TASTE MAG, Victoria Sum/Fall 2014

GREATER VICTORIA’S DINING GUIDE SUMMER/FALL 2014

COMPLETE DINING DIRECTORY MAPS RATING SYSTEM

4 FEATURE RESTAURANTS

A Field Guide for Your Appetite

24 PAIRING CRAFT BEERS And Culinary Bites

26 DINING DIRECTORY

Everything Victoria Has to Offer

APPETITE FOR EXPLORATION “To realize Victoria, you must take all that the eye admires in Bournemouth… the Isle of Wight and Happy Valley of Hong Kong, the Doon, Sorrento and Camps Bay, and add reminiscences on the Thousand Islands, and arrange the whole around the Bay of Naples, with some Himalayas for the background.” ~ Rudyard Kipling TASTE MAG Publisher: Patricia Jones Writers: Dylan Petley, Sarah Chauncey Art Director: Mark McDermott Photography: Shayd Johnson, Jason Lee a kiss media group solution www.kissmediagroup.com Copyright 2014 by Kiss Media Group Ltd. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions.

For all advertising and distribution inquiries: tel: 1.866.932.5488 email: info@kissmediagroup.com

The great English writer said it perfectly. Victoria is a composite of the most picturesque places on the planet. But so is its cuisine.

The food on offer in BC’s capital is a celebration of the cultures that call it home. In this sense, Victoria is a whole world in one city. That’s why we’ve designed a guidebook built around the questions all diners ask: what, where and how much. But that’s not all…

Our simple star rating system lets you track your experiences as you have them, so you can share them with friends or reference them next time you’re in town. Hungry for a little exposure? Take your opinion online at TasteMagazine.ca, where you can cast your vote for the establishment you think most worthy of winning a 2014 PINNACLE TASTE AWARD Victoria’s awards for culinary excellence.

Victoria is waiting to be tasted. Happy exploring!

Tastefully yours, Patricia Jones, Publisher

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Letter from the Publisher Appetite for Exploration

3

Introduction

4

Born in Sendai, Japan it is only natural that Chef Takashi Ito is passionately inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine with a focus on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Feature Restaurants

for Your Apetite

24

Pairing Craft Beers

26

Dining Directory

37

Digital

Beef Tenderloin, green onion & sour cream mash, wild mushroom & roast garlic jus by AURA’s Chef Takashi Ito.

38

Cool Beans

40

Thirsty

44

Victoria

www.tastemagazine.ca tastemagazine tastemagazineca

46

Maps

On the Cover:

An Overview of the Victoria Food Scene

2

A Field Guide

And Culinary Bites

Everything Victoria Has to Offer

Bits, Bytes, Hashtags, Etc Why Coffee Is Still Relevant

Wet Routes Worth Exploring A Little About Her

The Saanich Peninsula and Downtown Victoria

the

restaurants

FIND FOOD THAT MATCHES YOUR CRAVINGS

Vancouver Island is world-renowned for its local food and drink: seafood, meat, cheese, cream, yogurt, vegetables, wine and craft beer. Many of Victoria’s restaurants make use of local ingredients, infusing both traditional and exotic cuisine with a distinct Island flair.

Drop by The Sticky Wicket or relax with a drink on the patio at Milestones. If you’ve a hankering for juicy steak, The Keg is your place, while north FORTY-EIGHT takes casual comfort food to a whole new level. And you can’t go wrong with pizza at The Brickyard Pizzeria.

What follows are detailed descriptions of Victoria’s best restaurants. On each page, you’ll find all the need-to-know information we could fit: a description of each restaurant’s ambiance and accolades, samplings of their menu items, prices, address, websites, social media and contact information.

For authentic West Coast cuisine, head to Heron Rock Bistro, Veneto Tapa Lounge and Lure. If you prefer a British twist, join The Guild Freehouse, or sashay to Restaurant Matisse for its European flair.

IS YOUR MOUTH WATERING?

A tantalizing preview of what lies ahead:

TURN THE PAGE TO DISCOVER

Find Victoria’s freshest seafood at The Docks, Haultain Fish & Chips, The Marina and Aura.

MORE!

If you’re craving true Japanese sushi made with local salmon, perennial favourite Sen Zushi, Shiki Sushi, Koto and Ebizo have every roll, cone and sashimi you can imagine. Xiang Rui offers the most authentic Chinese cuisine in town, and if looking for Thai, Sabhai Thai is your spot.

Want to enjoy great food in a casual atmosphere?

Haultain

FISH & CHIPS MAINS: $10 - $20 address: 1127 Haultain Street

FISH & CHIPS

Hours: 11:30 am - 7:30 pm (Tues - Sat) Phone: 250.383.8332 Map locator: D-11 ON THE WEB: www.haultainfishandchips.com

Appetizers

THE SCENE: Week after week, year after year, residents and non-residents of Victoria return to Haultain for the familiar faces, cozy atmosphere and delicious batter made fresh daily by owner and Chef Mary Schmidt. A traditional old English recipe combined with the freshest and finest fish is served up with potatoes that were peeled and cut into tasty fries that day. Cozy up in a booth and enjoy the most heavenly fish & chips ever.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Everything on the menu is made fresh daily with traditional

recipes including the delicious coleslaw and zingy tartar sauce.

“The Special”

• Let your appetite and your taste buds choose from either

Halibut or Cod served up with generous sides of French fries or homemade coleslaw.

• If you love the home cooking but aren’t in the mood for fish & chips, try another menu item like a Prawn, Oyster, Scallop or Calamari plate or a variety of Beef or Seafood Burgers.

• Wanting take-out? No problem. Unwrap the family

favourite at home and see the ear-wide grins form over the whole gang. You can always change it up by adding some homemade Perogies, Chicken Strips, or Popcorn Scallops.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Victoria residents have been

dependent on Haultain Fish & Chips for their legendary lightly battered fresh fish with homemade tartar sauce and traditional fries since 1924. Nestled in a residential neighbourhood, Haultain is a quick five minute drive from the 4

Inner Harbour and has been voted Victoria’s favourite fish & chips for years.

THE GUILD FREEHOUSE

PUBS APPETIZERS: $5 - $14 mains: $16 - $28 address: 1250 Wharf Street Hours: 11 am - midnight Phone: 250.385.3474 Map locator: H-5 ON THE WEB: www.theguildfreehouse.com

Local Seafood

THE SCENE: Swing open the thick wooden doors on this 1880s heritage building and step into a world of “craft”, a word that speaks both to the Pacific Northwest microbrews on tap and to the elevated twist on fine British cuisine. Chef and owner Sam Benedetto has created a menu that has deep roots in Britain’s rich culinary history yet uses local products sourced from our Island’s farms.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Whet your palate with a classic like Cheddar and Ale Soup or Scotch Egg.

• Savour local seafood second to none, including Mussels,

Scotch Egg & Classic Fish Pie

Tuna and Smoked Salmon.

• Enjoy dishes that inspire and excite, like house-made

Cumberland Sausage with buttermilk mash and gravy, or Beef, Mushroom & Stout Pie.

• For dessert, treat yourself to The Guild’s take on a definitive

British sweet: Sticky Toffee Pudding with coconut ice cream.

• The ever-evolving draught list features the best craft beers from Victoria to Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

From exclusive microbrews to

small-batch bourbons, from Chef Sam’s elevated and local take on fine British fare to the comfortable ambiance of The Guild, everything about this restaurant says craft.

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THE STICKY WICKET

PUB APPETIZERS: $9 - $15 mains: $13 - $26

PUB

address: 919 Douglas Street Hours: 11:30 am - 2 am Phone: 250.383.7137 Map locator: I-7 ON THE WEB: www.strathconahotel.com

Pan Seared Pacific Halibut

THE SCENE: The Sticky Wicket is just one of the Strathcona Hotel’s lively venues. Located in the heart of downtown, ‘The Strath’ features the Sticky Wicket Pub, Rooftop Surfclub, The Clubhouse, Games Room, Big Bad John’s, and Club Zone 9ONE9! Enjoy traditional pub fare, West Coast cuisine and late night dining at Victoria’s entertainment hub!

