Words Natalie Bobrowich
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End of an Era: Beloved Peninsula Eateries Close Their Doors
The Saanich Peninsula recently bid farewell to three beloved eateries, marking the end of an era and reflecting the challenges facing local restaurants. Café Zanzibar in Brentwood Bay, a community favourite since 2009, closed after 24 years of serving globally inspired dishes. Owners expressed gratitude, saying: “We have shared so many laughs, tears and delicious meals; it’s been an honour.”
Blue’s Bayou Café, renowned for its Cajun and Creole cuisine and waterfront views, ended its 25-year run in December. Co-owner Blue Benoit cited industry challenges and a desire to “enjoy life and travel more.”
Sidney’s Sea Glass Waterfront also closed, citing bankruptcy.
These closures highlight the difficulties faced by the restaurant industry, including rising costs, labour shortages, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
Savour Sidney: A Celebration of Local Flavours
A great opportunity to show support for our local eateries will be offered to locals through the exciting launch of Savour Sidney, a culinary celebration running from February 21 to March 15. Participating restaurants will feature specially curated prix fixe menus, signature dishes, and unique dining experiences designed to delight food lovers and highlight the exceptional talent of local chefs. Restaurants in North Saanich will also be taking part.
For a full list of participating restaurants and to plan your dining adventure, visit www.exploresidney.ca/savour.
Business Milestones: Celebrating Growth in Sidney
Acrewood Daycare has officially opened its third centre at #103 – 9830 Second Street, catering to older toddlers and providing much-needed quality childcare for local families. For more details about their programs, visit their website at: tinyurl.com/58uby4rf.
Tanner’s Books is also celebrating an exciting milestone with the expansion of their space to house an even larger collection of children’s books. Learn more about their offerings at: www.tannersbooks.com.
Meanwhile, Modern Massage has relocated to a new space in The Olde Post Office Building at 2423 Beacon Avenue. Known for their therapeutic and relaxation services, they continue to offer personalized massage treatments that prioritize wellness and self-care. For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.modernmassageco.ca.
Star Cinema Joins the Victoria Film Festival
Exciting news for film enthusiasts! Star Cinema in Sidney will be participating in the Victoria Film Festival, running from February 7 to February 13. This beloved local cinema will screen a curated selection of films as part of the festival’s lineup, bringing a unique cinematic experience to the community. For the full schedule of films, ticket pricing, and additional festival details, visit the Victoria Film Festival website at
www.victoriafilmfestival.com.
Freecycling Made Easy in Central Saanich
Looking to reduce waste and share useful items? Check out Freecycle.org, now with a dedicated Central Saanich page! Moderated by local resident Daniella Morrison, this community platform helps keep reusable items out of the landfill by connecting people to give and get items for free. Visit www.freecycle.org and search “Central Saanich.”
Discover Local Artistic Gems!
Two incredible home-based studios are opening their doors to the community. At Raincoast Jewelry Design, Dave offers weekend studio tours with live demonstrations of lapidary art, wire wrapping, and more. Follow @westcoastjewelrydesign on Instagram for details.
Meanwhile, Anna Trelford from AMT•UP•ART Studio invites you to explore creativity with unique acrylic painting classes. From cheeky ornament workshops to “paint your pet” sessions, there’s something for everyone. Visit www./amtup-art.com for more information.
Jumpstart Your Puppy’s Training!
Puppy SuperStart classes with Communicanine begin Thursday, February 20, at 5 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. Led by veteran dog trainer and behaviour expert Darcie Jennings and her skilled staff, these group sessions offer expert guidance for happy, well-behaved pups. Learn more at www.communicanine.ca.
HYPER-LOCAL PENINSULA LAGER: FARM-TO-GLASS-TO-FARM CYCLE
Small Gods Brewing Co., in partnership with Field 5 Farm, has launched Peninsula Lager, a hyper-local beer that embodies the complete agricultural cycle of the Saanich Peninsula.
Peninsula Lager represents a milestone in sustainable local brewing. The barley is grown and malted at Field 5 Farm in Central Saanich, brewed at Small Gods Brewing in Sidney, and after brewing, the spent grain returns to Peninsula farms as livestock feed, completing a genuine farm-to-glass-to-farm cycle entirely within the region. This closed-loop system demonstrates the potential for truly sustainable local beer production. Staying true to its name and origin, the beer will be exclusively available at select establishments on the Saanich Peninsula, including the Surly Mermaid, Mary’s Bleue Moon Cafe, Jacks on the Water, 10 Acres at The Pier, The Pub at Brentwood Bay Resort, and the Small Gods Brewing Taproom.
