Like the rest of the world we are in a holding pattern – waiting to see how the ever changing situation and resulting regulations will change the industry we know and love. We know that so many individuals and businesses have been greatly affected, because when it comes down to it, we really are all in the business of gathering people together, and as gathering isn’t happening, we’ve seen things come to a stand still.
All that we know right now is that we will make it through this if we all stick together – while still practicing social distancing, of course! We wanted to show our love and support for a few local businesses who are doing some really great things in Victoria right now despite the uncertainty.
So we did what we do best and made a list! ? From feeding your families to getting a gorgeous bouquet delivered as a surprise for a friend to simply getting your favourite local beer delivered to your doorstep – we got something on this list for everyone. We hope this encourages you to join us in supporting our local friendors during this difficult time.
Great Eats
House of Boateng: This cafe located in Langford is our go-to for office lunches and one of Vancouver Island’s top catering teams! Right now they are offering their cafe menu to-go. Litres of soup which are perfect for freezing, the most delicious eggs bennies, and some delicious scones and other mouth-watering treats from their in-house pastry chef are all up for grabs! We are also big fans of the many vegan and vegetarian options featured throughout their menu!
To place an order for pick-up please call 778-432-2233. You can find the menu here.
(Photo credits: House of Boateng / Taylor Roades)
Toque Catering: We love Toque Catering for a number of reasons and here is just one more! The Toque team is currently offering a “Dining at a Distance” program, which is a take-out menu that covers all your needs for breakfast, lunch or dinner! The To-Go containers come with heating instructions and can either be picked up at their location or they are offering free curbside delivery in local communities.
The full menu can be found on their website.
(Photo credits: Kyle Joinson / Whistler Wedding Collective)
Ruth + Dean: While this team is most known for their epic cakes, they also serve up meals at their two cafe locations! While we can’t cozy up in their adorable space right now, Ruth + Dean is offering home prepared meals. You can opt for a contact-less pick up or for orders over $75 they offer free delivery to the Oak Bay, Fernwood and Fairfield areas. They are also offering free soup for seniors in need which can be picked up by a friend or family member.
Feeling like something sweet? Order an Isolation Cake! You can share it with your quarantine buddy, or just enjoy all to yourself!
All the goodness can be found here.
(Photo credits: Jesse Holland Weddings / Taylor Roads / Myrtle & Moss Photography)
The Farmer’s Daughter: You can never have too much cheese! You really don’t need to give us a reason to stay in, eat cheese, and drink all the wine. The Farmer’s Daughter in Sidney has launched an online cheese shop that you can pick up either store or curbside. Check out their online shop here!
(Photo credits: Rivkah Photography)
Sweet Treats
Empire Donuts: We LOVE donuts! When a wedding client wants a donut wall, we are 100% on board.
If you need a donut fix right now, look no further than Empire. The funky Empire Donut locations are still open for take-out and delivery. In order to minimize the risk of contact, you can use the online order system to order and pay, or order via phone. You can choose to either picking them curbside at the store or have them delivered. Empire will be waiving the delivery fee and lowering minimum orders to $15 for delivery. Check out their menu and order here!
(Photo credits: Kim Jay Photography / Meghan Hemstra)
Schur to Please: Laura from Schur to Please has found herself with a lot of cupcakes and cake pops but no one to eat them! Not wanting the supplies to go to waste and hoping to spread a little cheer, she will be taking orders and making deliveries this week!
All treats will be delivered by donation and a reduced delivery fee of $5 on top of your chosen donation value. Assorted flavours include: cinnamon bun, chai, strawberry cream, chocolate salted caramel, vanilla, pink lemonade, Nutella, chocolate lovers, vanilla peach, coconut mango (trust us, all are fantastic!). Email schur2please@gmail.com to place an order along with delivery address and if you want a note attached.
(Photo credits: Tegan McMartin / Swept Away Photography)
Drinks
Category 12 Brewing: Need something a little stronger to get you through the next little while? Category 12 brewing is offering delivery for order over $50 or you can go pickup! One of the best craft breweries in Victoria and they will come right to you! Order here: https://category12beer.square.site
(Photo credits: Sabrina Patrice / Kyle Joinson)
Beautiful Blooms
Platinum Floral Designs: When Tina from Platinum Floral had a large order cancel, she decided to make lemonade out of lemons. Or in this case – bouquets!
You can order a beautiful bouquet by donation with a reduced delivery fee of $7.50 on top of your donation value. If you would like to send out a bouquet (or two!) to a loved one, or to yourself, please email tina@platinumfloraldesigns.com
Please email with:
1. Your donation value
2. Delivery address
3. A sweet note to the receiver, if applicable
4. Please wait for an order confirmation and delivery date before you send money!
(Photo credits: Christie Graham / Samba Joy / Meghan Hemstra)
Foxgloves Flowers: More beautiful bouquets! Spread some cheer with Foxgloves Flowers and their hand tied bouquets. Inspired by her friend, Tina from Platinum, Colleen and her team are getting their florals out the door, either by donation, or free, if that is what you can spare.
You can email info@foxglovesflowers.com to save some blooms from the compost! You can pick up the bouquets from 2825 Heath Drive, or have them delivered for a delivery fee of $7.50. All bouquets will be assorted and hand tied bouquets using the gorgeous blooms in stock and growing in the Heath Gardens. Connect with Colleen by emailing: info@foxgloveflowers.com or messaging her on Instagram @foxglovesflowers
(Photo credits: Rivkah Photography)
Pretty Things
Melanie Anne Designs: Melanie is such a talented artist that we LOVE using her custom designs for weddings. She also creates gorgeous pieces for your home. And since you are spending more time at home right now, why not make it pretty! Check out her shop full of unique pieces here.
(Photo credits: Eternal Reflections / Melanie Anne Designs)
Thorn & Thistle: Flowers, pottery, candles and more! While their shop in Oak Bay is currently closed, they still have lots of flowers that can be made into something beautiful! They will be doing deliveries from online orders and are even offering 20% off everything online. This includes candles, soaps, plants, books, Baggu and flowers. Use the code: SENDLOVE.
Shop here!
(Photo credits: Taylor Roades)
Bilston Creek Lavender Farm: This is one of our favourite venues and what most people don’t know is that they also have a shop that sells all their farm made products.
Insider tip! Bilston Creek will be making their own lavender hand sanitizer in the days ahead and you can order online! You can get 10% off by signing up for their newsletter as well so when life goes back to normal you’ll be in the know for all things Bilston!
Visit the shop here!
(Photo credits: Rivkah Photography / Meghan Hemstra)
