😋 What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story on some of the new restaurants that are opening up around town this spring, as well as a look at some of the most tasty Easter treats that can be found in local bakeries and sweet shops.

Easter is just around the corner and here at Tasting Victoria we are getting excited about all the chocolate and baked goods that come with it.

😍 5 spots to try right now

☕ Union Pacific: Rustic coffee shop with a great back patio and all-day breakfast at 537 Herald.  

🥬 End Dive: Funky restaurant specializing in locally-sourced veggie and seafood dishes at 1802 Government.   

🍰 Island Tarts Cafe and Catering: Unique tarts and tasty sandwiches in Sooke at 6929 W Coast Rd.  

🥦 Nourish Kitchen & Cafe: Vegetable-forward restaurant in James Bay that does both brunch and dinner at 225 Quebec.

🥘 Biryani Palace: Delicious Pakistani and Indian dishes at 2709 Quadra. 

Know a great place we should add here? Reply back and let us know!

FEATURED

10 spots for Easter treats in Victoria

Easter weekend is fast approaching and that means bakeries and sweet shops across the city have begun preparing treats specially suited for the occasion. 

We have the inside scoop for the upcoming epic chocolate hunts and family dinners.  

From hot cross buns and traditional Easter breads to carrot cake and chocolate bunnies, these are the seasonal treats that we are most excited about and the local shops where you can find them.

TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

Have you voted yet?

More than 2,000 locals have cast their votes for the city’s best restaurants, have you cast yours? Vote for all your favourite foods like seafood, pizza, and burgers. Your favourite spots for a good patio, a good view, or a first date. Your favourite cuisines: Indian, Chinese, Mexican. And even your favourite place for a good cocktail or happy hour.

Cast your votes now!

FEATURED

5 restaurants in Victoria we can’t wait to visit this spring

Spring is officially here, and not only can we expect to see flowers, trees and an abundance of animals come into our backyards really soon—we can also expect new restaurants to enter Victoria’s food scene, becoming some of our new go-to spots this season.

From brunch to seafood, to a new walk-up fast food window, these are the five new and reopened restaurants we can't wait to visit. 

🗞️ News

Burger Crush opening new location in Colwood: The new burger joint at 1901 Sooke Rd. is anticipated to open in late April.

Rhino Coffee House opening second location in Langford at the new Jordie Lunn Bike Park clubhouse. Opening date to be announced. 

Pop-up lunch at Refuge Tap Room begins on Tuesdays and Fridays featuring lunch specials from Tug Eatery. 11:30am-1:30pm.

Bacon Beer and Bourbon Festival date announced: The foodie festival—complete with craft beer, cocktails, and delicious pork—returns for its second year to Starlight Stadium on July 22. Tickets on sale March 27, 10am.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

Get in touch with our team for small business-friendly advertising plans.

🗓️ Events

Esquimalt Night Market: Check out vendors, live music, crafts, and games at 614 Grenville. Every Friday starting tomorrow from 5-9:30pm.

Nowruz Celebration: Celebrate the Persian New Year with dinner, live music, and dancing at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre this Friday, 6-11pm.

Cocktails and Trivia: Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network is hosting a trivia night complete with snacks, drinks, and prizes at Gallery Merrick this Friday, 6-8pm.

Pop-up dinner at Bear & Joey: The Australian brunch spot will have a five-course family style tasting menu this Saturday. Reservations required, seating starts 6pm.

Cloakroom Bar at Clive’s Classic Lounge: The Montreal speakeasy bar will be serving up cocktails at Victoria’s award-winning bar this Saturday, 5:30-8:30pm.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: AACCCS - Issamba Centre is hosting a food celebration to bring people together at the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre, with food from Mama Put Pop-up Afro-Caribbean Eatery. This Saturday, 11am-8pm. 

Hanami Blossom Market: Shop handmade goods from local vendors  at Fernwood Community Centre this Sunday, 11am-4pm.

 💸 Deals

• $10 kungpao cauliflower and $14 mixed tempura at Taisho Japanese Grill and Bar during happy hour from 3-5pm and from 9pm to close. 

• $5.95 spicy margaritas and $4.25 sour keys at El Furniture Warehouse during daily happy hour from 2-5pm. 

• $10 shafts and $10 negronis at Cenote during second happy hour from 10pm to midnight. 

• $5 Fernwood lager pint and $10 sumac whipped beet flatbread at Fernwood Inn during daily happy hour from 3-5pm and from 9pm to close.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Certified Dental Assistant at Peninsula Dental

• Program Coordinator at Scale Collaborative

• IT Systems Specialist at The Butchart Gardens

• Executive Director at Capital Bike

• Host at Earls Kitchen + Bar

📸 Post of the week

Check out these huevos rancheros from House of Boateng! This thing of beauty is made with jerk chicken, corn tortillas, and Ghanaian style beans. Find it at 2854 Peatt.

That’s it!

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