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

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

Plus, local breweries win awards, summer menus, and summer festivals

Sarah Madsen
June 06, 2024

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about a number of local breweries that took home prizes at the Canadian Brewing Awards as well as a roundup of new summer menus from restaurants across the city that we have our eye on.

While summer is officially still a couple weeks away, this weekend is going to be full of both sunshine and summer festivities.

How are you planning on spending this sunny weekend?

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍳 John's Place: Classic joint for Canadian fare and brunch at 723 Pandora.

☕ Alexander's Coffee: Cafe in Sidney serving delicious coffee drinks, baked goods, and paninis at 2385 Beacon.

🍛 Wah Lai Yuen: Chinese bakery and restaurant at 560 Fisgard.

🌮 Mesa Familiar: Tasty Mexican and Latin American dishes in Fernwood at 1296 Gladstone.

🥩 Haus Sausage Co: Small-batch sausages, charcuterie, and gourmet meats at 515 Dupplin. Available at Moss Street Market on Saturdays.

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

FEATURED

Greater Victoria breweries win Canadian Brewing Awards

Photo: Sooke Oceanside Brewing / Facebook

It is no secret that Greater Victoria craft breweries make some truly delicious beers, and last week several local breweries got the national stamp of approval at the Canadian Brewing Awards in Hamilton. Ranging from porters and red ales to historic beers and spruce tip ales, these beers competed against brews from across the country to take home prizes.

These wins follow up previous successes on the provincial and national stage. Last year, Greater Victoria breweries took home seven awards at the 2023 Canadian Brewing Awards. In the fall, local breweries scored 12 awards at the BC Beer Awards, among them top prizes.

FEATURED

7 summer menus we’ve already set our eyes on

As we inch closer to the official start of summer, it’s no surprise that we’re already scouting out the latest seasonal menus across Victoria.

Here are a few beloved restaurants in and around the city that have added brand new items on their menus in celebration of warmer days ahead, available exclusively for this coming summer.

Summer menus worth checking out.

🗞️ News

Hidden Gem Ice Cream truck reopening for the summer in Cook St. Village beginning tomorrow. Vegan scoops, soft-serve, and ice cream sandwiches available Friday-Sunday, 2pm-7pm.

Crust Bakery announces cookbook: Crust will include recipes for some of the bakery’s classic favourites including breads, pastries, and tarts. Book launches Sep. 24 and is available for pre-order.

OSO Cookies & Donuts is opening in the Bay Centre on Saturday. The dessert bar will sell specialty coffee, crolls, donuts, and cookies on the fourth floor food terrace.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Vic West Fest: This family-friendly community festival at Banfield Park will include live music, artisan vendors, a kids zone, and a dog show. Saturday, noon-6pm.

Mabuhay!: This festival celebrating Phillipine culture at Centennial Square will include food, music, dances, and vendors. Saturday, 11am-6pm. Sunday, 11am-5pm.

The Village Block Party: The Cook St. Village street party will include live music, food, vendors, and a fastest dog competition. Sunday, 10am-6pm.

DEVINE Distillery brandy launch party: Clive’s Classic Lounge will host the launch party for the distillery’s new solera brandy on Tuesday. 5pm.

Wine in the Courtyard: Cork & Barrel Spirit Merchants is hosting a wine, beer, and spirit tasting in the courtyard around Athlone Court during the Oak Bay Summer Market on Wednesday, 4-8pm.

Jimbo's Drag Circus: The Victoria-based drag queen and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 will host this drag show at the Royal Theatre. Wednesday, 8pm.

💸 Deals

$12 popcorn shrimp and $5.25 Phillips sleeves at Darcy's Pub during daily happy hour, 2-5pm.
$16 crab cakes and $8 New York cheesecake at Cactus Club Cafe during daily happy hour from 2-5pm and during late night happy hour from Sun-Thu, 9pm to close and from Fri-Sat, 10pm to close.
$12 Szechuan asparagus and $10 mai tai at Boom + Batten during daily happy hour from 2-5pm and from 9pm to close.
$12.50 cauliflower bites and $6.99 shafts at Bard & Banker during happy hour.