Hey, for all those out there in tube land. Reviews from Toronto and Langford are forthcoming once I regain internet health standards as set by myself. In other words, I'm a little under the weather and don't relish the thought of writing log pieces right now, but I know I should ince I have material.
BK
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Local Kitchen, Bar, Grill...food place in general, with beer...
The Local Kitchen is going to have to work hard to overcome the rep of the sites former tenet. The Garlic Rose was not a well respected joint, simply put.
However, under a totally different management team and owner, the only thing that seems to be the same is the location, which has always been awesome. At the bottom of Bastion Square, the Local Kitchen has a summer patio ripe for sunny days. Therefore it must be properly reviewed.
Don, of the Victoria Burger Blog and I checked out the sunshine soaked seats and went in on some pints and burgers for this one.
Overall, it has a fairly expected feel to it. It's one of those stereotypical west coast patios. There's a selection of local beers and domestics, but not a lot. The patio has no distinctive features other than it's location, which is the real selling point. The food was good and fresh. The service attractive and friendly. Everything is so...so normal. Outside it lacks that character that older places get.
To look at things a little more in depth is difficult. First off, we decided to sit outside, which was the obvious choice on a beautiful warm day. Traffic was a loud in nearby, but that's the trade off for the rays and people watching.
The music was good, no complaints there, a fun, selection while still being fairly chill.
The crowd was middle aged, and a couple families were even spotted.
It just lacked that certain something, but it's got a shot of being great.
So it has it's bases covered, but it needs to grow. Hopefully it passes the 4 year mark and continues on to gain some of that missing "it" factor, because right now it's just a nice place. Yeah, that's a bit of a backhanded compliment, but that's what it is.
The tourists probably love it.
Service - Friendly and Professional...and a little business like - 3.5
Beer Quality - All the standards, none of the flare - 3.5
Beer Price - Location has it's cost - 2.5
Food - It was good! - 4
Character - Maybe inside has more - 2
To be honest, it's hard to complain about a place that does things well, but...meh.
However, under a totally different management team and owner, the only thing that seems to be the same is the location, which has always been awesome. At the bottom of Bastion Square, the Local Kitchen has a summer patio ripe for sunny days. Therefore it must be properly reviewed.
Don, of the Victoria Burger Blog and I checked out the sunshine soaked seats and went in on some pints and burgers for this one.
Overall, it has a fairly expected feel to it. It's one of those stereotypical west coast patios. There's a selection of local beers and domestics, but not a lot. The patio has no distinctive features other than it's location, which is the real selling point. The food was good and fresh. The service attractive and friendly. Everything is so...so normal. Outside it lacks that character that older places get.
To look at things a little more in depth is difficult. First off, we decided to sit outside, which was the obvious choice on a beautiful warm day. Traffic was a loud in nearby, but that's the trade off for the rays and people watching.
The music was good, no complaints there, a fun, selection while still being fairly chill.
The crowd was middle aged, and a couple families were even spotted.
It just lacked that certain something, but it's got a shot of being great.
So it has it's bases covered, but it needs to grow. Hopefully it passes the 4 year mark and continues on to gain some of that missing "it" factor, because right now it's just a nice place. Yeah, that's a bit of a backhanded compliment, but that's what it is.
The tourists probably love it.
Service - Friendly and Professional...and a little business like - 3.5
Beer Quality - All the standards, none of the flare - 3.5
Beer Price - Location has it's cost - 2.5
Food - It was good! - 4
Character - Maybe inside has more - 2
To be honest, it's hard to complain about a place that does things well, but...meh.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Crap Beer
A few of my posts refer to crap beer. It's not to be mean, but some beer is just boring piss-water with a little ethanol to make you tipsy after awhile.
The main reason I don't like these beers is that they only serve to get a person drunk. There's no real enjoyment of a crafted drink, it's just a means to an end, and that's not what beer has been for thousands of years. It's been a too of culture generally. Yes, sometimes people got drunk and did stupid things, but most of the time it's a social thing.
