Finding success as a musician during the pandemic is an impressive feat in and of itself, but what Victoria-based singer-songwriter Mike Edel managed to achieve after suffering a stroke while on tour with his pregnant wife in April of 2021 is nothing shy of remarkable.
Despite requiring hours of rehab each day, Edel wrote the majority of his upcoming fifth full-length album from his hospital bed. In addition to being a deeply personal account of his emotional experiences during that time, casseroles and flowers will also mark the musician’s self-production and filmmaking debut.
The album and documentary, which are set to release on July 22, recount the momentous and sometimes turbulent year, from touring and living in a converted van to his rehabilitation and recovery to becoming a father for the first time.
With two singles from the forthcoming album already stirring up significant buzz from fans and critics alike, we decided it would be a great time to ask the talented singer-songwriter to share some of the food and drink spots that get him excited in his hometown.
Breakfast
I've spent so many years in Victoria, B.C. and I feel like it is one of the best culinary cities and doesn’t receive enough credit. My new and present favourite is The Ruby. It’s classic and dialled and not too cool to have a lineup, but cool enough to spin vinyl all the time. It’s my go-to presently.
Honourable mentions include Jam Cafe, The Parsonage, Blue Fox Cafe and Agrius by Fol Epi.
Lunch
I love Part & Parcel. It’s in my neighbourhood and they source very in season and local ingredients and pickle everything. The fried chicken sandwich is so good, do not get it to-go.
Not because "to-go" is dumb, but because it will end up on your lap. Foo (as take-out) and Taco Justice are too good to be honourable mentions and theses three are diverse for different days and occasions.
Dinner
I like the cozy, oceanfront vibe and taste of Spinnakers Brewhouse. I always love Paggliaci's for dinner and what can I say, I have a soft spot for Earls (just kidding, I've never been to the Earls in Victoria). Honourable mentions are Prima Strada and the casual vibes of Bin 4 Burger.
Drinks
I had a stroke and only drink soda water and bitters currently. For that "stage," I’d love to check out Citrus & Cane, it is in the same space as the live music venue the Copper Owl used to be, and I had lots of good times in there. Coffee is a drink, Parsonage Cafe, Cafe Fantastico, Little June, Discovery Coffee and Habit Coffee.
