John and I went whale watching on Monday August 6 as the kick off to our staycation. This was a Groupon we had for whale watching on July 13th but winds prevented us from going. We had rebooked to go during our August week off. The whale watching was with http://5starwhales.com/ and photos can be seen at www.kayakyak.blogspot.ca/2012/08/hanging-with-j-pod-again.html After the whale watching we had plans to have lunch at The Joint Pizza http://thejointvictoria.com/ but they had closed for BC Day. So we wandered around along Johnston Street (aka LoJo) trying to decide if we should have breakfast lunch at Jam Cafe http://www.jamcafevictoria.com/ We do love Jam Cafe bacon! Along the way we noted Mo:Le which we hadn't been inside for a year or longer. John being very hungry by this time and needing to eat couldn't drag his body any further and Jam seemed faraway. We succumbed to delicious food smells and were provided with a table for two without any waiting time.
We hadn't eaten a large breakfast as we were going to be on the water and we have found eggs cause upset stomachs. By the time we got off the boat and wandered around it was now almost 2pm. Last food we'd eaten was at 7am and by now we were well into the famished stage.
First we ordered drinks -- John had his usual diet Coke and I had a soy milk chai latte. Soy, almond and hazelnut milk is offered, as well as gluten free bread, options available for those of us with allergies. We ordered the basic breakfast, with a side of bacon each. Everything was tasty, the homemade hot sauce is really good and the pesto pan fried potatoes are the best part of the breakfast. My latte was a bit cold though. The service is attentive, we were checked on by the serving staff several times to ensure we had drinks and food.
Nice to revisit Mo:Le and have a meal that is consistent a year or two later.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Cabin 12 for Breakfast and Cabin 12 for Dinner
John and I have been on vacation this week, or rather staycation as this time we did not leave Victoria to take advantage of a Groupon coupon vacation. This meant we got to find fun things to do around Victoria. Based on finding a 2 of 1 coupon in the Saanich News that is good until August 15th we decided to try Cabin 12 http://www.cabin12.ca/ for lunch, only we discovered and were told by our friendly waiter, the lunch menu isn't as extensive in the burger offerings as dinner. We had breakfast for lunch instead. Our eggs were done to our liking, the requested crispy bacon was done to perfect crispiness, the toast was good and the hash browns were the regular fare offered at other locations, such as John's Place http://www.johnsplace.ca/ Good but nothing to write home about.
We returned to Cabin 12 on Thursday for dinner to use the 2 for 1 coupon. The burger selection is extensive and deciding wasn't easy. John had the Enforcer -- one juicy burger with salami on it. He said he would never have thought of putting salami on a burger but it was a damn fine idea. I had the Big Kahuna -- delicious beef (yes I had beef) with a teriyaki sauce and a grilled pineapple ring -- messy but OMG! My green salad was very nice, with peppers and lettuce other than iceberg, plus I gave points for getting the dressing on the side without having to ask for it that way. The dressing was excellent.
Obviously we enjoyed our dinner because I've clipped the coupon in this week's Saanich News to have dinner there again this coming week after my chiropractor appointment. Going for the vegetarian Birkenstock burger.
We returned to Cabin 12 on Thursday for dinner to use the 2 for 1 coupon. The burger selection is extensive and deciding wasn't easy. John had the Enforcer -- one juicy burger with salami on it. He said he would never have thought of putting salami on a burger but it was a damn fine idea. I had the Big Kahuna -- delicious beef (yes I had beef) with a teriyaki sauce and a grilled pineapple ring -- messy but OMG! My green salad was very nice, with peppers and lettuce other than iceberg, plus I gave points for getting the dressing on the side without having to ask for it that way. The dressing was excellent.
Obviously we enjoyed our dinner because I've clipped the coupon in this week's Saanich News to have dinner there again this coming week after my chiropractor appointment. Going for the vegetarian Birkenstock burger.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Two Salad Dressings
Not being a huge caesar salad fan I still wanted to find a dairy free one that I could have in my recipe collection to present to guests. I found one online, really what isn't online these days, and made it without having all the ingredients called for. Again improvising a recipe to compensate for my dairy allergy. I've indicated the original and then noted what I did with the recipe from what was available in my fridge.
