by John Kernaghan –
News, changes, updates, launches? Email noteworthyseaside@gmail.com.
IT’S A FOOD FIGHT IN SIDNEY
So Jack’s on the Water has gone into the old Rumrunner Pub spot, Taco Shell is moving into the former Starbucks, it’ll be cooks not books as Refire will take over the old Beacon Books location and a smoothie joint called Sapodilla’s Smoothies & Juice Cafe has opened next to Scotty’s Dog Shack.
Got that?
It’s musical kitchens with no one left out as the food scene gets reshaped by all this movement.
Jack’s on the Water is an attractive makeover with great views of Haro Strait. The décor is sleekly minimalist with real floral accents and a square bar with the mandatory TV monitors for sports fans.
Food-wise, the revamped space offers higher than roadhouse-quality cuisine at prices that match other social-house places. We had great reviews for the Meatlovers Pizza and Crispy Chicken Burger.One thing seems sure: with an expanded patio and those big-sky views, the joint will be rockin’ this summer.
Refire Kitchen, which has two locations in Victoria, offers prepared foods available to buy in store or online. Try the shepherd’s pie or lasagna bolognese, roasted chicken and orzo soup or a take ‘n’ bake baguette.
Meantime, Taco Shell owner Michael Ghaly is excited about the prospect of moving into the Beacon-and-Third Street location and possibly expanding his menu. He’s saying “more,” just not more of what at this point. Maybe some Egyptian, his heritage?
Sapodilla’s Smoothies & Juice Cafe, named for the tropical fruit Sapodilla, offers bowls and smoothies, many featuring acai, a berry with antioxidants. Owners Trevor and Susan Millington are bursting with good health, walking ads for their fare.
In another food development, Masala Roots is providing excellent Indian takeout in Brentwood Bay. It operates out of the Bicycle Pizza’s kitchen in Beauregard Commons at Verdier and West Saanich. The Aloo Gobi and beef curry won applause from us!
SOOKE FINE ARTS CALLS OUT TO ARTISTS
The coast’s premiere arts competition has announced dates and criteria for the 2024 show. Jurors will select about 375 submissions of original work with a focus on technical ability as well as artistic accomplishment. Creativity, invention and fresh perspectives are encouraged. See www.sookefinearts.com/artist-information. Online submissions in seven categories run until June 1 and the Sooke Fine Arts Show and Sale runs July 27 to August 5 at SEAPARC Leisure Centre.
TANNER THE OCTOPUS IS BACK IN THE WILD
The ambassador at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea has been released back into its native waters after being star-in-residence at the Sidney aquarium. His fans may be up in arms, but turns out he was getting too big – a two-metre span – just more than four months into an anticipated six-month stay.
A short-term replacement named Ace has stepped into the role after a Sooke fisherman found it in his nets.
Tanner was named after the late Clive Tanner, the bookseller who helped turn Sidney into Booktown. The giant Pacific octopus delighted thousands of visitors during his residence. He’s now back patrolling the waters near Ucluelet.
SAFER, SMOOTHER LOCHSIDE BIKE CROSSING
The $400,000 Central Saanich project will connect the multi-use Lochside Trail at Mount Newton Cross Road to Lochside Drive, separating bike and pedestrian traffic from vehicles.
The work, the result of a grant from BC Active Transportation Infrastructure, paves the way for a connection to a new multi-use trail along Mount Newton from Hwy. 17 to Saanichton Village next year.
VICTORIA HAND PROJECT AIDS UKRAINE WOUNDED
A visit by Project staff last June has resulted in 70 Ukrainians being fitted with a 3D prosthesis following wounds suffered in defence of their country against Russian aggression. “30 of these people were helped in Kiev alone,” said Hand Project CEO Michael Peirone. “It’s very rewarding for us to help with the equipment and expertise and partnering with people in Ukraine.”
He said in another foreign mission, 50 people in Kenya have been helped since 2020. However, he noted there is plenty of need and donations can be made at www.victoriahandproject.com.
CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP AT HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Sarah Bragg is being lauded for her strong leadership role in the fundraising success of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF). She leaves the Foundation as the hospital staff prepare to celebrate SaanPen’s 50th anniversary. There will be a celebration June 15 and in the meantime, hospital officials are asking former staff or volunteers to share their memories via elizabeth.yole@sphf.ca.
The SPHHF board has announced that Heather Edward will be the new CEO. Heather brings many years of experience in healthcare leadership to the role.
