Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

I did something I hadn't done in a long time: volunteer in person. Compassion Canada was looking for volunteers for the "for KING & COUNTRY" concert at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Downtown Vancouver. I have a confession: I didn't know the band before volunteering and spent the last few nights listening to their songs on YouTube. It was fun to volunteer in person. After our volunteering part (during the intermission), we enjoyed the second part of the show. I haven't been to a concert since forever (12 years ago?), and it was fun, but I wish I knew more of their songs. After the show, I exited the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to see my husband standing outside. We're both giddy that our dear Vancouver Whitecaps FC won 6-2 (six!!!) against Houston Dynamo at nearby BC Place. I told him I wanted ramen, but after 10:00 PM, all ramen shops Downtown were closed. Grr. His alternative proposal: pho. I searched for pho restaurants, and on...

Below is the food and drinks menu of Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I recommend eating elsewhere before going in for your show. This was taken during a concert and caterers may become available depending on the show. Inside Queen Elizabeth Theatre The prices are all in Canadian dollars and does not include taxes and tips. Information are subject to change without prior notice. Moreover, Vancouver Civic Theatres only accept debit and credit card. Menu Price Beer & Cider (355 ml Cans) Price Red Truck Craft Beer $9.25 No Boats on Sunday Apple Cider $9.25 Nude Coolers | Whiteclaw $9.25 Red & White Wine (5 oz pour) Price Gray Monk Pinot Gris $9.25 Red R...

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver announced PROUDLY PHILIPPINES 2023: Philippine Food and Travel Fair. Source: PCG in Vancouver website When is Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair? June 3, 2023, Saturday What time? 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Where is the Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair? Similar to last year, it will be at Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver. As of March 16, 2023, the PCG in Vancouver is now accepting applications for participation as vendors for the event. What to expect in Proudly Philippines 2023 Food and Travel Fair? Enjoy summer with Filipino food, products, and businesses as well as awesome performances. The event will be hosted by Cristina Carpio of CTV Morning Live GMA PinoyTV Tinikling 2.0 Challenge Join the Tinikling 2.0 Dance Challenge with a Hip-Hop Twist! Win $1,500 and more amazing prices. ...

This is the perfect Blizzard Treat for me. I love savoury flavours over sweets (my husband is the sweet-tooth) so the Reese's® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen is the perfect one for me. Reese's Caramel Pretzel Blizzard Treat  from Dairy Queen It includes sweet and creamy world-famous DQ soft-serve with salty peanuts and crunchy pretzels and to push it over the edge is an indulgent peanut butter cup. I can't get over how much I love this. Can I have it again in large this time? Below is a list of Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen that we have tried. Cake Batter Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat COFFEE CRISP® Caramel Macchiato Blizzard Treat OREO® Hot Cocoa Blizzard Treat Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat Reese's® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat Skor® Blizzard Treat

After a delicious burger from Dairy Queen, hubby picked the Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat for dessert. It's sweet on sweet on sweet and he absolutely loves it. Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat  from Dairy Queen Vanilla soft serve, salted caramel truffles, cheesecake pieces, and caramel topping Indulge in the ultimate cheesecake experience with the Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen. This innovative creation combines all your favorite classic flavors in one irresistible treat, ensuring you never have to choose between your dessert cravings again. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful blend of salted caramel truffles, creamy cheesecake pieces, and rich caramel topping, all expertly mixed with Dairy Queen's famous vanilla soft serve. Each spoonful offers a symphony of textures and flavors, with the smoothness of the soft serve ...

Today is the first time I am trying the savoury items from Dairy Queen. My husband ordered the New Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger since it's new. This burger is messy so grab a lot of napkins to try and keep your hands clean! The 100% beef patties are incredibly satisfying with their meaty goodness. What sets this burger apart is the delightful combination of sweet honey BBQ sauce and tangy ranch dressing. The flavors harmonize beautifully, striking the perfect balance that will have you craving more. Unlike recent BBQ releases from other fast food chains ( McDonald's and Tim Hortons ), this burger avoids excessive sweetness, making it a refreshing change. Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger  from Dairy Queen 100% seasoned real beef patties, topped with ranch dressing, honey BBQ sauce, crispy golden onion rings, applewood smoked bacon, and two s...