Caesar Dressing -- Dairy Free
2 Tbsp of mayo -- vegan
I used fat free Miracle Whip which contains egg yolk no other dairy
2 Tbsp mustard
1/2 the juice from one lemon
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
I used BRAGG instead as it is dairy and gluten free
2 zested garlic cloves
I used 1/8 tsp of crushed garlic and then a bit more to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Stir all ingredients together, taste and adjust. Remember that it will taste a bit different the next day. I used a bit more Miracle Whip after I stirred it all together. On a taste test with my partner he said it was like Caesar salad dressing.
Dressing #2 was inspired by receiving fresh basil in the food box. Fresh basil smells wonderful and begs to be used in a pesto. As I've cut down on eating pasta to almost not at all I decided a dressing for a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers would be perfect.
Fresh Basil Dressing
1 cup of fresh basil
2/3 cup of olive oil
1/3 cup of lemon juice
1/8 tsp of salt
Put basil in a blender, with the lid on the blender but the center lid off, gently pour in the oil as you blend the basil. Add the lemon juice and salt, blend until mixed. Store in a glass jar until ready to make the salad. I like to leave dressing overnight or make them earlier in the day so the flavours have time to blend.
On a side note, I was surprised the basil and oil didn't go all over my kitchen walls. I think I will use less lemon juice next time. Otherwise I really like this dressing.
1 cup of fresh basil
Caesar Dressing -- Dairy Free
2 Tbsp of mayo -- vegan
I used fat free Miracle Whip which contains egg yolk no other dairy
2 Tbsp mustard
1/2 the juice from one lemon
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
I used BRAGG instead as it is dairy and gluten free
2 zested garlic cloves
I used 1/8 tsp of crushed garlic and then a bit more to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Stir all ingredients together, taste and adjust. Remember that it will taste a bit different the next day. I used a bit more Miracle Whip after I stirred it all together. On a taste test with my partner he said it was like Caesar salad dressing.
Dressing #2 was inspired by receiving fresh basil in the food box. Fresh basil smells wonderful and begs to be used in a pesto. As I've cut down on eating pasta to almost not at all I decided a dressing for a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers would be perfect.
Fresh Basil Dressing
1 cup of fresh basil
2/3 cup of olive oil
1/3 cup of lemon juice
1/8 tsp of salt
Put basil in a blender, with the lid on the blender but the center lid off, gently pour in the oil as you blend the basil. Add the lemon juice and salt, blend until mixed. Store in a glass jar until ready to make the salad. I like to leave dressing overnight or make them earlier in the day so the flavours have time to blend.
On a side note, I was surprised the basil and oil didn't go all over my kitchen walls. I think I will use less lemon juice next time. Otherwise I really like this dressing.
1 cup of fresh basil
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Freezer Jam
Yesterday was another day of summer here in Victoria BC. We are having much cooler Springs and it takes longer for summer to arrive so the garden is taking longer to produce anything. I have already pulled up radishes and need to plant another batch to harvest later. My carrots are probably not going to mature, lesson learned is to plant them in a deeper 4x4 box next year. I am trying beans that were given to me. I have flowers on the plant but not sure what that means.
The strawberry plant is doing well. To keep it protected from the birds and slugs when I first noticed them I wrapped an old sheer curtain around the plants. It worked very well in protecting the plant while allowing sunshine to still reach the strawberries. I harvested about a cup, removed the ones that were squishy, checked the plant for slugs and then re-wrapped it to hopefully let the rest of the strawberries ripen. While I was doing this my partner John was building the new 4x4 boxes. As we moved around our jungle we found two batches of raspberries. I got another cup of berries to add to the strawberries. Decided it was perfect timing to make some freezer jam.
I had some freezer pectin which I pulled out of the pantry and read I needed 4 cups but I only had two. Went to The Root Cellar http://www.therootcellar.ca/ to purchase some local raspberries or strawberries to add to the two cups I had. Now I could have used my two cups and divided the pectin package but being powder, plus knowing my own abilities making jam I thought I better not attempt this. Freezer jam is simple, no cooking required, just mashing the berries, adding the pectin, stirring for 3 minutes and done. I didn't have any mason jars as they are all in use but no worries, freezer jam can be stored in freezer containers, either plastic (Tupperware without BPA is great) or stainless food containers. So I decided to make the full 4 cups of jam to have one frozen to use later and one in the fridge to use now.
