If you’re stumped on where to take your special someone this Valentine’s Day here are some options courtesy of the owner of the extremely popular Il Terrazzo restaurant. Former Victoria Councillor and restaurateur Shellie Gudgeon recently joined the MicCHEK Podcast to give her recommendations in “Episode 109 – The Valentine’s Day Roundtable.” Here’s her list of ten spots she likes to go for special occasions in Greater Victoria.
Deep Cove Chalet – 11190 Chalet Road, North Saanich
“Deep Cove Chalet is my number one, whether you can get in is another discussion but we’ve been going for a long, long time and it’s my favourite restaurant for all celebratory occasions. Pierre’s cooking is amazing, it’s welcoming and it’s the same and there’s something really comforting about that.”
Brasserie L’Ecole – 1715 Government Street, Victoria
“Here we go again with the challenge of getting in, but we usually plan ahead and decide who’s going to stand in line. One of the tricks my husband Mike and I do is to ask to sit at the bar. It’s a wonderful option. Most places don’t take reservations for the bar so you can sometimes get lucky by asking to sit there. It’s a fun place to sit.”
Cafe Fantastico – 965 Kings Road, Victoria
“I love Cafe Fantastico. We go for lunch there two or three times a month. Every time I hike I stop there and get their amazing morning glory muffins and a latte. All of the locations are good but I go to the old school one on King’s Road. They’re an institution in town.”
The Lakehouse – 2460 Renfrew Road, Shawnigan Lake
“To take your significant other for a walk along the Kinsol Trestle and have reservations at the Lakehouse, I don’t think it gets much better.”
Wind Cries Mary – 45 Bastion Square, Victoria
“We love Wind Cries Mary in my family, I especially love their fried chicken.”
Oak Bay Marina – 1327 Beach Drive, Victoria
“It’s a pretty spectacular spot, the food is always good and the service is great and you can do the Turkey Head walk after with the outdoor art. They have great art to gaze at.”
Fuego Old Town Eatery – 1435 Store Street, Victoria
“Fuego is amazing for lunch, it’s our staff’s favourite spot. It’s right beside Cafe Mexico. The women there are phenomenal and the food is delightful.”
La Roux Patisserie – 519 Fisgard Street, Victoria
“Love their desserts. It’s like a celebration everytime we get a dessert there. Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without dessert.”
Crust Bakery & Wildfire Bakery – 730 Fort Street, Victoria & 1517 Quadra Street, Victoria
“These are great spots. If you’re looking for a picnic these are great options. I’d recommend loading up the picnic basket and going to Saxe Point. The bread is delicious. Wildfire Bakery does awesome pizza too that sells out very fast.”
Ghost Ramen – 1609 Store Street, Victoria
“They’re hardworking, great people and I really appreciate what they’re doing and what they’ve done especially during Covid.”
MicCHEK Roundtables are released every Friday and are available wherever you listen to podcasts.
Graham Cox
