Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Calling all Philly cheesesteak fanatics and cheesy bread aficionados! This blog post is for you. Today, we're diving into Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak – a flavour explosion waiting to happen. A Cheesy Adventure with a Philly Twist Domino's Stuffed Cheesy Bread is a new variant in the Stuffed Cheesy Bread family. The generously oven-baked breadsticks, bursting with melty mozzarella and cheddar cheese, are a delicious indulgence in themselves. But Domino's takes it up a notch with their Philly Steak variation. This cheesy delight is packed with tender slices of steak, along with the classic trio of green peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Each bite is a satisfying combination of the gooey cheese, the savoury steak, and the crisp vegetables – all working in harmony to create a flavour fiesta. Domino's Pizza Stuffed Cheesy Bread with Philly Steak Our oven-baked...

Happy Sunday! After the reflective and heartening Easter Sunday Mass, my husband and I craved a warm and inviting atmosphere to unwind. With its reputation for delicious coffee and inviting ambiance, Lumine Coffee seemed like the perfect destination. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a delightful surprise. The cafe, while spacious, bustled with activity. The air vibrated with conversation and the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It was a scene that felt both energizing and comforting, the perfect post-Easter pick-me-up. Mocha from Lumine Coffee We settled into comfy seats, eager to explore Lumine's offerings. For my caffeine fix, I opted for an 8oz mocha. The rich, chocolatey flavour perfectly complemented the smooth coffee base, creating a delightful, warm beverage. My husband chose a 6oz flat white. The smaller size allowed him to savour the complete flavour pro...

Calling all cheese lovers, pastry aficionados, and those seeking a delicious on-the-go option! Tim Hortons has introduced a new menu item that will tantalize your taste buds: Savoury Pinwheels. These delightful pastries come in two flavour combinations—caramelized Onion and  Parmesan and Red Pepper and Swiss —offering a delightful twist on the classic breakfast pastry. Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Savoury Pinwheel  from Tim Hortons A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The magic of these Savoury Pinwheels lies in their perfect balance of sweet and savoury notes. The flaky, buttery pastry provides a satisfying base while the generous filling takes center stage. Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Pinwheel This flavour combination is a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the slow-cooked caramelized onions is beautifully complemented by the sharpness of the Pa...

Happy Thursday! It's the last workday before a long weekend, and with Holy Week in full swing, I decided to observe a meatless Maundy Thursday. Thankfully, delicious options abound, and our company-paid lunch adventure took us to the nearby JINYA Ramen Bar. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I'm always looking for exciting culinary experiences. Today's exploration led me to the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen. This vibrant bowl was a revelation – a symphony of flavours and textures that defied the myth that vegan food lacks depth. The rich vegetable broth formed a flavorful base, perfectly complemented by the tofu, green onion, spinach, crispy onion, garlic chips, garlic oil, chilli oil, and sesame seeds. Each element added a unique note to the overall taste profile, creating an exceptional experience. And let's not forget the thick noodles, which provided a satisfyingly chewy contrast to the soft vegetables and creamy broth. ...

Happy Wednesday! The workday was in full swing, and my focus was laser-sharp on the task at hand. Suddenly, a message from Mom popped up on my screen. She was downtown Vancouver, a stone's throw away from the office! We decided to head to the conveniently located Giovane Cafe, nestled in the lobby of my office building, for lunch. It was a perfect little oasis amidst the workday hustle. Mocha  from Giovanne Caffe Over steaming cups of mocha, we reconnected. Mom opted for the Manzo, a symphony of flavours featuring rosemary balsamic roast beef, caciocavallo cheese, peppery arugula, and a touch of roasted garlic aioli. As for me, my current culinary fixation – the Caprese – was a no-brainer. Fresh fior di latte cheese, vibrant basil pesto, and juicy Roma tomatoes – a classic combination that never disappoints. Every bite was a refreshing burst of flavour, a testament to the simp...

Happy Sunday! My husband is back from his retreat, and to celebrate his return (and perhaps my slight chicken obsession!), I decided to order a finger-lickin feast from Mary Brown's Chicken. Since the beginning of the year, I've embarked on a delicious journey through the world of fried chicken. From Church's and Popeyes to karaage and Taiwanese-style delights, I've savoured the unique flavours and textures each offer. Today, Mary Brown's was on the menu! We opted for the 18-piece Signature Chicken, a fiery introduction to the Mary Brown's experience. And let me tell you, they weren't kidding about the spice! This chicken packed a serious punch, leaving a pleasant tingle in the taste buds. The crispy golden exterior gave way to juicy, flavorful chicken within. It was definitely hotter than anything I'd encountered at the major American fried chicken chains. ...

This weekend was a symphony of savoury spices and rich curries, a dream come true for any self-proclaimed curry aficionado like myself. It all began last Friday with a delightful Veggie Curry at Masa Japanese Restaurant . The vibrant mix of vegetables swimming in a flavorful curry base was a lovely vegetarian indulgence. But the journey didn't end there. Yesterday, I ventured into uncharted territory, exploring the world of Soup Curry Garaku in Richmond. This unique take on the classic Japanese curry, with its brothy base and explosion of textures, was a revelation. And today? Today was all about returning to a beloved favourite – Suika's Signature Beef Curry. For me, a beef curry base reigns supreme. Its richer flavour and deeper colour offer a taste sensation that chicken curries, with their milder nature, simply can't compete with. Signature Beef Curry  from Suika Suika origina...

