IN THE ‘HOOD
— by Treve Ring
Estevan Village and Cadboro Bay Road are family-friendly zones. Restaurants, cafés, wine shops, cupcakes, butchers & more It takes a child to raise a village, at least it does in these two blocks nestled within Oak Bay. A few minutes’ walk to elementary schools, playgrounds and beaches, the peaceful calmness of this upper-middle-class, family-friendly neighbourhood has created pocket areas where strollers and dogs are as common as cars. Local businesses have responded— in spades. Tyke-sized cupcakes and gourmet doggie biscuits are lovingly prepared here. Plus, there’s a green grocer, skilled butcher, artisan breads, all-day breakfasts to feed the growing family, a cozy bistro and a wine shop for mom and dad. In short, it’s a picture-perfect place to read the Sunday paper on a patio, locally roasted coffee and lavender muffin in hand, watching Junior and Fido play on the grass.
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Cadboro Bay Road: Culinary Map (2500 block)
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Haro’s Afternoon Tea Glenn Barlow & Ame DePaoli at BC Wine Guys
Take a break and enjoy an old world tradition in a casual seaside setting. The perfect pot of tea, decadent goodies, and an ocean view to watch the world go by. What could be better? Where: Haro's Restaurant + Bar When: Daily from 2-4pm Cost: $12.95 per person (not including tax or gratuity)
For reservations: 250.655.9700 • www.sidneypier.com 10
EAT MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2009
Willows Centre is the official name of the teeny strip of shops in the 2500 block of Cadboro Bay Road, but I’ve never heard anyone refer to it as such. Instead, it’s the place where Slater’s First Class Meats is. In business since 1983, this is where many chefs (pro and home versions) source their specialty meats. Custom-cut beef, poultry, lamb and pork, and don’t forget to order ahead for your Thanksgiving Turducken. 250-592-0823. 2577, Cadboro Bay Rd. But what wine to serve with your Turducken? Ame DePaoli and her knowledgeable team at next door’s BC Wine Guys will be able to help you out. Older sister store to Cook Street Village Liquor, this VQA shop immigrated over from Oak Bay Village last year and stocks a wide variety of hard-to-find bottles. Be sure to subscribe to owner and well-known wine consultant Glenn Barlow’s e-newsletter for all your booze news, and inquire about his Victoria Wine Society. 250-592-8466. 2579 Cadboro Bay Rd. (www.bcwineguys.com). Bistro 28 is the new kid on the block; it opened this summer in the old Wren space. Chef Sam Chalmers, formerly of The Superior, Pescatores and Stage, totally reconfigured the space, installing a long banquette bar and small patio. The menu is big on little plates. Pop in for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, lunch Wednesday through Friday and brunch on Sunday. 250-598-2828. 2583 Cadboro Bay Rd., 250-598-2828 (www.bistro28.ca). Next door’s Food Forum carries all your typical groceries and sundries, plus an impressive selection of locally produced goodies. Think Level Ground Coffee, Udder Guy Ice Cream, Meadowvale Farms … They are also a consistent sponsor of local sports teams and com-
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