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

Good morning foodies!

I don’t know about you, but this chill weather is the mood. I’m getting ready to hunker down a bit, and start getting back into the comforting foods and drinks that make autumn great: red wine, steak, and pho. That said, summer ain’t over just yet, and the real marker is when the last note is played at Rifflandia.

But what are your thoughts?

- Ryan

😍 5 spots to try right now

Benjo’s Tacos: Amazing birria tacos at 230 Cook St.

Churros and Mor: This Cook Street Village food truck at 1109 McKenzie St. serves doughy, cinnamon dreams, and they’re gluten-free!

Syriana Restaurant: Authentic Syrian cuisine at 1258 Esquimalt Rd.

Superflux {Cabana}: Potent IPAs and very impressive brunch and dinner menus.

Ghost Ramen: Scary-good ramen and cocktails at 1609 Store St.

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

FEATURED

Vancouver Island is home to some incredible farmers, bakers, and artisans. In order to take advantage of what the city offers, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to all things farmers markets.

Grab your reusable tote bag and head down to one of these markets this weekend. 

SPONSORED BY PARK’S KITCHEN VICTORIA

Savour & Win!

Share your foodie love at Park's Kitchen for a shot at a $100 voucher. Each week, a top post grabs the prize. Don't miss out - contest ends Nov 30, 12pm. Taste and get a victory!

Click here for rules on how to enter! 

FEATURED

Formerly known as McMorran’s Pavillion, The Beach House Restaurant in Cordova Bay officially closed this past Sunday, in light of the owner’s retirement.

Throughout the decades, McMorran’s and The Beach House had been the site for many celebrations, weddings, and events—as well as casual brunch, lunches, and dinners.

It’s always been a third room, of sorts.

🗞️ News

Amazing Race contestants visited this Vancouver Island food truck. The Amazing Race Canada has been all over Vancouver Island this summer. Here’s where contestants have gone. 

Check out this week's happy hour deals in Victoria. From pizza and burgers, to phad thai and picklebacks.

Despite being in the midst of wildfires, this Hawaiian café remained open. Java Jazz, a café just a few miles from Lahaina's scorched downtown, never shut down after the Aug. 8 catastrophe, giving a lifeline of normalcy to locals, emergency workers, and tourists.

Have you ever had Ube? From donuts to pancakes, Victoria is seeing a surge in popularity for this sweet, purple yam. So, what is it and where did it come from?

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Saanich Fair: This Saturday to Monday, check out the annual and beloved fair with plenty of food, rides, farm animals, and performances. Entry is $10, and the event is family-friendly. Each day starts at 9am.

GreekFest: The second weekend of the festival goes from Sept. 1 to 4 and starts at 11:30am and goes until 8pm. Check it out at 4648 Elk Lake Dr., next to Commonwealth Place in Saanich. Entry is free.

Beats & Bites: Listen to local musicians while snacking on tasty meals from food trucks at Oaklands Community Centre, Sept. 23.

Moonfest: Moon Under Water is celebrating its 11th anniversary from 12-10pm this Saturday at 350 Bay St. There will be a BBQ, photo booth, and a beer Zamboni . The event is dog friendly. Entry is $5.

Coming up

Esquimalt Rib Fest: Only 9 days until a weekend full of BBQ ribs, live entertainment, craft beer, cider, and wine at Bullen Park in Esquimalt.

Great Canadian Beer Fest: Royal Athletic Park turns into a craft beer haven next weekend, on Sept. 9 and 10.

 💸 Deals

• Bartholomew’s has its happy hour daily from 3 to 6pm, and includes $11 gin & tonics, $6 highballs, and $6.50 6oz. glasses of wine.

• Sip on $12 classic cocktails and $11 featured wine daily during happy hour at The Courtney Room, from 2 until 5pm.

• Meet on Blanshard’s happy hour every Monday to Friday from 3 to 5pm, including $4.50 Phillips’ Tilt lager, $5.50 Phillips Free Ride Hazy IPA’s, $13.75 burgers, and $10.75 poutines.

• During happy hour, enjoy $6 red and white wine at Finn's along with $15 prawn tacos and $7 garlic flatbread. Daily from 3:30 to 5pm.

• Head to Swift Brewing near CRAFT Beer Market on Sundays from 8pm to close for 50% off 17oz beers, $5 shafts, and $4 picklebacks. 

🧑‍💻 Jobs

Brown’s Socialhouse is opening a location in Tofino, and needs a Sous Chef, Head Chef, and Assistant Manager.

Le Petit Saigon is hiring part-time servers. Pay is $16.75 per hour, plus tips. Send your resume to 1010kimcnguyen@gmail.com.

Camosun's Hospitality Management Program is looking for a lab assistant. Position is for 28 hours per week and pay is between $30-$33.

The Butchart Gardens is looking for Cooks.

That’s it!

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