Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Sure! Here's your edited version, along with an expanded description of each drink's flavor: It’s been a long day walking around Metrotown, and just before heading home, we decided to stop by Jugo Juice. Hubby opted for the Peanut Butter & Chocolate smoothie. The dominant flavor is definitely peanut butter, giving it a rich, creamy texture with a slightly nutty taste. The banana adds a smooth sweetness, while the frozen yogurt contributes a touch of tanginess that balances the richness. The chocolate almond milk adds a subtle cocoa flavor, making it a decadent treat with a nutty, chocolatey finish. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Smoothie  from Jugo Juice I chose the Green Glow for a healthier option. This smoothie features fresh kale and creamy avocado, which bring a slight earthiness and richness to the drink. The pineapple and banana lend a tropical sweetness, while t...

Shopping! Well, it was Black Friday, and we found ourselves unintentionally near Metrotown (the biggest mall in BC!), so we decided we might as well shop. In between shopping, we needed to refuel and grabbed dinner at the food court. It was packed with people! We decided on Chronic Tacos and ordered the Al Pastor Burrito and Chronic Fries. Al Pastor Burrito  from Chronic Taco Flour tortilla, al pastor, rice, beans, and toppings The Al Pastor Burrito was a vibrant combination of flavours wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. The al pastor— spicy, marinated pork with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple — stood out as the star of the dish. The rice and beans provided a hearty base, while the mix of fresh toppings, including crisp lettuce and tangy salsa, added layers of texture and brightness. Every bite was a balance of smoky, sweet, and savoury notes, with just the right amount of...

 I have a doctor's appointment today and we arrived a bit early so we decided to hang out and have snack at nearby Chai Coffee N' Chaska. For drinks, I went with their Masala Chai, a comforting blend of black tea, milk, and a medley of warming spices. My husband chose the intriguing Elachi Chai, infused with the delicate flavour of cardamom. Masala Chai  from Chai Coffee N' Chaska To complement our beverages, we indulged in a couple of delectable snacks. The spicy beef patty was a flavorful delight, while the veggie samosas offered a crispy, savory treat. And, of course, I couldn't resist a side of crispy, masala-spiced potato wedges. Spicy Beef  and Vegetable Samosas  from Chai Coffee N' Chaska Masala Potato Wedges  from Chai ...

One of the perks of having a season pass to the Vancouver Christmas Market is the chance to revisit and discover more culinary gems. Today, we returned for another festive evening, this time focusing on trying dishes we hadn’t sampled before. Here’s a rundown of our latest foodie adventure. All Beef (100%) Sausage from Bratwurst Haus This naturally smoked sausage was everything you want in a bratwurst: juicy, flavourful, and cooked to perfection. The fine grind beef had a satisfying texture, and the smoky aroma added a warm, comforting vibe that’s perfect for a winter night. All Beef (100%) from Bratwurst Haus Veggie Sausage from Bratwurst Haus This plant-based option, made with soy and bean protein, veggies, and mild Italian spices, was a thoughtful offering for vegetarians. While it had a decent flavour profile, it didn’t quite hold up to the other savoury options at the market....

If you're a fan of hot chocolate or chocolate muffins (or both!), Tim Hortons’ new Hot Chocolate Muffin might be your next treat to try. This dessert isn’t just a muffin—it’s an experience, especially when you give it a little warmth at home. Hot Chocolate Muffin  from Tim Hortons Hot Chocolate Muffin  from Tim Hortons When we brought ours home, we decided to experiment by popping it into the microwave for 30 seconds. What happened next was pure magic: the inside became gooey, reminiscent of a molten chocolate lava cake. The warmth elevated the chocolate flavor, turning it into something richer and more indulgent. Have you tried it yet? Let me know how you liked it! 😊

When Korean barbecue cravings hit, Royal Seoul House was the perfect pick for a dinner date with my husband. Nestled on the corner of West Broadway and Alder Street, this spot is a classic go-to for authentic Korean cuisine in Vancouver. Korean barbecue  from Royal Seoul House We opted for Combo D, a well-rounded selection for beef lovers. The set came with an assortment of marinated cuts: prime cut beef ribs, beef short ribs, marinated beef, and beef belly. Each piece was tender, flavourful, and grilled right at our table to perfection. There's something so satisfying about the sizzle of meat on the grill, the enticing aroma wafting up, and the first bite of caramelized goodness.  Korean barbecue from Royal Seoul House No Korean barbecue experience is complete without the ever-reliable ban chan. Thei...

