Thursday, September 21, 2023

Customizable Lunch Bento Box from Tokyo in April Restaurant Vancouver

It was a picturesque Thursday with clear skies and sunshine, setting the perfect backdrop for our team's Japanese-themed lunch outing. Our destination was Tokyo in April, a highly-rated Japanese restaurant conveniently located nearby.

Tokyo in April offers a unique lunch experience with its customizable bento boxes. For my selection, I crafted a satisfying ensemble: spicy miso soup, teriyaki beef over rice, a spring mix salad, chicken karaage, and a salmon & avocado roll.


My Custom Bento Box from Tokyo in April

The spicy miso soup was a standout, boasting a balanced flavour profile that wasn't excessively salty but wonderfully savoury. The only hiccup in our culinary journey was the spring mix salad, which arrived unadorned with dressing, seemingly forgotten. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity to infuse some greens into my meal.


Spicy Miso Soup that's part of my bento box from Tokyo in April

The teriyaki beef over rice pleasantly surprised me with its sweeter notes, while the salmon and avocado roll showcased the delicate harmony between velvety salmon and creamy avocado. To elevate the roll further, a textural contrast element could be considered, though it still delivered an excellent taste.

Saving the best for last, the unassuming appearance of the chicken karaage belied its bold flavours. Well-seasoned, with a juicy and tender interior encased in a delightfully crispy exterior, it left an indelible impression. I eagerly anticipate indulging in this flavorful dish again on future visits.

If you find yourself near International Village, stop by Tokyo in April for their unique bento box experience.



For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

  1. Brazilian: Boteco Brasil
  2. Chicken: Nando's
  3. Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant
  4. Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt
  5. Thai: Thai Away Home
  6. Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread
  1. Pies: Peaked Pies
  2. Comfort Food: Nene Chicken
  3. Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries
  4. Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory
  5. Vietnamese: Pholicious
  6. Japanese: Tokyo in April

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

We're a creature of habit. After having lunch at Suika, we always go to nearby Trees Organic at their West Broadway and Fir Street location.

We have tried most of their flavours and one of the few classic flavours left is the Chocoholic Cheesecake.


Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

I love the smooth creamy texture of cheesecake as it is a great contrast to the chocolate crumb crust. Adding milk and dark chocolate to the cheesecake is a chocolate lovers dream.


List of Seasonal Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of the seasonal cheesecakes we have tried from Trees arranged alphabetically.


List of Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of cheesecakes from Trees that are always available.

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika

Happy Sunday! After Mass today, we enjoyed a pancake breakfast by the Knights of Columbus. Then, we walked to the Kitsilano Farmers Market just to window shop.

At 11:35 AM, our lunch adventure took us to Suika, a beloved Vancouver restaurant close to my heart. Without fail, I gravitate towards two favourites on their menu: the Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping and the irresistible Chicken Dashi Karaage.


Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping

This is the best Japanese curry in Vancouver. The rich curry sauce spiced to perfection forms the base of this personal favourite. It's generously seasoned with aromatic spices that evoke a comforting warmth. I absolutely love the shredded tender beef in the curry sauce.


Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu from Suika
Suika original stewed beef tendon curry with pork loin cutlet

I always choose the tonkatsu as my topping. It is a crispy, golden-fried pork cutlet that adds a delightful crunch. It provides a lovely contrast: the tender, succulent pork inside and the satisfying crispy coating outside covered in the best beef curry sauce.


Chicken Dashi Karaage

Suika has mastered the art of balancing juiciness and crispness with their Chicken Dashi Karaage. Each piece of chicken is an explosion of succulent, tender meat encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. Yum!


Chicken Dashi Karaage from Suika
Juicy deep-fried chicken thigh, crispy on the outside and filled with rich dashi shoyu flavour

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon

While I stuck to my usual order, my husband chose from Syuka's Chef Special menu and picked the Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon.


Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika
Udon noodle pan fried in a creamy seaweed sauce and served with garlic prawns and mushrooms.

The udon noodles are chewy, and the creamy seaweed sauce clings to it nicely. Meanwhile, the prawns have a subtle sweetness, while the mushrooms add their own earthy flavour.


