Since my Toronto-based son and daughter-in-law were visiting for the Easter weekend, we decided to return to TRIO—and we’re glad we did. We had a great experience there about a month ago, and this visit confirmed it wasn’t a one-off.

The Caesar salad and scallops were both excellent once again. Sheila chose the steamed mussels, which were a standout, especially with the garlic toast to soak up the flavourful broth. Josée absolutely loved her squash ravioli.

The highlight of the evening, however, was Jackson’s steak. A perfectly cooked medium-rare flat iron, sliced and seasoned with a cinnamon and chili rub, finished with a maple chipotle glaze and topped with a generous pile of matchstick fries—it looked and tasted fantastic. It even reminded Josee of a similar dish once served at Bin 941 in Vancouver, and we later learned that one of Trio’s partners used to be involved with 941. 

Next time we visit, at least one of us will definitely be ordering the steak. And I’m not really a steak guy. But it is spectacular! 

Great service, a relaxed ambiance, and consistently excellent food. If you haven’t been to Trio yet, it’s well worth a visit. Seriously. 

TRIO is on Craig Street in PARKSVILLE. Definitely need a reservation at 250-586-1995. Open for dinner only. Closed for vacation until April 15.

Just saying…

It had been nearly 3 years  since we visited TREES DINER but someone I know heard that the Hot Turkey Sandwich was outstanding. So off we went for a late lunch/early dinner. We arrived before 5 and the place was nearly empty so service was good and immediate. 

Trees is a Diner. Not fancy. But spotless and comfortable. It’s both a restaurant and a bakery so they have some lovely looking baked goods for sale.  

We were greeted by Mike who would be our server. We slid into a corner booth and water arrived at once. Drinks were ordered and we asked about the hot Turkey. A favourite said Mike. So we ordered two, one with mashed one with fries. What arrived was a a very substantial portion of Roast Turkey piled on two slices of Sourdough toast and dripping in gravy. A small cup of  Cranberry sauce was included. Real Diner food that was delicious. Comfort food. And completely filling. 

We learned that Tree’s dates back to the 1940’s. Which means it is nearly as old as me. Amazing. They also have a branch on highway 4 in Whisky Creek on the way to Port Alberni. This photo is from the 1940’s.

Trees is open from 8 to 8 and is also an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch. Free parking too. 

After you dine slide by the Bakery area and take home a Peach Pie or some sausage rolls. Or maybe their Cheese Bread that looked fabulous. Or Sourdough, Marbled Rye or Focaccia. It all looked inviting. 

Trees Diner. At the corner of Church Road and Highway 4A. If you like Diner food you will love this joint! Check it out at 

https://www.treesrestaurantandbakery.com/menu

Just saying…

Finally, last night we made it to TRIO in PARKSVILLE for a wonderful dinner. Our friends,  Mike & Alice, from the Victoria area were visiting and wanted to relieve me from domestic culinary chores so we made a reservation. 

TRIO is a relatively new joint repurposed from former Pacific Brimm coffee shop. The owners of Trio also operate Craig Street Pizza and Cafe Floresta. The remodel of this space is very nicely done. I would call it classy bistro. The serving staff are delightful. Friendly, fun and efficient. Amy & Kim really made the evening. 

Now for the food. Sheila and I shared a Caesar salad, the best ever, exclaimed Sheila who really knows Caesar’s. Two of us chose Scallops as a main course and were thrilled we did. Four large perfectly seared Scallops in a wonderful sauce. Perfect. Mike chose Spaghetti Vongole loaded with baby clams. Sheila chose the Chicken and Fig Penne which was delicious. I know because I had a large taste. 

A Sticky Toffee Pudding with 4 spoons was dessert and it too was very tasty. 

By the way we really enjoyed a bottle of Poplar Grove Pinot Gris. Crisp and flavourful. A good choice! Thinking of dinner? You must try TRIO. They know how to do it and you won’t be disappointed. 

 Check out Trio on Facebook. 

