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

Good morning foodies!

This week’s edition is all about Halloween—guess what, it’s right around the corner!—and while we’re thrilled to talk about costumes and fun Halloween events, for us, it’s all about the food.

Whether or not you’re trick-or-treating this year, you deserve a treat. And while we’ll always reach for classic, childhood favourites (Coffee Crisp, here we come!) there are so many wonderful spooky treats to discover in Victoria this year. Think chocolate bats, wailing, edible ghosts and truffles that look just like eyeballs—all items that make for perfect, festive gifts.

So be sure you read through before you dive into something cozy, wrap yourself up in a warm blanket and get those classic horror movies rolling. Trust us, you’ll want snacks.

😍 5 spots to try right now

Part and Parcel: Award-winning restaurant offering creative locally-sourced meals like kanpachi crudo and chickpea panisse.

Pagliacci’s: A timeless stop for Italian food In Victoria—keep an eye out for their Tuesday lunch specials!

La Roux Patisserie: A charming bakery for French pastries and cakes.

The Churchill: Whiskey, craft beers and a short but sweet menu of delicious pub favourites like burgers and poutine.

Tora Tiki: If you wish to be transported to a tropical island with a delicious drink in your hand, if only briefly, this one’s for you.

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

FEATURED

Victoria’s getting a new farm-to-table restaurant made entirely from scratch

Tombo, a new addition to Victoria’s downtown core, is expected to open its doors this January 2024, focusing on putting local, seasonal ingredients at the forefront of their menu and, most importantly, a vow to make everything from scratch.

The restaurant is coming equipped with multiple prep stations, including a separate bakery and charcuterie space, to ensure a unique, quality experience. It’ll also have a dine-in and takeout lunch option, making it a perfect spot to drop by on busy days throughout our work weeks.

If that doesn’t get you, they’ll also be offering a selection of local BC wines and beers (zero-proof included!) to pair with their food.

Read more about Tombo’s opening here.

SPONSORED BY PARK’S KITCHEN VICTORIA

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FEATURED

Where to find spooky, festive treats in Victoria this Halloween

Chocolate bats, eyeball cupcakes, wailing candy ghosts…though we can’t wait to revisit some of our favourite childhood candies this Halloween, we are also excited for all the creative food possibilities this season has to offer.

Victoria is jam packed with bakeries currently selling goods with fall-inspired flavours (hello pumpkin spice cupcakes and loaf cakes!) though as Halloween is just a few days away, we think some spookier treats are in order. Here are some places where you can find them, for the perfect accompaniment to a late-night horror movie.

🗞️ News

Victoria’s getting a new spot for Philly-style hoagies and Italian-American eats. Aiming to open in downtown Victoria mid-November, Serena’s will be a one-stop shop for hearty sandwiches, pies (aka big, BIG food) with loads of plant-based options to go around. [Victoria News]

A new fair-trade Sriracha has hit Victoria shelves. Amid a massive shortage of the beloved hot sauce, Victoria-based chef Vince Capitano of Island Chef Pepper Co. has set out to make his own. It might be even better than the original. [Victoria Buzz]

The closure of a popular taco restaurant is making waves in Victoria’s foodie community. With locations across Victoria, Vancouver and Burnaby, La Taqueria was the last place expected to shut its doors on Victoria’s bustling Fort Street. [Goldstream Gazette]

An award-winning Victoria chef got sued for serving a cold wedding dinner. Though this led to the closure of his extremely popular catering company in Victoria, Toque, chef Nicholas Waters won the case. [Parksville Qualicum Beach News]

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🗓️ Events

Victoria Tea Festival Revival: This all-day event on Saturday covers everything related to tea—immerse yourself in the drink’s rich cultural history while steeping and sipping on some of the finest varieties.

Grow Your Own Mushrooms: While foraging for mushrooms has soared in popularity lately, have you ever considered growing them right in the comfort of your own home? This two-hour session will show you how. 

Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants Halloween Game: The Victoria Royals are hosting a fun family event this Saturday featuring trick-or-treating around the arena, free wine samples, and of course, a tense game.

Friday Dinner & Drag: Book your table at Friends of Dorothy Lounge for a fun dinner experience this Friday night, featuring gourmet foods (vegan options included), tasty cocktails and incredible drag performances.

 💸 Deals

• $8 dollar martinis at the Beagle Pub every Thursday, all day. If you’re not a martini lover, this deal might bring you to the other side.

• $9 double mojitos, $4 shots of tequila and $5 drafts of Blue Buck happening every Friday at 5th Street Bar.

• $7.99 for three tacos at Hecklers Bar & Grill every Tuesday, with a killer $8 wing special every Wednesday and Sunday (dine-in only).

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Shift Manager at Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

• Prepared Foods Department Supervisor at Whole Foods

• Account Sales Manager at Red Bull

• Part-Time Cashier/Line Cook at McDonalds

That’s it!

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