In 10 plus years on the Island I’ve probably driven past the KINGFISHER RESORT in Royston just south of Courtenay, a hundred times but for some reason have never stopped.  Perhaps the timing was wrong, wasn’t hungry, needed to get to Costco? However, yesterday after cutting a swath through said Costco my friend Sheila suggested lunch at the KINGFISHER. 

We chose to sit in the AQUA bar at a delightful window table with a view out to sea with Comox in the background. It’s a charming cosy sort of bar with just a few tables and seating also at the bar.  Service was prompt and very friendly and we ordered drinks, Haywire Pinot Gris from Summerland for her, a local Beer For me. 

After touring menu we both decided that the Seafood Chowder would be worth trying. What a perfect choice. The Chowder included, shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish in a really creamy delicious semi thick broth. Oh so good! Absolutely one of the most delicious chowders I’ve enjoyed. Kudos to the Chef. We agreed that we needed the recipe but at least would try and replicate the chowder at home. Asked if we wanted to see the dessert menu I simply asked if they had Creme Brûlée.  They did. So we shared a better than good beautifully presented Creme Brûlée. It’s a dish I’ve had many times in many places and I’ve never met one I didn’t like.

Our server was a lovely lady who hails from Melbourne, and who has fallen in love with Vancouver Island. The service was friendly and very efficient, always a plus for me. Prices are what one expects in a good hotel, but not bad. 

The KINGFISHER RESORT looks like great place for a weekend getaway.  Some of the features include a Spa, a Hydrotherapy Walk, a beautiful Courtyard and Outside Sky Dome dining pods complete with romantic lighting, candles and cosy blankets. Perhaps a special event would work here. Birthdays, Anniversaries! Yes! 

The KINGFISHER RESORT web site is https://www.kingfisherspa.com/. 

Lots of info and photos. Worth a look.

We liked this Resort and will be back.

Just saying…

Last week, I met some old boating pals for lunch at SEASCAPES, a new joint in Schooner Cove. What a pleasant surprise. It’s on the site of the old pub but I think the building was gutted then rebuilt. 

Seascapes is quite stunning inside.  Very spacious, very modern. Big windows with a view over the marina and beyond. One area has a cosy fireplace with seating in front. There is also a very nice bar area. 

The menu is very good with everything from Burgers to Seafood to Pizza. I opted for the Saltspring Mussels & Fries. The mussels were fabulous although the serving of fries was a bit wanting. A couple of the guys ordered burgers and their fries were cold. Eventually, two complimentary big bowls of hot fries arrived at the table. Seascapes has not been open for long and are still having some teething problems. 

Our server was a delightful gal named Mandy. She was really charming, friendly and efficient. She even took our photo. 

I liked Seascapes and will return. You may want to also. Open Wednesday thru Sunday for lunch & dinner.  Reservations are a good idea. You can reach them at +12504680780. Check out their website at https://seascapedining.ca where you can scan the menu. 

Just saying…

Found an interesting new place in Coombs today. The SPANISH KITCHEN Opened just recently on The Other Side, across the bridge past the Coombs Store. It’s the cutest little shop where the Chef & Proprietor, Jesus, sells his home made Paella, Spanish cheeses and other Spanish goodies. 

Jesus hails from Barcelona and after working in New Zealand where he met his Beautiful Canadian wife Amanda, moved to Oceanside to start a business. Talk about courage. Not easy to start any business at any time but to do so in a new country takes some serious moxie. Jesus is the most charming young man I’ve met in a long time. We hope he has lots of success. 

Have not tried the Paella yet but will soon.  They come frozen in one serving packages with very good and easy instructions for cooking. There are different kinds including seafood and Chorizo. $20 per package. Jesus also gave us a taste of his Chorizo and a scrumptious Sheep Cheese. 

I hope those readers who are in the area will make a path to the Spanish Kitchen and give it a try.  You can’t miss it’s bright red door. Easy parking too.  When you meet Jesus I guarantee you will be charmed! Check out their website: Spanish kitchen.ca

Just saying…