Number 6 on Brunch Places to visit in 2017 is "Hawk and Hen". Which is convenient, as it is fast become a favourite regular place for my friends and I to eat at. That's because there's no line up, decent coffee and buttery, waxy, golden potatoes.
I reviewed Hawk & Hen in 2015, not long after it opened. I haven't been back for anything but brunch, but feel it's probably time I did. The space does seem to have gathered more customers in the mean time, and the menu has changed up a little, but it's still looking at serving up classic, fresh west coast breakfasts with small, but good twists.
The restaurant is split over three levels, with the front side having two tiers next to tall windows. The windows deserve to get lots of warm light in. They instead face north, looking at the old brick heritage buildings of Yates Street. Buildings much improved and renovated in recent years, mind you. The time I went, the main feature of those buildings was two ladies shotgunning Lucky Lager to Black Sabbath's "War Pigs".
Good on them.
Inside, the tables on the lower levels are big and friendly and relaxing. But always feels cramped being underneath on the ground floor. Even now I have my head bent down, feeling like I've crawled underneath a tree house to have lunch. It's not that low at all in there, but has air of enclosure that i wish it didn't.
But the food. Last time I went I ordered the BC Salmon Skillet: a layer of buttery, golden Yukon potatoes, covered in smoked salmon, latkes and capers. Topped with two poached eggs and some fresh Hollandaise. In cast iron skillet.
I suspect my cholesterol is up several points. But it was worth it. Some how they make the potatoes both firm and waxy in consistency, and rich tasting as well. The earthy nice of the spuds comes through. It's clearly the butter that does the trick. I am sure it's not just covering everything melted butter and hoping. I do that at home sometimes, and it doesn't quite have this result.
The eggs were done to around medium/medium soft. Hard to get perfect, but they were pretty damn near, and oozed the yolks nicely over the salmon and capers. This made for a savory, fishy forkful.The slight smoke in the salmon cuts through the eggs just enough to make it a great combination. In fact, even though they serve thick hand-sliced rashers of bacon, and one of my friends had it sitting there in my eyeline, I didn't feel the least bit jealous. And I've had the bacon. It's good bacon. Just this is good salmon too.
(I'm just sending a message to suggest we go back soon for another brunch, as I do want the bacon next time).
They serve hipster friendly Bows and Arrow coffee. Hipster friendly, and well roasted, good coffee. All the while kept freshened up by a pair of attentive servers. The staff definitely seemed more relaxed and on the ball than my first visit,
One to visit for sure, and deserving in a top ten of Victoria brunch places. But hopefully this post won't get too much attention so there's a queue to get in.
Showing posts with label west coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label west coast. Show all posts
January 22, 2017
May 29, 2016
Gabriel's Gourmet Cafe, Nanaimo
Myself and the Brunette of my Acquaintance headed up to Newcastle Island for the May stat holiday. Newcastle is my favourite of the BC campsites I've been too. You can't drive in, so have to limit what you drag over. This means there's no huge RVs looming over you, and no cars heading off at 5am as the driver has sobered up enough to head home. It's quiet, and the sites have more space around them.
But there's still a shop, and lots of trails to walk, and the lights of Nanaimo are right there. So you can head into the city if you've run out of beer, lost a can opener or just need to get back to the concrete jungle. The foot ferry over costs $9 return, so you really have to want to make the day trip, but it's a comfortable safety blanket.
So we had a very nice relaxing weekend, cooking over the open fire some incredibly tasty burgers from Glenwood Meats. All the wood smoke and good quality beef made for great outdoors feed. The bean stew we made also was enhanced by wood fire and the fresh air. And chicken we slapped directly on to the grill after weekend marinating was so tender and moist.
So after all that good food, the Monday morning we struck camp and headed in the city to grab breakfast before we headed home. Gabriel's Gourmet is on the main street through Nanaimo. They believe in local food from local farms and producers. They tell you in great length on their website. The cafe is full of pine wood, and fresh herbs growing on shelves, and art made from rusty old saws. They have a small patio, and about space for 20-30 inside. You head to the back, order then get seated. Means you have to think on your feet on what to order, but that probably speeds things up, and the wait staff not having to dance around through the coffee and perusal of long menus for twenty minutes will increase turn over.
I went for the Weekend Benny, which was a delicious pile of kale and bacon in a chive-enhanced Hollandaise. Country potatoes rounded it out. Every forkful was full of bright, rich flavours. The bacon was thick cut, and cooked to just crispy. Rounded out with coffee that was neither weka nor over strong, the day continued to maintain it's lvel of good.
The Brunette got the eggs on corn cakes with a mess of beans and salsa. The mouthfuls I tried were on par with the with the Benny. Cooked well to combine the flavours, but not over cooked to a much. And her daughters salmon wrap had perfectly cured salmon, with that rich, sea-salt sweetness that says to me it's great.
Overall, an excellent meal. Kept me going until Duncan, where I did need to top off the caffeine with a can of Rockstar coffee. Not a patch on the hot brew served in Nanaimo, or boiled up on the stove at the campsite, but the jolt was needed.
April 17, 2016
Saveur, Downtown Victoria
Saveur has a website that looks like Save Ur Restaurant (http://saveurrestaurant.ca/). This might be a service like Bar Rescue, to come in to turn around failing food joints. Maybe complete with a fake Gordon Ramsay to tell someone to F--- Off. Perhaps it's really cheap, fast-food diner that offers quick Mesopotamian cuisine, served for the modern palate?
Instead, it offers modern French-inspired food. According to the website, at least. The space is starkly modern. Matt-black walls. Hardwood floors. A bar and cash register that wouldn't be out of place in a fancy hair salon. The kitchen eschews the little window you can peak into, instead, the range and prep stations open on to the dining floor. Concrete flooring marks the edge of the chef's domain, and the start of the maitre'd's empire.
The restaurant is just one block up from Jam on Herald Street, and the long narrow space has suddenly reminded me of 'Solomon's', my ideal bar that's long been closed. Space is going to be limited here, with maybe 30 covers. The menu is concise, with the Chef's tasting menu looking like a fine array of good things, like Pork Belly with Fiddle head ferns, and Halibut with cheese grits.
BUT, this was brunch. And for brunch, there's the traditional breakfast; a hangover cure breakfast of all the meats for $23, and my old favourite - Huevos Rancheros. Plus a variety of Eggs Benny and a couscous porridge served with apricots and dates.
I went for the Huevos. Before they arrived we got ultra tiny scones. Served with a house-made blackcurrant jam, these bite sized scones were warm and buttery. The jam was sweet and tangy. As my friend said... we could do with a bag of these to take home.
We also got coffee. It wasn't bad coffee, though I'd like to have had a teaspoon to stir my cream in with, and not to have to use the end of a butter knife. And then use the thick, paper napkin to dry it on. Just saying.
The Huevos were excellent. A well toasted tortilla, topped with refried beans that had been cut with peppers and (I think) cilantro. This lifted the flavour up a notch, and combined with the cheese and eggs and tortilla to make a great mouthful. The eggs were served sunny-side up - no option was given on when I ordered, but I'm guessing they could have been done another style. I don't mind my eggs that way, but I know some people -hate- it when the eggs white doesn't cook all the way through.
The guacamole was fresh, the pico de gallo tangy, and the cumin creme fraiche and great twist on serving it. A good scattering of friend potato cubes added to the dish to make a sizable (though not super large meal). A really good Huevos, and the price ($15) matched that... this is not a cheap and plenty type place.
For the price and vibe, I'd like to have seen the settings one step up. The things I've not liked would get a pass at other places which weren't going for a fine dining vibe. The food is excellent. The service staff friendly. They were doing plenty of trade, and feel there's plenty more people coming there to discuss their latest business projects and deals. There's a seriousness about it all. And good for them, it's a good addition to the scene in Victoria.
658 Herald Street, Victoria BC - info@saveurrestaurant.ca - 250.590.9251
Instead, it offers modern French-inspired food. According to the website, at least. The space is starkly modern. Matt-black walls. Hardwood floors. A bar and cash register that wouldn't be out of place in a fancy hair salon. The kitchen eschews the little window you can peak into, instead, the range and prep stations open on to the dining floor. Concrete flooring marks the edge of the chef's domain, and the start of the maitre'd's empire.
The restaurant is just one block up from Jam on Herald Street, and the long narrow space has suddenly reminded me of 'Solomon's', my ideal bar that's long been closed. Space is going to be limited here, with maybe 30 covers. The menu is concise, with the Chef's tasting menu looking like a fine array of good things, like Pork Belly with Fiddle head ferns, and Halibut with cheese grits.
BUT, this was brunch. And for brunch, there's the traditional breakfast; a hangover cure breakfast of all the meats for $23, and my old favourite - Huevos Rancheros. Plus a variety of Eggs Benny and a couscous porridge served with apricots and dates.
I went for the Huevos. Before they arrived we got ultra tiny scones. Served with a house-made blackcurrant jam, these bite sized scones were warm and buttery. The jam was sweet and tangy. As my friend said... we could do with a bag of these to take home.
We also got coffee. It wasn't bad coffee, though I'd like to have had a teaspoon to stir my cream in with, and not to have to use the end of a butter knife. And then use the thick, paper napkin to dry it on. Just saying.
The Huevos were excellent. A well toasted tortilla, topped with refried beans that had been cut with peppers and (I think) cilantro. This lifted the flavour up a notch, and combined with the cheese and eggs and tortilla to make a great mouthful. The eggs were served sunny-side up - no option was given on when I ordered, but I'm guessing they could have been done another style. I don't mind my eggs that way, but I know some people -hate- it when the eggs white doesn't cook all the way through.
The guacamole was fresh, the pico de gallo tangy, and the cumin creme fraiche and great twist on serving it. A good scattering of friend potato cubes added to the dish to make a sizable (though not super large meal). A really good Huevos, and the price ($15) matched that... this is not a cheap and plenty type place.
For the price and vibe, I'd like to have seen the settings one step up. The things I've not liked would get a pass at other places which weren't going for a fine dining vibe. The food is excellent. The service staff friendly. They were doing plenty of trade, and feel there's plenty more people coming there to discuss their latest business projects and deals. There's a seriousness about it all. And good for them, it's a good addition to the scene in Victoria.
658 Herald Street, Victoria BC - info@saveurrestaurant.ca - 250.590.9251
October 25, 2015
Nourish in the Harbour, James Bay, Victoria
Nourish has two locations. One is out at the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific in the backroads of Saanich (and a short run from the Vancouver Island Tech Park, having passed it many a time while running). The second newer location is in an old converted house in James Bay.
It's a BIG converted house. We aren't talking a small starter home. It's a heritage house, a big wooden building, stretching over three storeys (I've been in the unrenovated attic. It looks like my crazy great aunt's attic. If I had a crazy maiden great aunt). The first floor has space for 40-50 covers and a coffee bar. Plus the fully functioning kitchen. On the second floor, there's more dining space and meeting space if you want to book a nice, vintage feeling area for an intimate cocktail reception.
Back on the ground floor, there's the main business of the general admission cafe/restaurant, pushing out brunch. The philosophy is natural ingredients, nutrient-rich foods and seasonal choices. Combined with a desire to make interesting food, and not just quinoa, kale and aubergine stew for everyone.
There was plenty of tasty, tasty kale for those that want it. One of our group didn't, choosing to pass on the option of an Eggs Benedict piled up on a green-bean-and-kale base (Benny in the Moment), instead of the normal muffin. Even my love of the green leafed 'super food' passed at that option. We also passed by on the small cups of bone broth that were on the brunch menu. It's all very good, I am sure, but not before I have had my coffee!
Instead, I went for a standard breakfast, paired with an americano coffee. The coffee was good, rich and smooth, with a big flavour to wake up my morning. So it didn't last to long in the cup. Was offered plenty of refills of drip coffee, but decide to hydrate with the rosemary infused water on the table. I assume it was meant to be in the milk bottle, and not a poor cleaning job by the Avalon diary from whom the bottle had been purloined (those things have a big deposit on them, wonder if they know there's about $100 of glassware here?). The water didn't really taste of rosemary.
The breakfast was a platter of good stuff: a fistful of kale dressed in a light dressing, two soft poached eggs with thick golden yolks, a slice of seed toast, some potatoes and a herb and leek sausage. The kale was kale. If you like kale, you'll like it. If you don't, this is raw kale. It tastes of raw kale. The seed toast was crunchy and mostly seeds. One slice with a smear of butter and little bit of the soft apple was tasty.
The potatoes were rich and earthy and flavourful. They probably could have been fluffier or crispier... they weren't new waxy spuds, so the consistency of them was -like- they were slightly undercooked. They weren't but, something didn't seem quite right.
The sausage was a let-down (my fault for not choosing the bacon). It had no flavour beyond the seasoning, and tasted like it had been boiled or steamed, with very little time on the grill. Grill time makes meat taste better (in general) by the chemical reactions that occur when it browns. And when the fat in the meat gets a chance to melt and merge around with the rest of the filling. Wasn't impressed with whatever they had done here instead.
Two of my friends had the pancakes. These were more like big slices of fresh cake. Huge thick triangles of oatmeal. There wasn't much of them, though.
The dining room is great, bright airy and comfortable. The food is served to please the eyes, the staff are bright and cheery, and everything seems to be working in the right direction. The menu is encased in an old hard backed book. Maybe there's just a little sense of trying a bit too hard to be different that unsettled me a little?
That all said I think I'd go back to try some other dishes out. I like the concepts and the rest of the menu looked good, and I did feel good and ready to face the world.
It's a BIG converted house. We aren't talking a small starter home. It's a heritage house, a big wooden building, stretching over three storeys (I've been in the unrenovated attic. It looks like my crazy great aunt's attic. If I had a crazy maiden great aunt). The first floor has space for 40-50 covers and a coffee bar. Plus the fully functioning kitchen. On the second floor, there's more dining space and meeting space if you want to book a nice, vintage feeling area for an intimate cocktail reception.
Back on the ground floor, there's the main business of the general admission cafe/restaurant, pushing out brunch. The philosophy is natural ingredients, nutrient-rich foods and seasonal choices. Combined with a desire to make interesting food, and not just quinoa, kale and aubergine stew for everyone.
