Hot Spicy Chicken Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar

After feeling under the weather all week and even taking a day off yesterday to rest, I’m finally back at work today. Thankfully, our team lunch provided a much-needed pick-me-up. We went to JINYA Ramen Bar’s Robson location, and I ordered the Spicy Chicken Ramen — a perfect choice for a day when I needed something comforting. 

Spicy Chicekn Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar
Chicken brother, chicken chashu, spinach, spicy bean sprouts, green onion, and thin noodles

The ramen came with a flavorful chicken broth, tender chicken chashu, fresh spinach, spicy bean sprouts, and green onion, all served with thin noodles at a satisfying hot spice level. Just what I needed to recharge.

For future me, below is a list of ramen you have tried:

• JINYA Tonkotsu Black
• Karaage Chicken Ramen
• Premium Tonkotsu Red
• Spicy Chicken Ramen
• Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen
• Spicy Umami Miso Ramen

Croissants and Latte from Le Doux Ciel

After a satisfying lunch at Homura Yakiniku, we decided to treat ourselves to something sweet and stopped by the newly opened Le Doux Ciel on West Broadway. Located in the same building as the Ultimate Golf Lounge, it’s a charming spot with an inviting, cozy interior — perfect for enjoying a couple croissant and latte while watching the world go by.

The almond croissant was deliciously buttery, with a crisp, flaky exterior and a generous almond filling that had a warm, nutty sweetness. The pastry layers were delicate yet slightly chewy on the inside, creating a wonderful contrast with the crunchy toasted almond slivers on top.

Almond Croissant from Le Doux Ciel

On the other hand, the hazelnut croissant, equally indulgent, had a filling that was smooth, rich, and full of hazelnut flavour. Its slightly earthy and chocolatey undertones made it a decadent treat for any Nutella lover. With the flaky, golden pastry on the outside and a creamy, nutty filling within, the hazelnut croissant added a luxurious twist to the classic.

Hazelnut Croissant from Le Doux Ciel

Paired with these treats, we sipped on a coconut latte and a rose latte. The coconut latte was smooth and velvety, with a gentle sweetness from the coconut that complemented the espresso’s natural notes. It had a tropical aroma that was light yet fragrant, adding a delicate sweetness to each sip.

Coconut Latte and Rose Latte from Le Doux Ciel

The rose latte, on the other hand, was floral and fragrant. The rose added an aromatic quality that paired beautifully with the coffee’s robustness, creating a drink that was both comforting and slightly exotic.

As we savoured these flavours, we felt blessed to share such a lovely moment together. Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings.

Harami skirt steak, toro beef, rib finger, and more from Homura Yakiniku

Celebrating one of our wedding anniversaries, we decided to have a lunch date at Homura Yakiniku, diving into two of their lunchtime combos that offered an array of delicious meats and sides.

Combo 1: Harami Skirt Steak, Rib Finger, and Toro Beef

The harami skirt steak was incredibly tender, with a rich, beefy flavour. It’s marbled enough to stay juicy on the grill, with a touch of smokiness that brings out the natural flavours. The rib finger, with its bolder, fattier profile, had a wonderful chewiness. But the toro beef stole the show. This cut, with its high fat content, practically melts in your mouth. Grilled to a golden-brown finish, it was buttery and rich, and its delicate flavour and texture made it my favourite of the day.

Rib Finger, Harami Skirt Steak, and Toro Beef from Homura Yakiniku
with steamed rice, Miso soup, Homura salad, cucumber kimchi, and daikon

Combo 2: Filet Mignon, Chicken Thigh, and Pork Shoulder

The filet mignon was as tender as expected, with a mild, clean flavour that’s perfect for dipping sauces. Each bite was so juicy and soft! The chicken thigh offered a different, more savoury profile — it was juicy and slightly charred on the outside. The pork shoulder was a pleasant surprise: rich in flavour with a light, tender texture that made it ideal for pairing with the dipping sauce.

