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

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

Plus, new pop-up in town, Fernwood strawberry-themed market, and Oak Bay Tea Party

Sarah Madsen
May 30, 2024

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about a new pop-up from Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions as well as a strawberry-themed event happening in Fernwood this weekend.

The beginning of June typically marks the start of berry season and what better way to celebrate than to enjoy a range of strawberry-inspired dishes while supporting local artisans.

What is your favourite type of berry?

😍 5 spots to try right now

🥖 The Italian Bakery: Northern Italian cakes, breads, and pastries at 3197 Quadra.

🍣 Bon Sushi: Delicious sushi, sashimi, and noodles at 1467 Hampshire.

🌮 Maize Fusion Cuisine: Canadian-Mexican dishes in Cook Street Village Food Court.

🍺 Superflux {Cabana}: Craft beer hangout with an awesome patio and full kitchen at 804 Broughton.

🍔 Heron Rock Bistro: Casual James Bay eatery serving classic Canadian dishes at 435 Simcoe.

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

FEATURED

A beloved Victoria restaurant is opening a pop-up this summer

Starting this Monday, June 3, Victoria’s Ugly Duckling Dining & Provisions is launching a brand new pop-up shop and pilot project: Cold Tea Social Club.

Hosted by one of the city’s most unique fine dining restaurants known for their emphasis on creative expression, Cold Tea Social Club will be a space for more street-food like, handheld versions of Ugly Duckling meals—picture bao buns stuffed with seared foie gras and Asian pear, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, cold-tea fried rice and wide noodles with black garlic and shiitake bolognese.

The pop-up will be open every Monday and Tuesday all summer, from 5pm to 10pm.

FEATURED

Victoria event celebrates all things strawberries

Photo: Shutterstock

A strawberry-themed event is taking over Fernwood this Sunday, June 2. The Ichigo Strawberry Moon Market will take place at Fernwood Community Centre and will host over 10 food and drink vendors and more than 40 artists and craft makers.

The family-friendly event organized by Fernwood Makers Party and Local Made By Hand is inspired by memories of growing up in Japan. Food and drink available at the event hope to reminisce on nostalgic flavours and treats from Japanese cuisine. Many of the food vendors and artists will also take inspiration from strawberries.

🗞️ News

Emmaline’s will open in June: The new Quadra Village bistro from the owner of Vancouver’s Dock Lunch will serve tomato pies, pasta, and layer cakes, taking inspiration from New York, New Orleans, and São Paulo.

Rifflandia Sunday line up announced: The third day of the music festival will be headlined by Feist and The Beaches. TLC, Rezz, and Ja Rule will perform at the festival’s Friday and Saturday concerts.

Smiths Pub sign finds home at Boomtown: The iconic sign from the now-closed pub can be found in the burrito restaurant’s beer garden.

Pret A Manger coming to A&W stores: Products from the UK-based to-go sandwich shop will be available beginning in the fall, starting with its coffee. [CTV]

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🗓️ Events

Peaches' Palace: Peaches N Scream will host a night of drag, burlesque, and music at Friends of Dorothy. Today. 8:30pm.

Oak Bay Tea Party: The annual community event at Willows Park will feature amusement rides, a parade, and a floating teacup race. Tomorrow to Sunday.

Pride Pop: Celebrate the beginning of Pride month with this dance party at Capital Ballroom, featuring performances from Vivian Vanderpuss, Eddi Licious, Sylvester Stelletto, and Ket Bush. This Saturday. Doors 9:30pm, show 11pm.

Lobsterfest: The annual lobster dinner at Mary Winspear Centre featuring live music and a silent auction is back this Saturday. 6pm.

The Sounds of Spring: Victoria’s Children Choir will perform a spring concert at Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Saturday and Sunday, 3pm.

Luca Fogale: The Juno-nominated Canadian musician will be joined by Haley Blais at McPherson Playhouse. Saturday, 8pm.

💸 Deals

$10 smoked tuna tostada and $10 Aperol spritz at Aegir Room during happy hour, 3-6pm.
$10 dumplings and beer at Dumpling Drop during happy hour from Mon-Fri, 2-5pm.
$19 bacon cheeseburger + fries and $10 cocktails at Moxies during daily happy hour from 2-5pm and late night happy hour from 9pm to close.
$15 diavola pizza and $6 5oz. prosecco at Prima Strada during happy hour from Wed-Fri, 3-5pm.