My husband and I recently visited the Kitsilano location of the Vancouver Public Library, and we decided to grab lunch at Dairy Queen. It was our first time trying their savory items, and I opted for the mouthwatering Bacon Two Cheese Deluxe Signature Stackburger . Bacon Two Cheese Deluxe Signature Stackburger  from Dairy Queen It features two 100% seasoned real beef patties, topped with two types of perfectly melted cheese, Applewood smoked bacon, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a soft toasted bun. To my delightful surprise, the burger was absolutely delicious. The 100% beef patties had a meaty flavor that satisfied my cravings. While they weren't as juicy as I had hoped, I must say that Dairy Queen's burger gives McDonald's Quarter Pounder a run for its money. B...

I'd like to think that I'm a Japanese curry specialist because it's my favourite food. I order Japanese curry in every Japanese restaurant I visit when available. I noticed that my favourite is Japanese beef curry. It's darker in colour and has a deeper flavour than the more common chicken-based curry sauce. In most restaurants, you will find the chicken-based curry sauce. With that said, my favourite Japanese curry in Vancouver is from Suika - it's my basis if another curry is good. It's a beef stew Japanese curry with shredded melt-in-your-mouth beef. It's usually served with pickled vegetables for a palate cleanser. The closest and my second favourite curry sauce is from Takenaka Japanese food truck . Lastly, Mr. Japanese Curry has a delicious beef curry sauce too. WA! Curry offers a Wagyu Curry base served with rice, and you can choose your topping. We tried it with Pork Katsu (my go-to), Hamburg Steak, Chicken Kara...

After lunch at Wang's Taiwanese Beef Noodle House, we grabbed desserts from the Starbucks inside Safeway.  I am not a fan of any dessert that includes cinnamon, so my husband was amused that I chose the Cinnamon Coffee Cake from Starbucks. However, my brain read coffee cake, which was sufficient to make me try it. Unfortunately, when I took a bite, that's the only time it sync in that there's "cinnamon" at the name of the dessert I picked. Cinnamon Coffee Cake  from Starbucks If you love the cinnamon flavour, this is the dessert to go with. Otherwise, the Double Chocolate Brownie is more than enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. Double Chocolate Brownie  from Starbucks

Happy Victoria Day! It's a non-working holiday in BC, Canada. So hubby and I decided to walk the span of Arbutus Walkway from 12th Avenue to the southern end. After 1.5 hours and more than 7 kilometres of walking, we found ourselves famished at the end of Granville Street. I have been eyeing Wang's Taiwanese Beef Noodle House every time Bus 10 would pass by, and today I got to try their food. Please note that they do not accept credit cards. We ordered all our favourite Taiwanese food: C1. Deep-Fried Pork Chop with Rice C2. Deep-Fried Chicken Thigh with Rice E13. Deep-Fried Salty Pepper Chicken E20. Deep-Fried Taiwanese Sausages C1. Deep-Fried Pork Chop with Rice from Wang's Taiwanese Beef Noodle House The Pork Chop is better than the Chicken Thigh. It's fattier, and the breading worked better on it. While the Chicken Thigh was juicy in its own right...

My husband and I took a walk from church to Queen Elizabeth Park. We even went inside the Bloedel Conservatory for the first time. On our way home, we agreed to hang out at a coffee shop we haven't been before. I checked Google Maps and spotted 3 possible coffee shops. The first one closed at 3:00 PM, the next is too small and is already packed while the last one is the spacious Whitewood Coffee at the corner of Oak Street and 16th Avenue. Iced Mocha  from Whitewood Coffee I ordered one of each available waffle flavour: Sugary Churro Waffle, Earl Grey Waffle, and Classic Waffle. For our drink, we went for an Iced Mocha. Classic Waffle, Sugar Churro Waffle and Earl Grey Waffle  from Whitewood Coffe in Oak Street Classic Waffle - It's late in the day so it's a bit stale. I bet this would ...

