Dining

From the Heart

Avenue Bistro in Comox blends urban atmosphere with community spirit and “feel-good” cuisine

Cars and Humans

Cars and Humans

Photo by Boomer Jerritt

• Canada has about 0.5% of the world’s population, anorexia
but contributes about 2% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Syphilis
which contribute to global warming.  (Stats Canada)

• In 2005, slightly more than 23 tonnes of GHGs were emitted for each person in the country; this represents an 8% increase since 1990.  To get an idea of how much that is, contemplate that one tonne of emissions would fill an ordinary two-storey, three-bedroom house. (Stats Canada)

• In 2005, Canadians emitted about 747 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHGs to the atmosphere.  Each megatonne would fill 1000 ordinary two-story, three-bedroom houses.  (Stats Canada)

• Twenty-three per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by individuals and families.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

• Light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs and small trucks) generate approximately 12% of Canada’s greenhouse gases.  (Canadian Automobile Association) 

• An average household with two mid-sized vehicles emits more than 20,000 pounds of CO a year.  It takes 400 trees to absorb 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.  (Environmental Defense Fund)

• The average yearly cost of operating a vehicle can be as high as $9,000 a year, or nearly $25 a day.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

• SUVs put out 43% more global-warming pollutants (28 pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of gas consumed) and 47% more air pollution than the average car.  (Bicycleuniverse.com)

• The number of motor vehicle registrations in Canada increased by 14% between 2000 and 2007, reaching more than 20 million vehicles.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

• As the number of vehicles on the road has increased, the number of persons per vehicle has declined.  In 1931, there were 8.6 persons on average per vehicle; since the mid 1980s there have been an average of 1.7.  (Canadian Automobile Association)


Canada has about 0.5% of the world’s population, capsule but contributes about 2% of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, search which contribute to global warming.  (Stats Canada)

 

In 2005, slightly more than 23 tonnes of GHGs were emitted for each person in the country; this represents an 8% increase since 1990.  To get an idea of how much that is, contemplate that one tonne of emissions would fill an ordinary two-storey, three-bedroom house. (Stats Canada)

 

In 2005, Canadians emitted about 747 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent of GHGs to the atmosphere.  Each megatonne would fill 1000 ordinary two-story, three-bedroom houses.  (Stats Canada)

 

Twenty-three per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by individuals and families.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

 

Light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs and small trucks) generate approximately 12% of Canada’s greenhouse gases.  (Canadian Automobile Association) 

 

An average household with two mid-sized vehicles emits more than 20,000 pounds of CO a year.  It takes 400 trees to absorb 20,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.  (Environmental Defense Fund)

 

The average yearly cost of operating a vehicle can be as high as $9,000 a year, or nearly $25 a day.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

 

SUVs put out 43% more global-warming pollutants (28 pounds of carbon dioxide per gallon of gas consumed) and 47% more air pollution than the average car.  (Bicycleuniverse.com)

 

The number of motor vehicle registrations in Canada increased by 14% between 2000 and 2007, reaching more than 20 million vehicles.  (Canadian Automobile Association)

 

As the number of vehicles on the road has increased, the number of persons per vehicle has declined.  In 1931, there were 8.6 persons on average per vehicle; since the mid 1980s there have been an average of 1.7.  (Canadian Automobile Association)


The holiday season is fast approaching, for sale and whether you and your family celebrate Christmas, order
Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, it is an exciting and busy time of celebration. 

The good news of the holiday season includes the expression of love and appreciation for each other, shared time and traditions, and the general kindness and spirit of goodwill so many experience at this time of year. 

The bad news is that the way that many of us have been celebrating is very hard on our little part of the planet.  The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) waste management centres experience a significant increase in garbage in December—it is the biggest waste month of the year.

But it is possible to preserve the good news and reduce or eliminate the bad.  Consider planet-pleasing options when selecting gifts for loved ones:

Give gift certificates—they always fit, reduce the need for wrapping, and the recipient has the experience of selecting exactly what they want.