There was plenty of tasty, tasty kale for those that want it. One of our group didn't, choosing to pass on the option of an Eggs Benedict piled up on a green-bean-and-kale base (Benny in the Moment), instead of the normal muffin. Even my love of the green leafed 'super food' passed at that option. We also passed by on the small cups of bone broth that were on the brunch menu. It's all very good, I am sure, but not before I have had my coffee!
Instead, I went for a standard breakfast, paired with an americano coffee. The coffee was good, rich and smooth, with a big flavour to wake up my morning. So it didn't last to long in the cup. Was offered plenty of refills of drip coffee, but decide to hydrate with the rosemary infused water on the table. I assume it was meant to be in the milk bottle, and not a poor cleaning job by the Avalon diary from whom the bottle had been purloined (those things have a big deposit on them, wonder if they know there's about $100 of glassware here?). The water didn't really taste of rosemary.
The breakfast was a platter of good stuff: a fistful of kale dressed in a light dressing, two soft poached eggs with thick golden yolks, a slice of seed toast, some potatoes and a herb and leek sausage. The kale was kale. If you like kale, you'll like it. If you don't, this is raw kale. It tastes of raw kale. The seed toast was crunchy and mostly seeds. One slice with a smear of butter and little bit of the soft apple was tasty.
The potatoes were rich and earthy and flavourful. They probably could have been fluffier or crispier... they weren't new waxy spuds, so the consistency of them was -like- they were slightly undercooked. They weren't but, something didn't seem quite right.
The sausage was a let-down (my fault for not choosing the bacon). It had no flavour beyond the seasoning, and tasted like it had been boiled or steamed, with very little time on the grill. Grill time makes meat taste better (in general) by the chemical reactions that occur when it browns. And when the fat in the meat gets a chance to melt and merge around with the rest of the filling. Wasn't impressed with whatever they had done here instead.
Two of my friends had the pancakes. These were more like big slices of fresh cake. Huge thick triangles of oatmeal. There wasn't much of them, though.
The dining room is great, bright airy and comfortable. The food is served to please the eyes, the staff are bright and cheery, and everything seems to be working in the right direction. The menu is encased in an old hard backed book. Maybe there's just a little sense of trying a bit too hard to be different that unsettled me a little?
That all said I think I'd go back to try some other dishes out. I like the concepts and the rest of the menu looked good, and I did feel good and ready to face the world.
September 27, 2015
Hawk and Hen, Downtown Victoria
I'd seen that "Hawk and Hen" was coming into the spot once occupied by The Podium. The Podium was a big "sports bar" that failed to offer up sports in any way that differed from the other 15 places in town. I can watch a TV with sports on and drink beer in many places. If your not giving the live commentary on the feature matches, and really pushing the 'place to watch' angle, then your just another bar.
So Hawk and Hen has a big location to fill, with lots of seats, so I was a little surprised to see the soft opening (no website I could find till very recently) and the west-coast niche it was filling. Seems like a big ask to fill and 100+ seater place on a regular basis. But, I did see that Liam Quinn was named as executive chef. Liam runs the "Salt and Pepper Fox" (review), and if you work downtown and haven't had sandwich delivery from him yet, you should try it. So, I was expecting good, fresh local food.
I got good, fresh food. I have no idea where the albacore tuna I ate came from. In fact, I have no idea where you find albacore tuna in general, and who smokes it to this rich, velvety, powerful flavour. But I do know that the Tuna Melt I had was great. Thick slices of the beautifully rich, meat, slapped onto a thick wedge of crusty white bread, covered in cheese and grilled to a cheesy, gooey mess. The cheddar had enough bite to balance the soft white bread, and the tuna itself. Yes, you can make a tuna melt at home... but this was a really good one.
I had mine with a side of Rösti potatoes. These are grated potatoes, cooked into a crisp pattie. Like a (proper) hash brown that had been cooked longer and with more fat. Crunchy, and still rich and earthy. Yum. Would order these again and not be disappointed. The dish was completed with a small pile of greens, which featured long shavings of celery, and a simple french dressing.
My friends complimented the meatballs as being big, rich and juicy, though the tomato base they were in was a little too chunky... the smoother sauce with the hash met with much more approval. The bacon served with the benny was big, thick and cooked to a stiff crisp... but not so far that the tasty bacon grease had all dried up.
The service had a couple of small problems: one item we ordered was no longer being made (the bread and butter pudding), but it took a trip to the kitchen to find that out. Apparently it was not selling. We mentioned that was odd to take it off for a place that had just opened. We were told it had be at least a month they'd been in business... I guess long enough to know what doesn't sell.
Our table and another also had to have follow-ups to check how some of the orders should have their eggs cooked. In a brunch first place, this should be a second nature to always ask.
That said, the service was fast, there were plenty of refills on coffee and water. The staff did seem enthusiastic about the food they were serving as well, which is key when for a place pushing local produce.
This has definitely gone on the revisit for brunch list. We all said we'd go back again, highly enjoying the food.
So Hawk and Hen has a big location to fill, with lots of seats, so I was a little surprised to see the soft opening (no website I could find till very recently) and the west-coast niche it was filling. Seems like a big ask to fill and 100+ seater place on a regular basis. But, I did see that Liam Quinn was named as executive chef. Liam runs the "Salt and Pepper Fox" (review), and if you work downtown and haven't had sandwich delivery from him yet, you should try it. So, I was expecting good, fresh local food.
I got good, fresh food. I have no idea where the albacore tuna I ate came from. In fact, I have no idea where you find albacore tuna in general, and who smokes it to this rich, velvety, powerful flavour. But I do know that the Tuna Melt I had was great. Thick slices of the beautifully rich, meat, slapped onto a thick wedge of crusty white bread, covered in cheese and grilled to a cheesy, gooey mess. The cheddar had enough bite to balance the soft white bread, and the tuna itself. Yes, you can make a tuna melt at home... but this was a really good one.
I had mine with a side of Rösti potatoes. These are grated potatoes, cooked into a crisp pattie. Like a (proper) hash brown that had been cooked longer and with more fat. Crunchy, and still rich and earthy. Yum. Would order these again and not be disappointed. The dish was completed with a small pile of greens, which featured long shavings of celery, and a simple french dressing.
My friends complimented the meatballs as being big, rich and juicy, though the tomato base they were in was a little too chunky... the smoother sauce with the hash met with much more approval. The bacon served with the benny was big, thick and cooked to a stiff crisp... but not so far that the tasty bacon grease had all dried up.
The service had a couple of small problems: one item we ordered was no longer being made (the bread and butter pudding), but it took a trip to the kitchen to find that out. Apparently it was not selling. We mentioned that was odd to take it off for a place that had just opened. We were told it had be at least a month they'd been in business... I guess long enough to know what doesn't sell.
Our table and another also had to have follow-ups to check how some of the orders should have their eggs cooked. In a brunch first place, this should be a second nature to always ask.
That said, the service was fast, there were plenty of refills on coffee and water. The staff did seem enthusiastic about the food they were serving as well, which is key when for a place pushing local produce.
This has definitely gone on the revisit for brunch list. We all said we'd go back again, highly enjoying the food.
August 16, 2015
Shirley Day, Shirley, BC
Shirley was named in honour of the joke in Airplane that ends with the punchline: 'Don't Call Me Shirely'. Surely.
Shirely is a small community on the road out of Sooke towards Jordan River, Port Renfrew and the edge of the Pacific. As you travel through the woods on the border of the Juan De Fuca, you'll pass a swathe of B&B's, cabins and getaway lodges. There's small holdings and farms, a meadery and The Shirley Delicious Cafe. Next to the Shirley Fire Hall and the social centre of this settlement.
The lovely Brunette of my Acquaintance knows the area well, selling her baked goods and jams at a market there every couple of weeks. But once a year, there's the Shirley Fun Day, where everyone in the area and beyond comes togther, buys local produce, meets, greets and eats BBQ salmon. All intended to raise funds for the fire hall and to keep the community centre running.
It makes the rural crowd proud. They chat to the neighbours that they may not see quite as often, bond over shared experiences and check in with each other. Meanwhile, the kids run around and cause gentle mayhem. And the urbanites in their BMWs drive out to buy the most exquisite chocolate brownies I have ever had ($1 a square).
I could have spent a small fortune on veg and jarred preserves, but came away with some fresh Arugla sprouts. And a belly full of BBQ Salmon. Which was delicious, especially with a heaping mound of fresh salad (probably not locally grown) and a chuck of tasty olive oil bread. And some rice. Pretty good meal for $12.50.
I also managed to win a case of Joia Natural Sodas and a new baseball cap in the silent auction. The Brunette is not so keen on me wearing a cap all the time. I maintain it keeps the sun out of my eyes and the sweat of my neck. Though as The Libertines once wrote:
Shirely is a small community on the road out of Sooke towards Jordan River, Port Renfrew and the edge of the Pacific. As you travel through the woods on the border of the Juan De Fuca, you'll pass a swathe of B&B's, cabins and getaway lodges. There's small holdings and farms, a meadery and The Shirley Delicious Cafe. Next to the Shirley Fire Hall and the social centre of this settlement.
The lovely Brunette of my Acquaintance knows the area well, selling her baked goods and jams at a market there every couple of weeks. But once a year, there's the Shirley Fun Day, where everyone in the area and beyond comes togther, buys local produce, meets, greets and eats BBQ salmon. All intended to raise funds for the fire hall and to keep the community centre running.
It makes the rural crowd proud. They chat to the neighbours that they may not see quite as often, bond over shared experiences and check in with each other. Meanwhile, the kids run around and cause gentle mayhem. And the urbanites in their BMWs drive out to buy the most exquisite chocolate brownies I have ever had ($1 a square).
I could have spent a small fortune on veg and jarred preserves, but came away with some fresh Arugla sprouts. And a belly full of BBQ Salmon. Which was delicious, especially with a heaping mound of fresh salad (probably not locally grown) and a chuck of tasty olive oil bread. And some rice. Pretty good meal for $12.50.
I also managed to win a case of Joia Natural Sodas and a new baseball cap in the silent auction. The Brunette is not so keen on me wearing a cap all the time. I maintain it keeps the sun out of my eyes and the sweat of my neck. Though as The Libertines once wrote:
There are fewer more distressing sights than that
Of an Englishman in a baseball cap
And we'll die in the class we were born
Well that's a class of our own my love
A class of our own my love
(A Time for Heroes)
We left the country idyll to the sounds of the loudest Electronic Dance Music I've heard since I went to 'rave' aged 19. Apart from that, if you are out that way, stop in to the cafe, or the Sunday markets.
May 31, 2015
Part and Parcel, Quadra Street Village, Victoria
A good week. I am off on vacation right now (so you can expect reviews of places outside Victoria), and when I comeback, I'll be in full swing on my own start up, Enigmatic Events. This may mean less dining out, or at possibly more taking advantage of early bird, happy hour deals. But before all that, I promised the lovely Brunette of my Acquaintance a meal out before she drove me to catch a flight to Scotland. Asking for recommendations, Rayna@QuenchWines mentioned both Hanks BBQ and Part and Parcel.
I love Hanks. But I love new as well.
So we trooped off to get their at opening time. We were fourth in line, just behind local radio celebrity Pol Plastino. At 11.30am, and there's a line up, sounds good. Inside, it's a very simple layout, with a couple of booths, some high tables and bench seating along one wall. You can see into the kitchen beyond the wooden serving counter, above which are listed the dozen or so options. They'll hand you list with more details on, but they basically had me at 'fried chicken sandwich'.
We took our menus back to a booth, slid in and read the details. The fried Kamut Chicken came with bread and butter, bacon and pickles. There was a raw albacore tuna sandwich. Two great looking salads, one boasting rhubarb and chamomile. The 'etc' section led off with falafel and hummus, but the beef tongue tartine with a cabbage and peanut slaw almost defeated my lust for chicken. There's a lot of North African influences across the menu. Whether that was the mood of the kitchen on the day, or a more general twist on the food, I don't know.
We did quiz the lady taking orders on the providence of the meat, as the Brunette will only eat chicken raised carefully and not fed with hormones and pieces of gruel. No hens that have been sent to work for fifteen hours down the nearest coal mine. Her poultry must have rested on silk lined cages, been cosseted and told what clever chooks they are. The report from the kitchen was all clear, with a couple of central BC farms named as the source of both pig and poultry. So we both got the chicken sandwich with a side of 'ras el hanout' french fries to share.
We got a large rectangular bun stuffed with a crisp fillet, with a slice of bacon on top and a big pile of pickled cabbage. The bun is sliced in two, just the right size to pick up and take a big fat bite. I asked the Brunette to take a moment for the reverence this first taste deserved. The chicken was juicy, full of flavour and with a firm crunch on the outside. The bun was soft yet firm, and the pickles crispy, tangy and offset the oiliness of the meat. Kamut is a type of grain, a fact I just looked up. This must have been used in the crispy breading on the chicken. I asked for a second moment of reverence. We ate for a while in silence.
The fries were well cooked, crispy enough on outsides, with the soft, fluffy potato pile inside you want. The spices on them were fine, but not to my taste. Too much cumin and cardamom. Flavours I like in general, but not on my fries, it seems. The 'ras el hanout' is a mix of spices used in Moroccan cooking (also looked that up just now), as a general flavour-all for the meat. Don't get me wrong, I like how it was cooked, the mixing up of flavours and traditions. It just wasn't for my taste buds. Because not every thing can be.
So, a very pleasant meal, in the corner of a very busy spot. The cafe-style ordering at counter, and also setting up your own placements works well here. It is fast-ish food, not long dining. Get in, eat, enjoy and then leave. The toilets were impeccably clean. A sign that the kitchen will be too. They were also kitted out with some art and crafts, and I think I recall some fresh flowers. I can also report, in the four days since I left Canada, the Brunette has been back once already, and plans another trip before eight days of my absence. This is high praise.
So, thanks for the recommendation Rayna, I suspect I'll be back again... and again... and again.
We got a large rectangular bun stuffed with a crisp fillet, with a slice of bacon on top and a big pile of pickled cabbage. The bun is sliced in two, just the right size to pick up and take a big fat bite. I asked the Brunette to take a moment for the reverence this first taste deserved. The chicken was juicy, full of flavour and with a firm crunch on the outside. The bun was soft yet firm, and the pickles crispy, tangy and offset the oiliness of the meat. Kamut is a type of grain, a fact I just looked up. This must have been used in the crispy breading on the chicken. I asked for a second moment of reverence. We ate for a while in silence.
