Special Features - Wilson's Group - Connector - July/August 2017

Connector ONBOARD MAGAZINE FOR THE WILSON’S GROUP

The Fun Is In Getting There!

JULY/AUGUST 2017

All Aboard!

Hop On and Hop Off in Vintage Style

A FINE FEAST

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GROUP PUBLISHER Penny Sakamoto 250.480.3204

PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Sierra Lundy

ADVERTISING Ruby Della Siega 250.480.3222

EDITOR Susan Lundy lundys@shaw.ca

WRITERS Sierra Lundy, Darcy Nybo, Sean McIntyre

Patty Doering 250.480.3242 Nick Warrington 250.480.3399

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mario Gedicke 250.891.5627 mario.gedicke@blackpress.ca

PRODUCTION Janice Marshall

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OUR TEAM TAKES CARE OF ALL YOUR RENOVATION NEEDS

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CONNECTOR magazine is published six times a year by Black Press and is distributed by The Wilson’s Group. The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or The Wilson’s Group.

The contents of Connector magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.

818 Broughton Street Victoria, BC Canada V8W 1E4 www.blackpress.ca

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s n r PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

welcome aboard elcome to British Columbia — we hope you enjoy our amazing destinations!

At this time of year, most of our travellers are visitors to our beautiful West Coast. We invite you to sit back, relax, enjoy the ride and read through this issue of Connector for ideas of things to see and do both in Victoria and Vancouver.

I was born and raised in Victoria and feel fortunate to call it home for my entire life — and of the lives of my adult children. For me, being in the tourism/bus business, travelling in the busy summer months is rarely an option; however, this is never a hardship, as there always seems to be something to do here.

As a family, we spent most of our free time enjoying the beaches and parks or one of the many events happening in and around Victoria. If we did want a break, we’d head over to the mainland to enjoy a special event or just some

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time in Stanley Park or the Vancouver Aquarium.

If you are travelling with your family this summer or with friends, I know you’ll find many fantastic things to do. Check out this issue of Connector’s Five on the Drive for a few ideas, including one of our family’s favourite Saturday activities — the Moss Street Market in Victoria, something you want to be sure to do at least once this summer.

Also enjoy reading about the culinary extravaganza, Feast of Fields, and our fabulous Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing tours in Victoria.

And, whether you are a visitor or local, you may want to plan your Vancouver or Victoria visits around one of the incredible festivals this summer, there truly is something for everyone.

We wish you a summer filled with special memories of your travels.

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CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

JULY/AUGUST 2017 5

VICTORIA

BY DARCY NYBO PHOTOS BY DON DENTON AND WILSON'S TRANSPORTATION

DAY-TRIPPING:

HOP-ON HOP-OFF VINTAGE STYLE

EXPLORING VICTORIA ON AN ICONIC DOUBLE-DECKER BUS here’s nothing that compares to sightseeing in Victoria on an open double decker bus, especially when you can hop off at any time and hop back on once you’ve explored an area.

Victoria’s Gray Line Hop-On Hop-Off CitySights Tour offers a 90-minute route

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6 JULY/AUGUST 2017

around the city that can be enjoyed all at once, or in bits and pieces as riders can jump off the bus, explore the sights and then hop back on at their leisure — and all for one great price.

There are a several buses used for the Hop-On Hop-Off tour, including vintage

buses and a contemporary Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 bus.

Wilson’s Transportation, which operates Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria, knew its ‘60s and ‘70s buses needed an overhaul.

To keep the buses running and make

CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

them more environmentally friendly, the company is upgrading some of its fleet.

These older buses are now in the process of being electrified. That’s right – these vintage throwbacks may soon become 100 per cent electric.

To ensure emission standards are met, and exceeded, the team is doing its best to upgrade the buses without sacrificing their charm.

“We have a team at Ogden Point converting one right now,” said John Varga of Gray Line Victoria. “We want to save these classic doubledeckers. If the pilot program is successful, three or four of them will be eligible for conversion.”

He added, “These original buses are from England. The oldest one we have is a 1959 Routemaster, believed to be the oldest operating bus in Canada.”

