My first full day back in Victoria was pretty much perfect. It started with a leisurely morning of hanging out with the family, moved on into an afternoon meetup for coffee and snacks with my sister and three dear friends, and was capped off by a delicious dinner at Pagliacci’s, my favourite Victoria restaurant and today’s official bringer of happiness (and trust me when I say that there were MANY from which to choose!).
I’ve eaten here so often throughout the years, more times than I could possibly count – its very atmosphere is saturated with memories and experiences and defining moments from my personal history. Walking through those front doors, inhaling the heady fragrance of pasta and fresh bread, seeing that unchanged cityscape mural and those bumpy terracotta-coloured walls – it all feels like coming home. Pagliacci’s is my happy place.
On the culinary end of things, they make the best – and I do mean the best, Best, BEST – focaccia bread I’ve ever tasted, served in baskets that are whisked away when empty and replaced with full…
…which makes it a challenge to save room for my favourite dish (the “Hemingway Short Story”), a delectable blend of tortellini and bacon and cream sauce goodness. Somehow, though, I always seem to manage.
What a fabulous start to my trip! A happy day indeed.
→ The 100 Happy Days web site
→ My 100 Happy Days posts
What made you happy today?
Please share!

If you’re happy, I’m happy… and you are giddy. 🙂
Now I want bacon.
Myke Todd recently posted… Russian Doll (for Christine Gabriel)
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Bacon makes everything better!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Twitter: ellytreehugger
October 8, 2014
A good dinner of ‘oiled’ orzo (sauteed in olive oil) with melted Daiya (cheese substitute) and fresh (lightly sauteed?) spinach leaves as I think I was hungry – somewhat cranky and tired beforehand. And what will make me happier is bed as I am sleepy. zzzzzzzzzzz….
elly stornebrink recently posted… Tree Days Part 2 – Indian Summer!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Mmmm, sounds good – hope you have a refreshing sleep! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Gotta admit, Laurel, anything that plasters a smiley face in front of me gets my attention It’s my TOTEM, after all! So I was inclined to enjoy your post no matter what. But what a ride you offered! I could see, smell, and even SAVOR the joy that is Pagliacci’s! They should make YOU their marketing maven! I hope you get back there often so you can keep up with whatever new items they put on the menu!
Billie Noakes recently posted… UBC Day 8: It’s a Tool, not a TOY!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Thank you so much, Billie! It really is a wonderful restaurant and I do whatever I can to visit it whenever I’m back in Victoria.
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Twitter: beloome
October 9, 2014
The ambiance of the restaurant as captured in your photo does make it look like a happy place! And that bread…oooh so fresh and inviting 🙂 Happy that you had a happy day back at your place.
Beloo Mehra recently posted… Raising the Discourse
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
Thank you – it was lovely! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
If you are talking about Victoria B.C. then I am jealous. I was born and raised there and I am planning to move back. No place like it and I miss it.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 9, 2014
I am indeed! It’s a lovely city. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Twitter: kaushiva
October 9, 2014
You’ve made me so hungry now!! Yum…that bread! 😀
Aditi recently posted… Memory Intrigues – Chapter 28
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October 9, 2014
It is truly wonderful stuff!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 26
Twitter: indywrites
October 9, 2014
That is a lot of happiness there. Loved the food and the restaurant looks awesome.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 10, 2014
It’s a great place!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 27
It all looks tasty. Good bread is delectable! 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 10, 2014
I totally agree! Yummy stuff.
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 27
Whoo…sinfully delightful. I like that they keep the bread going!
Michelle Liew recently posted… Path Less Walked
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 10, 2014
It’s a great feature of that restaurant!
Laurel Regan recently posted… 100 Happy Days – Day 27
I have to say this food and this place does look absolutely amazing. I hope I’m write in saying that it’s Italian…it seems they have taken what I’ve normally had in terms of food in that culture to a whole new level!
Brittnei recently posted… Luxury, Faith and Learning Crochet
Twitter: alphabetsalad
October 10, 2014
Yes, it’s an Italian restaurant – definitely worth visiting if you’re ever in Victoria!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: Blur + 100 Happy Days – Day 28
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