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take5.ca
FEB 2026
Appetit Food For Thought: A Ladysmith hidden gem BY PAUL LEGACY In my search for restaurants and cafés—both new and long-standing— across the Island, I’m always drawn to places that serve food made with love, fresh ingredients, and flavours that keep us coming back for more. Those hidden gems are usually small, often busy, and full of character. I believe I’ve found one such spot, and it’s called Appetit Food For Thought. We are lucky in Ladysmith to have this restaurant, which has been serv-
Owner Martin Tang’s food is consistently delicious at Appetit Food For Thought. He likes to think of his place as a local community diner. Photos: Paul Legacy.
ing the community for 25 years. Appetit Food For Thought opened in October 2001 and is owned by Martin Tang, who likes to think of his place as a local diner - and that’s exactly how it feels. Originally from Hong Kong, Martin Tang began his formal chef training at just 17 years old. He later moved to Berlin, Germany, to continue his culinary career before eventually settling in Can-
ada and, finally, Ladysmith. Martin has designed his entire menu himself, focusing on fresh, locally purchased ingredients from nearby businesses-something that’s becoming increasingly rare these days. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from Asian flavours to Canadian classics, and no matter what you choose, the food is consistently de-