Public Perspective Sought on the Capital Regional District’s Growth Strategy

Feel Superior at The Superior

Image Credit:  Maralina at flickr.com

Reprinted with the kind permission of HeedTheHedonist.com

For the third in our four-part “Victoria’s Secret” series, ’twas a damp, overcast Wednesday night when your Hedonista and Ronaldo  – a.k.a. “Cornichon” – bedecked in vintage attire and traipsed over to The Superior, jonesin’ to catch a film noir flick.

Although naught but a few blocks from the main tourist attractions of Victoria – the Fairmont Empress, the Royal British Columbia Museum, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, the Pacific Undersea Gardens, the Royal London Wax Museum, and the Hotel Grand Pacific – lies the lovely neighbourhood of James Bay. Located on the south side of Inner Harbour, James Bay is a rare jewel: it makes up the oldest residential neighbourhood (north of San Francisco) on the North American West Coast. It is here that we found yet another treasure….

Cosmopolitan, Superior style: white, by candlelight, before an ol’ black & white….

HEDONISTA: Ever since I first tried this wonderfully whimsical  place, I’m now happy to say that I’m as close to a regular as one who now lives in Seattle can be. A small plates eatery with a focus on small local food producers and BC beer and wine, The Superior supports local artists and musicians. From the peaceful patio to the always-interesting interior, The Superior – which opened in October 2005 – is all about the ambiance. In fact, the entire restaurant serves as owner Lisa Boehme’s own personal canvas, which she redesigns seasonally (or whenever the mood takes her). Her goal as an artist and visionary: to challenge people to think outside of the box, to change the way one thinks and, by doing so, to make the world a better place.

Mmmmm … root chips, served up with a yummy sweet chili aioli sauce. Just one of their tasty small plates.

Much like the interior and exterior, the menu at The Superior Café is also a blank canvas; for, here, art is food and food is art. Not over the top, mind you – just good, creative-yet-simple small bites served up with an artistic eye. They do weekend brunches (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) and evening meals Tuesday through Sunday (5:00 p.m. ’til “late”). (They don’t currently do lunches.) They do offer a “soup of the moment.” And their menu changes up weekly. In the evenings they host art and cultural events, be they movies, music, or even dating games.

That night – in my crushed black velvet dress, black stockings and patent leather Mary Jane-heeled shoes tied with black ribbons – we enjoyed the 1941 flick The Maltese Falcon – complemented by their version of a Cosmopolitan, sans rose: white cranberry juice, cointreau & vodka, served up with a lime wedge. Very nice – think gin & tonic meets lemonade…. Their noshies are very pleasant – their root chips, for example, get on like a house on fire with their beer, wine, and spirits  … not to mention their film noir (think a creatively classy alternative to the traditional movie fare of potato chips and popcorn).

Lisa bears a striking resemblance to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s sketch of yet another artist, French carbaret singer and actress of the Belle Époque, Yvette Guilbert. (Source: www.allposters.com.)

Lisa Boehme of The Superior. Ever-smiling, she gives to her diners the gifts of unique and positive experiences that become memories to keep and treasure. She instills art into the everyday.

RONALDO: Film Noir night at a cafe just off the Inner Harbour called The Superior. Film noir as in Bogie. It’s been almost three-score years and ten since the great writer-director John Huston and his gang of players (Bogie, Sidney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre) launched their concept: hard-driving, fast-talking, high-contrast urban adventures. Guns, dames, cigarettes, booze. Quick cuts interspersed with long, long takes. Actors who created dark characters; scripts that told a dark story.

Thus does Cornichon find himself, of a Wednesday evening, in ascot & leather jacket, watching the iconic Maltese Falcon. Best supporting actor for Greenstreet in his first movie. Bogie misquoting Shakespeare (“The stuff dreams are made of”) as the elevator takes Mary Astor away.

Lights up and The Superior’s owner, Lisa Boehme, appears. We recognize her, don’t we? From Toulouse-Lautrec’s sketches of Paris nightlife. Superior’s lofty space across from Fisherman’s Wharf Park was built as a gathering spot for under-age, off-duty seafarers; later it became a Unitarian church. Now it’s an arty restaurant, an eclectic performance venue and unofficial community center. Hundreds of shoes festoon a tree in the courtyard: a fundraiser for battered women, an expression of Lisa’s open-hearted, California-girl, earth-mother personality. There’s food and drink here nightly, as well as a popular weekend brunch. Organic, of course. A “culinary artist” named Torin Egan’s in charge of the kitchen. But the spirit of the place comes from Lisa, self-described “visionary,” who has the creativity to keep all the wheels spinning without going off the tracks.

