The Dishes is a repeating Scout column that asks Vancouverites to walk us through a map of their ideal day and night on the town. We’re talking breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night cocktails. Tax and tip included.
For this edition of The Dishes, we tag along with Chris Bjerrisgaard, Marketing Director for Vancouver Island Brewing and Vancouver Craft Beer Week, for a whirlwind crawl of his favourite food and drink spots across Victoria. Buckle up and bring your appetites!
Good morning! What’s for breakfast/brunch?
“I’d hit up Mo:Lé in on Pandora. The brunch is next to none in Victoria, and not quite as crazy busy as some of the other more famous spots. Get the potatoes gratin if you know what’s good for you. Also, you can put your name on the list and tell them you’ll be grabbing a coffee at Habit next door, which beats standing around on the street.”
Where should we meet for coffee/tea?
“Seeing as I’ve already given a shout out to Habit I’ll gave to say Sherwood Cafe & Bar. Somewhat of a slight because they’re so good at much more than just coffee, but at least this lets me get them on the list. Beautiful room, amazing food, and fantastic coffee.”
Now we’re hungry again. What’s for lunch?
“Burger, Pizza, or Ramen. Depending on which you’re feeling you can’t go wrong. Big Wheel has you covered for a classic smash burger, Pizzeria Primastrada make some of the best pies in BC, and Bao’s Ramen, although not traditional, is top notch.”
Who has you figured out at Happy Hour?
“Cafe Mexico hands down. If I’m feeling a beer I’ll grab one of our Broken Islands Hazy IPAs, but nine times out of ten I’m crushing Frozen La Palomas like they got the cure in them. Pair it with some Ceviche and you’re loving life.”
What’s for dinner?
“Hard to go wrong with Agrius, especially when you just drop in on the tasting menu and let them do their thing. That said, the Courtney Room is giving them a run for their money and I’ll hit that up if I’m feeling a larger dish vs a tasting menu.”
What’s for dessert?
“Beacon Hill Drive-In for an Avalanche, which is basically just a DQ Blizzard taken up about 20 notches.”
Where are you taking us for late night cocktails?
“Little Jumbo. Avi is doing some fine work there and I love the speakeasy atmosphere. This spot was hard to land on as Victoria has a glut of quality cocktail spots including the likes of Veneto, Clarke & Co, and the aforementioned Cafe Mexico and Courtney Room.”