Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Today was a doozy! It was a triple whammy: Leap Day, Moving Day, and free company lunch! The morning started with a quick email catch-up at our beloved Gastown office. But then, things took a turn! We traded our laptops for muscles, transforming into a human conveyor belt of office supplies, plants, and, yes, even our precious pantry snacks (chocolates!). Bags piled high in the lobby; we're halfway there! Next stop: our new office! We Ubered our way to the heart of Downtown Vancouver, settling into our swanky new space at the corner of West Georgia and Homer. We unpacked a handful of the bags, then off to lunch. Originally, pizza was on the menu. But fate (and our rumbling tummies) had other plans. Strolling down Robson Street, we couldn't resist the allure of Patrón Tacos & Cantina. Ditching the dough, we dove headfirst into a delicious Mexican fiesta. My Mexican colleague and I decided to try the enchiladas. Imagine two warm corn t...

Gastown, Vancouver's historic district, is known for its cobblestone streets, trendy shops, and lively atmosphere. But when the rain falls and you're seeking a warm, comforting, and affordable meal, look no further than Hiro Japan Sushi Xpress. This hidden gem, tucked away in the heart of Gastown, offers a delightful combination of simplicity and deliciousness. Unlike the fancy, often overpriced sushi joints, Hiro Japan Sushi Xpress focuses on simple delicious food and unpretentious charm. For lunch today, I went there and got the Spicy Korean-Style Ramen. The light and comforting spicy broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and egg is a soul-warming experience. It is bliss during a temporary break from work. Spicy Korean-Style Ramen  from Hiro Japan Sushi Xpress While the ramen is perfect for a rainy day, Hiro Japan Sushi Xpress offers a diverse menu featuring classic sushi ro...

After our coffee date at Bean Around The World , I need to satify my cravings for crispy and comforting fried chicken. I decided that we should have dinner at Masa Japanese Restaurant for their Korean deep fried chicken. Deep Fried Chicken  from Masa Japanese Restaurant For reference, since the beginning of 2024 below are our fried chicken adventure: LA Chicken Red Beef Noodle Kitchen HiFive Chicken Popeyes Church's Chicken Thai Express Ramen Gojiro Red Beef Noodle Kitchen As we stepped into the cozy restaurant, the sound of music and lively chatter echoes. We received the menu and it changed in format, but the fried chicken is still there. Meanwhile, my husband went for the consistent Teriyaki Bento Box. Deep Fried Chicken from Masa Jap...

With Anecdote Cafe and Bakehouse bidding adieu at 4:00 PM, we found ourselves on a serendipitous journey searching for our next coffee shop. Our first stop led us to Trees Cheesecake and Organic Coffee, but alas, it was abuzz with patrons. Undeterred, we ventured south to Bean Around The World Coffee. With available tables beckoning us inside, we eagerly stepped in, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation and music. Having already indulged in a hearty lunch and beverages earlier, we decided to satisfy our sweet cravings this time around. My gaze fell upon the tantalizing display of baked goods, and without hesitation, I chose the banana bread and lemon loaf. Banana Bread  and Lemon Loaf  from Bean Around The World Coffee The first bite of the lemon loaf is a perfect harmony of sweetness and tartness, each crumb b...

On a leisurely slow Saturday afternoon, my husband and I found solace in the welcoming ambiance of Cafe Anecdote , nestled in the heart of our neighbourhood. It was our second time here, quickly becoming our haven away from home. We settled into a cozy corner. I'm looking forward to the culinary delights while my husband is ready to do some work. I ordered a matcha latte with its vibrant green hue and subtle bitterness, which is perfect comfort. Meanwhile, I chose the classic comfort of steaming hot chocolate for my husband. Matcha Latte  from Anecdote Cafe & Bakehouse Hot Chocolate  from Anecdote Cafe & Bakehouse For late lunch, I decided to sample the cafe's culinary offerings. The grilled cheese sandwich oozed with melted goodness. With each bite, the creamy cheese harmonized beautifully w...

