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

80 of the best daily food specials in Victoria, Empress’ first female executive chef, Cera Korean Tapas reopens, Brasserie L’Ecole finds a buyer, and more!

Good morning foodies,

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Today we are bringing you a list of the best daily food specials in Victoria, and we’ve sat down with the Empress’ new executive chef to chat about her journey, and her plans for the food at the iconic hotel. Make sure to check the event’s section in today’s edition to see what’s coming up for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.

Now let’s get to it.

Do you enjoy daily food specials? For example: Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Sunday roasts.

Feel free to share your favourite in the comments.

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😍 5 spots to try right now

🍕 Seal Point Pizza: Delicious, freshly made Neapolitan-style pizza and calzones at 1275 Fairfield Rd.

🌮 Food On The Run: Authentic and tasty Mexican food, perfect for a grab-and-go meal. Available at local markets and pop-ups at 380 Cook.

🍣 Peter’s Sushi: Fresh and affordable sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi for dine-in or takeout in Langford.

🍽 Nowhere *A Restaurant: A modern, intimate dining experience with a creative, ever-changing menu at 1001 Douglas.

🥢 Bikimbab: A new Korean restaurant in Cook Street Village serving up bibimbap, stews, and more.

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

FEATURED

80 of the best daily food specials in Victoria

Birria tacos. Shutterstock.

From cheap or half-priced wing nights to taco Tuesdays, burger-and-beer combos, and Sunday roasts, Victoria’s restaurant and pub scene offer daily specials that can turn an ordinary day into a treat.

Here’s your go-to guide for daily food specials around town. 

FEATURED

 Meet Isabel Chung: Fairmont Empress’ first female executive chef

Chef Isabel Chung. Provided.

In honour of International Women’s Month, we spoke with Fairmont Empress’ new executive chef, Isabel Chung. With her passion for sustainability, love for the Pacific Northwest’s rich ingredients, and culinary creativity sharpened over two decades, Chung brings an exciting new energy to one of Victoria’s most renowned dining destinations.

🗞️ News

Cera Korean Tapas reopened in a new location (the former Little Jumbo spot) with a new concept focused on tapas and plates to share, mixing fun Korean drinking culture with high-quality fresh food and cocktails. 

Cafe Brio co-owners have acquired Brasserie L’Ecole restaurant. Options to make reservations by telephone and online will now be available. [Vic News]

A new ice cream shop opened in Sidney: Scoop and Waffle offers 28 flavours of ice cream, custom ice cream cakes, Belgian waffles, and more. 

Red Fish Blue Fish has reopened for the season. Open daily from 11am-7pm. 

Best Brunch in Victoria, as voted by readers

Caffe Fantastico has purchased Fol Epi Bakery, keeping its tradition of organic baking alive. The two businesses will now share a space at Dockside Green, offering more seating and local food options: coffee, artisanal baguettes, BC and European cheeses, fine deli meats, Fol Epi pastries, and more.

Maria’s Cakerie and Desserts is opening its first location at Hillside mall today. The shop will be open Thurs.-Sun. And the menu includes cupcakes, New York-style chunky cookies, brownie bites, cake cups, and more. 

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🗓️ Events

Hanami: Blossom Market: Head to the Fernwood Community Centre this Saturday to celebrate the return of the cherry blossoms with a vibrant market featuring exquisite artists and food creatives at the Fernwood Community Centre. Enjoy traditional Japanese treats, interactive photo booths, and unique artisan creations. 

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 15.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Party at the Bard and Banker: Head to the Bard and Banker this weekend for an unforgettable celebration filled with Irish culture, music, and dance. Enjoy performances by O’Brien’s Irish Dancers and live music. 

St. Patty's Paint Night at Mango Thai Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine while unleashing your inner artist at Mango Thai in Langford this Saturday. 

Check out this list of St. Patrick’s Day events happening this weekend.

 💸 Deals

• $15 butter chicken poutine and $8 featured cocktails at Varsha Indian Kitchen during daily happy hour, 3-6pm.

• $5 lager and $10 Old Fashioned at Bray's during late-night happy hour from 9pm to close.

• $9 gyoza and $9 tonkatsu at Taisho Japanese Grill and Bar during happy hour from 3-5pm and from 9pm to close.

• Half-price sandwiches with the purchase of a boozy beverage at Jones Bar-B-Que during daily happy hour, 8-9pm.

• $3 chorizo slider and $10 Cabana burger at Superflux {Cabana} during daily happy hour, 4-5pm daily.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

📸 Post of the week

Check out this video to learn how they make the delicious dosas at Dosa Paragon: perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Did you know how dosas were made?

That’s it!

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