food

SHADY REST REFIT

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My brother in law, Murray, called and suggested we meet for dinner. Good idea. Lets try someplace we haven’t been for a while. So last night we dined at the SHADY REST in Qualicum Beach. 

Our last visit to the SHADY was at least 2 years ago before the ownership changed and the joint had a refit. Well, we are happy to say that the SHADY REST has improved. 

The SHADY has only been around for over 100 years, the oldest business in Qualicum. It’s double sided.  Pub side and restaurant side. We chose the latter which has been nicely redecorated. Especially cool are all the large historic black & white photographs on the walls. Of course, the waterfront view is simply spectacular! 

It was busy on a Saturday night so we were wise to have made a reservation. Seated at a window table with the view, we were greeted by Catherine, our server, who was great. Friendly, charming and efficient. Fun too. 

Sheila chose the  Beef Short Rib which came with the best garlic mashed potatoes. Murray and I both opted for the special. Roast Prime Rib which included the garlic mashed and a Yorkshire. It was a very generous and delicious serving. 

The desserts looked good so two Creme Brûlées arrived quickly. The presentation was fabulous. My phone was dead so no photo. Too bad. But here is one of the desserts.

We were all very impressed with the SHADY REST’S new look and menu and we will be back for more. 

Check out their menu here. 

https://shadyrest.ca/files/documents/e9ccb9bd-e107-4342-82ef-0d5f3f88c7db.pdf

If you have never been to the Shady Rest it’s right on the water in Qualicum Beach. Lots of free parking. 📞 for reservations at 250-752-9111. Open daily from 11:00 AM.  

Great place to take your summer visitors. They might even see a cruise ship or whales. 

Just saying… 

MODERN CAFE, PARKSVILLE

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There is a cafe in Nanaimo that has been in business for more than 50 years. The MODERN CAFE. I’ve never been to it but recently they opened a second location in PARKSVILLE.  Right beside Thrifty’s   where Lefty’s was for many years. 

We figured we needed to try it and let you hear about it. So yesterday we paid a visit to the MODERN for a late lunch. The restaurant has been renovated and features booths with very nigh backed black benches. So it seems a bit dark. We perused the menu which had some interesting items. A KALE Caesar salad. Seriously? Who would do that?  What’s wrong with Lettuce. Among the handhelds is a Brisket Dip. Sounded possible but it didn’t seem to be a BBQ joint to me. Leave the Brisket to the Rusted Rake or Montanas.  

Sheila was quick to choose the Tomato Soup with toast. And it was really good. 

I decided to attack the Mount Washington Benny. A RATHER unusual iteration. Small waffles, not muffins, with ham, tomato, Avacado, Poached eggs and Hollandaise. It was the high rise of Bennie’s. Hard to eat as it kept falling over. Tasty although the waffles were a bit wanting. A nice array of potatoes accompanied the Benny. The long rectangular plate kept Skittering around so the server brought a cloth to put under the plate. That helped. 

Service was good and prompt. And the prices were pretty normal. I’m sure lots of folks will enjoy the MODERN but it just misses for me.
There is a patio that might be nice when it opens too. Check out the menu here. https://www.moderncafenanaimo.com/menu

Would we go back?  Probably not. 

Just saying…

MARGARITAS AT GINA’S

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After visiting a friend at Nanaimo Hospital, we were a little peckish and particularly thirsty so we headed to GINA’S MEXICAN CAFE in Nanaimo for a Margarita, one of our friend’s favourite drinks. 

GINA’S is that bright pink old house on the hill in Nanaimo, behind the Law Courts, and they have been in business since 1968.  Their website states that they are ‘a Tacky but friendly place’.  Well it is sort of tacky.  Funky might be another description. Bright colours, lots of Mexican decor, Sombreros, Christmas lights etc. But to stay in business for nearly 40 years they must be doing something right. 

Gina’s menu features the usual Mexican fare. Burritos, Tacos, Nachos, Enchiladas, Fajitas, etc.. And Margaritas! Lime and Strawberry. 

We went there for Margarita’s.  I said to our server, ‘Do you know what is a good drink on a cold winter day?’ Her answer, MARGARITAS. We ordered and quickly two blended icy delicious traditional margaritas were on the table. Quesadillas and a Chimichanga were our choices and while we waited a dish of corn chips and Gina’s home made salsa arrived.  Perfect! 

The portions are generous and the Chicken Chimichanga was more than I could finish. Of course it included refried beans, Mexican Rice and corn. 

The Quesadilla also had sour cream and salsa. If you like it hotter you can ask for extra spice too. 

We enjoyed Gina’s so much we went back yesterday for Nachos and Fish Tacos.  And Margaritas! So good. The Cheese Nachos were tasty with lots of cheese and Salsa. The Tacos were Snapper sautéed in small pieces. Very good but I prefer deep fried cod in a Taco like the ones at the Lantzville Pub. 

We cautiously avoided dessert but their specialty is Gina’s in house made CHEESECAKE! Different flavours daily. 

If you are a Mexican food fan, you must try Gina’s. It’s tacky but it’s good and friendly. Open 7 days a week from 1130AM.  

Check out their Menu here; https://ginasmexicancafe.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ginas-Mexican-Restaurant-Menu_2024.pdf

You will find Gina’s at 47 Skinner in Downtown Nanaimo.  It’s the bright pink & blue house on the hill.  Free parking too. 

Just saying… 

WEEKEND BRUNCH

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Among many of my favourite things are Sunday Brunch and Eggs Benedict and while there are many places that cater to that a really good choice is FINAL APPROACH at the Qualicum Beach Airport. 

We have been twice recently and met our friend and newby to the area, Phil, there on Sunday. 

FINAL APPROACH knows how to do Eggs Benny and they do them well. And it seemed that almost everyone in the place were having them including Sheila and me. Phil opted for and enjoyed the Breakfast Hash. 

All three dishes had poached eggs and all were perfectly cooked. Firm, medium and soft.  Very tasty Hollandaise Sauce and the potatoes were a hit too. Cubed and finished, I suspect, in the deep fryer. Excellent. 

Mimosas and Caesars also are very popular here including at our table. 

Interestingly, the Mimosas are served with a full flute of Champagne with Orange Juice on the side. 

There seemed to be a lot of regulars enjoying brunch including one table of 6 nearby that told the server “see you again next week “. The service is very friendly and efficient, also. A bonus for sure. 

FINAL APPROACH serves Brunch Saturday & Sunday from 10 to 2. Reservations are a must as it’s really busy. 

250-752-8966

Welcome

Just saying…