Tofino Buzz: January | February 2017

January and February are quieter times to visit the west coast, but you will often be treated to a solid winter storm complete with power outage. The businesses who are still able to offer dining options are quite popular during these events, so much so that they have been listed on the Tourism Tofino website under No Power No Problem (website). It’s great information to have if you’re visiting at this time of year!

Adam Buskard’s long-running Tofitian Café in the Beaches parking lot (at 1180 Pacific Rim Hwy) has been undergoing a revamp in the past few months. After taking over the adjacent space, Buskard has been busy updating the interior and tweaking the concept of this popular java spot. Lounge seating has been added in the old portion of the café and counter and retail space has been moved and expanded for a fresh new look that maintains the old vintage details.

Jenn Bauer has made the move to the Tofitian team from the pastry department at SoBo. Bauer, who has over 20 years of kitchen experience, has implemented a new made-from-scratch line of sweet and savoury goods for the new space. The signature items include a savoury ham and brie scone with red pepper jelly, sausage rolls with Pete’s Mountain Meats custom blend, coconut cinnamon buns, and dark chocolate candied ginger cookies. Bauer’s sausage rolls are quickly becoming a local obsession (or maybe just a personal one..). Fernwood espresso, drip coffee and cold brew round out the new menu at the Tofitian. For more information check out the Tofitian on Facebook or drop by during your next visit.

There are other expansions happening in the neighbourhood as well. Chocolate Tofino has taken over additional space next to the Tofitian, expanding their retail and ice cream counter into a unit previously occupied by Pina Styles (now located on Campbell St. downtown). This much-needed expansion will allow more devotees to get their fix; the owners Kim and Cam often had to provide umbrellas to patrons who lined up outside! The renovated space was scheduled to open after our press deadline, but we’re looking forward to seeing it (and reuniting with their Hot Chocolate Elixir). See www.chocolatetofino.com for additional information.

For the second year in a row Tourism Tofino is hosting the Tofino Wedding Fair on January 28^th (location TBA). This event provides an opportunity to experience what Tofino has to offer for weddings, including dining options. For more information, please visit www.tourismtofino.com.

If you’re planning a trip to Tofino in the near future, please be advised that some restauranteurs take some much needed time off during the winter months. The crew at SoBo will be off until just before Valentine’s Day (website), and the Pointe Restaurant and Driftwood Café at the Wickaninnish Inn will be closed from January 2^nd and February 3^rd (website).

– Jen Dart