TRIO is Located at 123 Craig Street in PARKSVILLE. Be sure and make a reservation at 250-586-1995 because they are busy and only open for dinner Thursday thru Sunday. 

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Try it, you must. 

Just saying…

I don’t usually report on the sane restaurant but Sheila read the last blog on Montana’s and just had to experience their BBQ. So off we went on Saturday for a late lunch. 

At 2PM it was busy and we actually had a short wait Until seated at a high table. Our server was a sweet young lady dressed in jeans and a Black Montana’s T-shirt as were all the staff.  Our drinks arrived promptly and we ordered quite a variety. Burnt Ends, Appetizer sized Ribs and Caesar salad For Sheila, BBQ Chicken Fajita for me. 

Here is the scoop. The Ribs, according to one who knows, were fabulous. Almost as good as Victoria’s late,  famous,  Cherry Bank Hotel. That’s high praise. Not that I can make the comparison since my Victoria upbringing somehow omitted the Cherry Bank. 

The Caesar Salad also received a rave review. The best restaurant Caesar in ages. 

The Burnt Ends were OK but not as good as those at the Rusted Rake in Nanoose. 

My Fajita was quite substantial with a generous portion a tender BBQ Chicken, served with grilled onions, red and green peppers and  flour tortillas. Also shredded lettuce, chopped tomato and grated cheese. Oh, and sour cream, salsa & guacamole. All good but more than I could finish. Oh course I did get a taste of the rubs, salad and Burnt ends too. 

Sheila’s first visit to Montanas. Would she go back? Absolutely! Next time maybe Mac & Cheese.

Montanas is definitely with a visit. There are nearly 100 locations in Canada so you should be close to one wherever you live. 

Just saying…

Here is a BBQ joint that has been  in business since 1995 and until a week ago I’d never set foot in it. MONTANA’S opened its first restaurant in Oakville Ontario and now is across Canada’s with over 100 locations including Rutherford Mall in Nanaimo. 

Met my old, really old, high school pals for lunch. The two Nanaimo boys apparently are regulars as they seemed to know the staff and the routine. 

Montanas is a big facility with a Western BBQ decor and ambiance. We were ushered to a booth where the Nanaimo boys had already taken up residence and drawn on the brown paper table cover with the crayons provided. 

The food here is BBQ. Brisket, steak, ribs, chicken. My choice was the Brisket Burnt Ends Tacos. Two guys ordered the very large Chicken Fajitas. And pal Phil dove into a Brisket sandwich. 

I enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the food. Nice friendly service too. 

If you like BBQ you will like Montana’s. Check out the website. https://www.montanas.ca

All the menus are there. 

Montanas is in a freestanding building adjacent to Rutherford Mall with lots of free parking. Reservations can be made on line or at +12507582388

BBQ…mmm

Just saying…

LONG TIME FAVOURITE

John’s Place in Victoria has been in business for over 40 years serving up some of the best breakfasts anywhere. But it’s been at least 30 years since I last set foot in the joint. 

Yesterday on a quick trip to Victoria we made time to expedite lunch at John’s. This is truly a joint in the same class as the venerable Pagliacci’s. It’s really Funky In fact, Howie Siegel of Pags financed John when he first opened as they were good friends. Here us the story.

John’s Story

John’s was quite busy for a Thursday in January but no line up and we were seated promptly. The menu is extensive and offers even The English Breakfast and Huevos Rancheros , a favourite of  mine. But we had already decided on Eggs Benny. There are eight different Bennys on the menu. They offer a choice of Muffins, Bagels or Cornbread for their Benny. We both thought the cornbread would be a nice change. One half Benny Florentino, one full Classic. A nice touch was a complimentary plate of warm crusty bread. Irresistible, of course. 

The Bennys were excellent. Eggs perfectly cooked, abundant ham and a generous and delicious hollandaise sauce. Mine came with roasted potatoes, Sheila’s with grilled tomatoes. Brunch was all we expected it to be. Simply outstanding! The Cornbread was really good, by the way. 

The service was excellent supplied by a very animated young man who was efficient, talkative and funny. 