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Enjoy appetizers like Chili & Lime Infused Edamame Beans, Coarse Sea Salt Crisp Dry Ribs or Lemon Calamari with tzatziki sauce.

Sticky Wicket Burger and Beer

• Feature entrées include the 6 oz. Steak Sandwich and the Organic Bison Burger but traditional pub fare is available too. Try the Sticky Wicket Burger, Pacific Cod and Chips, the Steak & Caesar Wrap, St. Louis Pork Ribs or the New York Steak & Sauce Trio.

• Experience favourites like the Lobster Mac & Cheese, the Ancho Chili Chicken Quesadilla on whole wheat tortilla shells and the Rustic Tuscan Pizza with basil infused marinara sauce, oven dried tomatoes, bocconcini & asiago cheese and fresh basil.

• West Coast flavours include Potted Salmon, Wild BC Salmon Burger and Bison Meatloaf.

• For alternative diets, the Veggie Quinoa Wrap is a must-try.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Quality is guaranteed at the

Sticky Wicket. The Strathcona Hotel is an advocate of local and sustainable resources. As well as being a proud supporter of the Vancouver Aquariums Ocean Wise Program, its establishments also 6

use Certified Angus Beef®.

the brickyard PIZZERIA

PIZZERIAS PRICE RANGE: $3.25 - $26.95 address: 784 Yates Street Hours: noon until late (7 days-a-week) Phone: 250.995.2722 Map locator: H-8 ON THE WEB: www.brickyardpizza.ca

Whole Pizza or by the Slice

THE SCENE: While many local suits choose Brickyard over their office lunchrooms, the most devoted following comes in the form of the young set who happily haunt this old-school pizzeria while sipping draught microbrewed beers, listening to music or watching TV. And with open hours extending well into the night, it’s usually after dark when things really light up.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Brickyard is known for its amazing pies. Choose the original thick crust, the thin crust or the health-conscious whole wheat crust as well as a choice of Marinara Sauce, Pesto Sauce or BBQ.

Microbrew Beer on Tap

• House favourites include the Marguerite, the Garlic Lovers,

the Californian, the Sicilian, the Pesto, the Santa Fe Chicken, the Thai Chicken and the Beef Taco.

• Feeling green or looking for lighter options? It’s hard to say no to a classic Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Salad or Spinach Salad.

• When you find yourself enjoying a delicious slice of pizza and pondering what might be the best thing to accompany the cheesy goodness, there’s one very good answer... Microbrew Beer on Tap!

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Brickyard is one cool place for hot

pizza, not to mention a tantalizing array of other fantastic munchies from salads to sweet potato fries. And with a location central to

THE BRICKYARD

downtown’s bars, nightclubs and hotels, it’s no surprise that this establishment is buzzing with life all day as well as into the night.

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VENETO

TAPAS APPETIZERS: $4 - $16 mains: $12 - $20

TAPA LOUNGE

address: 1450 Douglas St. Hours: 4 pm - 1 am Phone: 250.383.7310 Map locator: G-7 ON THE WEB: www.venetodining.com

The Veneto Charcuterie Board

THE SCENE: Located in the chic, boutique Hotel Rialto, Veneto Tapa Lounge is one of Victoria’s true lounge experiences. Classic libations carefully constructed to exacting standards pay homage to the history and origins of the cocktail. Add a high-concept savory tapa-style menu and you have one of the city’s most stylish urban dining destinations.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Veneto’s concept-dining is as brilliant as it is simple: Small plates, big flavours.

• Standout “sharing plate” items such as tempura rockfish & baja shrimp tacos, duck confît poutine or barbecued pulled pork & sweet potato croquettes take “bar food” to the highest level.

Assorted Veneto cocktails

• Think Iron Chef meets classy cocktail lounge...

• Diners can choose a variety of small plates to create an

interesting table of tasty morsels to pick and graze while imbibing on some of the city’s best cocktails.

• For those who would prefer something a little hardier, the

small plates menu features favorites such Old School Meatballs and Chef Tod’s unique take on Chicken ‘n Waffles.

• Veneto boasts a large wine cellar, an on-tap selection of fine craft beers and a cocktail list sure to bring everyone back.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Executive Chef Tod Bosence has

combined unique variations of old favorites and personal creations to develop tapas style dining into a modern experience. His menu is paired with an equally creative cocktail menu and a contemporary 8

lounge atmosphere unmatched in the city.

XIANG RUI RESTAURANT

CHINESE APPETIZERS: $4 - $7 MAINs: $11 - $14 address: 980 Blanshard Street Hours: 11 am - 9 pm Phone: 778.433.3696 Map locator: I-8 ON THE WEB: www.xiangruichinese.mobi

Chinese Hamburger

THE SCENE: Victoria’s newest Chinese food sensation, this warm and intimate restaurant is just off the beaten path, a five minute walk from the Inner Harbour. Worthy of the buzz it’s earned from local Asian food lovers, Xiang Rui is the only restaurant in the city that serves authentic Northwestern Chinese home-style cuisine. The exceptionally courteous staff serves up chef-owner’s Owen Guo’s delights, customized for each diner’s palate.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Sample the region. You can’t go wrong with the chef’s

recommended unique dishes, including the authentic and aromatic Chinese Hamburger (pork or beef ), spicy summertime favourite Rice Noodle with Vegetables or Fried Potato with Green Pepper and Eggplant.

Stewed Mushroom & Vegetable

• If spicy isn’t your thing, the menu offers numerous delectable

dishes that appeal to more sensitive Western tastes, including Egg Rolls, Chicken Chop Suey or Beef with Noodle Soup.

• The kitchen staff makes their Dumplings in-house, so be sure

to try them in the variety that appeals to you: Pork, Beef or Vegetable. The noodles are also fresh and delivered in a variety of styles sure to please discerning palates.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Xiang Rui has the greatest

number of authentic Chinese dishes, making it a home away from home for mainland Chinese tourists and a favourite dining spot for local Chinese gourmands.

9

TIBET TO THAILAND mains: $10 - $17

SABHAI THAI RESTAURANT

address: 2493 Beacon Ave., Sidney 2800 Jacklin Road, Langford Hours: 11:30 am - 2 pm (Lunch) from 5 pm (Dinner) Phone: 250.655.4085 (Sidney) 250.590.5039 (Langford) Map locator: V-14, EE-14 ON THE WEB: www.sabhai.ca

Chicken Satay Skewers

THE SCENE: With two locations in Greater Victoria, Sabhai Thai restaurants are lively family owned establishments that feature mouth-watering Thai food at more-than-reasonable prices.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Start with the unforgettable Gratong Taung – minced

chicken seasoned with garlic, cilantro, onions and corn, served in golden cup shells with mild Thai plum sauce or the Tom Kah Goong, a hot and sour coconut soup with prawns, mushrooms, cilantro, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Sweet and Spicy Red Snapper

• Fans of spicy will love the Kee Mao (Drunken) Noodles, flash

fried in Thai seasoning sauce with tender sliced chicken, chilies, onions, garlic, egg, fresh sweet basil and bell peppers.

• Nothing beats Thai green curry. Sabhai’s Gaeng Keow Wan

Gai comes with chicken, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, bell peppers and fresh sweet basil.

• Oceanic favourites include the Panang Pla (Red Snapper) simmered in creamy curry sauce with bell peppers and fresh kaffir leaves.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Sabhai Thai has won the

Saanich Peninsula Readers’ Choice Award for Best Ethnic Restaurant every year since 2007 and received 4.5 stars from Times Colonist Restaurant critic Pam Grant as well as a top 5 best 10

restaurants in Victoria ranking in Urban Spoon.

ebizo

SUSHI BAR

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

PRICE RANGE: $1.95 - $16.95 address: 604 Broughton St. Hours: 11:30 am - 1:45 pm (Lunch Tues - Sat) 5 pm - 8:45 pm (Dinner Tues - Sun) Phone: 250.383.3234 Map locator: H-6

Assorted Sashimi

THE SCENE: A cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere makes the Ebizo experience memorable for lunch or dinner. And with 40 dining room seats and an 8-seat bar, there’s always a comfortable corner whether you’re looking for an afternoon or intimate evening in front of the 46” flat screen TV. Feel like lying low? Ebizo offers an outstanding take-out menu as well!

