Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Today, hubby and I decided to head to our local Waves Coffee House for a cozy afternoon of blogging, snacking, and just enjoying each other's company. For lunch, we kicked things off with their chicken pesto sandwich. Served on a perfectly toasted Italian-style ciabatta, the pesto chicken was juicy and herbaceous. The melted cheese added a layer of creamy goodness, while the spinach and tomato brought a fresh and juicy touch to every bite. Chicken Pesto Sandwich from Waves Coffee House Italian-style ciabatta with pesto chicken, melted cheese, spinach and tomato We also tried the ham and cheese sandwich, on the same delicious ciabatta bread. The ham and cheese were classic, but what really set it apart was the honey mustard sauce that gave each bite a hint of sweetness and tanginess. It was the ideal comfort food to pair with our afternoon latte. ...

When one of our closest friends from the Philippines decided to visit Vancouver, we knew we had to take them somewhere that captured the true essence of British Columbia. Without hesitation, we chose White Spot — a legendary BC institution that has been serving up comfort food for generations. My husband and I have always had our White Spot favorites, but this time we decided to branch out a bit. He went for the Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger, a newer addition to the menu that had us both intrigued. I stuck with my usual Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger, and our friend, wanting to experience a classic, ordered the Bacon Cheddar Burger. The Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger turned out to be the star of the show. With a perfectly crispy BC chicken thigh glazed in a spicy gochujang sauce, it hit that perfect balance of heat and flavour. The sauce had just the right amount of kick, adding a layer of complexity to the crispy chicken without overwhelming i...

Long-haul flights can be challenging, but Qantas made my journey from Sydney to Vancouver a bit more comfortable with their impressive Economy Class meal service. Thanks to my pre-flight indulgence at Heineken House , I was already in a food coma when I boarded. Nonetheless, the in-flight dining and entertainment kept me entertained and satisfied throughout the flight. To keep myself occupied during the 14-hour flight, I decided to dive into a Harry Potter movie marathon. Starting with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," I worked my way through the series and made it halfway through "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by the time we touched down in Canada. It was a perfect way to pass the time, bringing a sense of nostalgia and magic to the journey. We departed Sydney at 8:45 pm, and shortly after takeoff, dinner was served. The meal options for Economy Class included: Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous with roasted ca...

During my layover at Sydney International Airport, I decided to settle in at Heineken House, a place that combines great food, drinks, and sports. With a few hours to spare, I couldn't think of a better spot to relax and watch the AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions. Heineken House is the ideal place to kick back, especially if you're a sports fan. There are screens tuned to AFL matches and rugby championships, and the atmosphere is electric with travellers cheering for their teams. It felt like a sports bar, right in the middle of the airport! Watching an AFL match in Sydney International Aiport I decided to treat myself to some comfort food while watching the game. I ordered the truffle fries and a chicken & avocado sandwich, which came packed with bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce. The truffle fries were a true highlight! The fries were crispy, golde...

I'm on my way back to Vancouver! During my layover in Sydney, I found myself craving something familiar yet satisfying. I decided to indulge in some KFC. I ordered a 3-piece box, which included a mix of classic and spicy flavors: an Original Recipe chicken piece, a Zinger fillet, and an Original Tender. The box also came with regular chips, a generous serving of gravy, and a dinner roll. KFC's Original Recipe chicken was crispy on the outside, with the perfect blend of herbs and spices that give it that signature flavor. The meat inside was tender and juicy, a satisfying reminder of why this classic recipe remains a favorite for so many. KFC Meanwhile, the Zinger fillet was the standout of the meal for me. It had just the right amount of spice — enough to give a kick but not overwhelming. Lastly, the Original Tender was a nice contrast to the other pieces in the box. It was soft and j...

It was my last workday in Melbourne, and my manager and I left early to just chat and enjoy chai and snacks at Dropout Chaiwala. As we settled in, the rain began to fall, creating a cozy atmosphere. We ordered the cardamom chai, which was incredible. I'd never had anything quite like it before—it was fragrant, with the perfect hint of spice, and wonderfully warm on such a chilly day. The rich aroma of cardamom filled the air, making each sip both soothing and invigorating. We paired it with vegetable samosas, which were crispy on the outside, with a flavorful, spiced filling that complemented the chai perfectly. Vegetable Samosa  from Dropout Chaiwala I’m honestly going to miss Melbourne. I wish I could stay longer; I’ve felt so at home and comfortable here.