While some of the older buses are being upgraded, Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria has acquired an Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 bus, built in Guilford, England.

“These double-decker buses have an iconic aspect that people associate with Victoria and we ’re doing our best to keep that,” said Varga. “In the near future, if

the conversion goes well, we will have a hybrid fleet that is a mixture of modern and vintage double-decker buses.”

Gray Line is hoping for a late 2017 or early 2018 launch for the newly converted electric bus.

“Once the first one is done and tested and the charging infrastructure has been

Hotel and Bastion Square. Should riders choose to get off here, they can find fine dining and whale watching excursions nearby.

Next stop is the MV Coho ferry terminal with service linking Victoria to Port Angeles, WA. From this stop it’s a short ride to the historic Fisherman’s Wharf and the Coast Hotel. Hop off here and wander the docks, visit the shops and restaurants and take a stroll to admire the float home village attached to the wharf.

After Fisherman’s Wharf, the tour takes riders through Beacon Hill Park where you’ll find peacocks strutting about, and a petting zoo. There ’s also Mile 0, which is the start of the Trans Canada Highway.

Further up the road is the Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1896.

Riders may want to get off at the Craigdarroch Castle stop for a glimpse of Scottish life in the late 1890s. Or, walk a bit further to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

“THESE DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES HAVE AN ICONIC ASPECT THAT PEOPLE ASSOCIATE WITH VICTORIA AND WE WANT TO KEEP THAT.”

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built, the others will be relatively easy to switch over,” he said.

In the meantime, locals and visitors can board the distinctive red, double-decker buses and tour the city. Most people board in front of the legendary Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The bus then ventures into Old Town where you’ll find brightly coloured buildings from the 1850s and 1890s. From there it’s over to the Victoria Regent

JULY/AUGUST 2017 7

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm Come on down for a visit with our friendly farm animals. Hang out with our beloved goats in the petting area and be sure to catch our famous goat stampede!

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Other stops of interest include the Oak Bay Village, Oak Bay Marina and Oak Bay Beach Hotel. On the way back to the Empress, the bus travels through Cook Street Village and make a quick stop at the Chateau Victoria Hotel and Suites.

Buses run all day long, so you can hop off at any stop and hop back on once you’re done exploring.

Tickets are purchased in front of the Empress Hotel. For those who don’t want to get off, you can stay on the bus for the full 90-minute tour.

Otherwise, choose from a 24 or 48-hour pass and hop on and off at your leisure as you explore the sights.

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A FINE FEAST "Country chic" culinary event at two Locations

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RAVENHILL HERB FARM NEAR VICTORIA IS THE SITE OF VANCOUVER ISLAND’S FEAST OF FIELDS.

BY DARCY NYBO

or those who have never been, FarmFolk CityFolk’s Feast of Fields is a four-hour (1 to 5 pm) gourmet harvest festival. You receive a wine glass and a linen napkin at the gate upon arrival. Then it’s time to wander through farms dotted with tents, which are bursting with taste treats for you to sample.

While you’re having a great time, the money you paid for your ticket is hard at work funding a portion of FarmFolk CityFolk’s work throughout BC.

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to sample. In August, blackberries are prolific and you’ll find them used in a variety of unique ways from ports to reductions.

This Vancouver Island event is more of a meandering experience than the others. Take your time, saunter around the farm and see what’s growing and what’s going on. Talk to local chefs, artisans, winemakers, brewers and providers. You’ve got all afternoon to take it all in.

PICK YOUR FEAST VICTORIA FEAST OF FIELDS SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 RAVENHILL HERB FARM, SAANICHTON, BC This year marks the 20th Feast of Fields on Vancouver Island.

The venue this year is Ravenhill Herb Farm, where the very first Island Feast was held. Today this 10-acre farm is a living herbal apothecary and an oasis of edibles. The terraced herb gardens you see today were created in the 1980s.

