Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Happy Thursday! We flew back from Austin on Sunday, and even though I had Monday off, I was back at work on Tuesday. The vacation was too short. Anyway, the theme for our team lunch was Mexican, so we went to our favourite spot, Patrón Tacos and Cantina. This time, I took my colleague's recommendation (she's originally from Mexico!) and ordered the Chilaquiles with Chorizo add-on and green salsa. I had chilaquiles in Austin, but it was too salty, so I was on a mission to find a good version. Patrón's did not disappoint! Chilaquiles  from Patrón Tacos and Cantina Corn tortilla chips soaked in salsa Verde and melted cheese. Topped with feta cheese, sour cream, onions, and cilantro. Served with a side of pork beans and chorizo. The salsa verde had a subtle heat, and the creamy, savoury pork beans were terrific. This dish was perfectly balanced - not a hint o...

We touched down in Denver, Colorado, for a brief 2-hour layover. Seizing the opportunity, we decided to treat ourselves to breakfast for lunch at Snooze A.M. Eatery inside Denver International Airport. My husband opted for The Snooze Classic, choosing the chicken sausage – a delightful twist on the traditional. Shaped like chicken-fried steak but boasting a distinct, skinless sausage texture, it arrived alongside perfectly cooked eggs, crisp toast, and hefty, puck-sized hash browns. The Snooze Club  from Snooze A.M. Eatery Three cage-free eggs cooked any style with your choice of ham, bacon, sausage, chorizo, pulled pork, chicken sausage or soyrizo. Includes hash browns and choice of toast. On the other hand, I couldn't resist the Smashed Avocado Benny. Served on perfectly toasted English muffins, it featured a delightful combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy avo...

As we say goodbye to Austin and head home today, we knew we had to end on a true Texas note: breakfast barbecue! We ventured into the Austin International Airport and found The Salt Lick BBQ, a classic Austin barbecue spot. The Salt Lick BBQ  inside Austin International Airport We opted for the two-meat combo, allowing us to try all their offerings: brisket, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage. The sausage was decent, but Cooper's definitely takes the crown there. The pulled pork was a bit dry, unfortunately. The surprise of the meal was the turkey – surprisingly juicy and flavorful, even surpassing the pulled pork. But the star, as always with Texas barbecue, was the brisket. Tender, perfectly seasoned, and with just a hint of juiciness, it was fantastic. The Salt Lick's barbecue sauce gets a thumbs up, too, offering a nice flavour boost compared to Cooper's. ...

After devouring some melt-in-your-mouth barbecue at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, we took a leisurely stroll along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. When we reached the Rainey Street Historic District, the sun had set, and a cool Austin breeze made for a perfect walk. Rainey Street lived up to its reputation as Austin's "party capital." Upbeat music spilled out from converted bungalows lining the street, and the air buzzed with the energy of people enjoying the nightlife. Food trucks were everywhere, offering a mind-boggling variety of options – from tacos and mini donuts to gyros. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Our original recipe for almost 60 years: a boneless breast of chicken seasoned to perfection, freshly breaded, pressure cooked in 100% refined peanut oil, and served on a toasted, buttery bun with dill pickle chips. Wal...

The Bullock Texas State History Museum completely captivated us! We spent a surprising six hours engrossed in the exhibits.  Afterwards, we took an Uber to Saint Mary Catholic Cathedral for Mass. Feeling famished after our museum adventure, we decided to take a detour for some legendary Texas barbecue at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, conveniently located downtown just a few blocks from our hotel. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que True to its name, Cooper's offered a classic Texas BBQ experience. I dove in with a trio of meats (quarter pound each): brisket, sirloin, and jalapeño and cheese sausage. The sides - coleslaw, mac-n-cheese, and boiled corn - were all winners. The sausage had a nice kick, and the sirloin, while a bit dry, was still well-seasoned. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que The...

Good morning! We planned to grab breakfast at Foreground, a food hall near our hotel. Unfortunately, they don't open until 11:00 am, which was too late for our rumbling stomachs and plans. So, we ended up at Corner (Flavor of Texas) in the JW Marriott lobby. I opted for the Chipotle Pork Chilaquiles, hoping for a taste of Texas with a Mexican twist. It came as a bowl of tortilla chips smothered in chipotle pork, ranchero sauce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and a perfectly over-easy egg. While the pork itself was tender and flavorful, the ranchero sauce was overwhelmingly salty. I could only manage the pork on its own. Chipotle Pork Chilaquiles from Corner Hubby went for the All-American breakfast: toasted bread, fluffy scrambled eggs, filling breakfast potatoes, and crispy bacon. It was a classic done perfectly. All A...

Travel Log: May 24, 2024 — Continuing my #CostcoTourism journey deep in the heart of Texas. I’ve come to accept it: I have a beautiful, "weird" obsession with the Costco food court. During my time in South Austin , I couldn't resist a visit to document how their menu stacks up against my stops in Los Angeles and back home in Canada. It’s a love letter to the subtle differences that make every warehouse a new adventure. To God be the glory for the joy found in these simple comparisons. Texas Finds: While the $1.50 hot dog is a global constant, seeing the Turkey Swiss Sandwich ($6.99) and the Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($2.49 USD) in the Austin sun felt like a smooch-worthy victory for my collection. 🌎 #CostcoTourism Global Tracker The BC Originals: Vancouver | Richmond | Burnaby The US Tour: Hawthorne, CA | South Austin, TX International: Melbourne, Australia | M...