Offerings for lunch include Perogies and Sausage, Meatloaf,  Burgers, Home Made Soup and the Sandwich Hall of Fame. 

Many readers have no doubt been to John’s  but if you haven’t you will get a kick out if the decor. All the walls are covered with photos, drawings, paintings,  posters etc. And they are full. No room for any more. Fun to look at. 

John’s Place is well worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed. Reasonable priced too. 

Here us their website where you can see all their menu offerings.

Home

Open for breakfast and lunch until 3. Reservations on weekdays only. They are located at 723 Pandora just up from City Hall. You really must go. 

Just saying…

Last weekend we decided at the last minute to go out for brunch. Oh, Eggs Benny at FINAL APPROACH are outstanding, let’s  go there. Alas, when we arrived at the Qualicum Beach airport Final Approach was closed for a few days. Not to be discouraged we said maybe the BAYSIDE RESORT is open. I’d heard they were good at breakfast. We were certainly not disappointed. First of all we were seated at one of the window tables for two and the view was stunning. 

The service was prompt. A Prosecco and a Caesar were ordered followed by Classic Eggs Benny and Coconut Prawns. 

Both the orders were excellent. Perfectly poached eggs and very good Hollandaise. Beautiful plating too. Very tasty. The prawns were slightly spicy served with a lemony dip. Perfect! Unfortunately I forgot the take a photo to share so you will have to imagine. 

We have enjoyed the Bayside several times for lunch, dinner and Happy Hour but this was our first brunch experience. Would we recommend it! Absolutely. They definitely know how to do breakfast and brunch. 

Friendly, efficient servers, great food and a fabulous view. Lots of free parking too. 

If you’re in a brunch mood this weekend you may want to call the Bayside. 250 248-8333. 

Here is their breakfast menu.  

Not familiar with PARKSVILLE? The Bayside Resort is just off Highway 19A at 240 Dogwood Street. 

Just saying…

What a pleasant surprise we had today. Our good friend Phil asked us to meet for Sunday Brunch at GARY’S BISTRO in Qualicum Beach. It’s been many years since visiting Gary’s and this long standing restaurant has since changed ownership. My expectations were not high as it always seemed to be a burger kind of joint. How wrong was I. 

First of all, the joint was packed. Couples, families, singles. Surprisingly, Gary’s has a great Brunch Menu with no less than five flavours of Eggs Benedict including my choice, Mexican Eggs Benny. Eggs with Onion, Red Pepper, Salsa, jalapeños, Hash Browns and very good Hollandaise sauce. DELICIOUS! 

They also have Bistro Bagels, Breakfast Burritos, and regular Bacon & Eggs as well as Omelettes and Pancakes. 

On top of all that deliciousness, Corinna was an outstanding server. Efficient, cheerful and serving the entire restaurant by herself. 

Since Qualicum Beach is the venue for the huge Father’s Day Car Show, Gary’s is decorated with dozens of photos of hot rods that have been in the show. Plus a life size section of a vintage Cadillac on the wall. Friend Phil is hoping his recently purchased 48 Ford, aka Bessie Ford, will have its photo on the wall after the 2026 car show.

We really enjoyed Gary’s and will return for a weekday lunch. 

Gary’s is at 115 Second Avenue E in Qualicum Beach. 250-752-5800. 

Open for Breakfast and Lunch from 9-4 daily. 

Just saying…

For several years I searched the local food stores looking for pickled onions to no avail. I had had them often in restaurants as a garnish on a salad or in a Sandwich and I really like them. 

Since I couldn’t find any I made my own a few times. They are easy to make but my recipe suggested they had a short shelf life. 

Then, by chance, the other day I saw them in the local THRIFTY’S. Pickled red onions produced right here in BC. In Falkland BC, located between Vernon and Kamloops. Yes a young couple in Falkland make and market this wonderful product. 

BC BRINE  produce a whole line of pickles using fresh local vegetables which you can view on their website. https://bcbrine.ca

If you like pickles you must try these. Fabulous. 

Isn’t it great that we have ambitious young people who will start up a business like this. 

Just saying…