tasting victoriaEst. 2019Vancouver Island
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What is happening in Victoria's food scene this week?

Plus, Tombo finally opens, what to expect from Victoria Beer Week, and Winter Arts Festival

Sarah Madsen·Feb 15, 2024·8 min read
Tasting Victoria
Newsletter №034

Sponsored by

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a feature on the new Tombo restaurant that has opened downtown as well as a roundup of the events that are going to take place during Victoria Beer Week at the beginning of March.

We want to know, are you planning on attending any Victoria Beer Week events this year? If so, which ones are you planning to go to?

Are you going to go to any Victoria Beer Week events this year?

  • Yes, I plan on going to several events
  • Yes, I plan on going to one event
  • I have not decided yet
  • No, I am not going to go this year

Subscribe to participate in polls.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥘 Varsha Indian Kitchen: Indo-Canadian and traditional Indian fusion dishes at 1600 Government.

🌮 Benjo’s Tacos: Authentic birria tacos at 230 Cook.

☕ Piggy & Paisley: Enjoy afternoon tea and pastries at 143 Menzies.

🥦 Green Cuisine: Build-your-own vegan and vegetarian meals in Market Square.   

🐟 Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio: Dine on Pacific Rim-inspired dishes with a harbourfront view at 680 Montreal.

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

FEATURED

Tombo is finally open in Victoria

Announcing their upcoming opening in Victoria back in October, Tombo—a farm-to-table, from-scratch restaurant led by an award-winning Australian chef—has finally opened its doors on Yates.

Split into two separate parts, the new space will comprise of Tombo To Go, an open concept cafe similar to the restaurant’s recent pop-up shop prior to opening, and a larger dine-in space where the team will kick into full gear with lunch and dinner service. 

Here is what you can expect from the new restaurant.

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FEATURED

Victoria Beer Week returns for its 10th birthday this March

Victoria Beer Week. Photo: Submitted

Victoria’s craft beer festival is fast approaching and we are here to give you the scoop of what you can expect from the Victoria Beer Week events that are taking place from March 1-9. The festival is celebrating its 10-year anniversary and its events are highlighting both heritage beers as well as innovations that have been made over the past decade.  

From brewery tours and beer launches to food pairings and trivia, these are the craft beer events that you should get excited about! 

🗞️ News

Island Craft Festival is back this Sunday at The Sticky Wicket. Taste craft beer, cider, wine, and spirits from over 20 Island producers. Tickets available online and at Strath Liquor Merchants.

Celebrating Black history is celebrating Canadian history. Read more about how this non-profit organization in Victoria promotes diversity and overcomes stereotypes through educational workshops, interpretive theatre and dazzling musical performances.*

Hey Happy is opening a kiosk at Uptown: The cafe’s new location in the Town Plaza will open this spring and will offer its signature food and drink items.

Whistle Buoy Brewing’s short film premieres tomorrow: Seed to Glass showcases the brewery’s environmental values, highlighting local ingredients and the producers who make them. It will be screened alongside Beyond the Green Veil at The Vic Theatre, 7-11pm.

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Light the Dragon Chinese New Year Dinner: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Golden City Restaurant tomorrow with an eight-course dinner and a lion dance performance. Doors 5pm, dinner 6pm.

Winter Arts Festival: This family-friendly festival’s Art Walk will feature live performances, sculptures, projection mapping, and augmented reality from tomorrow until Monday. The festival’s Art Hub will house artisan booths, food vendors, and performances.

Snotty Nose Rez Kids: The Juno-nominated hip-hop duo will perform at Capital Ballroom tomorrow. Doors 8pm, show 9pm.

Lunar New Year's Parade: The parade on Sunday will feature a lion performance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club, a dragon dance by the Victoria Chinese Public School, and traditional Chinese dances. Begins at the Gates of Harmonious Interest, 11:30am.

Saanich Family Arts Festival: This family-friendly event at Cedar Hill Arts Centre on Monday features creative activities including pottery, beading, robotics, crafts, and more. Watch live performances from Chinese Dance Victoria, Lekwungen Traditional Dancers, and Mr. Mojo. 11am-3pm. Free admission.

Ainadamar: This one-act opera that mixes flamenco and classical music will be performed at The Royal Theatre. Begins Wednesday, 7:30pm.

 💸 Deals

• $11 parmesan fries and $14 smoked rockfish croquettes at Finn’s during daily happy hour, 3:30-5pm.

• $7 local pints and $10 deep fried pickles at Bartholomew’s Public House during daily happy hour, 3-6pm.

• $10 Korean street fried chicken and $8 Sapporo shandy at E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar during happy hour from 3-5pm and 9:30-11:45pm. 

• $11 Mr. Bean burger and $10 goat cheese bruschetta at Bin 4 Burger Lounge during happy hour, 3-6pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

  • Executive Director at Capital Bike

  • Staff Lawyer at Together Against Poverty Society

  • Pyrotechnician at The Butchart Gardens

  • Finance Manager at Pacific Opera Victoria

  • Gelato Producer at The Butchart Gardens

📸 Post of the week

goodsidepastryhouse on Instagram
@goodsidepastryhouse
View on Instagram →

Check out these miso leek danishes from GoodSide Pastry House at 1805 Fort. These pastries are only available during February so get them while you can!

That’s it!

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tasting victoria
Est. 2019Vancouver Island
Don't waste a meal.

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