Hot Dining

Restaurant casts new Aura

The capital city has a new restaurant, and it’s pulling rave reviews. Aura, the Inn at Laurel Point’s contemporary dining room and waterfront patio, offers spectacular views of the Inner Harbour and a menu sure to please your palate, along with regional artisan wines, ciders and cocktails. The man behind the menu, executive chef Brad Horen, blends fresh flavours of Japan and Europe with complementary West Coast touches such as Salt Spring Island goat cheese and wild sockeye salmon. The lounge feel provides the perfect atmosphere, where floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary furniture, modern accents and a central bar with sparkling tile backsplash contribute to the special aura that inspired its name. Even better, with the opening of Aura, the Inn has brought back its popular Sunday brunch, served from 10am to 2pm.

Cool Caribbean Cuisine

Cool off in the Caribbean without leaving downtown at the Reef, a recently refurbished, award-winning restaurant specializing in such tempting treats as jerk chicken, West Indian curries, ackee and saltfish and yummy yam fries and plantain chips – served with a side of deliciously spicy jerk mayo, of course!

New Kid on the Ice Cream Block

Send your summer out on a sweet note with an ice cream break at Victoria’s newest dessert spot, Rogers’ Chocolates Old-fashioned Soda Shoppe, at 801 Government St, across from the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Find a restored soda fountain, retro stools and marble counters, paired with such modern details as biodegradable cups and spoons made from corn.