SPINNAKER'S BREW PUB

We had a friend visit recently and thought he'd enjoy some classic pub fare so we headed down to Spinnakers.  This pub is a beloved watering hole for many locals.  While our server was delightful and the beer delicious the food fell short of our expectations.  Spinnakers does have more wallet friendly prices than many of the gastro pubs in town. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very appealing with romantic harbor views and the lights of the city winking from the large windows.   To their credit, Spinnakers makes an effort to source local cheeses, seafood, meat and vegetables.  The problem is the execution of the dishes.  Steve and I had visited a previous time and shared the pulled pork nachos.  Ostensibly from the menu description this sounded delicious.  Unfortunately, there was little cheese on the nachos and what cheese was there had completely dried and welded on to the chips.  The pulled pork was tasty and a fun addition but I am fussy about the cheese to chip ratio on nachos.  There has to be a good amount of gooey cheese not just rock hard burned bits.  The accompanying salsa was bland and uninspiring.  I must profess I prefer the tomato version of salsa to the green version when it comes to nachos.  It just goes better.  On that occasion we sat in the pub part upstairs which isn't quite as appealing for atmosphere.  The service on this visit was pleasant and professional and I did enjoy my glass of homemade chocolatey ale.

Now, back to our most recent visit to the Brewpub.  Our friend opted to have the moules frites while Steve and I decided to try one of the three course tasting menus priced at a very reasonable 25$.  We had a choice of three separate appetizers, entrees and desserts.  Steve asked for the seafood chowder to start.  I asked for the beetroot and potato pakoras.  Steve's chowder was flavorful and chock full of seafood and accompanied by homemade bread.  My pakoras were tasty if not exceptional.  I would have preferred a little more spice but addition of the beetroot added an appealing earthiness.   Entrees were disappointing.  David's moules frites had good mussels but too few of them for an entree portion.  Our pasta sauce was bland and the pasta underdone and under sauced.   The sauce itself was overly thick and claggy. We should have taken note that the server suggested adding lots of pepper (i.e. warning the dish would be bland).  I didn't taste the leeks that were supposed to be in the sauce at all and we found the sausage in the dish very uninspiring. It was cut in tiny strips and more like bacon than sausage meat.   We all opted for hazelnut torte for dessert.  I was excited about this as hazelnut cake is one of my favorite desserts.  However the purported "torte" turned out to be a "tart" and not a cake at all.  Why is it so unfashionable to serve an old fashioned piece of moist cake these days????  Someone enlighten me as to why this is? Perhaps this is why cupcakes are popular ad nauseum right now.  People are craving old timey desserts like grandma used to make.  The tart/torte(?) was flavorless and lackluster and I left half of it uneaten on my plate.  My fellow diners shared my lack of enthusiasm.

Spinnakers certainly has views and beer to recommend it but the food really needs to step up.  Steve says that they used to be much better.  I had heard stories about their incredible mile high apple pie for example and they used to have ample sandwiches. The chowder is still very tasty. Admittedly I am a little dubious about this whole "gastropub" trend overall.  Why can't pub food be simple, substantial and delicious to soak up all those artfully prepared microbrews.  Why must a greed satisfying old timey slice of hazelnut torte be perverted in to some bland, dry small tart that doesn't even resemble a torte?  Because of the location, Spinnakers could be fabulous. Stop resting on your laurels Spinnakers!

I'd love incidentally to hear from you readers where your favorite pub is and why.  Steve and I are still hunting for a local watering hole that has really good food.  Don't get me wrong.  I LOVE fancy food!!!! Just not in a pub.  In a pub I want something sustaining and old timey like mom used to make.  Is that a thing of the past?  I certainly hope not! Sigh..