It's a beautiful cloudy day in Vancouver and it's a perfect time to take long walks while enjoying the Blood Orange Ginger Sparkling Quencher and Blackberry Yuzu Sparkling Quencher from Tim Hortons . Blood Orange Ginger Sparkling Quencher I was expecting a sweet slightly tangy flavour from the Blood Orange Ginger Sparkling Quencher from Tim Hortons, instead all I got is the bold warm ginger after taste. I didn't enjoy it, but if you like ginger this is a good option for you. Blood Orange Ginger Sparkling Quencher from Tim Hortons Blackberry Yuzu Sparkling Quencher Why do I feel like they added Yuzu to the name of the drink to make it sound cool and exotic but there's absolutely no yuzu flavour to this drink. It's essentially a sweet blackberry iced drink. Blackberry Yuzu Sparkling Quencher from Tim Hort...

Enjoy a delicious and convenient meal with Tim Hortons' latest creation—the BBQ Crispy Chicken Loaded Bowl . If you're craving the mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken coated in a smoky barbecue glaze, along with wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy barbecue sauce, this bowl is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Tim Hortons BBQ Crispy Chicken Loaded Bowl  from Tim Hortons Same with the wrap version, I found the barbecue glaze too sweet. Everything else was delicious - the medley of grains, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. The BBQ Crispy Chicken was the downfall - too sweet barbecue sauce and not crispy chicken.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen never fails to impress when it comes to bold flavours and fiery sensations. In their latest limited-time offering, the Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich, Popeyes combines their renowned expertise in fried chicken with the intense heat of ghost peppers. Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen At the heart of Popeyes' Ghost Pepper Chicken Sandwich is a perfectly cooked, all-white meat chicken breast fillet. Marinated in an authentic blend of Louisiana seasonings, the chicken is expertly hand-battered and breaded in a buttermilk coating. The result? A symphony of textures, with the exterior boasting an irresistible crunch while the interior remains tender and juicy. Unlike some fried options, this sandwich impresses with its lack of excess oil, making each bite a delightful and satisfying experience. ...

Are you looking for a mouthwatering seafood experience combining crispy goodness with tender flounder fillets? Look no further than Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and their irresistible Flounder Fish Sandwich. In this blog post, I'll share my firsthand experience of savouring this delectable sandwich and how it exceeded my expectations, even when ordered for delivery. With my first bite, I was greeted by a delightful contrast of textures. The exterior coating of the flounder fillet boasted a satisfying crunch, perfectly complementing the tender and flavorful fish inside. Despite the sandwich being delivered, the crispy exterior remained intact, showcasing the quality and attention to detail in Popeyes' preparation. Flounder Fish Sandwich  from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen What impressed me the most was the way the flavours harmonized. The flounder fillet was succulent and perfectly c...

As the scorching heat wave continues to hit Vancouver, McDonald's Canada has introduced a delightful treat to help beat the heat — the Confetti Cookie Dough McFlurry . Combining smooth vanilla soft serve, colorful candy confetti, and chunks of cookie dough, this McFlurry promises a cool and creamy dessert experience. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this vibrant creation, share our firsthand experience, and offer insights into its flavor and texture. Confetti Cookie Dough McFlurry  from McDonald's The McFlurry is a refreshing treat perfectly suited for hot summer days. The smooth and creamy vanilla soft serve forms the base of this delectable dessert, providing a cool respite from the sweltering heat. As we took our first spoonful, the velvety texture of the soft serve instantly brought relief and a sense of indulgence. One of the unique aspects of thi...

McDonald's Canada is constantly innovating its menu, and the latest addition to its lineup is the limited-time Chipotle BBQ Quarter Pounder. With a tantalizing combination of flavours, this burger aims to please both BBQ enthusiasts and burger lovers alike. In this blog post, I'll share details of this new creation, share my first-hand experience, and provide an honest assessment of whether it lives up to expectations. Chipotle BBQ Quarter Pounder from McDonald's Canada 100% Canadian quarter pound* beef patty topped with sweet and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce, hickory smoked bacon strips, crispy onions, pickles, and two slices of processed cheddar cheese served on a toasted sesame bun. The Chipotle BBQ Quarter Pounder boasts a 100% Canadian quarter-pound beef patty that forms the foundation of this burger. One of the standout elements is the surprising ...

