Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Get ready, Vancouver! The vibrant Proudly Philippines Food and Travel Fair returns on June 1st, 2024 , promising a day filled with delicious Filipino cuisine, breathtaking travel destinations, and a celebration of rich Filipino culture. Held at the iconic Robson Square from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm , this annual event is your chance to embark on a sensory journey to the Philippines without leaving the heart of Vancouver. Image source: Vancouver PCG website When is Proudly Philippines 2024: Food and Travel Fair? June 1, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Where is the Proudly Philippines 2024: Food and Travel Fair? It will be at Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver. List of Food Vendors Foodies, rejoice! The fair boasts a diverse array of vendors showcasing the best of Filipino food. Savor the explosion of flavors in classic dishes. Indulge in sweet treats lik...

The pitter-patter of rain echoes outside as we enter Trees Organic Coffee + Cheesecake. Vancouver's signature drizzle had transformed the day into a perfect excuse for a leisurely Sunday outing. After a Sunday Mass, we decided to steal an hour or so of relaxation at Trees. Having spent the entire Saturday indoors, a dose of the outside world, even the rainy kind, felt absolutely necessary. Inside Trees, I opted for a steaming cup of hot apple cider. The vibrant amber liquid, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, was a delightful way to chase away the chill of the rainy day. Each sip was like a warm hug from the inside out, a perfect pick-me-up for a leisurely Sunday morning. Spinach & Feta Quiche  from Trees Organic Coffee + Cheesecake I also ordered the delightful spinach & feta quiche. The golden-brown crust encasing a savoury filling of wilted spin...

Yay! It's the first day of the Richmond Night Market, and we were lined up an hour before opening because I needed to take pictures of all the booth and their menu (link to the post here ). This year, we embarked on a seafood-only adventure and were impressed! F03. Crayfish Dumplings The first stop was crayfish dumplings. Having never tried crayfish before, I wasn't sure what to expect. Unlike shrimp, crayfish boasts a firmer texture and a unique flavour. The dipping sauce was a game-changer, adding a burst of savoury goodness. If you're a lobster fan, you might find these crayfish dumplings equally delightful. Crayfish Dumplings (F03)   from Richmond Night Market F12. Korean Pancakes Next up were Korean seafood pancakes. We're big fans of these seafood pancakes and always order them at Korean restaurants. While these were delicious, featuring fresh shrimp, squ...

It's Thursday, and you know what that means? Company-paid team lunch day! This week's theme was music to our ears (and taste buds) – Mexican food! Our destination for this culinary fiesta is Patrón Tacos & Cantina along Robson Street. My colleagues opted for the classic route, diving into various delicious tacos. A Soul-Warming Tortilla Soup While tacos are undeniably tempting, I opted for something familiar – the lunch combo menu. My starter was an instant mood-lifter: Tortilla Soup. This heartwarming dish featured a rich and flavorful veggie guacillo broth. Each spoonful was a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the crispy fried corn tortilla strips adding a lovely crunch. The generous dollops of avocado, sour cream, and feta cheese provided the perfect finishing touches. It was the ideal comfort food on a day when the rain was coming down in sheets. Tortilla Soup...

Calling all lemon lovers! If you're looking for a burst of sunshine in your morning routine, look no further than Tim Hortons' Lemon Poppyseed Cheesecake Muffin. This delightful treat is a symphony of sweet and tart, with a surprise creamy center that will have you reaching for another bite. From the first mouthful, I was greeted by a powerful punch of lemon flavour. The muffin itself boasts a vibrant lemon zest. The lemon isn't a solo act, though. It's beautifully complemented by the perfect amount of poppy seeds. These tiny black seeds add a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavour that perfectly complements the citrus zest. Lemon Poppyseed Cheesecake Muffin from Tim Hortons But wait, there's more! Nestled in the center of this muffin lies a hidden treasure – a dollop of rich and creamy cheesecake frosting. This unexpected delight adds a touch of...

Calling all coffee and quick bite enthusiasts! Tim Hortons has entered the pizza arena with its new flatbread pizzas. We dove into two of its offerings—the Bacon Everything and the Chicken Parmesan—to see if they measure up to the lunchtime competition. Here's a breakdown to help you decide if these flatbreads deserve a spot on your next Timmies run. Tim Hortons Flatbread Pizza Box On a side note, we noticed that many parents with kids were at Tim's enjoying dinnertime pizza. Hopefully, Tim realizes that their target market should be kids! Imagine a pizza and donut run in one place. Bacon Everything Flatbread Pizza The Bacon Everything flatbread boasts a roasted garlic base topped with an herb and garlic sauce. It is then layered with double-smoked bacon, a blend of shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese, and a sprinkle of everything seasoning, the same magical mix found on...