<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1349019/restaurant/Spinnakers-Victoria"><img alt="Spinnakers on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1349019/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

RENAISSANCE BAKERY

http://renaissancebakery.ca/

Renaissance Bakery

This bakery used to be called The Rhineland but has changed its name to Renaissance, perhaps to attract a broader clientele.  VERY happily for fans of the old Rhineland (such as me!) they still have many of their original breads, cakes and pastries in the offing along with some new and tempting treats.  Now Germany might not be appreciated for culinary contributions beyond the ubiquitous sausage but they happen to have some serious baking chops!  I initially discovered this bakery when a friend insisted I try their famous sausage roll.  Now, the thing is I normally don’t like sausage rolls AT ALL.  I don’t like the hard, overly thick pastry and the usually very greasy bland sausage within. However, Renaissance Bakery’s sausage roll is a revelation!  Flaky, light filo like layers of pastry around piping hot, sublimely flavored, peppery sausage meat.  The texture combination is absolutely incredible!  I was so addicted to these sausage rolls I used to grab one every day before catching the bus on Fort Street to work.  I still treat myself to a sausage roll after a long browse in the neighboring Russell books.  Even if you are a former sausage roll hater you MUST try Renaissance’s version!  You’ll become a convert and possibly even an addict.  They also make a turkey sausage version as well.  

There are other honorable mentions with this bakery one being that in a time of the yuppification of bakeries this eatery is charmingly old school and this reflects in the pricing. Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of the product.  I have always loved German crusty buns for sandwiches and this bakery does a great job of this staple.  The buns have a satisfyingly chewy crust outside and are tender and moist within.  The German rye is authentic in texture and flavor.  The poppy seed squares are delicious. We have bought cookies and squares here as hostess gifts or when we are having friends over and they always get devoured.  Renaissance bakery also has an impressive array of gluten free breads and goodies for those with Celiac disease.

Check out this bakery for a savory or a sweet treat.  Your taste buds AND your pocket book will thank you!  Don’t be fooled by the lack of fancy frills in the space, they make up for it in the end product!  Service is polite and welcoming. 

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1505183/restaurant/Downtown/Renaissance-Bakery-Victoria"><img alt="Renaissance Bakery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1505183/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

FIFTH STREET BAR AND WOODFIRE GRILL

http://www.fifthstreet.ca/

Fifth Street Bar and Wood fire Grill has long been a favorite of mine.  They have delicious food and drink at VERY reasonable prices and this is probably why this venerable institution is so popular.   The restaurant is huge and airy with warm hardwood floors.  It can be noisy at times but not unduly so, I’d call it appealingly lively! 

Fifth Street has an array of dishes listed on the menu by price.  There are a sizeable number of appetizers available for 5 bucks.  The flat bread is a particularly good bargain.  It’s a large pizza like round of crisp on the outside tender on the inside flatbread slathered in a tapenade with shavings of parmesan.  Steve, who is normally not a fan of olives approves of this snack.  Other stand outs on the 5 dollar menu are the French fries with chipotle aioli, lemon and parmesan, the crispy miso oysters and a huge Caesar salad which is lemony and garlicky and an amazing bargain for the portion size.

Fifth Street has delectable thin crust pizzas (only 10 dollars for a pizza large enough to share).  The flavor is enhanced by the smokiness of the wood fire grill.  Also standout for 10 dollars is a huge plate of tender juicy rotisserie chicken accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy and tender crisp vegetables.  This is far better than anything you’ll get at Swiss Chalet but at about the same price!    The lemon pepper chicken wings or the maple garlic wings are the best I’ve had anywhere and delicious accompanied by a side of the parmesan fries if you are feeling naughty.  Menu items do not exceed 20 dollars and I have had wonderful pork chop here as well as fish and lamb entrees all cooked in the wood fire oven and all uniformly delicious. Specials change regularly and are worth checking out.  On a recent visit I had a moist salmon fillet accompanied by a beautiful balsamic roasted potato salad.  Healthy and delicious!

