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

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

Plus, Sooke Harbour House reopens, new downtown omakase bar, and Pagliacci's street party

Sarah Madsen
August 22, 2024

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you some exciting news about new places to eat across Greater Victoria. A brand new omakase bar has just opened up downtown and an old favourite, Sooke Harbour House, is finally open again for dining after four years of closures.

Sooke Harbour House was recognized for its farm-to-table cooking across Canada and we are looking forward to seeing the restaurant back in action.

Did you ever get the chance to go to Sooke Harbour House?

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥂 Sea Cider: Award-winning craft ciders made in Saanichton at 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd.

🍗 Birdman: Late-night chicken sandwich joint located in Wind Cries Mary at 45 Bastion Square.

🍺 Six Mile Pub: Enjoy craft beer and comfort food at BC’s oldest pub at 494 Island Hwy.

☕ Parsonage Cafe: North Park cafe that serves up Fernwood Coffee at 1105 Caledonia.

🌶️ Mexican House of Spice: Specialty grocery store with a vast selection of spices and imported goods from throughout Latin America at 1412 Douglas.

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

FEATURED

Dining is back at the Sooke Harbour House

Photo: Jimmy Thomson / Capital Daily

Sooke Harbour House has reopened following four years of closures, beginning when it first shut its doors several months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel faced issues with ownership and a slew of legal matters which Tori Marlan covered in an award-winning investigative piece for Capital Daily.

The property that overlooks Whiffin Spit and the Sooke Harbour will be home to two separate restaurants. Its less formal dining space, the Sooke Harbour House Bistro, opened its doors on August 4.

Sooke Harbour House’s formal dining room is set to open at the end of the month. It will have an eight to 10-course daily tasting menu that honours the restaurant’s legacy of farm-to-table cooking, while introducing new elements.

FEATURED

Victoria just got a new 8-seater omakase bar

Picture this: a full omakase experience at a fraction of the regular price point, enjoyed at a quaint counter overlooking the experienced sushi chef making your meal right in front of your eyes.

Chobap Sushi Bar is a newly opened omakase restaurant on Courtney Street that is home to exactly that, offering a one-of-a-kind dinner experience.

The restaurant is operated and run by Chef Clark, a highly-esteemed chef with previous experience working at reputable places like Miku, Yua Bistro and Marilena Cafe.

What to expect from Chobap Sushi Bar.

🗞️ News

Swans Brewery to close but pub to remain open. The brewery that has been operating since 1989 will have its last day of business on Aug. 31. [Monday Magazine]

Zambri’s is hosting a collaborative dinner, combining the forces of MaiiZ Nixtamal, South Fire, and Sheringham Distillery for a long table family-style meal. Find tickets here.

Discover local gems at Victoria’s farmers markets: Check out Tasting Victoria’s guide to farmers markets across the city.

Cheesecake dedicated to Island hammer thrower: Gold-medal winner Ethan Katzberg now has a golden Oreo cheesecake named after him, courtesy of Red’s Bakery in Nanaimo.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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🗓️ Events

I-Land Fest: Victoria’s first-ever Caribbean Carnival featuring live music, food, and kids activities in Centennial Square on Sat. and Sun. On Sat., parade on Government at 11am, and after party at Medusa’s at 9pm.

Pagliacci’s 45th Anniversary Street Party: Celebrate the Italian restaurant’s birthday with this family-friendly event featuring live music on Pagliacci’s block. Saturday, 4-10pm.

Feast of Fields: Taste offerings from local chefs and food purveyors at this wandering harvest festival at Heritage Acres. Sunday, 1-4pm. What to expect from the foodie event.

Bar Pompette at Clive’s Classic Lounge: The cocktail lounge is hosting Hugo and Dash from the top ranking bar on Canada’s 50 Best Bars for a night of cocktails and a four-course dinner. Wednesday, 6pm.

Geeky Girls Patio Party: Island Women in Science and Technology is hosting a summer farewell party at UVic Queenswood Campus. Wednesday, 4:30-7:30pm.

Victoria Fringe Festival: The annual performing arts festival returns with events at venues across the city. Until Sep. 1.

💸 Deals

$13 mushroom arancini and $6 draft sleeves at Lure Restaurant & Bar during daily happy hour, 3-6pm.
$10 Green Thumb Daisy cocktail and $20 charcuterie at Stage Wine Bar during daily happy hour, 4-6pm.
$12.95 caesar salad and $15.95 tuna tataki at 10 Acres Pier during daily happy hour, 2-5pm.
$8.50 crispy onion rings and $9.50 scotch egg at Swans Pub during afternoon happy hour.