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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about Smiths Pub’s recent closure as well as a round up of some of the best tasting menus that you can find across the city.

Tasting menus can be a great way to celebrate a special occasion by sampling new flavours and dishes and seeing what Victoria’s culinary scene has to offer.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍺 Swans Pub: Cozy atmosphere and pub fare in a historic building at 1601 Store.   

🐟 Willows Galley: Delicious fish and chips and burgers in Estevan Village at 2559 Estevan. 

🍩 Yonni's Doughnuts: Mouth-watering doughnuts at 660 Discovery. 

🍷 Esquimalt Vermouth & Apéritifs: Award-winning botanically infused wines at 859 Devonshire. 

🥘 Ate * A Restaurant: Modern twist on Filipino dishes at 1001 Douglas. 

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

FEATURED

Smiths Pub announces immediate closure

Smiths Pub on Courtney Street has closed its doors for good. 

“We didn’t want to go out like this, but things happen,” read a sign Scotch taped to the pub’s front doors on April 11. 

The closure was sudden and a surprise to customers and staff, particularly since just a day before, the pub’s management had posted about upcoming events, including a trivia night that was supposed to take place the day of its closure, on social media. 

Read more about Smiths Pub's closure here.

TASTING VICTORIA AWARDS

What’s the best seafood spot in the city?

From best seafood to best pizza, best bakery, and so much more. Check out all the finalists here, and vote for your favourites before voting closes!

FEATURED

Six tasting menus in Victoria that are worth every penny

Sometimes, the best gifts are experiences shared with family and loved ones—particularly when accompanied with a bounty of good food and drink—gathered around a large table.

Where might that table be you ask? We’ve got you covered there, as this isn’t your run up of dining establishments in Victoria worth visiting. Rather, it’s a list of restaurants you must visit at least once, offering you a food experience you and your guests will never forget in some of the city’s finest tasting menus.

Here are six tasting menus in Victoria that are worth every penny.

🗞️ News

Chorizo & Co. is closing: The tapas restaurant and bar at 807 Fort has sold its business after five and a half years. Its last day will be May 18. 

Culinaire returns Wednesday: The food and beverage event will showcase the Island’s restaurants, craft makers, and specialty goods purveyors at Victoria Conference Centre. 

It’s patio season: As the weather warms up this weekend, check out Tasting Victoria’s ultimate patio guide. 

Phillips Backyard announces lineup: Tickets for the backyard music festival are on sale now for Tilt in July and Reverb in August. 

Yates Street Taphouse beer towers up for auction: The iconic drink towers will be sold on Tuesday alongside other memorabilia from the bar that closed last year.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Epidermis Circus: This puppet cabaret will be performed at The Metro Studio Theatre as part of Incoming Festival. Tomorrow and Saturday, 7:30pm. 

Hoyne Around the World: Hoyne Brewing Co. will host a beer pairing at The Empress’s Bengal Lounge tomorrow. 7-10pm.

Bahamas: The Juno nominated singer-songwriter will perform at the Royal Theatre this Saturday, 8pm. 

Saanich Earth Day Festival: This family friendly event at Saanich Municipal Hall this Saturday includes live music, food trucks, vendors, and more. 11am-3pm. 

Night Market at The Mint: Check out local vendors and live music this Saturday, 5-10pm.

Ice Cube: The American rapper is bringing his tour to Save On Foods Memorial Centre Tuesday, 7pm.

 💸 Deals

• $12 truffle parmesan fries and $14 lamb meatballs at The Palms Restaurant during daily happy hour from 4-5:30pm and 9pm to close. 

• $7 vegetable pakoras and $5.50 spinach paneer naan at Sizzling Tandoor during daily happy hour, 3-6pm. 

• $12 sangria and $15 fish tacos at Tug Eatery & Bar during happy hour from Mon-Fri, 2-5pm.

• $9 negroni and $9 grapefruit margarita at Fiamo during daily afternoon happy hour, 4-6pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Program Coordinator at Scale Collaborative

• Executive Director at Capital Bike

• Bus Driver at Victoria Seniors Travel and Social Group Society   

• Seasonal Purchasing / Receiving Clerk at The Butchart Gardens

• Board Member at South Island Prosperity Partnership

📸 Post of the week

Prawns perfect for enjoying in the sunshine on Bray’s patio at 460 Pandora. These tiger prawns are made with chorizo and pickled zucchini.

That’s it!

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