Filet Mignon, Pork Shoulder, and Chicken from Homura Yakiniku
with steamed rice, Miso soup, Homura salad, cucumber kimchi, and daikon

Sides and Add-Ons

Each set came with a vibrant Homura salad: a mix of spring greens with corn, carrot, daikon, tomato, and crispy wonton chips, all lightly dressed in a house-made yuzu dressing. The yuzu added a refreshing citrusy note, pairing well with the grilled meats. Alongside the salad were classic miso soup, steamed rice, pickled daikon, and cucumber kimchi, each adding its own balance of texture and acidity.

Takoyaki and Chicken Karaage from Homura Yakiniku

We also ordered chicken karaage and takoyaki. The karaage was crispy, with juicy chicken inside and a hint of ginger. The takoyaki had a soft, fluffy interior with tender pieces of octopus, all topped with a savoury drizzle that elevated its umami flavour.

Our anniversary lunch at Homura Yakiniku was the perfect meal, with the toro beef still fresh in my mind as a standout.

Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's Canada

After a long day, I was ready for something quick and comforting. My husband suggested McDonald's to make it easy, so I picked up my usual favourites: a McChicken, World Famous Fries, and 20 Chicken McNuggets. But while waiting, something new caught my eye — the Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry.

Halloween McFlurry from McDonald's

Reese's Chipits 'N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's
A Halloween treat! Reese' Chipits peanut butter swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve and blended with hot duge sauce.

This McFlurry is a treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The smooth vanilla soft serve is swirled with rich chocolate fudge, adding the right amount of indulgent sweetness. But it’s the Reese’s Chipits that take it up a notch, blending in those tiny morsels of peanut butter and chocolate for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch. It’s a true chocolate-peanut butter lover’s dream!

Avocado Toast and Liège Waffles from Café Medina

It's Thursday, which means it's time for our weekly company-paid team lunch. This week, the theme was brunch, and we made our way to Café Medina. I ordered their avocado toast and a Liège-style waffle, both of which lived up to Café Medina's reputation.

Avocado Toast from Café Medina
Grilled focaccia, avocado, house made tomato salsa

The avocado toast came on a perfectly grilled slice of focaccia. The bread was crisp on the outside, warm and soft within, making a delicious base for the rich avocado. Topped with a house-made tomato salsa, it added a burst of freshness and subtle acidity that perfectly balanced the creamy avocado. The flavours were simple yet refined.

Liège Style Waffle from Café Medina

But the real showstopper was the Liège-style waffle, which easily ranks in my top two favourite waffles in the city. These waffles are denser and slightly chewier than the standard variety, with a caramelized exterior that adds a perfect amount of sweetness. The golden crust gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, rich with the flavours of vanilla and butter. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need any embellishments — though a drizzle of maple syrup would even make it better.

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is our go-to for Sunday breakfast but today we had errands to run and decided to grab dinner in this Canadian icon. We tried the new Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza and Pepperoni.

Pepperoni is a classic, and Tim Hortons delivers it with a familiar flavor that’s accessible and well-suited for all ages, especially kids. The blend of cheese and a milder sauce makes it a dependable, fuss-free choice for families. For anyone with younger eaters in tow, this option is straightforward, filling, and easy to enjoy.

Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

A slice of Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons’ latest flatbread, the Spicy Rosé, takes things up a notch. This one is perfect for someone looking for a more adventurous pizza with complex flavors. The sauce here has a kick, with a creamy yet spicy base that balances beautifully with the toppings. The Spicy Rosé isn’t overwhelming, but it has a heat and depth that feels geared toward an adult palate. If you’re craving something more unique than the typical pizza, this one is worth a try!

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

I have tried the Bacon Everything and Chicken Parmesan when Tims first launched the flatbread pizza line and Bacon Everything is still my favourite.

Spicy Umami Miso Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar

Our team had the pleasure of gathering for our weekly company-sponsored lunch at JINYA Ramen Bar, a spot known for elevating traditional Japanese ramen to a whole new level.

I opted for the Spicy Umami Miso Ramen. Imagine a rich, pork-based broth infused with ground pork soboro, giving it a hearty depth of flavour. It came topped with fresh bean sprouts, green onion, bok choy, and a touch of chili oil – the final spicy note tying everything together. The thick noodles were perfectly textured, allowing each bite to soak up just the right amount of broth.

