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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a roundup of some low cost community holiday events happening around the city this month as well as a selection of Victoria’s best cookies.

As the holiday season is often associated with gathering with friends and loved ones, we have been wondering what your dish of choice is when you go out to eat. Tell us below!

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍹 Citrus & Cane: Try out exciting tropical cocktails at 1900 Douglas.  

🥕 MeeT on Blanshard: Check out vegan eats from brunch until late night at 797 Hillside.  

🍶 E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar: Share Japanese dishes and taste sake flights at 737 Pandora.     

🍺 Bard & Banker: Enjoy pub fare in a cozy atmosphere at 1022 Government.  

🍗 Thunderbird: Grab some delicious Korean fried chicken at 253 Cook.  

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

FEATURED

11 community events happening in Victoria this holiday season

While the holiday season can be an exciting time of year, it can also be financially stressful and for those who do not have loved ones nearby it can also be lonely. Luckily, there are a series of community events leading up to Christmas that can offer a sense of connection and celebration.

From pancake breakfasts and holiday lunches to a Christmas Day dinner, we have compiled a list of free and low cost community celebrations happening this month.

SPONSORED BY TOURISM VICTORIA

The Dine Around Gala returns

Mark your calendars! The Dine Around and Stay in Town Gala returns January 25, 2024, to kick off this Victoria celebration’s tasty 20th anniversary. Over 40 local restaurants, wineries, and breweries will prepare their favourite bite-sized samples of what’s to come in the 17-day Dine Around program, running from January 26 to February 11, 2024.

The evening promises to dazzle guests with lively entertainment, delightful drinks, beloved bites, and socializing with chefs, bartenders, and fellow foodies alike. Taking place in Carson Hall at the Victoria Conference Centre, the Gala will run from 5:00 – 8:00pm on January 25, 2024.

Tickets are on sale now, with special Early Bird pricing for the first 100 buyers. It’s the perfect holiday gift for the foodie in your life!

FEATURED

Where to find the best cookies in Victoria

Whether you are looking for a sweet treat in the middle of the work day, or want to bring out a special spread for Santa this holiday season, there is no shortage of bakeries that make amazing cookies in Victoria. 

Explore the wide range of possibilities for this humble and delicious treat, from classic options like biscotti and chocolate chip to more sophisticated flavours like almond fudge and chocolate chili ginger. 

Here are some of the best cookies you can find in Victoria.

🗞️ News

The Dining Room at The Butchart Gardens makes top 100 in Canada list in new OpenTable ranking, based on reviews from 1.1M nationwide diners. 

Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase kicks off at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Check out gingerbread sculptures themed around family traditions and vote for your favourite.   

The Courtney Room launches a stand-alone cocktail menu titled An Exploration of the Pacific Northwest Vol. 1. The menu features illustrations from local artist Cate Webb.

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🗓️ Events

Craft BC Whisky Weekend: Explore eight interactive tasting events featuring over 40 distillery vendors this weekend at Kwench Event Space. 

Dickens Fair: The annual craft fair returns for its 42nd year this Saturday at James Bay Community Centre, featuring over 50 vendors. 

Brett Kissel: The Canadian country singer will perform at McPherson Playhouse on Tuesday, 8pm. 

Fire and Ice: This two-stage dance show will feature a stacked lineup of DJs at Hermann’s Upstairs on Friday at 9pm.

Winter Bazaar: Check out 90+ artisans and makers at this market happening at Gorge Park Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

 💸 Deals

• $7 garlic flatbread and $6 highballs at Finn's during daily happy hour, 3:30-5pm. 

• $4.50 tacos and $3 off shaken margaritas at Cafe Mexico during daily happy hour, 3-6pm.  

• $6 papas bravas and $6 sangria at Tapa Bar during daily happy hour, 3-5pm. 

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Cooks at The Butchart Gardens

• Manager of Donor Relations at Victoria Conservatory of Music

• Part Time Cook at Rose Bank Gardens

• Accounting Technician at Westin Bear Mountain Resort & Spa

• Dental Assistant at Oaklands Dental

📸 Post of the week

Afternoon tea at the Empress has a holiday spin for a limited time. The festive afternoon tea menu is available until Jan. 9, 2024, and reservations are recommended.

That’s it!

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