Shop locally—the choice to purchase locally will reduce the carbon-footprint of your gifts.  Remember to take your reusable bags when you shop.

Gifts of time or talent make a one of-a-kind gift certificate to be redeemed for baking a special treat, an afternoon of help with gardening or a night of child-care or pet-sitting .

Think quality—picking gifts that will last in the long-term versus one use. For example, include rechargeable batteries instead of disposable single-use batteries.

Experiential gifts—use your creativity to find a shared experience that can be a memory and a gift such as event tickets, leisure passes for the recreation centre or classes. 

Give twice—for the person who has everything, give a donation to a cause or charity in their name

Discover fun eco-options —many people would love to receive an eco-friendly item they could use every day such as a travel mug, water bottle, reusable cloth bags, counter-top composters, windup flashlights, and other unique items made from ecologically friendly or recycled materials.

When wrapping gifts, remember that traditional wrapping paper cannot be recycled—it must go into the garbage.  Better choices for wrapping alternatives include:

Find or make decorative tin cans or baskets—these can become part of your tradition or are part of the gift.

Use gifts as the package—wrap in hankies, scarves, tea towels or t-shirts, even tuck a special treasure into the traditional pair of socks!

Pick reusable gift bags—perhaps created for each person specifically.

Wrap with recyclables—pick materials that can be recycled afterwards, such as computer paper or newspaper or colorful comics, then finish off with ribbon that can be used again and again, or a special ornament.

When decorating for the holidays there are several options for sharing the fun and creating memories while crafting unique decorations made from natural or recycled or recyclable materials.  How about creating garlands from cranberries and popcorn, which can become gifts to the hungry birds outside when decorating time inside is done? 

If you are thinking about changing how you celebrate the holiday season, discuss your thoughts and plans with your family and friends in advance, so that they understand and will have realistic expectations. Many people now ask each other for a wish list and that is an excellent time to express your desire for change.  

Most importantly, this year, when expressing love or friendship for each other, consider the environmental impact of your celebrations and make better choices for a better future.
The holiday season is fast approaching, find and whether you and your family celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, it is an exciting and busy time of celebration. 

The good news of the holiday season includes the expression of love and appreciation for each other, shared time and traditions, and the general kindness and spirit of goodwill so many experience at this time of year. 

The bad news is that the way that many of us have been celebrating is very hard on our little part of the planet.  The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) waste management centres experience a significant increase in garbage in December—it is the biggest waste month of the year.

But it is possible to preserve the good news and reduce or eliminate the bad.  Consider planet-pleasing options when selecting gifts for loved ones:

 

Give gift certificates—they always fit, reduce the need for wrapping, and the recipient has the experience of selecting exactly what they want.

Shop locally—the choice to purchase locally will reduce the carbon-footprint of your gifts.  Remember to take your reusable bags when you shop.

Gifts of time or talent make a one of-a-kind gift certificate to be redeemed for baking a special treat, an afternoon of help with gardening or a night of child-care or pet-sitting .

Think quality—picking gifts that will last in the long-term versus one use. For example, include rechargeable batteries instead of disposable single-use batteries.

Experiential gifts—use your creativity to find a shared experience that can be a memory and a gift such as event tickets, leisure passes for the recreation centre or classes. 

Give twice—for the person who has everything, give a donation to a cause or charity in their name

Discover fun eco-options —many people would love to receive an eco-friendly item they could use every day such as a travel mug, water bottle, reusable cloth bags, counter-top composters, windup flashlights, and other unique items made from ecologically friendly or recycled materials.

 

When wrapping gifts, remember that traditional wrapping paper cannot be recycled—it must go into the garbage.  Better choices for wrapping alternatives include:

Find or make decorative tin cans or baskets—these can become part of your tradition or are part of the gift.

Use gifts as the package—wrap in hankies, scarves, tea towels or t-shirts, even tuck a special treasure into the traditional pair of socks!

Pick reusable gift bags—perhaps created for each person specifically.

Wrap with recyclables—pick materials that can be recycled afterwards, such as computer paper or newspaper or colorful comics, then finish off with ribbon that can be used again and again, or a special ornament.

