Victoria’s most anticipated annual foodie event, Dine Around and Stay in Town, returns January 25 – February 10, 2019. Over 50 local restaurants are offering set-price, three-course menus while Victoria’s hotels also will join in the fun and offer accommodations at reduced prices.
One of the places that I had a chance to preview was OLO, a restaurant where each dish celebrates life in BC. Executive Chef & Owner Brad Holmes believes in sustainable farming practices, seasonality
The word “Olo” translates to “hungry” in Chinook Jargon, a derivative language of English, French, Chinese
Interior
OLO is located in Chinatown and the space that it occupies was built in 1892. Previous occupants include the first brewery in BC, a feedlot, a machine shop, a cobbler
The design of the restaurant features farmhouse-inspired elements such as the original post and beam construction, exposed brick, and reclaimed Vancouver Island barn board furniture. There are some modern accents including custom “birds nest” fir chandeliers.
The Bar
Handcrafted seasonal cocktails showcase the best of Vancouver Island products and the bar program highlights the region’s bounties with a selection of B.C. distilleries, breweries
The wine list focuses on small-batch producers that showcase the Okanagan and Vancouver Island’s best wineries, alongside premium international selections.
Dine Around and Stay in Town 2019 Preview
For Dine Around 2019, OLO will be offering $40, $50 and $60 menus.
During our media tour, we had the opportunity to preview OLO’s $50 menu.
To start, I had the Grilled Carrots accompanied by sprouted grains, smoked split pea puree
The Albacore Tuna with radish and miso
For my entree, I enjoyed the Pork Duo. It was a hearty (and very filling) main with tender slices of pork, potato,
For dessert, I had the very refreshing Apple & Sunchoke. It was a light and fluffy cake with sunflower praline, birch
Others at my table had the Chocolate Cake with a currant compote, candy cap cream, and spruce sorbet. This was paired with Unsworth Ovation.
I thoroughly appreciated the execution and creativeness of the dishes I had for OLO’s $50 Dine Around Menu. I would love to revisit OLO on my next trip to Victoria.
OLO Restaurant
509 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC
www.olorestaurant.com
Dine Around and Stay in Town 2019: www.tourismvictoria.com/eat-drink/dine-around