Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Have I told you that we stopped eating from most American fast-food chains? Because of that decision, we always default to Tim Hortons and A&W, which is what happened this evening. Spicy Piri-Piri Beef Buddy Burger  from A&W A perfectly seasoned 1.6 oz grass-fed beef patty, topped with spicy piri-piri sauce, layers of crisp whole-leaf lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion, all sandwiches between a freshly toasted bun. For dinner, we stopped by A&W for burgers. I went for the Spicy Piri-Piri Buddy Beef Burger, and it was glorious. The subtle spice from the piri-piri sauce balanced with the juicy beef is great. BLT Chicken Cruncher  from A&W Juicy, crunchtastic chicken with bacon, layers of crisp lettuce, sliced tomato and our mayo, all sandwiches between a perfectly toasted ...

For our company-paid Thai lunch, we decided to try something new and had Khao Thai by Legato deliver instead of going to our usual spot at Club Kitchen. Pad Thai  from Khao Thai by Legato Rice noodles with Tamarindo sauce, eggs, topped with raw beans sprouts, ground peanuts, and lime I played it safe with the pad thai, and it was delicious. There were plenty of rice noodles coated in a sweet and savory sauce, and it was topped with tofu and vegetables.

Barbecue. We've finally settled on the celebration theme for our October anniversary, and it's BBQ. Today, we went to nearby Royal Seoul House Restaurant for our usual Korean BBQ set to celebrate. Deep Fried Pork Dumplings  next to the ban chan  that came with our Combo B set  Marinated Beef Short Rib  from Royal Seoul House Restaurant Spicy Pork, Marinated Chicken, and Marinated Beef  as part of Combo B in Royal Seoul House Restaurant Doenjang-jjigae  from Royal Seoul House Restaurant It's great, as expected. I love grilling meat and eating it with all the side dishes, from the rice to the kimchi. They even includ...

Happy Sunday! Hubby is volunteering at church, so I decided to have a date with myself by grabbing a light early lunch at Blenz. I ordered their dark hot chocolate and ham & cheese croissant. Dark Hot Chocolate  and Ham & Cheese Croissant I love how smooth the hot chocolate is, which is a perfect contrast to the savory and flaky ham & cheese croissant.

Happy Thursday! For dinner tonight, I'm feeling way too lazy to cook, so we stopped by the nearby Masa Japanese Restaurant instead. I got their vegetarian bento box, which is so filling and satisfying. Tuna Tataki Roll  from Masa Japanese Restaurant Avocado, crabmeat, and cucumber roll with tuna tataki, green onion and onion on top For sharing, we got the Tuna Tataki Roll with fresh tuna on top. I'm trying to go through the Masa Special Roll menu, but it keeps changing! It's a good dinner to support a local business. Veggie Bento  from Masa Japanese Restaurant Avocado roll, veggie spring roll (2 pieces), deep fried veggie gyoza (2 pieces), tofu teriyaki, salad. Served with miso soup

I came back to work on Monday, and for the first team lunch, the theme was Mexican. We went with our usual spot: Patron Taco and Cantina. I got the Volcanes de Asada taco, and it was excellent. Volcanes de Asada  from Patrón Tacos & Cantina I came to the conclusion that beef is their specialty. I should reorder everything I have tried and choose the beef as meat when possible. Once I have tried everything on their menu, this taco and the Quesabirria will be my go-to. For future me, below is a list of menu items we have tried: Appetizers Empanaditas Nachos ( Birria ) Sopas Tradicionales Tortilla Soup Main Birriaquiles Burrito ( Chicken Tinga ) Chilaquiles ( Chorizo ) Enchiladas ( Carnitas  and  Garlic Mushroom ) Huaraches ( Garlic Mushroom ) Quesabirria Quesadillas Tacos ...

We came back from vacation last Wednesday and unpacked, did laundry, and slept yesterday. Today is running errands day as we renew my IDs and grabbed groceries at Costco. Fried Rice, Fried Fish, and Mixed Vegetables  from Flaming Wok In between those two, we grabbed lunch at Flaming Wok inside the Pacific Centre food court. Still needing rice and fish, I went exactly for that - fried fish and mixed vegetables on top of fried rice. Gosh! That's satisfying. Wonton Noodle Soup from Flaming Wok Hubby went for their wonton noodle soup because it's cold outside and we still have lingering sniffles.

