March 28, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Dining
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I just had a fabulous dining experience at Café Brio in Victoria. For some time I have wanted to try their "3 Course, Chef’s Dinner" menu – a steal at $28. The pork pate paired with local Church & State winery’s pinot noir was a great way to start. The tender flat iron steak followed by “crispy quince ravioli” for dessert…wow. I’d highly recommend this place not only for its superb fare but for its quaint, European ambience.
The restaurant is located on Fort Street which also happens to be called Antique Row - a great place to look for treasures.
March 11, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Dining
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Being the youngest of eleven children, food (and mealtime in particular), has always been competitive and somewhat of a contact sport for me. I research, I sniff out, I long for a gastronomic experience not exactly like ones I‘ve had in the past. Last Friday I found a gem of a place called LURE, located just across the Johnson Street bridge from downtown Victoria in the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. Both their lounge and dining room have, in my opinion, one of the best views in the city. Our table looked straight across the harbour to the Fairmont Empress and Parliament Buildings.
The crab-stuffed salmon roulade followed by a tender lamb shoulder prepared me well for one of the naughtiest chocolate desserts I’ve had in a long time. Had I not had that last glass of wine, I could probably tell you the name of it. Just ask the server for the dessert with the word “sin” in it. He/she’ll know what you mean.
Whether you are just stopping in for a drink or decide to sample the quality fare, LURE is definitely worth a visit. Tip: if you go at night, you’ll see the Parliament Buildings lit up!
March 05, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Hiking
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This oasis is one of 60 or so parks in the Greater Victoria area and if you are into waterfalls and bird watching, it is a great discovery. I like to visit soon after a rainfall as Sitting Lady Falls is at its best, cascading over the dark rock face into the lagoon below. Moss and ferns cover much of the cliff so you get dramatic contrasts between greens, whitewater and black rock.
The Lagoon trail meanders through the forest and along the waterfront with various viewpoints and benches ideal for watching the variety of birds that seemingly make this their all-inclusive holiday.
If you opt to take the Beach trail and time your visit at low tide, you’ll be rewarded with sand that stretches almost ½ km (1/3 mi) wide along with amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and Juan de Fuca Strait. As well, seals love to play in the waters just off the beach and I’ve seen as many as 30 or so flip-flopping around.
March 04, 2008 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Dining
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A group of us went for dinner on Friday night and treated ourselves to one of the best views in the city – Vista 18 Restaurant; the rooftop restaurant of the Chateau Victoria Hotel.
Arriving just before dusk, we sipped drinks and watched the sun slip behind the Sooke Hills as the 3,330 lights of the parliament buildings clicked on for the evening. This takes downtown dining in Victoria to a whole new level ;)