I am joyful to be back at Suika. In the past years, we would visit here once a month, but with so many restaurants opening up, we've only been here once a quarter this year.

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard from Dairy Queen

As our vibrant stroll through Main Street's Car Free Day came to a close, we couldn't resist the allure of indulging in some delightful desserts to cap off our culinary adventure and get relief from the summer heat. Our sweet journey led us to Dairy Queen, where we faced a dessert dilemma—two limited edition Blizzards, each promising a unique flavour experience.

Our first choice, the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard, held the promise of a dessert imbued with the nostalgic flavours of Snickerdoodle cookies. However, this Blizzard turned out to be a surprise of a different kind.

Upon the first spoonful, it became apparent that cinnamon was the dominant player in this dessert. While some may relish the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon, it overshadowed the other elements of the treat, leaving me yearning for a more balanced flavour profile.


Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
Find sugar, spice, and everything nice blended into our Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat.

I hated it so much that I needed a different Blizzard and got a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie. This delectable creation celebrated peanut butter's rich and creamy allure, harmonizing it with the irresistible appeal of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.


REESE'S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
A little salty, a little sweet - satisfy your pie craving with this treat.

With each spoonful, I revelled in the decadent blend of velvety peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of the chocolate cups. It was a symphony of textures and tastes that made me smile.


Below is a list of Blizzard Treats from Dairy Queen that we have tried.

Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe food truck (includes menu)

Nestled amidst the vibrant festivities of Car Free Day on Main Street, we stumbled upon Camion Cafe, a delightful food truck specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, specifically bánh mì. We decided to give their Lemongrass Bánh Mì and spring roll a try.


Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe
Lemongrass beef, ginger garlic marinade, mayo cucumber, jalapeno, daikon & carrot pickles, and cilantro.

At first glance, the crusty demi-baguette encasing the bánh mì appears too hardy, but beneath this textural exterior lies the star: the lemongrass-infused beef. It's so tender and succulent.


Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe
Lemongrass beef, ginger garlic marinade, mayo cucumber, jalapeno, daikon & carrot pickles, and cilantro.

In contrast to the savoury beef, the cucumber contributed a crispy crunch. At the same time, the jalapeno adds a subtle kick of heat, and the daikon & carrot pickles offer a sweet and tangy contrast that helps cut through the meat's richness.


Spring Rolls from Camion Cafe

We also savoured one of Camion Cafe's spring rolls to complete our culinary exploration. It exhibited a harmonious blend of textures: crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful within.


Camion Cafe food truck menu

List of Food Trucks in Greater Vancouver Area | Checklist

Below is a list of food trucks in Vancouver, BC Canada. This is not a comprehensive list and if you want to add your food truck here, please send me a message in Instragram.

