Last month I had a good friend come to visit me (and attend a work conference in Victoria, but yeah let’s say the main reason was to visit me ๐). Kalena invited me to come down to Victoria with her, and amuse myself while she was busy doing the conference thing. As I am easily amused, there could only be one response: HELL YES. So this month’s post is going to be about that time, and some of the wonderful things we ate and drank during her visit.
We made sure that a stop at The Butchart Gardens (enroute to Victoria) happened!
Ready to visit The Butchart Gardens! Taking the Mill Bay ferry across the inlet.It was gently raining when we first arrived. Luckily the gardens have umbrellas conveniently placed throughout, for just these occasions!This is easily the most photographed view of Butchart Gardens – overlooking the sunken garden.Not a bad place to hang out and refuel after touring the gardens! Sitting down to nosh at the restaurant at the Butchart Gardens.We split the tea tray, which was just perfect for our lunch! (That’s the Italian Garden in the background.)
We had several memorable lunches while Kalena was on a break from conference-ing (is that a word?) but my favourite meal was actually at the hotel (Marriott Inner Harbour). It was a meal for me, but a snack for Kalena as she had a gala dinner to attend!
Of course we had to start with a drink. Cocktail hour at the Marriott in Victoria. Kalena chose a glass of wine while I decided on something fancy-shmancy, for a change! There could be no other choice, for me. It was amazingly delicious!I had to order this cocktail. With a name like “The Butchart Garden”, how could I not?The top view: a work of art!Kalena: looking like a gorgeous model for a fancy lifestyle magazineDelicious charcuterie plate, at the Marriott Inner Harbour in Victoria. Kalena could only nibble at it due to the gala dinner awaiting her, but I happily chowed down. I could eat charcuterie for dinner every day!
After the conference, we had only 1 full day before Kalena had to fly back home. We decided Cathedral Grove and Goats on the Roof were two good ways to spend it.
The goats were putting on a show that day. Nice and close to the edge. At Goats on the Roof aka Old Country Market, in Coombs.What’s that, Kalena? Something about standing in the danger zone?!?!Caution stickers, available for purchase at Goats on the RoofDining al fresco for the first day of “patio season” at Cuckoo’s Italian restaurant in Coombs (behind Goats on the Roof.)Cocktail – Aperol spritz. Not too sweet and plenty refreshing!Appetizer – spicy meatballsOur lunch at Cuckoo’s. I had the Cuckoo pizza, and Kalena had a pasta dish – some kind of shells stuffed with cheese (forget what it was called, sorry…but the leftovers of both tasted great the next day!).
I think I gave Kalena a good enough “taste of the island” that she will come back to visit me again ๐. I know that I certainly enjoyed myself!
That’s what was on my plate in May! Please join Donna and myself in sharing what was on yours, either in the Comments or via the Link party (if you wish to link your blog post). Note: When this post goes live I will be traveling by plane to Ontario for a very quick visit to my hometown so please forgive me as I may be tardy in replying or visiting your blogs.
That is one extremely good looking fancy cocktail (and it sounds like it would taste good too which I don’t find tends to happen). As for a garden which leaves umbrellas lying around so you can grab them when it rains, what a genius idea!
They have hundreds of the see-through umbrellas placed in heaps around the gardens. I think it is genius too! The cocktail tasted even better than it looked – I would love to learn how to make one at home. Thanks, Debs ๐
My Mom has been telling me for decades I need to go see Butchart Gardens! It looks fantastic every time I see images of it. I loved the clear umbrella as it didn’t obstruct the lovely colors and view behind you.
It looks like you had the best time. Safe journey and have fun in your hometown!
Victoria (and the Butchart Gardens) is less than 90 minutes from where I live on the island. It is a beautiful area, with so many things to see and do within a half-dayโs drive (or much less). Thanks, Kari ๐
Oh, don’tcha just love when friends come to visit! You two had a fabulous time from the looks of it. My mouth is watering from your pics of tea tray, charcuterie, and cocktails ๐๐๐.
Can you believe up to now I had only ever visited there in December, for the Christmas light display? ๐คฆโโ๏ธ I need to go back when the summer flowers are in bloom, and again in the fall. Are you in, Donna? ๐
100%. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve only ever been there twice. Once in December about six years ago and once in the summer one-hundred-million years ago. So I am totally IN!
I was delighted to see this comment so that I knew that you landed safe and sound. Have an awesome week!
I love that having food served by others is an option for WOYP! You’ve outdone yourself!!! Looks like you hit the gardens at peak spring bloom. Gorgeous!
I think we went at a very good time! The bulb displays reminded me of the Keukenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands (something every gardener should see at least once in their lifetime). Thanks, Tracey ๐
From on your plate to in your glass, everything here looks like something I would enjoy. Your friend will most certainly make a return visit. BTW, both of you look great in your cocktail attire and pretty hairdos.