I'll say it. Meat & Bread makes the finest sandwiches in Vancouver. It's Thursday, and you know what that means: company-paid team lunch. The theme for the week is bagels, and we decided to go to Meat & Bread, just around the corner from our office, for sandwiches. I have tried most of the sandwiches on their menu. From the crowd-favourite Porchetta Sandwich , boasting savoury and crunchy perfection, to the tantalizingly messy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich , every bite is an explosion of flavour. Have a penchant for classics? The Meatball Sandwich is a winner with its timeless appeal. As a seasoned Meat & Bread connoisseur, I have savoured through their menu, enjoying each unique creation. But today, a new adventure awaits in the form of the Gyoza Pulled Pork sandwich. Tender pulled pork nestled between perfectly toasted ciabatta bread, adorned with crispy wontons, scallions, and a drizzle of ponzu sauce – a symphony of flavours that dance...

Happy Sunday! Since indulging in the rich flavours of Turkish coffee at The Golden Horn Turkish Bakery and Cafe in Downtown Vancouver, my husband and I have been on a quest to explore unique coffee experiences from around the globe. Inspired by an article showcasing 10 coffees from different corners of the world, we've set out to sample as many as we can right here in Vancouver. Today, after attending Mass, our curiosity led us to explore the authentic Vietnamese coffee scene in the city. A quick search on Google Maps pointed us to Pure Delight Café, which boasted authentic Vietnamese coffee that piqued our interest. We boarded a 6-minute bus ride to Kitsilano without hesitation to embark on this caffeinated adventure. Upon arriving, we were greeted by an extensive menu that exceeded the usual offerings at typical pho establishments. Excitedly, my husband ordered the Vietnamese Drip Coffee with Condensed Milk, served over ice. He noted that wh...

Another year older, another reason to celebrate! This week, my husband turned another year wiser, and I wanted to make his birthday extra special, especially considering he's away from his family in the Philippines. Remember when I first worried he might feel lonely after moving here? Well, this year's celebration was all about proving otherwise! It was a Filipino fiesta filled with family, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. Filipino Birthday Fiesta in Vancouver from my mom, Little Ongpin, and LA Chicken Staying true to our roots, I enlisted the help of my mom. Her home-cooked Filipino-style spaghetti, bursting with sweet and savory flavors, was the centerpiece of the table. To complement it, we ordered classic party favorites: crispy lumpiang shanghai and savory pork BBQ skewers from Little Ongpin, and juicy fried chicken from LA Chicken (satisfying my chicken...

Tim Hortons is celebrating its 60th anniversary in style, bringing back four classic donuts from their past! As a relatively new Canadian (almost 10 years strong!), I dove headfirst into this nostalgic experience, eager to try these legendary treats. Spoiler alert: it was a journey of discovery, with some hits and misses along the way. Today's star? The Blueberry Fritter. Stepping up to the counter, I couldn't help but be drawn to its sugary-glazed exterior, promising a sweet reward. And soft it was! Biting into the donut, I was surprised by its pillowy texture. Blueberry Fritter  from Tim Hortons Now, the filling. Here's where things got interesting. Generous dollops of blueberry jam awaited, bursting with sweetness. But, and this is a big "but," there was a distinct aroma that reminded me, unfortunately, of children's cough syrup. While the taste wasn...

Guess what? I actually left work at 5 PM sharp yesterday! Crazy, right? Usually, I'm stuck there another 15-30 minutes wrapping things up. But hey, it was hubby's birthday, and Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral at 5:10 PM wasn't going to wait! After some prayers and reflection, I asked him where he wanted to celebrate. His answer? The Keg? Now, you gotta understand, my hubby lost his full-time job last year, and finances have been tight. Thank goodness I still have my job, and thankfully, our emergency fund helped ease his mind (and mine!). The Keg, oh man, it had been years since our last visit! Menus in hand, we started planning our feast, excitement crackling in the air. Loaded Nachos with Braised Beef  from The Keg Cheddar, jack, olives, jalapeños, tomatoes, and green onions First up, their legendary warm bread with chives butter. I could already feel my tummy rumbling...