I do have a couple of minor quibbles with this restaurant.  The service, while always friendly and knowledgeable has become a little hit and miss.  Fifth Street used to be the best bet for a quick bite before a movie but the wait for the food has become considerably longer.  The last time I was in the restaurant I sat for ages  and the server never removed my dirty plate from the table despite being by several times.   We waited eons for the bill which was mildly frustrating.  However, you’ll find the food at Fifth Street makes it worth the wait as are the wallet friendly prices.  With the varied menu this is a great family destination as there will be something for everyone  and the food is consistently of good quality. Flavors are enhanced by the wood fire cooking method.

Desserts are fairly pedestrian at Fifth Street but the chocolate bottom crème Brule is pretty tasty.  Overall, I’d heartily recommend Fifth Street Grill for delicious food at VERY reasonable prices! 

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1413913/restaurant/5th-Street-Bar-Grill-Victoria"><img alt="5th Street Bar & Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1413913/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

BUBBY ROSE BAKERY

I have always been fond of the ubiquitous cinnamon bun but finding one in town that isn't much too sweet or the opposite, hard and dry has been challenging.  I finally found cinnamon nirvana via the delightful Bubby Rose bakery.  The bun itself is a generous size and it is perfection.  The bun is soft, gooey and moist but without the cloying sweetness that makes most bakery cinnamon buns inedible.  You even have the choice of with or without raisins.  Bubby also has many other temptations delicious homemade soup, pannini sandwiches, croissants, pain au chocolate, and a tempting array of tarts and squares. This is one of the better bakeries in town.   Its just a few blocks from Cook Street Village.  Worth a stop on your way to Pic A Flic video!  Caution: heavy addiction factor.

<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1389253230 alt="Bubby Rose's Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1438288/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1438288/restaurant/Bubby-Roses-Bakery-Cafe-Victoria"><img alt="Bubby Rose's Bakery & Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1438288/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

FERNWOOD INN PUB

http://www.fernwoodinn.com/

I have decided to devote a portion of this blog to where to satisfy particular cravings in Victoria.  For example where to find the best croissant, the best cupcake, the best breakfast.  I'll be fastidious.  It’s a tough job, but someone has got to do it!

In this vein I simply have to give kudos to Fernwood Inn Pub's exquisite mac and cheese.  Now, this is no ordinary pallid, bland, wimpy macaroni and cheese mind.  At Fernwood Inn Pub you'll get a generous portion of perfectly cooked fusilli noodles swathed in creamy cheese sauce topped with golden crispy panko crumbs.  The cheese sauce has that slight sharpness that I love (I think mac and cheese MUST have sharp cheddar to be palatable) but this  is still creamy enough in texture divinely comforting.

Now here is the best part of all.  You have a choice to add chorizo or BACON to your mac.  For you omnivores reading this I have to insist on the addition of the bacon which somehow takes this dish right over the top in the best way possible.  I haven't tried the chorizo version but the addition of the chorizo is $7 while the bacon is $1.  The bacon version is so delicious I don't dare deviate from it. The bacon gets crisp for lovely texture contrast and it doesn't overpower the cheesy goodness. Personally, I don't really see more gilding the lily as necessary but you do as you please!

So if you are having winter blahs and craving comfort food you could do worse than cozying up at Fernwood Inn pub in one of their lovely booths and ordering a nice porter, Guinness or stout and the macaroni and cheese with bacon.   It’s the crack cocaine of the pasta world!  Your serotonin levels will thank you.





