By Jamie Moore
Sip and savour your way around Nanaimo, and you might be surprised by a city of this size. You’ll find quirky delights and sophisticated indulgences. These nine unique experiences are a fun place to start.
Seafood at The View Oceanside Grill
At this restaurant in downtown’s Best Western Dorchester Hotel, every seafood dish is artfully plated and infused with interesting flavour combinations. Try the sesame-crusted tuna seared medium-rare with a miso drizzle. It’s served with a tataki Brussel sprout and kale slaw on coconut rice.
Persian lunch at Bees Knees Cafe
Run by a Persian family, this little coffee shop is a hidden gem. Most people pop in for a coffee or cinnamon bun, but the lunch is where the family recipes really shine. The made-from-scratch Persian lentil soup and Buddha bowl salad are miles away from ordinary. Check out either of the cafe’s two locations – north Nanaimo or near the university.
100% vegetarian menu at Eve Olive
Tucked among a charming collection of shops and restaurants on the Rutherford Road hill in north Nanaimo, Eve Olive restaurant uses 100% plant-based ingredients. The creative and diverse menu is a vegetarian’s dream with multiple renditions of non-meat burgers, pizzas, pastas, curries and salads.
Whiskey tasting at Grand Cru
On the shores of Long Lake, The Grand Hotel restaurant’s whiskey lounge is an elegant escape. The display alone is stunning: more than 150 different varieties in gorgeous bottles from around the world. Try a tasting flight and let an expert guide you from the sensory experience into the science of critique.
Gluten-free baking at White Rabbit Coffee Co.
There’s a hipster vibe at this modern minimalist coffee shop downtown. Set in Nanaimo’s historic train station, White Rabbit is a favourite among Celiacs. All of the baked items – donuts, muffins and cookies – are gluten free, organic and made in house from scratch. The entire menu is also vegan.
Next month we continue with other culinary destinations in Nanaimo.