Before opening Victoria’s Delights in downtown Oxford, Victoria Connolly, owner of Victoria’s Delights, dreamed of someday opening her own restaurant as she worked for some of the top restaurants in the Detroit area.

Her dream became a reality in August of 1997, when she opened Victoria’s Delights at 12. S Washington, where it still stands today.

Twenty years later, Connolly is still bringing the same high level of passion for cooking, along with a variety of gourmet meals and delectable drinks, to the Oxford community.

During the early years, Victoria’s Delights served as a café with only five tables, serving soups, sandwiches and lighter fare.

Over time, Connolly took her passion for creating unique dishes and ran with it, creating a full menu which now includes brunch, lunch and dinner options.

“We’re very unique. We’re small, but we’re eclectic. All of our food is made from scratch. I try to make really creative, interesting items that you won’t find at any of the other restaurants in the area… We’re always trying to do something new and bring something fresh and new for our guests so that it doesn’t become stale or routine,” said Connolly.

Victoria’s Delights also offers catering services, premium wines, craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, cooking classes, wine tastings and wine dinners.

According to Connolly, the restaurant has amassed many regular customers throughout the years— some of whom dine there several times a week. After 20 years, Connelly and her employees have seen many of their customer’s milestones including dating, marriage and children.

“It’s hard to even believe it’s been 20 years! We’ve built up a lot of loyal, regular customers over the years. I’ve seen their kids grow up. I catered their kids’ graduation parties, celebrated their kids’ engagement and then they bring their kids in when they have babies. It’s been great to be able to see a whole generation shift,” said Connolly.

Although the restaurant business can be challenging between hectic weekends and holidays, Connelly said, at the end of the day, that she knows she’s following her true calling.

“For me, I love what I do. I take it very seriously… I try to use a lot of vegetables, a lot of things that are very good for you. I see myself as providing good food for good people and that’s something I want to do every day. That keeps me going. I’m proud to be a part of the Oxford community,” Connolly added.

To celebrate its two decades of service to the Oxford community, Victoria’s Delights will have a $20 “Taste of Victoria’s” section featured on the menu throughout the month of August, which will include a variety of samples of customer-favorite recipes.

For more information about Victoria’s Delights and the services it offers, visit the website at www.victoriasdelights.com.