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Experience favourite starters such as Vegetable Tempura, Albacore Tuna Tataki, Venison Tataki and Smoked Duck.

• Sashimi classics include Tuna, Salmon and Octopus, while Sashimi Donburi offerings feature Tekka Don, Ikura Don, Chirashi, and Unagi Don.

Deluxe Assorted Sushi

• Enjoy all the Nigiri you can wave your chopsticks at! Tamago,

Tako, Tobiko, Inari, Ebi, Hamachi, Ahi, Unagi, Uni… it’s all here.

• Sushi combinations come in Roll & Cone dishes, the Ebizo

Combination or the decadent Deluxe Assorted Sushi plate.

Don’t miss the house specialty, the Ricky Roll, a medley of prawn tempura, tuna, salmon and avocado. Lunch and dinner options from Bento Box Specials to New York Steak Teriyaki.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Ebizo Japanese Restaurant has

been one of Victoria’s most popular sushi bars for over 14 years.

Conveniently located between the city’s tourist-oriented Government Street and the commercial hub of Douglas Street, it’s no wonder that this local’s favourite enjoys such a diverse and colourful clientele.

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KOTO

SUSHI BAR PRICE RANGE: $2 - $25

SUSHI IZAKAYA

address: 510 Fort St. Hours: 11:30 am - 11 pm (Sun - Wed) 11:30 am - 12 am (Thurs) 11:30 am - 1:30 am (Fri - Sat) Phone: 250.382.1514 Map locator: H-6 ON THE WEB: www.kotosushivictoria.ca

Special Sashimi

THE SCENE: Steps away from Victoria’s waterfront is the chic and modern Koto Sushi Izakaya. A popular Japanese dining destination for over 30 years, the new Koto Sushi Izakaya boasts an impressive menu that transforms from lunch to late night. Take a seat in the uber-hip sake bar and lounge, perch yourself in front of one of the talented and cheerful sushi chefs, or huddle your crew into one of the booths or private rooms and pair sake, wine, and beer with some of the best Japanese pub food this side of the pacific.

Vegetarian? We’ve got the biggest vegetarian dishes with brown rice available. And just try to walk by the authentic Samurai outfit without taking a picture!

Sushi

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Bento Box - Yep, they have it nailed. Choose from a variety of

lunch box specials served in a traditional Japanese bento box with all of the fixings - soup, salad, rice.

• Take your Japanese food journey into new territory with a

nibble of the Tokyo Night Roll, Mountain Roll, Lobster Roll and Heart Roll, various Katsu Dishes and Dumpling bundles of goodness.

• Room for more? The Matcha Parfait is to die for and the Banana Tempura with Ice Cream ain’t your regular monkey business.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Koto’s newly renovated space

provides an amazing atmosphere to enjoy so much more than simply amazing sushi. Like the best fresh oysters on Vancouver Island, for instance. And the artisanal sake. And the live jazz music…

12

SEN ZUSHI RESTAURANT

SUSHI BAR APPETIZERS: $5 - $8 MAINs: $12 - $20 address: 940 Fort Street Hours: 11:30 am - 2 pm, 5 pm - 9 pm (Mon - Sat) Phone: 250.385.4320 Map locator: H-9 ON THE WEB: www.senzushi.com

Ebi-Mayo

THE SCENE: Nestled in Victoria’s Antique District, Sen Zushi is an experience in Eastern culinary culture with traditional décor and some of the city’s finest Japanese fare. A favourite with local sushi lovers, this gentle collision of traditional charm and contemporary flare provides a not-to-be-missed casual dining experience.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Sen Zushi’s famous 200-item menu visually communicates all your mouthwatering options.

• Try the Special Kappa Maki, a contemporary take on traditional sushi. Rolled in thinly shaved cucumber instead of rice, this item makes for a stylish appetizer as well as a healthy main dish choice.

Special Kappa Maki

• Sen Zushi’s head chef carefully chooses Udon Noodle from

the Sanuki-Udon district of Japan to create dishes such as the delicious Seafood Yaki Udon; stir fried Udon noodle with seafood and vegetables, served on a sizzling hotplate.

• Try the memorable Teriyaki Chicken; juicy chunks of chicken covered in thick and glossy house-made teriyaki sauce.

• Sen Zushi values variety. That’s why they regularly showcase over 20 types of fish for sushi and sashimi... and Asahi beer on tap!

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Japanese owned and operated,

Sen Zushi provides an authentic taste experience that showcases the best of both traditional and contemporary cuisine – something that has earned them theTimes Colonist 5-star rating from food critic Pam Grant.

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SUSHI BAR PRICE RANGE: $1.50 - $12.95 address: 1113 Blanshard St. 601-3995 Quadra St. (Saanich)

SHIKI SUSHI RESTAURANT

Hours: 11 am - 9:30 pm (Mon - Thurs) 11 am - 10 pm (Friday) 12 noon - 10 pm (Sat) 12 noon - 9:30 pm (Sun) Phone: 250.381.8622 778.265.8822 (Saanich) Map locator: H-8 ON THE WEB: www.shikisushi.ca

Vegetable Sushi Platter

THE SCENE: With a central location that straddles the tourist and business sectors, Shiki enjoys a diverse, relaxed clientele. And it’s deceptively cozy for a 120-seat dining room which doubles beautifully as a party venue, complete with window-bar seating.

Factor in the ever-changing monthly Specials Menu and you’ll always find something new to experience here!

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Popular items on the All You Can Eat menu include both the

deep-fried Agedashi Tofu, and the deep-fried Sesame Chicken Kara-Age. All You Can Eat is available 5-9 pm every night and 12-3 pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Shabu-Shabu

• Noodle dishes come in a wide variety that includes the Shiki

Nabeyaki Udon or Soba – a delicious seafood hotpot. Bento Boxes are always a hit for a good ‘square’ meal. Try the Chicken Teriyaki and Beef Teriyaki favourites.

• Try the Flame Nigiri Platter, an amazing array of scallops, saba

(mackerel), toro (tuna belly), ika (squid) and salmon, torched to perfection and served beautifully.

• Ask about Shiki Sushi’s fantastic selection of vegetarian dishes!

• Asahi and Kirin beer are available as well as wines from Europe, Australia and the US.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Owner-operator Tony Ng brings 20

years industry experience to Shiki, an establishment that has been prominent in the downtown Victoria scene for over 5 years. Feel like lying low? Their speedy and comprehensive delivery service provides a unique, convenient way to enjoy 14

the sushi experience either from home or from the comfort of your hotel suite.

THE DOCKS

SEAFOOD + STEAK + OYSTER BAR

STEAK & SEAFOOD MAINS: $12 - $29 address: 1208 Wharf Street Hours: 11:30 am - 11 pm Phone: 250.360.1808 Map locator: H-5 ON THE WEB: www.thedocksnow.com

Fresh Oysters

THE SCENE: Just a short walk from the Empress Hotel, The Docks is located in one of historic Wharf Street’s oldest buildings. The interior features rustic brickwork and warm wood highlights that accent a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, whether you’re enjoying the warm harbour sunshine or settling in for a night away from the cold on the Inner Harbour.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Indulge in the best Steak and Lobster value in Victoria. Dine on Alberta-grain-fed New York Steak, Atlantic Lobster Tail, served with green beans, corn medallions and your choice of wedge fries or garlic mashed potatoes.

New York Steak & Lobster

• Choose your “live catch” bucket – Dungeness Crab or Atlantic

Lobster – from the Ocean Water Tank. Minutes later, your “catch” will arrive poached in a white wine and lemon court bouillon, served with clarified butter, lemon, red jacket potatoes and corn medallions.

• Enjoy a smorgasbord of the freshest local seafood in the

Dockside Delight, which features Island mussels and clams, prawns and calamari, with red jacket potatoes, green beans, corn medallions basked in a tomato seafood broth.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

The Docks’ decks boast magnificent

panoramic views, from the Legislative Buildings to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Dine on the freshest local seafood, choose your entrée from and ocean water tank, or feast on buck-a-chuck oysters in the oyster bar.

