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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about six local restaurants being named among the top outdoor dining spots in Canada as well as a look into what to expect from AfriCa Fest this weekend.

This week kicks off the summer festival season in Victoria, with several music, food, and cultural festivals taking place across the city.

😍 5 spots to try right now

🌮 Ay Mi Mexico: Authentic Mexican dishes made in Esquimalt at 811 Craigflower.  

🥂 Victoria Cider Co: Family-owned craft cidery in North Saanich. Tasting room is now open at 9635 West Saanich Rd. 

🍛 Ayo Eat Indonesian Food: Take-away Indonesian dishes located in Market Square.  

🍨 Overboard Ice Cream: House-made ice cream with vegan options available located in Breakwater Bistro at 199 Dallas. 

☕ The Broken Paddle Coffee House: Metchosin cafe serving coffee drinks, baked goods, and lunch at 4480 Happy Valley.

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

FEATURED

AfriCa Fest is coming to Victoria this weekend

Take note, islanders, the best time of year to dive into the culture and cuisine of Africa and the Caribbean is this weekend.

Starting tomorrow, the annual AfriCa Fest is taking place in Victoria’s Centennial Square bringing together some of the most popular delicacies both regions have to offer. Authentic African and Caribbean dishes will be available, like jollof rice and suya.   

The event will also feature live music and more than a dozen vendors will also be attending, selling unique gifts and handmade jewelry.  

Read more about what to expect at AfriCa Fest.

FEATURED

Victoria restaurants named among Canada’s top outdoor dining spots

From being nicknamed the “Garden City” to being surrounded by endless coastline, it is no secret that Greater Victoria is home to many beautiful views ideal for enjoying over dinner, with a glass of something cold in hand. 

While there are many locations across the city to take in the vistas, six Greater Victoria restaurants were recently recognized amongst eateries from across the country for their outdoor experience by OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada.  

Restaurants were chosen based on over a million customer reviews made on the online restaurant reservation platform. 

These are the local restaurants that made the list!

🗞️ News

Rhino Coffee opens new location at Jordie Lunn Bike Park Clubhouse at 2990 Irwin. It is the Tofino-based coffee house’s second Langford location.  

Dutch Bakery building for sale: The bakery that has operated since 1955 at 718 Fort intends to continue business at the location, or will relocate if the new building owners choose not to keep them as tenants. [CHEK] 

Delivery worker minimum wage increasing in September to $20.88 per hour of engaged time. The new regulations also include protections for those working for apps like Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes, including tip protections and compensation for termination without cause.

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🗓️ Events

Ska & Reggae Festival: The 25th annual music festival features performances across the city until Jun. 23. 

Whistle Buoy Birthday Party: The brewery is celebrating its anniversary with live music, food vendors, games, and beer releases. Saturday. 7-9pm.  

Bacon Beer and Bourbon Festival: Enjoy bourbon cocktails, beer, and pork dishes at this festival at Starlight Stadium. Saturday. 4-8pm. 

Celtic Solstice Celebration: The Hounds of Cuchulain will perform classic folk music at The Fernwood Community Association in celebration of the longest day of the year. Saturday. 7-9:30pm.   

JazzFest: The 40th annual music festival will bring jazz, blues, and funk performances to locations across the city from tomorrow until Jun. 30.  

Chess Night: A Third Place is hosting a beginners-friendly night of chess featuring treats and drinks at Saint Cecilia coffee house. Wednesday. 6-9pm.

 💸 Deals

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

• $13 karaage chicken skewers and $12 negroni at Block Kitchen and Bar during happy hour, 3-5pm.

• $3.49 donair tacos and $5.99 spicy mango margaritas at The Canadian Brewhouse on Tuesdays after 4pm.

• $15 kale and burrata salad and $18 dry aged cheeseburger at The Courtney Room during daily happy hour, 2-5pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Executive Director at Capital Bike

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

• Organizing Coordinator at Dogwood

• Operations Coordinator at Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies

• Enhanced Executive Support Analyst at ISM 

📸 Post of the week

Available at Crust Bakery, these absolutely gorgeous new pastries are made with poached pears, raspberry, and cardamom cream. Find them this summer at 730 Fort.

That’s it!

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