begins and I had a choice of geeking out at a Steampunk convention or heading to the 147th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival. I’m glad I did the latter because I’m dying for an opportunity to try haggis. Sadly, there was none to be found but plenty to toss about.

I could’ve ran out to the field to catch one, but I’m sure I’d be recreating a moment from Braveheart with angry Scots chasing after me. With no James in sight to catch the ball, I’m just gonna get plummeled.

Yes, there was Scottish food to be found, but not of the variety that I hoped. I can certainly understand that it’s impossible to predict how many pieces are haggis are needed to feed a hungry mass of people, and rationing would be required. But this isn’t the Blitz.

But at least I didn’t come out disappointed. I made some inquiries and was told haggis can be bought locally in the Brentwood Bay area.

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Fish and … what?

Red Fish, Blue Fish
1006 Wharf St.
Victoria, BC
(250) 298-6877

J: I would like you to meet one of the newest fish in the ocean, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It’s a small shack down near the Inner Harbour and across from the seaplane airport. The location is prime; there’s a lovely view of the Inner Harbour, and plenty of space to sit and enjoy your meal.

They offer seafood with a flair and is an Ocean Wise partner. After you giggle at the obviously inspired Dr. Seuss name, you can stop long enough to sink your teeth into a BBQ Fanny Bay oyster tacone.

E: I can think of better oysters to eat, James. Fanny Bay is good, but there are other varieties. I’ve been to Nautical Nellie’s and Ferris’ to sample a lot of oysters (usually raw). There are juicier and tastier options; they vary in texture and sweetness. And for me, Red Fish Blue Fish is a shack for other kinds of seafood to enjoy.

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Sushi Plus or Minus?

Sushi Plus Restaurant
766 Yates Street

Victoria, BC
(250) 386-3116

J: Sushi Plus is a cozy little Japanese restaurant conveniently located in the vicinity of the Odeon Theatre. My initial experience was a pleasant one. Here was this Japanese restaurant actually run by a Japanese family.

E: James expounded strange wonders and the thrill of going to this place for the first time and all I did was pull a Mr.Spock. And I can’t say I was too thrilled at the presentation. The meal was mildly tasty, but it was more reminiscent of what a street vendor would do. And I had the authentic experience too while in Japan.

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