There is a new coffee joint in PARKSVILLE and I checked it out this morning. Met my brother in law for coffee at BRAZEN POPPY BAKERY in the new Shelly Square next to A&W. Nice place with a few comfy chairs and a fireplace. Typical assortment of coffees, as you would expect along with an assortment of baked goods. The muffins were delicious. Brazen Poppy is a family run affair and worth a visit. One more place for coffee.  

Others we like are SERIOUS COFFEE, although it’s pretty noisy, Starbucks, of course, and Pacific Brim in PARKSVILLE are great spots.  Creekmore’s at the Coombs/Hilliers junction is a cool place which also serves up some great lunch items. Coffee is a good choice at the Coombs Country Market and they certainly have some wonderful bakery choices. In Qualicum Beach both The French Press and Bailey’s are worthy of a visit. 

So if it’s caffeine you are craving or you want to meet friends for a visit, any one of these coffee joints will fill the bill. 

Bt the way, Domino’s Pizza is also now in Shelly Square.

Just saying…

Have you shopped at EAT FRESH in PARKSVILLE?  If not, you must give it a try. Eat Fresh are in the midst of an expansion which is enhancing their deli section. Check out the selection of cheese. Quite expansive. 

The meat department is excellent with lots of choices.  They have some modest sized packed chicken, beef and pork which are perfect for two. And you must try some of the in house made frozen soups. My brother recommended the FOREST MUSHROOM which is simply delicious with a variety of different mushrooms. $6 each which makes a perfect lunch for two. Just today we slurped up the SEAFOOD CHOWDER!  Really delicious. They also have Chilli, Lasagne, and many other frozen items. All made right there. 

The Deli/Bakery Department is not to be missed.  Want a quick lunch?  Try the ready made sandwiches. The Roast Beef & the Corned Beef are very good. The Lime Tarts are one of our favourites and you just must try the Expresso Nanaimo Bar! And check out the muffins too. Like meat pies? Try theirs. And if you fancy a Salad there is an assortment of really interesting creations. 

We like Creekmore’s Coffee and you can grind it and buy it right here. Saves one a trip to Hilliers. 

We don’t do all our food shopping at Eat Fresh, but seem to be there more and more. 

Just saying…

I know, I know. It has been some time since my last post. Well, it was January and we just haven’t tried anything new. However, an anniversary dinner at BISTRO 694 in Qualicum Beach was excellent, as usual. If you have not been, you must go. Charming atmosphere, nice people and simply delicious food. 

Our friends Mike & Lorna, suggested we do take our from Mekong River Vietnamese  recently. We each chose two dishes and they did the pick up. Served up in our dining room, it was really tasty. Crispy Chow Mein, Beef Curry, Spicy Prawns and Baked Salmon along with lots of rice. Some TSINGTAO Beer and white wine worked well too. Excellent food, if a little pricy. If you have not tried Mekong River, check out their menu here… https://www.mekongriverparksville.com/menu/

Some restaurant news. Yorkys Fish & Chips is closed for renovations. It will be reopening soon as CAPTAIN JOHN’S SEAFOOD. It located by Shoppers in Parksville. There is a new coffee joint now open in the new mall next to A&W in Parksville. And everyone is anxiously awaiting the opening of the FRENCH CREEK BISTRO next to Sam’s Sushi.  

We have enjoyed Carlos O’Bryans Pub in Nanaimo several times. Recently the same company opened Kelly O’Bryans restaurant in Courtenay. Have not been yet but it is located at 2910 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay. They are a chain based in Kelowna with locations in Kelowna, Kamloops, New Westminster, Nanaimo, Vernon & Vancouver. 

https://www.kobcob.com

CHEESE❗️Yes please✔️

If you are in Courtenay and if you love Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese, please pay a visit to NATURAL PASTURES CHEESE COMPANY. They make the best, freshest, Mozzarella anywhere. http://www.naturalpastures.com

Just saying…