(Want to feel Superior? Try this unique gem, and you will.)

What is James Bay’s Quality of Life?

Ghosts, Goblins and Grannies

James Bay, (Victoria’s oldest neighborhood), is home to many ghosts, goblins, and grannies, some of whom live here all year round while others just drop by on special occasions like Halloween to raise a harmless bit of havoc, a minute morsel of mayhem, or perhaps a whole passel of pandemonium.

GHOSTS

By all accounts, there are plenty of ghosts to go around in James Bay. These amusing apparitions often make their appearance known to custodial staff hoping to catch a bit of shut-eye on the graveyard shift, individuals suffering from insomnia out for a midnight stroll, or imbibing imps inhabiting certain neighborhood parks where they expect to enjoy a few short snorts and snooze until the following morning.

However, due to severe budget cuts in the area of government transparency and Vital Statistics, the provincial authorities are no longer prepared to invest in services for seniors or the measurement of invisible incorporeal beings. Regretably, the federal government does not keep track of phantom figures whether in the budget or in  the population Census, so it is difficult to determine exactly how many ghosts make James Bay their home.

Judging from the number of ghost tours organized in the neighborhood of late, one might surmise that these spunky spirits tend to frequent happily haunted places such as the Gatsby Mansion Restaurant, the James Bay Inn, and Helmecken House (all of which are popular tourist traps).

GOBLINS

Goblins are mythical, mischievous munchins. Research reveals that the source of their dreadful dispositions may be attributed to the fact that Noah declined to offer them a spot on his ark to escape a frigging flood because they didn’t have cachet or strong collateral let alone impressive ivy-league credentials and an impeccable credit-rating.

As a consequence, it’s not surprising that these dreadfully-dressed diminutive damsels and dudes with extraordinarily large ears or long tails have resorted to wandering about puffing on pipes or cigarettes and finding temporary accommodation in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots, while local politicians decide how to build a spanking new state-of-the-art multimillion suspension bridge for them live under, together with other dispossessed demons including ogres, trolls, and kelpies. 

Goblins come in any colour, but most prefer hideous hues such as green or brown. This is a handy thing to know, especially for the tree-huggers who are really keen on saving these environmentally-friendly endangered species, as opposed to the Sasquatch and Cadborsaurus (who although rarely seen aren’t worth saving because the latter critters can’t abide tipplers, tourists or tree-huggers).

Image Credit: Tony DiTerlizzi.com

It is difficult to estimate the number of goblins who frequent the neighborhood. Some are said to find the wet west coast winter climate to their liking, while others choose to drop by on an itinerant basis, particularly on Halloween.

Judging from the number of ghastly and sometimes giggling goblins appearing at the front door of the neighborhood’s 7,338 private dwellings on October 31 each year, it would appear that these entertaining elf-like creatures are more than welcome in James Bay, (in contrast to bogeymen who inhabit the lawns of legislature during political protests and bugbears who hang out in the loos where they enjoy frightening the knickers, briefs, or pants off humorless homo sapiens).

GRANNIES

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

According to official population statistics from the 2006 Census, the James Bay neighborhood is home to the highest proportion of grannies (grumpy or otherwise) in all of Victoria.

According to the James Bay Community Project, the medical clinic currently provides care to more than 2,650 patients, of whom 700 are over the age of 75. Due to patient confidentiality, they are not permitted to release the total number of grumpy grannies under the care of their physicians.

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

As entertaining elders of the tribe, grannies are given a wide berth…even wider on Halloween. Grumpy grannies, which comprise the largest suck-it-up segment of the experentially-enhanced population, are easy to spot. They’re the ones who think "trick-or-treaters are so cute…imagine them coming to my door expecting to get something for free."  

