Since it was such a beautiful sunny day I decided to take my favourite girl for a drive.  Roof open, we cruised through PARKSVILLE, down to Schooner Cove,  through Lantzville ending up at NESVOG’s Meats to pick up some of their great MAUI RIBS. perfect for the BBQ this weekend. Haven’t tried them? Very close to the famous Azeka’s ribs in Maui.  

Heading home on 19A, we were feeling a little peckish so wheeled into the  WHITE SPOT at Woodgrove Centre. They are open for dining in and are well prepared. It appeared that one out of every three tables/booths are in service to ensure social distancing. The staff are all wearing clear plastic face masks. No vinegar or Ketchup bottles, no pepper and salt shakers. Other wise it’s pretty normal.The dining room, bar and patio are all open. 

The food is the same White Spot fare I have been enjoying frequently since 1952 when I was treated at the South Granville location in Vancouver. I opted for a a Monty Mushroom Burger while my favourite girl ordered Fish & Chips. She loved it but it was two pieces of fish so yours truly commandeered piece #2. Tasty as always. It was our first White Spot food in 2020. Dining out is back, but it’s still a little different. 

Lots of other restaurants are open. Cuckoos in Coombs, Ricki’s in PARKSVILLE, Black Bird Schnitzel House in Qualicum. On June 28 the Rocking Horse Pub is opening and the Lantzville Pub is shooting for July 1.

Just saying…

Much  as I enjoy cooking at home, like most people I also enjoy dining  out in restaurants and pubs,  the pleasure of which has been unavailable to us since early March when the pandemic hit.  Take out has been available and good but just not the same as going out. Well, good news! Restaurants are reopening with new guidelines as to table spacing, size of parties etc. 

Last Friday I met my old friend from Schooner Cove at the SHADY REST PUB on Qualicum Beach. It was wonderful. We began with a cold draft  beer, our first in months. My pal ordered the Seafiod Cobb Salad  that he judged as excellent and delicious. I had been craving Fish & Chips for weeks so chose the Haddock, two pieces. It was fresh with crispy batter and pretty good fries. 

The staff were terrific and all so happy to be back  at work. Service as good and the food was served very quickly. Tom, the manager, came by out table for a visit too. By the way,  they are taking reservations. 

There are some really good pubs on the island and the Shady is one of them. Consistently good pub fare with a spectacular ocean view. If you are ready for dining out, they are ready for you.   https://shadyrest.ca

Welcome back Shady Rest. 

FRENCH CREEK PUB is also open as is the CROW & GATE PUB  not sure about Lantzville.

Just saying…