The fries were well cooked, crispy enough on outsides, with the soft, fluffy potato pile inside you want. The spices on them were fine, but not to my taste. Too much cumin and cardamom. Flavours I like in general, but not on my fries, it seems. The 'ras el hanout' is a mix of spices used in Moroccan cooking (also looked that up just now), as a general flavour-all for the meat. Don't get me wrong, I like how it was cooked, the mixing up of flavours and traditions. It just wasn't for my taste buds. Because not every thing can be.
So, a very pleasant meal, in the corner of a very busy spot. The cafe-style ordering at counter, and also setting up your own placements works well here. It is fast-ish food, not long dining. Get in, eat, enjoy and then leave. The toilets were impeccably clean. A sign that the kitchen will be too. They were also kitted out with some art and crafts, and I think I recall some fresh flowers. I can also report, in the four days since I left Canada, the Brunette has been back once already, and plans another trip before eight days of my absence. This is high praise.
So, thanks for the recommendation Rayna, I suspect I'll be back again... and again... and again.
March 15, 2015
Olo, Downtown Victoria
Once there was Ulla which served me the single best meal I had ever eaten in Victoria. Then it shuttered for a period, to be reborn in a new format. Dine Around was on, and Olo was on the list. Perfect timing to find out what they had done to place. I had heard Victoria's favourite cocktail master, Shawn Soole was running the bar, but apart from that, I had no real idea what to expect apart from the menu.
The Brunette and I had a table for two booked. We arrived at the place, and it was looking pretty full. I suspect many people were trying to find out whether it was going to the same high standards as its predecessor. My first question to the server was to find out if the kitchen was still the same. No doubt this had been asked several times before, and the answer was yes. Same chef, same owner, much the same team. The rebrand was to highlight more local food, going for a farm-to-table approach where possible. And also to have a more casual, late-night menu, which could pair with the cocktails and drinks.
Knowing that, we pressed ahead with the $40 set menu, and drinks. I went for the 'Understudy', a non-alcoholic blend of tea, syrup and super sharp lemon soda. Revved the palate up nicely. The Brunette went for a glass of wine. It was red. She will shortly read this and tell me that I really have to remember the wines better as it's a key part of a good meal. I know it smelt quite nice.
The drinks menu comes on five long narrow pages, clipped to a small board. It's extensive, mixing cocktails, high-proof alcohols, wines and beers. The beer menu, I can comment on. It uses Driftwood for the taps which covers most bases for food. In bottle format there's a great range from lighter Pilsner from Four Winds to monster big beers like a Quadruple Trappist Ale. My top pick would be Tripel Karmeliet, a really good, long drinking beer. I like this beer list far more than Little Jumbo's, and most of the other top end eateries in town.
For food, as I knew the meat would be fresh and local, I went for the beef tartar. Something I never had before, but was always curious to try. A small cracked quails egg with a tablespoon of fresh ground beef. I mixed the yolk in and tried it. There was a meadow-like sweetness, along with the odd texture of the meat. I was expecting a bigger savoury flavour from the raw protein, but instead it was a lot more subtle. The sweetness was from the wheat grass, not the meat. I didn't know what to expect, I enjoyed it, but wasn't quite sure if it was a combination I'd try again. The raw bread and pickled mushrooms did work well with the more subtle meat.
The Brunette chose the lentil salad. This was deep in earthy, rich flavours. I avoided eating the sunchokes, as they taste to me like a tulip bulb would. I have never eaten a tulip bulb. I just imagine it tastes like a sunchoke. The warm salad was big on flavour and texture, and well executed.
Main course. There was fried Cornish Game Hen on the menu, with greens and potato salad. I had to try that. The Brunette got immediate order envy when it arrived. A big slab of wood had four bowls arranged on it. One big one of filleted and breaded meat. One medium sized one with creamed greens. One deep one filled with potatoes, topped with radishes. And one small ramekin with a splash of mustard.
Fried chicken should always taste this good. The meat was cooked so it still retained all the juiciness, but kept its crunch with the breading. The quality of the meat came through, with the poultry front and centre. The potato salad was creamy, but firm. The radishes added a little bite. The creamed, braised greens contained lots of kale. I like kale. But not too much of the woody bitterness came through that can happen with kale. The mustard worked well (made with seabuckthorn), sharpening the flavours up.
The lovely brunette had the steak, cooked medium rare. It was presented pre-sliced, surrounded by scoops of mashed potatoes and artfully arrange vegetables. The meat had a crisp outer, purple-raw in the middle. The eyes enjoyed what they were seeing, as well as what the taste buds were getting. The accompanying golden beets and carrots were sweet, but not cloying. She finished her plate, and said it was almost as good as the piece of chicken she had tried.
I was full but managed to come around to eat the apple tart. This was an open concept dish. A crumble in the middle was surrounded by oaty, wafer-thin biscuits, and topped with a croquette shaped tube of hay ice cream. The ice cream had been coated in little strands and had the sweetness of a summer meadow.
The Brunette went for the Cheese as a finale, with a good wedge of a waxy, rich hard cheese. My notes don't have written down exactly what it was. Failure on my part.
The food was fantastic and the service much relaxed but efficient. The space has lightened up, and really gone with the warm, yellow wood tones to echo a farmhouse or country kitchen. The walls have abstract art, to give a modern note to the more rustic feel. The experience here was every bit as good as Ulla. Less high-concept food, but plenty of good things on a plate.
The Brunette and I had a table for two booked. We arrived at the place, and it was looking pretty full. I suspect many people were trying to find out whether it was going to the same high standards as its predecessor. My first question to the server was to find out if the kitchen was still the same. No doubt this had been asked several times before, and the answer was yes. Same chef, same owner, much the same team. The rebrand was to highlight more local food, going for a farm-to-table approach where possible. And also to have a more casual, late-night menu, which could pair with the cocktails and drinks.
Knowing that, we pressed ahead with the $40 set menu, and drinks. I went for the 'Understudy', a non-alcoholic blend of tea, syrup and super sharp lemon soda. Revved the palate up nicely. The Brunette went for a glass of wine. It was red. She will shortly read this and tell me that I really have to remember the wines better as it's a key part of a good meal. I know it smelt quite nice.
The drinks menu comes on five long narrow pages, clipped to a small board. It's extensive, mixing cocktails, high-proof alcohols, wines and beers. The beer menu, I can comment on. It uses Driftwood for the taps which covers most bases for food. In bottle format there's a great range from lighter Pilsner from Four Winds to monster big beers like a Quadruple Trappist Ale. My top pick would be Tripel Karmeliet, a really good, long drinking beer. I like this beer list far more than Little Jumbo's, and most of the other top end eateries in town.
For food, as I knew the meat would be fresh and local, I went for the beef tartar. Something I never had before, but was always curious to try. A small cracked quails egg with a tablespoon of fresh ground beef. I mixed the yolk in and tried it. There was a meadow-like sweetness, along with the odd texture of the meat. I was expecting a bigger savoury flavour from the raw protein, but instead it was a lot more subtle. The sweetness was from the wheat grass, not the meat. I didn't know what to expect, I enjoyed it, but wasn't quite sure if it was a combination I'd try again. The raw bread and pickled mushrooms did work well with the more subtle meat.
The Brunette chose the lentil salad. This was deep in earthy, rich flavours. I avoided eating the sunchokes, as they taste to me like a tulip bulb would. I have never eaten a tulip bulb. I just imagine it tastes like a sunchoke. The warm salad was big on flavour and texture, and well executed.
Main course. There was fried Cornish Game Hen on the menu, with greens and potato salad. I had to try that. The Brunette got immediate order envy when it arrived. A big slab of wood had four bowls arranged on it. One big one of filleted and breaded meat. One medium sized one with creamed greens. One deep one filled with potatoes, topped with radishes. And one small ramekin with a splash of mustard.
Fried chicken should always taste this good. The meat was cooked so it still retained all the juiciness, but kept its crunch with the breading. The quality of the meat came through, with the poultry front and centre. The potato salad was creamy, but firm. The radishes added a little bite. The creamed, braised greens contained lots of kale. I like kale. But not too much of the woody bitterness came through that can happen with kale. The mustard worked well (made with seabuckthorn), sharpening the flavours up.
The lovely brunette had the steak, cooked medium rare. It was presented pre-sliced, surrounded by scoops of mashed potatoes and artfully arrange vegetables. The meat had a crisp outer, purple-raw in the middle. The eyes enjoyed what they were seeing, as well as what the taste buds were getting. The accompanying golden beets and carrots were sweet, but not cloying. She finished her plate, and said it was almost as good as the piece of chicken she had tried.
I was full but managed to come around to eat the apple tart. This was an open concept dish. A crumble in the middle was surrounded by oaty, wafer-thin biscuits, and topped with a croquette shaped tube of hay ice cream. The ice cream had been coated in little strands and had the sweetness of a summer meadow.
The Brunette went for the Cheese as a finale, with a good wedge of a waxy, rich hard cheese. My notes don't have written down exactly what it was. Failure on my part.
The food was fantastic and the service much relaxed but efficient. The space has lightened up, and really gone with the warm, yellow wood tones to echo a farmhouse or country kitchen. The walls have abstract art, to give a modern note to the more rustic feel. The experience here was every bit as good as Ulla. Less high-concept food, but plenty of good things on a plate.
January 11, 2015
Saltspring Island trip, Christmas 2014
I've been to Salt Spring Island more times in 2014 than I've been to Vancouver. Once with friends, once with my mum, and now once with the Brunette (the one of my Acquaintance and often mentioned as being gorgeous).
We headed over after I found a good deal from the Salt Spring Harbour House. It was in that Christmas to New Year limbo, my favourite time of the year, if I am off work. There's no commitments, nothing planned, everything is quiet and you can relax a little. If you are in London around then, its the best time to see the place without too many people.
The hotel was fine. We took the non-scenic view room overlooking a corner of a farm paddock and the air conditioning units on the roof of the backside. It was large room with high windows and lots of pine. And a paint job that seemed to be half covering some of the pine beams. The room had two Murphy beds, so I am guessing it is used as a break out room for meetings when not having oiks like me sleeping there (the Brunette is not an oik, just to be clear, just me). No table, so no board games. Because that's what I like to do in hotel rooms... play board games.
I had hoped to get a chance to tour the farm as well too, you know, as part of my continued understanding of where my grub comes from, but that didn't happen as a long lie in was more important for me in the morning. As sadly, dear readers, I got a cold. Everyone feel sorry for me now, please.
Thanks.
Still, I had a decent nights sleep despite my cold and woke up plenty rested. I'd stay there again if I got the same deal. I wouldn't pay high season rates, which I suspect probably means I won't be staying on Saltspring during the high season very often.
Before the hotel stay, we had a wander around Ganges. First order of business was food, and from the choices on one side of Gracepoint Park (nothing to do with the TV show) we went to the Saltspring Wok Bar. A small space with a bar, and prep area for the chef. Who was in residence and happy to tell us all about the daily specials (something laden with peanuts), and his former career as a heavy duty mechanic on VIA Rail.
The food was great, big salty-savoury noodles covered in a Green Thai chilli curry with chicken. Creamy, with some heat and a lovely combination of flavours. The Brunette had the same thing with smoked tofu, something he was happy to let us try before eating. She's not a tofu lover, but she dug his smoked tofu (locally smoked, which doesn't have the same cachet as locally smoked salmon). This was all eaten up happily in The Local, a small corner of the liquor store dedicated to serving beer and letting people bring in food from the row of small eateries. Great idea, and you also get a view of the harbour. There is a patio for the summer, but we kept well inside.
We then hit up all the craft and independent shops that were open, including Black Sheep Books and Fever Tree design. The former, I think I have mentioned before, is an awesome maze of new and used books. The later sells wholesome clothing and interior design pieces, and was being run by Tarquin, an Aussie who has travelled far and wide. Had a good chat with him before moving onwards.
For the evening libations, we stopped in at Moby's Pub for a pint. Seems to be the place for craft beers in town, and I had a very satisfying pint of Russell's Blood Alley bitter. Russell's every day draft beers are terrible, cheap and have the flavour that you'd expect by wringing out a damp bar towel after hosing down the bar top on a Friday night rush. Russell's premium line makes great, flavourful brews well worth finding and spending a little time with. Go figure. I had originally ordered the Mile High Mountain Ale from Vancouver Island. Described as a American Red Ale, it was pretty damn good, but I swapped with the Brunette who preferred it to the hoppier Blood Alley. She's insisted I mention this beer as it was 'fantastic'.
I also ran into my old next door neighbour from Victoria, now serving behind the bar. He lived in the basement of his parent's house when I first got here, while I lived in the much bigger helper suite. Very odd to run into him, but was nice to be recognized after five years... it took me a second to work out who it was, but he knew me straight away. Nice locals style pub, I would certainly drink there again.
We then took a cold, dark walk down to the Salt Spring Inn. The Inn has a medium sized dining room, overlooking the main core of Ganges. It's an open space with high backed booths but with large picture windows. This gives it a cosy feel but not claustrophobic. You can shuffle into a booth with your date, gossip about the day but still part of the general dining crowd.
I ordered up a lasagne, despite there being a tonne of options I could have chosen (burgers, steak, jambalaya) while the Brunette went for Halibut tacos. The lasagne was awesome. Deep filled, lots of juicy sauce and crisp, gooey cheese on top. It was grilled to finish it and that made it piping hot. I was accused of 'Dyson'-ing it up, which I claim was an unfair description of someone enjoying their food. The Brunette said the tacos were delightful, served with a crisp green salad. The fish was well cooked, kept moist and flakey, not a dried out mess.
We finished with dessert. The cream cheese iced carrot cake I had was expertly made. Moist, light and tasting of sweet grilled carrots, while the icing had sharpness to it that offset the cake. The 'Death by Chocolate' my date had was nibbled at and savoured. It had a dark, rich ganache coupled with a dark, dark cake. I was allowed a small morsel, and I have to concur, it was an awesome, intense dish. I couldn't have eaten a whole portion myself, preferring my carrot cake. But others would disagree.