<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1348198/restaurant/Fernwood-Inn-Victoria"><img alt="Fernwood Inn on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1348198/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

PIZZERIA PRIMA STRADA

Pizzeria Prima Strada

Steve and I had a hankering for pizza one Sunday and headed down to the village to Pizzeria Prima Strada. The place was already humming at 5:30 pm with a line up out the door. I figured this was an omen of good things to come. The courteous hostess took our cell number and offered to call us when our table was ready. We were able to take a quick trek around the picturesque neighborhood in the interim. Later we returned to the cozy ambience of dark wood and candle light. We opted to share a fennel salad with orange, red onion and mint to start. The licorice crispness of the fennel was a lovely contrast to the sweetness of orange and fresh dill. The red onion was a little sharp but not enough to ruin this delectably refreshing dish. Next we decided to try the funghi pizza with porcini cream, roasted mushrooms, roasted onions,
fresh thyme, mozzarella and pecorino. This was simply one of the best pizzas I have ever eaten. The crust is thin and tender and the roasted mushrooms, thyme and pecorino made the topping delectably creamy without being overpowering. Prima Strada takes care in sourcing fresh local ingredients and it shows in the results. We passed on the gelato but I’ll be trying it on a subsequent visit. Service was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. After one dinner I can see why this pizzeria is so popular. It’s utterly addictive and the best thing you’ll get outside of Italy!

http://www.pizzeriaprimastrada.com/

:34px" /></a>

FOO

http://www.foofood.ca/

Add caption

Foo

Last night Steve and I were celebrating our 6 month anniversary. Since we are both saddled with your garden variety flu bug we opted for takeout from a new joint called Foo which, in principle appears to be mimicking the perennially successful Noodle Box. Some folks want comforting blandness when they are under the weather, I am a gal who craves chili and heat!

We tried three dishes to share opting first for chicken soup with soy and ginger. I wanted this to try and placate my virus. We opted to share the Indonesian Fried Rice (with pulled pork and pineapple) and an intriguing starter dish referred to as Vietnamese caramel chicken. Excitedly we took the ample bag of nosh home with us. Everything is priced reasonably - our three dishes combined came to 23 bucks.

Steve and I agreed that the soup and Indonesian Fried Rice were adequately prepared but uninspiring. The soup was a tad heavy on the soy and VERY salty. However the caramel chicken was rhapsodically wonderful. Sweet, spicy morsels of fork tender chicken with crunchy bok choy and some very flavorful fried rice. For this dish alone I would go back to Foo, the crunchy soft texture of the chicken and salty sweet flavor was sublime. This reminded me of why I am so crazy for Vietnamese fare, it’s that sublime combination of freshness and amazing textures. You never feel all gross and grease laden after eating it.

I am eager to go back to Foo to try their other dishes. Their pakoras (as reported by another blogger) are purportedly delicious. Foo has other Indian fare on the menu such as butter chicken and paneer dumplings. The dishes range all over the globe but the menu is not over laden with choices. Staff are courteous and seem enthusiastic. There are daily specials in addition to the regular fare (which includes pot stickers, red Thai curry and short rib chow mein to name a few).

I think Foo will be a welcome addition for those of us who want a quick bite before the movies or take out that is creatively prepared and isn't overly greasy or heavy. The caramel chicken dish alone is reason to visit this spot again! I look forward to another visit soon to try the other mouth watering options!

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1479967/restaurant/Downtown/Foo-Food-Victoria"><img alt="Foo Food on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1479967/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

MOSS STREET MARKET

Moss Street Market

 

I have always been a lover of Farmer's Markets and I was delighted to see the tents go up for the Moss Street Market this Saturday. Handily, this little market is just down the street from our house. We couldn't resist doing a little tour around before getting on with our day. The market appears slightly larger this year, with more variety of food and crafts. We bought homemade lemon loaf from one seller and a dense chewy baguette from another. There was some interesting pottery in the offing and we couldn't resist snapping up a really snazzy vase decorated with a skull (the design was more irreverent than Goth). We were tempted by many other items including homemade preserves, pickles and relishes/chutneys, tortiere and pork pies, artisan cheeses, jewelry and a really great clothing booth with fab hoodies, skirts and tops with irreverent silkscreened prints. There was also wildflower honey and some lovely soaps (one of which looked exactly like a lemon and smelled gloriously citrusy).

