Good morning foodies!

We have gone through all of your nominations for the best restaurants in Victoria, and we are launching the voting phase today!

Check out the top nominees and see if your favourites made it to this round. Vote for your favourites across 18 categories in the 2024 Tasting Victoria Best Restaurant Awards here!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🦞 Marilena Cafe + Raw Bar: The award-winning restaurant serves up farm-fresh seafood dishes at 1525 Douglas. 

🍩 Frickin' Delights Donuts: Delicious vegan doughnuts at 632 Yates. 

🍝 Il Terrazzo: Italian fine dining in a romantic atmosphere at 555 Johnson.  

🍣 Fujiya: Japanese grocery store with excellent take-out sushi at 3624 Shelbourne. 

🐟 Fishhook: Tasty Indian and French influenced seafood dishes at 805 Fort.

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

FEATURED

South Island distilleries recognized at Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition

South Island distilleries are continuing to prove that locally made spirits can compete on the national level. Last week at the Canadian Artisan Spirit Competition, local distillers took home armfuls of awards, following up previous big wins just last month at the Canadian Whisky Awards as well as last year at the national spirit competition.  

The range in spirits that won awards was vast, encompassing everything from gin and vodka to whisky and liqueurs. From first time winners to seasoned favourites, these are the spirits that achieved national recognition.

SPONSORED BY BRODO

The best broth on the planet.

From scratch, no concentrates, no preservatives, no shortcuts.
Now in a convenient package you can store in your pantry!

• Created by James Beard award-winning chef Marco Canora

• Beloved by NYC since 2014

• 8 grams of protein and 50 calories 

• Holistic gut and skin health

• No preservatives, concentrates, or short cuts.

Explore all broths

FEATURED

Pinhalla Pinball Pizzeria is Victoria’s hottest new entertainment spot

Is there anything out there better than a slice of good pizza?

As it turns out, there is! (And it’s not in the form of extra cheese or a super crispy crust.)

Pinhalla Pinball Pizzeria has opened its doors in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown this week, offering a one-of-a-kind pizza experience complete with long lines of themed pinball machines, neon lights and a generous selection of pizza flavours and fried party snacks.

Brought to you by Quazar’s Arcade and Victoria Island Arcade Amusements Inc., Pinhalla aims to offer a unique entertainment experience in Victoria as one of the country’s largest pinball arcades.

Read more about the new pizza and arcade joint here. 

🗞️ News

328 Taphouse + Grill in Colwood closes and will be replaced by Sawmill Taphouse & Grill as of tomorrow. The new restaurant will serve over 40 craft beers, weekend brunch, shaft flights, and house smoked meats. 

Victoria Beer Week kicks-off Friday: Check out brewery tours, beer launches, and more during the craft beer festival until March 9.  

The Bop opens in James Bay: The new Korean restaurant is serving both lunch and dinner at 239 Menzies.

🗓️ Events

Something Rotten!: St. Michaels University School Students will perform the musical farce at McPherson Playhouse. Today and tomorrow 7:30pm. Saturday 2pm and 7:30pm.

Ashley Wey and The Blue Lights: The award-winning singer and pianist will be joined by bassist Louis Rudner, vocalist Big Hank Lionhart, guitarist Terry Meed, and drummer Damian Graham at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Tomorrow. Doors 5:30pm, show 7pm. 

Ocie Elliot: The Juno nominated Victoria-based duo will perform at the Royal Theatre. Tomorrow and Saturday, 8pm.

Birds of Spring & Summer: Learn about Island birds that will be arriving soon with a presentation from Rocky Point Bird Observatory director Ann Nightingale at St. Michaels and All Angels. Tomorrow, 1:30-3pm. 

Taras Shevchenko Celebration Concert: Celebrate the 210th birthday of Ukraine’s national bard with poetry, music, and dance at Christ Church Cathedral. Tomorrow, 7pm.  

South Island Vinyl Record Show: Collect vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs at Mary Winspear Centre this Saturday, 10am-4pm.

An evening of African-inspired food: Enjoy a six-course tasting menu showcasing West African cuisine at House of Boateng on March 6, 6:30-10:30pm.

 💸 Deals

• $15 classic burger and 17oz. house beers at Swift Brewing on Wednesdays.

• $12 scallops and bacon and $12 martinis at The Keg during daily happy hour from open to 6pm and 9pm to close.

• $5 Pete Rose headfirst sliders and $6 Aperol spritz at Pagliacci's during daily happy hour, 3-5pm. 

• $10 butter chicken poutine and $27 mojito pitchers at The Mint during happy hour.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Inclusion Support Worker at Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group

• Finance Manager at Pacific Opera Victoria

• Gelato Producer at The Butchart Gardens

• Executive Director at Capital Bike 

• Pyrotechnician at The Butchart Gardens

📸 Post of the week

Bratwurst and knackwurst sausages galore served overtop sauerkraut, nugget potatoes, and bacon at Eva Snitzelhaus at 509 Fisgard.

That’s it!

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