We paid, said hello to the restaurant's very friendly, old cat and toddled back to the hotel, happy and full. And I was about ready for a NyQuil and a long, long sleep.
We headed over after I found a good deal from the Salt Spring Harbour House. It was in that Christmas to New Year limbo, my favourite time of the year, if I am off work. There's no commitments, nothing planned, everything is quiet and you can relax a little. If you are in London around then, its the best time to see the place without too many people.
The hotel was fine. We took the non-scenic view room overlooking a corner of a farm paddock and the air conditioning units on the roof of the backside. It was large room with high windows and lots of pine. And a paint job that seemed to be half covering some of the pine beams. The room had two Murphy beds, so I am guessing it is used as a break out room for meetings when not having oiks like me sleeping there (the Brunette is not an oik, just to be clear, just me). No table, so no board games. Because that's what I like to do in hotel rooms... play board games.
I had hoped to get a chance to tour the farm as well too, you know, as part of my continued understanding of where my grub comes from, but that didn't happen as a long lie in was more important for me in the morning. As sadly, dear readers, I got a cold. Everyone feel sorry for me now, please.
Thanks.
Still, I had a decent nights sleep despite my cold and woke up plenty rested. I'd stay there again if I got the same deal. I wouldn't pay high season rates, which I suspect probably means I won't be staying on Saltspring during the high season very often.
Before the hotel stay, we had a wander around Ganges. First order of business was food, and from the choices on one side of Gracepoint Park (nothing to do with the TV show) we went to the Saltspring Wok Bar. A small space with a bar, and prep area for the chef. Who was in residence and happy to tell us all about the daily specials (something laden with peanuts), and his former career as a heavy duty mechanic on VIA Rail.
The food was great, big salty-savoury noodles covered in a Green Thai chilli curry with chicken. Creamy, with some heat and a lovely combination of flavours. The Brunette had the same thing with smoked tofu, something he was happy to let us try before eating. She's not a tofu lover, but she dug his smoked tofu (locally smoked, which doesn't have the same cachet as locally smoked salmon). This was all eaten up happily in The Local, a small corner of the liquor store dedicated to serving beer and letting people bring in food from the row of small eateries. Great idea, and you also get a view of the harbour. There is a patio for the summer, but we kept well inside.
We then hit up all the craft and independent shops that were open, including Black Sheep Books and Fever Tree design. The former, I think I have mentioned before, is an awesome maze of new and used books. The later sells wholesome clothing and interior design pieces, and was being run by Tarquin, an Aussie who has travelled far and wide. Had a good chat with him before moving onwards.
For the evening libations, we stopped in at Moby's Pub for a pint. Seems to be the place for craft beers in town, and I had a very satisfying pint of Russell's Blood Alley bitter. Russell's every day draft beers are terrible, cheap and have the flavour that you'd expect by wringing out a damp bar towel after hosing down the bar top on a Friday night rush. Russell's premium line makes great, flavourful brews well worth finding and spending a little time with. Go figure. I had originally ordered the Mile High Mountain Ale from Vancouver Island. Described as a American Red Ale, it was pretty damn good, but I swapped with the Brunette who preferred it to the hoppier Blood Alley. She's insisted I mention this beer as it was 'fantastic'.
I also ran into my old next door neighbour from Victoria, now serving behind the bar. He lived in the basement of his parent's house when I first got here, while I lived in the much bigger helper suite. Very odd to run into him, but was nice to be recognized after five years... it took me a second to work out who it was, but he knew me straight away. Nice locals style pub, I would certainly drink there again.
We then took a cold, dark walk down to the Salt Spring Inn. The Inn has a medium sized dining room, overlooking the main core of Ganges. It's an open space with high backed booths but with large picture windows. This gives it a cosy feel but not claustrophobic. You can shuffle into a booth with your date, gossip about the day but still part of the general dining crowd.
I ordered up a lasagne, despite there being a tonne of options I could have chosen (burgers, steak, jambalaya) while the Brunette went for Halibut tacos. The lasagne was awesome. Deep filled, lots of juicy sauce and crisp, gooey cheese on top. It was grilled to finish it and that made it piping hot. I was accused of 'Dyson'-ing it up, which I claim was an unfair description of someone enjoying their food. The Brunette said the tacos were delightful, served with a crisp green salad. The fish was well cooked, kept moist and flakey, not a dried out mess.
We finished with dessert. The cream cheese iced carrot cake I had was expertly made. Moist, light and tasting of sweet grilled carrots, while the icing had sharpness to it that offset the cake. The 'Death by Chocolate' my date had was nibbled at and savoured. It had a dark, rich ganache coupled with a dark, dark cake. I was allowed a small morsel, and I have to concur, it was an awesome, intense dish. I couldn't have eaten a whole portion myself, preferring my carrot cake. But others would disagree.
We paid, said hello to the restaurant's very friendly, old cat and toddled back to the hotel, happy and full. And I was about ready for a NyQuil and a long, long sleep.
November 30, 2014
10 Acres Bistro, Downtown Victoria
I was heading down to Las Vegas a couple of weeks back and the lovely Brunette of my Acquaintance deserved a fine meal for letting me go down solo. The idea of farm-to-plate is appealing. Knowing where the food comes from means that the chef can build menus that suit the food, get it in fresh and roll with the seasons. Then again, I've always been told not to visit an abattoir, so maybe I don't want to know too much about where my food comes from.
At least my meat. There's is nothing too bad about cuting down some Kale and Chard, or digging up potatoes. Unless you are allergic to mud and grime under your fingernails. But fresh veg that you've grown does seem to taste better.
Can 10 Acres capture that?
The location has been a few different places since I've been here. One memory of it was back when I first moved to Victoria. Some poor guy dressed in chef whites holding out menus for tourists at the lower end of Government street. He looked desperate and tired. Tourist didn't want to be bother, however passionate he seemed. I have no idea if the food was any good, but I did feel sorry for him trying to drum up trade.
10 Acres doesn't seem to need this tactic to get them in. When I got there at 4pm to book a table it was quiet. When I got back two hours later, it was full, with guests being turned away, much to the chagrin of one local. He seemed to think that it was a terrible shame he couldn't get a seat, being local and all, and that was more important that tourists. The bar area was full up at all the corners; the patio heaters were keeping the semi-outdoors space warm; and the warren of narrow rooms down into the back of the restaurant were all full. Though parking the poor lady on crutches down two sets of stairs seemed a little unreasonable
We got a high, bench table near the bar. A highly enthusiastic server set us up with some drinks. She made up a ginger beer and bitters combination for me, which sharpened up the taste buds. The sharp, bittered ginger drink was fantastic and matched well with my meal. Good move to cater to the driver well with something interesting but teetotal. The Brunette got a fancy Negroni cocktail, as I recall. She liked it, and the wine with the meal got a big thumbs up too.
For my meal, I ordered the half-chicken from the rotisserie. Mostly because I am a sucker for good roasted chicken, but partly because with an early flight the next day, I didn't want anything too heavy (fish and chips; or a creamy Tagliatelle were both consider). I didn't want steak-frites, as I was expecting to eat steak on vacation (I didn't get any the end, but never mind). And I didn't want to have the risk of a seafood stew with a clam gone rogue.
I ignored that risk though to try one of the Brunette's mussels on her big bowl of Salt Spring island bi-valves. There were just done... like -just-. Ten second less in the pot and they'd have been a warm mess. But cooked to this point, they weren't tough, or beginning to mush up. They quivered there in the white wine sauce, garlic filtering through the meat of the mussel. Well worth it.
We also ordered a side of the seasonal vegetables, all from the farm. A whole mix of veg, all roasted long enough so they were on first name terms with each other, but not yet overly friendly. Carrots, parsnip, strings of green veg. Tasted great, with that fresh picked flavour I've had from my own vegetables.
My chicken was juicy and moist with a rich glaze of sauce. The skin had got crispy in all the right places, while the interior was cooked through perfectly. The fresh roasted potatoes had that combination of a crisp skins and battered, soft insides. The kale coleslaw was also fresh, and had a crisp bite to it.
It was a little -too- fresh though, and I had to send it back to the kitchen after over turning one leaf to find something that shouldn't have been there. The server grabbed it straight away, apologized and whisked it off. She offered us a free dessert after depositing the plate in the kitchen. A cook came out a few minutes later with a fresh dish, and profuse apologies for the problem. They handled this very professionally. I'd prefer not to have my farm fresh food that farm-like, but things happen. They dealt with it... though I did toss over the coleslaw a lot on the second run, and probably should have asked for it without. Just because it stuck in my head that I might get a repeat.
As an aside, I was a little unsure if I should relay the problem. I liked the food there. The Brunette loved it. I like the locally sourced and cooked simply menu. It is home-cooked kitchen table food. It's not fancy. It's not pushing any bar into the exotic, or technical gastronomy. But executing the simple concept itself is a challenge, to keep it simple and unfussy. I was a big fan of the place up until that point. And three minutes after getting my replacement dish, a big fan again. My goal is not the cheer-lead for restaurants in Victoria and write bland, happy reviews. My goal is to write about what I thought, tasted and saw. If it is an unfair reflection, I'm happy to discuss it.
So, they sorted us out a free dessert, with no problems... a rich chocolate zuccini brownie. Moist, flavoursome and finished up a good meal. We wandered out after settling the bill with happy stomachs and a wrapped up portion of chicken that, I'm told, went down a treat cold in sandwiches the next day.
The restaurant would suit a small group looking for a casual meal, or a couple looking for a relaxed meal out. There's a good range of beers and wines, though the bar service was rather slow, as the Brunette pointed out as well. But the food was a hit overall. The space has a great feel. Would visit again.
At least my meat. There's is nothing too bad about cuting down some Kale and Chard, or digging up potatoes. Unless you are allergic to mud and grime under your fingernails. But fresh veg that you've grown does seem to taste better.
Can 10 Acres capture that?
The location has been a few different places since I've been here. One memory of it was back when I first moved to Victoria. Some poor guy dressed in chef whites holding out menus for tourists at the lower end of Government street. He looked desperate and tired. Tourist didn't want to be bother, however passionate he seemed. I have no idea if the food was any good, but I did feel sorry for him trying to drum up trade.
10 Acres doesn't seem to need this tactic to get them in. When I got there at 4pm to book a table it was quiet. When I got back two hours later, it was full, with guests being turned away, much to the chagrin of one local. He seemed to think that it was a terrible shame he couldn't get a seat, being local and all, and that was more important that tourists. The bar area was full up at all the corners; the patio heaters were keeping the semi-outdoors space warm; and the warren of narrow rooms down into the back of the restaurant were all full. Though parking the poor lady on crutches down two sets of stairs seemed a little unreasonable
We got a high, bench table near the bar. A highly enthusiastic server set us up with some drinks. She made up a ginger beer and bitters combination for me, which sharpened up the taste buds. The sharp, bittered ginger drink was fantastic and matched well with my meal. Good move to cater to the driver well with something interesting but teetotal. The Brunette got a fancy Negroni cocktail, as I recall. She liked it, and the wine with the meal got a big thumbs up too.
For my meal, I ordered the half-chicken from the rotisserie. Mostly because I am a sucker for good roasted chicken, but partly because with an early flight the next day, I didn't want anything too heavy (fish and chips; or a creamy Tagliatelle were both consider). I didn't want steak-frites, as I was expecting to eat steak on vacation (I didn't get any the end, but never mind). And I didn't want to have the risk of a seafood stew with a clam gone rogue.
I ignored that risk though to try one of the Brunette's mussels on her big bowl of Salt Spring island bi-valves. There were just done... like -just-. Ten second less in the pot and they'd have been a warm mess. But cooked to this point, they weren't tough, or beginning to mush up. They quivered there in the white wine sauce, garlic filtering through the meat of the mussel. Well worth it.
We also ordered a side of the seasonal vegetables, all from the farm. A whole mix of veg, all roasted long enough so they were on first name terms with each other, but not yet overly friendly. Carrots, parsnip, strings of green veg. Tasted great, with that fresh picked flavour I've had from my own vegetables.
My chicken was juicy and moist with a rich glaze of sauce. The skin had got crispy in all the right places, while the interior was cooked through perfectly. The fresh roasted potatoes had that combination of a crisp skins and battered, soft insides. The kale coleslaw was also fresh, and had a crisp bite to it.
It was a little -too- fresh though, and I had to send it back to the kitchen after over turning one leaf to find something that shouldn't have been there. The server grabbed it straight away, apologized and whisked it off. She offered us a free dessert after depositing the plate in the kitchen. A cook came out a few minutes later with a fresh dish, and profuse apologies for the problem. They handled this very professionally. I'd prefer not to have my farm fresh food that farm-like, but things happen. They dealt with it... though I did toss over the coleslaw a lot on the second run, and probably should have asked for it without. Just because it stuck in my head that I might get a repeat.
As an aside, I was a little unsure if I should relay the problem. I liked the food there. The Brunette loved it. I like the locally sourced and cooked simply menu. It is home-cooked kitchen table food. It's not fancy. It's not pushing any bar into the exotic, or technical gastronomy. But executing the simple concept itself is a challenge, to keep it simple and unfussy. I was a big fan of the place up until that point. And three minutes after getting my replacement dish, a big fan again. My goal is not the cheer-lead for restaurants in Victoria and write bland, happy reviews. My goal is to write about what I thought, tasted and saw. If it is an unfair reflection, I'm happy to discuss it.
So, they sorted us out a free dessert, with no problems... a rich chocolate zuccini brownie. Moist, flavoursome and finished up a good meal. We wandered out after settling the bill with happy stomachs and a wrapped up portion of chicken that, I'm told, went down a treat cold in sandwiches the next day.
The restaurant would suit a small group looking for a casual meal, or a couple looking for a relaxed meal out. There's a good range of beers and wines, though the bar service was rather slow, as the Brunette pointed out as well. But the food was a hit overall. The space has a great feel. Would visit again.