I'll be excited to return to the market again over the next few months and sample some more of the wares. We enjoyed the lemon loaf with a little lemon curd dolloped on top with a cup of tea the next morning.

J&J WONTON NOODLE HOUSE

http://www.jjnoodlehouse.com/

 

JJ Wonton Noodle House

Sometimes I discover a restaurant I am fond of and, inexplicably, forget to go again. A couple of weeks ago I was craving Won Ton soup and I remembered the strong reputation of J&J Wonton Noodle House (and my own fond memories of their tasty cashew chicken). We decided on a belated visit. We opted for the ubiquitous Wor Wonton soup to start followed by the somewhat unadventurous but always tasty sweet and sour pork and an order of curried Singapore noodle.

The Wonton soup was the highlight for us with a tureen of golden flavorful broth chock full of scallops, prawns, two kinds of won ton (TWO!!) the the freshest crisp tender cooked vegetables I have ever had in a soup ever. It was marvelous. The dumplings tasted so fresh and light. I loved the sweet and sour pork which again was adorned with perfectly cooked vegetables. Steve likes the sauce a bit stronger and syrupy but I rather liked the lighter texture and lack of goop. For once the sweet and sour sauce seemed homemade and not overwhelmed by cornstarch and food coloring. The curried shanghai noodle was mildly disappointing but perhaps this simply isn't my dish of choice. The curry flavor tasted generic and the vermicelli noodles were a little too soft. But given the superb yumminess of our other fare, I am more than willing to try other dishes at JJ! Service was prompt and pleasant.

For those of you who get a yen for wonton I daresay this is the tastiest you'll enjoy in Victoria. I'd also encourage ordering any veggie dish here as their freshness and perfectly cooked texture are wonderful. I'll definitely be going back. J&J also offers take out!! And I want to sample other items from their varied and appealing menu.

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1411226/restaurant/J-J-Wonton-Noodle-House-Victoria"><img alt="J & J Wonton Noodle House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1411226/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>

DUTCH BAKERY AND COFFEE HOUSE

Dutch Bakery and Coffee House

I finally got around to visiting the venerable “Dutch Coffee Shop” when Steve and I were in dire need of a vanilla slice (there is something insanely comforting about the oozy eggy custard sandwiched between gossamer pastry layers.). We opted to have lunch special that included a sandwich, potato salad or soup and choice of pastry with tea or coffee (for a paltry 8.50!). The décor of the Dutch coffee shop clearly hasn’t changed since it opened in the 50’s and I love taking a stool at the long counter and watching the busy beehive activity of the servers, some of whom have probably worked at Dutch for decades. Unlike many establishments that try to replicate 50’s kitsch, this lunch spot is the real deal. For fans of authentic 50’s diners this place is worth a visit to propel you back in time.
The food at Dutch Coffee Shop isn’t so much to write home about (with the exception of those famous vanilla slices). Sandwiches are simple, satisfying but not fancy. The soup is tasty with homemade veal meatballs. This would be a great spot to have a grilled cheese sandwich, bowl of soup and hot tea with a tempting tart or slice. Or pop in for a couple of their homemade chocolates.

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1310070/restaurant/Downtown/Dutch-Bakery-Victoria"><img alt="Dutch Bakery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1310070/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>

SMOKEN BONES COOKSHACK

http://www.smokenbones.ca/

Homer’s ode to the pig from “The Simpsons”
“Homer: Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. Lisa, honey, are you saying you're never going to eat any animal again? What about bacon?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Ham?
Lisa: No.
Homer: Pork chops?
Lisa: Dad! Those all come from the same animal!
Homer: [Chuckles] Yeah, right Lisa. A wonderful, magical animal”

