For those on a budget who like to eat well, one of the most delicious times of the year has arrived in the Comox Valley, and will soon arrive in Greater Victoria.
Dine Around the Comox Valley, an annual event that celebrates that area’s local ingredients and cuisine, starts today and runs until March 17. More than 20 restaurants in the Courtenay and Comox area are partaking in the event. Each is offering customers splendid three-course meals priced at $17, $27 or $37 per person, depending on the establishment and style of menu. To view which restaurants are partaking and how to contact them, go to comoxvalleydinearound.com.
“Comox Valley is in the midst of a mini-culinary boom and so the dining choices have never been better,” said Danielle Duncan, owner/manger of Union Street Grill. “Dine Around is an excellent way for locals and visitors to come in and check out what’s new while enjoying the festive vibe the event creates.”
Greater Victoria’s annual version of a similar event, Dine Around & Stay in Town, starts Thursday and runs until March 10. It’s presented by Tourism Victoria and the Victoria Branch of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association. Dozens of restaurants, from Sidney to downtown to the West Shore, will be offering select three-course menus for $20, $30 or $40 per person, with some being celiac-friendly. To see a list of participating restaurants and what some are serving, go to tourismvictoria.com/dinearound.
If you want to turn your Greater Victoria or Comox Valley “dine around” experience into an overnight or multiple-night stay, you’re in luck. On both websites noted above, you’ll find hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts offering special “dine around” rates. It’s a great idea — you dine well, stroll back to your room and relish the fact that you’ve had a nice getaway without leaving the Island — and without breaking the bank.
Eric Akis is the author of the just-published hardcover book Everyone Can Cook Everything. His columns appear in the Life section Wednesday and Sunday.
