Though this restaurant is tucked away off the main drag, it hasn't gone unnoticed by locals. Open almost a year, the reputation of the Queen Mother Waterside Café preceded its arrival on Victoria 's waterfront. The owners are successful restaurateurs from Toronto , where they have run the highly successful Queen Mother Café since 1978 in an historic building in the heart of the Entertainment District. If it ain't broke, then don't fix it I say – both locations feature their eclectic fresh and flavourful Lao-Thai and pan-global cuisine.
We were the first diners to arrive for dinner that evening, but by the time we left 2 hours later, the restaurant was starting to fill. The room is all angles and levels, but each table is assured a view of the harbour front, as well as the open window into the kitchen. Eclectic can't even begin to describe the menu – dishes were culturally diverse – from Italian to Thai and everything in between - hip, global, comfort food. Our very friendly and competent server described all the dishes very well, and we were off.
To start, we had the Smoked Tomato Cioppino with crispy risotto cake and saffron oil, as well as the Organic Mixed Greens Salad in spiced honey lime vinaigrette. Both were very good, the smokiness of the tomatoes not overwhelming the soup and the honey lime vinaigrette giving just a hint of sweetness to the bitter greens. For our main, fellow chose the Herb Marinated Half Rack of Lamb, along with roasted veg, potato strudel and pomegranate demi. A massive portion arrived, very artfully presented, with tender lamb ribs cooked to perfection. At least I assume so, since he staked them off-limits for tasting, and proceeded to suck on the bones until they were completely clean. I chose the Vegetarian Filet Mignon – a thick (2 inches!) Asian marinated tofu steak on top of a grilled portabella and mash of sweet potatoes. The smoky flavour of the grilled tofu was a good match against the sweet lime and honey mash, and was more than enough to fill me up. That was before we heard of the desserts. Any choice from the case of Cake's Etc. delights was ours for the taking. We each shared the triple chocolate Harlequin Cake – tri layers of domed chocolate bliss, as well as the warm Apple Pie – homey, cinnamon strudel goodness. Now , we were full.
A casual place for those who don't really know what kind of food they feel like – as long as it's comforting, terrific value and lovingly prepared. Just like (Queen) Mother makes.
Bon Appetit – The Secret Diner
100 – 407 Swift Street, Victoria, 250-598-4712