After a harrowing day at the office I headed to Langford with a few fellow frazzled coworkers to Smoken Bones Cook shack. The restaurant employs traditional methods of smoking meat, using wood chips from Island alder and organic fruit trees. They also source their beef, chicken and produce from Island and B.C. farmers. I was sorely in need of some comfort food and word of mouth had me salivating at the prospect of an omnivorous comfort feast. We were seated in a cozy booth in a candlelit corner. The menu had many tempting items on offer, hushpuppies (crispy corn fritters), homemade cornbread, gumbo and even fried dill pickles. Reluctantly I bypassed the appies for the main event. My friends opted for the pork chop and pulled pork. I decided on the Smoken pork ribs, Smoken Bones’ signature dish. The larger entrees come with a choice of two sides. Choices range from braised collard greens, cornbread, oven roasted garlic potatoes, butter fried cabbage and candied carrots. I decided on candied carrots and homemade macaroni and cheese.


Our food arrived and we were uniformly rhapsodic. My friend declared her pork chop tender and flavorful (they brine the meat to ensure it is moist) and she had a generous portion of the roasted baby potatoes on her plate. The pulled pork has just the right smoky vinegar tang – my friend opted for the local side which turned out to be pickled beets and she declared them excellent. My ribs were cooked to perfection with a good smoky slathering of delicious bbq sauce. The meat fell off the bone and the bones piled up on my plate ala Fred Flintstone. The accompanying sides were delicious, whole caramelized roasted carrots and the macaroni and cheese was creamy and cheesy and delicious. Regrettably we were too stuffed to try dessert. I took a piece of Mississippi Mud Cake home for the boys. Smoken Bone’s bread pudding, served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream is purportedly delicious. I was sorely tempted by their homemade truffles. It is too bad there isn’t a location closer to town but after this wonderful repast I’ll be making the trek back for sure!

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1423995/restaurant/Westshore/Smoken-Bones-Cookshack-Victoria"><img alt="Smoken Bones Cookshack on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1423995/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>

BARD AND BANKER PUB

Steve and I visited the Bard and Banker Pub one Friday night before a poetry reading. The first sign that our experience was going to be less than stellar was the presence of a piano dude hammering away at athe ivories butchering Billy Joel cover tunes. I am mystified the owners would opt to provide the kind of entertainment no one really likes early in the evening when people want to talk, relax and decompress from their work day. If one MUST have the cheesy piano player (and I wonder why it is even necessary when 99% of the planet hates this sort of thing) it would be prudent do it later in the evening when people are either drunk enough to sing along or too drunk to care. Even though we were seated on the second floor of the pub the amplifier ensured we still had to shout at one another across our tiny table.

We concentrated on the menu - conversation was rendered moot by the din of the “music”. I opted for a cocktail instead of my usual dark beer. I tried a “Pimm’s cocktail since I’d had a delicious facsimile at Canoe pub and found the slightly gingery concoction addictive. Bard’s Pimm’s was disappointing, not enough sweetness to balance the palate. I would have been better off trying one of Bard’s ample beer selections. We decided on a cup of the tomato cod chowder to start. The chowder was delicious, creamy with ample chunks of fresh cod. For mains I chose the mushroom taglietelle and Steve opted for the curry. My pasta was ably cooked but at 20$ awfully pricey and could have been more flavorful and ample in portion. Only a few mushrooms dotted the plate. Steve’s curry came in a small ramekin. Steve’s curry was merely ordinary, bland and generic without distinctive assertive flavors. Given the portion size left room to spare in our bellies we opted for dessert. Bard does a wonderful Sticky Toffee Pudding with just the right hit of decadent sweetness without being overpowering. It’s served with a creamy caramel ice cream and a delicious gooey toffee sauce. I opted for the white chocolate and nut brownie. This dessert was a big bummer. Again, a teeny portion of dry, hard brownie with oh so trendy cranberries (which don’t really go with peanut butter). Service throughout was polite and personable but a wee bit slow towards the end.


