Victoria showing signs of spring coming

Following the appearance of snow drops and daffodils poking through the earth, the trees are starting their bloom. Once this starts Victorians know that spring is really on the way. In a few weeks full spring bloom will occur. There are a few rhododendrons blossoming as well. So, if you are looking for a place to get out of the snow, Victoria is the place.

Hotel Rialto A Unique Boutique Hotel in downtown Victoria

I recently was fortunate to have a tour of the Rialto Hotel in downtown Victoria. It is right across the street from Victoria's City Hall and close to many amenities and services. The Veneto Tapa Lounge is an exciting urban lounge atmosphere where locals and tourists alike congregate for delectable dishes and a cocktail list that will astound you. Truly a great place to see and be seen. Coffee and assorted baked goods available from 8am-11:30 / Veneto lunch menu 11:30 - 2pm / Dinner menu available from 5pm till late.
"Solomon the Great" and his staff will provide you with "Vintage Spirits", offering the largest variety of wine and liquor in the downtown core. Over 800 unique wines to choose from and a large variety of local wine producers as well as craft brews. Ask the knowledgeable staff for best picks of the region. Open daily 9am - 11pm.
The rooms are cozy and well decorated. The whole hotel is very nicely decorated and worth a visit. Check out this relatively new hotel, one of the best in the downtown core.

BC Shellfish Festival at Historic Filberg Lodge and Park

Picture of Historic Filberg Park

Comox, BC – The BC Shellfish Festival is extremely pleased to announce the lineup for the Chefs’ Dinner on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the historic Filberg Lodge & Park. This year’s dinner will bring in chefs from far and wide with a passion for preparing sustainably raised shellfish to treat 200 guests to a truly authentic taste of the West Coast. This year’s lineup includes:
Robert Clark, Executive Chef, C Restaurant, Vancouver Garrett Schack, Executive Chef, Vista 18, Victoria Andrew Springett, Executive Chef, Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet Andrew Stigant, Executive Chef, Crown Isle Resort, Courtenay Richard Verhagen, Raven Street Market Café, Salt Spring Island Belinda Jones, Gatehouse Bistro, Cumberland.

Chefs have been paired with a BC shellfish grower and their product to bring their combined creations to guests. Every course will be expertly paired with a BC wine and served outdoors along the banks of Baynes Sound. Tickets go on sale March 15.

We are also excited to announce our music lineup for the Festival Day, June 18 at Comox Marina Park. Hitting the main stage will be local Comox Valley artist Luke Blu Guthrie, followed by Nanaimo bluegrass band Skagway and finally headlined by Vancouver’s Blackberry Wood.

Also on hand to judge our BC Oyster Shucking Championships and Comox Valley Best Chowder competition will be CBC’s Don Genova and Vancouver Sun columnist/Global TV’s Nathan Fong.

More information about the festival and all the events taking place can be found on our website at www.bcshellfishfestival.ca and our FB Page at www.facebook.com/BCShellfishFestival.

Airport Hilton Vancouver/Richmond very close to the Airport

On a recent trip to San Jose Del Cabo we needed to spend two nights in Vancouver. The Airport Hilton did an excellent job of taking care of us. The front desk staff were very helpful, friendly and courteous. The Airport Shuttle service they provide was excellent and goes every half hour. Our room/suite was spacious and the floor to ceiling windows made it bright a cheery. It was well appointed and had all the amenities we needed. The hotel is well equipped and maintained. Carmichael's restaurant is a great place to eat. The food is good and the service friendly and timely. The hotel is well situated to a lot of shopping and other services. As our stay was short, we felt like we needed to return someday to really appreciate this great hotel. It certainly has our recommendation if you are travelling to Vancouver and in particular if you need to be near the airport. There are great views of the city and the North Shore mountains from the hotel. If you like to watch planes take off and land, you will never get a better view. Thanks Hilton, for a great stay. For a pictorial of the Hotel, click here.

The Blue Fox Cafe - a perfect place for a "book lunch"!

Local children's author Patricia Rose made a recent appearance at the Blue Fox Cafe to launch her new book: The Forgotten Dream. The Blue Fox, located on Fort Street, is one of Victoria's most happening hotspots, serving a delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu. Its bright, funky, and artistic interior sure is a sight for sore eyes on a grey day! The upbeat staff are quick to smile and always full of cheer. You feel right at home at this colourful place! (Tip: there's always a long line-up for lunch, so it's a good idea to book a reservation 250-380-1683).

Rose and her trusty editor Lisa Cole both ordered the mouth-watering Moroccan Chicken Quesadilla with tangy chutney on the side - they said it was to die for!


Afterwards, our illustrious author signed a few books...


The Forgotten Dream is an engaging story of a young rosebud who must remember her dream and find her special place in the Garden. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, they will soon be availbable at Tall Tales Books - also on Fort Street, in Victoria!

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