Spicy Umami Miso Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar
Pork broth: ground pork soboro, bean sprouts, green onion, bok choy, and chilii oil served with thick noodles

The best part? Sharing this experience with the team made it even more enjoyable. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and with every slurp of ramen.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy exceptional ramen with friends, family, or coworkers, JINYA Ramen Bar might just be the spot. I know we’ll be back!

For future me, below is a list of ramen you have tried:

• JINYA Tonkotsu Black
• Karaage Chicken Ramen
• Premium Tonkotsu Red
• Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen
• Spicy Umami Miso Ramen

California Crab Roll from Costco's food court

If you love sushi but are not a fan of the usual food court fare, Costco has a new treat! The beloved warehouse chain has added a California Crab Roll to its food court menu. Priced at $9.99 for eight pieces, this latest addition to Costco’s menu is a refreshing alternative to their popular (and still classic) hot dogs.

California Crab Roll from Costco

Should you try it? Not really, unless you want something different than the usual pizza slices and hot dogs.

Dan Dan Noodles from Peaceful Restaurant

Sometimes, a little solo lunch is exactly what you need — especially when life gets busy. Today, when my husband got into a meeting, I found myself with a little free time and a craving for some comfort food. So, I headed to Peaceful Restaurant in Kitsilano.

Sitting there by myself, I ended up stress-eating two of my go-to comfort dishes: Dan-Dan Noodles and Peaceful Beef Rolls.

The Dan-Dan Noodles were exactly what I needed. They’re served in a rich, spicy, and tangy peanut sauce that clings to the noodles, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The minced pork added a savoury depth, while the fresh spinach gave it a light, refreshing contrast.

Dan Dan Noodles from Peaceful Restaurant
Spicy, tangy peanut sauce, minced pork & spinach

Alongside the noodles, I had the Peaceful Beef Rolls — one of my all-time favourites. These rolls are filled with beef that’s tender and flavourful, perfectly balanced with sweet hoisin sauce. The beef is wrapped in a crispy green onion flatbread, which adds both crunch and a subtle oniony flavour that pairs so well with the richness of the meat.

Even though I was alone, the familiar flavours of these dishes were the best kind of company.

Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon from McDonald's

There’s something about a lazy Saturday that just begs for comfort food, and today, we decided to treat ourselves to a delivery from McDonald’s. Our pick? The Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon—a crispy chicken sandwich that’s packed with bold flavours and a bit of a kick.

The sandwich itself starts with a tender chicken filet, seasoned the McD's way and fried to a crispy golden brown. What really makes it stand out, though, is the creamy sweet and spicy sauce that’s slathered on top. It has just the right amount of heat without being overpowering, balanced out by the sweetness that lingers after each bite. From my standard, there's no heat. But if you have a low tolerance for hot food, then this would be perfect.

Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon from McDonald's

Adding to the indulgence are the hickory-smoked bacon strips, which bring a smoky crunch to the sandwich. The whole thing is served on a soft potato bun that brings it all together, giving it that classic McDonald’s feel—familiar, comforting, and delicious.

Sinking our teeth into the Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon was exactly what we needed for a laid-back Saturday afternoon.

Elvis Platter at Memphis Blues BBQ

This week was a big one for both me and my brother. He started his new job, and I recently got promoted, so we decided to celebrate. For dinner, we headed to Memphis Blues BBQ on Robson Street, a spot known for its hearty, Southern-style barbecue. We went all out and ordered the Elvis Platter — essentially their famous Memphis Feast, but with even more meat!

The platter came loaded with a generous variety of meats. The slab of ribs, which turned out to be my personal favourite, was tender and juicy with a smoky, charred bark on the outside. The meat practically fell off the bone!

The pulled pork had a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, its soft texture pairing beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy barbecue sauce. It was a bit milder in flavour compared to the ribs, but still full of that signature Southern BBQ taste.

Elvis Platter from Memphis Blues BBQ

The sliced beef brisket was another standout — thinly sliced and wonderfully smoky. The brisket had a perfect ratio of fat to meat, creating a velvety texture with a deep, rich flavour. It was the kind of brisket you savour slowly, enjoying every bit of that slow-cooked goodness.

The smoked sausage added a little spice to the mix with its savoury flavour and slightly firm texture. It had a nice snap to it when you bit into the casing, making it a satisfying contrast to the softer cuts of meat.