 

When decorating for the holidays there are several options for sharing the fun and creating memories while crafting unique decorations made from natural or recycled or recyclable materials.  How about creating garlands from cranberries and popcorn, which can become gifts to the hungry birds outside when decorating time inside is done? 

If you are thinking about changing how you celebrate the holiday season, discuss your thoughts and plans with your family and friends in advance, so that they understand and will have realistic expectations. Many people now ask each other for a wish list and that is an excellent time to express your desire for change.  

Most importantly, this year, when expressing love or friendship for each other, consider the environmental impact of your celebrations and make better choices for a better future.
The holiday season is fast approaching, viagra dosage
and whether you and your family celebrate Christmas, this web
Hanukah, dentist
Kwanzaa or the winter solstice, it is an exciting and busy time of celebration. 

The good news of the holiday season includes the expression of love and appreciation for each other, shared time and traditions, and the general kindness and spirit of goodwill so many experience at this time of year. 

The bad news is that the way that many of us have been celebrating is very hard on our little part of the planet.  The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) waste management centres experience a significant increase in garbage in December—it is the biggest waste month of the year.

But it is possible to preserve the good news and reduce or eliminate the bad.  Consider planet-pleasing options when selecting gifts for loved ones:

 

Give gift certificates—they always fit, reduce the need for wrapping, and the recipient has the experience of selecting exactly what they want.

Shop locally—the choice to purchase locally will reduce the carbon-footprint of your gifts.  Remember to take your reusable bags when you shop.

Gifts of time or talent make a one of-a-kind gift certificate to be redeemed for baking a special treat, an afternoon of help with gardening or a night of child-care or pet-sitting .

Think quality—picking gifts that will last in the long-term versus one use. For example, include rechargeable batteries instead of disposable single-use batteries.

Experiential gifts—use your creativity to find a shared experience that can be a memory and a gift such as event tickets, leisure passes for the recreation centre or classes. 

Give twice—for the person who has everything, give a donation to a cause or charity in their name

Discover fun eco-options —many people would love to receive an eco-friendly item they could use every day such as a travel mug, water bottle, reusable cloth bags, counter-top composters, windup flashlights, and other unique items made from ecologically friendly or recycled materials.

 

When wrapping gifts, remember that traditional wrapping paper cannot be recycled—it must go into the garbage.  Better choices for wrapping alternatives include:

Find or make decorative tin cans or baskets—these can become part of your tradition or are part of the gift.

Use gifts as the package—wrap in hankies, scarves, tea towels or t-shirts, even tuck a special treasure into the traditional pair of socks!

Pick reusable gift bags—perhaps created for each person specifically.

Wrap with recyclables—pick materials that can be recycled afterwards, such as computer paper or newspaper or colorful comics, then finish off with ribbon that can be used again and again, or a special ornament.

 

When decorating for the holidays there are several options for sharing the fun and creating memories while crafting unique decorations made from natural or recycled or recyclable materials.  How about creating garlands from cranberries and popcorn, which can become gifts to the hungry birds outside when decorating time inside is done? 

If you are thinking about changing how you celebrate the holiday season, discuss your thoughts and plans with your family and friends in advance, so that they understand and will have realistic expectations. Many people now ask each other for a wish list and that is an excellent time to express your desire for change.  

Most importantly, this year, when expressing love or friendship for each other, consider the environmental impact of your celebrations and make better choices for a better future.
The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for people can be dangerous for your pet.  To avoid dampening any holiday spirits, this web
it helps to be aware of the dangers the holidays can bring for your cat or dog, health system
and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards. 

Food Related Items 

?  Rich, fatty foods like gravy or grease can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting and dehydration. 

?  Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.

?  Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthenes, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog’s reach.

?  Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing tearing throughout the intestinal tract. 

?  Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

?  Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.

?  Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell – juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

?  Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.

Poisonous Plants 

?  If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.  Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea.  Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. Place these plants well out of your pet’s reach.

Decorations & Wrapping

?  Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your pet’s neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous.

?  Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.