Winter days in Vancouver demand comforting, soul-warming meals. And what better way to enjoy a company-sponsored weekly team lunch than with delicious Vietnamese cuisine? This week's theme couldn't have been more perfect, and our destination was the delightful Pholicious in Downtown Vancouver. While my colleagues opted for the classic pho , the chill air had me craving something different. Intrigued by the Special Vermicelli, I decided to give it a try. Grilled chicken, savoury minced pork, and fresh spring rolls promised a flavour fiesta, perfectly nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice. As a proud Filipino, I couldn't resist requesting the customary rice swap, knowing it would complement the dish beautifully. Special Vermicelli  from Pholicious Paired with freshly squeezed orange juice bursting with Vitamin C, my lunch was a delightful balance of sweet, savoury, and refresh...

Celebrating special occasions is always a treat, and my husband's birthday was no exception! But the morning started with a delightful surprise: a free birthday drink from Starbucks! A perfect excuse to indulge in something special, we opted for the Pistachio Latte, its sweet and nutty notes promising a delicious morning pick-me-up. And as if the free drink wasn't enough, we decided to make it a complete breakfast date before work. Craving savoury goodness, we shared the Bacon, Sausage & Egg Wrap. The smoky bacon, tasty sausage, and fluffy eggs are nestled with melty cheddar cheese and potato chunks within a warm tortilla, creating a symphony of flavours and textures in every bite. Bacon, Sausage, & Egg Wrap  from Starbucks Canada Double-smoked bacon, savoury pork sausage, and cage-free scrambled eggs combined with cheddar cheese and potatoes - all wrapped in a flour to...

Ash Wednesday's peaceful atmosphere lingers as I write this, reminding me of the blessings in life and the fleeting nature of our time. While the ashes on our foreheads serve as a sombre reminder, the evening offered a different kind of reflection – one filled with shared laughter, delicious food, and the joy of celebrating love. Sushivan Japanese Restaurant in South Granville became our destination for dinner, opting for seafood in accordance with the Lenten tradition. Sharing the dragon roll, a California roll adorned with unagi, tobiko, and unagi sauce, was a delightful start. Each bite was a dance of textures and flavours, a perfect prelude to our individual choices. Dragon Roll from Sushivan Japanese Restaurant California roll with unagi, tobiko, and unagi sauce Dragon Roll from Sushivan Japanese Restaurant ...

After work today, I hopped on a different bus for a more direct route to church for Ash Wednesday Mass. Midway through the ride, hunger pangs. When I got off the bus, I spotted La Ruota Pizza. I couldn't resist the chance for a quick pre-church refuel. Since it's a day of abstinence, I opted for the vegetarian Patate Gorgonzola . Extra virgin olive oil, creamy fior di latte, pungent gorgonzola, rich grana padano, earthy baked potatoes, and sweet caramelized onions – how could I say no? The anticipation grew as I held the perfectly charred, thin-crust slice in my hands. Patate Gorgonzola from La Ruota Extra virgin olive oil, Fior di Latte, Gorgonzola Cheese, Granada Padano, baked potatoes, caramelized onions, and thyme And let me tell you, the first bite was pure revelation. The crust was blistered, offering a delightful textural contrast to the smooth cheeses and ...

Happy Tuesday! Today, after work, I found myself at the Vancouver Public Library, arms laden with travel books. But as I exited the library, a different kind of craving surfaced: one for a sweet treat to share with my husband. Now, we've agreed to forgo the traditional gift exchange for Valentine's. However, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right? With a mischievous grin, I whipped out my phone and consulted the wisdom of Google Maps. My query? "Cake! Open now! Close by!" Enter Cafe Monet, a Korean bakery cafe conveniently nestled between the library and my bus stop. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a delightful display of baked goods, each vying for my attention. Heart-shaped cookies, perfect for my Valentine, were a no-brainer. But for myself? The decision was agonizing! Finally, my eyes landed on the Mocha Mini Sponge Cake. Balancing my purchase atop my already-heavy backpack, I embarked on my journey home. Later ...