Then you have these massive corporations take over the industry and change the game, making beer a vice, and on top of that, offer a low quality product.
Therefor, I call they're products crap beer, like Coors, Labatts and the others. They all have the same general properties. Light gold colour, weak bitter flavour and massive ad campaigns convincing people that COLDER beer is a good quality and UNIQUE beer is a non-issue.
So hopefully you'll now go out and convince your friends that they might actually like beer if they try something other than the genric tin can brands.
Yes I know there aluminium, but it rhymed.
The main reason I don't like these beers is that they only serve to get a person drunk. There's no real enjoyment of a crafted drink, it's just a means to an end, and that's not what beer has been for thousands of years. It's been a too of culture generally. Yes, sometimes people got drunk and did stupid things, but most of the time it's a social thing.
Then you have these massive corporations take over the industry and change the game, making beer a vice, and on top of that, offer a low quality product.
Therefor, I call they're products crap beer, like Coors, Labatts and the others. They all have the same general properties. Light gold colour, weak bitter flavour and massive ad campaigns convincing people that COLDER beer is a good quality and UNIQUE beer is a non-issue.
So hopefully you'll now go out and convince your friends that they might actually like beer if they try something other than the genric tin can brands.
Yes I know there aluminium, but it rhymed.
Ross Bay Pub: Inadvertent Free Beer
A family night at a pub across town is maybe not the most traditional of dinner plans, but it is by no means a bad idea.
The Ross Bay Pub is located across the road from the Ross Bay Cemetery, so you know they've got spirits! Oh snap.
Anywho, it's actually a decent place, bigger than expected, and much like the Country Rose, it reflects the locals. However, since it's in Fairfield, it's a higher class joint with architecture and decorations appearing more modern. The music matches the relaxed modern feel with a mix of blues and jazz styled numbers.
Behind the counter a large lit bar hold a wall of alcohol. It's apparent that beer isn't the specialty here, though I'm not sure what is since I never got close enough to see what bottle were up there.
While the style of the pub is modern, the decor is a little odd, with beer paraphernalia from Lighthouse, Molson Canadian, and other breweries on the walls. It seems a little cliched to put that up and makes it more like other pubs and less unique.
The clientele are older in general, but keeping the place busy. It doesn't look like it would get too raucous in here, especially as the clock edges past 9 and tables start leaving. There are a few TVs on, and they seem to cater to the older crowd as well, with golf on more than a couple.
The service is younger though, all college age. They seem friendly enough, though a little frazzeled when we first arrived in the middle of the rush.
The food was an issue for us. It wasn't crap or anything, but t was poorly timed. Our nachos didn't seem to rush over, but the burgers were right after and we ended up having an over crowded table.
The food itself was decent. The burgers were solid, the fires not overdone. I think I'll Don's opinion at the burger blog to better judge these burgers, I'm never sure how good whatever I'm eating is.
The beer selection is the usual. A few local brews, a couple of crap taps, Stella Artois I think, etc. Nothing too special, but enough to kepp everyone happy.
We did score FREE BEER though. I don't think it was a restaurant sponsored event though. Alexander Keith's has developed it's own wheat beer, I think, and we got sample pints. Always a bonus, although someone accepted a pint and then left it behind. Blasphemy!
All in all it's another solid locals bar. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again, but if I'm nearby I'd suggest it.
Service - It's a 3.5, even though there was the food snafu, I'm putting that on the kitchen.
Food - It was good, but nothing special - 3.5
Beer - A 3.
Price - A pretty standard pricing set up - 3.5
Character - A nice balance of modern and relaxed, though a little cliche - 4
The Ross Bay Pub is located across the road from the Ross Bay Cemetery, so you know they've got spirits! Oh snap.Anywho, it's actually a decent place, bigger than expected, and much like the Country Rose, it reflects the locals. However, since it's in Fairfield, it's a higher class joint with architecture and decorations appearing more modern. The music matches the relaxed modern feel with a mix of blues and jazz styled numbers.
