Urban Crave in YVR before security

 I'm flying to Australia today. Before going inside the gate, hubby and I had lunch at Urban Crave. I really wanted soup or rice so I went for their Tonkatsu Ramen while hubby got the Smoked Cheesesteak sandwich.

Airport food is expensive! Urban Crave is not a Japanese spot so I had a feeling that the Tonkatsu Ramen won't be the best choice but I can't believe how unhappy I felt after eating it.

Tonkatsu Ramen from Urban Crave

Smoked Cheesesteak with house-made chips from Urban Crave

Hubby's Smoked Cheesesteak is so much better. I highly recommend getting a sandwich. If ever there's a next time, I'm eyeing the Grilled Chicken Avocado.

Mr. Japanese Curry comfort food

I mentioned in an earlier post that I'm flying to Australia and will be gone for two weeks. I really wanted my last dinner in Vancouver (until I'm back) to be from my favourite Suika. However, since they're temporarily closed. The second best source of Japanese beef curry is good enough.

After work, we walked across beautiful Cambie Bridge to Mr. Japanese Curry. I got my usual Beef Curry (number 3) topped with tonkatsu while hubby went for the Omu-Cheese Curry (number 10) with the same topping.

Omu-Cheese Curry from Mr. Japanese Curry 

Beef Curry with Tonkatsu from Mr. Japanese Curry 

We also shared the super juicy karaage. I'm reminded why Mr. Japanese Curry is awesome. They're one of the few that serves beef curry (yes, most of the things you see in other Japanese restaurants serves chicken curry base) and their assortment of available toppings mean you can customize the experience.

Sayur Lodeh (Coconut Veggie) from Bali Bites food truck

 For Thursday company-paid weekly team lunch, the chosen theme is Indonesian food. Our only option is Bali Bites food truck. Thankfully, every Thursday they're parked a short 8-minute wall from the office.

Last time, I got the Rendang Sapi which was amazing. I thought of going the vegetarian route this time and getting the Sayur Lodeh (Coconut Veggie). 

Sayur Lodeh (Coconut Veggie) from Bali Bites

Based on the description, it reminds me of the Filipino dish ginataang langka (unripe jackfruit stewed in coconut milk). The dish is close but the version I'm familiar with is spicy while this one is not. It's still satisfying and delicious but a little bit of heat would be amazing.

Hot Honey Crunch and Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

After a satisfying lunch at Redbeef, we decided to grab ice cream from Rain or Shine across the street. Hubby and I focused on the seasonal flavours.

I went for the sweet and tarty Key Lime Pie while hubby went for the Hot Honey Crunch. The latter was spicy! 🥵 It included spicy almond.

Hot Honey Crunch from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine

We enjoyed our treats while slowly walking home enjoying the sunshine. I'm truly grateful for days like this! We started the day with a serene Mass with the community, enjoyed our comfort food, and got to enjoy treats. Thank God for the many blessings.

Fried Pork Chop with Rice from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

I'm going to Australia and will be flying out on Friday. I have a couple of restaurants in my head that I need to enjoy before my trip. The main one is Suika but they are temporarily closed due to damage from what I can guess is a fire.

The second one is RedBeef for my favourite Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken and chicken cutlet. I'm satisfied.

Chicken Cutlet Rice from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen 

Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen 

Hubby tried the surprisingly equally delicious fried pork chop with rice.

Fried Pork Chop with Rice from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen 

Do you have a restaurant that gives you your ultimate comfort food? The one restaurant that allows you to forget everything else happening i your life even for just an hour to truly enjoy and appreciate food?

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons has recently introduced a new limited-time Nutella product to their menu: the Croissant with Nutella. As a fan of their other Nutella offerings like the Dream Donut, Dream Cookie, and Iced Capp, I had high hopes for this latest addition. Unfortunately, my husband and I were left feeling a bit disappointed.

The Croissant with Nutella is essentially a croissant sandwich with a layer of Nutella spread in the middle. While the croissant itself was acceptable , the Nutella was not filled or stuffed inside. This was a stark contrast to what my husband had envisioned: a croissant filled to the brim with the delicious hazelnut spread.