I took a day off today for what was supposed to be a routine dental appointment. But when I arrived at the clinic, they told me I didn’t have an appointment. After some back-and-forth, they realized that one of the receptionists had mistakenly canceled it. With no dental cleaning on the agenda, we decided to make the most of the day. We grabbed lunch at McDonald’s and wandered around the Dollar Store and Michaels for some lighthearted browsing. It was fun, but I couldn’t shake the bummed-out feeling on our walk home. To lift my spirits, we stopped by my favorite cozy spot — Café Anecdote. We ordered their seasonal fall drinks: a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. Both were exactly what I needed to turn my day around. The Pumpkin Spice Latte was warm, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, with just the right balance of pumpkin flavor and creamy milk.  Pumpkin Spiced Latte  fro...

As someone who loves rich, chocolaty desserts, I couldn’t resist trying Tim Hortons’ new Double Chocolate Brownie . From the first glance, I knew this treat was going to be indulgent—and I wasn’t wrong. It turned out to be one of the fudgiest brownies I’ve ever had, but also one of the sweetest. The glossy top was studded with chunks of chocolate. Its deep, dark colour hinted at the richness inside, and it looked dense enough to promise a decadent treat. When I took my first bite, I was immediately struck by how fudgy it was. The brownie practically melted in my mouth, with a gooey, almost molten texture that felt so indulgent. The chocolate chunks on top weren’t just for decoration—they added bursts of intense flavour and a satisfying bite. Double Chocolate Brownie  from Tim Hortons That said, the sweetness really hit me after a couple of bites. While the brownie’s texture a...

I finally did it. After years of seeing the Filet-O-Fish on the McDonald’s menu, I decided to give it a try. It’s one of those iconic fast-food items that people either seem to love or forget exists. Today, I joined the ranks of the curious. Let’s talk first impressions. This sandwich is small. At 400 calories, I expected it to be a little more substantial, but it’s definitely on the petite side. The bun is probably the standout for me. It’s soft and slightly squishy. The tartar sauce is another highlight. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of punch, it ties the whole sandwich together. It’s generously slathered on, so you get a good taste of it in every bite. Now, the fish. This is where things get a bit “meh” for me. It’s okay — mild on the inside. Filet-O-Fish  from McDonald's Canada Dive right in. Our Filet-O-Fish is pure temptation on a lightly steamed bun, topped with pro...

When it comes to burgers, Blaze Gourmet Burgers delivers a menu bursting with customization options. For team lunch today, I opted for their Classic Blaze but gave it a personal twist: I swapped out the Certified Angus Beef patty for their veggie (Harvest) patty and traded the traditional bun for a lettuce bun. My choices sounds healthy but I couldn’t resist keeping the crispy, savoury bacon. What sets the Classic Blaze apart is its thoughtful balance of ingredients. The crunch of fresh lettuce and tomato pairs beautifully with the tang of crunchy pickles, offering a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky bacon. The veggie patty, packed with savoury depth, serves as the perfect foundation, holding its own against the bold flavours. And let’s not forget the Blaze Sauce – creamy, slightly tangy, and a touch indulgent – it ties everything together in a flavour-packed bite. Classic Blaze with ...

I had a lunch date with my parents today and I enjoyed my favourite Chicken Cutlet Rice from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen. Chicken Cutlet Rice  from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen Redbeef has the best Taiwanese-style chicken cutlet in Vancouver.

The holiday season in Vancouver isn’t complete without a trip to the Vancouver Christmas Market, and this year’s edition did not disappoint! Beyond the festive atmosphere of twinkling lights and live music, the highlight for me (as always) was the incredible food. Here's a taste of my culinary adventure at the market this year. Sausage Roll from Meat Pie Haus This warm, flaky delight was a great way to kick off our visit. The crust was perfectly golden and buttery, and the filling had just the right seasoning to make each bite a satisfying experience. It’s a must-try for anyone who enjoys comforting holiday eats. Sausage Roll from Meat Pie Haus in Vancouver Christmas Market Skewers from Das Kebab Haus Das Kebab Haus is a new booth this year, offering five types of skewers: beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and veggie. While all were well-seasoned and grilled to perfection, some stood...

This week’s rainy weather had me getting lunch at Giovane Caffè – Italian Coffee Bar, conveniently located in the lobby of my office building. With no desire to venture out into the downpour, I treated myself to two of their incredible sandwiches that turned my lunch breaks into a mini Italian getaway. On Tuesday, the Manzo sandwich was a hearty and satisfying choice. Featuring thinly sliced, tender roast beef, it was beautifully seasoned and paired with a tangy horseradish aioli that added a subtle kick. Peppery arugula complemented the richness of the beef, providing balance and freshness. All of this was nestled in a toasted ciabatta roll, which had a perfectly crisp crust and a soft, pillowy interior. It was the kind of sandwich that warms you from the inside out—ideal for a gray, rainy day. Manzo Sandwich from Giovane Caffè On Wednesday, I opted for the Prosciutto sandwich ...