15

THE KEG

STEAK & SEAFOOD MAINS: $19 - $44 address: 500 Fort Street 3940 Quadra Street (Saanich)

STEAKHOUSE + BAR

Hours: Dining Room: 4:30 pm - 11 pm Bar: 4:30 pm - midnight Phone: 250.386.7789 250.479-1651 (Saanich) Map locator: H-6, EE-18 ON THE WEB: www.kegsteakhouse.com

New York Peppercorn

THE SCENE: Quality, comfort and value are the three key ingredients that make The Keg Steakhouse + Bar experience unlike any other. When it comes to steak, The Keg serves only the finest cuts, aged for tenderness and seasoned with a very special blend that lends a unique flavour. For those looking for a lighter touch, The Keg’s bar menu has everything from casual plates to signature cocktails. For a great night out, look no further than the Victoria Kegs.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • The Keg menu features tender juicy steaks, slow-roasted

prime rib, succulent shellfish, fresh salads, irresistible desserts and of course, an outstanding wine list.

Billy Miner Pie

• Evenings begin with savoury starters including Shrimp Cocktail, Santa Fe Chicken Dip, Calamari, Mushrooms Neptune and Crab Cakes.

• Enjoy a Keg Classic Dinner – your choice of Sirloin, Filet, New

York or Prime Rib, all served with a Caesar or Wedge salad, vegetables, mushrooms and your choice of potato. Seafood lovers will enjoy a variety of catches including Salmon, Black Tiger Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs and Lobster Tails.

• Poultry choices include Thai Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Creole Chicken or our BBQ Chicken with succulent Pork Back Ribs.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar has

been serving great steaks to our guests since 1971. Quality has been a cornerstone of The Keg’s success since the first Keg Steakhouse was established in Vancouver, British Columbia. We are focused on 16

providing exceptional service and quality food for our guests to enjoy.

AURA

WEST COAST

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT + PATIO

APPETIZERS: $8 - $14 mains: $22 - $33 address: 680 Montreal Street Hours: 7 am - 11 am (Breakfast) 11:30 am - 2 pm (Lunch) 5 pm - 9 pm (Dinner) Phone: 250.414.6739 Map locator: I-4 ON THE WEB: www.aurarestaurant.ca

Sushi

THE SCENE: AURA is a celebration of Pacific Rim flavours, from Tokyo’s markets to Vancouver Island’s orchards and wild salmon fisheries. Perched on picturesque Laurel Point, this gem offers one of the city’s most exquisite dining experiences. Be sure to check out their fabulous waterside patio and soak up the ever-changing harbourscape of sailboats and floatplanes.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Courtesy of Executive Chef Takashi Ito, AURA’s seasonal menus

are a gentle marriage of Japanese culinary traditions and Pacific Northwest influence reflecting the freshest, locally sustainable and ethically sourced offerings.

• Start with the AURA Sushi – Chef Ito’s deconstructed take on

Steelhead Trout

the Japanese classic.

• Indulge in locally line-caught, Pan Seared Salmon served with edamame purée, avocado croquette and fennel salad.

• Vegetarian and Gluten free diners will enjoy the best of what Vancouver Island has to offer with creative combinations created by Chef Ito.

• Experience house-made desserts such as Pot de Crème, housemade seasonal Ice Creams and scrumptious cheese selections.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

AURA’s reputation for

excellence continues with accolades such as Open Table’s Diners Choice, Where Magazine’s Top 10 New Restaurants in Canada and Seattle Design Center’s First Place for Hospitality Design (the Northwest Design Awards).

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LURE

WEST COAST APPETIZERS: $6 - $13 mains: $15 - $32

RESTAURANT & BAR

address: 45 Songhees Road Hours: 6:30 am - 11 pm (Sun - Thurs) 6:30 am - 1 am (Fri - Sat) Phone: 250.360.5873 Map locator: H-4 ON THE WEB: www.lurevictoria.com

Lamb Meatballs

THE SCENE: LURE offers diners a prime waterfront vista and a refined yet comfortable nautical design that pays tribute to the city’s seafaring settlers. Chef Dan Bain creates amazing culinary bites from the freshest local finds, while the bar serves up the Island’s best cocktails, wines by the glass and local brews on tap. Open from dawn till way past dusk, LURE offers fresh, simple and delicious breakfast selections, mouthwatering small plates and full-meal gastronomic delights.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Wake up to a Salmon Frittata with farm fresh eggs, smoked salmon, Swiss chard, Saltspring Island feta, Yukon gold potatoes.

Cast-iron Flat Bread

• Share a bite with friends off the All Day Menu, small plates of mouth-watering delectable dishes including Lamb Meatballs with housemade smoked tomato sauce, Polenta Fries with parmesan & thyme dip and Saltspring Island Mussels.

• Enjoy sumptuous luncheon and dinner favourites like the Flat Iron Steak Sandwich with truffle mayo, crispy onions, smoked portabella, yam fries and aioli or the Spiced Grilled C.A.B. Striploin, with baby potato, onion, smoked mushroom and sherry-roasted garlic sauce.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

LURE Restaurant & Bar is home to

Victoria’s Hottest Patio! Complete with comfy couches, a fire pit and spectacular views of Victoria, the patio makes for an excellent way to spend an afternoon or evening with old friends and new.

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THE Marina RESTAURANT

WEST COAST PRICE RANGE: $25 - $35 address: 1327 Beach Drive Hours: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (Lunch) 5 pm - 9 pm (Dinner) 5 pm - 10 pm (Weekends) Phone: 250.598.8555 Map locator: FF-21 ON THE WEB: www.marinarestaurant.com

Halibut Appetizer

THE SCENE: Few restaurants boast views like the ones here. Beyond the masts and sails, the sweeping scenery of the Juan de Fuca Strait affords postcard-perfect panoramas of Mt. Baker, and the San Juan Islands. Brunch, dinner, casual cocktails or a romantic evening, you won’t find a more picturesque place to enjoy classic West Coast cuisine.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • For shellfish lovers, a daily variety of Pacific Northwest

Fresh Shucked Oysters comes with wildflower honey and horseradish mignonette while the fresh Salt Spring Island Mussels are simply prepared and served with grilled bread.

Salmon Entrée

• Enjoy Seared Jumbo Qualicum Bay Scallops complete with double smoked bacon, roasted mushroom and lemon crème fraîche.

• Try the market fish of the day with an ever changing buerre

blanc sauce, jasmine rice and local vegetables. The catch will depend on the weather and the fisherman’s luck!

• Experience the Grilled Certified Angus Beef® Tenderloin served with local, seasonal accompaniments. As with The Marina’s seafood, the beef selection is of premium quality and freshly prepared.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Located on the waterfront in

elegant Oak Bay, The Marina Restaurant is committed to using only the best in-season local ingredients – part of the reason why this Victoria culinary landmark has won the Playhouse Wine Award as well as winning Victoria News Group’s Best of the City for its sensational Sunday Brunch.

19

CASUAL EATING ROOM MAIN COURSES: $14 - $28

MILESTONES RESTAURANT

address: 812 Wharf Street Hours: 11 am - 10 pm (Mon - Thurs) 11 am - 11 pm (Friday) 10 am - 11 pm (Saturday) 9 am - 9:30 pm (Sunday) Phone: 250.381.2244 Map locator: I-6 ON THE WEB: www.milestonesrestaurants.com

Milestones’ Famous Hot Spinach and Artichoke DIp

THE SCENE: Delicious food, a roof top patio and ocean-side deck are just a few of the enticing qualities of Milestones in the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Wherever you’re seated you’ll feel like you’ve just entered the metropolis of Victoria as you take in the funky atmosphere and flurry of ocean-side activities like a docking boat, beautiful sunset, or a fire juggling busker pedaling his unicycle.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Bright spring food, cool summer salads, savoury autumn

soups, and warm winter dishes will gently remind you of the current seasonal fare.

