Good morning foodies!

Rifflandia is done, so we can rest up and—wait, sorry. I’m being told this weekend is packed full of events in Langford. Oh, and at the end of the month Victoria International Wine Festival starts?

Well, just when I thought I’d gotten out, Vancouver Island brings me right back in.

-Ryan

😍 5 spots to try right now

Chorizo & Co.: Grab some of the best Spanish tapas at this quaint restaurant at 807 Fort St.

Fishhook: In the mood for seafood? Head next door to 805 Fort St.

Café Jumbo: Italian Inspired café and bar with a West Coast kiss at 506 Fort St.

Zambri’s: Check out this award-winning restaurant’s newest lunch menu at 820 Yates St.

Ferris’ Grill and Garden Patio: Can’t decide on what to eat? This seafood restaurant at 536 Yates St. has something for everyone.

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

FEATURED

New Philly-style pizza joint will take over La Taqueria

After weeks in limbo, the fate of La Taqueria appears to be in the hands of 2 Burley Men.

Scott Burley, who owns the moving company, officially took over the lease from the popular Fort Street Mexican restaurant on Aug. 15.

The move was sudden, even Burley admits, but he intends to open up a new restaurant as soon as possible.

SPONSORED BY PARK’S KITCHEN VICTORIA

Hot Pot Magic at Park's Kitchen

Experience culinary excellence at Victoria's renowned Korean restaurant, Park's Kitchen, celebrated for its exceptional dining. Among its treasures, the 'Rice Cake Hot Pot' shines as a beloved dish.

This delectable creation offers four unique flavour profiles: Spicy, Soy, Rose, and the bold Sichuan style with a special Chinese spice sauce.

Personalize your hot pot by choosing udon or ramen noodles, perfectly complementing the flavourful broth and chewy rice cakes.

Indulge in a bowl of culinary artistry, transporting your taste buds to new heights. Discover the Rice Cake Hot Pot at Park's Kitchen today, where flavour knows no bounds.

Reserve your table here.

FEATURED

Two Victoria restaurants are in the running for Canada’s best new restaurant

Ugly Duckling Dining and Marilena Café & Raw Bar are like two sides of the same coin.

Both are new restaurants focused on elevated dining experiences.

One is an Aquilini-owned seafood restaurant, owned by a restaurant group with locations across North America; and the other restaurant is a labour of love from an Ontario-born chef who’s worked at some of the most creative kitchens on Vancouver Island and Victoria.

Now, they’re both vying for a chance to make it as one of the top 10 new restaurants in the country.

SPONSORED BY BREWERY AND THE BEAST

The ultimate festival of meat, beer, & music returns to Starlight Stadium on September 24th!

It’s time to celebrate the best Vancouver Island has to offer with an afternoon full of MEAT, BEER, MUSIC & GOOD TIMES!

Tickets are almost gone for this all-inclusive feast featuring fire-cooked meats, craft beer, cider, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and live music, make sure to grab yours now!

For tickets and event information, visit breweryandthebeast.com/vancouver-island

🗞️ News

Langford has all of your food and music needs this weekend. With over a dozen food trucks and vendors, a lineup of local musicians (and a magician), two beer gardens, and a ton of other entertainment, games, and activities, Langford is hosting two events this weekend that are worth letting loose for.

Sherwood cafe will close at the end of this month. The popular cafe and bar—which had a food menu focused on healthy, fresh, and local ingredients—announced on social media that its last day will be Friday, Sept. 29. According to owner Shane Devereaux, Sherwood has been sold.

Top-notch shafts served in Victoria. Shafts are the Jägerbomb of the Pacific Northwest. In its most basic form, it’s ingredients include cold brew, Kahlua, Baileys, and vodka. But plenty of cocktail bars around the city have amped up the shaft into a tasty cocktail worthy of sipping.

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

The Station Food Truck and Music Festival: This two-day festival will feature some of the South Island’s best food trucks on Friday from 4 to 8pm, and Saturday from noon to 7pm at the Langford Station Arts and Cultural District, 720 Station Ave.

Coming up

Victoria International Wine Festival: From Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, wine lovers, enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and newcomers are welcomed to the Victoria International Wine Festival at venues across Victoria for three days.

Chocolate, A Tasting Event: Check out this sweet event featuring chocolate exhibitors and cooking demos at Crystal Garden on Oct. 15.

 💸 Deals

• Check out Songhees Food Truck’s feature this week: an open-faced hot turkey sandwich on butter toasted bannock with housemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy.

• Head to Pagliacci’s between 3 and 5pm every day for $6 beers, Aperol Spritz, and negronis.

• Between 4 and 5pm from Thursday to Monday, E:ne Raw Food and Sake Bar offers $5 yuzu tequila shots and matcha shafts; $7 Sapporo’s and highballs; and $8 classic cocktails and Sencha gin and tonics.

• Check out this article for more weekly deals.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Victoria International Wine Festival is looking for cheese cutters. You must have some understanding of cheese preparation. The job pays $30 hourly and runs from Sept. 29 to 30. Email [email protected] to inquire.

• Are you a red seal cook with 3+ years of culinary experience? The Camosun College Culinary Program is looking for a teacher for a seven-month term from October to May. Pay is $32 to $35 per hour, plus 3% teaching stipend. Contact David Lang for details.
  

• Vintage West Wines is looking to hire a Victoria-based sommelier or WSET-educated wine professional to work a trade tasting on Friday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 4pm. Pay is $25 per hour. Call or text 250-818-6469 if you are interested.

That’s it!

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