As with all Feast of Fields, the food and beverages are based on regional cuisine, ingredients and talent. On Vancouver Island, you’ll find a strong base of seafood dishes like salmon and mussels as well as pork and lamb. Locally harvested sea salt is used in many of the dishes and regional beer, wine and spirits are here for you CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

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METRO VANCOUVER FEAST OF FIELDS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 KRAUSE BERRY FARMS & ESTATE WINERY, LANGLEY, BC This year marks the 22nd time the Feast of Fields has welcomed guests in the Metro Vancouver area. This year, the Feast is held at Krause Berry Farm and Estate Winery in Langley. This farm is known for its family friendly u-pick fields, restaurants, waffle bar, farm fresh bakery, home and garden market and Estate Winery. During the summer, there are u-pick and pre-picked berries, as well as freshly baked goods, farm-made ice cream and so much more.

The food at this Feast of Fields tends to reflect the food scene in the area. There is more of an international, big city flavour here. You’ll find lots of fusion foods and a taste of fine dining in bite-sized morsels.

This Feast differs from others as all the chefs here pull from the same foodscape. Not to worry though – no two dishes will taste the same as all the chefs chef puts their own creative spins and feel to their food.

The Metro Vancouver Feast is the perfect place for foodies who want to try something new. It has been described as country chic with a metropolitan-meets-country feel. It also helps showcase where our food comes from — something that sometimes gets lost in a bigger city.

How to Feast

The trick to having a fantastic time at a Feast of Fields is knowing that you must pace yourself.

There are over 40 chefs/restaurants paired with just as many beverage providers at most Feast of Fields events.

It may take a bit of willpower to resist gobbling down every scrumptious morsel you see. Add to that a creative assortment of regional wines, cider, meads and distilled beverages and you know you need a plan.

Seasoned Feast goers have it figured it out. Walk slowly, take your time to learn about the dishes and the ingredients and where they came from.

Enjoy the unique ways in which the chefs get creative at this zero-waste event. You might have your food presented on a banana leaf or your drink served in half a lime.

When it comes to the adult beverages, savour them.

Ask questions about how they were made, and where the ingredients came from. Don’t forget to cleanse your palate with a glass of water every three or four samples.

There is a bus service that will take you to the farms. You can bring along a designated driver; however, there is a limited amount of parking at the farms. Also, this is a stand-up-andwalk-around event; be sure to wear weather appropriate and comfortable footwear.

For more information, bus information, and ticket purchase go to feastoffields.com.

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CRYSTAL GARDEN’S POOL AND DANCE FLOOR. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF VICTORIA ARCHIVES CVA M06517

ALL ON BOARD

Bus terminal gives storied Crystal Garden new lease on life

BY SEAN MCINTYRE PHOTOS BY DON DENTON

ews that tenants in Victoria’s old Inner Harbour bus terminal had to move out came as a mixed blessing for operators in early 2014.

The no-frills depot was a throwback to bus stations of old with no skimping on the dinginess factor, but it was also in the heart of Victoria’s downtown and had grown to become a focal point for travellers and commuters alike.

As the property owner eyed demolition of the building to make way for an

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expanded public garden surrounding a low-rise block of luxury rental apartments and ground floor retail space, bus company representatives like Travis Wilson of Wilson’s Transportation began searching for an alternative site that could handle an annual passenger load of approximately 250,000 travellers.

A lack of space downtown for something as large and logistically challenging as a bus terminal led many to consider options to the north and west of the city’s centre — an option that seemed inevitable but one that few considered ideal for passengers.

Then, Wilson recalls, a solution became clear, and it was right across the street.

The Crystal Garden is a heritage building that’s closely tied to the city’s sporting and cultural history. When it was built in the 1920s — based on a design by renowned Victoria architect Francis Rattenbury — the glass-roofed structure housed the largest saltwater swimming pool in the British Empire. Johnny Weissmuller, who would go on to play the lead role in the original 1932 film version of Tarzan the Ape Man, opened the pool in grand style by setting a 100-yard freestyle world record.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 11

“WHAT WE’RE GOING FOR IS A WELCOMING AND OPEN ENVIRONMENT. IT’S BECOME MORE THAN JUST A BUS TERMINAL.” The building also housed lush tea gardens, a gymnasium and two large dance floors where big bands from the golden age entertained locals and visitors. Up until the 1970s, the building was integral in Victoria’s business and social who’s who, offering a venue for art shows, beauty pageants and meetings.

