Here is a BBQ joint that has been  in business since 1995 and until a week ago I’d never set foot in it. MONTANA’S opened its first restaurant in Oakville Ontario and now is across Canada’s with over 100 locations including Rutherford Mall in Nanaimo. 

Met my old, really old, high school pals for lunch. The two Nanaimo boys apparently are regulars as they seemed to know the staff and the routine. 

Montanas is a big facility with a Western BBQ decor and ambiance. We were ushered to a booth where the Nanaimo boys had already taken up residence and drawn on the brown paper table cover with the crayons provided. 

The food here is BBQ. Brisket, steak, ribs, chicken. My choice was the Brisket Burnt Ends Tacos. Two guys ordered the very large Chicken Fajitas. And pal Phil dove into a Brisket sandwich. 

I enjoyed the casual atmosphere and the food. Nice friendly service too. 

If you like BBQ you will like Montana’s. Check out the website. https://www.montanas.ca

All the menus are there. 

Montanas is in a freestanding building adjacent to Rutherford Mall with lots of free parking. Reservations can be made on line or at +12507582388

BBQ…mmm

Just saying…

LONG TIME FAVOURITE

John’s Place in Victoria has been in business for over 40 years serving up some of the best breakfasts anywhere. But it’s been at least 30 years since I last set foot in the joint. 

Yesterday on a quick trip to Victoria we made time to expedite lunch at John’s. This is truly a joint in the same class as the venerable Pagliacci’s. It’s really Funky In fact, Howie Siegel of Pags financed John when he first opened as they were good friends. Here us the story.

John’s Story

John’s was quite busy for a Thursday in January but no line up and we were seated promptly. The menu is extensive and offers even The English Breakfast and Huevos Rancheros , a favourite of  mine. But we had already decided on Eggs Benny. There are eight different Bennys on the menu. They offer a choice of Muffins, Bagels or Cornbread for their Benny. We both thought the cornbread would be a nice change. One half Benny Florentino, one full Classic. A nice touch was a complimentary plate of warm crusty bread. Irresistible, of course. 

The Bennys were excellent. Eggs perfectly cooked, abundant ham and a generous and delicious hollandaise sauce. Mine came with roasted potatoes, Sheila’s with grilled tomatoes. Brunch was all we expected it to be. Simply outstanding! The Cornbread was really good, by the way. 

The service was excellent supplied by a very animated young man who was efficient, talkative and funny. 

Offerings for lunch include Perogies and Sausage, Meatloaf,  Burgers, Home Made Soup and the Sandwich Hall of Fame. 

Many readers have no doubt been to John’s  but if you haven’t you will get a kick out if the decor. All the walls are covered with photos, drawings, paintings,  posters etc. And they are full. No room for any more. Fun to look at. 

John’s Place is well worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed. Reasonable priced too. 

Here us their website where you can see all their menu offerings.

Home

Open for breakfast and lunch until 3. Reservations on weekdays only. They are located at 723 Pandora just up from City Hall. You really must go. 

Just saying…

Last weekend we decided at the last minute to go out for brunch. Oh, Eggs Benny at FINAL APPROACH are outstanding, let’s  go there. Alas, when we arrived at the Qualicum Beach airport Final Approach was closed for a few days. Not to be discouraged we said maybe the BAYSIDE RESORT is open. I’d heard they were good at breakfast. We were certainly not disappointed. First of all we were seated at one of the window tables for two and the view was stunning. 

The service was prompt. A Prosecco and a Caesar were ordered followed by Classic Eggs Benny and Coconut Prawns. 

Both the orders were excellent. Perfectly poached eggs and very good Hollandaise. Beautiful plating too. Very tasty. The prawns were slightly spicy served with a lemony dip. Perfect! Unfortunately I forgot the take a photo to share so you will have to imagine. 

We have enjoyed the Bayside several times for lunch, dinner and Happy Hour but this was our first brunch experience. Would we recommend it! Absolutely. They definitely know how to do breakfast and brunch. 

Friendly, efficient servers, great food and a fabulous view. Lots of free parking too. 

If you’re in a brunch mood this weekend you may want to call the Bayside. 250 248-8333. 

Here is their breakfast menu.  

Not familiar with PARKSVILLE? The Bayside Resort is just off Highway 19A at 240 Dogwood Street. 

Just saying…