2018/07/03

Three blue-chip restaurants, and a boutique hotel, in Victoria, BC, Canada


Pagliacci's
https://www.pagliaccis.ca/

In 1981, Howie Siegel opened the Pagliacci's restaurant in Victoria, BC, and blew away the local community.

He combined an exciting atmosphere inspired by his hometown, New York City, with Excellent food, and featured the best cheesecake Victoria's population ever tasted.

The dining destination continues to be full, energetic and fun, reminiscent of great Parisian Bistros and New York City counterparts. Howie's son, Solomon now makes sure, Pagliacci's remains the real deal, and the bistro continues to deliver on every visit,

My veal chop with mushroom sauce and fresh vegetables was perfect. I watched terrific salads, pasta and chicken dishes pass by, and noted they disappeared quickly.
 

Ferris’ Grill and Garden Patio
How did I miss these guys?  They've been serving fresh oysters and seafood in downtown Victoria, BC, for 27 years. 
Fast, friendly service, in a ten-decade old building, originally built to support a boot factory. Today the art and photos make for a superb restaurant atmosphere.
We ate delicious shucked oysters and deep-fried prawns, sampled local wine with professional guidance, at affordable prices.
The happy hour at Ferris' runs from 3 pm to 5 pm, and it is "serious" value for your money. I had the bar to myself, a dozen oysters, delicious prawns and enjoyed conversation. It was enough to reenergize my belief in the human race or at least Excellent oysters, prawns, and white wine.


 Fishhooks, at Mermaid Wharf
http://fishhookvic.com/
The word unique is appropriate when describing Fishhook, at the Mermaid Wharf in Victoria, BC.
The fresh seafood, and produce, harvested in local waters and farms were delicious. All prepared with Indian and Asian influences.
We enjoyed cold smoked fish and sashimi served with spicy sauces and vegetable pakora to start. The wild salmon, pacific blue mussels, tuna belly and salads that followed were outstanding.
The service was professional, our waiter taking time to answer all questions and guiding us through their menu selections. We all left satisfied looking forward to a return trip.
Note: Fishhook takes reservations at their Mermaid Wharf location, but not the original bistro on Fort Street. Prices are on the expensive side, in line with the food quality, service, and scenic venue.





 
 


The Union Club of Victoria, British Columbia
The Union Club of Victoria offers a limited amount of rooms and their services to non-members. Service is first rate, the setting is traditional British Men's Club, the restaurant and bar are a destination, and the elevator is the oldest operating model in Western Canada.
The room was clean, the bed comfortable, and wi-fi free and dependable.
The bar has excellent wine and cocktail options at fair prices. The restaurant menu offers steaks, pheasant, salmon and other local delicacies. Presentation and friendly, knowledgeable servers made our dinner something to remember.
The executive-fitness center has adequate weight training and cardio equipment as well as a sauna.
Note: the club enforces a dress code of collared shirts and dress pants, in the common areas, including the library, lounge, bar, and restaurant.