In more recent history, the building was used as a conservation centre, featuring endangered animals, and the site of the short-lived BC Experience before it became part of the Victoria Conference Centre in 1980.

The Crystal Garden’s retail section along Douglas Street had met mixed success of late. Following discussions with city officials and work to renovate the street-front units, Wilson’s and two other bus companies received the green light to shift operations across the road.

The new space, dubbed the Capital City Station and Cafe, opened in July 2016 after the venture received the city’s approval for an 18-month pilot project. The new site features a roomy check-in area and adjacent sitting room that is clean and well lit. Next door is a coffee shop that serves light meals,

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snacks and refreshments to travellers or the general public.

“What we ’re going for is a welcoming and open environment,” Wilson says.

“It’s become more than just a bus terminal.”

Regardless of where they may be in the complex, large windows looking out to the bus parking area along Douglas Street make it virtually impossible for travellers to miss their bus.

The depot provides service daily throughout the busy summer season to the BC Ferries Connector, Greyhound, Tofino Bus and the YYJ Airport Shuttle.

Now that the company has been in its new location for more than a year, Wilson says, the company is eyeing another corner of the Crystal Garden for use as customer service centre, a move that might not bring Tarzan back, but will add new life to the streetscape.

“It just wasn’t very utilized,” Wilson says. “Just because of its age and its role in the city’s history, it’s great to use the building once again.”

The Capital City Station and Cafe is located at 721 Douglas Street.

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Five must-see or must-do events in July and August

FIVE DRIVE ON THE

VICTORIA>VANCOUVER>

VICTORIA

Phillips Backyard Weekender Where: 2010 Government Street When: July 7-9

Here’s a chance to party with 3,000 of your closest friends at The Phillips Backyard Weekender — a 19-plus, licensed music festival in the Phillips Backyard, located at Phillips Brewery. Disguised as a brewery parking lot by day, the Phillips Backyard magically transforms into an outdoor music venue and super-party for three unforgettable nights. Founded in 2013 by Atomique Productions and Phillips Brewing Company, the Phillips Backyard Weekender has become downtown Victoria’s homegrown party of the summer.

It’s a highlight event not to be missed. backyardweekender.com

Moss Street Market Where: Moss Street When: May through October

This is one public market not to be missed! Running every Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm, rain or shine, until October, the market features a host of vendors, live music and delicious food options.

This year marks Moss Street Market’s 26th season of providing organic farm-fresh produce, local foods, handmade crafts, artisan clothing, inspiring services and community education to folks from the entire Victoria and area region. Check it out on July 15 for this year’s annual Moss Street Paint In, featuring a host of amazing artists. mossstreetmarket.com

SKAMpede

Where: Galloping Goose When: July 14-16

Formerly called Bike Ride, Theatre SKAM’S annual festival is now known as SKAMpede, and the original emphasis on travelling between mini shows by bicycle now includes pedestrians and people using mobility devices like wheelchairs. In its ninth year, the event features a dozen 10-minute pieces of indie theatre, presented in four kilometres of the Galloping Goose. The shows include local favourites like Monkey C Interactive and Hip Hop Puppetry, plus acts from as far away as Montreal and Toronto. This year also features cutting-edge First Nations artists such as Article 11 and Iqaluit’s Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory. Participants gather at The Hub — the parking lot for Farmer Construction at 360 Harbour Road— and wait to get sent off in groups of 12 to see the shows. In the meantime, they can entertain themselves watching stilt walkers, viewing installations, eating delicious street food and imbibing brews and sodas. skam.ca/skampede 14 JULY/AUGUST 2017

28th Annual Symphony Splash When: August 6 Where: Victoria's Inner Harbour

Join tens of thousands of music lovers at Victoria’s Inner Harbour and listen to the Victoria Symphony perform original and classic pieces from a floating stage. Spread a blanket on the lawn or take to the water in a kayak, sailboat or yacht for an ideal view.

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The event includes musical entertainment, food and souvenirs.

