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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about Bao reopening following a month-long closure as well as the news that Swans Brewery is closing following over three decades of business.

Just a few days ago Vancouver Island Brewing also announced that it will begin outsourcing the production of its beers to Phillips Brewing in November. These mark big changes for Victoria’s craft brewery scene amidst an environment of rising costs and greater competition.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍺 The Fernwood Inn: Neighbourhood pub that offers local beers, pub fare, and brunch at 1302 Gladstone Ave.   

🍣 Chobap Sushi Bar: Newly opened omakase bar at 610 Courtney.  

🍖 Jones Bar-B-Que: Texas-style barbecue restaurant at 1725 Cook.  

🥡 Cold Tea Social Club: Weekly pop-up at Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions serving sharing plates and cocktails. Open Mondays and Tuesdays at 543 Fisgard.

🦪 Sooke Harbour House: Farm-to-table restaurant that has recently reopened after a five-year hiatus at 1528 Whiffin Spit Rd.

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

FEATURED

One of the Island’s pioneering craft breweries shuts down this week

It’s a swan song for the brewing side of Swans. After nearly 36 years its machines will stop on Aug. 31, while the liquor store and pub remain open with a wider range of other local craft beer once the last of the in-house brew runs out in mid-October.

The decision was driven by an increasingly crowded craft beer market, operator Mike Boyle told Tasting Victoria, and pub customers’ desire to sample more of that market. 

Boyle said he is mindful of the legacy of Swans, but felt the best way to preserve that legacy was to adapt the business to the contemporary market. He also feels that the pub itself, as a long-time gathering place, is much more central to the legacy than the brewery.

Read more about Swans Brewery's closure and its legacy.

SPONSORED BY BREWERY & THE BEAST

Brewery & the Beast is coming up on September 22

Victoria’s ultimate culinary celebration, Brewery & the Beast, is set to ignite Starlight Stadium in Langford on September 22. The Festival of Meat promises an unforgettable afternoon of indulgence with over 45 of Vancouver Island’s top chefs and restaurants, including Dumpling Drop, La Mano, Q at the Empress, and Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar, presenting meat-centric dishes cooked over live fire. Alongside the food, enjoy a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages—all included in your ticket. 

The event also features live music, making it one of the best parties on the island! With a commitment to sustainability, all proteins are responsibly sourced from Western Canadian farms and ranches. Treat yourself to the best food and drink Vancouver Island has to offer—grab your all-inclusive tickets now!

FEATURED

After a month’s hiatus, Bao is back in business

After shutting down its business for over a month following a major roof leak, Bao restaurant on Fisgard has officially opened its doors once again.

On Tuesday this week, the restaurant provided an exciting new update about their service—their first post since announcing the closure—stating that dinner service will be up and running again (and perhaps even lunch, depending on how quickly the owners can get everything set up again).

“Thank you for all your kind words and support through all of this, we really appreciate this community of people we have gotten to know over the past 8 years. You guys are the best,” Bao wrote in its latest post. 

Read more about Bao's sudden closure and its latest update.

🗞️ News

Deer & Dough Bakery Cafe is now open: The cafe serving baked goods, lunch, and coffee that was previously located in Fairfield has opened its doors at 770 Fisgard.   

Vancouver Island Brewing signs co-pack agreement with Phillips Brewing due to rising costs, including a 35% rental increase. The brewery will outsource the production of its popular beers to Phillips Brewing, beginning in November.

Where to go for burgers in the Westshore: With a number of burger joints having opened this year, The Westshore has rounded up some must visit spots. [The Westshore]

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🗓️ Events

Tribute to Neo Soul: Local musicians come together to perform the music of Erykah Badu, Sade, D’Angelo, and more at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Tomorrow. Doors 5:30pm, show 7pm.

Classic Boat Festival: Over 100 classic boats will be docking in the Inner Harbour for the annual festival from tomorrow until Sunday.  

GreekFest: This celebration of Greek culture at the Hellenic Community Centre features music, dance, and authentic Greek food. Tomorrow until Monday.   

BC Lions vs. Ottawa Redblacks: The Vancouver football team will host Touchdown Pacific at Royal Athletic Park on Saturday, 4pm.  

Boy & Bear: The Australian indie folk band will perform at Capital Ballroom on Sunday. Doors 7pm, show 8pm.    

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

 💸 Deals

• $14 slider trio and $14 spiced apple sour at Vista 18 during happy hour, 3:30-6pm. 

• $8 caesars and $10 fried pickles at Leopold's Tavern during daily happy hour from 2-5pm and all day Mon.  

• $12 crispy buttermilk mushrooms and $10 chicken karaage at Fathom during happy hour. 

• $14 warm lentil salad and $13 crispy duck wings at Heron Rock Bistro during daily happy hour from 3-5pm and from 8pm to close.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Display Technician at The Butchart Gardens

• Licensed Practical Nurse at Amica On the Gorge

• Nurse Practitioner at Sprout Family Health

• Kitchen Manager at Superflux {Cabana}

• Bartender at Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House

📸 Post of the week

Enjoy this weekend’s sunny weather with a scoop of Parachute Ice Cream’s new flavour to celebrate Picot Collective’s birthday. This honey cinnamon cake and cream cheese ice cream can be found at 2626 Bridge.

That’s it!

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