?  Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating it, but some curious pets may.

?  Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.

Gifts Under the Tree 

?  Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog.  If played with and swallowed,  ribbon or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.

?  Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and essential oils that can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.

Christmas Trees 

?  Place Christmas trees in a stable stand, and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line. To keep pets away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. While most dog owners use an exercise pen to provide a safe place for a pet to play, during the holidays, some people place the pen around the tree. Make sure your dog is supervised when in a room with a tree.

?  Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your pet is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.

?  Tinsel’s shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.

?  Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. 

?  Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights, can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot, and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.

?  Dogs will often play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet’s mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.

?  Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog as they are to children. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.

?  Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria.  Fertilizers, insecticides or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.
The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for people can be dangerous for your pet.  To avoid dampening any holiday spirits, angina
it helps to be aware of the dangers the holidays can bring for your cat or dog, and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards. 

 

Food Related Items 

?  Rich, fatty foods like gravy or grease can cause problems ranging from stomach upsets to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas resulting in pain, vomiting and dehydration. 

?  Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption. Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Dogs are often attracted by the sweet taste of drinks, especially eggnog.

?  Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called xanthenes, which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Chocolate, with theobromine, is especially a problem because dogs love its flavor. Problems from ingestion range from diarrhea to seizures and death. Unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the worst culprits, but all chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog’s reach.

?  Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing tearing throughout the intestinal tract. 

?  Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

?  Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscles of dogs.

?  Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell – juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.

?  Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.

Poisonous Plants 

?  If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.  Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea.  Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. Place these plants well out of your pet’s reach.

 

Decorations & Wrapping

?  Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal. Ribbons around your pet’s neck may be cute, but they can also be dangerous.

?  Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to animals.

?  Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to dogs if eaten. We may not think of eating it, but some curious pets may.

?  Candles can cause burns and fires. Never leave lighted candles unattended or within reach of your pet.

Gifts Under the Tree 

?  Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you present gifts to your dog.  If played with and swallowed,  ribbon or string on gifts can cause intestinal obstruction, requiring surgery.

?  Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and essential oils that can be very toxic to dogs if ingested.

Christmas Trees 

?  Place Christmas trees in a stable stand, and attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line. To keep pets away from the tree, it may help to use a Scat Mat. While most dog owners use an exercise pen to provide a safe place for a pet to play, during the holidays, some people place the pen around the tree. Make sure your dog is supervised when in a room with a tree.

?  Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your pet is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.

?  Tinsel’s shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.

?  Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. 

?  Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights, can cause problems ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock to death by electrocution. Some larger lights can become quite hot, and could also cause burns. Unplug decorative lights when you are not there, use pet-proof extension cords, and spray cords with a product such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.

?  Dogs will often play with glass ornaments as if they were balls and serious oral lacerations can result. Sharp ornament hooks can also become imbedded in your pet’s mouth or esophagus. Place ornaments that are shiny, or could be swallowed or broken high up on your tree. Larger, less intriguing ornaments can go near the bottom.

?  Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog as they are to children. Popcorn, raisin, or cranberry garlands are beautiful, but can cause an obstruction when eaten, requiring surgery.

?  Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria.  Fertilizers, insecticides or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.

“There’s no pretension—it’s just good food,” says chef Aaron Rail, centre, with Torrie Howlett and Sandra Viney at Avenue Bistro.

When word got out in the summer of 2007 that the owners of Atlas Café, arguably one of the most popular eateries in the Comox Valley, were opening up a new restaurant in Comox, the rumblings from armchair critics were deafening.

The multicultural flavour combinations of an Atlas-like menu would be too exotic for conservative little Comox, they said.  A funky urban-style bistro would be too hip for this sleepy bedroom community, they said.  The Comox Valley isn’t big enough for two Atlases, they said.

Today, little more than a year after opening its doors, Avenue Bistro is the hottest joint on Comox Avenue and the peanut gallery is all but silent.  While Avenue definitely evokes a contemporary urban vibe that’s cutting edge for the town of Comox, owners Trent McIntyre and Sandra Viney have worked hard to create a space that is welcoming to everyone. 