Splash is now one of the largest annual symphony events in North America, attracting up to 40,000 Victoria residents and visitors from all over the world. Over 400 volunteers help to bring the event to the community. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, cannons and fireworks.

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victoriasymphony.ca/community/splash

Vancouver Folk Music Festival When: July 13-16 Where: Jericho Beach park

Classic Boat Festival When: September 1-3 Where: Inner Harbour

This three-day festival held on the Labour Day weekend celebrates the city’s rich marine culture and it’s one of the area’s most anticipated maritime events. This year, expect a special celebration of the festival’s 40th anniversary alongside Canada’s 150th birthday events. Held in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour and bustling waterfront, the festival brings together one of the largest and most beautiful collections of classic boats in the Pacific Northwest. Alongside the showcasing of these beautiful boats, the waterfront delivers a lively combination of local food, live entertainment, music, demonstrations and displays. And thanks to the assistance of the Canoe Cove Marina, Maritime Museum of BC, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and other sponsors, the Victoria Classic Boat Festival is absolutely free.

classicboatfestival.ca

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival is a community-based celebration with an internationally renowned reputation for presenting the finest traditional and contemporary folk and roots music artists from around the world. Now in its 40th year, it continues to be one of the city’s most beloved, enjoyed and respected events. The festival draws more than 38,000 people annually to Jericho Beach Park to experience the music and culture of more than 60 international, national and local acts, and to revel in music, dance, food and children’s activities — as well as the magical ambience of the festival. thefestival.bc.ca

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Call 250-391-8484 for all your Real Estate needs

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 15

FIVE ON THE DRIVE

Honda Celebration of Light WHEN: July 29-Aug 5 WHERE: ENGLISH BAY

This is the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world.

One of the city’s signature summer events, the festival lights up the sky over English Bay for three nights in late July and early August.

Three countries compete each year to wow Vancouver crowds, choreographing their spectacular displays to music as they’re launched off a floating barge in the bay. This year’s competition includes Japan on July 29, the UK on August 2 and Canada on August 5. Crowds flock to the waterfront around English Bay and Burrard Inlet, setting out picnic blankets and folding chairs on the beach to take in the show.

Along with the fireworks themselves, the Celebration of Light kicks off each evening with an accompanying music festival at Sunset Beach. SHOREFEST is Vancouver’s largest free community concert series. Bands start hitting the stages in the early afternoon, getting crowds warmed up for the spectacular main event. hondacelebrationoflight.com

Vancouver Fringe Festival When: September 7-17 Where: Various venues

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is an annual celebration of Theatre for Everyone! In 2017 it will feature more than 700 performances by over 90 artists over 11 days. The festival employs an “everyone welcome” selection technique — the Mainstage shows are literally drawn out of a hat, giving all artists a chance to participate. The Vancouver Fringe Festival also features unique site-specific theatre where artists stage their work in the nooks and crannies of Granville Island, as part of the Fringe Onsite Program. You can “feast at the fringe” via some of the city’s top food trucks and check out the Big Rock Brewery Fringe Bar, the Festival’s social hub (located at Ocean Art Works, in front of Ocean Concrete and next to the Creekhouse on Granville Island). This festival is part theatre, part party!

vancouverfringe.com

PNE Fair Caribbean Days Festival When: July 29-30 Where: Waterfront Park

Immerse yourself in island culture with the Caribbean Days Festival, a tropical-themed event touting a multicultural street parade and a festival at North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park.

Indulge in international cuisine, listen to Caribbean-style music and experience the fun, laidback vibe of the islands. Organized by the Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society of BC, this is a weekend of tropical rhythm, cuisine, carnival and culture as only the Caribbean can offer. Over the years, and with tens of thousands of attendees, the festival has grown into BC’s biggest Caribbean event. caribbeandays.ca 16 JULY/AUGUST 2017

