March 06, 2012 | Tips from Us >
New Westminster, Dining
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As a resident of New Westminster I gleefully celebrate any new restaurants that open in my town...but even more so when they turn out to be as good as any of the top spots in Vancouver's 'more advanced' restaurant scene. Open now for a few months at the newly renovated River Market (previously it was the New Westminster Quay) Wild Rice is owned by the same fellow that opened the original (and still there) Wild Rice on the outskirts of Gastown. The new location is worth the trip from adjacent areas and not just for the food. The Fraser River is steps from the restaurant & the huge glass garage-door style windows ensure a wicked and fascinating view of this working river. The food is unforgettable. I am still drooling at the memory of the wonton soup and the kung po. Loved how the dishes were served family style and seemed to keep arriving! An added treat for me was that they served Killer Cab from nearby Pacific Breeze winery - Canada's only 'garage winery'. The stuff is great!
Sorry don't have a photo but it is a casual open kitchen concept place and I would think their website would have pics. Thanks for coming to New West Wild Rice!
March 05, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Art Galleries & Artists
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Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Victoria is a true ‘hidden gem’. Oak Bay Village is one of the oldest and most interesting parts of Victoria with a true Village atmosphere in which customer service is still part of the culture. The Village is also home to one of the largest collections of Art & Crafts Galleries on Vancouver Island.
A leisurely stroll through the Village finds 7 superb Art Galleries and Craft Studios representing some of the finest Canadian art & crafts available.
Ted Harrison Studio: Studio of the acclaimedYukonartist Ted Harrison. Limited edition serigraphs, books & cards available.
Red Art Gallery: A small & vibrant gallery featuring award winning Canadian artists whose work is strong, colorful and unique.
Eclectic Gallery: With strong regional representation, Eclectic exhibits original fine art, local crafts and artisan jewellery.
The Avenue Gallery: An exceptional venue to discover some ofCanada’s most distinguished, contemporary and historical artists.
The Gallery in OakBay Village: Original Art & Picture Framing in the heart of Oak Bay Village.
Side Street Studio: Unique Canadian Gifts for everyone. Supporting over 320 localB.C. artists since 1984.
Winchester Galleries: Exclusive fine art dealers handling Canadian historical and contemporary art.
Why not spend a day in the Village? In addition to theArt Galleries you can enjoy lunch or dinner at the Oak Bay Bistro – a superb bistro with fine food by the nationally acclaimed Chef John Waller. Enjoy a drink or food at the Penny Farthing Pub. Ottavio’s Deli is excellent for a light breakfast, lunch or coffee any time of the day. Feys +Hobbsgourmet take out and award winning catering company is also a must visit.
For book-hounds there are two long established book stores; Ivy’s Book Store for contemporary books and the famous Grafton Books for antiquarian books.
Visitors can stay at one ofVictoria’s crowning jewels and most beloved landmarks – the Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Spa. Alternatively the Oak Bay Guest House is a gracious old 1912 Victorian Home and well worth the experience.
Along with the best collection of Art & Craft Galleries on Vancouver Island, an excellent choice of dining and accommodation plus a huge range of small, independent & unique shops; there is every reason to make the short journey to the most interesting part of Victoria.