Happy Friday! Today's plan was to embark on a Filipino Restaurant Month adventure, savouring the prix fixe menus at Plato Filipino and Pampanga's Cuisine. We arrived at Plato Filipino first, only to discover (to our disappointment!) that only their New Westminster location was participating. Undeterred, we headed next door to Pampanga's Cuisine, but alas, their Filipino Restaurant Month menu was no longer available after 12:00 p.m.  Bola-Bola Siopao  from Bao Bakery While the evening's original plan fell through, it was a blessing in disguise. Joyce Street, where both restaurants are located, is home to my all-time favourite siopao vendor – Bao Bakery ! Their legendary bola-bola siopao is, in my humble opinion, the absolute best in Vancouver. For those unfamiliar with the wonders of siopao, it's a savoury Filipino baked bun with various fillings. Bao Bakery...

Thursdays just got a whole lot tastier! Thanks to our fantastic company's treat, this week's team lunch took a delightful detour to Casereccio Foods in Kitsilano. I ordered the spaghetti pesto verde with chicken, and it was nothing short of amazing. Casereccio Foods, meaning "homemade" in Italian, lives up to its name in every way. The star of the show was undoubtedly the freshly made pasta. Each perfectly cooked strand held its shape beautifully, offering a delightful springy texture that danced on the palate. The crowning glory of this dish, however, was the pesto verde. This vibrant green sauce has fresh, high-quality ingredients and a complex flavour profile. The herbaceous notes of basil were perfectly balanced by the earthy tones of pine nuts and the sharp tang of parmesan cheese. Spaghetti Pesto Verde  from Casereccio Foods Traditional Basil Pesto is made with fresh basil, p...

Sundays are for family, faith, and unexpected deliciousness. After a heartwarming service at Mass, we embarked on a mission to Costco, but hunger pangs detoured us to a familiar favourite – Tractor. This modern cafeteria-style restaurant is a haven for healthy and flavorful eats, perfect for satisfying cravings without sacrificing your health goals. My husband opted for the Classic Meatballs sandwich. This behemoth featured a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices, all nestled in a toasted bun and topped with a slow-roasted tomato sauce. One bite (generously offered by him) revealed the juicy meatballs perfectly complemented by the rich and tangy tomato sauce. Classic Meatball sandwich from Tractor For myself, I leaned towards the Avo + Chicken Sandwich. This seemingly lighter option was anything but boring. A perfectly grilled half avocado, seaso...

Continuing our Filipino Restaurant Month adventure, we ventured to the iconic Max's Restaurant, a name synonymous with delicious Filipino comfort food. Their set menu for the event offered a delightful taste of their culinary repertoire. Appetizers: Max's Restaurant Month menu differed from Goldilocks ' in its focus on curated choices. We began by selecting an appetizer each: Calamares and Lumpiang Shanghai  from Max's Restaurant Calamari : Tender squid rings dipped in a light batter, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. The accompanying vinegar garlic dip added a delightful tangy touch. Lumpiang Shanghai : Spring rolls filled with a savoury blend of ground pork and vegetables are deep-fried to a golden brown. The sweet and sour dipping sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Both appetizers were delicious, an...

Happy Thursday! With my husband away for an event, I decided to treat myself to a delightful date night for one. My destination? None other than the familiar comfort of Boston Pizza. While Boston Pizza might not be the first place that springs to mind for a solo evening, it offers the perfect combination of casual vibes and delicious comfort food. I began my self-care soiree with their signature Cactus Cut Potatoes. These thinly sliced and perfectly seasoned fries were perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Dipped in their addictive cactus dip, they were a flavour explosion in every bite. Cactus Cut Potatoes  from Boston Pizza Spicy and thinly sliced fried potatoes. Served with the signature cactus dip.  I opted for the Classic Nachos with BBQ Chicken for my main course. A generous portion of hand-cut tortilla chips served as the base for a mountai...

