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

Good morning foodies,

Today we are bringing you a list of under-the-radar restaurants in Victoria, because there’s something very exciting about discovering a restaurant that feels like a well-kept secret!

We are also bringing you recommendations to check out during the Savour Sidney 22-day culinary event, including three-course menus, breakfast deals, and a plant-based option. 

Plus, lots of fun food and drink events are happening this weekend and next week. Now let’s get to it.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🐟 Boom + Batten: Sit on the waterfront and enjoy dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest at 2 Paul Kane. 

🌯 Al Barak: Grab amazing shawarma at 569 Johnson.  

🍳 House of Boateng Cafe: West African-Caribbean-Pacific Northwest fusion brunch in Langford at 2854 Peatt.   

🍷 Tourist Wine Bar: Natural wines and shareable plates at 1002 Blanshard.   

🍨 Churros and Mor: Plant-based and gluten-free churros at 325 Cook.

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

FEATURED

Eight under-the-radar Victoria restaurants

There’s something very exciting about discovering a restaurant that feels like a well-kept secret. It’s time to ditch the usuals and shake things up with some of Victoria’s hidden gems, as voted by readers. Whether it’s a tiny family-run eatery, a hole-in-the-wall spot serving unique flavours, or a restaurant that hasn’t yet hit the foodie spotlight, these gems will surprise and delight guests.

Check them out.

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FEATURED

5 Savour Sidney menus and offers to try out

The 22-day culinary celebration invites Sidney residents and Victoria locals to experience the best of the town’s vibrant food and drink scene. This is the first year this event has been put together, so we’ve curated a list of places and offers to check out. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, breakfast, a farm-to-table dinner, or delicious desserts, Savour Sidney offers exclusive menus, special promotions, and unique culinary experiences designed to highlight the talent and creativity of local chefs and producers. 

Learn more. 

🗞️ News

Brasserie L’Ecole’s employees have put together a $13k GoFundMe to save the restaurant. They have been struggling to catch up financially after the pandemic challenges, rising costs, and lingering debt. 

Humboldt Bar just introduced happy hour on its menu, serving from 5pm to 5:52pm Wed.-Fri. Drinks start at $7.

The Courtney Room welcomes a new pastry chef on their culinary team.

African and Caribbean restaurants in Victoria to check out this week. 

Best bakeries in Victoria, according to readers.

Pizza Pizza is opening a new location at 1317 Cook in the near future. 

Vic West’s iconic ‘Chicken on the Run’ is up for sale. [Victoria Buzz]

Despite being so common, many people affected by hearing loss are reluctant to get help. The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre aims to address one of the most common yet stigmatized disabilities in the world. Read more here.*

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🗓️ Events

Eva Schnitzelhaus Kitchen Takeover: Head to The Drake Eatery this Saturday to try out delicious bites designed to pair with their wide selection of lager beers.

Macallan Whisky Dinner: Head to the Westin Bear Mountain Resort tonight for an evening celebrating one of the world’s most revered whisky brands. The intimate dining experience showcases a thoughtfully curated five-course menu, with each dish paired to complement the rich, complex flavours of the Macallan’s most iconic whiskies—including the rare and prestigious Macallan Rare Cask.

Empanada pop-up: South Fire is having an Argentinian empanada pop-up at Zambri’s this Sunday. Serving slow-cooked beef, pollo a la diabolo, pepperoni, mushrooms, and caprese empanadas.

Music Bingo: Join Browns Crafthouse in Vic West every Saturday for music bingo. Two games, first come, first served. 

Averill Creek Winemaker's Dinner at Fathom: Indulge in a five-course dining experience at Fathom on March 6, paired with exquisite wines from Averill Creek Vineyard. Enjoy expertly curated dishes that highlight the best of Cowichan Valley winemaking in an intimate setting.

Long Table Dinner: Chef Castro Boateng is teaming up with award-winning executive chef of Saveur Restaurant, Rob Cassels, for another long table dinner collaboration on March 14.

Are you hosting a food event? Let us know

 💸 Deals

• $5 sleeves of beer at Beacon Brewing during happy hour, Mon.-Fri., 3-6pm.

• $10 pasta del giorno at Italian Food Imports daily. 

• $12 lunch before 12pm at Bard and Banker. 

• $15 1lb. wings and 17 oz. house beer at Swift Brewing all day Tuesdays.

• $49 three-course pasta dinner at Lure Restaurant on Sundays and Mondays, 5-10pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Part-time staff at Peckish Cafe

• Chefs de partie, servers and more roles at Ugly Ducking

• Barista at Rhino Langford

• All positions at Fern Cafe and Bakery

• Host at Browns Socialhouse Uptown

📸 Post of the week

Spanish tapas never looked so good! Matadora Taperia serves authentic tapas and cocktails in Chinatown. Pictured are the Pintxo de Higo: baguette toppers with housemade tahini labneh, dukkah, fresh fig, pistachio, and honey. 

That’s it!

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