 Photo courtesy of The Canadian Pacific Ballet Tonight’s must see is Ballet Under the Stars: Dochas and mixed repertoire performed by the Canadian Pacific Ballet. It is a fantastic sampling of artistic director Roberta Taylor’s choreography interwoven with a well chosen cross-section of classical works (La Bayadere, Swan Lake). In the shorter length pieces we see incredibly demanding classicism alongside some well set comedy, perfect for younger audiences. Dochas honours the people of Ireland in a celebration of Irish spirit that is both melancholic and filled with joy. It’s the ideal performance for seasoned audience members, who will appreciate watching a world class ballet company, and those new to ballet that would just like to see a bit of everything.
It is extremely pleasant to spend a summer evening watching ballet outside, and in some cases the forces of nature can even enhance the production. In Dochas the women are dressed in lightweight linen skirts and wear their hair down in traditional Irish styles. The night I was there, almost on cue a warm breeze filled the square just as the more up-tempo portion of the piece began. It whipped through their skirts and hair and made it obvious to me that this kind of dancing is truly meant to be done outside. I felt my heart beat faster as the dancers took us all to a faraway place. It’s a very powerful piece.
Dochas means “hope” or “justice” and Taylor’s choreography explores the concept beautifully. In one of the more moving sections of the piece, we see “Caroline” (performed by Ursula Szkolak) hoping for the return of a husband who isn’t coming home as she dances with her memories of him. Justice is interpreted by a blindfolded Ashley Evans in a dramatic demonstration of technique and balance. And it ends with an ensemble finale that screams of hope and of a culture’s refusal to crumble under the weight of their troubles.
I looked around at the visibly entertained faces in the audience as the performance ended. I thought, do they really know how lucky they are? We were presented here with selected works from some of the most famous ballets in history. Thousands of tears have been shed over these pieces. Thousands of throats have been screamed raw with their praise. Ballet aficionados wait years to see just one of these productions. Yet here, in Victoria, we can just stroll down to market square and see a handful of these works with some amazing local work thrown in as a bonus. And we can see it all expertly presented by a company whose mission is the performance and preservation of classical ballet. I for one feel very lucky indeed to have the CPB in my town. They are just one more reason why this city was recently rated one of the top cultural destinations in Canada.
The second and third stages of this repertoire can be seen July 27 and 28. Ballet Under the Stars runs Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in Market Square through August 25. For more information visit www.canadianpacificballet.org/onstage/
TASTE is a 4 day culinary festival from July 15-18 that I have been eagerly awaiting all year!
 Photo credit: Caroline West We have many amazing culinary events in Victoria, but I would put this one right at the pinnacle as this city’s premier food and wine festival, because it gives you an incredible diversity of experiences and flavours, and showcases the best of local cuisine from top Vancouver Island chefs, farmers, cheesemakers, BC vintners and regional food producers. In fact, TASTE is beyond a festival – it’s really a culinary adventure that educates, inspires and delights anyone who loves good food and drink.
Taste is worth the trip to Victoria alone, and even if you have been here many times before, you’ll be impressed with the incredible food and drinks that are being grown, produced and created here. Our mild Mediterranean climate allows us to grow an abundance of food locally and our coastal location gives us access to unparalleled fresh seafood. But what also makes an equally big impact is our culinary community – we are a city filled with talented chefs and discerning and passionate foodies, and it is the unique combination of all of these factors which helps explain why we have ended up turning into such a gastronomic paradise.
 Photo credit: Rebecca Kirstein The deliciousness begins on Thursday, July 15th with The Main Event at Crystal Garden. You’ll get to taste over 100 wines, along with an abundance of local cuisine. More culinary and wine events take place around Victoria throughout the weekend from “Swine and the Vine”, “Sips & Seafood“, to “Wine Tasting with the International Culinary School” to “Chocoholics Anonymous”! For tickets and information visit www.VictoriaTaste.com
 We’ve been feeling under attack by the weather lately. Spring was cool and wet, and summer seems to be blowing into town with full gale force winds.
For a bicycle rider, it’s always about the weather. How wet, how cold and which way is the wind blowing. But, as someone once said, I can’t remember who, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Still, the roads and trails seem full enough, despite the wild variety of weather we’ve had of late. Bike to Work Week, a Victoria tradition for 16 years now, saw almost a thousand bikes an hour crowd through checkpoints on the popular Galloping Goose. Out and about across the region I saw evidence of touring cyclists exploring the backroads, panniers loaded up and pouring over maps by the roadside.
With cycling, you don’t get rained out like a round of golf or a baseball game, but it does take some preparation. I kept the fenders on longer than usual and the outfits I usually reserve for winter were kept clean and ready for my daily commute or a trip on some errand or another.
