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

Good morning foodies!

This week we are bringing you a roundup of our favourite dishes in Victoria so far this summer, although recent gloomy weather may suggest otherwise, there is still time left this summer for a tasting outing of your own. 

And we’ve got all the info on Deer & Dough Bakery reopening its doors downtown last week after a year of its closing in Fairfield. 

😍 5 spots to try right now

🍺 Boomtown: Patio, burritos, appies and drinks at 950 Yates.

🦪 Finn’s Seafood Restaurant: Beautiful harbour views and fresh seafood at 1208 Wharf St.    

🎵 Aegir Room: Tapas, dinner and live music Thursdays to Sundays at 6pm at 500 Oswego.  

🍣 Oota-Ya Sushi: Grab and go oshi sushi and rolls located in the Victoria Public Market at 1701 Douglas.

⛳️ Jack’s Place Bear Mountain: Pub-style restaurant + sushi with views of the Bear Mountain golf course.

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

FEATURED

Our favourite dishes in Victoria so far this summer

Summertime can be the chance to get outside and socialize, and here at Tasting Victoria, it has also been the time to try some new dishes from across the city. From these tasting endeavours, we have fallen in love with some absolute favourites that we cannot wait to share. 

From hearty dinner plates and late night cocktails to midday sandwiches and baked goods, these are the foods and drinks that we think you should try before summer is out!

SPONSORED BY BREWERY & THE BEAST

Brewery & the Beast is coming up on September 22

Victoria’s ultimate culinary celebration, Brewery & the Beast, is set to ignite Starlight Stadium in Langford on September 22. The Festival of Meat promises an unforgettable afternoon of indulgence with over 45 of Vancouver Island’s top chefs and restaurants, including The Courtney Room, Southfire, Two Rivers Meats, Wind Cries Mary, Fairmont Empress, and Lil' Ronnie's Beachside BBQ just to name a few. Unlimited meat-centric dishes and a refreshing line-up of craft beers, hard seltzers, cocktails, premium wines and non-alcoholic beverages are all included in your ticket.

The event also features live music, making it one of the best parties on the island! With a commitment to sustainability, all proteins are responsibly sourced from Western Canadian farms and ranches. Treat yourself to the best food and drink Vancouver Island has to offer - grab your all-inclusive tickets now!

FEATURED

Deer & Dough Bakery opens its doors in downtown Victoria

Melinda Friedman, originally a documentary filmmaker, shared her love for baking during the pandemic while living in James Bay, opening a home-based baking business. What started as a home-based project quickly turned into a thriving business as word spread throughout the community. By January 2022, her passion had blossomed into Deer and Dough Bakery in Fairfield, where she and her team provided a warm, inviting space for locals to enjoy her baked goods.

However, unexpected challenges arose in August of last year, forcing the bakery to leave its original location. Determined to continue serving her loyal customers, Friedman found a new home for Deer and Dough at 770 Fisgard St. Just last week, the newly branded Deer & Dough Bakery Cafe opened its doors, offering an expanded menu that includes both sweet and savoury options. The new location also features indoor seating and a cozy patio, making it a great new spot in downtown Victoria.

Read all about the new location here.

🗞️ News

Quonley’s Gifts and Grocery at the corner of Government and Fisgard closed on Monday. [CHEK]

The Courtney Room has partnered with four Vancouver Island breweries to launch a series of fall-inspired beers, each featuring locally foraged ingredients. 

“Snack Crawl” by the Downtown Victoria Business Association just started this Monday and it’s on until Sep. 30. Explore downtown Victoria and collect stamps from participating shops.

Have a restaurant, business, or event to promote?

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

🗓️ Events

Esquimalt Ribfest: This tasty food festival will feature local beverages, live music, and, of course, some tasty, smoky ribs. From tomorrow until Sunday from 11am-10pm at Bullen Park.

Colombian Rumba Night Party. Start the night with a Colombian dance class before showing off your moves to Latin hits at Victoria Event Centre tomorrow at 8:30pm.

Sidney Street Market: The last market of the season will be held tonight from 5:30-8:30pm.

Oak Bay Night Market: The last Oak Bay Night Market of the season will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 4-8pm.

Friday Night Wine Flights: The Westin Bear Mountain showcases a themed selection of wines chosen by sommelier Bipin Bhatt, with canapé pairings from chef Nathan Taylor. The next one is tomorrow, Sparkling Wines.

 💸 Deals

• $9 and $11 various pastas at Lot 1 Pasta Bar 8:30pm til close. Dine in only. 

• $10 mozza shrimp sticks and $10 sencha gin and tonic at E:Né Raw Food and Sake Bar during daily happy hour 3-5pm and 9:30-11:30pm.

• $8 Glo flatbread and $9 sticky toffee pudding at Glo Restaurant + Lounge during daily happy hour.

• $20 cheeseburger and add beer for $5 at Stage Wine Bar during happy hour daily from 4-6pm.

• $14 natural wine + dumplings on Wednesdays at Dumpling Drop from 2-5 pm. Wine selection may vary depending on availability.

🧑‍💻 Jobs

• Front of House Staff at Tacofino Langford

• Server/Bartender at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel

• Full-time positions at the Empress Hotel Boutiques

• First Cook for a new restaurant by The Ruby + Discovery Coffee

• Server at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club

📸 Post of the week

Try out the unique flavours of Kinu located at 3600 Uptown. This Indo-Chinese-inspired take on orange chicken is a must-try. 

That’s it!

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