Behind the counter a large lit bar hold a wall of alcohol. It's apparent that beer isn't the specialty here, though I'm not sure what is since I never got close enough to see what bottle were up there.
While the style of the pub is modern, the decor is a little odd, with beer paraphernalia from Lighthouse, Molson Canadian, and other breweries on the walls. It seems a little cliched to put that up and makes it more like other pubs and less unique.
The clientele are older in general, but keeping the place busy. It doesn't look like it would get too raucous in here, especially as the clock edges past 9 and tables start leaving. There are a few TVs on, and they seem to cater to the older crowd as well, with golf on more than a couple.
The service is younger though, all college age. They seem friendly enough, though a little frazzeled when we first arrived in the middle of the rush.
The food was an issue for us. It wasn't crap or anything, but t was poorly timed. Our nachos didn't seem to rush over, but the burgers were right after and we ended up having an over crowded table.
The food itself was decent. The burgers were solid, the fires not overdone. I think I'll Don's opinion at the burger blog to better judge these burgers, I'm never sure how good whatever I'm eating is.
The beer selection is the usual. A few local brews, a couple of crap taps, Stella Artois I think, etc. Nothing too special, but enough to kepp everyone happy.
We did score FREE BEER though. I don't think it was a restaurant sponsored event though. Alexander Keith's has developed it's own wheat beer, I think, and we got sample pints. Always a bonus, although someone accepted a pint and then left it behind. Blasphemy!
All in all it's another solid locals bar. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again, but if I'm nearby I'd suggest it.
Service - It's a 3.5, even though there was the food snafu, I'm putting that on the kitchen.
Food - It was good, but nothing special - 3.5
Beer - A 3.
Price - A pretty standard pricing set up - 3.5
Character - A nice balance of modern and relaxed, though a little cliche - 4
Friday, May 29, 2009
Pub Pics!
Hey,
If anyone IS reading this, sorry about the lack of photos. I can't seem to get my camera and 'puter to live in harmony. As soon as I do I'll have photos phollow.
BK
If anyone IS reading this, sorry about the lack of photos. I can't seem to get my camera and 'puter to live in harmony. As soon as I do I'll have photos phollow.
BK
Irish Times: Sterotypically Fun
So I have to say I have a history with Irish Times. It was the first pub I ever hit, I've spent countless hours there, some memorable, some memory-less, and I've memorized the tap selection.
Ok, well, they've changed some of the kegs recently, so I can't say I know what's up right now, but I used to have it down.
Styled as a stereotypical irish pub, it's over the top in "authentic" paraphenalia, but it's well done. The taps are polished brass, everything is wood, there's book shelves, fireplaces, nooks, and a stage. It's a sort of "dream pub" or something off a movie set. Despite this, it's done in a more humble, less in your face way, which keeps it from constantly being in your face.
On this particular trip we had an upstairs table (yes, there's an upstairs, it's 2 stories of Eire goodness). We overlooked the bar and central clock. The entire thing is a giant decorative structure, probably something turned into a bar. It's now got mirrors, shelves and other alcahol related gear on it.
The band wasn't playing yet, but as with every other day of the week there's someone scheduled to take stage. U2 or some other band related to the emerald isle was on the speakers.
We knew it got busy later on so we ordered pints and food promptly. Luckily it was still a slow period, so we all (Kristi, Andrew and I) all got the suds quickly.
There's a decent selection of pints, with a mixture of local micros and some big names from over sees. They do provide a couple of the crap beers, though I never knew why until I whittnessed a man actually order a Coors Lite.
Who goes to an irish pub to order flavoured water?
Anywho, Guiness and all his friends are there, as well as a reps from Driftwood, Phillips and the such. A bonus is that almost every type has it's own specific glass. The Hoegardens show up in their massive glass buckets, the Guiness in the recognizable wide, curvy glass, etc.