Thank you very much, Suzanne! ๐ I agree Kalena looked stunning. Me howeverโฆ๐คฃ. I was in a cheap Old Navy sleeveless top albeit topped with a linen jacket I had picked up that day while boosting the local economy ๐. I guess that elevated my look!
Aye! We’ve seen some smoke here, too, but today’s not been too bad. And certainly nothing compared to what you folks are enduring. I hope the fires are swiftly contained and doused, for our poor world’s sake.
My god, the colors in those gardens. They just pop! “Try it with Crystal Head vodka” They don’t miss a trick, do they? ๐ Those spicy meatballs look they were scrumptious. – Marty
Hehehe! Iโve tried Crystal Head vodka, and it would become lost in the drink as would Grey Goose. Those vodkas are better left for martinis or to drink straight. The meatballs were fabulous and not at all spicy (for my palate, anyway). And the gardens – well, no photos ever do them justice. Thanks, Marty ๐
The site of the garden used to be a quarry. This is not the first quarry turned garden that I have seen – there is one in Barbados too, that is equally stunning. The food we shared was fantastic while Kalena was visiting, and Iโm happy to share the food porn! ๐ Thanks, Jean ๐
The gardens. It looks like you died and went to heaven. I WANT TO GO THERE!
The cocktails and food does look amazing, but the smiles on both of you said it all: FUN AND FRIENDSHIP!
Lovely photos here, Deb. It looks like you and Kalena had a wonderful time. Ahhh, I see the umbrellaโฆpossibly a Butchart Gardenโs loaner? Then, I read further and see how you share the answer.๐
Tea is always nice hereโฆespecially the view. The ingredient โelderflower liqueurโ has cropped up againโฆI must try. The drink ingredients sound tasty!
All of your food photos are wonderful! The both of you look like models! A great post, Deb! I greatly look forward to our get together!! ๐ Erica
I loved Butchard Gardens. We were there several years ago after doing an Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage. We stayed a few days with friends who were living in Port Alice; which is almost on the other end of the island. I would love to return someday and visit more of the area in depth.
Hi Debs – wonderful memories for me … while Butchart gardens are amazing aren’t they … I resisted the restaurant … but in the snack section I bought and went back for another (and blogged about it) ‘My tomato and goat cheese tart was positively delicious โ I went back for another before I left โฆ couldnโt resist! Apologies for the bite out!!’ … I didn’t see the goats up at Coombs – but had seen a goat tower at ‘Cauliflower Mountain’ – an estate in South Africa … and again in Portugal – I’d never seen goats like these before … blogging ‘learns us things’!!
… what a lovely guest to have … and another visit in the offing sometime – looked to be so much fun – cheers Hilary
I had resisted the restaurant up until now and my friendโs visit gave me the perfect excuse to try it out! Tomato and goat cheese tart? Yes, please! Last time I was at the coffee shop I had the mulligatawny soup (it was December) and it hit the spot. Thanks, Hilary ๐
Butchart Gardens is wonder. I enjoyed your trip to Victoria Island. It brought back a lot of happy memories.
Iโm glad to bring back good memories for you, Bernadette. Thanks ๐
That sounds like the absolutely perfect visit. Good food, creative cocktails, gardens and goats! What more could you ask.
โค๏ธ
It was and nope, there is nothing more to be asked for except maybe more time! Thanks, Rivergirl ๐
That is one extremely good looking fancy cocktail (and it sounds like it would taste good too which I don’t find tends to happen). As for a garden which leaves umbrellas lying around so you can grab them when it rains, what a genius idea!
They have hundreds of the see-through umbrellas placed in heaps around the gardens. I think it is genius too! The cocktail tasted even better than it looked – I would love to learn how to make one at home. Thanks, Debs ๐
Those gardens are amazing!
They truly are. Pictures donโt do them justice. Thanks, Kate ๐
My Mom has been telling me for decades I need to go see Butchart Gardens! It looks fantastic every time I see images of it. I loved the clear umbrella as it didn’t obstruct the lovely colors and view behind you.
It looks like you had the best time. Safe journey and have fun in your hometown!
Yes, itโs worth the drive, plane, ferry, whatever! Just get here. And let me know when you do ๐. Thanks, Deborah ๐
Will do! ๐๐
Those gardens are stunning! How far is Victoria from your home?
You live in a beautiful area. There is so much to see, do, and visit!
Victoria (and the Butchart Gardens) is less than 90 minutes from where I live on the island. It is a beautiful area, with so many things to see and do within a half-dayโs drive (or much less). Thanks, Kari ๐
That’s not bad at all!
Oh, don’tcha just love when friends come to visit! You two had a fabulous time from the looks of it. My mouth is watering from your pics of tea tray, charcuterie, and cocktails ๐๐๐.
I do love it!!! And I have more adventures with friends coming up in the summer time ๐ฅณ. Thanks, Natalie ๐
Hi, Deb – You have reminded me that I need to get back to Butchard Gardens (it’s been a while)! Wishing you safe travels. Please send photos!
