Between iconic Victoria merchants like Rogers Chocolates, 913 Government Street, the Dutch Bakery, 718 Fort Street, and hip new restaurants and shops such as Plenty Epicurean Pantry, 1034 Fort Street, you are sure to please your palate as you eat and drink your way around town!
Silk Road
Start with a structured tea tasting at Silk Road, 1624 Government Street, near the gates to Chinatown. This captivating shop and tasting bar is home to over 100 special teas blended locally by Silk Road. Silk Road is intriguing with its own line of personal care products as well as everything tea including special cups, pots and accessories. Chat with the helpful staff to find the perfect white, green, black or herbal tea or reserve for the 4pm tasting. Check out the Silk Road website for upcoming seminars and recipes, too.
Camille’s and the Island Chef’s Collaborative Market
The Island Chef’s Collaborative (ICC) Market in Bastion Square on Langley Street opens seasonally Thursdays and Fridays at 10am to an inevitable line up of aspiring locavores. Word is out about the fabulous products which the ICC purchases from local farmers. See a chef pull away on his motor bike with produce overflowing and it’s just like Tuscany! Reselling freshly picked produce, jams, and fresh flowers out-rightly purchased from the farmers, the market is run with volunteers who are chef members of the ICC. Spearheaded by ICC Past President David Mincey of Camille's, you’ll find him June through October along with partner Paige Robinson, Paige’s mom, and a full cavalry of volunteers helping to raise funds which are granted back to farmers and suppliers to further develop their businesses.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Down on the docks at the foot of Broughton Street, Red Fish Blue Fish operates out of a renovated freight container. Their Albacore Tuna Tacones (taco-cones) are made with grilled tortillas, hand rolled around fresh tuna, pea shoots, lemon pickled onions and spicy spot prawn mayo…divine! Or go for the ultimate Victorian seaside cuisine and order fish and chips prepared with wild Pacific halibut, salmon or cod tempura battered and served with hand cut Kennebec fries that are impossible to resist. Pacific Rim Chowder is also a favorite along with sandwiches like the BBQ Qualicum Bay Scallop Burger. Eating at Red Fish Blue Fish is not only rewarding to one’s tastebuds, but the carbon footprint as well. They use the Earth-friendly Reuse and Recylce system producing only a small amount of waste – and they even grow their very own organic herbs on the roof of the container!
Pig and Choux Choux Charcuterie
Tucked in near the View Street Parkade, Pig, 749E View Street, is a tiny spot often lined up out the door for its pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket or chicken. They slow roast their meats at Choux Choux Charcuterie, 830 Fort Street, a European style delicatessen where Luke Young and Page Symonds sell the most amazing selection of meats and cheeses. Pre order their special pique-nique gourmet picnic basket filled with house made pâtés, cheese, ham, salami, cured meats, olives, Cliff Lier’s House Bread, and sweets to enjoy along the Inner Harbour or in Beacon Hill Park. Pick up a bottle of wine at the Artisan Wine Shop, 1007 Government Street, and make the most of an afternoon downtown. Be led through a tasting of a variety of the Mission Hill family of wines from the Okanagan Valley and learn about British Columbia wine.
Victoria is a delight for your tastebuds. Indulge downtown!
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