We are a green city and I suppose we do need to be watered now and again. But I am looking forward to the hot, dry weeks of summer and a spin out to the lake for a swim or a long climb up to some viewpoint or another, to take in the expanse of the city or the subtle palette of the Sooke hills in the background. The changes of the seasons are inevitable, and welcome.
There’s no end of other reasons to ride. The racing season is on and the training rides are filling up with Victoria’s ambitious young riders. Morning and afternoon rush hours see a constant pulse of bike traffic going to and fro. The waterfront is busy with weekend riders of families and friends enjoying the scenery and taking in the vistas. Kids are pedaling to the parks.
No matter the season, no matter the weather, there’s always a reason to ride. Think I better go for one myself.
Forty years ago, the French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss coined the term “the raw and the cooked ” to describe the dichotomy between what is found in nature (raw), as opposed to that which is a product of human culture (cooked). Lévi-Strauss felt that this duality exists in all societies to varying degrees, and that human beings have a need to find a balance between the raw and the cooked.
In my estimation Victoria has evolved into an ideal combination of the two, but until recently, it’s been better known for the raw than the cooked. Victoria has often been referred to as a sleepy and laid back place, but that is no longer a fully accurate description. Nowadays, it also offers the kind of vibrant cultural experiences that are typically associated with large urban centers. If you’re surprised by this revelation, you’re not alone – even locals have been slow to notice the city’s transformation into a dynamic cultural center.
It is true that there are lots of opportunities to unwind in Victoria – our fresh sea air, breathtaking scenery, and relaxed pace are the perfect antidote to the stress-filled hustle and bustle of the modern world. But Victoria also offers a great mix of cultural and arts activities as well, and there is a much hipper vibe than you might expect, particularly if you know where to look.
There is an increasingly wonderful independent arts, music and theater scene here. In fact, a significant part of what I enjoy about living in today’s Victoria is that it offers the juxtaposition of sophisticated big city experiences and amenities, with virtually immediate access to nature. Whenever I’m feeling overly “cooked”, I head to the ocean or to one of our many gorgeous parks, lakes or trails to rejuvenate, and whenever I’m craving big city experiences, I attend an art show, see a play, or go to a musical performance.
Speaking of which, if you’re planning a visit to Victoria and thinking about taking in some live music, check out Atomique Productions. They bring excellent performers to Victoria, and you frequently get to see up and coming artists who are often on the verge of major success in an intimate setting, at a very affordable price. Atomique is like having a cool friend with great musical taste.
 Photo credit: Robert Etcheverry For music of an entirely different sort, take in the Victoria Symphony. They offer a wide range of high caliber performances from experimental music to pops, along with very traditional classical music. Pacific Opera is also well worth attending. The music, the costumes, the sets and the entire experience makes for an unforgettable night out.
For excellent live theater (which is also often incredibly affordable), check out Intrepid Theatre. This company puts on the Fringe Festival in Victoria, along with a terrific selection of other productions throughout the year, and it’s always a good idea to see what they are up to when you are in town.
Atomic Vaudeville is a local favourite for their cabaret style theater. Their productions are innovative, edgy, and fun, and tickets are very affordable as well.
The Belfry Theatre offers highly acclaimed and polished productions. Try to be sure to get a ticket in advance, as their shows can sell out quickly.
The Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre was established in 2008 but has quickly risen to prominence and received much critical acclaim.
If Dance Victoria happens to have a show on while you are in town, don’t hesitate to get tickets – you will be glad that you did. They offer an exciting mix of contemporary and classic dance productions that invariably take my breath away.
The suggestions that I have made are just a small sampling of the increasingly dynamic presence of arts and culture in Victoria. Whenever possible, I recommend trying to book tickets in advance of your trip, so that you don’t miss out on some amazing experiences. And when you arrive, be prepared to meet the new Victoria – a perfect balance of cooked and raw!
 Canada Day is a very splashy affair in downtown Victoria, and it’s worth the trip here just to experience it.
The grand finale is a dramatic fireworks show in the magnificent Inner Harbour at 10:20 pm, but there is so much more to do prior to that. The fun begins early in the day with free walking tours covering a wide range of interesting topics and places. There are also impressive historic buildings which are normally not open to the public (but that you will get to enjoy on Canada Day). From noon to 2 pm, you can join a Living Canadian Flag, which will contain a record breaking 2010 people this year. Evening entertainment and musical performances start at 5:30 pm on the lawns of the Parliament Buildings. There are so many things to see and do, that it’s hard to fully describe, so follow these links for details – for walking tours, Open the Doors to History (entry to historic buildings) and a wide selection of daytime activities visit downtownvictoria for information about evening performances, fireworks (and much much more!) visit victoriacanadaday.
One of my favourite things to do on Canada Day is to go out for dinner somewhere with a view. Taking in the festivities with friends over a great meal, with an amazing view, is my way to celebrate the day. If you’re like me, then I suggest booking a table at Aura, (the fabulous restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point) as soon as possible! The vistas overlooking the Inner Harbour are amazing, and the food and cocktails will be spectacular too.
