buzz: CaVa opens in Fernwood Square

Duck confit and dark chocolate soufflé grace the menu of Fernwood’s newest restaurant, CaVa Bistro Moderne. The French bistro is tempered with an Australian influence, resulting in a welcoming, laid back room and delicious dishes.

Chef and owner, Fauna Martin, is a longtime Fernwood local. She grew up in a house just behind her new restaurant and graduated from Vic High and the University of Victoria. After returning to Victoria from honing her chef skills in Australia, Martin set her sights on opening a restaurant in her former ‘hood.

Diners looking for a middle ground between the casual Fernwood Inn and fine dining at Stage will appreciate CaVa in Fernwood Sqaure. The room, formerly home to Kulu, is simple, but comfortable, with hardwood floors and the menu lettered on the chalkboard wall. The full plate dishes feature local ingredients and with Martin’s French training and Australian experience feature a unique interpretation of ‘westcoast style’.

In March, I ducked in with a friend to try Fauna’s recommended dark chocolate soufflé for a post-Belfry treat. CaVa was the perfect spot to spend the rest of the evening. Their brunch is now on my to-try list and I’m curious to taste their creamy goat cheese polenta or salmon crackling for dinner sometime soon.

“I needed to challenge myself,” says Martin about opening CaVa. “I needed to be moving forward.”

Now, Martin is looking forward to spring and summer – prime patio months filled with fresh, local produce. CaVa will be adding patio seating in Fernwood Square, adding to the 32 seats inside the restaurant. She’ll also be adding new dishes to the menu featuring spring vegetables and local halibut. Yum!

CaVa is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and weekend brunch. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

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