When: August 19 to September 4 Where: Playland

The Pacific National Exhibition, or PNE, has been an annual Vancouver fair for over 100 years with rides, shows, farm animals, midway games and concerts. Taking place the last three weeks of the summer and finishing on the Labour Day long weekend, the PNE is when Vancouver’s Playland turns into a first-class fair. The PNE has all of Playland’s usual midway and various amusement rides, including its two major roller coasters, plus a few additional ones. What’s more, though, is the live entertainment, tantalizing food stalls and the excitement of a carnival. The PNE also hosts live outdoor concerts, included in the price of regular admission. Among the many performers this year, look for: Chicago, Huey Lewis & the News, Tom Cochrane, the B-52s and The Gypsy Kings. PNE.CA CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

GRIZZLY BEARS OF KNIGHT INLET

Grizzly bear tours depart daily from Telegraph Cove by covered water taxi with on-board washroom.

Spring & Summer trips feature viewing from boat.

TIDE RIP GRIZZLY ADVENTURES Telegraph Cove, BC 250-339-5320 ~ Toll Free 1-888-643-9319

www.grizzlycanada.com

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JULY/AUGUST2017 17

VICTORIA + VANCOUVER

BY DARCY NYBO

FIVE FOR THE

FOODIE

FABULOUS FOOD TRUCKS!

We scoured Vancouver and Victoria for some fabulous food trucks, and discovered that finding gourmet dishes served by up-and-coming chefs is all part of the food truck adventure. To find out where trucks may be on any given day, download the Street Food app on your smart device. Bon appétit!

Vij's Railway Express

Various Locations, Vancouver, usually in Olympic Village

MANDALAY BURMESE KITCHEN’S FOOD TRUCK.

Mandalay Burmese Kitchen Various Locations, Vancouver

Some of us go our whole lives without ever tasting quality Burmese street eats. The Mandalay Burmese Kitchen food truck will serve you authentic Burmese food, direct from grandma’s recipes, all made using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The keema paratha was a new dish for me. This Burmese pastry stuffed with spicy split yellow peas was perfect for a snack. The truck also serves a hang lay curry with ginger and lemongrass and a tea leaf (lephet thok) salad made with pickled green tea, puffed yellow peas, peanuts, cabbage, sesame, lime and more delicious ingredients. All dishes can be made gluten free and vegan/vegetarian.

MUST TRY: : Have you ever involuntarily closed your eyes when that perfect flavour combination hits your mouth? That’s what happened when I had my first bite of the Burmese Fish Taco. The mixture of the chili aioli, salsa and crispy shrimp relish on the tempura cod, had me making nom nom noises and I didn’t care who heard me!

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Vij’s Vancouver Restaurant was opened by Vikram Vij in 1994 and has won dozens and dozens of awards since then. This celebrated chef ’s delicious creations can now be experienced through Vij’s Railway Express food truck. While the spices and cooking techniques are definitely Indian, the flavour combinations may surprise you. There are only a couple dishes available at the food truck, but that’s all you need. All curries are served with rice and naan. Make sure you get a Kashmiri Chai to go with your meal.

MUST TRY: The Butter Chicken Schnitzel Curry is so popular, it’s one of the few things they serve. One bite, and you’ll know why. This isn’t your typical sweet butter chicken sauce. This sauce has life and spice and excitement stirred into it. It completely envelops the chicken schnitzel for a tasty reminder that spicy doesn’t always mean super hot.

VIJ’S BUTTER CHICKEN SCHNITZEL.

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Rolling Reef

675 Belleville Street, Victoria (behind the Royal BC Museum)

When you’re craving Caribbean-inspired cuisine, the Rolling Reef is where you need to be. Brunch, lunch or dinner, you won’t be bored with the flavour selection here. West Indian curries can be made vegetarian or with a meat of your choice. The Tobago Wrap is a favourite, with fresh, crispy vegetables and perfectly seasoned meats. Add the Rolling Reef ’s hot sauce and you’ve got an authentic Caribbean feast at your fingertips. The truck has a good selection here of spicy and not-so-spicy choices. And it’s within walking distance of the BC Ferries Connector drop off on Douglas Street!

MUST TRY: You might think Caribbean Poutine would be too strange to try. Don’t think that! The fresh-cut fries and cheese curds slathered with jerk gravy may become your next comfort food. Add in some chicken and you’ve got a street meal that is somehow familiar and yet excitingly exotic. Added Bonus: You can buy their delicious sauces on site!