Spending July 1st in Victoria is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable day. You’ll meet and mingle with locals, and start to feel a little Canadian no matter where you hail from.
 The Victoria Harbour Ferries are a fleet of charming mini ferries that travel throughout Victoria’s iconic Inner Harbour. You can choose to take short trips to specific destinations, spend several hours hopping on and off at various stops, or stay on board for guided tours.
I’m a fan of hopping on and off, because there are many great places to stop for a drink, some delicious snacks, or to take in an incredible lunch or dinner, and you can also enjoy some superb shopping along the way.
My first trip aboard a Victoria Harbour Ferry came about because my niece who lived out of town was visiting, and I thought it would be fun to take her on a trip along the harbour. But on that first ride, I was instantly bewitched by the beautiful views, the ocean air, and the various stops that you could visit along the way, so now I find excuses to enjoy a trip aboard a ferry, whether I have guests in town or not!
Some of my favourite stops include:
-Spinnaker’s Gastro-Brewpub, which is Canada’s oldest brewpub, and remains renowned today for terrific beer and excellent food featuring local ingredients. They have excellent views of the Inner Harbour and the Olympic Mountains as well.
-Reeson Landing, which is steps away from the Lojo District, and a gateway to fabulous boutique shopping.
-Rice Mill Landing, which is one block from Victoria’s Historic Chinatown and happens to be my absolutely FAVOURITE part of the city. Victoria’s Chinatown is Canada’s Oldest, and it’s a vibrant and colourful area. Enjoy excellent Dim Sum or dinner at Don Mee Restaurant.
-Point Ellice House, which has a beautiful garden that contains some very unique heirloom flowers, trees and vegetables. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea there, and visit the intriguing historic museum.
-The chic and trendy Glo-Europub, which has one of Victoria’s most beautiful waterside outdoor patios, and some great food and delicious cocktails as well.
-Dockside Green which is a new residential development renowned for leading edge sustainable design and principles. Check out Fol Epi Bakery for artisanal breads and pastries which make foodie Victorians swoon. Serious coffee lovers will adore Caffe Fantastico.
-Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun stop for Fish & Chips.
-Aura, which is an award winning restaurant and lounge with stunning vistas of the Inner Harbour, and the food and cocktails are equal to the view! It’s located within the Inn at Laurel Point. There’s also a gorgeous outdoor patio, and it is the perfect destination for drinks or a romantic dinner for two.
This Sunday May 16, from 9:00am-1:00 pm the Victoria Harbour Ferries are hosting a fun “Harbour Holiday Fest” event. There will be free harbour ferry hops, and complimentary food samples and interesting activities will take place at the various ferry stops.
Even if you aren’t in town for this event, be sure to check out the Victoria Harbour Ferries on your trip to Victoria. They are equally enjoyable if you’re taking a family vacation, or if you’re on a romantic getaway. Check out their Harbour Holiday Pass www.harbourholiday.ca this summer which is good for two days of unlimited Harbour Hops and also offers discounts on many of the best harbour-side restaurants, pubs, spas and experiences. $30 per person or $60 for a family of four.
Last week, I wanted to surprise my wife with a spa day, so I started looking up some of the local day spas in the area. One of my friends told me that he had just been to the bistro at Merridale Ciderworks for lunch a few days previous and that he had seen brochures for their Orchard Spa, so I looked it up on their website and scanned through their list of services. I picked up the phone and arranged for an hour-long couples massage, followed by a platter of breads and dips, meats, candied salmon, etc.
This whole experience took place in what Merridale calls their “Antioxidant Hut” at the front of the orchard. They also do spa treatments for groups down in their yurt that overlooks the pond and that they’re currently working on packages to accommodate up to 12 guests (and no, that’s not a typo!). The Orchard Spa at Merridale is a hidden gem, so check it out if you like getting off the beaten track!
It’s been awhile since my last blog, but there were some good riding days sprinkled in amongst the rain showers of March.
It’s true. It does rain in Victoria and sometimes, it seems, I’m halfway through a sunny ride when a dark cloud sneaks in to water the flowers for the annual count in February. Victorians love to count their billions of blooms and share the news with friends from more wintry climes.
I’ve nudged my bikes over the 1,000 km mark for the year so far but it never seems to be enough. The pink snow of the cherry blossoms are filling gutters a couple of weeks early and every road I’m on is flanked by clusters of feral daffodils, a ray of sunshine in the riot of green. What other splashes of our colourful palette am I missing when other tasks keep me off the road.
I try to find time, on weekday mornings, after the commuters have parked for the day and the roads grow quieter, to explore the subtle changes of season and the fragrances of spring. My work day is eclectic and I can justify playing hooky when I know I’ll be putting time into an evening meeting or work session.