Sunday Funday! After attending Sunday Mass, I indulged in a well-deserved nap before we decided to walk it off and head to Boston Pizza for their Super Bowl Sunday festivities. Finding a seat with a perfect view of the action, we placed our orders: the Classic Nachos with Seasoned Ground Beef, a timeless favourite, and the intriguing Triple Play, a shareable platter featuring three crowd-pleasers. The nachos delivered precisely what we expected - a mountain of crispy chips loaded with melty cheese, fresh veggies, and savoury ground beef. Classic Nachos from Boston Pizza Hand-cut tortilla chips topped with cheddar, pizza mozzarella, green peppers, olives, tomatoes, and green onions. Served with salsa, sour cream, and seasoned ground beef. But the Triple Play surprised us both! The Bandera Bread with Santa Fe Ranch dip offered a warm, cheesy goodness, while the Thai ...

As a relatively new arrival in Canada (less than 10 years!), I'm always eager to immerse myself in local traditions and flavours. This Sunday morning, following the classic pre-church Tim Hortons routine, we ordered one of the four retro donuts celebrating the brand's 60th anniversary! We decided to try the Cinnamon Sugar Twist . And let me tell you, it was a delightful discovery! Soft, fluffy dough met generous coatings of sweet, fragrant cinnamon sugar in every bite. This wasn't just a donut; it was a flavour explosion that had me wanting more. Cinnamon Sugar Twist from Tim Hortons While I might not have personal childhood memories associated with this treat, I could understand why it's a nostalgic favourite for many Canadians. It embodies the essence of simple, comforting flavours and evokes a sense of shared history. ...

Our Taste of Chinatown adventure may have concluded, but our quest for delicious discoveries didn't stop there. On our way home, a quick bus transfer at Main Street and Broadway presented an irresistible opportunity: the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival was still in full swing! With smiles wide and taste buds ready, we veered off our route and headed straight for the inviting warmth of Novella Coffee Bar. Their menu boasted "The Cookie Monster," which is part of the 14th Annual Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. #132 - The Cookie Monster  from Novella Coffee Bar A Chicago-style Oreo cheesecake white hot chocolate topped with raspberry drizzle. The first sip confirmed our suspicions: this wasn't just hot chocolate. It was like melted ice cream. The rich white chocolate base, infused with the subtle sweetness of cheesecake, was pure bliss. B...

Our Taste of Chinatown adventure continued, with Lee Man's "Top 10 Dishes" list guiding our culinary compass. After indulging in the sweet delights of New Town Bakery , we set out to conquer another dish on the list. Unfortunately, a mischievous drizzle decided to join the party, forcing us to improvise. 🗸 Duck Noodle Soup from Chinatown BBQ (130 East Pender Street) 🗸  Steamed Dai-Bao from New Town Bakery and Restaurant (148 E Pender Street) Bun Cha Hanoi from DD Mau (145 E Pender Street) Tajarin from Kissa Tanto (263 E Pender Street) Steamed BBQ Pork Rice Rolls from Sun Fresh Bakery (245 Keefer Street) Classic Omelette with Salted Radish from Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (163 Keefer Street) 🗸 Singapore Fried Noodles from Ming Fong Fast Food (180 Keefer Street) Chilled Tofu with Century Eggs from Fat Mao (217 E Georgia Street) Butter Beef from Phnom Penh (244 E Georgia Street) The F...

Our Taste of Chinatown adventure continued! After indulging in the savoury delights of Chinatown BBQ , our stomachs weren't quite ready to say goodbye just yet. With a sweet tooth calling, we walked to the legendary New Town Bakery. Red Bean Cake from New Town Bakery The line snaking outside was a testament to the bakery's iconic status. While the lure of their famous bao buns, devoured during our Brinner celebration last week, was strong, we decided to explore the sweeter side of New Town Bakery this time. Tempting displays of pastries and buns greeted us inside, each one vying for our attention. After much deliberation, I opted for the Chinese Red Beans Donut. I am biased toward Chinese Donuts, with my favourite from Kam Do Bakery in Richmond. My husband chose the Red Bean Cake. Red Bean Donut from New Tow...