Happy Wednesday! My younger sister decided to conquer her schoolwork at the Vancouver Public Library's central location. Conveniently, my office is just across the street from VPL, making a lunchtime rendezvous a perfect way to catch up. We decided to head to the iconic Japadog for lunch. For my meal, I opted for the Love Meat. This flavour powerhouse features arabiki pork, a succulent and flavorful ground pork variety. Adding melty cheese and a rich meat sauce made with beef and pork brought this hot dog to a new level. To balance the richness and add a refreshing touch, I grabbed a Japanade Original Lemonade. The tangy sweetness of the lemonade perfectly complemented the savoury flavours of the hot dog. Love Meat from Japadog No Japadog visit is complete without indulging in their legendary chicken dashi. This Japanese-style fried chicken lives up to the hype. It boasts a j...

Craving movie snacks but on the fence about the Cineplex Outtakes menu? Look no further! Today's blog post dives into two of their classic offerings – the Classic Hot Dog and the Buffalo Chicken Poutine. The Classic Hot Dog: A Disappointment at the Concession Stand Let's start with the Classic Hot Dog. This seemingly simple menu item unfortunately fell short of expectations. The hot dog itself lacked flavour, and the overall experience felt uninspired. While it might satisfy a basic hunger pang, there are definitely more exciting options on the Outtakes menu. Classic Hot Dog from Cineplex The Buffalo Chicken Poutine: A Tangy Twist Next up is the Buffalo Chicken Poutine. This dish offered a more adventurous flavour profile. Crispy fries were generously smothered in gravy and cheese curds, then topped with a generous helping of buffalo chicken. While the concept was intrigui...

🍿 Note: Prices have changed! This post is a 2024 archive. For the most current movie snack pricing, check out my Updated 2025 Cineplex Menu & Prices Checklist . Craving a movie and some delicious bites to go with it? The Cineplex Outtakes menu is a one-stop shop for satisfying those hunger pangs during your next cinematic adventure. Popcorn and Pulled Pork Poutine from Cineplex The information below was updated on April 9, 2024 , while watching Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Prices are in Canadian dollars and exclude tax. Cineplex Popcorn & Combos (2024) Popcorn Item Price Combo 1: 1x Large Popcorn, 1x Large Drink, 1x Candy $21.13 Combo 2: 2x Regular Popcorn, 2x Regular Drink, 2x Candies $40.26 Combo 3 1x Large Popcorn, 2x Regular Drink, 1x Regular Candy $26.62 Combo 4: 1x Large Popcorn, 2x Regular Drink, 2x ...

Craving a soul-warming hug in a bowl? Look no further than the Chicken Noodle Soup at Lin Chinese Cuisine, a Vancouver staple known for its authentic Northern Chinese and Sichuan dishes. The foundation of this delicious soup is a rich and flavorful chicken broth. Simmered for hours with a medley of fragrant spices and aromatics, the broth boasts a complex depth of flavour that warms you from the inside out. The subtle hint of chicken fat adds a touch of richness, while the gentle kiss of ginger and garlic provides a touch of aromatic complexity. Chicken Noodle Soup from Lin Chinese Cuisine Lin's Chicken Noodle Soup features thick, chewy hand-pulled noodles. It also includes a vibrant array of fresh, colourful vegetables.

As a Filipino-Canadian who's lived in Vancouver for almost 10 years, I was absolutely thrilled to hear about  Filipino Restaurant Month ! This entire month is dedicated to celebrating my home country's rich and diverse cuisine at participating restaurants across Metro Vancouver. My goal? To embark on a delicious adventure and try them all! Filipino Restaurant Month: Goldilocks This past Sunday, after a heartwarming service at Mass, my taste buds were primed for a Filipino food adventure. We headed straight to Goldilocks, a familiar and comforting name that brought back childhood memories. They offered two unique Filipino Restaurant Month combos, and we decided to go all in and try them both! Prix Fixe Menu 1 Prix Fixe Menu 1 featured the following items: Lechon Laing : This spicy, creamy concoction made with taro leaves and crispy pork was a revelation! The complex flavours and textur...

Happy birthday to my brother! To celebrate, we decided to indulge in some juicy burgers at Triple O's, a Vancouver institution famous for its award-winning patties. As a self-proclaimed burger aficionado, I've meticulously documented my Triple O's adventures on this blog, and guess what? I've devoured all their beef and chicken burger offerings! Beef Burgers Bacon Cheddar Burger Chipotle BBQ Bacon Melt Monty Mushroom Burger Original Burger Original Burger with Cheese Chicken Burgers BC Chicken Buffalo Chicken Buttermilk Chicken Club Spicy Ultimate Crunch ...