I’be been checking out new pieces of our rail with trail project, out in the heart of Langford where they are trying hard to be bike friendly. At other times I’ve circled the airport checking in on their new trail and, hidden behind the municipal hall, a new mountain bike dirt park for kids.
Bicycle lanes are also in progress in the area and I wanted to have a look at those too. Elsewhere, I’m exploring a bike race course that rural Metchosin wants to host and too often, lately, analyzing places where some of our cycling network is struggling to stay intact.
It’s all good though. If I’m lucky enough to start before the rain falls, I’m usually warmed up well enough to enjoy the ride anyway. Don’t know who said it first, but it’s a truism that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
Gotta go. I hear a bakery meeting calling my name and I’m hoping to skip the short way there for a longer ride if I can.
 In my opinion, there’s nothing like a new pair of earrings to rejuvenate one’s spirits and one’s wardrobe at the same time. They can add sparkle or drama to an outfit, make you feel sassy, uber-trendy or sophisticated, or add a layer of fabulousness to an ensemble. Depending on the pair, earrings can also be a great way to try out an entirely new look without committing to something permanent, (unlike a new haircut or hair colour). They can also be an incredibly affordable little indulgence, and despite their relatively small size (and cost) earrings can make a big statement.
Every once in a while, I feel the irresistible pull to pick up a new pair of earrings, and that usually means a trip to Violette Veldor – a delightful jewellery store located on Government St., between View and Yates St. It’s only a 5 minute walk from work for me, so I can stop by on a lunch break and return to work with an added spring in my step, and delicious new earrings dangling from my ears.
Violette Veldor is a locally owned business, and the owner has a great eye for fashionable jewellery. There is also always an ever-changing selection, in a wide variety of price points and styles.
I recently stopped in and picked up a dazzling pair of gold earrings shaped to look like leaves. These earrings are larger, more glittery, and more gold than what I usually tend to lean towards, but for some reason as soon as I saw them, I was compelled to purchase them. Perhaps it was seeing all those gold medals at the Vancouver Olympics that made me crave something gold of my own, but whatever the reason, I’ve loved this new pair! They add a sophisticated element to all-black outfits, and look elegant with an ivory and gold scarf that I bought ages ago (a testament to how earrings really can rejuvenate your wardrobe and make you re-think and re-work some of your old clothes!). They also look equally good with jeans for a more casual look.
Perhaps best of all, this new pair was only about $30, making it very easy to take a fashion risk, which in this case turned out to be the right move.
In addition to Violette Veldor, if you’re looking for more places to get great jewellery, check out Bernstein and Gold, Rebel Rebel (neither of which specialize in jewellery but often have good finds) as well as Adore and Artina’s. Happy Shopping!
I love it when you can go out for a seriously delicious meal that’s quick…and it’s even more exciting when you can eat for under $10. Since FOO Asian Street Food opened a few months ago, I’ve found myself there over and over again for dinner or for lunch eating happily out of my little white box. The only problem is that I can’t seem to get beyond this one menu item because I love it so much. One of the owners was making fun of me because I wouldn’t try anything else, but I see I’m in good company. In the March edition of EAT Magazine, the Vietnamese Ginger Caramel Chicken ranked in the top three of the Reader’s Choice Awards for Best $10 or Under Menu Bite. Apparently I’m not the only one who voted this dish to the top! It is so good. Sitting atop white rice is crispy chicken bites and baby bok choy in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s just a little spicy with amazing flavour. It’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
 Green Papaya Salad Now if you want to splurge and burst the $10 budget, start with a Green Papaya Salad. It is shaved green papaya in a lime chili dressing with cilantro, mint and spiced peanuts. I’ve got a pretty good appetite, but I can’t get through the salad plus the Vietnamese Ginger Caramel Chicken (and I have a rather healthy appetite). So it’s best to take a friend and share the salad. But I don’t share the chicken…no way!
Before I found the chicken, I did work my way through several other items from the chalkboard menu. The Prawn and Pork Lettuce Cups have the most wonderful flavours of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, cilantro, Thai basil and coconut cream. They are really delicious, though the same FOO person made fun of me that day because I made quite a mess assembling my lettuce cups and scarfing them down. The Butter Chicken is also a hit as is the Beef Short Rib and Broccoli Chow Mein with ginger black bean sauce.
The FOO food is incredible especially considering the price. It’s just a small spot in the parking lot beside the Dalton Hotel at 769 Yates Street at Blanshard Street. It gets busy in the evening with both movie theatres just across the street and at lunchtime it can also be standing room only. I’m okay to wait especially since I always see people I know when I’m there. Whether it be other food writers, chefs or concierges, lots of people I know who appreciate good food have been spotted in line awaiting their Asian street food.
FOO is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner only Saturday and Sunday.
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