After a long hiatus, we ventured forth today to an old standby, the Keg Steakhouse & Bar. I have been in most of the Kegs in Western Canada but this was the first time in Nanaimo. OK, we did have gift cards to use up thanks to the generosity of out Toronto based son, a one time Kegger.

From the outside the Nanaimo Keg looks a little shabby so I said to my favouite girl that I hope it looks better inside than outside. It did. It’s not far from the old City Square but on a short dead end street next to a building under demolition so from the outside it’s not too inviting. Inside it is Very Kegish with lots of dark wood but very nicely executed.

We arrived at opening time, 4PM on Saturday, and were the first customers of the day. We opted for the bar since our crusade was for a libation and some appetizers. An Italian Pinot Grigio for her, a draft Heineken for me. The drinks were served by Elliot who was very charming if a bit difficult to understand. Further investigation turned up that he was from Zimbabwe and is in fourth year business at Vancouver Island University.

We ordered Baked Garlic Shrimp, Escargot,  and Prime Rib Sliders. My favourite girl pronounced the Shrimp delicious. I’d been craving escargot since the last time. These were hiding within a mushroom cap and loaded with garlic butter. Just as good as always. The sliders were great too. Prime rib with extra horse radish and a cup of au jus for dipping. On the same plate was a good helping of deep fried skinny onions, one of my favourites. By the way, they still bring a small loaf of warm bread to the table as soon as you order. And the bread is still delicious.

The Keg has survived for about 50 Years  because of consistency. You know what to expect and they deliver. Good food, good service and great atmosphere. Too bad they don’t have a patio.

Thinking Beef, don’t forget the KEG.

JUST SAYING…

It us a beautiful summer evening in FRENCH CREEK and I’m sitting on our patio overlooking the 14th Fairway of Morningstar Golf Course, enjoying a crisp cold glass of Pinot Grigio.  What I am seeing are some large old beautiful Rhododendrons, 25 Year old Pine Trees, Hemlocks, Cedars, a beautiful Blue Spruce.  It is heaven!

This is truly a fabulous place to live in retirement. Lovely home, great neighbours, and a beautiful back yard.  We are fortunate❗️

Just saying…

I know, I know.  I have written before about Cuckoo’s but we went again today. First time since last fall for my favourite girl. And we enjoyed it!

On a warm sunny day there are few places more inviting that the patio at Cuckoos.  We were placed on the small patio right beside the fountain, in the shade of the amazing trees adjacent. I could sit there all day.

We chose a Rose from 40 Knots Winery in Comox and it was a good choice. Beautiful colour, cold and crisp and tasty.  The bread basket provided is always good with a salsa like sauce or butter.  The breads are from the Coombs Store Bakery and really are good.  A shared small Caesar Salad to start was refreshing with lots of cheese and dressing. Never disappointing here.  Of course, we ordered our usual CAPRICOSSA pizza with ham, olives, and artichokes.  It is our favourite and is always good. The thin crust is just the way we like it.

The Rose was so good we had one more glass so we could enjoy the ambiance of this wonderful patio.

In our opinion, you just can’t beat a leasurely lunch, linner, or dinner sitting out on the amazing patio at Cuckoo’s in Coombs.  Who would believe this place even exists up behind the Goats On The Roof Store

Just saying…u

Yesterday my favourite girl and I drove the slow way to Courtenay for a bit of lunch. We wanted to check out FRANKIE JO’S Bakery Cafe.  Turns out it was opening day. Carol & Stephen, the owners, formerly ran the very successful BLUE EYED MARY’S BISTRO on Bowen Island and later on Marine Drive is West Vancouver.  About a year ago they moved to the island not intending to go back in the business…but they did.

Carol was a Pastry Chef at the top rated Bishop’s in Vancouver so she knows her way around Bread and pastry.  Stephen is the front man, the ever charming host! They have created a cute, small Bakery Cafe serving breakfast and lunches along with baked good for take away.  The chairs and stools are all shiny white to go with marble table tops.  Fresh air fans can enjoy tables outside too.

Today’s offerings.

We chose the Frittata for a late lunch and were not disappointed.  It included roast ham, asiago cheese, spinach,  and a sun dried tomato pesto.  Served with a beautiful salad and a slice of Carol’s bread.  The dish was excellent and substantial. We paired it with a latte from their new coffee machine.

The menu includes Tomato Soup with a Grilled Cheese,  a Kale, Hearts of  Romaine  Caesar Salad, Falafels, and the ‘You Tell Us’ Soup and Sandwich. For Breakfast there is the Frittata, or Coconut Pancakes or Scrambled Eggs.  Plus there are daily specials.

If you are in the area, drop in for brunch or lunch. Carol & Stephen and their daughters Frankie & Jo are wonderful hosts with oustanding food!

FRANKIE JO’S is on 4th right around the corner from the main drag at #107-501 4th Street.  Look for the White Chairs outside

The owners.. 

Just saying…

There is a new restaurant in Oceanside, WEST COAST FOOD HOUSE! It’s on 19A in Qualicum Bay.  Our good neighbours, Dave & Sharon, reported that they had been and it needs to be on your ‘must try’ list. They chose the Prawns and Seafood Bowl which was loaded with muscles and delicious.

