Shine Café has been serving up delicious breakfasts to hungry Fernwoodians since 2004

›› Lauren Gaultier

Many Fernwood residents are surprised to learn that our community borders extend as far east as Fort Street. Enter Stadacona Centre located between Fort Street, Pandora Avenue, Belmont Avenue, and Stadacona Avenue. With a multitude of businesses, over the next several articles we will be showcasing the restaurants that are tucked away in this pocket of our humble hood.

Located on the Fort Street side of ­Stadacona Centre, Shine Café has been serving up some of the best breakfasts in Victoria since 2004. This family owned and operated business started off as one young couple’s dream. Now more than 17 years later, they have grown to include their ­children as second-generation staff ­supporting their two locations and loyal customer base. When asked why owner Lauren Thomson chose Fernwood as the location for Shine, she said that, “­Fernwood was the perfect location to start a small business. The community was extremely welcoming and supportive right from day one. Local folks were happy to have a café established within walking distance of their homes and neighbourhoods.”

Known for their scratch-made hollandaise sauce, we had to try their perennial favourite—the Cali Eggs Benedict with bacon, grilled tomato, and avocado. We also tried the Chorizo Hash with house made chorizo, black bean-corn salsa, bell peppers, and tomatoes topped with melted cheddar.

If you haven’t been by to support them yet, you should know that by doing so, you are supporting some staff that have been working there for close to a decade, or more (a rarity in this industry).

They have been following all provincial health orders and—although it’s been difficult and hectic at times—they would love to welcome you to their establishment to serve up some delicious breakfast and build some lasting memories.

“Shine is lucky to serve such an ­awesome community! We sincerely appreciate the encouragement and support that residents have shown over the past 18 months. It’s been a great place to operate a small business and we’ve been happy to grow with the community for almost 18 years. Many thanks!”, owner Thomson shared.

For more info and to peruse their menu items, visit shinecafe.ca or follow them at @­shinecafeinc.