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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a story about the recent closure of Australian influenced brunch spot Bear & Joey as well as a look at the new bistro-style cafe that will be making its debut at the Saanich Fair this year.

We have also compiled some events to celebrate Mother’s Day which is taking place this Sunday!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🫔 Tamales Don Carlos: Market stand making delicious tamales. Available at Moss Street Market on Saturdays and Esquimalt Market on Thursdays.  

🍞 Bond Bond's Bakery: Breads, pastries, and cookies at 1010 Blanshard.  

🍔 Bangers: Mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches at 529 Pandora.    

🥃 DEVINE Distillery: Award-winning craft spirits at 6181B Old West Saanich Rd. 

🥧 Saltchuck Pie Company: Savoury pies made in the Australian / New Zealand style at 360 Bay.

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

FEATURED

Bear & Joey closes its doors

Bear & Joey, the popular brunch and lunch restaurant with Australian influences, served its last meal this past Sunday. 

The restaurant’s final day of operations coincided with the four year anniversary of its opening.

Bear & Joey aimed to be a community gathering space and was successful in that goal, appearing to be a bustling hangout spot. The restaurant served delicious seasonal food in a beautifully designed interior, with its amazing breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and gorgeous fluffy drinks among the dishes that will be the most missed. 

Bear & Joey shared in its farewell social media post on May 1 that external factors hurt the business. 

Read more about the brunch spot's closure.

FEATURED

Beer and cider coming to the Saanich Fair this year

It’s hard to pin down what events we’re most excited about this coming summer, but one of the highlights will definitely be the Saanich Fair.

The Saanich Fair is one of the largest and oldest agricultural events on Vancouver Island, and for the first time in its 156 year history, the fair will be offering a small selection of beer and cider.

Taking place at the end of August, the fair is boasting a new licensed bistro-style cafe this year. The cafe will be serving light meals along with select beverages, such as beer and cider.

What to expect from the fair and its new cafe.

🗞️ News

Hey Happy opens kiosk in Uptown: The popular coffee shop’s new location has launched nine signature drinks to celebrate its opening. 

Rifflandia Saturday lineup announced: TLC, Oliver Tree, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor will headline the second day of the festival. Friday's lineup was announced last month.

Celebrate Mother’s Day: Check out Tasting Victoria’s roundup of where to find afternoon tea across the city. 

Burger Crush opens in Colwood: The burger and shake spot’s new location is at 116-1901 Sooke Rd.  

Tacofino launches daily specials and happy hour: Check out the discounted food and drink menu available across all locations. 

Empire Donuts opening Duncan location: The new spot will be a kiosk in The Old Farm Market. Opens tomorrow. 

Odd Burger to open this month: The popular vegan fast food chain aims to open its location at 790 Fisgard on May 18. The new joint will have a 24-hour window serving burgers, shakes, and fries.  

Local Grocer Day: Support local businesses and opt to shop from alternative grocers this Sunday. Find your local shop. 

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Slick Rick: The American rapper will perform at Capital Ballroom today. Doors 8pm, show 9pm.

Sandhill Wine Maker's Dinner: Enjoy a four-course dinner paired with Sandhill wines at Vis-à-Vis today, 6pm. 

Mother's Day Musical Garden Tour: The Victoria Conservatory of Music is hosting its annual self-guided tour of 10 private gardens this Saturday and Sunday. 10am-4pm.  

Mother's Day Flowers Event: Celebrate mums and plant sunflowers at Victoria Butterfly Gardens this Sunday, 10am-2pm. 

Mother's Day Brunch: Chow down on a buffet and seafood bar during this celebratory meal at Fathom this Sunday.   

TEDxVictoria: Listen to speakers during this full-day event at McPherson Theatre on Wednesday.

 💸 Deals

• $10 dirty little martini and $20 oysters at Stage Wine Bar during daily happy hour, 4-6pm. 

• $33 roast dinner at Penny Farthing on Sundays.  

• $10 half pound baked wings and $10 pita pizzas at Lido Waterfront Bar and Bistro during happy hour on weekdays from 3-5pm.

• $6 house beers and $8 truffle fries at Spinnakers during happy hour from Mon-Fri, 3-5pm.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Seasonal Purchasing / Receiving Clerk at The Butchart Gardens

• Impact Investment Associate at Scale Collaborative

• Horse-Drawn Carriage Driver & Sales People at Tally-Ho Carriage Tours

• Certified Dental Assistant at Peninsula Dental

• First Cook at The Dining Room Restaurant at The Butchart Gardens

📸 Post of the week

Ruth and Dean whips up a Brooklyn blackout cake as a trial run for Emmaline’s—the restaurant from the owner of Vancouver’s Dock Lunch set to open this summer. Soon to be available by the slice and whole in Quadra Village.

That’s it!

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