Unfortunately, this is one of those places that really goes with a full crowd, but when it's undercapcity it's a little underwhelming.
But, the service was friendly and since they were used to crowds, having only a few to serve kept them nearby. The kilts don't hurt either (don't worry girls, I think ALL staff members where kilts).
The food was the usual fare and while it was solid, it wasn't spectacular. They've taken some of my favourites off the menu, which disappoints. There also isn't much in the way of traditional stuff, and what is there is expensive. They do do a good job of combining west coast into the plan though, making traditional Atlantic dishes Pacific.
All in all it was a good time though I know they can do better.
Service - 4, though this is coloured on past experiences
Food - Solid, but the crab burger wasn't as crabby as possible - 3.5
Beer Quality - 4, with a decent selection of local and international. And Tours of the Taps!
Beer Price - The location draws is awesome, but you pay for it - 3
Character - Past experiences force me to give a 4.5. When this place goes, it's FUN!
Ok, well, they've changed some of the kegs recently, so I can't say I know what's up right now, but I used to have it down.
Styled as a stereotypical irish pub, it's over the top in "authentic" paraphenalia, but it's well done. The taps are polished brass, everything is wood, there's book shelves, fireplaces, nooks, and a stage. It's a sort of "dream pub" or something off a movie set. Despite this, it's done in a more humble, less in your face way, which keeps it from constantly being in your face.
On this particular trip we had an upstairs table (yes, there's an upstairs, it's 2 stories of Eire goodness). We overlooked the bar and central clock. The entire thing is a giant decorative structure, probably something turned into a bar. It's now got mirrors, shelves and other alcahol related gear on it.
The band wasn't playing yet, but as with every other day of the week there's someone scheduled to take stage. U2 or some other band related to the emerald isle was on the speakers.
We knew it got busy later on so we ordered pints and food promptly. Luckily it was still a slow period, so we all (Kristi, Andrew and I) all got the suds quickly.
There's a decent selection of pints, with a mixture of local micros and some big names from over sees. They do provide a couple of the crap beers, though I never knew why until I whittnessed a man actually order a Coors Lite.
Who goes to an irish pub to order flavoured water?
Anywho, Guiness and all his friends are there, as well as a reps from Driftwood, Phillips and the such. A bonus is that almost every type has it's own specific glass. The Hoegardens show up in their massive glass buckets, the Guiness in the recognizable wide, curvy glass, etc.
Unfortunately, this is one of those places that really goes with a full crowd, but when it's undercapcity it's a little underwhelming.
But, the service was friendly and since they were used to crowds, having only a few to serve kept them nearby. The kilts don't hurt either (don't worry girls, I think ALL staff members where kilts).
The food was the usual fare and while it was solid, it wasn't spectacular. They've taken some of my favourites off the menu, which disappoints. There also isn't much in the way of traditional stuff, and what is there is expensive. They do do a good job of combining west coast into the plan though, making traditional Atlantic dishes Pacific.
All in all it was a good time though I know they can do better.
Service - 4, though this is coloured on past experiences
Food - Solid, but the crab burger wasn't as crabby as possible - 3.5
Beer Quality - 4, with a decent selection of local and international. And Tours of the Taps!
Beer Price - The location draws is awesome, but you pay for it - 3
Character - Past experiences force me to give a 4.5. When this place goes, it's FUN!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Country Rose - Colwood's only pub?
Ok, as a good ol' local boy from Colwood, I've been to the Dairy Queen, I know all the schools in the area and I've burned stuff at a half dozen spots around the municipality. However, I've never been to the Country Rose.
Well, I should say, I HAD never BEEN to the Country Rose. And there was a reason for that. It's rumoured to be an old person's pub. Our parents go there. 40+ crowd. etc.
Well, that seems true.
