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

Tombo bakery closes, Long Table Dinners are back, a new latin market in the Westshore, and more!

Tasting Victoria·Sep 12, 2024·7 min read
Tasting Victoria
Newsletter №064

Good morning foodies!

Today we are not bringing the best news in the restaurant industry in Victoria: Tombo bakery has closed downtown, Little Jumbo announced they will be closing soon, and Big Wheel Burger Burger has closed its Nanaimo location. All the information can be found in this newsletter’s edition.

We’ve also got all the info on the Long Table Dinners and Mentor dinners at HOB foods, as well as great deals to check out this week.

Did you get a chance to try Tombo?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I always wanted to go
  • I didn't know about it

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😍 5 spots to try right now

🌮 Mamá Tinas: A new Latin market that just opened in Langford at 119-829 Goldstream Ave.

🍷 Tourist Wine Bar: Natural wines and shareable plates at 1002 Blanshard.      

🍣 Taisho Japanese Grill and Bar: A new restaurant concept by the beloved Nubo Group, located at 107-230 Cook St. 

🥩 Deep Cove Chalet: An elegant French fine-dining restaurant overlooking the scenic Saanich Inlet.

🍸 Humboldt Bar: Try out unique cocktails at this top-ranked bar at 722 Humboldt. 

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

FEATURED

Downtown bakery Tombo closes 7 months after opening

Photo: Tombo/Instagram

The bakery and cafe only started up in February, with the motto “Delicious & unpretentious food made with local ingredients,” but on Monday, Sep. 9, owner Tom Moore announced on social media the Yates restaurant is shuttering. 

While it wasn’t around long, the cafe was one of the most anticipated openings this year and it became well known for its unique treats, such as its croissant cubes, the famous chocolate chunk cookie, and tasty pizzas. Moore was one of the co-founders of Crust Bakery, which continues to be a popular destination on Fort.

Read more about their closing.  

FEATURED

Long table dinners are back at HOB Fine Foods

Photo: HOB Fine Foods/website

Are you passionate about food, creative menus, and entertainment? Each year, chef Castro from House of Boateng and special guests offer this culinary experience like no other. Each long table dinner event is a collaboration with a local industry leader and each event is based on a theme.

The dinners kick off on Sep. 27.

Learn more and get your tickets here. 

🗞️ News

Little Jumbo will be closing at the end of October.

Cafe Malabar made it to Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 list.

Zero Waste Emporium is under new ownership. The package free grocery store will be turned into a cooperative in the future.

Big Wheel Burger closed its Nanaimo location last Friday.

Brewery and the Beast – FESTIVAL OF MEAT – is on September 22! Enjoy unlimited meat-centric dishes and drinks from 45+ of the Island's top restaurants. Don’t miss out!*

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Victoria International Wine Festival: Seminars, wine dinners, and grand tastings featuring 367 wines from 113 wineries across 18 countries, taking place on Oct. 4 and 5 at the Victoria Conference Centre.

Phillips Comedy Night: Bringing the best comics in the city together for a fresh, fun night of laughs at the Mint every Wednesday at 8pm.

Vic West Corn Roast: Celebrate Vic West and Spiral Cafe’s 23rd anniversary on Raynor Street at Craigflower Road with local music, food and fun this Sunday starting at noon.

Sourdough Workshop: Join Megan Hennis for a comprehensive sourdough baking class where you will learn to create a loaf from start to finish. Victoria Public Market this Sunday from 5-8pm.

 💸 Deals

  • $5 tacos at Benjo’s tacos on Thursdays. All proteins. One consomé per order. 2+ tacos include slaw.

  • Kids eat free all September at Boston Pizza. Dine-in only. Each kid's meal requires an accompanying $16 minimum pre-tax spend. 

  • $10 mix and match one drink and one appetizer at SenZushi during happy hour from Mon-Sat, 5-6:30pm.

  • $9 Phad Thai at Baan Thai Restaurant after 9pm daily. Dine-in only.

  • $10 Tommy’s Margarita at Boom and Batten during daily happy hour, 2-5pm and 9pm-close.

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

🧑‍💻 Jobs

  • Mixologist/Cocktailer at Janevca Restaurant

  • Kitchen Manager at Hey Happy Coffee 

  • Front of House Staff at Tacofino Langford

  • Full-time positions at the Empress Hotel Boutiques

Are you hiring? Reply back and let us know

📸 Post of the week

windcriesmary.vic on Instagram
@windcriesmary.vic
View on Instagram →

A staff favourite dish at Wind Cries Mary: Fennel crusted albacore tuna served with a beautiful quinoa salad. Abundant with fresh vegetables and crunchy almonds.

That’s it!

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, consider forwarding your friend; if not, let us know down below.

What did you think of today's newsletter?

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

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