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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a look into what to expect from CrabFest next weekend as well as a story about two new restaurants that are coming to the city this week.

Emmaline’s opened its doors last Sunday in Quadra Village and Saxe Point Pub will finally be open this Saturday in Esquimalt.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🌮 Cafe Mexico: Traditional and modern Mexican dishes at 1425 Store.  

🥂 Junction Cidery: Craft cider with a tasting room at 273 Prospect Lake.  

🥐 Fox & Monocle Cafe: Bakery and restaurant in North Saanich serving European pastries and comfort food at 2300 Canoe Cove.   

🫓 Los Panas Kitchen: Delicious Venezuelan food truck serving arepas and patacones at 1910 Store. 

🍫 Little Sins Chocolate: Artisanal small-batch chocolates and caramels at 776 Fairview.

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

FEATURED

Victoria is getting two new restaurants this week

After a couple months of teasing sneak peeks on social media, Emmaline's finally opened its doors this past Sunday in Quadra Village. The new restaurant at 2571 Quadra is the vision of Elizabeth Grace Bryan, who previously ran Vancouver’s beloved Dock Lunch restaurant. A self described neighbourhood comfort bistro, Emmaline’s leans into classic bistro fare and takes inspiration from New York, New Orleans, and São Paulo. 

Opening this Saturday in Esquimalt is Saxe Point Pub. The long-awaited neighbourhood pub is coming to the new Esquimalt Town Square and it aims to be a community gathering place with an inviting and warm atmosphere. Its menu will focus on pub classics with a twist, made with locally-sourced fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Read our full story on what to expect from Emmaline's and Saxe Point Pub.

FEATURED

CrabFest is coming to Victoria next weekend

Celebrating local fishermen and incredible access to quality seafood, the Vancouver Island CrabFest is coming to Victoria next weekend and we can’t wait to get our hands on a bucket. 

Local Dungeness crab, corn, potatoes, clams, prawns, fresh bread and butter are all served in personal-sized buckets at Victoria’s Banfield Park next Saturday from 12pm to 7pm.

Along with delicious seafood, expect live music and performances and a fully-equipped kids zone, allowing guests of all ages to participate in this year’s festivities.  

Read more about this year’s CrabFest.

🗞️ News

The Doughnut Vault closes full-times operations: The small-batch doughnut shop that operated out of Victoria Public Market hopes to continue with monthly pop-ups. [Daily Hive]  

Celebrate Pride this weekend with food-related events taking place across the city. From Festival in the Park to drag lunch and roller derby, Tasting Victoria has compiled the upcoming events. 

Pagliacci’s is releasing a documentary on August 24, celebrating 45 years of service. Watch the teaser trailer here.  

Original Pho will open its second location: The Vietnamese eatery is set to take over the old Chorizo & Co. location at 807 Fort, which closed at the end of May. Opening date is yet to be announced.

Seal Point Pizza reopening this weekend: The Fairfield pizza spot reopens Saturday for dinner service following a temporary closure.

The Courtney Room launches new cocktail menu: An Exploration of the NorthWest Vol. 2 highlights locally made spirits and ingredients found on the Island, with beautiful illustrations done by Victoria’s own Darq Webb.      

Westshore Fairway Market will close: The grocery store at Westshore Town Centre is shutting down operations this Saturday after 36 years. [Times Colonist]

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Candy Land Pride Party: Comedy duo Candy Whip will be hosting a dance party and variety show at Victoria Event Centre. Today. Doors 8pm, show 8:30pm. 

Kilbourne and Bedtime Snack: Celebrate Kilbourne's birthday with additional sets from Mirage, HzLock, and Chymes at Capital Ballroom. Tomorrow. 9pm. 

Comedy for a Cause: Curran Dobbs will headline this comedy fundraiser for Community Living Victoria at The Vic Theatre. Tomorrow. 7:30-9pm. 

Pride in the Word: Listen to literary readings from queer speakers at the Victoria Conference Centre tomorrow, 7:30-10:30pm.   

Phillips Backyard: The music festival’s Tilt weekend kicks off from tomorrow until Sunday and includes performances from Orville Peck, Noah Cyrus, Saint Motel, and more. 

Saanich Strawberry Festival: The annual family-friendly festival at Beaver Beach includes live music, bouncy castles, a farmers market, and lots of strawberries. Sunday, 11am-4pm.

 💸 Deals

• $12 gin and tonics and $10 potato skins at Bartholomew's Public House during daily happy hour, 3-6pm. 

• $6 crab cakes and $6 Cynar spritz at Pagliacci's during daily happy hour, 3-5pm.  

• $9 smashville burger and $8 deep fried pickles at Bin 4 Burger Lounge during daily happy hour, 3-6pm. 

• $9 caesar brussels sprouts and $11 old fashioneds at The Keg during daily happy hour from open to 6pm and 9pm to close.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Community Engagement Consultant at Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre

• Executive Director at Capital Bike

• 1st or 2nd Cook at The Blue Poppy Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens

• Enhanced Executive Support Analyst at ISM

📸 Post of the week

This mouthwatering Nashville fried halibut sandwich from Part and Parcel is packed with half sour pickles, red onion, and fig leaf tartar sauce. Find it at 2656 Quadra.

That’s it!

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, consider forwarding your friend; if not, let us know down below.