Once the strawberries are done we are moving them into one of the 4x4 boxes. Will add more and have a designated strawberry box.
The strawberry plant is doing well. To keep it protected from the birds and slugs when I first noticed them I wrapped an old sheer curtain around the plants. It worked very well in protecting the plant while allowing sunshine to still reach the strawberries. I harvested about a cup, removed the ones that were squishy, checked the plant for slugs and then re-wrapped it to hopefully let the rest of the strawberries ripen. While I was doing this my partner John was building the new 4x4 boxes. As we moved around our jungle we found two batches of raspberries. I got another cup of berries to add to the strawberries. Decided it was perfect timing to make some freezer jam.
I had some freezer pectin which I pulled out of the pantry and read I needed 4 cups but I only had two. Went to The Root Cellar http://www.therootcellar.ca/ to purchase some local raspberries or strawberries to add to the two cups I had. Now I could have used my two cups and divided the pectin package but being powder, plus knowing my own abilities making jam I thought I better not attempt this. Freezer jam is simple, no cooking required, just mashing the berries, adding the pectin, stirring for 3 minutes and done. I didn't have any mason jars as they are all in use but no worries, freezer jam can be stored in freezer containers, either plastic (Tupperware without BPA is great) or stainless food containers. So I decided to make the full 4 cups of jam to have one frozen to use later and one in the fridge to use now.
Once the strawberries are done we are moving them into one of the 4x4 boxes. Will add more and have a designated strawberry box.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Breakfast for Lunch
May 5th the day after the birthday dinner found us trying out another eatery in downtown. This one is really new and already has a line up with a bit of a wait time to get in. We thought trying JAM on a Saturday for lunch would mean skipping the breakfast crowd, but we still had a wait of 25 minutes for our party of two. We willingly sat at the bar in the corner. I was impressed with John's patience -- possibly it was my puppy dog eyes that made him give in rather than going for Plan B -- QV Bakery.
The interior of JAM is an interesting mix of reclaimed wood from the former Thrifty Foods warehouse, window frames made into shelving, old maps as artwork and a large traffic light hanging in the entrance to the kitchen.
We were lucky to be waited on by the owner who was filling in for missing staff. I like when an owner has an invested interest in his business and works to ensure everything flows well. And from what I saw on Saturday May 5th, JAM is a great addition to the breakfast eateries of Victoria. Especially as JAM offers the all day breakfast. I've seen a review of JAM that wanted more of a lunch menu, but the reviewer obviously never has had breakfast for lunch or even breakfast for dinner.
We both had the two eggs, sugar bacon (yummy!!) and toast. John had the sourdough and I had marbled rye with peanut butter and jam on the side. The hash browns were shredded and not a huge portion, just a nice side which was perfect. John gave me his grilled tomato -- delicious!! I have to learn to do tomatoes like that.
Two of the couples sitting next to us had the Three Little Pigs and raved about them and the Charlie Bowl got a thumbs up too.
Our waitress let us know service was slow due to the crowd, which I don't mind as long as I know. Even with the crowd our waitress kept on top of checking in with everyone, and had my teapot refilled with hot water the minute it was empty. Our meal was served by the owner. Good working arrangement between our waitress and the owner to check on the 8 of us sitting at the bar. Service may have been slow but looking at the decor and talking with John was enjoyable that I didn't mind sitting there drinking my tea. There are benefits to slowing life down and waiting.
Have seen great reviews online for JAM. Would like to go back again. Of course, like all breakfast places, there is a line up so it's up early to beat the crowds or try it later before closing for a late lunch.
