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

Good morning foodies!

This week Tasting Victoria is celebrating hitting 30,000 subscribers 🎉 and we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for reading and interacting with the newsletter! Here at Tasting Victoria, it brings us so much joy to share our love of Victoria’s food scene each week and we always look forward to learning about your favourite places across the city.

This week we are bringing you a story about Eats & Beats Beach Party returning to Colwood this weekend as well as the news that an Island cidery just scored some impressive awards.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍅 Emmaline's: Quadra Village’s new restaurant serves up brunch and bistro fare at 2571 Quadra.  

🍹 Friends of Dorothy: 2SLGBTQ+ restaurant and bar with food from Somewhere * A Restaurant at 537 Johnson. 

🍷 Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge: Rooftop eatery with waterfront views at 740 Burdett.  

☕ Saint Cecilia: Welcoming coffee shop that serves up baked goods and ice cream at 535 Yates.   

🍫 Uncouth Chocolate: Small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate at 1267 Fairfield. 

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

FEATURED

Colwood beach party returns this weekend

The Eats & Beats Beach Party returns for its annual festivities at The Beachlands this Saturday, July 27, from 1pm to 8pm. The free beach party celebrates all things food and live music while taking in Colwood’s ocean views. 

The festival will host 20 food trucks, serving up a range of cuisines, as well as a beer garden offering craft beers and ciders. Local musicians will take the stage to perform rock and soul tunes.

What to expect from Eats & Beats Beach Party.

FEATURED

Island cidery voted best in two renowned competitions

Merridale Cidery & Distillery—a family-owned and operated business in Cowichan Valley known for their wide range of ciders and spirits—has recently been voted the best in two world-renowned competitions. 

The Island cidery won gold in the Seattle International Cider & Perry Awards for several of its creations, and earned both a silver and gold at the Cidercraft Awards. Merridale’s ciders are made with apples from Cowichan Valley which share similar climatic conditions as cider apples in England, France and Germany.   

Read more about the recognition and the ciders that won awards.

🗞️ News

La Taquisa’s Langford location has closed: The Mexican restaurant’s Westshore location shut its doors after seven years of operations last week. Its two other locations downtown and in Vic West will remain open.

The Island’s first Chipotle is opening on Wednesday at 1070 Douglas. The Mexican chain restaurant began in the US and has since gained mass popularity, with locations across Canada. 

Bar Poco is closing for regular service: The tapa bar in Trounce Alley will continue to host private events. Its final day of regular dining service is July 31. 

Pagliacci’s launches a digestivo hour, featuring vermouths, negronis, wines, and amari at a discounted price. Everyday from 9pm to close.

Great Canadian Beer Festival celebrates 30 years of beer on Sept 6 and 7! Grab your tickets now and explore over 200 craft beers.*

*Sponsored Listing

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

Get in touch with our team for small business-friendly advertising plans.

🗓️ Events

Seafood Boil: Chow down on crab, prawns, clams, and more at this boil at The Strath’s Rooftop. Today, 5-7pm.  

Mozart and Martinis: Listen to the Victoria Symphony perform a program of Mozart and more at The Atrium tomorrow, 5pm.

Shake it Off at Herald Street Brew Works: Dance to Taylor Swift’s greatest hits and enjoy Swiftie themed drinks and a photo booth tomorrow, 8-11pm.

Roses and Rosé: Dress in pink and taste rosé pairings at Victoria International Wine Festival’s gala at the Parkside Hotel and Spa on Saturday, 7-9:30pm. 

Garden Party at Whistle Buoy: This patio party at the brewery in Market Square will feature live music, beer releases, and food pop-ups from The Courtney Room and Good Time Glizzy. Saturday, noon-9pm.  

ArtisTREE: Discover local art makers with 150 artisan vendors, live performances, and food at Government House. Saturday, 10am-7pm. Sunday, 10am-5pm.  

Clive’s Supper Club: Clive’s Classic Lounge is hosting a Suntory whisky tasting alongside a curated dinner on Wednesday, 6pm.

 💸 Deals

• $10.95 fried chicken and $8.95 yam fries at 10 Acres Bistro during happy hour from 3:30-5pm and from 10-11pm.  

• $7 pints and $9 glasses of red or white wine at Cenote during first happy hour, 5-7pm. 

• $8 turkey karaage bites and $6 Peruvian spiced fries at Part and Parcel during daily happy hour from 2:30-4:30pm. 

• $9.75 sweet-chili cauliflower and $9.75 pineapple basil smash at MeeT on Blanshard during happy hour from Mon-Fri, 3-5pm, and from Sun-Thu, 9pm to close.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Nurse Practitioner at Sprout Family Health 

• Irrigation Trades Assistant at The Butchart Gardens

• Manager at Rhino Coffee House

• Host / Hostess at Nautical Nellies Steak & Seafood House

• Baker at Boom + Batten Restaurant and Cafe

📸 Post of the week

Check out this jaw dropping burger from Esquimalt’s newly opened neighourhood pub. Enjoy it at Saxe Point Pub, located in the new Esquimalt Town Square.

That’s it!

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