A couple local youth were around, but the under-30 demographic is under-represented. We grabbed a table near the front of the converted house as we were waiting on our friend Tim to arrive. The same word came to both Kristi and Andrew as they sat down in the chairs.
"Thrones?"
While the outside looks like a simple converted house, the inside has a very west coast/english pub/working class feel to it with lots of wood, some brass, low lights and other fairly generic hints to where you are.
That's not such a bad thing as the pub is not a destination pub, it's a local tavern serving the local people with local styling.
In other words, if you live with-in stumbling distance of this place, you'll probably spend a few paycheques here, but your not driving out from Victoria to experience the Country Rose.
The waitress was quick and freindly, though warned us that the white board advertising the specials might be a little hard to read. She checked up on us often, though it was a little like having your mother come ask if you want more beer.
The tap selection was the weakest point, though I never asked about bottles. I don't imagine it would have been much to write home about(which is kinda what I'm doing, isn't it?). This is one of the places where I can actually list the beers > Coors and Blue, for those unsure of what ales and lagers are, and then Race Rocks, Okanagan 1516 and Hermann's Dark for some true selection. On the upside, prices are on par with what a local bar should be ($4ish (CDN this time!))
Food was average, but that's what you'd expect here. Folks don't come here to thoughtfully sip or savour tasty morsels, they come here to gather with friends after a long day or week and laugh have a good time. Which is good since the TV's are mostly Keno and Poker and the music is turned right down. Oh well, it does have darts, a billiards table and lots of room!
So you might not see me here too soon, unless I want a watering hole within walking distance.
Service - Thanks mom? aunt? - 4
Food - Meh, appetizing at least -3
(Beer) Quality - Five on tap, and two of those are domestics? - 2
(Beer) Price - Hey, it's as cheap a pint as I've seen in awhile - 4.5
Character - A local pub with local charms, which haven't grown on me yet - 4
Well, I should say, I HAD never BEEN to the Country Rose. And there was a reason for that. It's rumoured to be an old person's pub. Our parents go there. 40+ crowd. etc.
Well, that seems true.
A couple local youth were around, but the under-30 demographic is under-represented. We grabbed a table near the front of the converted house as we were waiting on our friend Tim to arrive. The same word came to both Kristi and Andrew as they sat down in the chairs.
"Thrones?"
While the outside looks like a simple converted house, the inside has a very west coast/english pub/working class feel to it with lots of wood, some brass, low lights and other fairly generic hints to where you are.
That's not such a bad thing as the pub is not a destination pub, it's a local tavern serving the local people with local styling.
In other words, if you live with-in stumbling distance of this place, you'll probably spend a few paycheques here, but your not driving out from Victoria to experience the Country Rose.
The waitress was quick and freindly, though warned us that the white board advertising the specials might be a little hard to read. She checked up on us often, though it was a little like having your mother come ask if you want more beer.
The tap selection was the weakest point, though I never asked about bottles. I don't imagine it would have been much to write home about(which is kinda what I'm doing, isn't it?). This is one of the places where I can actually list the beers > Coors and Blue, for those unsure of what ales and lagers are, and then Race Rocks, Okanagan 1516 and Hermann's Dark for some true selection. On the upside, prices are on par with what a local bar should be ($4ish (CDN this time!))
Food was average, but that's what you'd expect here. Folks don't come here to thoughtfully sip or savour tasty morsels, they come here to gather with friends after a long day or week and laugh have a good time. Which is good since the TV's are mostly Keno and Poker and the music is turned right down. Oh well, it does have darts, a billiards table and lots of room!
So you might not see me here too soon, unless I want a watering hole within walking distance.
Service - Thanks mom? aunt? - 4
Food - Meh, appetizing at least -3
(Beer) Quality - Five on tap, and two of those are domestics? - 2
(Beer) Price - Hey, it's as cheap a pint as I've seen in awhile - 4.5
Character - A local pub with local charms, which haven't grown on me yet - 4
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