September 07, 2014
The Malahat Chalet, South Vancouver Island
The Malahat Drive sweeps up the island, keeping the folks of Duncan and Nanaimo less bothered by the likes of me living down here in Victoria. A narrow winding road, with a steep drop into the Saanich inlet on one side, and big forested slopes on the others. Traffic can come to a stop at the drop of a suitcase from a roof rack, and it's been said that traffic problems here have stopped Vancouver reaching the number one ranked livable city in the world. Which is much like blaming the Paris Metro for the failings of London Underground.
The peak of the Malahat is home to the Malahat Chalet and Moon Over Water Lodge. This has had a variety of names and owners in the past, but new ownership has tried to add a little flair to the two buildings. I headed up this past week to meet a good friend from out of town for a meal and catch up. And to enjoy the much promoted view.
The view is excellent. One side of the restaurant is windows overlooking a large patio and excellent vista right down the inlet up towards the bulk of Saltspring Island. You can look down towards Brentwood Bay as well, and see much of the Saanich Peninsula. Views.. stunning.. check.
Inside, there's a slightly sparse feeling, though I think most of the seating during the summer is set up outside. There just feels like the space is a bit empty. On the other side of the entrance area, two large totem poles, from the original, burned down chalet, flank the wooden varnished bar. These nicely set of the bar area. One side of the main area is taken up with a chill display cabinet and line up areas for take out food. There's a small sofa/lounge section, and then a few more tables.
I got seated with my friends who were in full flow already, and checked the menu. Four decent drafts from Victoria, including Hoyne's Dark Matter were on offer. I was driving so took the diet coke with refills with my meal. There was a decent range of single malts too. Maybe I should check the room prices if I go next time.
The food was good. Not world class, but good, though prices were a little higher than I'd expect for what was served. We got some of the Bannock dipping bread to start. Served with a very savoury goat cheese and sharp jam, this went down well to kick things off between us all. For the main course, I ordered the 10 oz rib eye with roast potatoes and veg. There's a choice of potato, mashed, roasted, fries or dirty fries. The latter are fries dusted with garlic and pepper. Everyone who had them seemed to like them.
The rib eye was pounded or bashed, making it a thinner than I expected cut. However, it was cooked nicely to a medium-rare turn, and had a smattering of onions and mushroom on top. These were cooked to complement the beef, and worked well. Normally I like my steak unadorned and unfussed with. This worked in it's simplicity. The roasted potatoes were scattered underneath the steak, making it look a little bigger than it was. But ten ounces is enough meat for me. With the medley of vegetables (including some weird tufty strands of something tasting close to aniseed... which I assume was fennel stalks) it was a decent meal.
The two strips of halibut in the fish and chips were huge curly pieces and filled up the eaters, and the chicken cordon bleu filled our friend up that he cried of any of the desert. I tried a little of the seafood grill, and the fish was well cooked... possibly a little too far cooked for white fish.
We completed the meal with a slice of pecan pie a la mode. Share between about four. The pasty was short, crumbly and more-ish, and the topping a decent goopy mess of sugar and nuts. Stopping by for a slice of pie on the way up island isn't a bad plan.
That's the one problem with the location. The view is excellent, but it's a good 30 minute drive on a good day from Victoria proper. But not far enough to be a roadside stop on the way north if on a long journey. Being a place to travel too, alcohol sales will be reduced, which will make turning a profit slightly harder. The food is good. No complaints, though I'd have expected to pay 2-4 dollars less for my meal. It's worth the trip out for the view and somewhere a little unusual to eat. They also serve a breakfast, so an early morning run north could be stopped by a meal here once on the way.
The peak of the Malahat is home to the Malahat Chalet and Moon Over Water Lodge. This has had a variety of names and owners in the past, but new ownership has tried to add a little flair to the two buildings. I headed up this past week to meet a good friend from out of town for a meal and catch up. And to enjoy the much promoted view.
The view is excellent. One side of the restaurant is windows overlooking a large patio and excellent vista right down the inlet up towards the bulk of Saltspring Island. You can look down towards Brentwood Bay as well, and see much of the Saanich Peninsula. Views.. stunning.. check.
Inside, there's a slightly sparse feeling, though I think most of the seating during the summer is set up outside. There just feels like the space is a bit empty. On the other side of the entrance area, two large totem poles, from the original, burned down chalet, flank the wooden varnished bar. These nicely set of the bar area. One side of the main area is taken up with a chill display cabinet and line up areas for take out food. There's a small sofa/lounge section, and then a few more tables.
I got seated with my friends who were in full flow already, and checked the menu. Four decent drafts from Victoria, including Hoyne's Dark Matter were on offer. I was driving so took the diet coke with refills with my meal. There was a decent range of single malts too. Maybe I should check the room prices if I go next time.
The food was good. Not world class, but good, though prices were a little higher than I'd expect for what was served. We got some of the Bannock dipping bread to start. Served with a very savoury goat cheese and sharp jam, this went down well to kick things off between us all. For the main course, I ordered the 10 oz rib eye with roast potatoes and veg. There's a choice of potato, mashed, roasted, fries or dirty fries. The latter are fries dusted with garlic and pepper. Everyone who had them seemed to like them.
The rib eye was pounded or bashed, making it a thinner than I expected cut. However, it was cooked nicely to a medium-rare turn, and had a smattering of onions and mushroom on top. These were cooked to complement the beef, and worked well. Normally I like my steak unadorned and unfussed with. This worked in it's simplicity. The roasted potatoes were scattered underneath the steak, making it look a little bigger than it was. But ten ounces is enough meat for me. With the medley of vegetables (including some weird tufty strands of something tasting close to aniseed... which I assume was fennel stalks) it was a decent meal.
The two strips of halibut in the fish and chips were huge curly pieces and filled up the eaters, and the chicken cordon bleu filled our friend up that he cried of any of the desert. I tried a little of the seafood grill, and the fish was well cooked... possibly a little too far cooked for white fish.
We completed the meal with a slice of pecan pie a la mode. Share between about four. The pasty was short, crumbly and more-ish, and the topping a decent goopy mess of sugar and nuts. Stopping by for a slice of pie on the way up island isn't a bad plan.
That's the one problem with the location. The view is excellent, but it's a good 30 minute drive on a good day from Victoria proper. But not far enough to be a roadside stop on the way north if on a long journey. Being a place to travel too, alcohol sales will be reduced, which will make turning a profit slightly harder. The food is good. No complaints, though I'd have expected to pay 2-4 dollars less for my meal. It's worth the trip out for the view and somewhere a little unusual to eat. They also serve a breakfast, so an early morning run north could be stopped by a meal here once on the way.
August 31, 2014
The Pickle Pub Crawl, After Action Report
Today, we went pub crawling. The Victoria Harbour ferries run a crawl in association with eight of the local pubs. You pay $15 for a day pass for the ferry and for every four people buying drinks at these partners, you get a plate of appys. It's a self organized, casual type of thing. You tour around all day, heading where ever you fancy, calling into the Harbour ferry from each pier when you want a pick up. Get 10 or so friends together and see what happens.
We started in the Canoe club. I continue to dislike the beer there, but love the patio and the food is reasonable. I had the eggs diablo, a baked egg and chorizo sausage dish. Not exactly filling, but very tasty and a good start for the day. The IPA was terrible, and I should have passed on drinking here. But with fine weather and even finer company, the mood was set in for the day for me. The shared appy here was some just about passable calamari and a mushy, sour tasting white bean dip.
We then took a hop over to the Lido. A small cafe and patio bar right next to the Hyack air terminal. I've had a great coffee there before one trip to Seattle. The beer menu is short, but good. Two jugs of Driftwood's White Beer were shared, and the conversation was set for the day. The very attractive Brunette of my Acquaintance enjoyed her Pimms cup, served properly with cucumber and a basket full of raspberries. The G&T drinker declared the mixed drink to be fantastic. I love the space here, and for summer drinking, it's well worth it. The appy was perfect drunk food, a cheesy garlic thin crust pizza. No sauce, just cheese, bacon and garlic. Served with a 'special' white sauce (sweet, thin and terrible) and a thick oregano paste (really good).
A real ferry ride took us to Spinnakers. Not part of the official Pickle Pub Crawl, but one of my favourite places in Victoria. Sadly we sat inside, so the day seemed to slip away and the energy lowered with the lack of sun light. Still, I drank a fantastic saison from Gigantic Brewing. 8.5%, in a 13oz snifter. Dry, slight fizzy, slightly spicy and crisp. Too many would have made me slip into a happy coma.
Fresh air, and we left the Brunette behind for errands, while nine of us continued on to the Steamship Bar and Grill. Their beer menu is super short. Four beers, two pretty dull premium lagers and a really nice dark wee scotch ale. Everyone else got stuck into the big fruity drinks. The sangria was voted as worth a second drink. And second were had.
The free appy here was more calamari. Tender pieces, lightly breaded and served with also breaded and fried pieces of lemon and jalepeno pepper. Really good, one of the better calamaris I have had in town. The view here is great, the patio over looking the harbour gives you plenty to watch the world go by, and the service was super friendly outside. Inside, the big high ceiling space looks a bit sterile, and I'm not sure I'd go for dinner... it feels more like a tourist bar than a local place.
Finally, we took the ferry over to Lure at the Delta Pointe. We were reduced to six by this point, but this fine and hardy bunch took in the patio there. Or we would have, but it was being maintained and the builders were in. Odd, as I think it's just been opened, so maybe it was made from sketchy concrete. We sat inside on a big long table. Really comfortable chairs, but that's about the best I can say about the venue. The service was rushed, and they seemed to have much debate about a missing cucumber for the Hendricks and gin. We saw the cucumber, but were told it was still missing. I have no idea why... Maybe I was just beginning to really feel the glow of the beers by that point, and cucumbers gained to much importance.
No matter, we finished off and headed back to the Canoe to wander home. Or to friend's houses to write blog posts about pub crawls before going to fringe shows.
July 06, 2014
Eagle Wing Whale Watching, Fisherman's Wharf
Orcas! Whales! Dolphins! Oh my!
I think there's a least a half dozen operators in Victoria that promise to take you out to see the whales and dolphins that swim around in the Salish Sea. I have heard little about the reputation of each, knowing only what I've seen myself on the Prince of Whales, several years ago, and MacKays of Port McNeill. Both had let me see whales from a large covered ship, and the trip in Port McNeill is a favourite memory of my mother's and also mine. So if you are up there, use them.
But down here, each of the companies seem to tell you they are the best, they guarantee whales and that, if you'd only come with us, it'll be a magical experience. I can't find a comprehensive review of them all head-to-head (if someone has the $600 or so it'd cost me to go out on consecutive days, I'll volunteer to do one).
But, my mother had been out with Eagle Wing Tours four years ago, and while we were on Fisherman's Wharf a couple of weeks back, we saw that there'd been sightings of the J and L pods around the San Juan islands that morning. This was useful to know, as Mum sponsored the orca Rhapsody of the J-Pod at Christmas. This sponsorship help pay for research and to protect the southern island resident orcas. Mum, she likes orcas. So we signed up for that afternoon's tour, heading out in a fast 'scarab' boat... a long, narrow aluminium hulled boat.
The staff gave us the complete run down before we left, of what we might see, and how to be safe on the boat. Also, we were kitted up in a survival jacket and over trousers to keep us warm in the wind. Eagle Wind were keen to stress how they are carbon neutral and supportive of the research programmes, as well as their experience (something like 30 years worth of doing this job and working as marine biologists). All very good, but without being out there to see them in action, talk is just talk.
We got seated at the front (the worst place for rough seas, but the best place to stay out of the wind and spray), and off we meandered out of the harbour. Gentle, easy ride, we could watch the kayakers and the cruise ships and.... warp speed enabled! This boat carved up the miles, around Trial Island, and up towards Sidney. The whales, according to the radio links with the other boats in the area, were going through Active Pass. Three groups were headed north, two from L-Pod with J-Pod in the lead. All the boats in the business seem to stay in touch to help each other find the whales for their paying customers. So, I guess if they are out there, someone will know where to find them. The limits of most of the smaller boats like the Zodiacs is about the edge of the Pass, but the captain here said this boat would take us to Tsawwassen if needed.
45 minutes or so of flying along and we slow down into the entrance of the pass, dodging around a BC ferry or two. Up ahead, two other tour boats are drifting with engines off, a sign that there are whales nearby. We were treated to the pod rising for breaths out of the water every minute or so. One or two smaller calves, their mothers and a large male (seen easily due to the large fins). They even cut underneath the boat, rising just a few metres of to the side of us, unexpectedly to all. The boats try to keep a respectful distance away from the animals, but the orcas seem to consider the boats just a small speck on the ceiling of their world.
We left the back group behind and headed to the north end of the whale convoy, where J-pod was. And we got a display. One orca was breaching; leaping out and crashing down on its side. The crew's biologist suggested it may be for fun, or to scratch an itch or stretch out a little after a slower travelling cycle. He reckoned he sees this behaviour half the time they come through the pass.
The breeching happened every time the orca came up for breath, which was about every 2-3 minutes. A little calm, some fins would pop up, the majority orcas would snort and suck in breath so close you could hear it. Then this huge beast would leap, and splash down. A sight that makes you hold your breath. It sounds like hyperbole, but to me, it's just wonderful to see. I guess you could see some poor, captured 'killer' whale do this at Seaworld down in the States. Or you could see it in the wild (luck, but the best experiences happen by chance, and not because they are fed to you).
There was a UVic researcher, Valerie Shore, on the boat who is also a professional wildlife photographer. Her guess, from the markings, that it was Rhapsody making the leaps. A show, specially for my mum. It was awesome to see the whales close, and in the quiet of the Georgia Strait.
The crew kept us to fed with knowledge between the surfacing of the animals, explaining the habits and lives of these mammals, with a clear care for their environment, imploring us to try and do a small bit to keep the rivers clean, so the salmon runs are large. These beasts needs a colossal amount of fish per day, and there's a worry that the declining fish stocks will have a long term effect on the orca population.
The trip back was much the same as the trip up, speeding down past the Sidney. Those not quite so sheltered behind the wind shield looked a little chilly. Those who'd refused the hat and gloves probably regretted that decision. And as we rounded Gonzalez Point, the wind and waves got up, and the boat started to skip between the peaks. This made for a much more jolting ride than on the way out. And a couple of big splashes probably woke those up at the back with a sea-salt spray. Good for the skin, I'm sure. All part of the deal, and not unexpected from the briefing we'd been given.