Milestones’ Original Signature Bellini

• Milestones has a selection of veggie options like Butternut Squash Ravioli and Tomato Basil Brown Rice Spaghettini.

• Discover a drink list filled with unique and flavourful cocktails for you and your friends to try. Some notables are the Original Signature Milestones’ Bellini or our Caramel Apple Martini and the well priced regional and imported wines.

• Never miss out on Milestones award-winning brunch as it’s offered up to 4pm daily.

• Milestones has created an exclusive Gluten-Free menu with a selection of our delicious appetizers, entrées and desserts.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Exceptional guest service

complemented by a menu inspired by the freshest and finest ingredients is what you’ll find here. Relax and experience one of Milestones renowned mixed drinks in an oversized martini glass and 20

dishes influenced by ingredients from around the world.

NORTH 48 RESTAURANT

CASUAL EATING ROOM APPETIZERS: $7 - $15 mains: $15 - $27 address: 1005 Langley Street Hours: 11:30 am - 10 pm (Tues - Thurs) 11:30 am - 11 pm (Fri - Sat) 5 pm - 10 pm (Sun) Phone: 250.381.2428 Map locator: I-6 ON THE WEB: www.northfortyeight.com

Chicken & Waffles

THE SCENE: In the heart of downtown, steps from the Inner Harbour is the unique, family-owned and operated north FORTY-EIGHT. From the open kitchen to the inviting bar, N48 offers classic comfort food elevated by contemporary twists and techniques – a true modern diner in a memorable, social ambiance. Relax on a patio bathed in sunlight throughout the afternoon and evening, and try one of 23 wines available by the glass.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Savour the N48 twist on the Classic Burger with ground-in-house beef, caramelized onion & house-cured bacon patty on freshly baked brioche bun, with house condiments & truffled frites.

Tiki Drinks

• If you’re looking for anytime comfort food, Chicken & Waffles will hit the spot, with buttermilk soaked & fried chicken breast on fresh corn, green onion & cheddar waffle with chili maple honey.

• N48’s French Onion Soup… in a Jar is a truly unique twist on the classic with red & white onions & house-cured bacon sous vide for 6 hours with fresh baked brioche & gruyere “crouton”.

• Treat yourself to Tuna Tataki, featuring albacore tuna on Himalayan salt block with spicy mango sauce, green onions & sesame seeds.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

north FORTY-EIGHT takes ‘house

made’ and elevates it into something unique and memorable, from condiments to breads, buns, desserts, salad dressings, house-cured bacon, infused liquors, specialty bar syrups, pastas, house-ground burgers and steaks cut to order.

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RESTAURANT MATISSE

FRENCH PRICE RANGE: $19 - $33

RESTAURANT

address: 512 Yates Street Hours: 5:30 pm onward (Wed - Sun) Phone: 250.480.0883 Map locator: F-11 ON THE WEB: www.restaurantmatisse.com

Rack of Lamb

THE SCENE: Tucked behind the wrought iron gates at the corner of Yates and Wharf Street, the Restaurant Matisse experience awaits with soft candlelight, fresh flowers and the music of Edith Piaf. John Phillips and his gracious staff present elegant dishes that marry French Classics with local ingredients. Indulge your senses with one of Victoria’s premiere dining experiences.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Contemporary classics such as Lobster Bisque, Escargots a la Bordelaise and possibly the best Creme Brulée in the world.

• Duck Confit, Rack of Lamb and Game Dishes are featured

Creme Brulée

on the menu as well as a varied selection of fresh, local and exotic Seafood. All prepared with seasonal availability in mind.

• Enjoy the relaxed, four course Prix Fixe. Start with the lobster

bisque or Soup du Jour, followed by the Provencal dressed salad, then a choice of main courses. Examples include Catch of the Day, Chicken Supreme and Beef Rossini. And of course, finish with your favourite dessert.

Everything at Restaurant Matisse is created fresh in house, including a daily amuse, assortment of breads as well as tantalizing sweets that can only be described as dessert art.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Restaurant Matisse boasts

numerous accolades including Restauranteur of the Year, Critic’s Choice, Best French Menu, Five Stars from the Victoria Times Colonist and the coveted, prestigious Forbes Four Stars of Excellence for 14 22

years in a row. A visit here means French cuisine at its finest.

heron rock BISTRO

BISTRO MAINS: $13 - $28 address: 4 - 435 Simcoe St. Hours: Breakfast & Lunch 9am - 4pm (Mon - Fri) Dinner 4pm - 10pm (Everyday) Weekend Brunch 8:30am - 4pm Phone: 250.383.1545 Map locator: L-4 ON THE WEB: www.heronrockbistro.ca

Portabella Hash

THE SCENE: Only a short walk from Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, Heron Rock is a bistro in every sense of the word. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, an afternoon drink from our extensive beer and wine list, or an evening meal, this establishment is one place that locals and visitors alike can emphatically agree upon.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS: • Heron Rock Bistro’s menu is French inspired cuisine, heavily influenced by the regional bounty of Vancouver Island.

• Try the famous Hollandaise from Heaven served 7 days a week until 4pm or the Poutine made with cheese curds, gravy and hand-cut Kennebec potato French fries.

Certified Angus Beef Prime Rib and Yorkshire Pudding

• Experience Heron Rock’s signature dishes including

the Chicken & Avocado Salad with free-run egg, cherry tomatoes and Stilton vinaigrette, or the SaltSpring Island Mussels & Fries: one of many dishes featuring fresh West Coast seafood.

• For dessert, experience the tantalizing Stilton Cheesecake with walnuts and port reduction.

BRAGGING RIGHTS:

Tucked away in the historic

little neighbourhood of James Bay is the Heron Rock Bistro - a city staple that, for eight years, has not only offered excellent food but great live jazz and blues as well.

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PAIRING CRAFT BEERS AND CULINARY BITES With dozens of microbreweries “ BEER, IT’S THE graduate studies, Sam worked at and brewpubs creating every BEST DAMN a variety of restaurants, and what beer variant imaginable, DRINK IN THE impressed him most was the Victoria and Vancouver Island WORLD.” localism. “It was all about sourcing are an integral part of the craft ~ JACK NICHOLSON great products locally,” he said. beer boom. As a city that hosts “You’d just call up every morning two craft beer festivals annually (The Great and order your produce for that day.”

Canadian Beer Festival and the city’s Great Beer North Americans, he says, have a very different Week), it was inevitable that a visionary chef idea of “pub” than the Brits. “In the UK, pubs would create a menu pairing brews with bites. serve high-quality food,” he says. You won’t find From 2004 to 2008, Victoria chef Sam Benedetto lived in England. While his wife pursued

44

taste

D ining & A prè s ™ in V I C TO R I A

nachos. You won’t find chicken wings. They serve what is available to them locally.”

An avid fan of craft beer, Sam returned to a Pacific Northwest that was in full microbrew bloom – with Victoria and Vancouver Island in the thick of the hops. A vision was born: for a traditional British restaurant that served meals sourced from local ingredients, paired with local craft beers. “Nobody had done that.

Nobody had put all those great beers under one roof.” With a menu that included 60 craft beers, primarily from Vancouver Island, The

Guild – a name that exemplifies artisanship – opened in 2013.

We asked Sam for some brew-pairing advice.

“It’s very similar to pairing wine. Beers have fewer tasting notes than wine does, but they still have very pronounced characteristics.”

Although the following are based on his menu items at The Guild, you can get a sense of what types of beverage work with what types of entrée, regardless of your dining destination:

Beef, mushroom & stout pot pie served with chips Hoynes Dark Matter (Hoyne Brewing Co., Victoria, BC) “The pie is dense and rich, with unami from the mushrooms.” In addition, it already contains stout; the perfect match is “a full-bodied stout like Hoynes Dark Matter.”

Smoked tuna, cucumbers & tomatoes in caramelized onion and chili dressing on greens Driftwoods Fat Tug (Driftwood Brewery, Victoria, BC) “The smoked tuna salad with its spicy Asian dressing needs a nice IPA to refresh-none better than Driftwoods Fat Tug.”

