Victoria News Update

In the Photo: The Viva! was invented by Victorian Shawn Soole, and it's not what you think.


VICTORIA NEWS UPDATE

Posted by Shelora Sheldan


Judging from the recent bout of industry changes and closures, it’s been a slow tourist season.  Almost overnight, Cafe Vieux Montreal on Government made their last smoked meat sandwich, while Verjus, who had made a valiant effort in a dismal Oak Bay location followed suit.
 
Sanuk and brewpub Hugo's flanking the Magnolia Hotel & Spa will close at the end of September, to partially make way for the hotel’s spa.

Although, it’s business as usual at Paprika Bistro, owners George and Linda Szasz have put their popular restaurant on the market, citing a desire to spend more time with family and concentrate on their small plates restaurant Stage.

And winemaker and distiller Ken Winchester, responsible for the increasingly popular Victoria Gin, is no longer part of the business. Winchester Cellars and Victoria Gin is now in the hands of (former) business partners Bryan and Valerie Murray.  Peter Hunt who worked still-side with Winchester is distiller. Plans for the much-anticipated single malt whiskey have been put on hold, and a new winemaker is yet to be announced.

While some fall by the wayside, others are ready to pick up the torch. 

Pizzeria Prima Strada, a Napoli-style wood-fired pizzeria, is off to a promising start.  Packed from the moment they opened their doors, the focal point of the cozy space in the Cook Street Village is the 850-degree oven where pizzaioli buzz around making pies, topping them with San Marzano tomatoes, Fairburn Farm buffalo mozzarella, and locally made sausages. The simple menu of six pizzas and four antipasti priced between $7 and $13, and a cheap and cheerful wine list of Southern Italian wines, makes value-driven Victorians very happy. (105-230 Cook St., 250-590-8595.)

After a much-needed restaurant facelift, the Inn at Laurel Point revealed Aura. The glow is contemporary with floor-to-ceiling windows and patio that skirts the park-like setting with harbour views. Chef Brad Horen heads up the land and sea-based menu with Japanese flourishes. The togarashi spiced beef salad is one such flourish. (680 Montreal St., 250-386-8721.)

Long time barista Ken Gordon has taken his fan base and Hines beans with him to his first caffeine-fueled venture, Level Street Espresso. (714 Fort St., 250-361-9927)

Elizabeth Levinson and Carolyn Macey-Brown of Café Mela and Mela’s Tearoom brought more vibrancy to the Humboldt Valley "neighbourhood t" as high tea hostesses for Home Heist designer guys Colin and Justin and a few lucky contest winners.  Both men were suitably flamboyant and highly entertaining with Justin sporting an oversized corsage of hot pink orchards, heather, cedar, sword fern and salal.  (796 Humboldt St., 250-382-7750)

With those seeking more spiritual pursuits, Solomon Siegel opened Solomon’s on Herald Street for serious time-honoured, shaken-and-stirred cocktails, and small plates menu. (542 Herald St., 250-590-7656)

Award-winning mixologist and Victoria Moxie’s bar manager Shawn Soole has invented a new muddler. The Viva! Stick is sleek, functional and efficient – and food safe – with a two-inch wide waffle base that Soole says “can rip through any mojito, caipirinha or caipirioska in three muddles.” Only $10. Find it at www.theliquidrevolution.com.

Spinnakers Spirit Merchants opened a James Bay location with an adjoining food and wine tasting bar called Sips. (425 Simcoe St., 250-590-3515)

Bard & Banker is the latest from publican Matt MacNeil. The two-storey interior of the 1886 heritage building boasts a vaulted ceiling with ornate pillars accented with Victorian-era chandeliers and seating for over 320. Patrons can deposit themselves along the 16-metre long granite bar or in one of the cozy snug rooms for a pint from the 26 on tap. UK transplant chef Paul Roberts, ex of Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, Marco Pierre White’s Criterion and a stage at Gordon Ramsey’s Hospital Road, heads up the menu of elevated pub fare. Bangers and mash with parsley sauce and Tikka curry with homemade naan kicks nachos in the ass. (1022 Government St., 250-953-9993)

MEANWHILE, MID-ISLAND:

Urban Beet boldly opened in Nanaimo’s big box neighbourhood offering fine food, with a stake in local and organic. Think risotto of the day, bacon-wrapped meatloaf and stilton cheesecake for dessert.  (6595 Applecross Rd., 250-390-9722)

Ladysmith-based chef Sara Redpath launched Sarandipity, her line of organic homemade chocolates – including a killer version of S’mores with homemade marshmallows.