Image Credit: J.W. Wagner, Hallmark Cards (Maxine.com)

These boisterous biddies are more often than not given to hooting and howling on Halloween. After all, it’s the only legal time of the year they’re are entitled to do so, without someone suggesting that they be confined to a "supported living" residence with padlocked doors and windows!

James Bay Puts the Ha Ha in Halloween!

The Spirit of Spooktacular is alive and well in James Bay, (Victoria’s oldest neighborhood), judging from all the weird and wonderful things that greet you at the door these days.

What do you mean the Wicked Witch of the West isn’t welcoming any boisterous bats, giggling ghouls, or pesky pumpkins on Halloween?*!

The moral to this tawdry tale is never tempt fate on All Hallow’s Eve unless you don’t mind being devoured by pesky Pumpkin Eaters.

Frankly, when the Wicked Witch of the West is dangerously undermedicated, clicking her heels together just doesn’t seem to do the trick!

Message to the Neighbors: "We got rid of the bats, the spiders and the kids because our black cat was allergic to them — what more do you want?"

Java Joints in James Bay

There’s quite a coffee house culture in James Bay, and plenty of java joints from which to choose.

If you like books with your beans, try James Bay Coffee & Books (owned by Kim Willoughby). Conveniently located at "Five Corners", it offers a comfy cozy place to plop down, chat with friends over cup of coffee, sweet bun or a sandwich and soup, (and it’s open 7 days a week). You can also peruse the shelves for hand-made greeting cards, previously-enjoyed books, use their Internet cafe, or admire local works of art that adorn the walls. And, if you’re in the mood, you can drop in on Tuesday evening for a hot game of "Scrabble" or listen to some great live performances on Friday nights.

Serious Coffee, (a franchise owned by Tony Lee and Cathy Wolsey-Lee), is one of the new kids on the block located at 103-225 Menzies Street . Open weekdays from 6am-9pm, and Saturdays from 7am-6pm, and Sundays from 8am-6pm. A popular place for those who work James Bay, it offers free wireless internet service to patrons, together with several blends and choices of coffee, cookies, and light fare. And, on special occasions, at the invitation of the owners, local musicians entertain audiences in the early evening. For the green thumb crowd, the owners offer free pails of coffee grounds for the garden!  

Cup a Joe, might be known by some as the proverbial "hole in the wall" place (as it’s tucked away on the basement level of Parliament Mews at "Five Corners". A funky sort of place, it offers frugal folks plenty of options for good hot coffee, hearty breakfast and lunch meals (some with some laugh-out-loud names),  and all the writing you care to read on the walls of this entertaining establishment.

Starbucks (located in James Bay Square), is a familiar place to many out-of-town visitors, summer cruiseship passengers, local government employees, and those who love their coffee with more than whipped cream and sprinkles on top. If you want a regular cup of coffee, just ask for a "short" one (although you’re not likely to find it on their menu). If you want the ‘bling of beans’, then this is definitely the spot to let your tongue be tantilized.

Travelling Bean Coffee House located at 100-239 Menzies Street, is the latest java joint to open in James Bay. Owned by a couple from the Interior, who now make Victoria their home, this shop caters to standing-room only types and those on a ten-minute break seeking a fine cup of Espresso…all the way from Italy! The friendly service and tidbits to go make this a great place to pick up the boss’s bag of beans for the week!
 

Moka House Shoal Point, (owned by Lillian Graham), located at 110-19 Dallas Road, adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf, is a superb spot to meet if you’re looking for a quiet place to meet whether with friends or perhaps an informal business get-together over many choices of beverages and baked goods. Free internet wireless services, a wonderfully warm and inviting fireplace, together with a gallery of great art and photography make it the place to hang out any time of year.

Ogden Point Cafe, (owned by Gail Patterson and Bob Lumley), located at the "Breakwater" across from the cruiseship terminal, offers one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy a sip of sizzling hot coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, or a selection of organic teas. Reminiscent of the "cafeteria-style" eatery, it offers a selection of home-cooked food not to mention huge, freshly baked cinammon buns and cheese scones to die for in the morning. Open seven days a week from dawn to dusk, it also offers free internet wireless services and free musical performances on Friday evenings. Don’t forget to sign their guest book…and read a few of the entries from those who come from far away (to meet the manager of the place…a man of many talents named "Dick Danger".)