Wendy's has once again upped their sandwich game with the limited-time release of the Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich . If you're a fan of spicy food, this sandwich is a must-try. However, with three layers of ghost pepper heat, it's not for the faint of heart. Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich  from Wendy's The star of the sandwich is the Spicy Chicken filet, which is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But what makes this sandwich even more special are the toppings. The ghost pepper seasoned fried onions provide a subtle sweetness and crunchiness that balances the spice. The ghost pepper American cheese adds a creamy, cheesy element, while the ghost pepper ranch dressing brings it all together with a cooling sensation. Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's The le...

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable combination of flavours? Tim Hortons has just released its newest creation, the BBQ Crispy Chicken Loaded Wrap . Packed with succulent crispy chicken coated in a smoky barbecue glaze, paired with a medley of grains, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and drizzled with creamy barbecue sauce, all wrapped in a 10-inch soft tortilla, this wrap promises to be a mouthwatering experience. NEW BBQ Crispy Chicken Loaded Wrap from Tim Hortons We tried it today for lunch, and it was delivered with the smoky barbecue glaze covering everything from the grains, chickens, and all the vegetables inside. However, it's really messy to eat, and I find it too sweet. It has such great potential to be a portable, easy lunch option, but hard to justify the mess it created. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards, or you'll ...

I love the corner of West Broadway and Cambie Street. The area has so many restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes. Today, we visited Lumiere Cafe for the first time, and I was overwhelmed by the number of croissant varieties and buns available. Large Mocha Frappé and Salted Egg Yolk Croissant According to their website, they specialize in strong coffee and croissants. So my hubby went for a large Mocha Frappé while I settled on a refreshing Green Tea Lemonade. The temperature is supposed to reach 30°C today, so hanging out at a coffee while enjoying cold beverages seems like a smart choice. Salted Egg Yolk Croissant from Lumiere Cafe For croissants, I went for the unique Salted Egg Yolk Croissant and loved the creamy yolk interior, which greatly contrasts the buttery, flaky exterior. Unfortunately, the butter croissan...

Happy Sunday! My husband finished the BMO Vancouver Half-Marathon. Woohoo! Congratulations, Love. After his run, we checked out which food trucks were available in the Street Festival. There's Roasted Revolution, Japadog, Dos Tacos, and Planted. We have tried the first three so it makes sense to try Planted. I ordered the Hetzi Hetzi Bowl, which means getting half Sabich and half Falafel bowl. Hetzi and Hetzi Bowl from Planted Food Truck Half Sabich (house-made pita, hummus, tahini, zhug, amba, tomatoes, cucumber, pickles, fried eggplant & cauliflower, pickled red onions, and chopped parsley) Half  Falafel (house-made pita, tahini, amba, zhug, pickled red cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, shifka peppers) It's the most moist falafel I have ever tried. Yum! I enjoyed the fried cauliflower and eggplant. There's also heat coming fro...

Archived Visit: May 6, 2023 — Documenting a sweet moment at the Willingdon warehouse as part of my global #CostcoTourism journey. There’s a unique energy at the Willingdon Costco in Burnaby . Tucked away on Still Creek Drive, it feels like a bustling hub where the promise of a "smooch-worthy" deal is always in the air. My visit here was a personal documentation of consistency—the way a simple slice of cheese pizza can taste exactly like home, no matter which warehouse you’re in. To God be the glory for these reliable, affordable comforts that bring us together. Note: While this menu reflects my last visit on May 6, 2023, the Willingdon location generally follows the standard BC pricing seen at the Expo Blvd and Richmond locations. 🌎 #CostcoTourism Global Tracker Canada: Vancouver (Downtown) | Richmond | Burnaby (Willingdon) USA: Hawthorne (Los Angeles), CA | South Austin, TX International...