Birthday Dinner
We've been thinking about trying Smoking Bones in the trendy downtown Hudson building for a few months now since they moved from Langford. Since there was discussion on where to go for my birthday dinner after having a lovely dinner at El Greco's for John's birthday in April, we decided Smokin' Bones would be the place to finally try. http://www.smokenbones.ca/
For an appy we had the homemade potato chips and hush puppies shared around the table. Both were delicious. I've never had a hush puppy but it was an interesting bite sized appy and tasted fine to me.
I was impressed that the menu offered a lot of gluten free options. I see this more and more which is nice for those who wish to avoid gluten or are off wheat. I did want the Sloppy Joe but alas as with so many restaurants dairy allergies are not accommodated as well as gluten. The Sloppy Joe was prepared with cheese and I had to scan the menu for something else. It teaches me to again ensure I have two or more options so that I am not disappointed. I went with the burger, yup a plain burger, yes it was beef which I don't eat but I wasn't keen on pork and I eat chicken at home all the time. All meals come with a wide selection of sides, one with the meal and more for $2.50 each. I had the baked beans and shared some of Paula's coleslaw. The beans were nice, not over done with sauce and the coleslaw wasn't smothered in mayo. The beef had no filler which I could taste -- real beef and the smoked tomato relish with the bayou swamp sauce added a nice touch. Not too much of either to cover the taste of the burger and the bun was ok too.
John enjoyed the Sloppy Joe, Paula had a burger with smoked cheddar cheese which she said was really good, Karl had a bucket of chicken wings along with a Caesar salad, Stephanie seemed to enjoy her ribs which she had with seasonal vegetables of Chinese greens and a second side of candied carrots and Bernie had a pulled pork sandwich that was piled high. I think all of us were very satisfied with our meals and were just stuffed enough to decline dessert.
Good prices too for the food we had. A very nice waitress who was helpful, answered my query on bacon lardons as well pointing out those items with dairy in them and kept our water glasses filled.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Burger Blitz
Suddenly there is a plethora of burger joints popping up in downtown Victoria. Ok, I exaggerate! There have been three new joints that have opened in the last few months. Opening within a few weeks does seem as if Victoria has been hit by a trend.
Fat Burger opened across from Chapters on Douglas Street. A step above MacDonalds, A&W and Burger King, Fat Burger serves beef, chicken, turkey and vegetarian burgers, a selection of toppings to please the palate. Along with fries -- skinny, poutine, gravy or chili and free refilled drinks, as well as beer, margarites and shakes, there is a varied menu. So far Fat Burger seems to be doing well, as I've never seen the place empty the times I've eaten there. The food is certainly as step up if you don't want to go the faster food route.
In early January a group of us tried Bin 4 Burger for an evening meal. I had the bean burger which was delicious! The fries come with a selection of sauces. There is a wide selection of burgers from beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian and tuna. With such a wide selection there was something for everyone in our group. I did find Bin 4 rather noisy making it difficult to hear the great conversation.
We also went to Big Wheel in Cook Street. The beef burger was good, as the beef was organic grass fed beef. I'm not a big beef eater due to grain fed cattle and the horrible conditions cattle is raised to fatten them for market. Not a large menu selection here and certainly nothing for vegetarians. If you want a big juicy burger though, this is it!
Fat Burger opened across from Chapters on Douglas Street. A step above MacDonalds, A&W and Burger King, Fat Burger serves beef, chicken, turkey and vegetarian burgers, a selection of toppings to please the palate. Along with fries -- skinny, poutine, gravy or chili and free refilled drinks, as well as beer, margarites and shakes, there is a varied menu. So far Fat Burger seems to be doing well, as I've never seen the place empty the times I've eaten there. The food is certainly as step up if you don't want to go the faster food route.
In early January a group of us tried Bin 4 Burger for an evening meal. I had the bean burger which was delicious! The fries come with a selection of sauces. There is a wide selection of burgers from beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian and tuna. With such a wide selection there was something for everyone in our group. I did find Bin 4 rather noisy making it difficult to hear the great conversation.
We also went to Big Wheel in Cook Street. The beef burger was good, as the beef was organic grass fed beef. I'm not a big beef eater due to grain fed cattle and the horrible conditions cattle is raised to fatten them for market. Not a large menu selection here and certainly nothing for vegetarians. If you want a big juicy burger though, this is it!
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