List of Food Trucks in Vancouver
Food Truck Enjoyment Date Event
A
🔲 Acai Dude
🔲 Aloha Poke
🔲 Aperitivo Truck
☑️ Ay Mamacita! August 14, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food trucks
B
☑️ B&B Concessions: Gourmet Burgers and Fries July 1, 2023 Canada Together at Canada Place
🔲 B&B Concessions: Crepes
🔲 Baba's House
☑️ Bao Buns April 28, 2023 Richmond Night Market
🔲 Bara Bara Trini Street Food
☑️ Baja's Food July 17, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Beavertails July 10, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Betty's Greek Honey Ballz
🔲 Big Red's Poutine
🔲 Bistro Van
☑️ Boca'O June 11, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Bread and Cheese
☑️ Brownie Bakers July 16, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Burger Holic June 11, 2023 RBC Run for the Kids 2023
C
☑️ Camion Cafe September 16, 2023 Car Free Day: Main Street
🔲 Cannoli King
🔲 Cazba
🔲 Chickpea
🔲 Chou Chou Crepes
🔲 Come Arepa
☑️ Corn Dog King August 28, 2022 PNE Fair
☑️ Crack On July 31, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Cravings Kettle Corn July 1, 2022 Canada Day at Canada Place
☑️ Crema Ice Cream & Desserts July 29, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Cuba Street Food
🔲 Cultivate Food Truck
D
🔲 Disco Cheetah Korean Grill
☑️ Dim Sum Express July 9, 2022 The Khatsahlano Street Party
☑️ Dos Amigos Tex-Mex July 2, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Double Decker Diner
E
🔲 Egg Blanket
🔲 English Bay Mini Donuts
F
☑️ Food Daddy Persian Cuisine August 21, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Fijian Fusion
🔲 Footlong Freakk Fries
🔲 Frying Pan
🔲 Fusion Icy
G
🔲 G's Donair
H
🔲 Henry’s Hip Eats
🔲 Holi Masala
☑️ Holy Smokes July 14, 2023 corner of West Broadway and Granville Street
☑️ Hugs Mini Donuts July 9, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Hunky Bills Perogies
🔲 Hurricane Potato
I
☑️ Indish June 12, 2022 RBC Run for the Kids 2022
🔲 Innocent Ice Cream
🔲 International Perogies
🔲 Its All About Grill
J
☑️ Jamaican Mi Juicy August 19, 2023 PNE Fair
☑️ Japadog December 24, 2021 at Lansdowne Parking Lot
☑️ The Jerk Shack July 2, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 JJ's Hot Cobs
🔲 JJ's Trucketeria
🔲 Juicy Green Express Inc.
K
🔲 Kampong - Taste of Malaysia
☑️ Kona Ice July 9, 2022 The Khatsahlano Street Party
☑️ KYU Grill July 2, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
L
☑️ La Callejera Mexican Street Food June 25, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ La Taqueria June 1, 2021 near Vancouver Art Gallery
🔲 Lee's Donuts
🔲 Lemon Heaven
🔲 Lilac Pastry
☑️ Little Devils Wood Fire Pizza July 30, 2023 Honda Celebration of Lights
🔲 Little Ooties Mini Donuts
🔲 Los Tacos Hermanos
🔲 Lucha Libre Truck
M
🔲 The Mad Greek
☑️ Mama's Fish and Chips July 31, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Mahshiko July 3, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Marhaba Lebanese Food
🔲 Master Chef's Kabob House
☑️ Max's Restaurant food truck December 11, 2021 "Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver!"
🔲 Meet2Eat
🔲 Melt City Grilled Cheese
🔲 The Mini Donut Factory
☑️ Miss Siam August 27, 2020 corner of West Broadway and Birch Street
☑️ MJ's Caribbean Cuisine June 11, 2022 Riley Park Summer Farmers Market
🔲 Mo Bacon Truck
☑️ Mom's Grilled Cheese Truck June 12, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Mr. Arancino July 3, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Mr. Donair
🔲 Mr. Frosty Ice Cream
☑️ Mr. Pretzels July 29, 2023 Celebration of Lights
☑️ Mr. Shawarma August 6, 2022 Robson Square
🔲 Mr. Taco
☑️ Mr. Tube Steak June 3, 2023 corner of West Georgia and Granville Street
☑️ Munchu Picchu June 5, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
N
🔲 Namaste Food Lovers
🔲 NaMi Vietnamese
🔲 Noona's Cucina
O
🔲 Old Country Pierogy
☑️ Overland Sandwich June 4, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
P
☑️ Praguery Ice Cream and Chimney Cakes December 14, 2022 PNE Winter Fair
☑️ Planted May 7, 2023 BMO Vancouver Marathon Street Festival
🔲 Potato Corner
🔲 Pretty Good Sandwiches
R
☑️ Rain or Shine Ice Cream Truck July 8, 2023 Khatsahlano Street Party
🔲 Ragazzi Pizza Co
☑️ REEL Mac and Cheese June 26, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Rice Bowls Paradise August 28, 2022 PNE Fair
🔲 Rocky Point Ice Cream
🔲 Rolled West Coast
☑️ Roasted Revolution August 28, 2022 PNE Fair
☑️ Rosie's BBQ and Smokehouse July 17, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Rosie's Curry & Spice Kitchen
S
☑️ SAJetarian June 25, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Saltspring Noodle Bar
☑️ Salty's Lobster Shack July 9, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Say Hello Sweets July 3, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Shameless Buns July 16, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Shawarma Time September 16, 2023 Car Free Day: Main Street
🔲 Sirius Craving
🔲 Slavic Rolls
🔲 Smoking Hot Donair
🔲 Steamworks Food Truck
🔲 Steve-O's Deep-Fried Sweets & Treats
🔲 Steve-O's Fried Chicken
🔲 Streetdogs
☑️ Super Thai June 11, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Sweet Avenue Bakery
T
🔲 Taco'N Todo
☑️ Taco Nori Sushi Tacos September 2, 2022 Richmond Night Market
🔲 Taco Tigre
🔲 Tacosaurus Vancouver
☑️ Takenaka July 3, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Teapressu
🔲 Teriyaki Boys
🔲 Teriyaki Express
🔲 ThaiBox on Truck
🔲 Tin Lizzy Concessions: Best Grilled Cheese & Poutine
☑️ Tin Lizzy Concessions: Fishn' Chips & Chicken Tenders July 1, 2022 Canada Day at Canada Place
🔲 Tin Lizzy Concessions: Mini Donuts
☑️ Tokyo Katsu Sand June 19, 2022 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ Tornado Potato July 17, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Twisted Potato
U
🔲 Urban Wood Fired Pizza
V
🔲 Via Tevere Il Saltimbocca
W
🔲 Wak Wak Burger
🔲 Wings Outdoor Grill
Y
🔲 Yardie Grill Jamaican Cuisine
☑️ Yo-Bones BBQ July 10, 2021 Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021

