Recently we watched Canada’s Top Chef, a show on the Food Network. The winner was a chef from Tofino.  Paul Moran is the Head Chef at the Tofino Resort and Marina. Curious about Chef Moran’s food we decided we must try it. Today was the day. A Beautiful sunny warm day is always perfect for a drive so we pointed the Acura towards the west coast. 

The resort was purchased a few years ago by a developer and ex NHL players Willie Mitchell, a Port McNeil boy and Dan Hamhuis a former Vancouver Canuck.  They dumped some cash into the project and refurbished the rooms and opened a high end restaurant and a pub. It’s located right on the harbour in Tofino. 

The Restaurant, 1909 KITCHEN,  named after the first Post Office, is open for Breakfast and Dinner. It looks very nice. You can check it out here.

 https://tofinoresortandmarina.com/restaurant/1909-kitchen/

Since we arrived for a late lunch at 3 we hit the HATCH PUB. it is a great pub, tastefully designed and decorated with a view of the marina and harbour.

The menu was inviting and since Happy Hour happens seven days a week from 3-5:30 we went for a deal. Certain items are on two for one. Our choice, Prawn Tacos, was a good one. Each order was two tacos on a wooden plank. Excellent deep fried prawns, 2 per Taco with a delicious slaw which included avocado. Maybe the best tacos I’ve ever enjoyed. We had two, then ordered two more. 4 for $15. Great deal. We added an order of their Hand Cut Triple Cooked Fries which were presented in a cast iron skillet and accompanied with a Black Garlic & Apple Cider Aioli. So good. Best restaurant fries I can ever remember. Adult beverages were also on special so a white wine for my favourite girl and a Tofino Lager for me.

The service was friendly and prompt and the view from our window table was most enjoyable. There is a big patio as well, but is was a little cool for that. Based on the food we enjoyed, it is easy to understand why Chef Moran won Canada’s Top Chef! 

Besides, where else can you see pictures of old outboard motors on the wall. My late friend Gary Salmon, a man who really knew outboards, would have loved to see them.

If you are planning a visit to Tofino, you must try the HATCH PUB. Try to hit Happy Hour on a weekday as our server said the weekends are pretty busy.  Here is the menu.

https://tofinoresortandmarina.com/restaurant/hatch-waterfront-pub/

The drive over and back was glorious. There is construction beside Kennedy Lake so it was down to one lane traffic for a stretch.

The road is closed daily from 4-5 PM so plan your trip accordingly. 

Just saying…