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons 

Given Tim Hortons' track record with their other Nutella products, it's surprising that they didn't take the opportunity to create a truly indulgent croissant experience. A croissant filled with Nutella, perhaps with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, would have been a much more satisfying treat.

Have you tried Tim Hortons' Croissant with Nutella? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Traditional Burrito from Patron Taco & Cantina

If you're looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience in Vancouver, look no further than Patron Taco & Cantina. Their traditional burrito is a testament to their commitment to classic flavours and quality ingredients.

The star of the show is their signature burrito, a flour tortilla filled to the brim with a delicious combination of:

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and gooey, providing a creamy base for the other ingredients.
• Rice: A fluffy and satisfying addition that adds substance to the burrito.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh, tangy salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
• Sour Cream: A cool and creamy contrast to the spicy pico de gallo.
• Lettuce: Adding a crisp and refreshing texture.

Served alongside a generous portion of pork beans and chicken tinga, this burrito is a feast for the senses. The pork beans are hearty and flavorful, while the chicken tinga is tender and spicy.

Traditional Burrito from Patrcon Taco & Cantina
Flour tortilla stuffed with mozzarella cheese, rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, and lettuce. Served with a side of pork beans and chicken tinga

It's no wonder why our company has been coming to Patron Taco & Cantina once a month since April. This traditional burrito has become a beloved team lunch staple. The combination of flavours and textures is truly irresistible, and the friendly atmosphere makes it an enjoyable dining experience.

Have you tried Patron Taco & Cantina's traditional burrito? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Mighty McMuffin vs. Mighty McGriddles: A Breakfast Showdown

Have you ever had a morning where you craved something a little different? That's exactly what happened to us this Sunday.

We usually start our Sundays with a classic Tim Hortons breakfast. But today, we decided to switch things up and head to McDonald's after Mass. My husband opted for the Mighty McMuffin, while I went for the Mighty McGriddles.

Let me tell you, this was a breakfast showdown for the ages! (Okay, that's a tad bit dramatic!)

Mighty McMuffin 

Both sandwiches were incredibly satisfying, but I have to admit, I'm a total sucker to the Mighty McGriddles. The double portion of hickory-smoked bacon was crispy perfection*, and I loved. the way the sweet, maple-flavored griddle cakes balanced out the savory sausage. It was like a little taste of heaven in every bite.

Mighty McGriddles

Have you tried either of these breakfast sandwiches? Which one is your favorite?

Tim Hortons' Nutella Dream Donut, Cookie, and Iced Capp

Tim Hortons has just dropped a trio of delectable treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The new Nutella Dream lineup features three mouthwatering creations: the Dream Donut with Nutella, the Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Capp with Nutella, and the Dream Cookie with Nutella.

The Dream Donut with Nutella

This classic cake donut gets a decadent upgrade with a generous portion of Nutella in the middle. The combination of the soft donut, the sweet powder sugar coating, and the rich, creamy Nutella is a match made in heaven.

Dream Donut with Nutella from Tim Hortons

Dream Donut with Nutella from Tim Hortons

The Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Capp with Nutella

For those who prefer their sweets in liquid form, the Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Capp with Nutella is a must-try. This iced cappuccino is infused with a delicious chocolate hazelnut flavor and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of Nutella. It's a perfect balance of sweet and creamy.

The Chocolate Hazelnut Iced Capp with Nutella from Tim Hortons

The Dream Cookie with Nutella

If you're a fan of cookies, you'll love the Dream Cookie with Nutella. This buttery cookie is filled with crushed nuts and a generous amount of Nutella. It's a chewy and satisfying treat that will leave you wanting more.

Dream Cookie with Nutella from Tim Hortons

Have you tried any of these new Nutella Dream creations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Tim Hortons' Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Wrap and Bowl

Tim Hortons introduced the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Wrap and Bowl. These menu items promised a spicy and satisfying experience, combining the tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with the creaminess of ranch dressing.

Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Wrap

The loaded wrap, featuring crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and vegetables, was initially promising. However, the crispy chicken was a major letdown. It was dry and seemed to have been sitting for too long, lacking the freshness and crispiness we were hoping for. The other ingredients were decent, but the stale chicken overshadowed the overall flavor profile.