After a long but uneventful journey across the Atlantic and a quick dash through the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) baggage claim, we finally made it home! The first order of business was not unpacking, but rushing to freshen up because we had the best reason to combat jet lag: meeting a dear friend from the Philippines for dinner! To celebrate the reunion and our return to the West Coast, we chose Cactus Club Café, an iconic Canadian (and very much BC!) chain. After a week immersed in comforting stews, delicious pub grub, and all the "rasher" of bacon one could eat, my body was sending a clear signal: I need fish and I need rice! The Filipino in me was craving that staple. Tuna Poke Bowl  from Cactus Club Cafe Sesame ginger ocean wise ahi, jasmine rice, mango, cucumber, avocado, edamame, ginger, radish, and crispy tempura So, instead of opting for one of th...

After our smooth transatlantic flight, we found ourselves with a brief two-hour layover in Calgary (YYC) before the final hop to Vancouver. With both of us still battling a lingering cough, we made a beeline for Jugo Juice, knowing they had the perfect remedies.  Our first order of business was to stock up on wellness: a fiery Good Shot (packed with lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne—pure immune system defiance!) and a fresh Orange Juice. For food, we went for the ultimate Canadian comfort food with a twist: Grilled Cheese sandwiches. They were far from basic and made for the perfect, handheld airport meal. I chose the Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese, a savory delight built with chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and sweet, jammy caramelized onions. It was warm and barely satisfying. Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese from Jugo Juice Chicken, mozzarella, spinach, and cara...

After a seamless departure from Dublin, we settled in for the long haul to Calgary, and soon enough, the dinner service arrived. We had two main options: a Chicken dish with potatoes and green beans covered in a bright, tomato-based red sauce, and a Vegetarian Pasta. Vegetarian Option on Westjet Economy Class Food Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC)  While both were perfectly good, we both agreed that the Vegetarian Pasta was the unexpected winner! It was rich, flavourful, and a real step up, proving that sometimes the meat-free option is the way to go on a long-haul flight. Chicken option on Westjet Economy Class from Dublin (DUB) to Calgary (YYC)  The mains were served with the complete classic airline ensemble: a fresh side salad dressed with a tangy balsamic dressing, a warm roll wit...

After a whirlwind trip filled with historic castles, coastal drama, and a checklist of amazing Irish food, it was time for the final act: a leisurely breakfast at Dublin Airport (DUB) before our WestJet flight back to Vancouver. Since we were early, we bypassed the rush and settled into Marqette in Terminal 1.We both went for the ingenious Marqette Mini Breakfast, which allows you to build your own perfect plate. It was a brilliant strategy for a traveler who’s sampled nearly everything! My customized plate was pure comfort food heaven, featuring my four chosen essentials: Fluffy Scrambled Eggs Crispy Hash Brown A Classic Irish Sausage Flavourful Rashers of Bacon ...all served with slices of golden Toast. Mini Breakfast  from Marqette inside Dublin Airport (DUB) It was the ideal final taste of Ireland—simple, perfectly cooked, and a reminder of the amazing qualit...

After a day of walking through Dublin's historical timeline and soaking up ancient history at the National Museum, our energy reserves were totally depleted. It was time for dinner, and we happily abandoned any fussy planning and headed straight for a Dublin institution: Beshoff Fish and Chips, conveniently located near our hotel. This was my chance to cross off a major item from my Irish food checklist: the famous Curry Chips! Curry Chips  from Beshoff Bros Curry Chips  from Beshoff Bros It’s essentially a generous portion of crispy chips absolutely smothered in that unique, thick, gravy-like Irish curry sauce. My initial taste brought a genuine surprise—it reminded me immediately of a Japanese chicken curry base! It has that rich, mildly sweet, savoury depth that is so comforting, but without the heat of...

After our fast-paced walking tour, which took us past the exteriors of some of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks—from the medieval walls of Dublin Castle to the soaring spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral—we were ready for a treat. We headed straight for Butlers Chocolate Café. I had already experienced their famous hot chocolate during my time in Cork and knew my husband had to try it for himself. Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Butlers Chocolate Café  While he enjoyed his first taste of their signature hot chocolate, I decided to go for one of their seasonal specials: the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. And it was spot-on! The drink was a perfect liquid version of the classic cake, with rich, dark chocolate notes and the unmistakable, fruity essence of black cherries.

