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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, Victoria distilleries win awards, new Floyd's Diner location, and Black History Month

Sarah Madsen
February 01, 2024

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story on the new Floyd’s Diner location that is opening in The Gorge as well as a round up of the distilleries that recently took home Canadian Whisky Awards.

We are stoked to see local craft distillers achieving national recognition and we want to know what sort of craft spirits you would like to see more of in the city.

What type of craft spirit would you like to see made locally?

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥘 Blue Nile African Restaurant: East African fare at 612 Head.

🍳 Bear & Joey: Australian-inspired brunch at 1025 Cook.

🥃 Artemis Whisky Bar: Sip on whisky and cocktails at this space-themed speakeasy at 560 Johnson.

🥐 GoodSide Pastry House: Grab pastries and desserts at 1805 Fort.

🍜 Ghost Ramen: Enjoy delicious ramen at 1609 Store.

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

FEATURED

South Island distilleries take home Canadian Whisky Awards

Canadian Whisky Awards / Facebook

Greater Victoria is a hub for exceptional craft beverages, and while the craft scene may be most commonly associated with beers and ciders, there are also many distilleries across the South Island that are making waves both locally and nationally.

This was proven at the Canadian Whisky Awards, hosted in Victoria last weekend as a part of the Victoria Whisky Festival, where a number of local distillers took home top prizes and medals against stiff competition from across the country.

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a passion for the craft of whisky production, these are the winning distilleries to keep an eye on.

FEATURED

Floyd’s Diner is opening a new location in Victoria

Since opening its first restaurant in Victoria in 2004, Floyd’s Diner has become an iconic breakfast and lunch spot for locals and tourists alike. Like Craigdarroch Castle and Beacon Hill Park, Floyd’s is a landmark in its own right, with four locations scattered around the Greater Victoria area.

And now, as of February 2024, the popular chain will be opening its fifth location at Gorge Road East’s Vic Hotel (formerly Travelodge and Ramada hotels) in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood.

🗞️ News

Taisho Japanese Grill and Bar opens this Saturday: The new venture from Nubo takes over the old Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen location at 230 Cook.

Tombo Eats is opening on Monday in the space previously occupied by Fol Epi and Agrius at 732 Yates.

H-Mart is coming to Victoria: The Asian specialty market will take over the old Toys R Us location at Mayfair.

South Island restaurants named among best in Canada: Shirley Delicious, Fishhook, Red Fish Blue Fish, and Jam Cafe featured in Yelp's top 100 places to eat nationwide, as voted by restaurant-goers.

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🗓️ Events

Black History Month Reception: BC Black History Awareness Society is hosting a launch for Black History Month 2024 at KWENCH featuring food catered by Elk & The Tide and live music from Locrian Tones. Tonight, 6:30-9pm.

Victoria Film Festival: The annual festival celebrating the cinema returns for its 30th anniversary from tomorrow until Feb. 11.

Compagnie Hervé Koubi: The contemporary dance company will perform at the Royal Theatre tomorrow and Saturday, 7:30pm.

Late Night Pop-Up Cabaret: This pop-up performance hosted by Ez Sybom and Earle Gay at Intrepid Studio will highlight trans voices through storytelling, drag, music, and comedy. Tomorrow, 10:30pm.

Black History Month Launch Reception: Hosted by the African Arts & Cultural Society and ISSAMBA Centre, this celebration of the beginning of Black History Month will feature dinner, music, and dance. Tomorrow at the Edelweiss Club, 7-10pm.

As Above: The world premiere of Christine Quintana’s play set in Victoria will take place at the Belfry Theatre on Wednesday, 7:30pm.

💸 Deals

$8 Aperol spritz and $15 margherita pizza at Prima Strada during happy hour from Wednesday to Friday, 3-5pm.
$11.75 poutine and $7.75 draught pints at Bard & Banker during happy hour.
$10 limoncello spritz and $14 karaage chicken at Boom + Batten during daily happy hour, 2-5pm and 9pm to close.
$18.95 roast beef dinner at Ross Bay Pub on Sundays.