“It’s funny,” muses McIntyre on the speculation that Avenue was ahead of its time.  “All those things were being said when we opened Atlas too.  People thought it was a little too trendy.

“I don’t think Avenue is that trendy of a restaurant,” he continues.  “It might be a little bit new for Comox, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm for most people.”

Avenue is the result of what McIntyre refers to as a “natural progression” (and what Viney jokingly refers to as “workaholicism”) of the 14 years that the husband/wife team has invested in Atlas Café.  

McIntyre had been dreaming of a new restaurant for years, Viney says, and when they were finally able to step back from the day-to-day operations of Atlas a few years ago, the time seemed right to begin writing the next chapter of their story.

“We wanted to have a place that was in the community of Comox,” says McIntyre,” as well as a place that was in the community of Courtenay.  We wanted to be a part of both communities.”

With smooth, clean lines and a modern décor made up of complementary chocolate browns and creamy whites, Avenue’s ambiance at first seems more Park Avenue than Comox Avenue.  Two deep, rounded booths that guard the entrance to an elevated lounge are a melding of 70s retro and 21st century chic, and patrons of the lounge itself are entertained by two flat-screen TVs that bookend a sleek cream-coloured bar.  The open-concept dining room below hums with the eclectic energy of the community during peak hours.

If Avenue’s décor is avant-garde, its winter menu is anything but.  The guiding culinary philosophy at Avenue, as expressed neatly on the back of its drink menu, is to “continue the time-honored tradition of the classic French bistro with seasonal and local fare simply prepared and served in an atmosphere that is both warm and embracing.” 

This philosophy is embodied in dinner entrees like the chargrilled double pork chop, served with apple compote and crispy polenta, and the prime rib with Yorkshire pudding that’s served exclusively on Sundays.

Chef Aaron Rail, who just joined the Avenue team in September after applying his art to the menus of Victoria hotspots such as Café Brio and the Oak Bay Marina, has created a fall menu that warms the heart as well as feeds the belly.

“Food has to be relatable,” says Rail.  “It’s hard to enjoy something if it doesn’t evoke anything in you.  We have a braised chicken dish with pappardelle that we call chicken noodle.  It’s like a brothy, sumptuous winter dish, something you can eat and maybe remember eating chicken noodle soup as a kid.”

Avenue’s “mac and cheese,” another popular pasta featured on both the lunch and dinner menus, is another example of this type of nostalgic, feel-good cuisine.

“There’s no pretension there,” says Rail.  “It’s just good food.” 

Avenue’s menu changes with the seasons in order to take advantage of the bounty of fresh local ingredients that give the Comox Valley the nickname “Land of Plenty.”  From Eatmore winter greens to Natural Pastures cheeses, Avenue’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are graced by a variety of home-grown products, and it’s a trend that Rail expects will continue.

“It used to be a cachet to use local, but now it just makes sense,” he says.  “When you consider that most suppliers now are charging diesel charges and gas charges to deliver, and things have got to come from California or Mexico or Costa Rica, you’re paying as much for the freight as you are for the product.” 

McIntyre agrees.  “I think what Aaron and I are trying to do is really adhere to the bistro style, and adhere to the local products and adhere to the seasons,” he says.  “We’re trying to combine all those things and bring home some comfort food that people can relate to over the winter months that is easy on the pocketbook and easy on the eyes.”  

Complementing Avenue’s selection of hearty, comforting entrees is a drink list that rivals any in the Comox Valley, at least in terms of geographical variety.  While patrons expect a restaurant’s wine list to feature bottles from all around the world, they don’t necessarily expect that the beer list will be equally diverse.  

For those who like a taste of the exotic in their barley pop, Avenue offers selections from beer-producing heavyweights like Germany and the UK, but also from unexpected places like the Czech Republic, Japan, India and even Jamaica.  Those simply craving the hoppy comforts of home can choose from local microbreweries like Phillips and Vancouver Island Brewery, both out of Victoria, as well as a selection of micros and traditional domestics from across Canada.