Last night VGSN members experienced the latest addition to
the Victoria restaurant and night life scene, "mai mai's
downtown". Located at 525 Fort
Street in the iconic Temple Building, mai mai's offers up sushi and west coast
fusion cuisine in a newly renovated space with a contemporary coastal/surf
theme. The room features a bright
turquoise back-lit glass bar where bar manager Megan serves up special house
cocktails, including our favorite, the Raspberry Herb. Open just three weeks, mai mai's serves food
and beverages until 2 am, Wednesday through Sunday. Plans include an open concept sushi bar, and
Sunday "Down by the Fire" industry nights featuring local acoustic musicians
in the near future.
Owner Chef Jo Jo prepared and served a feast for the eyes
and taste buds. You won't find a speck
of cumin in his kitchen (overused in so many Victoria eateries), instead he
uses fresh seasonings to highlight the local ingredients he so lovingly creates
with. We sampled several menu items,
including his Signature Sushi Roll with local crab, Pepper Crusted Tuna Tataki
(the tuna is fished in Sooke waters), Pork Belly Skewers, both Beef and Salmon Tacos
folded in corn tortillas, Kimchi and Edamame pizzas, Three Little Pigs (ground
pork sliders) and Fanny Bay Oysters, smoked in-house. Dishes were accompanied by a mild mango
papaya slaw and fresh lime wedges for squeezing. For a finale, Jo Jo brought out samples of
his delicious and unique house made desserts, a rarity in restaurants these
days. Food and beverage prices are
extremely reasonable, especially given the downtown location on the corner of
Fort and Langley Streets. Whether you
are looking for a unique menu for dinner, a late night snack or dessert with a
night-cap, mai mai's can provide. Reservations at 250 590-8848. The original mai mai's is located at 6676
Sooke Road, in Sooke, call 778 425-3763.