Shawarma and Dolmades from Shawarma Time Truck (with menu)

I just love Car Free Day on Main Street. My husband and I made a pact to prioritize food stalls without a physical store and food trucks that we have yet to try.

As we continued our stroll along Main Street, we spotted Shawarma Time Truck. I eagerly ordered one beef shawarma wrap and a side of dolmades, a Mediterranean delight I've adored (thanks to Super Dishes Egyptian Halal Cuisine).

First up were the Dolmades, and they lived up to my high expectations. These delicate parcels, made with vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, were a testament to the artistry of Mediterranean cuisine. Each bite was a burst of savoury, tangy, zesty goodness, and I savoured every one.


4 Pieces of Dolmades from Shawarma Time Truck
Grape vine leaves, stuffed with delicious rice, shaped into little rolls

The beef shawarma wrap had its own charm. The tender slices of beef were generously seasoned and spiced, delivering that signature shawarma flavour. However, it leaned slightly on the saltier side, a touch more than I prefer. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying experience.


Beef Shawarma Wrap from Shawarma Time Truck
Fresh-cut beef shawarma with tahini spreads and your choice of toppings and sauces

Shawarma Time Truck Menu

Below is a picture of the Shawarma Time Truck menu.


Shawarma Time Truck menu

Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada

Our Car Free Day adventure along Vancouver's vibrant Main Street turned into a gastronomic journey filled with pleasant surprises. After relishing the delightful Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir, we continued our leisurely walk, enjoying the event's lively atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling street and cheerful chatter, a sign that read "Raclette" caught our attention. Memories of enjoying raclette cheese at the Vancouver Christmas Market flooded back, and we knew we couldn't resist this cheesy delight.

We approached the Frencheese Canada stall and ordered The Raclette Charcuterie.


The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada
Melted raclette cheese poured on potatoes sauteed with butter, seasoned with thyme and rosemary, shared Sopressa salami and Italian ham, mixed lettuce drizzled with vinaigrette, and baby gherkins.

The raclette cheese melted to perfection cascaded over the potatoes, creating a gooey savoury blanket. The combination of the salty Sopressa salami and Italian ham provided a delightful contrast, while the fresh lettuce added a crisp, refreshing element.

One prominent flavour that stood out was thyme. The thyme and rosemary-infused potatoes carried a robust and aromatic essence that lingered with every bite.