Dave & Sharon advise that it us run by the same folks who run the very successful TIDAL TACO SHACK. Here is a peek at part of the menu.

Seafood✔️Sliders✔️✔️Hot pot✔️❗️All sounds good to me.
Apparently this joint is very popular so reservations are recommended.
Check out their website at;

https://sites.google.com/site/wcfoodhouse/home

Photos from the website.  Looks pretty nice. Its definitely on our summer agenda! Maybe it will be on yours too.

Just saying…

The last post introduced you to the recently opened salt PIZZERIA.  Tonight we decided or pick up a pizza for dinner. Our neighbours, Dave & Sharon, reported to me that they had tried the pizza twice were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. So it was time to jump in. Besides, I had made lunch for friends today and didn’t want to cook again.

We ordered a CAPRICOSSA with artichokes, olives, mushrooms, ham and tomato sauce. In a word…DELICIOUS, The crust was truly thin crust, the way we like it and the topside was loaded with deliciousness. One pie was too much for us so there is a couple of slices for lunch tomorrow.

Based on our experience, we would recommend that you try salt PIZZERIA.  It is really good.  Eat in or Take Out.  250-586-2121 to order.

Just saying…

What happened to PAPA GINO’S Pizza at French Creek Landing we don’t know. One day it was open, next day it was closed. The pizza was pretty good but it never seemed very busy so maybe it went under.

In any event, it has been reincarnated by new owners, has had a facelift, and has re opened as SALT PIZZERIA.  Featured are Artisan style thin crust pizzas which sound really good. One size only and all around $20. Eat in or take out. We have not tried one yet but maybe this weekend. Here is the menu.

If Salt Pizza is too trendy for you, Pizza Hut, now located at Wembly Mall is certainly an option.

Just saying…

Some of our readers are former mainlanders and may recall the restaurant in Snug Cove on Bowen Island that we really enjoyed. Blue Eyed Mary’s. Steven & Carol, the owners, closed that successful little jewel and reopened in West Vancouver. They closed that location some time ago vowing to avoid the restaurant business in the future.

Well, times change and so have Steven  & Carol. In late June they are opening FRANKIE JO’S SMALL BATCH CAFE in Courtenay. It will be a daytime Bakery Cafe featuring Carol’s great baking and cooking. As I recall, Carol previously was a pastry chef at Bishop’s in Vancouver. If her food is anything like she served up at Blue Eyed Mary’s, it will be well worth the drive to Courtenay for lunch.

They have a Facebook Page, FRANKIEJO’S BAKERY CAFE.  Food on Vancouver Island just keeps getting better!

We are looking forward to seeing Steven & Carol again. They are a charming couple.

Just saying…

.

Is there a more delightful place for lunch and a glass of wine in the summer than the patio at CUCKOO’s IN COOMBS. Maybe there are, but Cuckoo’s is surely one of the best. According to their post on Facebook today, the patio is now open and with the weather this long weekend it might be your destination. We love the salads and especially the pizza. Paired with the House Pinot Grigio you have a package.

Most readers of this blog are completely familiar with Cuckoo’s but it seemed appropriate to send a reminder. We have enjoyed many late lunches on this beautiful patio.

Just saying…

Everyone loves a good HOT DOG from time to time. Well, not quite everyone? My favourite girl is not a big fan of tube steak deliciousness, but most of the guys I know like them. Most baseball parks sell good hot dogs and Schneider’s produce the official Toronto Blue Jay wieners that you can pick up in most food stores. Our youngest son is a baseball fan and on a multi stadium baseball tour, he and a pal tried Dogs in Chicago , Baltimore, New York, and Cleveland. As I recall, the best was at Baltimore’s Camden Yards. Hot dog wieners are, in my opinion, best grilled on the BBQ. Frying inside in a pan is a second choice. On a stick over a campfire is another tasty version. My brother and sister in law occasionally do exactly that in a lakeside park near their home across Okanagan Lake from Vernon. For me, Boiling a wiener is only a last ditch proposal. The only other hot dog possibility worthy of your consideration  is a hot dog in France where they insert the wiener in a pre drilled Baugette with Dijon Mustard, of course. They really are good but I haven’t seen such a thing around here.

I know you can get a big hot dog at Costco for a Buck Fifty, or you could try the guy at Home Depot in Nanaimo, but for this tubular meat aficionado I’ll stop at Central Builder’s Home Hardware on 19A and park beside THE DUDE’S DOGS in the corner of the parking lot.

Sharna, a charming and friendly lady with a delightful Australian accent is the boss here and she grills up a really fine Hot Dog. I have enjoyed the STANDARD with fried onions and it was, indeed, a really good dog. But you might prefer the Spicy Italian, the Honey Garlic or the Polish. They are all served up in an excellent large bun for $5 or $6. All the toppings  are offered including chopped onions. Help yourself.  Sharna also supplies water and soft drinks. Who else sells a soft drink for a buck?

Eat in your car or sit at one of the nearby picnic tables. Either way, I know you will not be disappointed. On the next sunny day, when you a bit peckish, cruise by DUDE’S DOGS and try one.

Just saying…