ROLLING REEF JERK CHICKEN COCO BUN.

C'est Si Bon

Various Locations, Vancouver

DEADBEETZ B BURGER.

Deadbeetz

675 Belleville Street, Victoria (behind the Royal BC Museum)

Not all burgers are created equal. You’ll know that once you sink your teeth into one of Deadbeetz’ scrumptious creations. Order it up plain, with cheese or with bourbon bacon jam. For the super hungry, they add a little something called the hot mess (fried egg, bacon jam and sriracha hot sauce) to your burger. All beef is grass fed, and the truck also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Make sure you add fresh-fried vegetable chips to your order.

There’s nothing quite like popping a crunchy beet chip into your mouth after you’ve dipped it into a chipotle mayo dip.

MUST TRY: One bite of the Beatrice Beef Burger and you’ll make a mental note to come back soon. This burger has so many mild and wild flavours your taste buds won’t know what hit them. The Vancouver Island sauce is made from a secret recipe, as are the thinly sliced picked beets. There’s just a hint of hot, combined with pickled goodness and the earthy flavour of the beet. Make sure you get extra napkins. You can’t be dainty when eating this masterpiece.

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When you think French cuisine, you probably don’t think food truck. C’est Si Bon’s speciality is Beef Bourguignon made with free range, non-medicated beef that’s been slowly cooked in a delicious red wine sauce. On the side, you’ll find some majorly tasty scalloped potatoes cooked to perfection. For a lighter option, try a Bourguignon wrap or a veggie wrap. They also serve poutine made with red wine gravy and delicious breakfast croissants. For dessert, try one of their decadent pastries.

MUST TRY: The Pommes Dauphines were made to make memories in your mouth. These bite-size potato croquettes are super crunchy on the outside, and smooth and velvety on the inside. They are served with a creamy dill sauce that just begs to be part of every bite. Warning: you may not want to share this dish.

C’EST SI BON BEEF BOURGUIGNON. JULY/AUGUST 2017 19

HIT THE

KIM JAY PHOTO

PHOTOS AND TEXT

BY SIERRA LUNDY

ROAD THE FASHION-SAVVY TRAVELLER Linda Rajotte Claim to fame: Jewellery artist for Silver Ocean Designs

Where were you born, where did you grow up?

I was born in Vancouver and grew up in many towns and cities throughout BC. My father worked for the telephone company, so we moved a great deal. Perhaps it was because of such movement that my enjoyment and acceptance of people from all walks of life became second nature. My final two years in school, before going to university, were in Terrace, BC. What does good travelling style mean to you?

Good travelling style for me is to keep things casual, enjoying the moment and having clothes and jewellery that combine well for any occasion. Most definitely, I need to have comfortable shoes — no high heels for this girl! I love lots of layers because I am often cold. I tend to concentrate on non-patterned clothes and work hard to get away from black — although, really, I am most comfortable in it.

How did you get into jewellery making?

I have used many other media in my life to express my artistic talents; however, exploring the unique properties of silver and copper has dominated my passion for creating wearable art since 2004. My development as a jewellery artist evolved through my own investigations and experimentations, as well as courses in PMC, metalwork, chasing and repousse, caning/mokume/inlay, Viking knit and chainmaille. I studied Fine Arts at UBC while completing my degree in honours Mathematics, which I then taught for over 30 years, most recently at St. Michaels University School. Making art may seem unusual for a mathematician but I believe mathematics is an integral part of art.

How does Jewellery augment or reflect your style?

Yuvita linen dress ($179) and linen pants ($149) from Auréa Fashion Boutique.

Just Moulin’ Around necklace ($980): Blue Star earrings ($168); Sterling Silver Byzantine bracelet ($298); Simply Silver cuff bracelet ($198) Mussel Shell Bracelet with parallel weave ($428); Textured Sterling Silver Wrap Rings ($52).