I must profess that in spite of my enthusiastic food nerdiness I abhor pretention and I’d be happy to see the gastro pub trend abate and go back to old fashioned pub fare (i.e. comfort food in sustaining portions) at affordable prices. Many of the menu prices at Bard and Banker are in the fine dining range (18$ for fish and chips, many menu items are over $20) and cocktails for 8$. For this price range I expect only excellence and this just didn’t make the cut. The din of the dreadful music don’t make this an appealing spot for a beer and nachos, despite the beautiful renovations. The décor is lovely for certain. On a previous visit to B&B Steve and I each had a beef and chicken pot pie and they were delicious with a lovely puff pastry crust and refreshing side salad. On our last visit, the pot pies were no longer on the menu. For my part I am going to continue my search for a pub with delicious homemade food at prices that won’t break the bank. Reader suggestions welcome!

GLO EURO PUB

Steve had come home one day and reported that he'd had a business lunch at Glo with very tasty results.  Given it was the one year anniversary of when we first met we decided to go to dinner to celebrate.  Glo has a funky modern design with surrounding ocean views (the patio would be killer in the summer time).  We had a stormy vantage point as it was a very wintry, blustery day!  We arrived hungry and in the mood for a celebratory cocktail.  I started with a classic gin martini which was ably prepared (though I was mystified when the waitress asked if I wanted it on the rocks?!  Who orders a classic martini on the rocks?  Someone enlighten me if you do..)

But I digress...  The appetizer menu had an interesting array of starters including beef Carpaccio, and braised short ribs with cauliflower puree (as well as old tried and true "old chestnuts" such as calamari, chicken wings, and the ubiquitous tuna tataki - a tasty dish that seems to be cropping up on menus all over Victoria).  We opted to share the house made flat bread which is served drizzled with Asiago Cream.  While not being quite as good as the flat bread served up at Fifth Street Grill it was still quite delicious (especially with the decadent assuage cream)  For our mains, I ordered the Arctic char only to be informed by the waitress that it had been replaced with salmon.  FYI servers: it is good to inform customers what the restaurant has run out of BEFORE they order.  It’s a minor quibble however as our server was otherwise pleasant and professional.  Steve decided on a classic burger.  Glo makes their burger with prime rib and you have the option of soup, salad or fries as an accompaniment.  He ordered his with the daily soup.  My fish arrived perfectly cooked and adorned with a slightly sweet and delicious crunchy roe.   The sides of roasted vegetables and a squash puree with goat cheese were delicious.  Steve's soup was delicious - A good hit of throat warming, sustaining curry made creamy with a dollop coconut milk.  I'd kill for the recipe for this soup which manages to be homey and exotic all at once.  Steve's burger really did taste of prime rib and was moist and juicy.  Sometimes all one needs is a good burger and Glo doesn't disappoint on this front.  The burger comes with mushrooms, bacon and cheddar and an onion marmalade/chipotle aioli.  The flavors merged very well indeedy.  
Inexplicably we still had room leftover for dessert.  I was craving a chocolate fix and ordered the chocolate pate with blackberry compote.  I reluctantly passed on the sticky toffee pudding (which you can glean from previous posts is a favorite of mine).  Steve ordered a trio of desserts (you get to pick your three faves!) including the sticky toffee pudding, creme Brule, and flourless chocolate torte.

The pate was tasty with the blackberry compote and vanilla gelato but Steve's picks were what really stood out for us.  The sticky toffee pudding (our server recommended it to us as her favorite) was lovely with a hint of saltiness to the caramel to offset the sugariness.  The creme Brule was tasty but the other standout was the flourless chocolate torte which came drizzled with the most delectable bing cherry caramel sauce.
Service was attentive and our food came at reasonable intervals without an interminable wait.  

I'd heartily recommend Glo to my friends for the view, service and the yummy food.  Excellent!

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/317/1310134/restaurant/Glo-Euro-Pub-Grill-Victoria"><img alt="Glo Euro Pub & Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1310134/biglogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:34px" /></a>