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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about a cafe in Victoria Public Market that recently closed down as well as a look into what to expect from Culinaire, the food and beverage event that is returning to Victoria later this month.

We would love to know what sort of food related events you enjoy attending. Do you prefer educational events or chances to sample food?

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍵 Just Matcha Tea Shop: All things matcha at 544 Pandora.  

🐟 Red Fish Blue Fish: Waterfront seafood shack that makes fantastic fish and chips at 1006 Wharf.   

🍟 La Belle Patate: Québécois restaurant serving poutine, burgers, and spruce beer at 1215 Esquimalt Rd.   

🍕 Vagabond Pies: Pop-up pizzas on bi-weekly Fridays at 1019 Fort. Next pop-up tomorrow, 5-9pm.   

🍨 49 Below: Craft ice cream—and now popsicles—at 2575 Cadboro Bay.

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

FEATURED

Culinaire returns to Victoria this month

It is no secret that Greater Victoria has an innovative and exciting food and beverage scene. On April 24 Culinaire will showcase the Island’s restaurants, craft makers, and specialty goods purveyors. 

Returning to the Victoria Conference Centre for its 13th year, the food and beverage event hosts presenters from over 80 eateries and food producers local to both Greater Victoria and across BC.

The event offers the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals about their trade and the products they produce as well as the chance to taste new flavours and creations. 

Read everything you need to know about this year’s Culinaire here. 

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FEATURED

A popular cafe in Victoria Public Market has closed its doors

Another restaurant bites the dust this month in Victoria.

Operating in Victoria’s Public Market for several years, Shatterbox—a cafe specializing in unique, European-style coffee and a warm, neighbourly atmosphere—has permanently closed its doors this week.

A message on the coffee shop’s Instagram page noted that the cafe has closed permanently as of April 8.

Read more about Shatterbox's closure and what the owners are doing now.

🗞️ News

New A&W walk-up window now open in the old Birks Jewelry location at 1023 Government. The walk-up window is the fast food restaurant's first.     

Chef’s Challenge Supporting Food Rescue: Four chefs from Block Kitchen and Bar, Lure Restaurant and Bar, Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio, and Ferris’ Oyster Bar and Grill will compete Saturday in support of The Mustard Seed. 

Refire Kitchen opening in Sidney: The third location of the prepped meal kit shop will take over the Beacon Books location at 2372 Beacon.

Neighbourly Wine Co. opens: The new wine company’s tasting room in Saanichton at 6409 Oldfield is open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm. 

The Courtney Room launches new seasonal tasting menu featuring duck breast, ling cod, and more. $125 per person with an optional $90 wine pairing. 

Tourist Wine Bar opens for Sunday dinner: The natural wine bar at 1002 Blanshard will serve a condensed menu until 10pm on Sundays.

🏆️ TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

There’s not much time left to get your votes in for the 2024 best restaurant awards. Check out the finalists here, and cast your votes!

🗓️ Events

Incoming Festival: The performing arts festival from Intrepid Theatre returns for its second year at locations across the city. Until April 20.

Lime Cordiale: The Australian pop duo will perform at Capital Ballroom this Saturday. Doors 8pm, show 9pm.

Bianca Del Rio: The drag queen and winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race will perform her Dead Inside comedy tour at The Royal Theatre. This Saturday, 8pm.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Trivia Night: Test your knowledge on the hit comedy police show at The Mint this Saturday, 7pm.

Improvisitas!: The Portuguese Kids will be joined by Mike Rita for a night of improv comedy at Victoria Event Centre this Sunday. Doors 6pm, show 7pm.

Earth Day Celebration: Take part in planting, removing invasive species, and building trails in Esquimalt at Highrock Cairn Park on Wednesday. 10am-2pm.

 💸 Deals

• $12 seafood chowder and $18 calamari at Fathom during happy hour. 

• ½ price sandwiches with purchase of a boozy beverage at Jones Bar-B-Que during daily happy hour, 8-9pm. 

• $6.50 takoyaki and $9 6oz. house sake at Sen Zushi during happy hour from Tue. to Sat., 5-6:30pm. 

• $11 fried chicken poutine and $8.75 bellini at Browns Crafthouse during happy hour.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Seasonal Purchasing / Receiving Clerk at The Butchart Gardens

• Board Member at South Island Prosperity Project

• Part-Time Brand Advocate / Farmer's Market Sales Staff at DEVINE Distillery

📸 Post of the week

This epic gin and tonic from Bartholomew’s Public House is calling our name! The pub at 777 Douglas has a whole gin and tonic menu that is on special for $12 daily from 3-6pm.

That’s it!

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