One Day in Victoria: Alt-folk harmony-based trio Fox Glove

The Victoria-based trio takes us on a tour of their favourite food and drink spots in their hometown

Despite falling under the umbrella of alt-folk, Fox Glove’s sound cannot be easily defined. The talented trio--consisted of Renn Madeleine Bibeau, Claire Butterfield, and Chelsea Kanstrup--manages to flow seamlessly through a spectrum of complementary genres, combining melodic harmonies and celestial sounds to create music that transcends the norm and encapsulates the listener. 

The group’s capacity for variety extends to live performances as well. Fox Glove has become a Canadian fan-favourite, thanks in large part to their ability to elicit an array of emotions from whatever crowd they play for; from haunting, in-your-face anthems in packed concert halls to the soft, immersive intimacy of smaller shows.

In 2017, Fox Glove launched their first annual Let the Love In event to raise funds and support for local charities. Joining forces with local assemblies of music, art, community, and collaboration, Let the Love In routinely sells out Victoria’s famed 800-seat Alix Goolden Hall. 

After the success of their first two EPs, Fox Glove and Roll On, the trio debuted their first full-length album in 2018. The album features a deep, mysterious tone in both their music and their lyrics, and while each track is intrinsically unique, they weave together to form a poignantly cohesive story.

The group’s latest EP, Dead of Winter delivers the same potency and passion the group has become known for. Inspired by a postcard bearing the Albert Camus quote, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer,” the three-track EP explores the resilience of the human spirit, a yearning to heal, and the ability of a dying ember to start a flame. 

We recently had a chance to sit down with the talented trio to find out what Victoria food and drink spots sing to them.

Breakfast

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shine Cafe (@shinecafeinc) on

We like to eat meals that we wouldn't make at home, so a favourite would certainly be eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, red onion or shallot, and perhaps an avocado if you're lucky.

Victoria takes brunch pretty seriously, and honourable mentions would include Shine Cafe for the Nemo Benny, Jam Cafe for the smoked salmon, or the Village Restaurant for the West Coast Benny. (Bonus points for a dog-friendly patio!)

Lunch

Photo from Sen Zushi's Facebook page

Sen Zushi has the best bento lunches in town, thus making this authentic Japanese restaurant a go-to when in need of a quick, yet exquisite, midday meal. If we're on the run, Fujiya has fresh ready-made sushi to pick up and take wherever we are running to.

Dinner

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ferris Grill & Garden Patio (@ferrisgrill) on

Ferris' is a mainstay for Fox Glove and has been home for many band meetings, celebrations, or meetings that turn into celebrations. Mussels, oysters, or a house salad with extra lemon feta dressing are staples.

Drinks

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Northern Quarter (@thenorthernquarter) on

We love prosecco, so we love popping--ha, 'cause bottles pop--by for a flute at one of the many beautiful bars in Victoria. Zambris has a great atmosphere, Bodega is home to the most incredible staff and appetizers if you fancy a nibble, and Northern Quarter is always inventing beautiful bubbly cocktails and featuring other boutique island wines.

Watch: Fox Glove performs The Water Will Be Your Home at Love In 2018