CITY EATS May|June 2021

At press time, restaurants, pubs, bars and food courts remain closed for indoor dining. One silver lining is that the weather is warming up and more establishments are setting up patios and sidewalk seating. See the EAT Guide for listings of take-out, delivery, and patios. eatmagazine.ca/eatguide/

Local food businesses continue to rise to the challenge of these times with creativity and imagination. Here is a just small selection of some of our favourite initiatives:  

Zambri’s has just introduced take and bake pizzas after perfecting their frozen pizza recipe. These are available, along with other house-made pantry items and takeout meals from Tues-Sat. zambris.ca

With Broad Street closed to traffic for pedestrians and patios between Fort and Broughton, Pagliacci’s has expanded their cheerful patio with the bright orange Apérol umbrellas. They are now also offering bottled cocktails, available for pick up or delivery. pagliaccis.ca 

Little Jumbo has mastered the steak-frites to go and also has a delightful picnic tote filled with a gorgeous selection of meats, cheeses, baguette, olives and other treats to set you up for an idyllic afternoon in the park. littlejumbo.ca 

The Chinatown Village is creating an impressive selection of meal kits – both cook + serve or heat + eat, as well as a fun array of cocktail kits. villagex.ca  

House of Boateng also has a beautiful pantry menu, available 7 days a week for pre-order online, featuring frozen and take and bake items. houseofboateng.ca 

Local delivery company, TUTTI, is also supporting local businesses by offering free delivery with a minimum purchase, providing marketing support to restaurants, and giving out frequent coupon codes for users.  Founded here in Victoria in 2017, TUTTI began as a small food and beverage delivery company with the goal of building a delivery service that brings communities together. They have expanded and are now serving Victoria, Kamloops, Nanaimo and Kelowna. tutti.app

The Samosa Box is a new, locally owned family-run business specializing in gourmet handmade samosas made with freshly roasted masalas. Find them on Instagram @samosaboxvictoria

Refire Kitchen opened at 843 Fort St this spring and offers fully prepared meals you simply take and bake. Their storefront is now open for grab n’ go 11-6 Monday through Saturday. Products can be purchased fresh or flash-frozen based on your preference. refirekitchen.ca 

Oni-Oni has opened at 585 Johnson St, with fresh-made Onigiri (rice balls), Dagahi (Japanese candy and snacks), and Nomimono (soft drinks) on offer. oni-oni.com 

Did we mention that summer is on the way? I think I say this every year, but this still seems like a good time to remind you about Victoria’s incredible small-batch ice cream, gelato and frozen treat makers, just in case you’ve been neglecting them over the cooler months. 

Parachute Ice Cream is located in the Rock Bay neighbourhood, at 105-2626 Bridge St. parachuteicecream.com

Cold Comfort is available at the @cancanteen walk-up window or @cocosprovisions at 2-1115 North Park St. 

If you prefer a regular supply, 49 Below Artisan Ice Cream has 1 and 2-pint subscription plans. 49below.ca 

Mosi sources locally grown produce from Saanich Peninsula farmers and buys foraged products to make amazing traditional Italian gelato daily. mosigelato.com  

Don’t forget about Ottavio’s gelato either! ottaviovictoria.com 

Kid Sister has closed its Fan Tan Alley location but is planning to rise up in another form soon. Keep an eye on their Instagram feed for updates. @kidsistericecream

Hot off the press from Touchwood Editions, The Distilleries of Vancouver Island, A Guided Tour of West Coast Craft and Artisan Spirits, by Marianne Scott is a guided tour that highlights the recent evolution of the 21 craft and artisan distilleries that have sprung up on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Includes a selection of the island’s best cocktail recipes. touchwoodeditions.com

Illustration: iStock.com/Andrew Rybalko