MicCHEK

It's one of the most iconic streets in the Capital City and it's about to get a major makeover. City staff recently released an overview of the plan to upgrade Government Street from Humboldt to Pandora. There are some significant changes being proposed and the pitch has reignited the debate over whether Government Street should be closed off to vehicles. In this episode, we summarize the major issues and look back on some of the concerns being raised from stakeholders and council.

What's the most iconic meal in Victoria? That's the question we put to our guest in this week's episode. Bonnie Todd from Off the Eaten Track Food Tours has compiled her list of the 15 most iconic dishes and drinks in the City of Victoria. (43:25) Also in this episode, we showcase an extremely popular donut shop in the Comox Valley that's preparing for a big move.

Ned Talyor was 19 years old when he was elected to Saanich Council. Since then he's made it his mission to try and get more young islanders into politics. In this episode we sit down with two young islanders who are planning to run for a local council seat this fall.

There are so many places to cycle to for a coffee or snack on the south island, and so many interesting routes to take to get there. (5:30) In this episode, we've asked a south island cycling expert to come up with a list of places to ride to for a drink, snack, or meal. What started out as 10 spots, quickly turned into a list of 20 interesting destinations and equally interesting bike routes on the south island. (36:50) And later in our Order Up Spotlight, we take you to Port Alberni for a nostalgic blast from the past at the J & L Drive-In.

Saanich council recently signed off on an extensive plan for the Uptown-Douglas area. It's an area that's already home to thousands with plenty of opportunities for new housing and new amenities. In this episode we chat with a man who helped shape the plan and learn about what he hopes is in store for this critical south island neighborhood. We also chat about the need for LRT and the creation of an Uptown transportation hub. Is this the time to seriously look at an LRT line from the Westshore to Saanich and out to the Peninsula?

If you want a great meal but don't want to break the bank, then this is the roundtable for you. (3:10) We've called in a Victoria foodie to give us her list of the top 10 meals in Greater Victoria under fifteen dollars. (25:48) Also in this episode, we introduce you to COOKS burger joint in Cumberland.

Deep in the Victoria archives sits a 1944 proposal that would have drastically changed the look and feel of the capital city's inner harbour. If passed the Fairmont Empress wouldn't have a view of the water, Government Street wouldn't be the focus, and the city would have one, great "Boulevard Memoriale". In this episode we chat with a local architect and urban designer on the merits of the plan and get their thoughts on what's missing and wrong with the city's current inner harbour.

Who better to give us their ten Valentine's Day recommendations than the co-owner of one of the most popular spots on February 14th. In this episode we sit down with former Victoria Councillor Shellie Gudgeon of Il Terrazzo to get her ten recommendations on where to go and what to do with your special loved one. Also in this episode, Joe talks about his visit to Port Alberni and a historic German restaurant that has a wildly popular Valentine's Day booth that is already taking reservations for three years out.

We're nine months out and the race for the mayor's chair in Saanich and Victoria is already heating up. In this episode we take a look at what's on the line for voters, who's in and who might be on the ballot, plus we look back on how the City of Victoria has changed over the last eight years with Lisa Helps at the helm.

Gong hei fat choy! This week Victoria restaurateur and friend of MicCHEK, Jason Chan of The Village/Ghost Ramen gives us his top 10 picks to visit within North America's second-oldest Chinatown. Restaurants, drinks, kitchenware... It's all here! (5:31) Later on in this episode (35:40) in our Order Up Spotlight we visit Island Nut Roastery to hear the latest in all things peanut butter.