Two things to note on the scarab : there's no hot drinks service, but there hot chocolate available on your return to warm you up. There is a toilet, but I'm pretty sure you'd not want to be in there while travelling... right at the front it's likely to be a rough ride.
We got back after being out for close to three and half hours, and travelling over 100 km. Well worth the time. Eagle Wing seem to be a bit more expensive than other trips, but their extended range in this case meant we got to see the Orcas, and for a long time. Also, the knowledge and passion for the job was clear. Eagle Wind seem to win the top tour company on tripadvisor.com (over hearing their radio conversations, they are keen to keep this as well), so definitely a bar to measure the others against.
I think there's a least a half dozen operators in Victoria that promise to take you out to see the whales and dolphins that swim around in the Salish Sea. I have heard little about the reputation of each, knowing only what I've seen myself on the Prince of Whales, several years ago, and MacKays of Port McNeill. Both had let me see whales from a large covered ship, and the trip in Port McNeill is a favourite memory of my mother's and also mine. So if you are up there, use them.
But down here, each of the companies seem to tell you they are the best, they guarantee whales and that, if you'd only come with us, it'll be a magical experience. I can't find a comprehensive review of them all head-to-head (if someone has the $600 or so it'd cost me to go out on consecutive days, I'll volunteer to do one).
But, my mother had been out with Eagle Wing Tours four years ago, and while we were on Fisherman's Wharf a couple of weeks back, we saw that there'd been sightings of the J and L pods around the San Juan islands that morning. This was useful to know, as Mum sponsored the orca Rhapsody of the J-Pod at Christmas. This sponsorship help pay for research and to protect the southern island resident orcas. Mum, she likes orcas. So we signed up for that afternoon's tour, heading out in a fast 'scarab' boat... a long, narrow aluminium hulled boat.
The staff gave us the complete run down before we left, of what we might see, and how to be safe on the boat. Also, we were kitted up in a survival jacket and over trousers to keep us warm in the wind. Eagle Wind were keen to stress how they are carbon neutral and supportive of the research programmes, as well as their experience (something like 30 years worth of doing this job and working as marine biologists). All very good, but without being out there to see them in action, talk is just talk.
We got seated at the front (the worst place for rough seas, but the best place to stay out of the wind and spray), and off we meandered out of the harbour. Gentle, easy ride, we could watch the kayakers and the cruise ships and.... warp speed enabled! This boat carved up the miles, around Trial Island, and up towards Sidney. The whales, according to the radio links with the other boats in the area, were going through Active Pass. Three groups were headed north, two from L-Pod with J-Pod in the lead. All the boats in the business seem to stay in touch to help each other find the whales for their paying customers. So, I guess if they are out there, someone will know where to find them. The limits of most of the smaller boats like the Zodiacs is about the edge of the Pass, but the captain here said this boat would take us to Tsawwassen if needed.
45 minutes or so of flying along and we slow down into the entrance of the pass, dodging around a BC ferry or two. Up ahead, two other tour boats are drifting with engines off, a sign that there are whales nearby. We were treated to the pod rising for breaths out of the water every minute or so. One or two smaller calves, their mothers and a large male (seen easily due to the large fins). They even cut underneath the boat, rising just a few metres of to the side of us, unexpectedly to all. The boats try to keep a respectful distance away from the animals, but the orcas seem to consider the boats just a small speck on the ceiling of their world.
We left the back group behind and headed to the north end of the whale convoy, where J-pod was. And we got a display. One orca was breaching; leaping out and crashing down on its side. The crew's biologist suggested it may be for fun, or to scratch an itch or stretch out a little after a slower travelling cycle. He reckoned he sees this behaviour half the time they come through the pass.
The breeching happened every time the orca came up for breath, which was about every 2-3 minutes. A little calm, some fins would pop up, the majority orcas would snort and suck in breath so close you could hear it. Then this huge beast would leap, and splash down. A sight that makes you hold your breath. It sounds like hyperbole, but to me, it's just wonderful to see. I guess you could see some poor, captured 'killer' whale do this at Seaworld down in the States. Or you could see it in the wild (luck, but the best experiences happen by chance, and not because they are fed to you).
There was a UVic researcher, Valerie Shore, on the boat who is also a professional wildlife photographer. Her guess, from the markings, that it was Rhapsody making the leaps. A show, specially for my mum. It was awesome to see the whales close, and in the quiet of the Georgia Strait.
The crew kept us to fed with knowledge between the surfacing of the animals, explaining the habits and lives of these mammals, with a clear care for their environment, imploring us to try and do a small bit to keep the rivers clean, so the salmon runs are large. These beasts needs a colossal amount of fish per day, and there's a worry that the declining fish stocks will have a long term effect on the orca population.
The trip back was much the same as the trip up, speeding down past the Sidney. Those not quite so sheltered behind the wind shield looked a little chilly. Those who'd refused the hat and gloves probably regretted that decision. And as we rounded Gonzalez Point, the wind and waves got up, and the boat started to skip between the peaks. This made for a much more jolting ride than on the way out. And a couple of big splashes probably woke those up at the back with a sea-salt spray. Good for the skin, I'm sure. All part of the deal, and not unexpected from the briefing we'd been given.
Two things to note on the scarab : there's no hot drinks service, but there hot chocolate available on your return to warm you up. There is a toilet, but I'm pretty sure you'd not want to be in there while travelling... right at the front it's likely to be a rough ride.
We got back after being out for close to three and half hours, and travelling over 100 km. Well worth the time. Eagle Wing seem to be a bit more expensive than other trips, but their extended range in this case meant we got to see the Orcas, and for a long time. Also, the knowledge and passion for the job was clear. Eagle Wind seem to win the top tour company on tripadvisor.com (over hearing their radio conversations, they are keen to keep this as well), so definitely a bar to measure the others against.
March 16, 2014
Pescatores, Downtown Victoria
Saturday night, and I have a pair of tickets to see the next part in the Hobbit Trilogy at the IMAX. The IMAX yearly pass is one of the best values in Victoria. Free documentaries, and $5 hollywood films. So, you don't get many Hollywood films, but they are always the big ones that make sense to watch on the massive screen in face melting detail.
But before a film, a dinner. It's Dine Around Victoria still and I'd like to take the Brunette of my Acquaintance out. And I've never been to Pescatores, which is meant to be a fine place for a date night. So I book through OpenTable and we trot down town for an early meal.
We head down past the oyster into a nice lit (low and gentle, but not dark) wood and plaster room. It's nicely laid out, with giant fans lazily rotating on the roof, big prints on the walls which are vaguely cubist. I am sure the Brunette could tell me the exact style or artist. Big blocky, shapes of large colour showing abstracted figures. Anyways, I liked the ambiance. And the big columns of fish tanks, one of which we were sat next to.
We scanned both the $30 and $40 menu, the Cioppino jumped out at both of us. It promised a pile of west coast sea food in an Italian style stew. It's meant to be great here, so of we went on the $30 menu. The starter I ordered was the Calamari. Unispiring, tastleless squid. Lightly coated in a crispy coating, but there was no flavour to the meat, or the coating. Just the tomato and olive paste to rescue it. Just really average. The salmon salad I tasted on my companions plate was excellent. Well smoked fish, with a sparky lemon vingarette rounded out by the salad leaves. My rabbit DNA approved of the greens. But I lost the first round.
The drink menu had been perused, and I couldn't find a decent beer to go with my meal. I like something hoppy with most food, or a really crisp clean lager. And Coors doesn't count. Struck out there, but stuck to the water (which was kept well topped up all through the meal). But a great white wine was found to pair with the Cioppino, and the Brunette was very much in heaven with the grapefruity, citrus wine she got. I'm afraid I just don't like wine very much, so the name has escaped me, but it was good.
The stew resurrected the meal. No beer was needed to lift this meal up. A steaming pile of fish and shellfish arrived, swimming in a tomato/wine stock. A thick stock, but not so it over powered the fish. We had lumps of white fish, pieces of crab and scallops, and some tasty morsels of salmon. All merged and combined together to make a fantastic medley of flavours and textures.
Dessert nailed it for me. A huge slice of cheesecake, topped with a salted caramel milk sauce. A dense filling with the right mix of savoury in with the oh-so-sweet base and sauce. I had to defend it from the attacking fork of my companion. She was (rightly) disappointed by the tiramasu which was a bland, wobbly white sponge lump. We almost fell out over my insistence that the cheesecake was mine, which was seen as a most selfish position to take over a dessert. But just the one ring, it was MY PRECIOUS. Even if it didn't make me invisible. It was just that good.
But a calamitous argument was avoided in the restaurant, and we left as friends (and I guess I will just have to take her out for cheesecake). Full and mostly happy stomachs, good company with a good meal at a fair price.
But before a film, a dinner. It's Dine Around Victoria still and I'd like to take the Brunette of my Acquaintance out. And I've never been to Pescatores, which is meant to be a fine place for a date night. So I book through OpenTable and we trot down town for an early meal.
We head down past the oyster into a nice lit (low and gentle, but not dark) wood and plaster room. It's nicely laid out, with giant fans lazily rotating on the roof, big prints on the walls which are vaguely cubist. I am sure the Brunette could tell me the exact style or artist. Big blocky, shapes of large colour showing abstracted figures. Anyways, I liked the ambiance. And the big columns of fish tanks, one of which we were sat next to.
We scanned both the $30 and $40 menu, the Cioppino jumped out at both of us. It promised a pile of west coast sea food in an Italian style stew. It's meant to be great here, so of we went on the $30 menu. The starter I ordered was the Calamari. Unispiring, tastleless squid. Lightly coated in a crispy coating, but there was no flavour to the meat, or the coating. Just the tomato and olive paste to rescue it. Just really average. The salmon salad I tasted on my companions plate was excellent. Well smoked fish, with a sparky lemon vingarette rounded out by the salad leaves. My rabbit DNA approved of the greens. But I lost the first round.
The drink menu had been perused, and I couldn't find a decent beer to go with my meal. I like something hoppy with most food, or a really crisp clean lager. And Coors doesn't count. Struck out there, but stuck to the water (which was kept well topped up all through the meal). But a great white wine was found to pair with the Cioppino, and the Brunette was very much in heaven with the grapefruity, citrus wine she got. I'm afraid I just don't like wine very much, so the name has escaped me, but it was good.
The stew resurrected the meal. No beer was needed to lift this meal up. A steaming pile of fish and shellfish arrived, swimming in a tomato/wine stock. A thick stock, but not so it over powered the fish. We had lumps of white fish, pieces of crab and scallops, and some tasty morsels of salmon. All merged and combined together to make a fantastic medley of flavours and textures.
Dessert nailed it for me. A huge slice of cheesecake, topped with a salted caramel milk sauce. A dense filling with the right mix of savoury in with the oh-so-sweet base and sauce. I had to defend it from the attacking fork of my companion. She was (rightly) disappointed by the tiramasu which was a bland, wobbly white sponge lump. We almost fell out over my insistence that the cheesecake was mine, which was seen as a most selfish position to take over a dessert. But just the one ring, it was MY PRECIOUS. Even if it didn't make me invisible. It was just that good.
But a calamitous argument was avoided in the restaurant, and we left as friends (and I guess I will just have to take her out for cheesecake). Full and mostly happy stomachs, good company with a good meal at a fair price.
January 19, 2014
Evedar's, Langford
Back in December, I ran a 10 mile race over Stewart Mountain and came in last. For my efforts, I got a $50 voucher for Evedar's Bistro in Langford. My friends have commented it was very Canadian to give a prize to last place. I almost gave it away to the lady four seconds in front of me, but thought again that it would be material for blogging, so why not head out to Langford for a change.
So invited the lovely Brunette of my acquaintance for a Tuesday night meal out Langford. My first worry was that the answer phone message was still referencing the Christmas hours when I tried to call for a reservation. But they called back, and booked me in for a 7pm seating. Need not have worried, the place was empty, apart from a family finishing up their meal. Uh-oh... why so quiet? I've heard good things on Urbanspoon and about their lunch meals... then as I get seated, Billy-Ray Cyrus's 'Achey Breaky Heart' comes on. What have I let myself in for?
A cracking good meal, as it turns out. Best give the spoiler now, in case you only read so far, and think this will be a piece by piece deconstruction.
We ordered a sharing plate to start, which came with the world's biggest caper, some excellent tapenade, a beautiful smoked piece of salmon, creamy cheese, crisp apples and some bits of bread to spread 'em on. Or you could use the pickled beans and asparagus. The down note on the spread was the slices of pepperoni, they seemed a little greasy and dry to me.
For mains, there's a decent spread of choices. Just enough to be interesting, without being too many to decide on. I went for the Parmesan Chicken. I didn't need the starter. It was a huge cut, crusted perfectly with cheese and breading, but still moist inside. Presented on a big pile of risotto, that had a lovely silky texture, with just enough flavour to complement the chicken, and not over power it.
The Brunette (of my acquaintance) went for the beef short rib. The chicken was good. This was brilliant. Cooked to that point of tenderness and flavour, it came apart in strings with a fork. Covered in a thick, dark sauce which had a hint of BBQ that married it with the beef. A good pile of mash and greens came with it, and there was tomorrows lunch left-overs sorted, even after I took a good three fork fulls to try it out.
The music choices faded away into the background, and lets us talk over the meal without being overheard, which is just how it should be. There's space for a date night meal or a larger family/friends gathering. The service was good, and even though we were the only people there, no hurry to get us out so they could close up. I appreciated that, as it'd would have been easy enough to rush us out and save on the lighting bill.
I'm not drinking this month, but why I decide O'Douls amber was a good compromise should lead my readers to question my sense in matters of taste. Perhaps I shouldn't have admitted to it, but I won't be repeating that mistake. It was like someone had heard about the taste of beer, possibly by accident. They tried to make something that matched that misheard description, but not done a very good job. Then decided to sell it anyway. My bad choice there is hardly the Bistro's fault.
The meal came to $80, with a glass of wine and a bottle beer, the taxes and a tip.
