6 replies to this topic

[AllseeingEye]

Pretty certain this will be the only thumb's up for a non-descript family-style restaurant located in a mid grade hotel chain like Howard Johnson hotels , but I must say I had the huevos rancheros at the Lakes this morning at the HoJo Royal Oak location and it was simply the best version of that Mexican classic I've ever had in Victoria.

 

The experience was improved by the fact there is plenty of parking right in front, I didn't have to reserve in advance, or stand around for 45 minutes with hordes of others waiting for a table, I didn't have to take out a second mortgage in order to pay for it, the restaurant is not remotely pretentious nor vying for social media "likes" and in addition to its other virtues its clean, the service prompt and you don't need to take a number and wait and wait....and wait for something as simple as a coffee refill...

 

So if you're a "rancheros" fan and either live out that way or find yourself near that location give it a shot some time.

[Sparky]

Thanks ASE. I happen to tick ALL of those boxes and have not had that spot on my radar for some time.

[Nparker]

It has been a number of years since I was last there, but I recall always enjoying my meals at The Lakes. As ASE suggested, it's non-pretentious, old school food and sometimes that's all one really needs.

[AllseeingEye]

Thanks ASE. I happen to tick ALL of those boxes and have not had that spot on my radar for some time.

 

Yer welcome Sparky. The last thing I will ever be accused of is being a wine/scotch/restaurant etc snob - with respect to food outlets as long as the grub is good and priced decently, and the service even average or above, I'll take that eatery option every time over one of those snotty "grey poupon" joints....

[Sparky]

^ Ya me too.Throw a good huevos rancheros in front of me and I will wolf it down with a spoon if I have to.

 

I need to get off my butt and respond to your travel posts about Mexico in the travel thread. Mrs Sparky and I were fortunate enough to spend some serious time in a VW van back in the day when places like Puerto Escondido only had a campground for accommodations. 

 

Good times.

[Matt R.]

Pretty certain this will be the only thumb's up for a non-descript family-style restaurant located in a mid grade hotel chain like Howard Johnson hotels , but I must say I had the huevos rancheros at the Lakes this morning at the HoJo Royal Oak location and it was simply the best version of that Mexican classic I've ever had in Victoria.
 
The experience was improved by the fact there is plenty of parking right in front, I didn't have to reserve in advance, or stand around for 45 minutes with hordes of others waiting for a table, I didn't have to take out a second mortgage in order to pay for it, the restaurant is not remotely pretentious nor vying for social media "likes" and in addition to its other virtues its clean, the service prompt and you don't need to take a number and wait and wait....and wait for something as simple as a coffee refill...
 
So if you're a "rancheros" fan and either live out that way or find yourself near that location give it a shot some time.

Probably not the same ownership anymore, but prior to moving here I did the odd shift there over the holidays to make a few extra bucks and to help out a friend. Basic fare, high quality and the kitchen was very well kept.

[Mike K.]

It is a well kept secret, that’s for sure. Great place for meetings.