The Superior Cafe (owned by Lisa Boehme) located at 106 Superior Street (near Fisherman’s Wharf), offers not only fresh food and great live music six nights a week, but also some great hot beverages which you can enjoy indoors or outside in the patio garden (where you can also commune with nature). What’s not to like about a chair hanging from the ceiling, a funky stuffed animal’s head on the wall, and a friendly smile at the door?

Mile Zero Coffee (located at Niagara Grocery, 579 Niagara Street), is just two blocks away from the Mile Zero marker at the junction of Dallas Road and Douglas Street: the start of the 4,680-mile Trans-Canada Highway that connects Victoria with St. John’s, Newfoundland). It’s a newly refurbished grocery in the neighborhood recently opened by Jennifer McKimmie, (a chef and former food & beverage manager at the venerable Empress Hotel) and Ken Winchester (a winemaker and distiller whose passion for coffee led to the launch of Mile O Roasters). This is the only spot where you’ll find a selection of freshly roasted beans from around the world including Ethiopia, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. And, while you’re there, you can stock your gourmet pantry with all manner of local goodies to whet your appetite!

Where to find mellow music & mint juleps in James Bay?

Where exactly does one find mellow music and mighty fine mint juleps in James Bay?

Well, if you’ve just stepped off a cruiseship at Ogden Point, the short answer is probably back on board your floating resort. Just ask the bartender how American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan’s makes a southern style slurpee.

According to Bob, there’s really only one way to make this musical mojito:

"First you take four mint sprigs, two and a half ounces of bourbon-I prefer three-a tablespoon of powdered sugar, and a tablespoon of water; you put the mint leaves, sugar, and water in a Collins glass; you fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and then add bourbon, top that off with more ice-and I like to garnish mine with a mint sprig, serve it with a straw. Two or three of those and anything sounds good."

On the other hand, if you’re a landlubber and love local libations, there’s only one spot to go and that’s The Superior Cafe, (situated at 106 Superior Street, not far from Fisherman’s Wharf in James Bay, Victoria).

It is said that Victorian writer Charles Dickens, (while travelling in America in 1842 around about the same time that the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Victoria was being built), noted "that the mounds of ices, and the bowls of mint-julep and sherry cobbler they make in these latitudes, are refreshments never to be thought of afterwards, in summer, by those who would preserve contented minds."

And, there are definitely a few "contented minds" who truly adore great melodies and mint juleps over at The Superior Cafe. Owner Lisa Boheme, who though not a wordsmith does see herself as a muddled mint maven of sorts. In fact, she is known to mutter enthusiastically about the merits of "a poetic gesture on a hot day".

But Lisa knows there’s only one fine way to satisfy the cravings of a Southern Gentleman and his Belle of the Ball, or light-headed lollygagging local for that matter….and it’s to let her bartender prepare the classic Kentucky Derby Mint Julep.

The secret to smooth jazz and an equally smooth and sumptuous beverage is to give it time. This means preparing the ingredients the day before — boiling equal parts of organic sugar and water for five minutes and then infusing the syrup with organic mint leaves and refrigerating the entire concoction overnight. When guests arrive, just throw in some crushed ice together with 1.5 ounces of Knob Creek bourbon, and about one tablespoon of the syrup.

For those who wish to quibble and quaff at the same time, The Superior Cafe offers a novel nook where folks can chinwag to their heart’s content in the company of some great local musicians. More than likely, there will also be some avid patrons willing to give advice on how to make the best mint julep — whether to make it with brandy, bourbon, gin or whiskey — whether to muddle the mint or have it with mint-infused syrup — whether to use ice (cubed or crushed), or whether to add a splash of water, forget the water, or on second thought, add a dash of tonic. Of course, one might also find a cantankerous cocktail enthusiast or two willing to debate which type of container to serve it in, or wax on about the best location to sample such a savory, sweet delight provided of course they can find an audience.

The fact of the matter is that The Superior Cafe in James Bay offers a marvellous menu, merry melodies for every occasion, and some rather find mighty fine mint-juleps any time of year!

Source: Elizabeth Levinson, (co-owner of Cafe Mela and the Mela Tearoom, and author of "Hunting the essential mint julep" in the September 2008 – Vol. 20 No. 11 issue of "Focus", magazine.