Did I ever tell you how blessed I am that all my managers so far have been truly amazing people? My current manager went to the office today (Friday), which is usually a work-from-home day for us, just to make sure that I wasn't alone. Chicken Chowmein and Momo from Magic Momo Kafe We had lunch at Magic Momo Kafe nearby, where I got a combo of chicken chowmein and momo. It was good, but the company made it even better.

Happy Thursday! I asked colleagues at random if they wanted to join me for dinner. While I knew many had other plans, five agreed to spend their evening with me. We originally planned to go to a Japanese restaurant, but it was too small to accommodate us. Instead, we ended up at Samsam Chicken. It was delicious! I can't remember exactly what we ordered, but I know this is my second Korean fried chicken spot in Melbourne, and it's much better because of the friends I've made. Samsam Chicken It feels strange to be hanging out with people after work, as I'm not used to doing this in Canada. I'll truly miss this beautiful city.

Happy Thursday! Today, for our company-paid team lunch, we enjoyed a delicious bagel theme. The Melbourne office is a huge fan of Schmuck's Bagels, and for good reason. It's one of the few places that can consistently handle large orders on the same day. Miss U Lox  from Schmuck's Bagels Smoked salmon, creamy cream cheese, pickled red onion, tomato, capers, fresh dill, & lemon on rye I opted for the "Miss u Lox" bagel, my go-to choice for a bagel sandwich with salmon and capers. The smoked salmon provided a rich, salty flavor, complemented by the smooth, tangy cream cheese. The pickled red onion and tomato added a burst of acidity and sweetness, while the capers provided a briny, salty kick. The fresh dill and lemon added a bright, herbaceous flavor, although the lemon was a bit overpowering for my taste. Overall, it was a delicious bagel sandwich, bu...

We had planned to visit the Queen Victoria Night Market but opted for a Korean barbecue nearby instead. I enjoyed a delightful evening with colleagues who genuinely wanted to connect and get to know me. Their camaraderie and laughter were truly appreciated. The Galbi BBQ The Galbi BBQ I'm unsure of my colleagues' specific choices, but the Korean barbecue was fantastic. It's hard to go wrong with such a delicious cuisine.

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe I'm returning to Vancouver in a few days. For lunch today, a fellow Filipina and I decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal. After getting approval from HR, I invited a known foodie in our company to join us. When asked about cuisines we don't have many of in Vancouver, he suggested D'Penyetz & D'Cendol. I indulged in my favorite Cendol Original, a refreshing concoction of sugar cane, coconut, and other delightful ingredients. It was absolutely delicious! Cemdol Original  from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol For my main dish, I opted for the Nasi Goreng Kampung with Satay Chicken. Nasi Goreng Kampung is a classic Indonesian fried rice dish known for its bold and complex flavors. The savory umami taste of anchovies (ikan bilis) provides a rich foundation, while the heat from chili peppers adds a fiery kick. The sweetness ...

Happy Tuesday! For dinner tonight, the team had a company-paid team feast at Desi Dhaba. It was my first time enjoying Indian food with someone who grew up and knows the cuisine well. We ordered the usual butter chicken and all my favorite dishes - chicken vindaloo, palak paneer, garlic naan, and rice. Some of the dishes we ordered from Desi Dhaba The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I felt warm and fuzzy being surrounded by people I genuinely enjoy spending time with. After dinner, a colleague and his fiancée joined me to watch an AFLW match at Ikon Park.

Happy Tuesday! This is my second week back in Melbourne, and all my colleagues are also working from the office. Today, we welcomed a new employee and celebrated with lunch at Dodee Paidang in Little Collins Street, a company tradition for new hires. This was my second Thai restaurant experience in Melbourne, and I again ordered my favorite: chicken green curry. It was a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. The tender eggplant and bamboo shoots contrasted nicely with the slightly crunchy snake beans. The basil added a fresh, herbaceous aroma, and the coconut milk provided a smooth, velvety texture. Green Curry  from Dodee Paidang Thai eggplants, Basil, bamboo shoot, fish sauce, chilli, snake bean cooked in homemade green curry paste and coconut milk While it was a significant improvement over any green curry I've had in Vancouver, the one I had last w...

