Thursday, November 27, 2014

Mai Mai's Bistro Downtown Victoria


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.
For more photos please go to our facebook wall.

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