Happy Sunday! Today started with the usual routine. A quick stop at Tim Hortons for an everything bagel with cream cheese fueled my journey to Palm Sunday Mass. The service offered a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal, a perfect way to start the day. With a peaceful heart and a rumbling stomach, I indulged in a sweet treat. Trees Cheesecake & Organic Coffee, a local favourite, beckoned with its promise of deliciousness and an empty spot where I could hang out. Knowing their reputation for monthly specials, I couldn't resist their Coconut Dream Cheesecake. The promise of a tropical escape in every bite was simply too tempting! I settled into a cozy corner, the cheesecake and a steaming cup of Hot Apple Cider my companions. The rich, creamy cheesecake, with its subtle coconut flavour and refreshing hint of lemon, was a delightful dance on my taste buds. The hot apple cider, warm and comforting, was the perfect complement, its sweet and spicy...

The fiery adventure at Soup Curry Garaku left a warm (and slightly spicy!) glow in its wake. Craving a sweet, relaxing counterpoint, I embarked on a coffee shop quest. Hopping on the Canada Line SkyTrain, I zipped back towards "home," disembarking at the Broadway City Centre station. Hot Chocolate from Lumiere Cafe Lumiere Cafe beckoned me in. While their hot chocolate offered a familiar warmth, it was the NYC Suprême that truly stole the show. This flaky pastry was a textural delight – the exterior boasted a croissant-like flakiness, giving way to a chewy, satisfying interior. But the real star was the filling. I opted for the matcha version, and it did not disappoint. The vibrant green filling delivered a decent matcha flavour, neither overpowering nor underwhelming. Delicate white chocolate sat atop this delightful creation, with a subtle hint of matcha for a cohesive...

Happy Saturday! This weekend promised a solo adventure, with my husband away on a retreat. My initial plan was to visit Eggspectation in Richmond, BC, where my sister works. Filled with excitement for brunch and sibling bonding, I hopped into an Uber and sent a quick text announcing my arrival. But fate had other plans. A phone call from my sister revealed a tech glitch – their network or app was down, rendering the kitchen unable to receive orders. The prospect of brunch evaporated faster than my morning Uber bill! Undeterred by this setback, my adventurous spirit kicked in. A quick bus ride later, I found myself at the doorstep of a relatively new Japanese restaurant in Aberdeen Centre – Soup Curry Garaku! Now, as a self-proclaimed Japanese curry aficionado , I'd had my fair share of the classic stewed goodness. But soup curry? This was uncharted territory. Soup Curry Garaku boasts a rich heritage, hailing from Hokkaido, Japan. Intrigued by ...

Happy Friday! While the weekend beckons with its promise of relaxation, a bittersweet note hangs in the air. I'm working from home today, but my husband attends a weekend retreat in Mission, BC. Before he departed, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Masa Japanese Restaurant, conveniently located nearby. Unagi Don from Masa Japanese Restaurant Steamed rice with BBQ sea eel and Japanese pickles Being Friday and adhering to our Catholic beliefs, we opted for a pescetarian feast. My husband dove headfirst into the Unagi Don. This classic dish featured steamed rice as its foundation, the perfect canvas for the star of the show – a generous portion of BBQ sea eel. Japanese pickles added a delightful tangy counterpoint. Veggie Curry from Masa Japanese Restaurant Japanese curry with vegetable and rice I gravitated towa...

Happy Thursday! Fueled by the spiritual renewal of the Lord's Supper Mass, we decided to extend our date night with a delicious dinner at Leopold's Tavern. The Vancouver Canucks game flickered on the screens, adding a touch of excitement to the atmosphere. With a spirit of meatless observation, I opted for the vegetarian nachos. This mountain of goodness offered a symphony of textures and flavours. Crispy chips, melted cheese, a vibrant pico de gallo, and crisp onions formed a delicious base. Pickled jalapenos added a touch of heat, while peppers and olives offered pops of colour and briny complexity. A dollop of guacamole provided a creamy counterpoint, and the accompanying salsa and sour cream were perfect for dipping adventures. Every bite was an explosion of flavour and texture, making these nachos a true vegetarian delight. Nachos from Leopold's Tavern Cheese, pico de gallo, onions, ...

The workday was in full swing when my phone rang. It was Michaels, and their call brought a wave of relief - our custom framing project for the office was finally complete and ready for pick-up! After what felt like an eternity (though, in reality, it was probably just a couple of weeks), the wait was over. Eager to get these masterpieces, I raced to Michaels after work. But what awaited me wasn't a single, manageable frame – it was two! And let me tell you, these weren't your average picture frames. These were substantial, impressive works of art – big, bold, and surprisingly heavy. A quick call to my ever-supportive husband confirmed my suspicions. Dragging these bad boys home and then back to the office the next day wasn't exactly an appealing prospect. His solution? A much more straightforward, one-trip approach – head straight to the office! So, with a game plan in place, I waited for him at Michaels, and together, we Ubered to the offi...