Happy Monday! Today, I had a delightful lunch experience enjoying dim sum (yum cha) with our co-CEO, who speaks Cantonese. It was a highlight of my day, and we even received complimentary egg tarts! Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to take a photo of our meal. After work, I met up with a former manager from my time in the Philippines for dinner at Gradi inside Crown. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about our lives since leaving the Philippines. Ortolana Pizza  from Gradi Pizzaa in Bianco, Fior di Latte, roasted capsicum marinated with garlic & parsley, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage, Basil, and extra virgin olive oil I chose the Ortolana pizza, a delicious vegetarian classic that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This pizza featured roasted capsicum, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage,...

After a tiring day exploring Healesville Sanctuary and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, I took the train back to the Central Business District. While I considered walking around the city further, I was feeling exhausted. For a quick and comforting dinner, I went to nearby Shujinko for a bowl of ramen. I ordered the Karakuchi Ramen, but it wasn't as spicy as I anticipated. Unfortunately, we have better ramen options in Vancouver. Karakuchi Ramen from Shujinko Our signature original ramen in tonkotsu soup base (pork broth) with spicy seasoning. Served with bok choy, spring onion, bean sprout, marinated egg, and signature grilled pork belly To enhance the flavor, I also ordered chicken karaage and allowed it to soak in the broth, which made a significant improvement. Karaage  from Shujinko Japanese-style fr...

After a morning in Healesville Sanctuary and before heading to Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, we grabbed lunch (pies!) from Pie in the Sky. I opted for their Plain Aussie Pie. This classic Australian pie is filled with beef mince, aromatic herbs, and spices. Unfortunately, I found it to be rather bland. The flavors were muted, and the overall taste was lacking. Plain Aussie Pie  from Pie in the Sky However, the chips (fries) we ordered were a standout. They were perfectly cooked and generously coated in the iconic Australian seasoning, chicken salt. The combination of crispy fries and savory chicken salt was absolutely delicious and made up for the disappointing pie. Chips covered in chicken salt Overall, while the Plain Aussie pie didn't live up to my expectations, the chips were definitely worth try...

Happy Sunday! I spent a lovely day with my manager and our HR. They generously gave up their weekend to accompany me to Healesville Sanctuary, where we saw adorable koalas and even had the incredible experience of feeding a kangaroo. After exploring the sanctuary for a couple of hours, we took a scenic drive. Suddenly, HR spotted a food truck with a "Hot Jam Donuts" sign and excitedly exclaimed, "You have to try this!" Hot Jam Donuts  food wagon Hot jam donuts are a quintessential Australian treat, known for their soft, fluffy dough and gooey, warm jam filling. The simple sugar coating adds a delightful touch. I absolutely adored them! Hot Jam Donuts Our donuts were served piping hot, straight from the fryer, making them even more delicious.

Happy Saturday! I arrived in Melbourne a week ago and spent most of today walking around the city and experiencing its unusual weather. I started the day by waking up late (no alarms!) and enjoying a hearty breakfast from the hotel buffet. Then, I walked to the historic Flinders Station and then to Fed Square. It began to drizzle, so I used my trusty umbrella while exploring the area. The rain stopped as I crossed Princes Bridge to Alexandra Gardens. Afterward, there was a heavy downpour for about 10 minutes accompanied by strong winds. My umbrella did its best to keep me as dry as possible. I walked through Kings Domain to the Shrine of Remembrance. I spent from 10:00 AM to noon learning about Australia's wartime service. I spent the next couple of hours strolling through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Afterward, I crossed the Morell Bridge to get a closer look at AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, and the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. ...

My first week in Melbourne is nearly over. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown! After work today, I went up the Eureka Tower with one of our CEOs and our HR department. Our CEO, being born and raised in Melbourne, was able to share insights into the city's history and point out significant landmarks. Going up the tower gave me a good sense of where to explore tomorrow on my only day alone. Homemade Beef Mustard Pie  from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar Served with Irish Champ After our time at the Eureka Tower, I grabbed dinner at the hotel restaurant, Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar. Of course, I ordered what I considered the most Australian dish—pie! I opted for their Homemade Beef Mustard Pie served with Irish Champ. Homemade Beef Mustard Pie  from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar Serve...