Lastly, the rib ends and chicken rounded out the platter. The rib ends were a mix of chewy and crispy while the chicken was moist and flavourful, with a subtle smokiness that worked well with the sides.

Fresh-Cut Fries from Memphis Blues BBQ

Speaking of sides, the platter came with cornbread, slaw, potato salad, fresh-cut fries, and BBQ pit beans. The cornbread was soft and buttery, a perfect accompaniment to the rich meats. The tangy slaw and potato salad added a refreshing balance to the heavy flavours, while the fries and BBQ pit beans brought even more comfort food goodness to the mix.

Corn Bread from Memphis Blues BBQ

Sharing this feast with my brother (and our sister, her boyfriend, and my husband) was the perfect way to celebrate our milestones. The Elvis Platter was a BBQ lover's dream, and Memphis Blues delivered exactly what we were looking for—a meal that was hearty, flavourful, and full of Southern charm.

Cheesling Chicken from bb.q chicken

After a long day, I finally got the news I’d been waiting for: HR made it official — I’m being promoted to team lead in the Vancouver office! It’s a moment I’ve been working toward for a while, but now that it’s here, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. To celebrate the news, my husband asked me what I wanted to eat, and my answer was simple — fried chicken! So, off we went to bb.q chicken, a Korean fried chicken spot.

We ordered their Golden Fried Chicken, which truly is Korean fried chicken at its best. The pieces were juicy and tender on the inside, with a light and crispy coating on the outside. Each bite was perfectly seasoned, delivering that satisfying crunch I’d been craving all day. It was the kind of fried chicken that makes you forget about everything else for a moment.

Golden Fried Chicken from bb.q chicken

But the highlight of the night was my new favourite, the Cheesling Chicken. Dusted in a blend of sweet cheeses (mascarpone and cheddar), it’s a flavour I discovered during my visit to Melbourne last month when I was at the company’s HQ. The Cheesling Chicken has quickly become a go-to for me — the combination of crispy chicken with the rich, sweet cheese dusting is a game-changer that adds a unique twist to traditional fried chicken.

Cheesling Chicken from bb.q chicken

To round out our meal, we also got the Secret Fries, crispy potato fries drizzled with a Korean sweet sauce and a hint of mayo. They were the perfect mix of sweet and savory, a great complement to the chicken dishes.

Secret Fries from bb.q chicken

This dinner at bb.q chicken was the perfect way to celebrate the promotion. I’m grateful for this next step in my career, even though I’m feeling a bit anxious about the new responsibilities. I’m praying that I’ll do a great job and make a positive impact on the team. For now, I’m thankful tp God for good food, my supportive husband, and this exciting new chapter ahead. Your will be done, Lord!

Gyro from The Greek - Yaletown

Every Thursday, our company gathers for a team lunch — a tradition that not only brings us together but also spices up our week with a bit of friendly competition. The twist? Each week, the winner gets to pick the theme, and this time, Greek cuisine was the choice. So, we all made the short 10-minute walk to The Greek in Yaletown.

I decided to go with the classic gyro. The slow-roasted chicken was perfectly seasoned, bursting with a savoury blend of herbs and spices that made every bite flavourful and satisfying. Wrapped in a soft, freshly baked pita, it was filled with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, sliced onion, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki that brought everything together. The combination of textures—the warm, tender chicken with the crunch of the veggies and the cool, tangy tzatziki — was just what I needed for a satisfying meal.

Gyro from The Greek - Yaletown
Slow-roasted chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki on a fresh baked pita, with avgolemono soup

For my side, I chose the avgolemono soup, a traditional Greek chicken soup with rice, kale, carrot, celery, egg, and a hint of lemon. Although the soup was a bit too salty for my taste, it still had a nice balance of flavours, with the lemon adding a refreshing zing that complemented the richness of the chicken and vegetables.

Team lunches like these are always a highlight of the week. It’s more than just the food; it’s the laughter, the conversations, and the chance to step away from our desks to enjoy something delicious together. This week’s Greek theme at The Greek - Yaletown turned out to be a great choice, and it left us all satisfied and ready to tackle the rest of the day.