Another day, another brief trip to Saltspring Island to purchase some fabric and get cushions covered at French Country Fabric Creations. Followed, of course,  by lunch in Ganges. This time we chose the TREE HOUSE RESTAURANT, a funky joint wrapped  around an old tree next door Mouat’s Hardware. 

It was kind of windy so we got a table inside. Sort of inside. There are only a few tables that really qualify as inside as there are absolutely no windows. It’s all kind of open air. The menu looked really good and the service prompt. Sheila  ordered the CHICKEN Souvlaki.  For me The Butter Poached Prawns and a Caesar Salad. The Souvlaki was wrapped in delicious Naan. Sheila loved it. The prawns were delicious and served with Naan bread on the side. I was expecting a small salad but got got  full size Caesar with bacon bits. Best restaurant Caesar salad I’ve had in a long long time.  Simply outstanding. Highly recommended. 

One more thing. It seems there are some new nuances in the English language. At least in the Saltspring Island dialect. I asked our server if I could have more coffee. Her reply…”Yeah, Totally”. What is that? Guess I’m getting old. 

TREE HOUSE RESTAURANT. If you go to Ganges it’s a good choice. https://www.treehousecafe.ca 

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. And there is live evening entertainment all summer long. https://www.treehousecafe.ca/?page_id=1810

Just saying…

About 25 years ago we were visiting Ganges on our boat and walked over to the Ganges Saturday Market.  One of the,he vendors was a lady who sold fabric imported from France. We bought some cushions for the boat. In fact we bought two and wanted a third. The lady said she had another at home and the next day her husband delivered one to us at the marina. I still have those cushions. They have  relocated from the boat, long since sold, to my patio. I still love them. 

Well, yesterday, on a day trip to Saltspring Island we stopped at FRENCH COUNTRY FABRIC CREATIONS.  It’s located a short distance from the Vesuvius Ferry dock. We found it quickly and drove down a long country drive way until we saw this absolutely charming French style home. 

The same lady was there. Darlene Lane, now 87, invited us in to look at the  fabrics she has left. She is selling out having been in the business for several decades. She told us she and her husband moved to Saltspring 40 years ago from Vancouver. They loved visiting France so brought a touch of Provence to Saltspring. They visited fabric factories in France, selected fabrics and had them shipped home. She sold fabrics, her own cushions, napkins, tablecloths, etc.  

We had a lovely visit and left with some very French napkins. Worth a stop for sure. Wishing we’d visited sooner. 

On to Ganges and the very crowded market. More a craft market than a farmers market but fun to see again. Only two stalls selling produce, others with bread, pies, vodka, cider, artwork, ceramics, lotions and potions. We did come home with croissants and an apple strudel. 

Then on to lunch. Tried to get into the Treehouse but a thirty minute wait for inside seating caused us to go to the nearby Oystercatcher. Great view here.  Excellent Clam Chowder and perfectly made Eggs Benny. A most enjoyable lunch on a rainy day. Here is the view. 

A drive out to Scott Point and later to Fulford Harbour was great. Country roads, farms, VINYARDS & interesting homes to see. 

Finally back to Vesuvius and the return ferry to Crofton. A great day. Highly recommended. By the way, someone I know already wants to revisit the Fabric Shop.what a surprise!

Just saying…

On a whim today, Sheila suggested lunch at the WHITE ELEPHANT THAI RESTAURANT in PARKSVILLE.  Had been once before years ago. Don’t know why I had not been back. Definitely a mistake. WHITE ELEPHANT is a delightful little place owned and operated by actual Thai folks.

We weren’t too hungry so settled on two appetizers, Chicken Satay for Sheila and Shrimp Salad Rolls for me. And they were delicious. Both served with a tasty Peanut sauce and the Satay also had a Thai version of Salsa. The salsa was so good we took some home.. We paired  the food with a white wine and a SINGHA BEER, the latter from Bangkok. Last time I had a SINGHA was in that crazy city way back in 1990. It’s good beer. 

