I hope you enjoyed the summer of 2009 because by the time our next long weekend rolls around, we'll all be wearing coats again. Bearing this in mind, I wanted to share some of my favourite budget-friendly spots, should you be in Victoria this weekend. Whether you eat in or grab something to go, head downtown.
Please note that hours vary, and not all are licensed to serve alcohol. Please call ahead to avoid disappointment.
KONPIRA
680 Broughton St., 250-388-4439
If you're on one of those diets where you don't eat flour, you'd better stay away from here because just one bite of Yoshiaki Miyata's handmade udon noodles -- topped with hot broth and tender chicken, crisp tempura, curried beef or on their own with spicy dipping sauce -- and I promise, you will be planning your next visit before you swallow. Konpira also offers excellent sushi (no fake crab here, thank you) and great bento boxes ($9.95 at lunch) with tempting combinations like chicken karaage or beef teriyaki, three kinds of sashimi, green salad, rice and miso soup. Comforting and guilt-free. Get there early if you want noodles because he only makes 30 portions a day.
RED FISH BLUE FISH
on the pier below Wharf Street at Broughton, 250-298-6877
Yes, it's fried and no, you can't sit inside because this operation is crafted out of an unused shipping container, but it's wild, fresh and local -- so indulge! Enjoy halibut, salmon or cod in tempura batter with crunchy slaw, hand-cut chips and housemade tartar sauce or grilled fish with salad, if you prefer. If you want something you can eat while you walk, an oyster sandwich with shallot-spiked aioli or a grilled tortilla filled with your choice of seafood, pea shoots and lemon pickled onions should do the trick.
NANDO'S
101-1600 Government St., 250-590-3239
If you're tired and you need a protein boost, drop in here and wake up your taste buds at the same time. This South African chain with Portuguese flavours has recently opened a second location in the capital region, making many an office worker both hungry and frustrated with the incessant aroma of grilled chicken that now permeates the corner of Government and Pandora streets. Messy, spicy, garlicky and addictive! Try some with your choice of side dish for under $10 with a rainbow of bottled hot sauces or tackle one of their ample salads. Eating here is good for your immune system!
SWIFTSURE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
427 Belleville St., 250-389-0839
The Swiftsure has revamped its menu, but it remains both affordable and interesting. Share appetizers such as chilled cream cheese with smoked salmon, dill and artichokes paired with pita chips or a platter with humus, tzatziki, sundried tomato tapenade, apple onion relish and pork tenderloin medallions served with flat bread for $10 each with a cool beverage. If you want something substantial, spend a few bucks more and tuck into one of the Swiftsure's fabulous burgers or dig into spaghettini with chicken, chorizo sausage, roasted garlic, green beans, rosemary and fresh tomato sauce or fettuccine tossed with salmon, halibut, prawns, mussels, fennel, cherry tomatoes and citrus infused olive oil -- both are served with garlic toast to mop up every bite. Indoor and outdoor seating, but kids on the restaurant side only please.
QV BAKERY AND CAFE
1701 Government St., 250-384-8831
Known equally for its great selection of desserts and affordable, generous portions of home cooked food, QV is located on the edge of Chinatown and makes a perfect spot to meet up before traversing the Sunday market. Down-home burgers, yam fries, soups, chili and lasagna are all good bets, and if the weather is nice, you can take a seat on the forecourt of this former service station. Got a sweet tooth? Try a block of marshmallow fudge or a slice of the many cheesecakes on offer -- recent selections include creamsicle, raspberry, root beer float and almond roca.
PARADISO DI STELLE
10 Bastion Square, 250-920-7266
One of the best spots in warm weather to take a break for sustenance and people-watching after wandering around downtown or perusing the Bastion market. Grab a seat on the patio for a great view of the harbour, or some people-watching with one of their fabulous coffee drinks and a panini. Popular combinations include turkey with roasted red peppers or Genoa salami with eggplant, both with plenty of mozzarella. If you arrive early enough, try one of Paradiso's fabulous pastas, all under $10. Savour fusilli with creamy mushroom or Bolognese sauce, penne with green olives, capers, garlic and chili in tomato sauce or carbonara. Finish with your choice from a rainbow of gelati flavours. Va bene!
