It’s no coincidence that “ma ta ne” means “see you again” in Japanese, because that’s what you’ll be saying after you try the offerings at Ma Ta Ne Sushi, in Sidney.

Owner Ben Kim, a master of the ancient art of sushi preparation, and his staff, present a wide variety of colours, tastes and textures with the artistic flair that adds to the pleasure of eating sushi. Popular choices are California roll, Dynamite roll (not as hot as you might expect) and deep fried prawns. Individual service, party platters and catering available.

Ben also operates Arigado Sushi, in Ganges, Salt Spring Island, “thank you very much”! Ma Ta Ne Sushi located at 101-9775 Fourth Street, south of Tanner’s Books. Order by phone: 778-426-0100.

Lloyd and Diana English recently opened their new music school, Peninsula Academy of Music Arts, at 1662 Mills Road, North Saanich, the former Legion Hall.

The building has been completely renovated and features seven teaching studios, including one large enough to hold small recitals, a soundproof drum room, a large reception area and lots of parking.

This an exciting development for Lloyd and Diana, owners of Sidney Musicworks, where they taught out of five small studios.

The academy, with 300 students, employs 17 teachers, including the English’s son Miles, and five part-time staff. Lessons run the gamut from strings, keyboard, woodwinds and percussion, to voice, school band instruments and accordion, as well as theory and exam preparation. They offer everything, in other words, except harmonica … until they find a teacher! Contact them at 778-426-1800.

Mohamad Dehairi, proprietor with wife Toni Brassard of Brentwood Bay’s Quattro Stagione for the past several years, has relocated to 1164 Stelly’s X Road, former site of Carden Street Café.

With the move, they have renamed the restaurant Zanzibar and offer “global flavors and local tastes”. Wholesome meals are “home-cooked” using fresh, local ingredients as seasonally available – including the all day breakfast featuring free range eggs. Menu choices run from the exotic flavours of North Africa and the Middle East to Italian and Canadian.

As for service, Mohamad says he has “the best staff on the Peninsula!” Zanzibar is open Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations accepted: 250-652-1228.

Holy Cow! They’re growing by leaps and bounds!

Ken and Julie Coward, of Holy Cow Communications are a landlord’s dream, expanding office space for their growing business as it becomes available in the Sidney Cannery.

This second expansion for the firm increases the space for creative free flow by an additional 500 square feet. Ken and Julie settled in Sidney and began their home business 12 years ago. Today, Holy Cow is a full service firm providing graphic design, advertising, copywriting, branding, marketing, and media expertise.

The company has a staff of six and a client list that includes Island Farms, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation, Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa and the Peninsula Chamber. Find them at 301 – 2537 Beacon Avenue: call 250- 655-6597.

Eileen Leddy is executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Send your information to her at eleddy@peninsulachamber.ca, subject line Buzz.