Running on empty won’t get you across the finish line of a marathon. You need to carbo-load and you need to hydrate. Most importantly, you need a strategic hashcapade at John’s Place in Victoria BC! Why Victoria, you wonder? Well, a crew of running peeps from Portland and I high-tailed it to Canada for the Victoria Marathon.
With perfect weather and a gorgeous course waiting for us on Sunday, we set our sights on John’s Place for a relaxing Saturday brunch. Hotel recommendation? Check. Confirmed by the running tribe (two runners entering)? Check. And so our decision was made – simple!
As we entered, the small foyer was packed with hungry patrons and we had to put our name on the list. The restaurant was hustling and bustling. Speaking of hustling, amongst the wall-to-wall pictures and posters, I spied a classic movie in the upper left corner: Paul Newman in ” The Hustler”. What caught my eye was that the poster was in Italian: Lo Spaccone. I never used that word in Italy! (see why)
We were seated next to a fancy new-age jukebox and, more importantly, the coffee station. Every time the wait staff passed, they topped off our coffee. I thought I could run a marathon EASILY all jacked up on coffee!
Lisa ordered the Meatloaf Frittata with Feta Cheese, which she loved. I, of course, ordered their Yankee Corned Beef Hash. The style of corned beef reminded me of Fig in Santa Monica – ground finely, with very little bits of potato and onion it.
Topped with two poached eggs and green onions, I made short work of the hash. After all, I was buzzed on caffeine and shoveled it into my mouth with wild abandon. (I think I actually got chunks on my glasses!) So how was the hash? Overall, a decent portion, not too big, with full flavor and an inviting comfort food quality that could not be denied. If you go to John’s Place, make sure you order the hash!
I’m pleased to report our carbo-loading strategy, including John’s Place, resulted in a PR (personal record) for me. Here I am in the lower left with all my running family who was able to make the journey: Chris, Byron, Gayla, Tracey, Amy, Jefferson, Brian, Jess, Nancy, Lisa, Brent, Suzanne and Andrea. What a fabulous hashcapade and an outstanding event!!!
Happy Hashcapades,
Clark
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