30 replies to this topic

[Szeven]

Which is funny, because this is in Colwood

 

True, let me rephrase to "East of Helmcken".

 

The Langford vs Victoria debate is essentially internet comment trolling that you will see on anything that furthers the general stereotypes of both places.  I could name tons but I'm sure they are well known.

[sirswithin]

Just had dinner at the Orca this evening and, man, have things changed. They've got a new menu which is smaller and much more basic than the old one. Whereas before you could have a nice salmon or turkey dinner, you choices are now limited to burgers and what someone, somewhere considers bbq. Half chicken dinner with creamed corn, beans and coleslaw. Sounds good. Except they ran out before 6 pm. Okay, so how about the pulled pork with the same sides? They did have that, but the beans tasted like nothing, the coleslaw was just chopped up cabbage with nothing on it, the creamed corn was strangely pureed with cheese, and the pork was strictly boil in the bag stuff with some generic bbq sauce. And the prices have not gone down to match the new basic menu, but gone up instead. I don't know if the restaurant is under new ownership or what's happened, but just a short while ago it was a decent place to have dinner and now it's just not. I'd compare it with the old Chequered Flag in Langford. And that's not a good thing. Won't be going back any time soon.

[57WestHills]

I attempted to go three times. While I cannot remember the exact time, it wasn't crazy late, and there was never an open kitchen contrary to posted hours. I too have given up and assume the clock is ticking until something else goes in there. A shame, it seemed so promising.

[LJ]

Drove by last night about 7:45, looked empty.

[Jason-L]

Isn't that the life cycle of many restaurants?  Open with a new concept, promise of fresh food and new ideas.  Slowly discover the grind and reality of running a restaurant.  Drift more and more into the pocket of Sysco packaged foods.  Order less inventory to try and control the hemorrhaging.  Eventually close?

 

"What's the fastest way to have a million dollars in the restaurant business?  Start with two million." was something I heard once or twice. 

[VicHockeyFan]

Isn't that the life cycle of many restaurants?  Open with a new concept, promise of fresh food and new ideas.  Slowly discover the grind and reality of running a restaurant.  Drift more and more into the pocket of Sysco packaged foods.  Order less inventory to try and control the hemorrhaging.  Eventually close? 

 

Yup.  With the shortage of cooks, that's what you have to do often.  You have less experienced staff, so they have to rely more on Sysco type food.

 

Now, doesn't the place have just a food-primary license?   That would mean the kitchen is not allowed to close.  

[Jill]

Isn't that the life cycle of many restaurants?  Open with a new concept, promise of fresh food and new ideas.  Slowly discover the grind and reality of running a restaurant.  Drift more and more into the pocket of Sysco packaged foods.  Order less inventory to try and control the hemorrhaging.  Eventually close?

 

"What's the fastest way to have a million dollars in the restaurant business?  Start with two million." was something I heard once or twice. 

 

Sounds like a variation of Richard Branson's advice when asked the easiest way to become a millionaire. "Start out as a billionaire and launch a new airline."

[Nparker]

I guess grilled orca proved to be less popular than anticipated.

[VicHockeyFan]

I guess grilled orca proved to be less popular than anticipated.

 

Ya, the name always struck me as a bit off.  Substitute Dolphin BBQ and it would never work.

 

Anyway, off to get some grilled hawk for lunch at Hawk and Hen.

[victoriassecret]

Should have called it tail and fin or something. 

[sirswithin]

328 Taphouse is moving into the old Orca space on Wale Rd. Apparently, they'll have 40 taps and a pizza oven (for whatever that's worth). Slated to open in early February. At least they should have better beer than Orca did.