Black Forest Steak and Schnitzel restaurant experience starts with a friendly service-we were greeted by the door and taken to a free table immediately. The restaurant is always busy, but it is staffed adequately to serve the large volume of clientele. The restaurant has a nice outdoor heated patio overlooking the Harrison Lake. 

The Caesar drink goes well with meat dishes and it is a classic cocktail, which could be used as a measuring stick. The Caesar was well done! 
The best part was food- it truly was the feast worth waiting for! The old fashioned German dishes done to perfection! The portion is large enough for two people, but so tasty that usually is devoured by one person.

German cuisine classic- Pork Hock. Oven roasted pork hock with delicious gravy, potatoes, vegetables and red cabbage. Every ingredient plays a role in this dish and it tastes perfect all together! This isn't a an every day meal due to calorie count, but rather once in a while feast. It tastes so good, it makes rainy grey day seem like a lovely adventure.
Overall Black Forest Restaurant stands out in three categories: service, food, atmosphere.

During pandemic it is advisable to make reservations in advance, so we did. Upon arrival the hostess checked the reservation and directed us to a table next to the entrance door. What a surprise! The restaurant was about 65% full, there were enough empty tables (even with a social distancing in mind).
I am curious to know what happens to people who did not make a reservation?
We ordered Truffle Parmesan Fries, California Chicken and Bombay Butter Chicken. We wanted to order Steak +Lobster Ravioli, but the waiter said they were out of lobster that night.

Parmesan fries were dry, as if they were frozen for too long prior to be deep fried or were deep fried for too long. If I compare Parmesan Fries from Blu Saffron to Parmesan Fries from JOEY Kelowna, Blu Saffron fries win 3-0. Counting: fresh fries, freshly prepped dipping sauce, more truffle oil and parmesan.

Bombay Butter Chicken dish was OK- chicken was hard and butter sauce was missing butter/cream ingredient. If Butter Chicken wasn't one of my favorite dishes, maybe I would only notice hard chicken. Rice was well done. 

California Chicken came with more fry fries, and all the fries were left on the plate. Chicken burger was good, but nothing to write home about.
Overall experience-we were disappointed with seating, food was OK but not an unforgettable fireworks, atmosphere was OK- 6 out of 10 (we are comparing with JOEY Shipyards, which is miles ahead JOEY Kelowna). It is OK to stop and eat in JOEY Kelowna if you are in the area, but I would not make a special trip from Vernon.

Ferris' Grill is the place that you want to come back again and again. We don't live in Victoria and during our last visit couldn't find the restaurant, as we though it was located on either Johnson or Fort Street . We walked up and down Johnson, Fort and even Pandora Street without any success. We thought maybe it was gone due to pandemic ripple effect. On our last day in Victoria we finally discovered Ferris's Grill and Bar on 536 Yates Street, where it always has been, since 1991. There was no question where we want to eat that night (Happy face).
We ordered their famous Falafel wrap, Classic Ferris Cheeseburger and Mushroom Ravioli with beef short ribs.

Cheese burger tastes amazing: classic juicy beef patty, house made sauce and relish, lettuce, tomato, pickle, served on a fresh bun. Side was yam fries with tasty mayo based dip.
Uncompromised taste and flavor!  

The Falafel wrap was a burst of flavors: spiced and crunchy chickpea falafels with sumac yogurt sauce and cooling cucumbers. Who said genius food creations must be made from meat? This meal is tasty and easy to digest.

Mushroom ravioli with beef braised short ribs is a chef's jewel: ravioli staffed with porcini mushrooms and covered with pecorino cheese creamy sauce taste fantastic. The beef short ribs braised in wine sauce take this meal to the next level: so soft and rich in flavor! Just writing about this this meal makes me hungry.
Worth to mention that service in this restaurant is excellent as well. Bravo, Ferris' Grill and Bar!