Happy Thursday! As the familiar aroma of deliciousness wafted through the air, we knew it was time for another company-paid team lunch! This week, the power was placed firmly in my hands – I, the winner of the competition question, held the glorious responsibility of choosing where to eat. With a plethora of culinary options in mind, I opted for BBQ! Now, for those familiar with the pre-2018 Vancouver landscape, the name Memphis Blues BBQ might spark a pang of nostalgia. This local favourite used to grace Broadway (between Hemlock and Granville) with its smoky goodness, but their location met its demise. Thankfully, the flame (and the flavour!) lives on at their Robson Street branch, a convenient two-minute walk from the office. However, with a global team comes the challenge of catering to diverse palates. While BBQ is a beloved cuisine in many parts of the world, variations abound. So, to ensure each office had an easy time choosing, I sent out a mess...

Happy Wednesday! Sometimes, a busy day calls for a classic comfort food fix. And for me today, that meant a trip to none other than McDonald's. My usual order of large fries and a 10-piece Chicken McNugget combo was a familiar friend, but this time, I decided to add a touch of adventure – the new Savory Chili WcDonald's Sauce ! 10-piece Chicken Nuggets and Savoury Chili WcDonald’s Sauce* from McDonald's Intrigued by the name and the limited-time-only buzz, I took the plunge. One dip in, and my taste buds were doing a happy dance! The sauce offered a surprising complexity beyond your average fast-food condiment. The first wave was a delightful sweetness reminiscent of a good stir-fry sauce. But then came the subtle heat, a gentle kick from the chilli flakes that built gradually without overpowering the other flavours. As I savoured each bite, I couldn't help bu...

Happy Wednesday! The hustle and bustle of the work week was in full swing, and this morning, breakfast completely flew under the radar. By the time I hopped off the bus stop downtown, my stomach was already grumbling in protest. But fear not, fellow busy bees, for a happy (and delicious!) solution awaited! As I walked towards the office, a charming little coffee shop nestled within Telus Gardens caught my eye – Bisou . The name itself whispered promises of delightful treats, and the inviting display of baked goods in the window confirmed those suspicions. However, with a savoury craving, I bypassed the sweet temptations and set my sights on something more substantial. Avocado Croissant sandwich from Bisou  Enter the avocado croissant sandwich . A flaky, buttery croissant with a golden exterior promising a warm and inviting embrace. Nestled within was the star of the show – crea...

Calling all foodies and supporters of our kababayan ! Get ready to embark on a delicious adventure because Filipino Restaurant Month is back in Metro Vancouver this April (2024)! This year promises to be even bigger and tastier than the last, showcasing the vibrant flavors and culinary talents of the Filipino community. What is Filipino Restaurant Month? It's a month-long celebration dedicated to highlighting the incredible diversity and deliciousness of Filipino cuisine. Participating restaurants across Metro Vancouver will be offering special prix fixe menus, allowing you to experience a curated selection of their signature dishes at a fantastic value. This is the perfect opportunity to explore new favorites, revisit classics, and support local Filipino-owned businesses! Filipino-style Bento Box from Plato Filipino Buko pandan, beef kaldereta, white rice, palabok, atchara, and lumpiang...

Happy Friday! After a long week working from home, I decided to shake things up and join a last-minute meetup organized by Tech2Step. This innovative group organizes networking walks along the scenic Seawall, starting at Science World. It's a fantastic way to connect with fellow tech professionals, all while enjoying the beauty of the Vancouver waterfront. The walk itself was a delightful mix of networking and reminiscing. As I chatted with a couple of Filipino immigrants who were new to Canada and looking for work opportunities, I couldn't help but be reminded of my own journey. Memories of my initial struggles upon arriving in Canada and navigating the job search resurfaced – a bittersweet reminder of how far I've come. With a heart full of emotions and legs that had enjoyed a good workout, my husband and I ended the evening with a delicious (and light!) dinner. Sushi Tendo on Cambie Street beckoned, and we happily obliged. Now, being ...

Fueled by a delicious Pi Day celebration with a slice of The Pie Hole's magic (see previous post !), it was time to catch up with family. Across the street awaited Romer's, a familiar haunt with memories of past lunches with former colleagues. The company was even better tonight – my sister, her boyfriend, and the promise of a fun-filled evening. As the conversation flowed, we delved into work and careers. My sister's boyfriend shared some work-related challenges, and we offered a listening ear and words of encouragement. Hopefully, the evening's camaraderie provided a much-needed boost! For me, Romer's held a special significance. This place was a monthly ritual with my old team, a haven of delicious burgers and good times. It had been over five years since my last visit, and a pang of nostalgia hit me as I scanned the menu. Naturally, my eyes gravitated toward my old favourite – the Magic Mushroom burger. The Magic Mushroom w...