Qualicum Beach is blossoming with cafes offering a wide range of fare from fresh house-made sushi to award-winning coffee served with luscious pastries whipped up by the in-house baker, and fish tacos served with a tang of salt air. Since mid-March, some cafes had been serving take out only, while others had shut down temporarily, all in order to help protect against the spread of the corona virus. Here is a snapshot of a few QB eateries offering solace and sustenance to those of us who crave good food and good company.
Shore opened yesterday for deck dining overlooking QB’s iconic waterfront. In addition to their take-out window, six tables are now available on the deck. Owners Steve and Lindy have also reconfigured their kitchen and serving operations to ensure safe distancing for staff, and for customers. Steve says that, at first, they had “pared back [operations] when the pandemic restrictions first came in.” Now they are planning to expand their menu and staff. Currently, Shore is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon – 7 pm at 2831 Island Hwy W. on the Qualicum Beach waterfront.
French Press owner Jeremy Perkins says that they are currently offering curbside service Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 2 pm, and starting next week, Saturdays as well. Also starting next week, French Press will open their sidewalk patio with additional seating arranged to maintain safe distancing. A full drinks menu is available, including their award winning in-house roasted coffee (hot and fresh in cups and bags of roasted beans). Also available is an array of baked goodies including butter or lemon tarts, cookies and muffins, amazing cakes and, occasionally, cinnamon buns all displayed in their window, plus soups and ciabatta sandwiches. The next steps, dependent on a sustained flattening of the COVID-19 curve, will include opening up table service inside the cafe, at a 50 percent capacity. Jeremy says that they have completely reorganized the interior layout for a better flow, installed new flooring and upgraded appliances. “This is a rare occasion to do things that we’ve never had time to do before.” French Press is located at 692 Primrose Street in Qualicum Beach.
Sushi Hama is located in the charming Chilham Village at 221 W. Second Avenue in Qualicum Beach. Currently, they are offering take out service only. Sushi Hama is now open from Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 7 pm, and Saturday from noon to 7 pm. Owner Peter says that he will keep this temporary schedule in place “until the spread of this virus ends”. Check out Sushi Hama’s full menu of fresh house-made sushi at https://sites.google.com/view/SUSHIHAMAQUALICUM/home