On my recent Victoria visit I met my old friend and former colleague, Neil, for lunch in Sidney. We have lunched frequently over the past few years but always in my neck of the woods. Since I am more flexible now it was nice to meet him at the SURLY MERMAID overlooking the Port Sidney Marina in his territory. It was Neil’s suggestion as he had been there often, and his daughter had worked there as a student.

The SURLY MERMAID is, of course, a seafood place and a good one too. The menu has a good range of appetizers, Rice Bowls, and entrees. Neil opted for the Chicken Chimichanga, a substantial serving that matched his enthusiastic appetite. I ordered the Seafood Chowder and Fish Tacos. Both were excellent! We washed this deliciousness down with draft beer. They feature Phillips Brewery beers like Blue Buck, one of my favorites.

Service was excellent, prompt and very friendly. We had a high window table looking out at the boats which, for me, is always a bonus. SURLY MERMAID is open for lunch and dinner daily and has a happy hour Tuesday to Sunday from 3-5 featuring some well-priced and good-looking appetizers. This would be a wonderful place to drop into after a day of shopping or sightseeing. 

You can look at the menu here; https://www.surlymermaid.ca/lunch-dinner/

There is a nice bar inside and a big patio outside which would be perfect in summer. To get there, take Beacon Avenue to the very end and turn left.  There is parking in front and if your timing is good you can use the free spots with Surly Mermaid marked on them.

If you are in the area, it is worth checking out 

Just saying…

Finally, after more than four years of not travelling, I made a short trip to Victoria for a few nights this week.  I know its only a short drive but it’s a start. I was invited to stay with old friends (I’ve only known him for 76 years)at their waterfront home in North Saanich. They were wonderful hosts and the views and sunsets were spectacular except when the winter fog rolled in

In addition to an epic tour of Victoria, something Id not done for several years, we dined and a most interesting and historic joint in Sidney  Right by the Victoria Airport is MARY’ BLUEU MOON CAFÉ!

It has taken me 81 years to find this place. It opened in 1939.  I lived in Victoria for 25 years and  don’t know how I missed it since Mary’s is definitely my kind of place.

MARY’S is open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and the menu included genuine Diner favorites.  My hosts ordered Seafood Crepes for her and Fish & Chips for him  Both were generous and delicious.  I chose Liver & Onions, with Bacon.  Not many restaurants serve Liver any more and since it had been a long long time since I’d last had it my choice was a good one. Very generous portion with mashed potato, mixed vegetables and gravy. Only $16.95.  Good food, Good Value. Service was very friendly and prompt to, always a positive.

You can check out the full menu here: https://www.marysbleuemoon.com/menus

Mary’s is decorated with all manner of aircraft memorabilia including aircraft models and some fabulous photos of WWll planes, pilots and news articles. Would like to go back and take more time perusing the photos.

If you are in the Sidney area and feeling a bit peckish, you MUST go direct to Mary’s BLUEU MOON CAFÉ.  9535 Canora Road. Sidney BC

250-655-4450

Open every day form 8 AM until 9PM.

Just saying…