So invited the lovely Brunette of my acquaintance for a Tuesday night meal out Langford. My first worry was that the answer phone message was still referencing the Christmas hours when I tried to call for a reservation. But they called back, and booked me in for a 7pm seating. Need not have worried, the place was empty, apart from a family finishing up their meal. Uh-oh... why so quiet? I've heard good things on Urbanspoon and about their lunch meals... then as I get seated, Billy-Ray Cyrus's 'Achey Breaky Heart' comes on. What have I let myself in for?
A cracking good meal, as it turns out. Best give the spoiler now, in case you only read so far, and think this will be a piece by piece deconstruction.
We ordered a sharing plate to start, which came with the world's biggest caper, some excellent tapenade, a beautiful smoked piece of salmon, creamy cheese, crisp apples and some bits of bread to spread 'em on. Or you could use the pickled beans and asparagus. The down note on the spread was the slices of pepperoni, they seemed a little greasy and dry to me.
For mains, there's a decent spread of choices. Just enough to be interesting, without being too many to decide on. I went for the Parmesan Chicken. I didn't need the starter. It was a huge cut, crusted perfectly with cheese and breading, but still moist inside. Presented on a big pile of risotto, that had a lovely silky texture, with just enough flavour to complement the chicken, and not over power it.
The Brunette (of my acquaintance) went for the beef short rib. The chicken was good. This was brilliant. Cooked to that point of tenderness and flavour, it came apart in strings with a fork. Covered in a thick, dark sauce which had a hint of BBQ that married it with the beef. A good pile of mash and greens came with it, and there was tomorrows lunch left-overs sorted, even after I took a good three fork fulls to try it out.
The music choices faded away into the background, and lets us talk over the meal without being overheard, which is just how it should be. There's space for a date night meal or a larger family/friends gathering. The service was good, and even though we were the only people there, no hurry to get us out so they could close up. I appreciated that, as it'd would have been easy enough to rush us out and save on the lighting bill.
I'm not drinking this month, but why I decide O'Douls amber was a good compromise should lead my readers to question my sense in matters of taste. Perhaps I shouldn't have admitted to it, but I won't be repeating that mistake. It was like someone had heard about the taste of beer, possibly by accident. They tried to make something that matched that misheard description, but not done a very good job. Then decided to sell it anyway. My bad choice there is hardly the Bistro's fault.
The meal came to $80, with a glass of wine and a bottle beer, the taxes and a tip.
December 19, 2013
Day 19 - Little Jumbo, Victoria
Shawn Soole used to run Clive's Cocktail Bar, the second best cocktail and fine booze joint in Victoria. The best, Solomon's closed years ago, but I still have many fond memories of time spent in there drinking high grade alcohol in many forms. And Clive's has been the scene of many great nights, with great friends and excellent drinks and service.
Clive's is still going, but Shawn has moved onto his own place, 'Little Jumbo', serving food, top quality liquor and wines. And some beer. More on that later.
Myself and a gorgeous brunette of my acquaintance went there a few weeks ago for food and drink. I apologize if some of my descriptions are not spot on from memory. I'll try to give an idea of the place and style.
It's a walk in and get seated place, no reservations. No queues but the place was almost full on a Friday night. We settled into a two person table along one wall opposite a bar. Patrons could sit at the bar as well, and gaze at the HUGE array of bottles. The drink menu is a tome, with many different types of alcohol: gins, whiskies, bourbons, apertifs and digestifs of all sorts that I had never heard off, rums and vodkas. The cocktail list is short, but the staff assured us they could make any of the classics. Shawn's reputation ensures that you know they'll be proud of anything they do serve.
The menu is simple and based around local ingredients, sourced from the market. Each dish is small packing a huge flavour punch. Nothing overly fussy. No multi-layered piles of leaves and meats and sauces. A Cauliflower Gratin was served in a small jar, as I recall, and creamy, crunchy and great. The duck rillette was also served in a jar, with toasted bread. The bread was a little oily, which was a shame as the fat of the duck was all you needed to go with the crunch of the toast. The rillette itself was beautiful. Intense duck flavours, coarse texture and that beautiful mouth feel of duck grease.
The lamb shank was fall of the bone goodness, and with the honey roasted fennel it was joyous. I love how the small plates can be ordered in any combination, but you can create your own combinations and discover new matches yourself. I wouldn't have ordered a lamb and fennel dish, maybe you would. But mix and match, and we got a winner.
The staff were extremely knowledgeable, answering questions about the drinks and food. Explaining how the kitchen prepares stuff from the market selections, how they have their own in house herb garden, how they take stuff off the menu if it's not working given what they have in that day. The details here are taken care of. Not in a fussy, obsequious way, but just by paying attention and creating an environment where the experience is relaxing and the tastes shine forward.
We finished with a selection of continental cheeses. A small slice of Lambs Milk Blue from the French Basque country was the out and out highlight of the experience. So much flavour in each bite. It was creamy, with a lot of bite and plenty of the savoury sharpness. Each little piece was conversation stopping good. Eat, chew, enjoy for a few moments. The rest of the meal was great, but this was beyond great to a level which I have only tasted a few times in my life.
Yes, all that praise for some cheese.
The dried crackers/bread was perfect for such a strong flavour, and I recall saying the rillette would have been enhanced being served with this bread.
I can't recall much about the drinks, except we were offered a small cup of the house blend tea as a pallatte cleanser, while the cocktails and wine went down well. I do recall the beer menu was... disappointing. There's no big flavours on the beer list. There's nothing that will challenge you, that enhances the food experience, not like the cocktail and wine menu does. It just accompanies it.
I went for the Hoyner Pilsner, as it was a crisp subtle flavour. But I wanted to have a choice of an over the top hoppy Bomb of a beer, or a rich, complex malty ale. Something like the Innis&Gunn Rum Cask would have been perfect to compliment the duck, or the Green Flash IPA from San Diego. Okay, neither are local, but there are equivalents that are more forward. Just for the choice. The Hoyner Pilsner is a damn fine beer to be dining out with, and may be other choices wouldn't fit as well as I think they would.
Overall, a great night out, great company, great service, great food and great environment. Going in for a drink and sharing plate with friends can work just as well, I'm told. But it worked for us as a date night meal too.
Clive's is still going, but Shawn has moved onto his own place, 'Little Jumbo', serving food, top quality liquor and wines. And some beer. More on that later.
Myself and a gorgeous brunette of my acquaintance went there a few weeks ago for food and drink. I apologize if some of my descriptions are not spot on from memory. I'll try to give an idea of the place and style.
It's a walk in and get seated place, no reservations. No queues but the place was almost full on a Friday night. We settled into a two person table along one wall opposite a bar. Patrons could sit at the bar as well, and gaze at the HUGE array of bottles. The drink menu is a tome, with many different types of alcohol: gins, whiskies, bourbons, apertifs and digestifs of all sorts that I had never heard off, rums and vodkas. The cocktail list is short, but the staff assured us they could make any of the classics. Shawn's reputation ensures that you know they'll be proud of anything they do serve.
The menu is simple and based around local ingredients, sourced from the market. Each dish is small packing a huge flavour punch. Nothing overly fussy. No multi-layered piles of leaves and meats and sauces. A Cauliflower Gratin was served in a small jar, as I recall, and creamy, crunchy and great. The duck rillette was also served in a jar, with toasted bread. The bread was a little oily, which was a shame as the fat of the duck was all you needed to go with the crunch of the toast. The rillette itself was beautiful. Intense duck flavours, coarse texture and that beautiful mouth feel of duck grease.
The lamb shank was fall of the bone goodness, and with the honey roasted fennel it was joyous. I love how the small plates can be ordered in any combination, but you can create your own combinations and discover new matches yourself. I wouldn't have ordered a lamb and fennel dish, maybe you would. But mix and match, and we got a winner.
The staff were extremely knowledgeable, answering questions about the drinks and food. Explaining how the kitchen prepares stuff from the market selections, how they have their own in house herb garden, how they take stuff off the menu if it's not working given what they have in that day. The details here are taken care of. Not in a fussy, obsequious way, but just by paying attention and creating an environment where the experience is relaxing and the tastes shine forward.
We finished with a selection of continental cheeses. A small slice of Lambs Milk Blue from the French Basque country was the out and out highlight of the experience. So much flavour in each bite. It was creamy, with a lot of bite and plenty of the savoury sharpness. Each little piece was conversation stopping good. Eat, chew, enjoy for a few moments. The rest of the meal was great, but this was beyond great to a level which I have only tasted a few times in my life.
Yes, all that praise for some cheese.
The dried crackers/bread was perfect for such a strong flavour, and I recall saying the rillette would have been enhanced being served with this bread.
I can't recall much about the drinks, except we were offered a small cup of the house blend tea as a pallatte cleanser, while the cocktails and wine went down well. I do recall the beer menu was... disappointing. There's no big flavours on the beer list. There's nothing that will challenge you, that enhances the food experience, not like the cocktail and wine menu does. It just accompanies it.
I went for the Hoyner Pilsner, as it was a crisp subtle flavour. But I wanted to have a choice of an over the top hoppy Bomb of a beer, or a rich, complex malty ale. Something like the Innis&Gunn Rum Cask would have been perfect to compliment the duck, or the Green Flash IPA from San Diego. Okay, neither are local, but there are equivalents that are more forward. Just for the choice. The Hoyner Pilsner is a damn fine beer to be dining out with, and may be other choices wouldn't fit as well as I think they would.
Overall, a great night out, great company, great service, great food and great environment. Going in for a drink and sharing plate with friends can work just as well, I'm told. But it worked for us as a date night meal too.
March 19, 2013
Argyle Attic, Downtown
Above Smiths, attached to the Quality Inn in downtown Victoria lies the Argyle Attic. The website gives few details, requiring me to search out exactly where it was before we visited - a bit of a hint in there would be nice without looking for the address on the contact us page, and then working out which block it is on Courtney and then realizing. But its getting some love for the range of whisky it serves, and being a quieter alternative to the more boisterous Smiths. But we were heading for breakfast, so I'll have to leave the drinking review for another time.
The attic itself is a bright room, with plenty of space, with wood chairs and tables, along with a couple of comfy armchairs in front of a fire. Probably the prime spot for an evening, after a day on the moors, hunting grouse, sitting with a wee dram of single malt, regaling your friend with stories of shooting, and the troubles of being a laird. The stag's head above the fireplace made me think of an old Scottish baronial lodge. The walls are more contemporary, with painted quotes from various famous Canadians or about Canada. On top of some Victorian style wall paper and wood panels. Slightly cheesy, but also just works to the place's advantage.
The food, it's all about the food for brunch. Everything on the menu is $12, with tea and coffee included. Nice and simple. Menu ranges from standard bacon and eggs, to a couple of breakfast poutine choices (curry gravy or normal). Pretty short menu, but who needs that many choices early on a Sunday morning? Sadly they were out of normal poutine sauce, but the folks eating the curry breakfast poutine left stuffed to gunwales. Bowl of cottage potatoes, covered with eggs and meat and curry sauce.
I went for the 3 pancakes and sausage. I must have been feeling sensible. Three pancakes the size of a side plate, two-three sausages, syrup and butter. They have Galloping Goose sausages. Some breakfast sausages are bland, greasy tubes. No flavour, no texture, no protein. These are not them. Juicy, but not fatty. These breakfast sausages are herbed just enough to add some flavour to the meat, but not overdone to overpower the meat or the rest of the meal. The pancakes were fluffy, cooked well, and they absorbed as much maple syrup as I could throw at them.
The waitress only had 4 or so tables to cover, but seemed a little distracted. But that's a minor point, everything was served together, and coffee came about as quick as it could be brewed. The place also had no functioning toilet, so we either had to wander the halls of the hotel, or hold it in. The waitress let us in to the downstairs washrooms as we left though, so everyone was relieved.
Good meal, nice surroundings, will be on the list to visit again.
Final Bill
3 Pancakes with Sausage - $12
1 Pot of Tea - Included in breakfast
Total : $16 with taxes and tip
Phone : 250-360-2544
Address : 777 Courtney Street, Victoria BC, Canada, V8W 1G3
Website : The Argyle Attic
The attic itself is a bright room, with plenty of space, with wood chairs and tables, along with a couple of comfy armchairs in front of a fire. Probably the prime spot for an evening, after a day on the moors, hunting grouse, sitting with a wee dram of single malt, regaling your friend with stories of shooting, and the troubles of being a laird. The stag's head above the fireplace made me think of an old Scottish baronial lodge. The walls are more contemporary, with painted quotes from various famous Canadians or about Canada. On top of some Victorian style wall paper and wood panels. Slightly cheesy, but also just works to the place's advantage.
The food, it's all about the food for brunch. Everything on the menu is $12, with tea and coffee included. Nice and simple. Menu ranges from standard bacon and eggs, to a couple of breakfast poutine choices (curry gravy or normal). Pretty short menu, but who needs that many choices early on a Sunday morning? Sadly they were out of normal poutine sauce, but the folks eating the curry breakfast poutine left stuffed to gunwales. Bowl of cottage potatoes, covered with eggs and meat and curry sauce.
I went for the 3 pancakes and sausage. I must have been feeling sensible. Three pancakes the size of a side plate, two-three sausages, syrup and butter. They have Galloping Goose sausages. Some breakfast sausages are bland, greasy tubes. No flavour, no texture, no protein. These are not them. Juicy, but not fatty. These breakfast sausages are herbed just enough to add some flavour to the meat, but not overdone to overpower the meat or the rest of the meal. The pancakes were fluffy, cooked well, and they absorbed as much maple syrup as I could throw at them.
The waitress only had 4 or so tables to cover, but seemed a little distracted. But that's a minor point, everything was served together, and coffee came about as quick as it could be brewed. The place also had no functioning toilet, so we either had to wander the halls of the hotel, or hold it in. The waitress let us in to the downstairs washrooms as we left though, so everyone was relieved.
Good meal, nice surroundings, will be on the list to visit again.
Final Bill
3 Pancakes with Sausage - $12
1 Pot of Tea - Included in breakfast
Total : $16 with taxes and tip
Phone : 250-360-2544
Address : 777 Courtney Street, Victoria BC, Canada, V8W 1G3
Website : The Argyle Attic
November 05, 2012
Relish, Downtown Victoria
Relish is an awkward location. At least for Victoria. Opposite the homeless drop in centre on Pandora, it's not unusual to have a few down and outs on the street near by. Some just looking for someone to sit out undisturbed, and some strung out or drunk. Compared to other places I've lived, it's not the cardboard city, or dangerous. But there is the image thing. Step around a drunk before you head to breakfast may be not want you want to do.
