Good morning foodies!

Last year I bought a boat with a few of my friends, and most of that summer was spent figuring out how to drive a boat. This summer has still been spent learning to drive a boat—but also, fishing! It’s so great to be able to provide myself with my own food. Whether that’s fishing, heading to a community garden (like in Vic West), or growing my own vegetables and fruits in my own backyard.

It had me curious!

5 spots to try right now

Fry’s Bakery: Grab focaccia bread the size of your head from one of the oldest bakeries in Victoria at 416 Craigflower Rd.

Dumpling Drop: This classic pop-up turned restaurant at 556 Pandora Ave. gives you the best options for dining in and taking out.

Esquimalt Vermouth & Aperitifs: There’s no better time to pick up a bottle of vermouth from one of the world’s best at 859 Devonshire Rd. 

Swift Brewing: Great beer and ‘70s decor at 450 Swift St.

Seoul Chicken: The best KFC is this Korean fried chicken at 2455 Millstream Rd. in Langford.

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

FEATURED

The ultimate patio guide to Victoria and the South Island

Patio season is here to stay, and with warmer temperatures and sunshine in the city, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best patios in Southern Vancouver Island.

From dog-friendly to kid-friendly, all-ages and 19+, this is your one-stop shop to find a great patio this summer.

FEATURED

Victoria brewery creates pet menu for its patio

Victoria is truly a place for pups.

If you’re like most people, your heart aches every time you have to close that door and head out for fun summer activities without your special furry friend. While there are plenty of pet-friendly patios, there aren’t as many places catering specifically to your pet.

Luckily, one Victoria brewery is changing that.

🗞️ News

• A Barbie-themed pop-up is coming to Victoria this fall. Enthusiasts who are revelling in Barbie fever can get excited about the recent announcement of a Barbie-themed pop-up restaurant coming to Victoria from Oct. 21 to 22.

• 10 cookbooks from Vancouver Island residents. Vancouver Island is full of amazing chefs turned authors: check out their cookbooks and recipes.

• Natural wine bar replaces old Clarke & Co. Tourist Wine Bar has opened at 1002 Blanshard St., across from the Royal Theatre. It’s one of Victoria’s first restaurants and bars dedicated to serving natural wine.

🗓️ Events

• Colwood’s Eats & Beats Beach Party is this Saturday, July 29, at Royal Beach in Colwood from 1 to 8pm. Entry is free.

• Ladies night at Junction Orchard and Cidery. Head to 273 Prospect Lake Rd. for a night focused on women starting at 7pm. Enjoy music, cider, and conversation with a great group of women. Tickets available here.

• Ginuary Gin Festival at St. Ann’s Academy this Saturday, July 29. Check out this four hour tasting event featuring gin-featured food and drinks. Learn about the spirit’s history and future, and chat with distillers.

• Foodie Fridays at Bastion Square Market from 11am to 5pm. Head to Bastion Square every Friday afternoon for a selection of local food trucks, vendors, and artisans with live music from noon to 1pm.

 💸 Deals

• CRAFT Beer Market is serving $6 fish tacos and $10 margaritas today.

• Half price wings on Wednesdays at Leopold’s Tavern.

• $5.75 Caesars at the Beagle Pub from 11am-2pm on Sunday.

• Songhees snacks at Spinnaker's: $8 truffle fries, $9 popcorn chicken, and $14 chicken wings.

• Grab $5 ice cream sandwiches from Virtuous Pie on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Cooks at The Butchart Gardens

• Server at Rivera Assisted Living

• Food Security Intern at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group