After a much-needed sleep-in following our Cliffs of Moher adventure, our first mission of the day was to grab an early lunch at a true Dublin institution: The Stag's Head. This Victorian gem, known for its stunning ornate interior, was the perfect starting point for walking around Dublin on our last day here. We were set to enjoy two more items from our Irish food checklist, but alas, the universe had other plans! I was really looking forward to the Bacon and Cabbage, only to find out it was a weekend-only special. A little disappointing, but it's all part of the adventure! No matter, I quickly pivoted to another pub classic: their Irish Beef Burger. It was a juicy, satisfying burger, cooked perfectly. 8oz Irish Beef Burger  from The Stag's Head Chargrilled 8oz Irish Beef Burger, smoked streaky bacon, aged Dubliner white cheddar cheese, beer batter onion ring, lettuce, beef ...

After the spicy delights of our Spice Bag and Dan Dan Noodles from Xi'An Street Food, we needed something sweet to cool things down and signal the end of a truly epic day. And what better way to do that than with a stop at The Rolling Donut? We grabbed a couple of their decadent creations to enjoy back in the comfort of our hotel room with a cup of tea. Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut A delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavours, filled with crunchy, toasted kataifi pastry & rich pistachio cream topped with our handmade ganache & sprinkled with crushed pistachios.  A peek inside the Dubai Donut from The Rolling Donut I chose the Dubai Donut, which offered a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern flavors, featuring crunchy kataifi pastry and rich pistachio cream inside. My husband, mean...

After a monumental day of touring—from the ancient stories at Bunratty, through the unique geology of The Burren, to the sheer majesty of the Cliffs of Moher—we were absolutely famished. We headed to Xi'An Street Food, a place renowned for delivering the beloved and very Irish Spice Bag. And it did not disappoint! For those unfamiliar, a Spice Bag is essentially a generous paper bag filled with perfectly seasoned, crispy chips (fries), juicy fried chicken pieces, and often other delights like peppers and onions, all tossed in a secret, fiery, and addictive spice blend. Spice Bag from Xi'An Street Food Every bite was an explosion of flavor and texture: the crispy exterior of the chicken and chips, the soft interior of the potato, and that inimitable spicy kick that leaves a satisfying tingle on your tongue. It's the ultimate comfort food, deeply satisfying and utterly un...

After an absolutely magnificent day exploring the dramatic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, the ancient landscapes of The Burren, and the charming village of Kinvara (complete with its iconic Dunguaire Castle!), it was time for the long drive back to Dublin. As our final stop, we popped into Eurospar in Kinvara for some road trip snacks. Normally, when you think "grocery store pastries," especially at the end of the day, expectations aren't exactly sky-high. However, we were in for a delightful surprise! We picked up a trio of croissants – a classic, a chocolate, and an almond. A bag of Croissants from Eurospar in Kinvara And honestly? They were surprisingly delicious! The plain croissant was buttery, the chocolate croissant had a good ratio of rich chocolate to pastry, and the almond croissant was perfectly sweet. Considering it was late in the day and these came from ...

After a morning at Bunratty Castle and learning about the Great Famine and iconic stone walls of Ireland from our guide, our tour bus pulled up to The Frantic Chef in Liscannor, County Clare—the perfect spot to refuel before the main event: the Cliffs of Moher. Being right on the Wild Atlantic Way, seafood was definitely on the menu, and we decided to dive headfirst into two Irish classics. First up, the Homemade Seafood Chowder. Oh. My. Gosh. This wasn't just good; it was the best chowder I've had since that incredible salmon chowder at the Thunderbird Cafe in Whistler! It was rich and creamy, packed with tender, fresh seafood, each spoonful a warming hug. Seafood Chowder  from The Frantic Chef Next, we couldn't resist the Fish & Chips. The cod was perfectly fresh and sweet, encased in a light and crispy batter. Paired with a generous serving of crispy fries, it wa...

Today was the big day for our Cliffs of Moher tour, which meant an early start and an even earlier check-in. But that just meant we had an excuse to hit up a Dublin culinary institution first thing: Bread 41! Despite some confusion about their Monday opening hours, we were thrilled to find their doors open at 7 AM. We chose a mix of sweet and savory bread. Morning Bun  from Bread 41 The Morning Bun is a perfect, slightly sweet start. It was flaky, delicate, and utterly delicious – a fantastic pastry to wake up the taste buds. Sausage Roll  from Bread 41 The Sausage Roll is a hearty, savory classic. The pastry was golden and crisp, encasing a well-seasoned, satisfying filling. Cheese & Onion Tart  from Bread 41 The Cheese...