A trip to Whataburger is a must-do when visiting the state of Texas so after an exciting (but bat-less) evening watching for the Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, we ventured to our first Whataburger experience. Try the unsweetened (or sweetened) iced tea from Whataburger  What Did We Order? We opted for the classic Whataburger, their signature offering. This burger features a tender beef patty, layered with tangy mustard, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, dill pickles, and diced onions, all nestled in a toasted bun. Whataburger from Whataburger The Verdict: A Solid Burger, But Not a Revelation The Whataburger was good. The beef was cooked to a nice tenderness, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. However, it didn't quite reach the level of deliciousness I was expecting and hoping. ...

After a fascinating morning exploring the Texas Capitol, we grabbed an Uber to LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue to taste authentic Texas BBQ. With so many options, I chose this spot because their portions seemed manageable (you know, "everything's bigger in Texas"!). My waistline and heart would thank me for avoiding a more meat-heavy experience. We opted for two meat plates with sides, allowing us to sample four different offerings. We went for the classic sliced brisket, chopped beef, pulled pork, and directly smoked chicken. For sides, we ventured beyond the usual with kale Caesar slaw, beef fat potato chips, a Texas red chilli frito pie, and pork hash rice. Two Plates from Leroy and Lewis Barbecue The sliced brisket truly stole the show – melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour. The chopped beef and pulled pork offered a contrasting texture but lacke...

Happy Friday! We're in Austin, and my husband's event has just wrapped up, so we have the next couple of days free to explore the city. We started our day with some incredible breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural. Their Migas Tacos were terrific - fresh corn tortillas overflowing with fluffy eggs, melty Monterey Jack cheese, crisp tortilla chips, juicy tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and creamy avocado. El Breakfast Taco from Veracruz All Natural  We also tried the El Breakfast Taco, a heartier option packed with savoury bacon, refried pinto beans, and tender potatoes. As a big fan of beans and potatoes, this one was a winner. Migas Taco from Veracruz All Natural After breakfast, we're fueling up for some sightseeing with a one-kilometre walk to the iconic Texas Capitol.

After a day at the pool, I wandered through Downtown Austin on a food quest. Without any cravings, I jumped at the sight of an open food truck on West 3rd. After all, Austin's food truck scene is famous! I eagerly ordered from The Heart of Texas Smokehouse (T.H.O.T.S.) food truck along 3rd Street near Congress Avenue. Combo Plate over Rice from The Heart of Smokehouse food truck My choice? The Combo Plate over Rice. Gyros and chicken shawarma nestled on fluffy basmati rice, with a fresh side salad and their signature white and red sauces. Back at the hotel, I devoured it all. While a tad saltier than expected, the rice and salad provided a fantastic counterpoint. Plus, that spicy red sauce was a flavour bomb! Now, I'm happily stuffed and ready for a nap.

In my previous post, I mentioned that I had no plans for the day and was carefree. After breakfast at Forthright , I decided to explore the University of Texas at Austin. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library was my first stop, and I spent a fascinating three hours immersing myself in the life and legacy of the 36th president. Afterward, I strolled around the beautiful UT campus and stumbled upon The Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports. The vast collection of photographs dedicated to sports history was truly impressive! Lunch plans changed course — instead of Costco, I treated myself to some delicious Korean food at Koriente, a highly recommended spot I found during my research. Apparently, La Condesa and Koriente are must-tries in Downtown Austin! My Miso-Honey-Glazed mahi mahi order had a little twist — their supplier didn't have the fish, but the salmon they offered as a substitute was incredible. The flaky fish on perfe...

Good morning from sunny Austin, Texas! Having a leisurely vacation morning is a rare treat — I usually pack my days with activities. But not today! My husband's busy with his conference (the whole reason we're here), which means I have a free day to explore at my own pace. Slept in until 8 am without an alarm, a real luxury! After a relaxing shower, I strolled down to Forthright for breakfast. I was torn between my usual Chicken & Waffles and the tempting Avocado Toast, but the Texas Pastrami Hash ultimately stole the show. Texas Pastrami Hash  from Forthright  Seriously, the smoked pastrami is insanely juicy and tender. It complements the medley of veggies perfectly, and the creamy egg yolk ties it all together. What a phenomenal start to a beautiful day! Texas Pastrami Hash  from Forthright ...

We arrived safely in Austin, Texas, and after settling into our hotel, we walked straight for La Condesa, eager to experience the city's food scene. Our first choice was the queso flameado, a delightful symphony of black beans, rajas (roasted poblano peppers and onions), Dos Lunas cheese, and a vibrant avocado salpicón (relish). The corn tortillas perfectly complemented the rich melted cheese. Queso Flameado from La Condesa While the queso flameado was a tempting shared starter, my main course stole the show. I opted for the Huarache de Huitlacoche, featuring a bed of black beans and Dos Lunas cheese topped with earthy mushrooms and fragrant epazote, all nestled in a beautiful oval-shaped corn tortilla. It was a vegetarian masterpiece, bursting with flavour in every bite. Huarache de Huitlacoche from La Condesa ...