Guild beef burger with smoked cheddar and beer braised onions Phillips Blue Buck (Phillips Brewing Company, Victoria, BC) “The burger is the Everyman’s meal with smoked cheese and beer-braised onions. A great match with Phillips Blue Buck.”

Housemade black pudding with poached egg Saltspring Island Ales (Gulf Islands Brewery, Salt Spring Isl., BC) Sam recommends a gruit as a “great foil to the dense, slightly spiced black pudding.”

Gruit uses herbs and spices instead of hops to preserve the beer.

25

THE PINNACLE

TASTE DINING DIRECTORY Choices, choices, choices. We’ve enlisted the help of Victoria’s elite concierge, community members, and the city’s in-the-know hair stylists to compile Victoria’s most comprehensive dining directory.

The Pinnacle Taste Dining Directory provides you with lots of mouth-watering options broken down into a variety of Victorian dining themes. We give you the what, where, and how much plus a fun rating system lets you track your experiences as you have them, so you can share them with friends or reference them next time you plan on dining out. And don’t just keep your opinions to yourself!

Take your voice online to TasteMagazine.ca, where you can cast your vote for the establishments you think most worthy of winning a 2014 PINNACLE TASTE AWARD - Victoria’s award for culinary excellence.

So whatever your mood, wherever you are, however big your appetite... we’ll get you to your table!

$ = $10 and under

$$ = $11-$20

$$$ = $21 and over

AGE OF THE

EMPIRE Once the westernmost outpost of the British Empire, Victoria rings of Old Blighty in more ways than the monarch whose name she carries. From High Tea to roti, you’d be hard pressed to find a better culinary experience in the Commonwealth.

FISH & CHIPS Haultain Fish & Chips - Pg. 4 Barb’s Fish & Chips Irish Times Red Fish Blue Fish Old Vic’s Fish & Chips 26

1127 Haultain St. $$ Fisherman’s Wharf $$ 1200 Government St. $$ 1006 Wharf St. $$ 1316 Broad St. $$

CURRY HOUSES Bengal Lounge Da Tandoor India Bistro Indyoga Saaz Sizzling Tandoor Spice Jammer

721 Government St. 1010 Fort St. 1245 Wharf St. 1015 Fort St. 535 Yates St. 637 Johnson St. 852 Fort St.

$$ $$ $$ $$ $$ $$ $$

1964 Fairfield Rd. 800 Benvenuto Ave. 721 Government St. 330 Quebec St. 332 Menzies St. 2250 Oak Bay Ave. 463 Belleville St. 1885 Oak Bay Ave.

$$ $$ $$ $$ $$ $$ $$$ $$

TEA ROOMS Abkhazi Gardens Butchart Gardens Fairmont Empress Huntingdon Manor James Bay Tea Room Oaks Restaurant & Tea Room The Pacific White Heather

PUBS The Guild Freehouse - Pg. 5 The Sticky Wicket - Pg. 6 Bard & Barker Bartholomew’s Canoe Brew Pub Darcy’s Fernwood Inn Irish times James Bay Inn Moon Under Water Brewery Podium Sports Grill Six Mile Spinnaker’s Brew Pub Swans Brewpub

1250 Wharf St. $$ 919 Douglas St. $$ 1022 Government St. $$ 777 Douglas St. $$ 450 Swift St. $$ 1127 Wharf St. $$ 1302 Gladstone Ave. $$$ 1200 Government St. $$ 270 Government St. $$ 350B Bay St. $$ 531 Yates St. $$ 494 Island Hwy. $$ 303 Catherine St. $$ 506 Pandora Ave. $$ 27

ODYSSEY AND BEYOND

Homer’s hero had to contend with gods and monsters during his Aegean adventures but undoubtedly hunger reared its ugly head, too. Walk in Odysseus’ sandals and explore the best food that Southern Europe has to offer.

Trattorias + ristorantes Bella Montagne Catalano Fiamo Il Terrazzo Old Spaghetti Factory Pagliacci’s Zambri’s

1999 Country Club Way 619 Courtney St. 515 Yates St. 55 Johnson St. 703 Douglas St. 1011 Broad St. 820 Yates St.

$$ $$ $$ $$ $ $ $$

739 Pandora Ave. 1102 Yates St. 716 Burdett Ave. 2900 Tillicum Rd. 2709 Quadra St.

$$ $$ $$ $$ $$

TAVERNAS Black Olive Ithaka Millos Il Greco San Remo

PIZZERIAS Brickyard - Pg. 7 Ali Baba Pizza Famoso The Joint Prima Strada Romeo’s Pizza & Pasta 28

784 Yates St. $ 775 Fort St. $ 560 Johnson. $$ 1219 Wharf St. $ 105-230 Cook St. $$ www.romeos.ca $$

TAPAS Veneto - Pg. 8 The Tapa Bar Stage Wine Bar

1450 Douglas St. $$ 620 Trounce Alley $$ 1307 Gladstone Ave. $$

SILK ROAD

Once, a four thousand-mile trade route connected the culture of the East with the Western World; but that was then. Today, you don’t need to take a voyage of Marco Polo’s proportions to enjoy the delectable treasures of Asia. You just need to know where to look.

KOREAN A Mart Korean Grocery King Sejong Korean Garden Koryo BBQ Seoul Sura

652 Yates St. 650 Yates St. 3945 Quadra St. Bay Centre 768 Fort St. 1696 Douglas St.

$$ $$ $$ $ $$ $$

Tibet to thailand Sabhai Thai Langford - Pg. 10 Sabhai Thai Sidney - Pg. 10 Baan Thai La Petite Saigon Little Thai Place Pho-Ever Phoa Hoa Siam Thai Sookjai thai Tibetan Kitchen Vietnam House

2800 Jacklin Rd. $$ 2493 Beacon Ave. $$ 1117 Blanshard St. $$ 101 Langley St. $$ www.littlethai.com $$ 1669 Pear St. $ 765 Fort St. $ 512 Fort St. $$ 893 Fort St. $$ 680 Broughton St. $ 3189 Quadra St. $$ 29

silk rOAD cont.

Noodle houses Foo Ramen Bar John’s Noodle Village I Kyu Noodles Noodle Box

762 Broughton St. 823 Bay St. 564 Fisgard St. www.thenoodlebox.net

$ $ $ $

chinese food Xiang Rui - Pg. 9 Don Mee’s Golden City Jade Fountain Chinese Ming’s Restaurant Ocean Garden Restaurant Wings Restaurant

980 Blanshard St. $$ 538 Fisgard St. $$ 721 Fisgard St. $$ 3366 Douglas St. $$ 1321 Quadra St. $$ 568 Fisgard St. $ 90 Gorge Rd. $

SUSHI BARS Ebizo - Pg. 11 Koto - Pg. 14 Sen Zushi - Pg. 12 Shiki Sushi - Pg. 13 Shiki Sushi - Pg. 13 Azuma Futaba Itami Japanese Village Kaz Shizen Sushi

604 Broughton St . $$ 510 Fort St. $$ 940 Fort St. $$ 1113 Blanshard St. $$ 3995 Quadra St. $$ 615 Yates St. $$ 101-1420 Quadra St. $$ 708 View St. $$ 734 Broughton St. $$ 1619 Store St. $$ 1706 Government St. $$

THE NEW

WORLD They came for freedom, farmland, fresh starts, even El Dorado’s gold but they stayed for the food.

Settlers the world over contributed to the mosaic that is the cultures of the Americas but the one thing they share is beautiful cuisine inspired by the terroir of the land and the two great oceans surrounding it.

