Bru-Go's Coffee

En route from home to the Motor Gathering at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit we stop for coffee and a bite to eat at Bru-Go's Coffee in Mill Bay.  It's a beautifully maintained shop with friendly service. I ask what the house specialty is and then spot the "hedgehog" seen here on the left and decide to try it. It's a rich chocolatey brownie and not really a breakfast food, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Bru-Go's Coffee
2720 Mill Bay Road,
Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P1
Monday to Friday - 7:30 to 6:00
Saturday - 8:00 to 6:00, Sunday - 9: 00 to 5:30

The Ploughshare Cafe

After early shop at Uptown Mall in Victoria, we head home in search of coffee. We stop at The Ploughshare where the regulars are greeted warmly by first name. It's counter service and you help yourself to coffee $2 the first cup and $1 refill. Couldn't resist trying a Many Berry Granola Square, which wasn't quite what I expected but tasty none the less. This 1953 Chevy Bel Air pulls up and hubby's in "car talk" mode in a flash. No shortage of car culture on Vancouver Island. Recommended for a quick coffee.

The Ploughshare Cafe            Open weekdays 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
4649 West Saanich Road         Saturday 8:30 to 3:00 pm
Victoria, BC V8Z 3G8              Sunday 9:00 to 3:00 pm

The Urban Bee

You can't help noticing the colourful hives and fields of flowers across West Saanich Road from The Urban Bee. Inside the shop is a vast selection of honey, beeswax and bee-themed items from tableware to jewelry. 

We enjoy coffee and baked treats served up on china dishes made to resemble vintage enamelware. The honeyed almond cookie and blueberry muffin were both delicious. Unfortunately, I haven't got the itemized receipt but coffee was about $2.50 a cup and the total including tax about $12.50.  Recommended. 

I purchase a package of three different sized Goldilocks Wraps, which I've wanted to try for some time. They're a locally made eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags and cling film. A tea towel and wooden honey dipper also come home with me.

It's fascinating to watch the bees in the open hive and as they fly in and out through a transparent tube in the wall.

Urban Bee Honey Farm
6440 West Saanich Road, Saanichton BC

The Dragonfly Cafe

This homey cafe is a little off the beaten track and well worth seeking out.  With seating inside and out, you can make yourself comfy with a hot or cold beverage while you wait for a tasty panini to arrive hot off the grill.

The emphasis here is quality ingredients and minimizing waste. There are plenty of veggie options and the daily specials don't disappoint. There is also an interesting selection of local items for sale including some stunning artwork by owner Tahirih Goffic.

The Dragonfly Cafe, #17, 2234 Harbour Rd, Sidney opens weekdays from 7:30 to 17:00 serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and freshly baked treats. Recommended.