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

Plus, a Christmas food crawl, vegan-friendly eateries, and Santa Claus Parade

Sarah Madsen·Nov 23, 2023·7 min read
Tasting Victoria
Newsletter №022

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a feature on a Christmas food crawl taking place until the end of the year as well as a round up of some of the best vegan-friendly eateries across the city.

This food crawl is getting us excited about all the upcoming holiday sweets. From Christmas cookies to chocolate, we want to know what your favourite treat is!

What is your favourite holiday sweet?

  • Christmas Cake
  • Gingerbread
  • Peppermint Bark
  • Nanaimo Bars
  • Christmas Pudding
  • Buche de Noel
  • Shortbread
  • Rum Balls
  • Mincemeat Tarts
  • Other (Tell us in the comments!)

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😍 5 spots to try right now

🍷 Bodega: Enjoy a glass of wine and share tapas with friends at 1210 Broad St.  

🥗 Ithaka: Check out traditional Greek fare at 716 Burdett Ave.

☕ Habit Coffee: Grab a hot drink and a bite to eat at 808 Yates St. or 552 Pandora Ave.  

🌯 Mexican Village: Pick up a burrito or enchiladas at the Cook Street Village Food Court.   

🍺 The Churchill: Sip on a craft beer or a cocktail at 1140 Government St.

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

FEATURED

A Christmas food crawl in Victoria

The holiday season is all about food. There, we said it. 

For those nodding along, Victoria-based Off the Eaten Track is hosting an epic Christmas food crawl that’ll put seasonal treats like candy cane bark and plum tarts directly in the spotlight, giving you the chance to sample Victoria’s food scene as well as dive head first into the holiday spirit. 

Check out Tasting Victoria's feature on the Christmas food crawl.

SPONSORED BY PARK’S KITCHEN VICTORIA

Golden goodness in every bite at Park's Kitchen

In the heart of downtown Victoria at Park's Kitchen, the Hot Stone Bowl Bibimbap is the perfect November treat. Sizzle up your meal with our flavourful masterpiece! Picture this: crispy golden rice, fresh veggies, and savoury protein all mingling in a hot stone bowl. Try it today and elevate your taste experience!

Click here to reserve.

🤔 What would you like to read about more here in our weekly newsletter?

  • Chef profiles
  • Unique food stories
  • Seasonal listicles

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FEATURED

Head to these 10 vegan-friendly eateries in Victoria

Photo: MeeT on Blanshard / Facebook

Victoria is home to some extraordinary restaurants, and its vegan-friendly eateries are no exception. From tofu that looks like a fried egg to “chicken” made from oyster mushrooms, Victoria eateries are pushing the boundaries of what is expected of vegan cooking. 

We have compiled some of the best spots around town to grab plant-based dishes. No prior vegan experience required!

🗞️ News

Eileen’s Gourmet Cafe will permanently close on Dec. 31 after 30 years of operations on Oak Bay Avenue due to unaffordable rent increases.

Hero Sandwich Bar announces next pop-up will be its last. Grab your final New York style Italian sandwich on Dec. 4 at Standard Pizza.

Whistle Buoy and Ile Sauvage are collaborating on a session ale inspired by What’s Good Brands’ charity industry hockey game. Partial proceeds go to Our Place Society.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Lobster Fest at Nautical Nellies: Chow down on lobster in every form until Nov. 30. 

Santa Claus Parade: The 41st annual parade begins at Belleville and Government this Saturday at 5:20pm.  

Rancho Vignola Harvest Sale: Shop nuts, dried fruit, and seeds in Sidney at the Mary Winspear Centre. Tomorrow, 9am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm.  

Out of Hand Modern Market: Shop local handmade goods from 100 vendors tomorrow until Sunday at Crystal Garden.   

 💸 Deals

  • $5 bao and $8 matcha shafts at E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar during daily happy hour from 3-5pm and 9:30-11:45pm. 

  • $4 picklebacks and 50% off 17oz. beers at Swift Brewing on Sundays from 8pm until close.  

  • $10 crispy dry ribs and $6.50 highballs at Bartholomew's Public House during daily happy hour, 3-6pm. 

🧑‍💻 Jobs

  • Part Time Cook at Rose Bank Gardens

  • Dental Assistant at Oaklands Dental

  • Accounting Technician at Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa

  • Cook at The Butchart Gardens

  • Sales Development Representative at Waterworth  

📸 Post of the week

smallgodsbrewing on Instagram
@smallgodsbrewing
View on Instagram →

In honour of American Thanksgiving, Small Gods Brewing has a turkey chili and cornbread feature running this weekend.

That’s it!

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What did you think of today's newsletter?

  • 😋😋😋 Tasty and delicious
  • 😕 So so, needs some spice
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tasting victoria
Est. 2019Vancouver Island
Don't waste a meal.

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