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Silver and nature have always held an attraction for me and I wore silver pieces from other artists for many years. Now, it is very special to wear something I have created. I weave, texture and form silver, creating wearable art that adorns the body, feeds the soul and provides organic energy reflecting my connection with nature and my passion for creating. I am concerned not only with appearance, but also with touch and form. My mathematical background has influenced the distinct designs in my drawings on copper and impressions in silver; constant themes are circles and natural logarithmic spirals: ammonite fossils, shells and sunflowers.

What makes you happy?

The love of my family and friends makes me happy. In fact, I derive energy from people in general and I found that my students made me smile so many times over my many years of teaching. I could come into a classroom feeling tired and before you knew it, their energy and humour would perk me up.

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Fine Silver European 4-in-1 bracelet ($480); Fine Silver Parallel Weave Bracelet ($158); Fine Silver Viking Knit Bracelet ($228); Simply Silver Cuff Bracelet ($68); Textured Sterling Silver Wrap Rings ($52).

What do like to do while you're riding the bus?

I definitely people watch when I am on the bus. People are fascinating and often you will see kindness and humour when you look closely.

Anything else we should know?

My studio is open upon appointment (250-727-1232); however, my work is presently sold in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Audain Art Museum in Whistler. I have received awards for my art at the CACGV LOOK Show and SPAC Show and awards for my teaching (Prime Minister’s Award & BCAMT Outstanding Teacher). However, perhaps the most important thing is that I love doing what I am doing and take pleasure in each day.

THE

RENAISSANCE

“The Art of Living Well”

R E S I D E N C E Proud sponsor of the Pacific Baroque Festival.

Grizas silk dress ($298) and silk Shawl ($189) from from Auréa Fashion Boutique. Silver Fusion necklace ($680); Floating Silver earrings ($78).

All you need.

Rain? Mud? Dress up?

Dress down?

Blundstone boots take it all in stride. Try allseason, all-terrain, allworld Blundstone boots. Laces?

Who needs ’em?

WAITING LIST NOW BEING TAKEN Come see what better looks like!

Quality • Community • Location Call for viewing, Take a Tour and stay for lunch

1188 Esquimalt Road (Village Centre)

250.386.1188

www.renaissancevictoria.com CONNECTOR l THE WILSON’S GROUP

THE

COBBLER 718 VIEW ST • VICTORIA • 250-386-3741 JULY/AUGUST 2017 21

MEET THE WILSON’S GROUP TEAM WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THIS JOB? All of the people are by far the best part of this job. Wilson’s has the absolute best team of people that work well together and really care about each other. John Wilson and the Wilson family inspire loyalty and dedication in the way they lead and treat all of their staff.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Manitoba and grew up as a prairie girl before moving to Victoria when I was 17.

WHO IS YOUR FAMILY? My parents are both deceased. I live with my husband and daughter. I also have a stepdaughter, many in-laws, brother, sister, aunt, uncle and cousin who live in Victoria.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF THE JOB? My main hobby is reading. We recently got a puppy, so he has become another focus these days.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN VICTORIA? Sightseeing for sure — we have so many different places to see and things to do both on the Island and in Vancouver.

DON DENTON PHOTO

WHAT IS A “MUST-DO” IN VICTORIA FOR VISITORS? A must is the sightseeing — everyone should do the Grayline Hop-On Hop-Off tour. A walking tour of downtown Victoria should also be included. There are so many things to explore.

NAME: Melony Clark POSITION: Payroll & Accounting Team Lead TIME WITH WILSON’S: Since August 2014

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ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and I just want to share that John, the Wilson family and all of my co-workers were amazing in their support during this difficult time. I certainly couldn’t have made it through without their support along with the support of my family. The team at Wilson’s even surprised me with a celebration at the Pink in the Rink put on by the Royals — it was amazing! I made it through the diagnosis and treatment, and am now cancer free!

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Over 100 years in bloom

Victoria, British Columbia Canada butchartgardens.com

Open daily at 9am

E L A H W T S E “B HING” C T A W ON TED A R TOP DVISOR A TRIP

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1.800.470.3474 • 250.384.4444 www.VictoriaWhaleWatching.com

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA 1119 WHARF STREET

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