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

Plus, the perfect winter vegetables, West Coast Waffles closes, and Red Fish Blue Fish reopens

Sarah Madsen·Mar 14, 2024·8 min read
Tasting Victoria
Newsletter №038

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about the closure of West Coast Waffles downtown as well as a round-up of some of the best dishes being made across the city that feature winter vegetables.

Red Fish Blue Fish also reopened its seafood shack this past week, a sign for us that spring is beginning!

What food marks the beginning of spring to you?

  • Fish and chips by the waterfront
  • Iced coffee from the local cafe
  • Finally grabbing some ice cream
  • A craft beer on the patio
  • Burger and fries from the beach concession stand
  • Other (tell us in the comments!)

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😍 5 spots to try right now

🍷 Brasserie L'Ecole: Seasonal French-country style dishes and wine at 1715 Government.     

☕ Little June: Enjoy a coffee and a delicious sandwich in the heart of Fernwood Square. 

🍜 The Bop: New Korean restaurant in James Bay at 239 Menzies.  

🥞 Jam Cafe: Mouth-watering sweet and savoury brunch at 542 Herald.   

🍺 Île Sauvage Brewing Co: Wild and sour craft beer at 2960 Bridge.

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

FEATURED

6 Victoria restaurants that are perfecting winter vegetables

Eva Schnitzelhaus / Facebook

Over the past few weeks, the cold winds have persisted to blow and the daffodils have just begun to poke their heads out of the ground, and yet this is also a time of harvest. 

Strange as it may be, these last weeks of winter are harvest time for certain winter vegetables, and many Victoria restaurants are utilizing these local and seasonal ingredients in experimental ways, exploring both taste and texture.  

From root vegetables and cabbages to winter squashes and hardy greens, these vegetables have taken centre stage across the city.

Check out how Victoria restaurants are preparing winter veggies in unique and showstopping ways. 

TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

Nearly 1,500 readers have voted so far. Check out the top finalists for best seafood, best bakery, best new restaurant, best Indian restaurant and more, and make sure you cast your votes! 

FEATURED

One-of-a-kind Victoria waffle restaurant closes its doors

West Coast Waffles—a gourmet waffle house sitting on Broad Street in downtown Victoria—has closed its doors.

Operating for over a decade, it was well known for both the quality and quantity of its unique waffle dishes suitable for any occasion, from breakfast to a delectable late evening snack. West Coast Waffles allowed customers to customize their waffles right down to the flour, taking pride in using local and organic ingredients.

Read more about West Coast Waffles' closure here. 

🗞️ News

Red Fish Blue Fish reopens for the season. The seafood shack recently named among the best restaurants in Canada is back to business as usual at 1006 Wharf. 

Kinu by Sizzling Tandoor now open: The new restaurant at 3600 Uptown Blvd. serves contemporary globally-inspired tapas with an Indian flair as well as a cocktail menu that celebrates South Asian women who continue to push boundaries.

OEB is opening this Monday: The new eatery at 856 Yates will be the popular Calgary-based brunch restaurant’s 20th location, with spots across Canada and the United States.

Dosa Raps late night pop-up at Garrick’s Head and The Churchill. Enjoy house-made dosas with filling options like brisket, masala shrimp, or sabzi curry on Fridays and Saturdays from 11pm-1am.

The Courtney Room wins platinum: The fine dining eatery in The Magnolia Hotel & Spa became the first restaurant on the Island to be awarded a platinum with distinction award at the Vancouver International Wine Festival for its wine program.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Sheringham Distillery master class cocktail dinner: Enjoy a four-course menu featuring hand-crafted spirits and dishes at Nanoose Bay Cafe. Today. 6:30pm. 

Crafted Farmhouse Spring Market: Shop from over 60 handmade vendors and enjoy live music, food trucks and a licensed sip and shop at this boutique artisan market at Mary Winspear Centre. Tomorrow 5-9pm, Saturday 10am-5pm.

Sommelier Dinner at L'Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro: An evening of wine and dining showcasing the flavours of South America. Tomorrow, 6pm. 

Dracula: Watch a ballet performance of the classic vampire tale at the Royal Theatre. Tomorrow and Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. 

Walk Right Back: This concert-based musical showcases the music of The Everly Brothers at McPherson Playhouse this Sunday, 3pm. 

Daniel Lapp's St. Patrick's Day Celebration: The fiddler will be joined by Irish dancers, bagpipers, Celtic singers and more at this St. Patty's Day performance at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Sunday. Afternoon show 1pm, evening show 6pm.

 💸 Deals

  • $6 prosecco and $10 Aperol spritz at Bray's during happy hour from 2-5pm and from 9pm to close. 

  • $7 kimchi frites and $12 chicken karaage at Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio during daily happy hour, 3-5pm. 

  • $12.25 mac n’ cheez bowl and $9.75 cucumber elderflower spritz at MeeT on Blanshard during happy hour from Mon-Fri from 3-5pm and on Sun-Thu, 9pm to close.  

  • $10 old fashioned and $10 negroni at 10 Acres Bistro during happy hour from 3:30-5pm and from 10-11pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

  • Executive Director at Capital Bike

  • Assistant Store Manager at Starbucks

  • Staff Lawyer at Together Against Poverty Society

  • Director, Media & Issues at BC Ferries

  • Host at Earls Kitchen + Bar

📸 Post of the week

rudi.vic on Instagram
@rudi.vic
View on Instagram →

49 Below ice cream is now available served with desserts or as affogatos at both Wind Cries Mary and Rudi. Vegan options also available.

That’s it!

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About this story

An LLM-cited Victoria food-scene roundup covering West Coast Waffles, local openings, food businesses, and archive context for Victoria food news. Use it alongside the related Victoria guides below for current restaurant, cafe, market, and neighbourhood context.

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Victoria
Guides
6
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tasting victoria
Est. 2019Vancouver Island
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