This gem is located within Market Square on Johnson Street in Victoria, BC.
I loved the concept: it is a vegan buffet with many options for soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes, desserts, soft drinks. The building itself is old, in this particular case "old is gold" with a charm. Restaurant is "green" in every aspect: reusable conventional glass dishes, mugs, cutlery, furniture is well-used second hand in fair condition. Coming for lunch into the Green Cuisine is like visiting a grandmother, who always makes sure you eat enough, who listens to all your worries and assures everything will be okay, who is happy to see you and wishes you stay longer. That is just the atmosphere there-like out of this world! Time slows down and only important things matter.
​The food is tasty and healthy.  The cakes are delicious. I loved it!

Fishworks is located 91 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver. We discovered this restaurant by passing by and seeing people on a patio having beautifully served oysters in a candle light. We were intrigued and decided to try the restaurant.
Upon entering Fishworks during dinner time (without reservation) we were warmly welcomed and seated next by the window. We ordered lobster bisque soup, fishworks paella, lobster "Mac'n'Cheese". While waiting for our order to be prepared we sipped S.Pellegrino carbonated water, enjoyed cozy atmosphere and fall views of Lonsdale Avenue. Our soup arrived paired with fresh bread and olive oil/balsamic vinegar dip. Soup was delicious.
Next arrived fishworks paella and Mac'n'Cheese. Both looked, smelled, tasted delicious. I was surprised by how much seafood and cheese was in my paella. The rice was soaked in broth, saffron, absorbed flavors from seafood and chorizo. It was a goodness in a pan: the savory salvation, celebration of life and it's flavors. The size of the dish actually is more than enough for two people.

Mac'n'Cheese was packed with flavor: cheesy goodness was quickly absorbed by my husband.
Fishworks became a magnet for us. It has warm ambience, tasty food, top-notch service.

Does your morning need a lift? If yes, then Lift Breakfast Bakery is your morning destination.
It is located on Lonsdale Ave going up from the waterfront. It is open from 8 AM and usually is a busy place in the morning.

My favorite drink is Lonsdale Fog which is spiced up with black pepper. It starts the morning with positive affirmation that whole day will be cozy, blanketed in frothy warmth with a little spice.

My favorite meal is Shipbuilders Eggs Benedict: instead of a bun, they make potato hash patties (all made from scratch), delicious handmade hollandaise sauce, two eggs, greens. This is a dream to come true: freshly crafted for you breakfast fuels with energy, satisfies craving for savory cheesy goodness . Day started well!

I did my homework before making an appointment at Rose Sharon salon, as already had very bad experience with manicure salons in the past.
The reviews were genuine and positive, so I phoned and was able to get in the same day. Upon arrival I was greeted and escorted towards the sink to wash my hands. By the way, you have to wear your own mask (just an attribute of our new life).
Salon manager was very friendly and professional, she confirmed the type of service I am getting and offered to choose nail polish.
My manicure master was ready for me within 2 minutes. The salon itself is newly renovated, clean and spacious.
The most importantly, I loved the service- everything was done by the book. The best manicure/pedicure I had in past 10 years! Definitely would return for more.

Tap and Barrel Shipyards has unique settings: it is situated inside former shipyard building overlooking the pier. The building itself is massive, just imagine, it was used for building and repairing ships during World War Two times.
Today former shipyard is filled with upbeat music, craft beer barrels from bottom to the ceilings. The food is good, beer is good, service is great.
Guests have the option to stay inside or be seated outside on patio with a view.

We ordered spicy chicken wings as appetizer, Poke bowl, spicy tuna burger and fish and chips. 
For beer we tried Wildeye -After The Rain Hefeweizen (bright and fruity German wheat beer with dry finish).
Poke Bowl featured fresh Ahi tuna sashimi on a bed of rice, surrounded by avocado, pineapple chunks, edamame, carrot, seaweed salad, pickled ginger. All ingredients were fresh and tasty.