Happy Friday! Although it's a work-from-home day, our HR and my manager were kind enough to come into the office to ensure I didn't feel alone. For lunch, HR and I went to her favorite bagel shop, Brown Bagels, which serves delicious bagels. I opted for the Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich, my go-to combination. Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich  from Brown Bagels Chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, rockat and capers The sandwich featured smoked salmon, perfectly balanced by chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and capers. The flavours and textures complemented each other beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

Happy Thursday! I'm feeling truly blessed. The Melbourne Museum is open after its usual hours today, giving me a chance to explore its exhibits and make the most of my only weekend. Before heading to the Melbourne Museum, I had dinner at Ceree, a Filipino restaurant recommended by one of my Filipino colleagues. I scanned the menu but knew deep down that I needed to have kare-kare. It's a peanut-based beef stew with vegetables, served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Their version is absolutely perfect—creamy, saucy, with tender beef that pairs incredibly well with the garlic rice. Beef Kare-Kare  from Ceree Beef with green beans, bok choy, eggplant in peanut sauce and sauteed shrimp They served the beef kare-kare in a clay pot! Garlic ...

Happy Wednesday! This is the only evening I have with no dinner plans. I'm still adjusting to the time difference, and the rain outside makes walking around less appealing. I decided to grab a couple of slices of pizza from our company's favorite, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza. I ordered the Little Neck Combo, which includes two slices of pizza (I chose Fire Island and Pepperoni), two knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda. Vancouver also has New York-style pizza, but only AJ's Brooklyn Pizza comes close to this. The Little Neck Combo from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza Two slices of pizza, two garlic knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda A slice of Pepperoni  pizza from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza Sal's famous New York pepperoni ...

About twelve years ago, when Pepper Lunch first opened in Makati, Philippines, I absolutely fell in love with it. I was thrilled to see it in Vancouver, but unfortunately, they have since closed their only location in the city. For lunch today, I went with my favorite Australian-born and raised colleague and one of our developers. I managed to ask my work-related questions while also taking the opportunity to get to know them better. We dined at Pepper Lunch. I ordered my usual Curry Chicken Pepper Rice. It has a subtle heat that I enjoy, and I love the crunchy bits of rice that are stuck to the sizzling hot plate. The dish offers a satisfying blend of curry and juicy chicken. Curry Chicken Pepper Rice  from Pepper Lunch Curry Chciken Pepper Rice  from Pepper Lunch As we took the tram back to the of...

After a full day at work, I returned to the hotel to freshen up. Two of my colleagues decided to spend their after-work hours having dinner with me, and they suggested going to Doma Korean Eatery. Jap Chae  from Doma Korean Eatery We ordered Japchae, a seafood pancake, and fried chicken (original and snowing cheese). While the Japchae and seafood pancake were merely average, the chicken was exceptional. It had the expected crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Although I typically prefer the original flavor, the snowing cheese variant won me over. The fried chicken was coated in a special cheese powder that resembled falling snow. This powder was a blend of various cheeses, including parmesan and mozzarella. Original Korean Deep-Fried Chicken  from Doma Korean Eatery ...

It was my first day in the office with all of my colleagues working there as well. I received warm hugs from several colleagues who were excited to see me in person. For lunch, HR arranged for me to eat with two colleagues, and we decided to go for Thai because I needed a comforting bowl of rice. We walked to the nearby Patong restaurant. I ordered my usual green curry with rice and boy, was it amazing! I realized how watered-down the Thai food we have in Vancouver truly is. Sheesh! Green Chicken Curry  with rice from Pa Tong Thai Restaurant This green curry had the perfect balance of heat and was incredibly creamy due to the rich coconut milk. The flavours were vibrant and authentic, a far cry from what I was used to back home. It was a delightful and satisfying meal that made my first day even more memorable.

I survived my first day working in our Melbourne office today. I met my manager for the first time in person and also spent time with HR and our CEOs. After work, I was tired, so I went back to the hotel to freshen up and rest for a bit. Then, I took the bus to Costco in Docklands. My goal was to check out the food menu and walk around. The Costco was so empty compared to the ones I've visited in Canada and the US. To be fair, I visited at around 5:00 PM on a Monday. I have the Costco food court menu here . Aussie Steak Pie from Costco Australia A peek of what's inside the Aussie Steak Pie  from the Costco food court For dinner, I decided to try their Aussie Steak Pie. The is filled with tender slow-cooked steak in a rich, savoury gravy and the pie is encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust go...