Restaurant Review – by: The Intrepid Diner
Upon my arrival in Victoria a few years ago, I was taken aback when my offhanded comment that I was driving to Costco to pick up a prescription met with “Oh, Costco. But that’s 10 kilometers!” A whole six miles? Actually drive all that way? I thought I had landed on Canada’s Far Side!
Although that attitude may still exist here, I doubt that it reflects the behaviour of most VRMNCers, which is fortunate, because one of the best restaurants in B.C. is situated not too far from Costco in Langford. To be more precise, the distance from Victoria’s City Hall to House of Boateng is 14.6 km or 9ish miles, hardly a game changer for a superb evening of enjoyment.
First, the restaurant itself. Tantalizing takeout is available at the front, but should you choose to dine there, the interior eating area is appropriately divided into semi-private areas. Summertime diners will probably choose the outdoor patio, with five tables under heaters and just four beyond. The menu is prepared with imagination and sure handedness: intriguing to culinary aficionados and delicious to all, even non-foodies. Think of the subtle heat of West African spices, local produce and unique twists on traditional menu items (Yam Benny and HOB Jerk Caesar anyone?). As the website features constantly evolving seasonal brunch, happy hour and dinner menus, be sure to check https://www.houseofboateng.ca/ (and do try the exotic fries!).
The backstory here is almost as good as the food! The inspiring journey of Castro Boateng, beginning with his circuitous route from Ghana to Langford, serves as a perfect example of Canada’s immigration policies making this county what it is. Castro’s father in Ghana was a school teacher who left the classroom at day’s end to do a double shift in community self-help. His attitude caught the attention of a Canadian NGO worker who sponsored the Boateng family’s emigration to Toronto when Castro was nine.
Castro eventually completed his college culinary education in Toronto, and subsequently worked with master chefs in Scotland, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Banff and BC. Fifteen years ago he moved to Victoria where he continued to build his restaurant experience and established a catering business. Eventually, he overruled all advice to the contrary and purchased a home for his family in Langford at a price well under the $500k mark! A little over two years ago, as a new low rise went up near his home, Castro again gambled by leasing the main floor restaurant space, and he’s never since looked back!
COVID? Of course it affected the bottom line. But here is where what the government official in Ghana saw in Mr. Boateng Sr. came full circle. Castro, using the restaurant as a base, has helped numerous Langford charities with fundraising. Grandmothers for Africa was just one of the many beneficiaries of Castro’s give-back to the community attitude. When COVID hit, one of the grandmothers volunteered in his restaurant kitchen to repay Castro for his kindness. Another kitchen staff member, who had to be furloughed, continued to work for free just to continue her cooking education program.
All in all, The House of Boateng and the Boateng family are a most welcome discovery, truly worth a bit of a drive! While little has been said about the food, rest assured that the word ‘excellent’ says it all!
As broadcaster Paul Harvey said daily in his sign-off – “and now you know the rest of the story”.
House of Boateng, 2854 Peatt Road, Langford 778-432-2233
Online booking: houseofboateng.ca/book-a-table Parking Behind
Patio Dining & Take Out
Exit 14 South from #1
Chef Castro and his Mom
Chef Castro is Executive Chef/ Proprietor:
2020 Canada’s Great Kitchen Party Winner, Victoria
2020 Greater Victoria Chamber Business Of The Year
2020 Eat Magazine Chef of the Year
2019 Air Canada’s 35 Best New Restaurants
2019 YAM Magazine Chef Of The Year
2019 YAM Magazine Best New Restaurant