Fish and chips dish was amazing- fries were perfect, fish coated and fried to perfection, tartar sauce was good. The spicy Tuna burger was seasoned just right with ponzu sauce. We left empty plates.
Definitely will be going back!

I tried three concealers over the course of several years and my favorite by far is Clarins Instant concealer in shade 01.
Concealer isn't necessary for every day, but some days when I look tired and have under eye bags/dark circles it saves my day. I don't like wearing foundation on a daily basis and concealer applied to problem areas works the best. Clarins Instant Concealer truly smooths, brightens, refreshes eye area, conceals dark circles, reduces puffiness, hydrates. This is the only concealer that stays put all day! Costs $34 -worth each penny.

I have Bourjois Blur the lines concealer in 01 Ivory. It promises lasting, precise, and blendable coverage of under eye darkness and blemishes for a flawless skin! Perfectly blendable, this must-have concealer softens the appearance of the fine lines and pores for a radiant look. It has a powdery finish to ensure all day wear.
This one is a stick, so it aids the precise application. Out of three concealers I tried, this one has the creamiest consistency and goes on like a butter. It has very good coverage, but it cakes! It looks pretty horrible when it cakes too.
It costs $25 and if I only need picture perfect eye for one hour, it will do.
However my choice is Clarins, as it heats all the points: bright, young eyes all day long!

I spent years searching for the right nude lipstick, which could magically transform my appearance in 30 seconds from a pale ghost into a lovable lady. I don't have time in the morning for extensive beauty routine (although could benefit from one), because just like anyone else, have to be at my workplace by a certain time.
There one ritual I always stick to-apply a lipstick. There is something magical in this small phallic symbol, transforming my dry lips into well-hydrated gates of wisdom and truth.

This review is not sponsored. First group of lipsticks are my absolute favorite in all categories: amazing color that compliments my skin, smells great, hydrates my lips, color lasts for 2-3 hours, the lipstick is visually pleases my senses.

My absolute favorite #1 Too Faced Peaches and Cream Collection "Sure Thing".
The packaging has a tiny golden peach on front, with a logo beautifully written in gold. When you open a lipstick, you notice a divine peachy smell, good enough to eat the lipstick ha-ha! Just three easy swipes on the lips, and voila-lips are hydrated, smell peachy, have a beautiful mate peach color. In two hours lips are still hydrated, look and smell great! I am sold!

My favorite #2 is MAC Cremesheen collection "203-Creme Cup"
It has light texture that goes on very smooth, hydrating lips and visually plumping them up. I love the smell of MAC lipsticks- it promises a good day and it delivers! The color is very complimenting and it stays in place for some time without drying. Lips feel hydrated and plumped.

Favorite #3 is Charlotte Tilbury "Pillow Talk"
It probably shares the second place together with MAC in my heart, but I needed a structure.
The first thing- this shiny object can't go unnoticed. It looks so gorgeous, so expensive and it smells divine!
It actually is very expensive- $39 plus taxes. That is why third place in my hit parade.
Pillow talk has a great color that accentuates the lips, without being too much. It has smooth silky coverage, smells divine. Definitely a must for special occasions, when you want to feel million bucks version of yourself.

My second group of nude lipsticks that made the cut: NARS Bahama Lip Tint, NARS Bahama velvet matte lip pencil, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense A39.

The reason this is second group, as it is lacking presentation and smell. However I still use this group regularly, as it provides good color and hydration.
My favorite #1 Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Curviest Caramel provides soft cushiony color, it is made with comforting oils and Vitamin E. It glides very smooth and the coverage depends on how much you apply: it can be sheer or a full coverage. It lasts a while, keeping my lips well-hydrated.

My favorite #2 is NARS, as it looks great! Hydration and nourishment are not great here, but at least the product doesn't dry lips either. Staying power is good. First I apply matte crayon and finish with shiny veil. Lips look amazing!