February; winter is still here. Love and the promise of spring are in the air. So I will dedicate myself to my hot chocolate obsession, and look for other lovely things to photograph.
I begin with my enduring favourite: peppermint hot chocolate from Bean Around the World. Made with peppermint tea instead of syrup, it’s rich and satisfying, and always beautifully presented.
I want on of these right now!
Fun and eclectic, one of my favourite Chinatown hangouts.
Catalano Restaurant and Cicchetti Bar is the new restaurant at the beautiful Magnolia Hotel. Last weekend they began serving brunch. We couldn’t resist trying it right away, as brunch is the meal for us! It’s a pretty place with some cozy booths and some tables with a view towards the harbour. The coffee was delicious, service excellent and our meals were superb. There were so many mouthwatering choices, it was hard to decide.
Catalano Restaurant and Cicchetti Bar, corner of Courtney and Gordon streets.
The Magnolia Hotel, Victoria BC.
Yum! Clockwise from bottom left: The Weekend Crossword (creamed leeks and crispy prosciutto with truffled hollandaise benny), the Catalano Corn Cakes (with mascarpone cheese, caramelized apple and bacon), and the Tagine (a Moroccan vegetable stew with grilled lamb sausage and eggs).
From our table, the view past the outdoor seating towards the Empress Hotel and Inner Harbour.
Today marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, The Year of the Wooden Horse. Here are a couple pics from Canada’s oldest Chinatown, plus a nice link to explore the history of my beautiful neighbourhood!
The 500-block of Fisgard Street and The Gate of Harmonious Interest, erected in 1981, are freshly adorned with new lanterns, some green, to mark the Year of the Wooden Horse.
The second of two stone lions which stand on either side of the gate. These were donated by the city of Suzhou, Victoria’s sister city in China.
I have been going for early morning walks lately. Well, early being 8:30/9 am. When it’s warmer and lighter earlier, I hope to make it out by 7:30. There is a quality to early morning downtown; an atmosphere and attitude to the day which is so lovely. These foggy shots were taken last Sunday morning around the Inner Harbour.
The Inner Harbour, Victoria BC. The Parliament Buildings (which house the Legislative Assembly for BC) almost completely obscured by fog.
Stairs to the lower causeway with the Parliament Buildings.
The revamped Steamship Terminal, formerly the home of the Wax Museum, now hosts The Robert Bateman Centre, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.
Looking back towards the Empress Hotel and my way home.
An early bloom of pink; the Royal BC Museum in the background.
Another newish place in town is 10 Acres Bistro, formerly Bon Rouge. I met a friend there for snacks last week. This is a concept that intrigues me: a restaurant with its own farm. There are already many restaurants in town who take advantage of the abundance our island offers and support many of our local organic producers, which is wonderful. I am curious to see how this concept will grow and what the restaurant will do to promote the idea of local, seasonal eating. I can imagine so many possibilities! While there, we shared three items from the “for the table” menu. They were all delicious and beautifully presented. I am excited to try brunch there one weekend soon.
10 Acres Bistro and Pub, located at the corner of Courtney and Gordon streets, just north of the Inner Harbour, Victoria BC.
Left to right: quinoa fritters with hummus, farm vegetables (that day included beets, sun chokes, parsnips and kale, roasted beautifully), and artisan bread with olive tapenade.
The covered patio is enclosed right now for warmth. I’m sure in the summer it will be an amazing place to sit.
Our friends from Tofino are in town right now. We had all been wanting to try this little Japanese place, Uchida, in Nootka Court. It’s right beside my other new favourite, JagaSilk, which we also visited for maccha and dessert. The lunch was sublime; delicate, intricate flavours and textures. The small menu features organic produce and local meats as well as the freshest seafood. The daily specials are posted on their facebook page which will make you drool. Get there before noon to beat the rush.
Uchida at Nootka Court, Victoria BC (just inside the Courtney Street entrance).
Simple decor in a beautiful space. There are only a few tables. Best to be there before noon if possible.
Duece waits patiently for us to enjoy our lunch. We could watch her as she visited with the passers by with whom she made friends.
Our lunches: Two of us tried the Teriyaki Chicken Don (left) and the other two had the daily special, Rockfish Ankake. Both were amazing.
I’m loving the Maple Maccha Latte at JagaSilk, and yesterday we tried Daifuku: a traditional Japanese dessert of glutinous rice cake filled with sweet azuki bean paste. Delicious!
The lovely walkway through Nootka Court, connecting Courtney Street with Humboldt Street.
Morning walk with low dark clouds, and satisfying maccha tea…
A heavy sky on a dark, west coast January day.
The Blackball Ferry Line MV Coho arriving from Port Angeles with the hills of Metchosin and Sooke in the background.
So amazing maple maccha lattes at JagaSilk.
Late last summer, the Victoria Public Market at the Hudson opened in Victoria, BC Canada. Now, most of the spaces are filled and it is alive with restaurants, farmers, fish and meat vendors, bakeries, and more.
On a grey day, or any day, the Victoria Public Market is an inviting place (especially if you are hungry!).
Douglas Street between Fisgard and Herald streets.
Yesterday was a very exciting day as chef Vikram Vij, from our favourite Vancouver restaurant Vij’s, gave a cooking demonstration in the market’s community kitchen. About 80 people enjoyed his animated talk and sampled the delicious Vij Family’s Chicken Curry which was lovingly prepared over the hour-long presentation. One of the first restaurants to open at the Market was Sutra, locally owned, but a thread in the culinary tapestry of Vij’s. As well as amazing lunches, Sutra carries Vij’s frozen prepared meals, spices and Vij’s and Vij’s at Home cookbooks. Here are photos of Sutra, Mr Vij and some of the other wonderful offerings at the Public Market at the Hudson:
Best chai in Victoria, in my humble opinion…
Elegant decor and attention to detail add to the delicious food at Sutra.
Vikram Vij from Vij’s in Vancouver cooks Vij Family’s Chicken Curry in the community kitchen at the Victoria Public Market. The aroma was intoxicating.
Sutra’s owner and chef dish up the curry while Mr Vij answers questions.
Silk Road Tea‘s satellite shop is located at the Public Market.
Salt Spring Island Cheese is the first shop as you enter the Market from Douglas Street. Tempting samples of their delicious cheeses are on offer daily.
Sugarboy Bakery is a regular fixture on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Yesterday we tried the Bourbon Pecan Tarts, which were heavenly.
Cottlestone Apiary was at the Market yesterday with honey and beeswax candles.
Damn Fine Cake Company, a very pretty space. We look forward to siting down for a treat and beverage soon.
Newly opened, yummy Mexican food at La Cocina de mama Oli.
A very nice kitchen shop has just opened. Colourful and abundant Fiestaware is a prominent offering.
We haven’t tried pie from Victoria Pie Co. yet, but it sure looks great!
Salt Spring Sprouts & Mushrooms had some delectable sprouts and Shiitake mushrooms yesterday.
Long shot of the Market.
Snow said “NO!” today for flying to Castlegar, so a new plan in place and we try again tomorrow! Has given me the opportunity for one more seasonal post about our lovely Victoria. A random sampling:
All the downtown streets have jolly decorations of delight.
Dozens of decorated trees illuminate the lobby at The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Money raised by the public paying to vote for their favourites goes to BC Children’s Hospital.
A lovely little gingerbread village mixed in with the festive trees at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. A large display of gingerbread houses is also viewable at the Inn at Laurel Point.
A ferris wheel has been erected in Centennial Square again this year; festive fun for all ages!
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