Even though it's still early (good morning from Vancouver!), we're already on our way to Austin, Texas! We woke up at the crack of dawn (4:30 a.m., to be exact), and by 6:00 p.m., we were navigating the exciting world of Vancouver International Airport. We checked our bags and had the most delightful interaction with a US Border and Customs agent. Agent : "Where are you going?" Me : "Austin, Texas" Agent : "What are you doing there?" Me : "Tour. Eat barbecue." Agent : chuckles "Well, have a great trip!" Gotta love a friendly customs agent! After spotting our gate, we enjoyed a quiet breakfast at Canucks Bar and Grill. Avocado Toast  from Canucks Bar and Grill inside Vancouver International Airport I opted for the avocado toast (swoon-worthy!)—marble rye bread, grape tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and a perfectly poached ...

A&W's Nashville Hot Chicken Cruncher is here to excite your taste buds. Hubby and I recently embarked on a flavour adventure with this fiery sandwich. We opted to share the Nashville Hot Chicken Cruncher. The star of the show was the crispy boneless fried chicken, nestled perfectly within a toasted brioche-style bun. It delivered a delightful textural contrast – a satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside. Nashville Hot Chicken Cruncher  from A&W Made with super-CRISPY and JUICY breaded chicken with a spicy Nashville glaze, complemented by Chubby mayo and sweet bread and butter pickles, all sandwiched between a perfectly toasted brioche-style bun. Now, the real intrigue lies in the Nashville glaze. This spicy concoction coats the chicken, promising a fiery kick. For me, it offered a pleasant warmth. It wasn't overpow...

Calling all hot dog lovers and A&W fans! Get ready for a taste of nostalgia because the Whistle Dog is back for a limited time! After disappearing from the menu in 2017, this iconic hot dog sandwich is returning to participating A&W locations across Canada. Whistle Dog  from A&W A perfectly cooked pork wiener—from pork raised without the use of antibiotics—is grilled and split down the middle. It is filled with mouth-watering bacon, real cheddar cheese, and sweet cucumber relish, all loaded into a freshly toasted hot dog bun. The Whistle Dog has garnered a devoted following over the years. For some, it's a cherished menu item, a reminder of happy childhood meals. For others, like myself, it's a brand-new experience. Regardless of your nostalgia level, one thing's for sure: the Whistle Dog is a delicious hot dog sandwich that deserves a t...

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially for a restaurant. Shizenya, a staple on West Broadway just a couple blocks from our home, is sadly closing its doors on May 26th. We couldn't let this opportunity pass, so today, we decided to pay our respects (and indulge our taste buds!) with a farewell lunch. Our exploration of Shizenya's delights began with a shared vegetarian masterpiece – the Geisha Girls Roll. This vibrant beauty featured crispy yam tempura, which provided a satisfying crunch. Meanwhile, the organic spring mix of lettuce, carrot, cucumber, and red pepper added a touch of freshness. Sweet pops of fresh mango balanced the savoury elements, and the organic brown sushi rice offered a healthy base. The crowning touch? Slices of creamy avocado drizzled with a house-made sweet soy sauce and black sesame sauce. Geisha Girls Roll  from Shizenya Roll: Yam tempura, organic spring mix lettuce,...

Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the warm weather than with a delicious new treat? After attending Mass, my husband and I took a 4km walk to a Tim Hortons location under a bright, sunny sky. It is the perfect way to work up an appetite and an even bigger thirst! Luckily, a sweet surprise awaited us at the end of our stroll – the brand new CARAMILK® Iced Capp! For fans of the classic caramel iced capp, the new CARAMILK® Iced Capp offers a delightful twist on a beloved beverage. The base remains the same — that familiar blend of creamy coffee and rich caramel sweetness. But here's where things get exciting: the addition of milk chocolate chunks! These milk chocolate chunks, inspired by the iconic CARAMILK® bar, are the real stars of the show. With every sip, you get the smooth, creamy coffee base, the familiar caramel sweetness, and then – a burst of delicious milk chocolate! ...

Sundays are usually a time for routine, but today, things took a few detours! We started by heading out for our usual Sunday Mass, but a sleepy brain led to a breakfast blunder. Instead of ordering Tim Hortons near home, I accidentally placed the order at the branch closer to my office in Downtown Vancouver. Since the order couldn't be cancelled, we hopped on the bus and headed downtown to grab our breakfast. With breakfast secured, we considered attending Mass at the beautiful Holy Rosary Cathedral. Unfortunately, their service started at 8:00 a.m., an hour earlier than we expected — another unexpected turn. We decided to head to Kitsilano for the 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Augustine, which left us with a delightful hour to spare. Instead of rushing around, we opted to embrace the unexpected downtime. A stroll through Kits led us to Jitters Coffee, a cozy spot known for its eclectic atmosphere. ...