STEAK & SEAFOOD The Docks - Pg. 15 The Keg - Pg. 16 The Keg - Pg. 16 Blue Crab Seafood House Fire & Water Nautical Nellies Pescatore’s Seagrille Steamship Grill + Taphouse Vic’s at Harbour Towers

1208 Wharf St. $$ 500 Fort St. $$ 3940 Quadra St. $$ 146 Kingston St. $$$ 728 Humbolt St. $$ 1001 Wharf St. $$ 614 Humbolt St. $$ 849 Verdier Ave. $$ 470 Belleville St. $$ 345 Quebec St. $$

west coast Aura - Pg. 17 Lure - Pg. 18 The Marina - Pg. 19 Café Brio Camille’s Chongo’s Fireside Grill Haro’s Ulla Vista 18 Wild Saffron Bistro

680 Montreal St. $$$ 45 Songhees Rd. $$$ 1327 Beach Dr. $$$ 944 Fort St. $$$ 45 Bastion St. $$$ 225 Quebec St. $$ 4509 W.Saanich Rd. $$ 9805 Seaport Pl. $$ 509 Fisgard St. $$ 740 Burdett St. $$$ 1605 Store St. $$ 31

THE NEW WORLD cont. vegetarian Be Love Bliss Café Lotus Pond Mo:Le Re-Bar Venus Sophia

1019 Blanshard St. 556 Pandora Ave. 617 Johnson St. 554 Pandora Ave. 50 Bastion Square 540 Fisgard St.

$$ $ $$ $ $$ $$

7-1701 Douglas St. 1325 Blanshard St. 1001 Douglas St.

$ $ $

126 Douglas St. 341 Cook St. 911 Yates St. 1209 Douglas St. 1008 Blanshard St.

$ $ $$ $$ $$

barbeque Smoken Bones Cookshack Pig BBQ Joint Hanks Untraditional BBQ

BURGERS Beacon Hill Drive In Big Wheel Burger Bin 4 Burger Lounge Fatburger Douglas Pink Bicycle

CASUAL EATING ROOMS Milestones - Pg. 20 North 48 - Pg. 21 10 Acres Brown’s Social House Earl’s Ferris’ Oyster Bar Flying Otter Grill John’s Place Little Jumbo Local Kitchen Moxies Grill & Bar Wheelies Motocycle Café Yates Street Taphouse 32

812 Wharf St. $$ 1005 Langley St. $$ 611 Courtney St. $$ 809 Douglas St. $$ 1199 Government St. $$ 536 Yates St. $$ 950 Wharf St. $$ 723 Pandora Ave. $$ 506 Fort St. $$ 1205 Wharf St. $$ 1010 Yates St. $$ 2620 Rock Bay Ave. $$ 759 Yates St. $$

family favourites Bill Mattick’s Restaurant Hot and Cold Café The Pita Pit Pluto’s Restaurant Redd’s Roadhouse Sassy’s Family Restaurant Shine Café Stone’s Throw Restaurant

5333 Cordova Bay Rd. 1-313 Cook St. 1221 Wharf St. 1150 Cook St. 3020 Blanshard St. 6719 W. Saanich Rd. 1320 Blanshard St. 642 Johnson St.

$$ $$ $ $ $$ $$ $$ $$

919 Fort St. 1002 Blanshard St. 850 Douglas St. 542 Herald St. 1320 Blanshard St. 537 Johnson St.

$$ $$ $ $ $ $

533 Yates St.

$$

1425 Store St. 735 Yates St. 1017 Blanshard St. Fisherman’s Wharf

$$ $ $ $

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Blue Fox Clay Pigeon Cora Jam Café Shine Café Willie’s Bakery

CARIBBEAN The Reef Restaurant Victoria

MEXICAN Café Mexico Hernande’z La Taquisa Puerto Vallarta Amigos

33

europa Europe - land of whimsy and culture, home of small streets, smaller cars and all things quaint and magical. We can’t promise cobbled alleys and storied city squares but Victoria’s mouth-watering tributes provide a sensual journey back to the beauty of the Old World.

finer fare Butchart Gardens Deep Cove Chalet Empress Room The Mark Panache Sooke Harbour House

800 Benvenuto Dr. 11190 Chalet Rd. 721 Government St. 463 Belleville St. 1999 Country Club Way 1528 Whiffen Spit

$$$ $$$ $$$ $$$ $$$ $$$

french Restaurant Matisse - Pg. 22 Brasserie L’Ecole Chez Michel The Pacific Lounge

512 Yates St. $$ 1715 Government St. $$ 1871 Oak Bay $$$ 463 Belleville St. $$

german Rathskeller Schnitzel Haus

1205 Quadra St.

$$

bistro Heron Rock Bistro - Pg. 23 Crooked Goose Forester’s Bistro & Bar Lido Bistro O Bistro 34

4-435 Simcoe St. $$ 4136 Wilkinson Rd. $$ 643 Latoria Rd. $$ 1234 Wharf St. $$ 500 Oswego St. $$

polish Skinnytato

615 Johnson St.

$$

2470 Beacon Ave.

$$

648 Broughton St. 9805 Seaport Pl. 1114 Blanshard St. 805 Government St.

$ $ $ $

swiss Bistro Suisse

delicatessen Broughton Street Café & Deli Georgia Café & Deli Italian Food Import Sam’s Deli

candy lane

Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down but you don’t have to take it from Mary Poppins – just ask anyone who’s had the pleasure of indulging in the sweeter side of the Capital.

There’s no denying that you’re spoiled for choice… so spoil yourself!

bakeries Bubbly Rose Bakery and Café Dutch Bakery + Coffee Shop Willies Bakery & Coffee Shop Fol Epi Origin Gluten Free Bakery

1002 Cook St. 718 Fort St. 537 Johnson St. 398 Harbour Rd. 1525 Pandora Ave.

$ $ $ $ $

621 Broughton St. 909 Government St. 913 Government St.

$ $ $

Bay Centre 1013 Government St. 913 Government St.

$ $ $

638 Yates St. 736 Douglas St. 101-561 Johnson St. 2187 Oak Bay Ave.

$ $ $ $

chocolatiers Bernard Callebaut Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Rogers’ Chocolates

dessert Marble Slab Creamery Oh Gelato Roger’s Chocolate’s Soda Shop

sweet shops British Candy Shop English Sweet Shop Oh Sugar Sweet Delights

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DIGITAL

BITS, BYTES, HASHTAGS, ETC. Taste Mag is much more than a pocket guide...

Get Social Destination dining is trending! Join the conversation on Twitter @tastemagazineca and become part of our ever-growing community of fans at on Facebook. We’re hard not to like.

TasteMagazine.ca Of course we’re online! Visit tastemagazine.ca to flip through the pages online or download the PDF to your hand held device. Feeling interactive? Join other readers and local guest service community and tell us what establishments you think stand out from the rest!

Rumour has it that tastemagazine.ca has a lot more in store for you this fall! Hint - online menus of over 50 top dining establishments at your fingertips. Er..mouse-tip?

Watch us on YouTube Plan your dining schedule from the comfort of your YouTube profile by subscribing to kissmediaTV’s channel featuring TASTE TV. Scenic walk throughs of Victoria’s most popular dining destinations will get you out of your seat and over to your table. New videos uploaded quarterly.

www.tastemagazine.ca tastemagazine tastemagazineca 37

COOL BEANS WHY COFFEE IS STILL RELEVANT Once upon a time there was gas station coffee – glorified motor oil served in undersized Styrofoam cups, sipped unappreciatively by hockey dads and long haul truckers. Next there was the franchise stuff, brimming with Canadiana and hope and the chance to win a plasma TV (or at the very least a refill) under every unrolled rim. Then came the Seattle Barista Boom. Everyone remembers where they were that day, as the shock wave rippled across the Pacific Northwest, as the first green mermaid flopped onto our sandy shores. Followed by another then another then another. Then came the Resistance; an inevitable blowback from the Caffeinated Left, who in no small numbers began supporting the java-joelittle-guy and demanding cup sizes in English. Enter the age of the Indie coffee shop – establishments characterized by their cupboard-like dimensions, hemp snacks and pathological obsession with

sustainability. They’re becoming so popular in fact, Hipsters have started drinking gas station coffee again, just to prove a point…

There is a real point to be made, however: coffee has gone full circle. Like an awkward adolescent elbowing through puberty, it’s been invisible then embarrassing then angry then accepted then cultural then cool then edgy then counter-cultural then responsible and now it’s got nothing left to prove. Coffee’s grown up.