The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canaada

As we indulged in our Raclette Charcutiere, it was as though we'd been transported to a cozy European street market. The savoury, cheesy goodness combined with the lively atmosphere of Car Free Day created a moment that felt like a mini culinary vacation.

So, if you ever find yourself strolling down a festive event like Car Free Day, keep an eye out for the Frencheese Canada stall. Their Raclette Charcutiere is a delectable experience that brings a slice of Europe to the heart of Vancouver. It's the kind of cheesy encounter you'll want to savour and share with fellow food enthusiasts.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir

On a sunny Saturday morning (before noon), my husband and I decided to join Car Free Day with a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Vancouver from our home near South Granville. Our goal? To enjoy quality food and savour the neighbourhood's vibrant atmosphere. From the many different booth, we spotted La Porte de l'Espoir and chose croque monsieur.

My husband set the expectation low since the sandwich had been sitting there for 30 minutes or so. However, it was still extraordinary. A toasted slice of bread encased with layers of thinly sliced ham and creamy melted cheese.


Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

But it wasn't just the flavour that impressed us; it was the texture. The outer layer of the sandwich was crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the softness of the ham and the gooeyness of the cheese. Every bite felt like a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.


Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

This is an excellent first food for the day, and I cannot wait to see what other food vendors we see on Main Street Car Free Day.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver soft opening

TGIF! Today, my husband and I embarked on a short but exciting journey - a five-block walk to join the soft opening of Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver.

In preparation for this visit, I spent the last two evenings poring over Google Maps, exploring the most-loved dishes at various Leopold locations in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Armed with my research, I couldn't resist the urge to indulge in the following highly recommended items:


Lunch at Leopold's Tavern Vancouver

1. Poutine - A Canadian Classic

Leopold's Tavern is renowned for its poutine, but with many options, which one to choose? Let's take a closer look at the delectable variations that have gained popularity at different Leopold's spots:

  • Traditional Poutine - The timeless grub is a favourite at three different locations.
  • Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine - A spicy twist featuring buffalo-breaded chicken is well-loved at three branches.
  • Cheeseburger Poutine - A delightful fusion of two classics is also famous at three various Leopold restaurants.

Moreover, the "Poutine of the Week," with standouts like Beer Battered Dill Pickle Poutine and Philly Cheesesteak Poutine, is famous in 1 location each. And at the Warman, SK, site, the Smash Burger Poutine is beloved.

We couldn't resist trying a small portion of two of the three popular ones.


Traditional Poutine - The Canadian Classic

The crispy house-cut fries provide a satisfying crunch, while the salty melted cheese curds add a chewy contrast. Let's talk about that gravy. It's the perfect temperature to soften and melt the curds while adding a delicious beefy flavour. No wonder it's prevalent at Leopold locations at Regina East, Regina North, and Calgary Sage Hill.


Small Traditional Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Cheese curds and beef gravy on house-cut fries

This is my second favourite traditional poutine in Vancouver, slightly after La Belle Patate.

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine

Meanwhile, the buffalo chicken ranch poutine is loved at two Winnipeg (Academy and Bridgewater) locations, plus the lone site in Victoria, BC. That crispy buttermilk fried chicken covered in zesty hot buffalo sauce balanced by the creamy ranch dressing to cool things down with its tangy richness is terrific. Place it on top of crispy fries. Yum!


Small Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Buttermilk fried chicken, cheese curds, ranch and buffalo sauce on house-cut fries.

Both poutines were excellent, and I look forward to trying the rest. For a small size, this is a superb portion filling for lunch.


2. Baja Tacos - A Flavour Extravaganza

Undoubtedly, the Baja Tacos is the star at a staggering eleven Leopold's locations.

Menu Description: Pick from blackened chicken, buffalo-breaded shrimp, or battered avocado. These tantalizing fillings are complemented by feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce, all wrapped in your choice of soft corn or flour tortillas.

I asked if we could order one of each possible option. The friendly server said they could only do it on taco Tuesdays, so I opted for the buffalo-breaded shrimp.

The taco sat there since we started with the poutine, and the breaded shrimp got stale. I recommend chowing it down as soon as it arrives on your table.


Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern
Buffalo breaded shrimp with feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce on three soft corn tortillas.

The crunchy breaded shrimp are complemented by the tanginess of crumbly yet creamy feta, pico de gallo's zesty freshness, and slaw's crunchy texture. The mango salsa adds a tropical juicy sweetness, and the creamy baja sauce ties everything together with its slightly spicy goodness.


Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern

I chose the soft corn, which became crumbly and chewy pretty quickly, so my tip is to eat it immediately. The Baja tacos are famous at other locations, so I'll try the blackened chicken next time and see if it's better than the buffalo-breaded shrimp.


3. Club Sandwich - A Timeless Classic

The last item we ordered is the Club Sandwich, an all-time favourite, which also enjoys its place of honour at 11 different Leopold's Tavern locations. Here's what sets it apart:

Menu Description: Relish the delectable combination of smoked turkey, thick-cut ham, and crispy bacon, harmoniously joined by white cheddar, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo, all nestled between slices of your preferred bread.

With layers of smoked turkey, ham, and thick-cut bacon, it's a carnivore's dream come true. The smoked turkey adds a mild, smoky flavour with a hint of sweetness, while the ham provides a salty and savoury contrast. The thick-cut bacon introduces a smoky, crispy, slightly salty note that elevates the entire sandwich. It was almost perfect, except the bacon was overly cooked, and two slices were on top of each other, making it so hard that my front teeth hurt. I removed it from the sandwich, separated the two slices, and ate it on its own.


Club Sandwich from Leopold's Tavern
Smoked turkey, ham, thick-cut bacon with white cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and blue cheese sauce

Meanwhile, the white cheddar cheese contributes a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the meats. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes offer freshness and a touch of juiciness. The whole ensemble is bound together by a generous slather of mayo, adding a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy finish.

It's a classic club sandwich and not something I'll order again. However, I love the curly fries.


Dessert: New Churro Bites

We ordered the new churro bites because my husband loves sweets, and only two options exist. I absolutely love the churro bites. One order came with 20 pieces of mini churros served with vanilla dipping sauce. I hope they serve it with a chocolate dip - this would make it the best churro in Vancouver!


Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern
Mini churros tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with vanilla dipping sauce.

Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern

These mini churro bites offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while revealing a soft and doughy interior.


Whether you're a poutine aficionado, a taco enthusiast, or a fan of classic club sandwiches, Leopold's Tavern offers something special for everyone. What is your favourite food item at Leopold's? As for me, I can't wait to come back for more poutine!

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Lunch Rush at Pholicious for Vietnamese theme team lunch

Happy Thursday! The clock struck 12:30 PM, and our team descended upon Pholicious, a Vietnamese gem nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Vancouver. Our timing couldn't have been better. After securing a table, the relatively small restaurant filled with eager diners, all seeking to indulge in affordable food served by friendly people.


Vegan Spring Roll: A Crunchy Surprise

Our Vietnamese lunch kicked off with the vegan spring roll. The exterior of the spring roll offered a satisfying crispiness. Unfortunately, the interior was a different story. The texture was somewhat mushy. Thankfully, the dip made things so much better; it was slightly sweet and tangy.


Vegan Spring Roll from Pholicious

House Special Pho: A Symphony of Savoury Comfort


House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious
Beef, grilled chicken, beef ball, and chicken ball

The true star of our meal was the House Special Pho, a hearty and flavorful dish that brought together a medley of ingredients. In this steaming bowl of goodness, beef, grilled chicken, beef balls, and chicken balls swam in a broth that perfectly balanced the essence of both beef and chicken.


House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious

My favourite is the grilled chicken, which introduced an unexpected layer of subtle sweetness to the dish.

What is your favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver?


For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

  1. Brazilian: Boteco Brasil
  2. Chicken: Nando's
  3. Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant
  4. Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt
  5. Thai: Thai Away Home
  6. Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread
  1. Pies: Peaked Pies
  2. Comfort Food: Nene Chicken
  3. Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries
  4. Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory
  5. Vietnamese: Pholicious

Most viewed post in the last week