Get Hooked on Fifth.
2016
READERS’ CHOICE AWA R D S
2017
1S
T
PLACE
Same local owners for 19 years!
I
t’s Sunday afternoon, and the early autumn sun is warming my legs as I sit at the edge of the shade on The Roost’s patio in North Saanich. Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” plays in the background as a light breeze stirs the grapevines just across a gravel path in back of the restaurant. This afternoon, I have the enormous pleasure of chatting with inveterate foodie and recently arrived Peninsula resident, Kathy McAree. “I’ve always been narrow minded,” she tells me, deadpan, and then breaks into a smile. “It’s always about eating and drinking.” It’s this “narrow” mindset that helped prompt her to make the move this summer from James Bay where she had spent the last 20 years. The Peninsula, she says, “is this most amazing food community.” Between the farms and the local producers, the people out here “put their heart and soul” into their work, and it shows in the quality and variety of what’s available. Something of a culinary expert — Kathy started Victoria’s Taste Festival, has headed up culinary group tours throughout Vancouver Island, written about food and hosted a culinary-themed radio show — she’s all ready to tell me about her favourite spots on the Peninsula.
Casual and friendly atmosphere, as every good fish n’ chip shop should be.
Voted your favourite seafood and family restaurant in town 9812 Fifth St., Sidney (½ block from Beacon)
250.656.4022 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PEARL
19