You can get it all now. Double-doubles of this and grandes of that and free-and-fair organic of pretty much everything. What’s important is that the bar has been raised. Because in a city where cafes outnumber cars, we’ve finally got our priorities straight: pouring quality coffee.

NOW THAT’S COOL.

MY RATINGS Paradiso Di Stelle 10 Bastion Sq. Mirage Coffee 817 Government St. Wild Coffee House & Bistro 632 Yates St. Demitasse Café 1320 Blanshard St. Dolce Vita Coffee Art 999 Yates St. Street Level Espresso 714 Fort St. Habit Coffee & Culture 552 Pandora St. 38

Bean Around the World Union Pacific Coffee Co.

533 Fisgard St. 537 Herald St.

Moka House Coffee 345 Cook St. James Bay Coffee & Books 143 Menzies Discovery Coffee 664 Discovery St. Fernwood Coffee Company 1115 North Park 2% Jazz 2621 Douglas St.

thirsty wet routes worth navigating

When it comes to watering holes, Victoria’s spoiled for choice. That’s why we’ve charted the choppy waters of indecision with sensible routes slaking a range of thirsts. Plot your course appropriately…

barreling along Victoria’s tap culture is defined by the small-batch sorcery practiced in its brewpubs. That they’re all within walking distance of one another is merely a hoppy coincidence. Don’t confuse this with a pub-crawl. It’s a pilgrimage.

Canoe Brewpub Moon Under Water Brewpub Spinnakers Brewpub Swans Brewpub

450 Swift Street 350B Bay Street 308 Catherine Street 506 Pandora Avenue

the boulevardier The Capital after dark: a soundtrack scored by punks and poets and players and troubadours, with DJ’s that don’t quit and dancefloors that don’t end. This city is too small to lose yourself in but that’s what the music’s for. Welcome to the scene.

The Social Club Lucky Bar Darcy’s Upstairs Cabaret Touch Lounge Sugar Nightclub Smith’s Pub Club 9ONE9

40

560 Johnson Street 517 Yates Street 1127 Wharf Street 15 Bastion Square 751 View Street 858 Yates Street 777 Courtney Street 919 Douglas Street

a spirited stroll There’s a weird alchemy to a well-built cocktail. Across this city, young impresarios cloister in piano lounges and hotel bars plying their careful trade with the quiet pride of future masters. The promising few can be found near the intersection of Classic and Contemporary.

Veneto The Mint The Reef Clives Little Jumbo

1450 Douglas Street 1414 Douglas Street 533 Yates Street 740 Burdett Avenue 506 Fort Street

rudyard’s walk In Victoria there exist places unaffected by time; rare pockets where it’s still 1928 but you’re not supposed to talk about it. Secrets like this keep best over drinks. Something elegant maybe, with an olive or a maraschino cherry. That’s the thing about Old World magic. It travels well.

The Irish Times The Bard and Banker The Veranda Bengal Lounge

1200 Government Street 1022 Government Street 721 Government Street 721 Government Street

THE fabulous There’s a vibrant LGBT community in the Capital with gay-friendly establishments as ubiquitous as cherry blossoms. Come on feel the love, already!

The Castle Video Bar and Nightclub Hush Paparazzi The Ledge Lounge

1900 Douglas Street 1325 Douglas Street 642 Johnson Street 1140 Government Street

41

an unrestricted pleasure Cozied between sun-kissed afternoons and sultry evenings sits Victoria’s patio culture. There’s something special about the balmy shade of an umbrella or the Van Gogh glow of a sidewalk bistro dinner. Alfresco isn’t a choice here. It’s a lifestyle.

The Local Kitchen The Garrick’s Head Tapa Bar The Flying Otter Swiftsure Lounge Aura Browns Social House Milestones Rooftop Surfclub

1205 Wharf Street 1140 Government Street 620 Trounce Alley 950 Wharf Street 427 Belleville Street 680 Montreal Street 809 Douglas Street 812 Wharf Street 919 Douglas Street

“A cigar is as good as the memories that you have when you smoked it.” ~Raul Julia

CUBAN CIGARS • ALFRED DUNHILL • PIPES • LIGHTERS • S.T. DUPONT At Goodfellas Cigar Shop we’re in the business of making memories. Our store boasts the most extensive selection of fine pipe tobacco, cigars and smoking accessories in Victoria. So whether you’re looking for a pouch of your special blend or longing for your favourite Cuban, Goodfellas will be there with an experience you won’t soon forget.

Enjoy Victoria in Style. You earned it.

Goodfellas Cigar Shops Downtown - #1-1441 Store Street 250.385.2772 Royal Oak - 4291 Glanford Ave. 250.744.2772 (lower level Bird of Paradise Pub) goodfellascigarshop.com

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VICTORIA A LITTLE ABOUT HER She’s Vancouver’s freckled, fun-loving little sister with windswept hair, tanned knees and billowing summer dress. But there’s more going on behind those sky-blue eyes than most visitors realize…

The City City Centre/Inner Harbour/Old Town/ Chinatown/Antique Row Most locals prefer the collective term downtown but in truth, the area directly underneath the pin in your map App consists of several distinct neighbourhoods: Douglas Street splits the City Centre down the middle with great food and entertainment in the blocks unfolding east and excellent shopping hand-in-hand with elegant bistros to the west. The iconic Inner Harbour is a must-see but once you’ve depleted your camera’s battery and picked your jaw back up from the sidewalk, visit Old Town. It’s just a short stroll north along Government Street, down the narrow brick alleys and passed the trattorias to it’s rustic, 44

wood-beamed heart, Market Square. Wander one block further and you’ll find yourself amid the delivery trucks and swirling dim sum steam bustle of Canada’s oldest Chinatown. For the road slightly less traveled, meander up Antique Row, the oftenoverlooked length of Fort Street running east from Douglas Street. It’s home to art galleries, auction houses and curiosity shops as well as some of Victoria’s best-kept gastronomic secrets.

The Villages James Bay/Cook Street/Fernwood/ Oak Bay However you’re navigating the city, Victoria’s satellite villages are impossibly quaint and surprisingly accessible. Separating the city from the sea, James Bay Village is a sleepy cluster of coffee shops, bookstores and quiet Saturdays. From there, it’s a short stroll through the rolling green expanse of Beacon Hill Park past the duck ponds and cricket pitch to Cook Street Village, a bona-fide storybook

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hamlet that sits (to all intents and purposes) in the middle of a forested grove. Known for its amazing food, Cook Street offers everything from pub fare to artisan pizza to Ethiopian cuisine. Just east of the city centre sits Fernwood Village clustered around the iconic Belfry Theatre. One of the city’s oldest neigbourhoods, it plays home to a unique mix of hippies, hipsters and happy families in character homes. Oak Bay Village is a quarter-hour bus-ride east of the city. Situated behind Victoria’s self-styled tweed curtain, it’s a community that’s preserved the imperial culture of Old Britannia unlike anywhere else outside the UK. Pubs, sweet shops, fish’n’chips… it’s all here, and only minutes from the famous tearoom on the Willows Beach esplanade.

The Environs Saanich/Langford/Sooke//Metchosin Thanks to the gentle geography of the region, these Greater Victoria satellite environs are a scenic drive away from wherever you happen to be staying. Saanich (which comprises much of the city’s suburban sprawl) is a tranquil collection

of townships peppered by parks, beaches, nature sanctuaries and golf courses. Just a short drive up Highway 1, you’ll find the booming community of Langford with its box stores and brewpubs and world famous Bear Mountain resort and country club. Interested in getting away from it all? Don’t worry. Sooke and Metchosin (which make up the westernmost part of the Capital Region) are lush paradises of Vancouver Island rainforest framed in surf-kissed beaches that embrace the Pacific.

The Seaside Sidney A twenty-minute drive north along the Saanich Peninsula, Sidney is an oceanic community nestled on the east coast of Vancouver Island facing the tiny Gulf Islands that dot the misty Georgia Strait.

Punctuated by marinas and serenaded by seagulls, this little town boasts three-and-a-half kilometers of waterfront so it comes by its adorable name fairly. When the concept of daytrips was invented, Sidney was undoubtedly what they had in mind.

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