Blenz has unveiled a delightful lineup of hot chocolates for the holiday season, and they are truly worth savouring! With creative flavours and customizable chocolate bases (choose between dark, milk, or white), these cozy drinks are perfect companions for the chilly Vancouver weather. Here’s a closer look at the available options: The Naughty - it's a spicy cocoa with hinta of vanilla and roasted acho peppers. Sticky Toffee Twinkle - just like sticky toffee pudding - creamy toffee notes and sweet dates. Holly Jolly Pistachio - rich avocado notes with a lush, earthy finish. Peppermint Hazulnut We decided to try the Sticky Toffee Twinkle and Holly Jolly Pistachio, both made with dark chocolate for an added depth of flavour. The Sticky Toffee Twinkle was indulgent, with its caramel-toffee profile perfectly enhanced by the bittersweetness of dark chocolate. Holl...

There’s nothing like celebrating a special occasion with a feast of beloved dishes. For my birthday dinner, I went all in with some of my favourite Indian flavours at Indian Oven. Starting with the appetizers, we enjoyed crispy Indian fries — potato fingers dipped in a chickpea batter and fried to a perfect golden brown. They had that satisfying crunch, with a subtle hint of spice in the batter that made them addictive from the first bite.  Indian Fries  from Indian Oven Potato fingers dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried Then came the Indian Oven Special Platter, a vibrant assortment of pakoras and samosas. The platter was a hit with everyone at the table; the paneer pakora was soft and delicately spiced, while the fish and chicken pakoras had juicy interiors, contrasted by their crispy, flavourful coatings. The samosa was packed with well-seasoned potatoes and peas, ...

For years, Deja Brew felt like a bit of a mystery. Tucked in busy West Broadway, this coffee shop only operates on weekdays, closing its doors by 5:00 pm — a schedule that doesn’t exactly suit those of us who save our coffee shop outings for leisurely weekends or evenings after work. But when I had a Friday off, my husband and I finally had our moment to solve this "Deja Brew" enigma. And it was worth the wait! Walking in, we were greeted by a warm, intimate setting that felt like a throwback to classic, cozy coffee houses with earthy tones, mismatched mugs, and mellow lighting. The ambiance was relaxed, yet buzzing with regulars. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie  from Deja Brew After browsing their pastries, we settled on two cookies: the peanut butter chocolate chip and the white chocolate macadamia. The peanut butter chocolate chip cookie was soft with just the right...

Japanese curry is my absolute favourite dish. I make sure to enjoy it on the weekend of my birthday. Since Suika is still closed, we walked over to Mr. Japanese Curry to get my fix. I went with my usual order: beef curry topped with tonkatsu , The curry itself was rich and savoury, with a smooth, thick consistency that perfectly coated each bite of rice. The beef added a hearty depth, its flavour slow-cooked into the curry. The tonkatsu on top was crispy and golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The crunch of the breading with the softness of the curry made every bite satisfying. Beef Curry  topped with Tonkatsu  from Mr. Japanese Curry Meanwhile, my husband tried the limited-time Chicken Teriyaki Curry , which was a game-changer. The chicken was incredibly tender, coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce that added a slightly smoky, caramelized f...

Happy Friday! For breakfast today, we went to the nearby Starbucks and ordered a few seasonal favourites from their holiday menu. We started with the Chestnut Praline Latte . This latte has a velvety, creamy texture, with flavours that evoke roasted chestnuts and sweet caramel. It’s topped with spiced praline crumbs, adding a touch of crunch and a gentle, nutty finish to each sip. Chestnut Praline Latte  from Starbucks Canada For something savoury, we got the Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich . The sandwich features thick, smoky bacon layered over a fluffy, folded egg, with melted cheddar that adds a rich, tangy note. The croissant-style bun is soft yet slightly crisp on the outside, with a buttery flavour that brings the whole sandwich together. Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich  from ...

Happy Thursday! I’m taking a day off from work tomorrow, and with Monday as a public holiday, that means an extra-long weekend. To kick things off, my husband and I had dinner at Kurotaki Chabann. It’s a Taiwanese spot with all our favourite dishes! We ordered a fried chicken chop rice set, which came with a soft, seasoned egg, tangy pickled vegetables, and golden-fried tofu. The chicken chop was crispy and juicy, with a perfect balance of savoury flavours.  Fried Chicken Chop Rice Set  from Kurotaki Chabann We also got popcorn chicken (my favourite!), with a light, crunchy coating that’s seasoned with a hint of basil and spice, plus a sweet, smoky Taiwanese sausage. For popcorn chicken, Redbeef Noodles still holds the top spot in the city, but this was a close contender. Popcorn Chicken  from Kurotaki Chabann ...