Victoria, BC Fodorites
Nov 3rd, 2007, 07:20 AM
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Victoria, BC Fodorites
Especially for April, traveller69 and cruiseryyc for your help with our summer '07 trip:
I had asked for directions through Victoria from the ferry to Nainamo around rush hour and also on our return to Oak Bay. You all provided excellent advice. Thank you. No big problems with traffic from the ferry, and taking the residential streets to Oak Bay was a delight.
We loved Oak Bay, and the Oak Bay Guest House was great for our group of 14 adults. Four of us enjoyed dinner at Penny Farthing. One of our group had been a top notch cricket player in England, and I learned much about the game during dinner, which seemed so appropriate for the setting. On the way out, as we were still discussing the game, we encountered a group of cricket fans from the area. My friend had a great time recalling games and players with them.
The second night we ate at "Among Friends" on the suggestion of the inn keepers. That was also an excellent choice as all of us ate dinner together that evening.
Thought that I'd spend more time exploring the area, but downtown Victoria called to me, so didn't see as much as I would have liked in Oak Bay. We took the bus to downtown, but walked most of the way back. Two in our group walked both ways. Really liked the beautiful flowers in Beacon Park.
Traveller69 and April, I did consider myself honored to sit on your swing. Perhaps if we return, we may find you on it...
I had asked for directions through Victoria from the ferry to Nainamo around rush hour and also on our return to Oak Bay. You all provided excellent advice. Thank you. No big problems with traffic from the ferry, and taking the residential streets to Oak Bay was a delight.
We loved Oak Bay, and the Oak Bay Guest House was great for our group of 14 adults. Four of us enjoyed dinner at Penny Farthing. One of our group had been a top notch cricket player in England, and I learned much about the game during dinner, which seemed so appropriate for the setting. On the way out, as we were still discussing the game, we encountered a group of cricket fans from the area. My friend had a great time recalling games and players with them.
The second night we ate at "Among Friends" on the suggestion of the inn keepers. That was also an excellent choice as all of us ate dinner together that evening.
Thought that I'd spend more time exploring the area, but downtown Victoria called to me, so didn't see as much as I would have liked in Oak Bay. We took the bus to downtown, but walked most of the way back. Two in our group walked both ways. Really liked the beautiful flowers in Beacon Park.
Traveller69 and April, I did consider myself honored to sit on your swing. Perhaps if we return, we may find you on it...
Nov 3rd, 2007, 09:44 AM
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Oops, you're right April. It belongs to traveller69 and cruiseryyc...
Among Friends is quite casual, and you feel as though you're a guest in someone's home. Apparently, it's run by a family who just love to cook and prepare prepare food for "friends." That may sound strange, because one would hope that whoever runs a restaurant would love to cook, but this just has a homey atmosphere. Our group had the whole sunlit upstairs area to ourselves, and perhaps the owners were more attentive to our group than they may be to individuals.
I believe the menu changes daily with whatever fresh food he happens to buy. I will say that I was disappointed in my choice of lamb, but everything else and others' meals were quite good, but not gourmet. If I remember correctly, it was a prix fix menu, and only one dessert du jour. Our dinner for two was only $58 with a glass of wine, so VERY inexpensive
You probably know the location, but for anyone else reading, Among Friends is at 2540 Windsor Road.
Among Friends is quite casual, and you feel as though you're a guest in someone's home. Apparently, it's run by a family who just love to cook and prepare prepare food for "friends." That may sound strange, because one would hope that whoever runs a restaurant would love to cook, but this just has a homey atmosphere. Our group had the whole sunlit upstairs area to ourselves, and perhaps the owners were more attentive to our group than they may be to individuals.
I believe the menu changes daily with whatever fresh food he happens to buy. I will say that I was disappointed in my choice of lamb, but everything else and others' meals were quite good, but not gourmet. If I remember correctly, it was a prix fix menu, and only one dessert du jour. Our dinner for two was only $58 with a glass of wine, so VERY inexpensive
You probably know the location, but for anyone else reading, Among Friends is at 2540 Windsor Road.
Nov 3rd, 2007, 04:20 PM
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Thanks. I believe this was the place my husband went to years ago when it was in a different location. He chuckles at how everything on the menu was "fresh" - the fresh this and the fresh that.
Nov 4th, 2007, 06:10 AM
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Clousie - I am so glad you had a good time in Victoria. Of course I am happy you enjoyed "my Swing". You really got the Oak Bay feel when you were there. Its a great place. Among Friends used to be the Windsor Tea Room and I was very sad they closed it. I haven't eaten there so on your recommendation I must give it a try. We used to live across the corner from it - the apartment that is across one corner and across from the park. Too bad your friend missed the cricket games in the park - they play there most weekends. You have to return to Victoria and spend more time - its a delightful city.
Nov 4th, 2007, 12:07 PM
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DH and I were just discussing our trip to Vancouver Island and as traveller69 said, "You have to return to Victoria and spend more time - its a delightful city." We definitely want to return.
If any of you try Among Friends, please post your impressions on this thread if you want. I'd like to hear a local's view.
It is a shame that my friend couldn't attend a cricket match, but we had a lovely time anyway.
If any of you try Among Friends, please post your impressions on this thread if you want. I'd like to hear a local's view.
It is a shame that my friend couldn't attend a cricket match, but we had a lovely time anyway.