Can you believe up to now I had only ever visited there in December, for the Christmas light display? ๐คฆโโ๏ธ I need to go back when the summer flowers are in bloom, and again in the fall. Are you in, Donna? ๐
100%. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve only ever been there twice. Once in December about six years ago and once in the summer one-hundred-million years ago. So I am totally IN!
I was delighted to see this comment so that I knew that you landed safe and sound. Have an awesome week!
Thank you, my friend ๐
I love that having food served by others is an option for WOYP! You’ve outdone yourself!!! Looks like you hit the gardens at peak spring bloom. Gorgeous!
I think we went at a very good time! The bulb displays reminded me of the Keukenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands (something every gardener should see at least once in their lifetime). Thanks, Tracey ๐
From on your plate to in your glass, everything here looks like something I would enjoy. Your friend will most certainly make a return visit. BTW, both of you look great in your cocktail attire and pretty hairdos.
Thank you very much, Suzanne! ๐ I agree Kalena looked stunning. Me howeverโฆ๐คฃ. I was in a cheap Old Navy sleeveless top albeit topped with a linen jacket I had picked up that day while boosting the local economy ๐. I guess that elevated my look!
It all looks sooo yummy! ! ! Thank for the tour delic and hope you’ve made it safely to Ontario. xo
Thank you, Del ๐ Made it here safe and sound! Very pleasant flights, although I saw so much smoke from the forest fires along the way.
Aye! We’ve seen some smoke here, too, but today’s not been too bad. And certainly nothing compared to what you folks are enduring. I hope the fires are swiftly contained and doused, for our poor world’s sake.
Yes! Absolutely!
My god, the colors in those gardens. They just pop! “Try it with Crystal Head vodka” They don’t miss a trick, do they? ๐ Those spicy meatballs look they were scrumptious. – Marty
Hehehe! Iโve tried Crystal Head vodka, and it would become lost in the drink as would Grey Goose. Those vodkas are better left for martinis or to drink straight. The meatballs were fabulous and not at all spicy (for my palate, anyway). And the gardens – well, no photos ever do them justice. Thanks, Marty ๐
The food porn in this post is to die for. And that the sunken garden is probably the prettiest garden I’ve ever seen.
The site of the garden used to be a quarry. This is not the first quarry turned garden that I have seen – there is one in Barbados too, that is equally stunning. The food we shared was fantastic while Kalena was visiting, and Iโm happy to share the food porn! ๐ Thanks, Jean ๐
Those gardens look amazing – so much colour! Plus amazing food and cocktails! It looks like you had a wonderful time. I want to go now!
You should go! Everyone should go and have as wonderful a time as we did ๐. Thank you, Janine ๐
The gardens. It looks like you died and went to heaven. I WANT TO GO THERE!
The cocktails and food does look amazing, but the smiles on both of you said it all: FUN AND FRIENDSHIP!
Definitely! Thanks, Suz ๐
Lovely photos here, Deb. It looks like you and Kalena had a wonderful time. Ahhh, I see the umbrellaโฆpossibly a Butchart Gardenโs loaner? Then, I read further and see how you share the answer.๐
Tea is always nice hereโฆespecially the view. The ingredient โelderflower liqueurโ has cropped up againโฆI must try. The drink ingredients sound tasty!
All of your food photos are wonderful! The both of you look like models! A great post, Deb! I greatly look forward to our get together!! ๐ Erica
Me too, Erica! Itโs been too long. Thank you very much ๐
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I loved Butchard Gardens. We were there several years ago after doing an Alaskan cruise of the Inside Passage. We stayed a few days with friends who were living in Port Alice; which is almost on the other end of the island. I would love to return someday and visit more of the area in depth.
I hope you get that opportunity someday! Thank you ๐
Wow! What a way to entertain! You both (and the scenery, and the food) look so elegant and lovely. That goat, though, really made me chuckle!
The goats are great for a laugh, and the store underneath them is great for cool finds! Thank you very much, Ju-Lyn ๐
Hi Debs – wonderful memories for me … while Butchart gardens are amazing aren’t they … I resisted the restaurant … but in the snack section I bought and went back for another (and blogged about it) ‘My tomato and goat cheese tart was positively delicious โ I went back for another before I left โฆ couldnโt resist! Apologies for the bite out!!’ … I didn’t see the goats up at Coombs – but had seen a goat tower at ‘Cauliflower Mountain’ – an estate in South Africa … and again in Portugal – I’d never seen goats like these before … blogging ‘learns us things’!!
… what a lovely guest to have … and another visit in the offing sometime – looked to be so much fun – cheers Hilary
I had resisted the restaurant up until now and my friendโs visit gave me the perfect excuse to try it out! Tomato and goat cheese tart? Yes, please! Last time I was at the coffee shop I had the mulligatawny soup (it was December) and it hit the spot. Thanks, Hilary ๐
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