White Elephant features traditional Thai items including Pad Thai, Noodles in Peanut Sauce, an assortment of Curries, some Stir Fries and great sounding soups and salads. Their Hot & Sour soup sounds wonderful. 

We thoroughly enjoyed today’s lunch and agreed that a dinner there will be in our near future. 

If you’ve not been to White Elephant  you are missing out. Friendly and prompt service. Soothing background music.  Plus the place is spotless. Wasn’t too busy for late lunch but probably prudent to reserve if you are going for dinner. 

Full menu is here https://www.thewhiteelephant.ca

Located in PARKSVILLE at 144 Weld Street just off 19A.  250-586-6611

Just saying…

Here is another pub for your consideration. The FOX AND HOUNDS is family run pub owned by folks who came from the UK in 2006.

We joined a gang of Oak Bay High Class of 58 grads for a mini reunion. Being a group. We made  a reservation and they put us in a separate room. Very nice, too, so we could  stand around and visit before and after noshing. We even had a cake for the occasion.

The menu includes the traditional pub fare including an array of Pot Pies, Fish & Chips, Sausages, etc.There was a special on this day that several chose. An open faced Beef & Cheese sandwich with a choice of soup, salad or fries. Looked good too.

The Beef Dip was good but I’m not crazy about Ciabatta buns. A bit too chewy. Great fries though. Two lads at our Table chose the Seafood Chowder which was large and apparently delicious. 

The pub is decorated, as one expects , with lots of English photos and bric-a-brac. Quite charming. Service was excellent and the staff both friendly and efficient. 

Heading up it down the island and feeling peckish? Try the Fox & Hounds. You won’t be disappointed.

Check it out here.  

https://foxandhoundsladysmith.co

Look for the big red building.

Just saying…

Finally we made it to the FERN & CEDAR PUB in Qualicum Beach.Its been open for at least two years but for some unknown reason this was our first visit. FERN & Cedar is a brew pub with a long list of their own beer brewed right in the pub. Not surprisingly, they have 5 of their own craft beers as these are the same folks that own Arrowsmith Brewery in PARKSVILLE.  You can order a flight of beer if you are in a tasting mode. We  had heard good things about their food too so here we go. 

The pub is not very big except for its large patio, enclosed when we visited. There are about 6 seats at the bar. It’s a busy joint but we we were quickly seated at a table for two. Drinks were ordered, a delicious looking and tasting Margarita for Sheila, a n/a beer for me.

The menu here is really interesting with some great sounding dishes like Sechuan Shrimp & Lobster Lettuce Wraps, a Citrus avocado bowl, Short Ribs, and much more. We ordered Cod and chips to share.  A good choice. Perfectly cooked fish in a very light and crispy batter, wonderful skinny fries served on a wooden platter with Tartar sauce and a small bit of Mint and Peas. 

Here is the full menu. https://fernandcedar.ca/menu/

We really liked Fern & Cedar and will go again. Good food,  efficient and friendly service. It’s in Qualicum Beach at 680 Berwick next door to Meat Craft.

Here is the full website. https://fernandcedar.ca

Just saying…

 It’s been probably a decade since I last visited The Courtyard cafe in Qualicum Beach. Back then it was a crepe joint. We sat on the patio which was a mess at the time. Hoses, brooms, garbage bags strewn around just turned me off. So there was nor repeat visit. Until today. 

Well, clearly things have changed including apparently ownership and management.  Courtyard Cafe has morphed into a quite delightful coffee joint. 

We wondered in just for an early afternoon snack and coffee and were pleasantly surprised. There is a variety of coffees and Teas and some Scrumptious baked goods. We chose a delicious scone. Orders are taken at the counter a delivered to you table when ready. The staff were young, friendly and efficient. 

They also do breakfast and lunch. Not a huge selection but enough to satisfy me. Here is the menu. 

The Courtyard is at the back and looks welcoming. Too cool today for outside dining but later in the season it should be most enjoyable. 

In Qualicum Beach and feel like a coffee or a light lunch. Give Courtyard Cafe a try. It’s located at 678 Memorial between First and Second. 

Just saying…