Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Il Covo - A New Victoria Trattoria




Tonight VGSN members had the pleasure of attending a familiarization event at Il Covo Trattoria, newly opened at the end of Superior and Kingston Streets. The menu specializes in Tuscan and Northern Italian food created from family recipes handed down over the years. Simple fresh food is served Italiano style, prepared by Chef Caesar and delivered by a competent team of servers. We sampled something delicious from each section of the menu, starting with warm fresh and tasty focaccia bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Antipasto Misto Della Casa followed, a delicious plate of cured meats, cheese, bruschetta, artichokes, baby shrimp salad & pickles. A salad formed the third course - Finocchi E Arance Alla Veneziana. Now that’s a mouthful and indeed it was, with mixed greens, orange segments, shaved fennel, red onions and black olives tossed with lemon basil dressing and pecorino cheese. Primi Piatti is the 'first plate' and our fourth course (!), we were served Penne Alla Puttanesca, a traditional and legendary pasta. This dish has an interesting history, it was originally served by poor Italian prostitutes to their families . Lucky families! The penne was tossed with black olives, capers, garlic and anchovies in a fresh roma tomato sauce. Our 'Secondi Piatti', Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini, was a creamy aborio rice with prosecco, porcini mushrooms & asparagus, finished with parmigiano cheese. By now, we are loosening our belt buckles! Dessert was an array of fresh fruit and custard on pastry. Il Covo has a fine looking wine list, and one of the best house wines we have ever tasted. Everyone enjoyed the meal in beautiful surroundings, with friendly, helpful staff. There is an inviting garden patio for outdoor eating in an al fresco Italian style. Il Covo is an authentic family-run Italian dining experience with a warm, old world Tuscan ambiance. There is nothing else quite like it in Victoria!  For more pictures visit or Facebook site.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014

"Cirque du Chablis" at the Muse Winery



Peninsula Players Presents - "Cirque du Chablis"

Opening Night - Saturday July 19th  
The curtain goes up at 7:30 pm to reveal another fantastic production by The Peninsula Players for the outdoor summer theatre at Muse Winery.

A ragtag band of circus freaks hankers for something more than cleaning up after elephants and biting heads off of chickens.  When former starlet Serafina offers them their own vaudeville show, they leap at the chance! But between a scheming ringmaster, a secretive starlet, and a lovesick cheese mogul, the freaks soon learn that life's not always a barrel of monkeys. 

There will be a total of 7 performances, so make sure to plan ahead.  For the evening performances Bistro Muse will be offering a special Harvest Table buffet for $29 plus GST
Reservations will be required.

Mark your calendars - performance dates are:
Evening Performances - Saturdays - July 19th & 26th and August 9th & 16th     7:30 pm  curtain
Matinee Performances - Sundays - July 27th and August 10th & 17th - 3 pm curtain


Tickets for all performances are $25 per person.  Add Harvest Table Buffet for an additional $29 per person, plus GST
Bistro Muse is open for lunch before the Matinees - reservations required.

These plays are exceptional and a whole lot of fun.  Be sure to get your tickets early as they sell out!