That middle-class snobbery of mine out of the way, you should ignore all that and visit Relish. Great food, good atmosphere, well run and socially aware.
The place isn't big, seating maybe 16 at tables with a window bar for another half dozen. A bright, roomy feel to the place, with plenty of varnished wood making it feel more like being in someone's kitchen than a dining room. I got there early for my group, but there was no trouble seating me with a coffee while the other 4 people arrived. Good coffee, hot, strong enough to deliver the caffiene, but not so strong I could feel hairs on my chest growing.
Eventually, the rest of my friends arrived (on time), and we ordered. The Englishman in me sees baked beans as comfort food, the same way many of my North American friends view Kraft Dinner. Baked Beans has the advantage of being more nutritionally complete than the packet of empty carbs and fake cheese that makes up Kraft dinner. Not to say that I haven't partaken in Mac'n'Cheese happily. Relish had Beans and Eggs with Organic greens on the menu, so I went for that.
The eggs were poached perfectly, bright yellow yolk flowing into the toast and beans. Beans were tasty, with no huge globs of sauce, but beans, baked with a coating of sauce. The greens though... oh the greens. It's hard to wax lyrical about a bowl of lettuce and leaves. But these were perfect. Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, slighty tender, but still with some crunch. Seriously good. I don't know if it was the mix, the preparation, the dressing or the organic-ness. Whatever it was, I was sad my salad was finished. I don't say that very often.
Other people had the house benny, which was met to much approval as well. Everything tasted fresh, well cooked. It felt local, the sort of healthy/aware feel that Victorians try to foster. A genuine feel, rather than carefully orchestrated.
Final Bill
Coffee - $2.50
Eggs, beans and greens - $10.00
Total : $16 with taxes and tip
Phone : 250-590-8464
Address : 920 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC
Website : http://www.relishfoodcoffee.com/
That middle-class snobbery of mine out of the way, you should ignore all that and visit Relish. Great food, good atmosphere, well run and socially aware.
The place isn't big, seating maybe 16 at tables with a window bar for another half dozen. A bright, roomy feel to the place, with plenty of varnished wood making it feel more like being in someone's kitchen than a dining room. I got there early for my group, but there was no trouble seating me with a coffee while the other 4 people arrived. Good coffee, hot, strong enough to deliver the caffiene, but not so strong I could feel hairs on my chest growing.
Eventually, the rest of my friends arrived (on time), and we ordered. The Englishman in me sees baked beans as comfort food, the same way many of my North American friends view Kraft Dinner. Baked Beans has the advantage of being more nutritionally complete than the packet of empty carbs and fake cheese that makes up Kraft dinner. Not to say that I haven't partaken in Mac'n'Cheese happily. Relish had Beans and Eggs with Organic greens on the menu, so I went for that.
The eggs were poached perfectly, bright yellow yolk flowing into the toast and beans. Beans were tasty, with no huge globs of sauce, but beans, baked with a coating of sauce. The greens though... oh the greens. It's hard to wax lyrical about a bowl of lettuce and leaves. But these were perfect. Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, slighty tender, but still with some crunch. Seriously good. I don't know if it was the mix, the preparation, the dressing or the organic-ness. Whatever it was, I was sad my salad was finished. I don't say that very often.
Other people had the house benny, which was met to much approval as well. Everything tasted fresh, well cooked. It felt local, the sort of healthy/aware feel that Victorians try to foster. A genuine feel, rather than carefully orchestrated.
Final Bill
Coffee - $2.50
Eggs, beans and greens - $10.00
Total : $16 with taxes and tip
Phone : 250-590-8464
Address : 920 Pandora Ave, Victoria BC
Website : http://www.relishfoodcoffee.com/
July 19, 2012
Spinnakers, Victoria West, Victoria
I originally reviewed Spinnakers over two years ago. Things have changed, and things have stayed the same. They still go for the locally sourced food, they still brew their own beer, and the cooking is still well executed. Things seem to be a little less adventurous in the kitchen, and the beer has become less on the edge. Maybe I've become more accustomed to West Coast way of things. But I think it's more that the standard fare is just a little more standard, and they've stopped calling the beer with interesting names.
I always take visitors to Spinnakers, as it's got a great view and great vibe. And my parents are visiting, and they've had enjoyable times there, so back we went after a day being tourists.
An order of the Pulled Pork Nachos was served for Mum. The personal serving is enough for two as a starter. Served with a mound of fresh, pig goodness and a good salsa, these were a good start to the proceedings. I went with a cup of the chowder, which is creamy, starchy and sea-food salty in equal measure. Nice chunks of (I think) clam in there too. Big bowl of this and lump of bread and I be set on a cold winter's day. Dad also went with the chowder, and seemed very happy with it all.
But as it was a warm summers day, I followed up with the Highland Beef Burger, with cheese. It looked a little small on arrival, the patty shirking away from the edges of the bun, and just capturing the cheese and onions. But this was a packed, juicy, meaty burger. No filler, no messing around with a loose, gristly badly cooked pile of ground meat. This was a BURGER. Beef, beef, and more beef. I needed the bun and salad to compensate for the protein overload. Fantastic. Probably doesn't need the cheese or onions, or the pickled cabbage. This patty. Crisp lettuce. Tomato. The mild BBQ Sauce. Kaiser Bun. Damn fine.
Mum went with the Cod and Chips, and was most happy. Dad had the Bangers and Smash. Very happy he was too with it. Good pile of potatoes, great sausages. Nothing extreme ordered at our table, but good quality, pub food. Looking through the menu (and there was no specials), things are pub food, or local twists. I have had the shrimp pizza here, and can recommend it as well.
Beer wise, I went for the Indian Session Ale. They had opened a Fresh Cask of their IPA with Williamette Hops, but even 90 minutes after opening it, it was all gone. The session ale is a bit like the old Doc's was, but served chilled. Clean, mildly hoppy and low enough in alcohol to have two without the parents wondering if their son was a sloppy drunk.
Service was just fair. Our server got a couple of things wrong and had to recheck what we had ordered. I prefer it when the wait staff write it down... a good memory doesn't impress me as much as getting what I ordered. Fake it if you have to. Make it look like I'm not leaving my food to chance. The pacing of the food was just a bit too slow, waiting for the initial service, or plates to be cleared and the bill to arrive. Might have been a busy session, but didn't feel that way.
Dessert, and I ordered the Raspberry Sorbet, as did Mum, while Dad went with Strawberry ice cream. The sorbet was excellent, intense raspberry flavour that refreshed the palate nicely. Three scoops was a bit much, but good end to a good meal.
Final Bill
Pulled Pork Nachos (Individual Size) : $8.00
2 Cups of Clam Chowder : $6.00 each
Highland Burger with Cheese : $15.00
Fish and Chips : $14.00
Bangers and Mash : $12.00
Raspberry Sorbet x2 : $6.00
House made Ice Cream : $6.00
2 pints of Indian Session Ale : $5.75 each
Tea and coffee : $5.00
Total Bill for three, including tips and taxes : $120.00
Address : 308 Catherine Street, Victoria
Telephone : (250) - 386 - 2739
Website : http://www.spinnakers.com/
I always take visitors to Spinnakers, as it's got a great view and great vibe. And my parents are visiting, and they've had enjoyable times there, so back we went after a day being tourists.
An order of the Pulled Pork Nachos was served for Mum. The personal serving is enough for two as a starter. Served with a mound of fresh, pig goodness and a good salsa, these were a good start to the proceedings. I went with a cup of the chowder, which is creamy, starchy and sea-food salty in equal measure. Nice chunks of (I think) clam in there too. Big bowl of this and lump of bread and I be set on a cold winter's day. Dad also went with the chowder, and seemed very happy with it all.
But as it was a warm summers day, I followed up with the Highland Beef Burger, with cheese. It looked a little small on arrival, the patty shirking away from the edges of the bun, and just capturing the cheese and onions. But this was a packed, juicy, meaty burger. No filler, no messing around with a loose, gristly badly cooked pile of ground meat. This was a BURGER. Beef, beef, and more beef. I needed the bun and salad to compensate for the protein overload. Fantastic. Probably doesn't need the cheese or onions, or the pickled cabbage. This patty. Crisp lettuce. Tomato. The mild BBQ Sauce. Kaiser Bun. Damn fine.
Mum went with the Cod and Chips, and was most happy. Dad had the Bangers and Smash. Very happy he was too with it. Good pile of potatoes, great sausages. Nothing extreme ordered at our table, but good quality, pub food. Looking through the menu (and there was no specials), things are pub food, or local twists. I have had the shrimp pizza here, and can recommend it as well.
Beer wise, I went for the Indian Session Ale. They had opened a Fresh Cask of their IPA with Williamette Hops, but even 90 minutes after opening it, it was all gone. The session ale is a bit like the old Doc's was, but served chilled. Clean, mildly hoppy and low enough in alcohol to have two without the parents wondering if their son was a sloppy drunk.
Service was just fair. Our server got a couple of things wrong and had to recheck what we had ordered. I prefer it when the wait staff write it down... a good memory doesn't impress me as much as getting what I ordered. Fake it if you have to. Make it look like I'm not leaving my food to chance. The pacing of the food was just a bit too slow, waiting for the initial service, or plates to be cleared and the bill to arrive. Might have been a busy session, but didn't feel that way.
Dessert, and I ordered the Raspberry Sorbet, as did Mum, while Dad went with Strawberry ice cream. The sorbet was excellent, intense raspberry flavour that refreshed the palate nicely. Three scoops was a bit much, but good end to a good meal.
Final Bill
Pulled Pork Nachos (Individual Size) : $8.00
2 Cups of Clam Chowder : $6.00 each
Highland Burger with Cheese : $15.00
Fish and Chips : $14.00
Bangers and Mash : $12.00
Raspberry Sorbet x2 : $6.00
House made Ice Cream : $6.00
2 pints of Indian Session Ale : $5.75 each
Tea and coffee : $5.00
Total Bill for three, including tips and taxes : $120.00
Address : 308 Catherine Street, Victoria
Telephone : (250) - 386 - 2739
Website : http://www.spinnakers.com/
February 26, 2010
Cafe Brio
Dine Around Victoria is an annual event in town where a selection of restaurants offer up cheaper tasting menus, I guess to showcase themselves and to fill up tables in a the quiet time before the tourist season sets in. Word of mouth is always a good advertisement. The old maxim goes that it's better to be talked about than not talked about, but I'm pretty sure in the restaurant industry, being talked about badly is worse.
Cafe Brio has had several people praise it to me, so I decided to try it out with their $30 Dine Around menu. The Cafe was purpose built on the location, according to the blurb on the website, and the restaurant itself is a fine building. Set back from the road it has a small court yard, before the yellow frontage, which I am sure is meant to remind you of Tuscany. In side there's a large space with a mix of booth, cost tables andlarger areas for groups. A nice high ceiling seems to soak up the noise, so while there's a buzz, you can talk and hear yourself.
Drinks were offered, the menu considered and the starters came out in reasonable time. We both had the Sweet Parnsip soup, which was indeed sweet, with large bits of black pepper in. Slightly too sweet for me, and the raw earthiness of the parsnip wasn't there.
For main course I had Sooke trout, with spinach, a brown butter foam and "pancetta-scallion arancini". The trout was nicely crisped, with a nice flaky-yet-moist white meat. The foam okay, and spinach is well, spinach. I had never heard of arancini before, but they are fried rice balls coated in breadcrumbs, here flavoured with pancetta and scallion (of course) which made for a great delicate flavour.
Final Bill :
Parsnip Soup, Sooke Trout and Lemon Tart - $30
Parsnip Soup, Beef Shortrib and Baked Pear - $30
Coffee x2 - $4.50
Vodka Cranberry - $4.75
Location : 944 Fort Street
Telephone : (250) - 383 - 0009
Website : http://www.cafebrio.com
Cafe Brio has had several people praise it to me, so I decided to try it out with their $30 Dine Around menu. The Cafe was purpose built on the location, according to the blurb on the website, and the restaurant itself is a fine building. Set back from the road it has a small court yard, before the yellow frontage, which I am sure is meant to remind you of Tuscany. In side there's a large space with a mix of booth, cost tables andlarger areas for groups. A nice high ceiling seems to soak up the noise, so while there's a buzz, you can talk and hear yourself.
Drinks were offered, the menu considered and the starters came out in reasonable time. We both had the Sweet Parnsip soup, which was indeed sweet, with large bits of black pepper in. Slightly too sweet for me, and the raw earthiness of the parsnip wasn't there.
For main course I had Sooke trout, with spinach, a brown butter foam and "pancetta-scallion arancini". The trout was nicely crisped, with a nice flaky-yet-moist white meat. The foam okay, and spinach is well, spinach. I had never heard of arancini before, but they are fried rice balls coated in breadcrumbs, here flavoured with pancetta and scallion (of course) which made for a great delicate flavour.
My friend had the beef short-rib, served with a stout-jus and seasonal vegetables (tatties and neeps, I think). The short rib was lovely and tender, but the stout jus overwhelmed the beef flavour, making it a bit of a muddy mix of flavours.
For desert, the lemon tart was tart and light, with wafer thin-crust of sugar. Probably the best thing I had. And as not-a-dessert-person, one of the best desserts eating out in a long time. The poached pear was served cold, which surprised me, expecting it to be a steaming juicy fruit with a light mousse topping.
A couple of coffee's and we weren't hurried out the door, even if the drinks server was a little over zealous on coming over to fuss during the meal. Nice relaxed atmosphere, good, but not great food. Wasn't the super high mark I had expected from recommendations. Plenty of other places to try, several of which I know won't be as good as here, but I know there's also better in town.
Final Bill :
Parsnip Soup, Sooke Trout and Lemon Tart - $30
Parsnip Soup, Beef Shortrib and Baked Pear - $30
Coffee x2 - $4.50
Vodka Cranberry - $4.75
Location : 944 Fort Street
Telephone : (250) - 383 - 0009
Website : http://www.cafebrio.com
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