We commented on FRANJIEJO’S Bakery Cafe on their opening day in July but on a Costco run to Comox today we decided to revisit Steven & Carol and have lunch. Glad we did.

Who would think to put a slice of crispy pear in a sandwich? Carol, of course. Prosciutto, Brie, carmelized Onions, a slice of pear and some spinach in between two slices of her own Fig -Walnut Bread. Are you kidding me? This Sandwich was fabulous and only $8.75.  The bread was amazingly flavourful and worked so well with the other ingredients. If you wish, add a soup or salad or both

As expected, we engaged in lively repartee with Steven. When I suggested to him the wine list was somewhat wanting, ie., non existent, he said by the new year they may have a liquor licence. A chilled glass of Pinot Gris from a Vancouver Island winery would go well with many if their menu items. We look forward to it.

If you are in Courtenay/Comox and looking for an interesting lunch give Frankiejo’s a try. You will like this little joint. Here are today’s specials:

You can find them at 501 4th Street in downtown Courtenay. They are on Facebook too. Open Monday through Friday.

 

Just saying…

Despite its fabulous location right on Qualicum Beach, the Beach House Restaurant is, once again, closed and out of business. Too bad the owners couldnt make a go of it. Restaurants are a tough business.

Just saying…

 

 

 

 

An old colleague visiting from Ontario invited us to join him for lunch in Cowichan Bay last week. So we met him at the COW CAFE WEST COAST GRILL located at the south end of the village in the Oceanside Suites Hotel.

We were pleasantly surprised with the place. The cafe overlooks Cowichan Bay through very large windows so you can see the marinas and the boats anchored in the bay as well as a bit of Saltspring Island.

The menu looked really good and all our choices were excellent. Our friend decided on Halibut & Chips.  I chose the Fish Tacos that were delicious while my favourite girl enjoyed some great looking Chicken Tenders. Their fries were hand cut in house and amongst the best I’ve had all summer.

The service was excellent too and our server was a charming young lady who grew up right on Cowichan Bay.

If you are in the area, the Cow Cafe is a good choice if you are looking for lunch.

Check out the menu here: http://cowcafe.ca/menu/

 

Just saying…

For 3 or 4 years we have been driving by RISO in Lantzville, usually heading for the Lantzville Pub. Each time I think, we must try RISO. Friends Mike & Lorna raved about it and said we must go. So today, finding myself in an uncooking mood, we decide on a late lunch at RISO.

Not knowing how busy they were we made an advance reservation for a table on the patio. It was going to be 27C today so outside dining was the right choice. We arrived at 1:15 and were seated on the large and rather funky patio. It was perfect. After perusing the menu, we saw Brunch items. Too late for brunch. Why NO!

Eggs Benedict with salad. Full order for me and half order for my favourite girl. She ordered a glass of Kettle Valley Pinot Gris while I ordered my first Bloody Caesar of the year. Where have they been?

The Eggs Benny were exceptional, perfectly cooked with the brightest yellow free range eggs served on in house made toast. The Hollandaise was especially tasty and our server shared a secret with us. They put a little grapefruit in the sauce. Oh my!

 

The Pinot Gris was a beautiful rose colour so after finishing the Benny’s we decided to each have a glass and enjoy the patio for a while. Delicious.

RISO is also a Bakery so lots of great looking breads and deserts are offered. The menu includes a roster of pizza, two of which passed by out table. They looked wonderful. They have soups,  sandwiches, salads and daily specials.

Here is the fall schedule.

 

Heading to or from Nanaimo, consider a stop at this really delightful spot right on the main drag in Lantzville. We will be back.

https://risofoods.wordpress.com/about/

Just saying…

Who doesn’t like good Fish & Chips? Not us, that is for sure. On Vancouver Island there are many excellent places to enjoy this perennial favourite. Most pubs have good Fish & Chips. Even the White Spot does an excellent rendition. There is Bare Bones in Port Alberni, Red Fish Blue Fish in Victoria, and the Rock Cod Cafe in Cowichan Bay. All worthy of a visit.

However, last night was FISH and CHIP night at the EAGLECREST GOLF Club in Qualicum Beach. Some neighbours organized a table for eight at the golf course. TALON’S, the clubhouse dining room is fairly modest, definitely not Capilano or Oak Bay, but the food was good, served promptly at very reasonable prices.

Two piece Cod & Chips for $14. One piece Halibut $16. I enjoyed the Cod while my favourite girl ordered the Halibut. The piece of Halibut was really large so, of course, I was able to help out with it too. The coleslaw was excellent and a generous serving. The Tartar sauce was ok, but I’ve had much better. Chips were excellent and plentiful too.

Eaglecrest Golf Course is open to the public so if you are in the Qualicum Beach area and have a Fish & Chip craving, check it out. Friday nights are Fish and Chip nights. Talon’s has other special nights too. Wings on Wednesday, Prawns on Thursday, Schnitzel on Saturday.

Here is the full menu: http://www.eaglecrestgolfclub.ca/golf/emailer2020/img/eaglecrestgolfclub/2017_Talon’s_menu.pdf.

There is also a very nice patio overlooking the course waiting for you.

Just saying…