After a long and mindblowingly impressive tour of Trinity College and seeing the Book of Kells, I was completely wiped and just wanted to head back to the hotel to rest. However, my husband insisted that a good dinner was a better idea, and he was absolutely right. Instead of our planned Sunday roast, we opted for Japanese ramen from Yoi Izakaya, located near our hotel. The atmosphere was cozy, and the hot soup was exactly what I needed. I ordered the Chicken Shoryu Ramen, and it was incredibly comforting. The chicken broth base, for me, is the ultimate "get-well" food — soothing and restorative. Coming from Vancouver, with its many excellent ramen spots, I have high standards, and this was an okay ramen. Chicken Shoryu Ramen  from Yoi Izakaya Roasted marinated miso chicken fillets, oyster mushroom, bean sprouts, seasoned eggs, fish cake, black fungus, fried onion, and corian...

After our coffee break at Vice, we finished our shopping run, picking up some fun souvenirs from the ever-present Carroll’s Irish Gifts. Then, it was time for lunch, and we knew exactly where to go: the deli counter at Dunnes Stores! This stop was all about ticking off two major Irish food classics: The Chicken Fillet Roll : I went for the traditionalist’s choice: Plain Chicken Fillet with mayo and butter, topped with cheese and stuffing (as recommended by my colleague). The combination of the tender chicken, creamy spreads, and savory stuffing in a soft roll is an absolute masterpiece of convenience food. It’s easy to see why this sandwich is an Irish institution! Chicken Fillet Roll  from Dunnes Stores The Large Sausage Roll : We also grabbed one of their large, classic Sausage Rolls. Piping hot, with flaky pastry hugging a thick, well-seasoned pork filling. ...

After  breakfast , we started our official Sunday with mass at the beautiful Pro-Cathedral. Following that, I enjoyed a little essential Dublin retail therapy! I managed to snag a great belt from Penneys (the Irish name for Primark) and then found a truly beautiful, traditional scarf from Aran Sweater Market, which will be a perfect souvenir. All that walking definitely deserved a break, so we made a return trip to Vice Coffee. My husband finally got to properly savor the Irish Coffee, a must-try on his list, while I indulged in a pastry. Fancy Frankie Irish Coffee  from Vice Coffee Award winning Irish coffee with Teeling small batch, espresso, demarara, and spiced orange cream I ordered their Lemon Bar, and it was exactly what I needed! It was a brilliant b...

Even with a sore throat making me feel a bit under the weather, we weren't going to miss out on one of my husband's food quests: a true Full Irish Breakfast. We made our way to Jay Kay's Cafe, a local spot that came highly recommended. While our hotel's buffet has all the elements of a Full Irish, the difference here was immediately clear. My husband's plate was a masterpiece of flavor, with two savory pork sausages and two crispy bacon rashers. The golden fried egg was perfectly cooked, and the crispy baby potatoes were a delightful change from the usual hash browns. The plate was rounded out with a side of sweet beans, earthy fried mushrooms, a juicy grilled tomato, and some toasted sourdough bread with tangy Ballymaloe relish. Jay's Full Irish Breakfast  from Jay Kay's Cafe Two pork sausages, black and white pudding, two bacon, fried egg, crispy baby potatoes, be...

After a day exploring the ancient wonders of Brú na Bóinne valley and the Newgrange mound, our appetites were ready for a hearty Dublin dinner. Our initial plan was The Brazen Head, but after my fantastic experience on the food tour , we pivoted to Gallagher's Boxty House. My husband had three key food requests for this trip: an authentic Irish stew, a proper Irish coffee, and a full Irish breakfast. For dinner, he opted for the very same Irish stew I had sampled last Friday during my food tour. It was exactly what he was hoping for: deeply savory, comforting, and packed with tender meat and vegetables. Gallaghers Irish Stew  from Gallagher's Boxty House Lamb stew, root vegetables, potatoes, barley, and selection of bread Meanwhile, I decided to dive headfirst into their namesake with the Gallagher's Boxty Platter. This was an incredible journey through all thing...