Explore Canada’s oldest synagogue (1863), Congregation Emanu-El

Explore Canada’s oldest synagogue (1863), Congregation Emanu-El (1461 Blanshard Street), the last standing brick building designed by the prolific Scottish architect, John Wright, in Romanesque Revival style. This sanctuary overflows with the vibrant history of its congregants, including the first Jewish Judge in Canada (Samuel Davies Schultz), the first Jewish mayor of any city in British North America (Lumley Franklin), and the first Jew to sit in the Canadian House of Commons (Henry Nathan Jr). Most tours will be led by Canada’s first ordained Maggidah (female Jewish storyteller), Shoshana Litman www.maggidah.com, who skillfully weaves local history and Jewish customs with tales both ancient and modern, highlighting the arrival of Victoria’s first Jews and the development of a dynamic congregation over 150 years to the present. Synagogue tours run on the hour, Wednesdays 12 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through August, 2013. There will also be tours offered on Sundays at 8 p.m. in July and August. Cost is $10 per person and children under 12 are free. Reservations are not required. Please contact stories@maggidah.com or call 250-382-0615 to book a tour at another time or visit http://www.congregationemanu-el.ca/community/synagogue-tours/ for more information.  For more pictures, please go to our Facebook Page.

Mount Washington Ski Report

Check out the conditions on Mount Washington.

The Victoria Keg...a great place for dinner

Members of the Victoria Guest Services Network met for a familiarization (FAM) tour of the Victoria Keg Restaurant, starting in the bar with drinks expertly mixed by the affable bartender Atif.  We then moved upstairs to a large table in the fashionably decorated restaurant.  Both floors look out over the Inner Harbour and it is especially beautiful at sunset and in the dark looking over the harbour.  What a beautiful spot for a romantic dinner.

Breanne Marsh, the Marketing and Promotions manager addressed our group and explained how the Keg menu works.  It is a comprehensive list with lots of choice and flexibility.  When the food arrived we shared sample bites with each other to get to know the menu and the quality of the food served at the Keg.

The drink menu is not huge but is comprehensive with some unique cocktails and there is an extensive wine list.  Everyone certainly enjoyed their drinks of choice.   The pictures that follow will demonstrate the quality of plated presentations and the comments from VGSN members certainly attest to the great taste and superior quality of the food.  The Keg has a history of good quality food and consistency throughout the years. 

Lauren was our server and she did a fantastic job explaining choices and making sure the food kept coming and that our drinks were always full.  She managed our large group with aplomb and kept us informed of the timing of our courses.  Lauren is an excellent example of what a great server can aspire to.   Well done, Lauren.

We were visited several times during the meal by the marketing team of John Tinker and Breanne Marsh to make sure we were being treated well and enjoying our meals.  Thanks to all the staff at the Keg for a most enjoyable evening.  We will certainly be recommending the keg to our friends and guests who visit Victoria.

for more pictures, please visit our Facebook Page.

Victoria Tea Festival Saturday Feb 9th

WHAT: 7th Annual Victoria Tea Festival

WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Crystal Garden, 713 Douglas Street

Victoria Tea Festival still steeping after 7 years!

VICTORIA, BC:  A one-stop shop for all things tea, the Victoria Tea Festival celebrates its seventh year on February 9^th at the Crystal Garden. Expecting over 3,000 attendees, the festival invites attendees to discover, taste, and experience all things tea in this exclusive, interactive and educational experience. While discovering both the traditions and trends of tea, attendees will also be able to purchase a wide variety of teas, accessories, wares and other related products. Festival goers can steep themselves in tea and coffee lore by taking in a complimentary presentation by experts who will share their knowledge on the presentation stage.

Presentation Schedule:

12 p.m. Planning the Perfect Tea Celebration (Lorna Reeves, TeaTime Magazine)

Lorna, editor of TeaTime magazine, will share expert tips and techniques for planning the perfect tea party.

1 p.m. Tasty Teas for Home Health (David Caudwell, Pacific Rim College)

David will take attendees on a fun and informative learning journey as they discover how to blend teas that help fight winter coughs and colds, provide energy, and assist with sleep.

2 p.m. Cooking With Tea (Chef Michael Williams, Country Grocer)

Chef Michael will be making delicious recipes using chai, oolong, and green teas as well as demonstrating various cooking techniques.

3 p.m. Korean Tea Ceremony (Greg Demmons)

Experience the history and cultural significance of the Korean Tea Ceremony which will include a demonstration of the rarely-witnessed meditation tea ceremony.

4 p.m. Coffee: From Field to Cup (Josh del Sol, Level Ground Trading)

Josh will provide an adventurous overview of the critical steps taken in coffee cultivation, harvest, shipping, and roasting that directly impact the quality and flavour of every cup of coffee.

Whether one prefers tasting, shopping, or learning about tea, the Victoria Tea Festival will open up the senses to all things tea. Visitors are sure to find the perfect cuppa to match their tastes and lifestyles.

Tickets are $20. Advance tickets provide a VIP entrance to the festival. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first come, first serve basis. For a complete list of ticket outlets, event details and presentation descriptions, visit www.victoriateafestival.com.  

The Victoria Tea Festival is a fundraiser for Camosun College’s Child Care Services and is sponsored by Vancity, Times Colonist, Chek News, Ocean 98.5, and TeaTime Magazine.

Great Snow at Mount Washington

Check out conditions at http://youtu.be/lz5Wwvlc3vc
then get in your car and head for Mount Washington.