Slow-Cooked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Bowl from Tim Hortons

Slow-Cooked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Bowl

The buffalo ranch chicken bowl, featuring slow-cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and vegetables, was a much more satisfying experience. The slow-cooked chicken was tender and flavorful, with the buffalo sauce adding a nice kick. The vegetables were fresh and added a nice crunch. However, the bowl was slightly oversalted, which detracted from the overall taste.

Crispy Buffalo Ranchi Chicken Loaded Wrap from Tim Hortons

While Tim Hortons' Buffalo Ranch Chicken Loaded Wrap and Bowl offer a tempting combination of flavors, our experience was somewhat disappointing.

Green Curry from Thai Away Home in Club Kitchen

 Happy Thursday! For this week's company-paid team lunch, the theme was Thai cuisine. After checking Google Maps, the best source of Thai food within walking distance of the office is inside Club Kitchen at Expo Boulevard: Thai Away Home. We walked to the location on a partly cloudy day. There are so many options but sticking to the theme, I chose Combo 1 with chicken green curry.

Combo for 1 from Thai Away in Club Kitchen
Spring roll, green salad, hot and sour broth, white jasmine rice, and chicken green curry with eggplant

It's a feast! The meal came with some of the best Thai curry around, soft white rice to absorb all the coconut sauce, crispy spring rolls, surprisingly delicious hot & sour broth, and fresh salad. I finished everything and food coma.

Chicken Green Curry with Eggplant from Thai Away Home in Club Kitchen

That green curry sauce is just something else. I highly recommend it. After our meal, we slowly returned to the office to finish the rest of the work day.

California Dreamin' from Steve's Poke Bar

Last Thursday, our team embraced the poke trend for our company-paid lunch and headed to Steve's Poke Bar in Yaletown. A quick kilometre walk later, we were ready to dive into some fresh, flavorful poke bowls.

As a poke newbie, I opted for the classic "California Dreamin'" bowl. Two scoops of Shoyu Salmon served as the base, but instead of rice, I went for a healthier quinoa option. To top it off, I added furikake seasoning, corn, edamame, imitation crab, wakame seaweed salad, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and a dollop of Steve's Spicy Mayo sauce.

California Dreamin' from Steve's Poke Bar
Two Shoyu salmon scoops, quinoa, furikake seasoning, corn, edamame, imitation crab, wakame seaweed salad, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and Steve's spicy mayo sauce

The combination of flavours was delightful! The salmon was fresh and tender, the quinoa provided a satisfying texture, and the mix of toppings added depth and crunch to every bite. The Spicy Mayo sauce was the perfect finishing touch, adding a kick of heat without overpowering the other flavours.

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious lunch option, I highly recommend giving Steve's Poke Bar a try. With its customizable bowls and fresh ingredients, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

S'more-alicious Sunday from McDonald's: A S'mores McFlurry Review

What better way to cool down on a scorching Sunday than with a decadent S'mores McFlurry delivered right to your doorstep? I mean, seriously, McDonald's has outdone themselves this time.

This frozen treat is an absolute dream come true for S'mores lovers. The perfect blend of crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and rich hot fudge swirled into creamy vanilla soft serve is pure bliss. Every spoonful is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures that transports you straight to a campfire.

S'mores McFlurry from McDonald's
A summer staple just got a whole lot cooler. With the taste of graham crackers and mini marshmallows swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve and blended with hot fudge, you'll be wanting S'more.

If you haven't tried this limited-time offering yet, I highly recommend you do! It's the ultimate indulgence for a sunny afternoon. Just be warned: you might find yourself craving this sweet treat for days to come. It is best enjoyed with salty fries for that perfect sweet and salty combo. Yum!

Have you tried the S'mores McFlurry? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger from White Spot

I had the incredible chance to choose the theme for our weekly company-paid team lunch thanks to winning our weekly office competition. And let me tell you, I made the most of it by picking burgers from White Spot. I enjoyed their Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger.

The star of the show was undoubtedly the 5 oz Ocean Wise™ steelhead fillet. It was cooked to perfection, flaky and tender, with a delicate flavor that was the perfect base for the vibrant toppings. The pickled onion added a tangy crunch, while the arugula and tomato brought a refreshing freshness. But it was the tartar sauce that truly stole the show for me. That bold dill flavor was an absolute game-changer! I absolutely love it.

Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger from White Spot
5 oz Ocean Wise™ steelhead fillet with pickled onion, tartar sauce, arugula, tomato, and mayo,

To complement the burger, I opted for a side of sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo dip. The fries were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the chipotle mayo added a delightful kick.

If you're looking for a fresh and flavorful lunch option, I recommend giving White Spot's Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger a try. It's a delicious way to support sustainable seafood while treating yourself to a truly satisfying meal.

Have you tried this burger? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza (Hemlock Street)

 Maple Leaf Pizza is the closest pizza spot from our home and we decided to grab a couple slices of their veggie pizza that is available.

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza
Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and cheese

It was surprisingly delicious. The dough was chewy and perfectly cheesy. It is definitely an improvement from Bella Pizza.

Blenz Summer Sips: Coco-Ube Chillo and a Matcha Mishap

With the sun shining bright, there's nothing quite like a refreshing drink to beat the heat. Recently, we decided to check out Blenz's limited edition summer sips. Our local Blenz on the corner of West Broadway and Granville was the perfect spot for a chill afternoon.

Coco-Ube Chillo: A Tropical Dream

I opted for the Coco-Ube Chillo, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss! This creamy concoction is a delightful blend of vanilla ice cream, ube, whipped cream, and toasted coconut. The texture is like a thick, indulgent milkshake, and the coconut flavour takes center stage, with a subtle sweetness from the vanilla and ube. It's the perfect treat for a hot day!

Coco-Ube Chillo from Blenz Coffee

Ube Matcha Freddo: A Matcha Mishap?

My hubby ordered the Ube Matcha Freddo, anticipating a creamy ube latte topped with matcha whipped cream. Unfortunately, it seems they might have mixed up the order, as what arrived was more like a regular matcha latte. While still delicious, it wasn't quite what he was expecting.

Ube Matcha Freddo or Matcha Latte from Blenz

To complement our drinks, we indulged in a vegan brownie. It was the perfect finishing touch to our relaxing afternoon.

Have you tried Blenz's summer sips yet? Share your favourite in the comments below!

Signature Chicken, Nuggets and more from Popeyes Chicken

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like fried chicken. With stomachs grumbling, we decided to indulge in a classic comfort food experience from Popeyes. 

Our first order was a combo of eight crispy nuggets with Bayou Buffalo sauce on the side, accompanied by a generous serving of Cajun fries. The nuggets boasted a golden, shatteringly crisp exterior that gave way to a tender, juicy interior. The Bayou Buffalo sauce delivered a fiery kick with a subtle tanginess, creating a harmonious blend of heat and flavour. The Cajun fries were a symphony of textures, with a crispy exterior and a fluffy, potato-forward interior. Infused with the bold, aromatic spices of Cajun cuisine, they were a delightful complement to the nuggets.

8-piece chicken nuggets with cajun fries and biscuit from Popeyes

Our second round was a more traditional affair: a four-piece chicken meal with onion rings. The chicken pieces were encased in a thick, crunchy coating that crackled with every bite. Beneath the golden armour lay succulent, moist chicken that was both flavorful and satisfying. The onion rings were a masterpiece of their own, featuring thick-cut onions enveloped in a light, airy batter. The result was a crispy exterior that yielded a tender, caramelized onion center, a truly indulgent treat. 

4-piece signature fried chicken with onion rings and biscuit from Popeyes

This Popeyes feast was the perfect antidote to a long day, offering a delightful combination of flavours, textures, and pure comfort food satisfaction. 

Tomato and Mozzarella Baguette Sandwich from PAUL Le Café

It’s a beautiful Thursday with plenty of sunshine and a company-paid lunch to look forward to. With the 2024 Summer Olympics happening in Paris, our team decided that the theme would be the iconic baguette.

Beautiful Baguette Sandwiches from PAUL Le Café

We’re lucky to have PAUL Le Café, a lovely French bakery, in the lobby of Vancouver Centre II. I decided to try the vegetarian Tomato and Mozzarella sandwich.

Tomato and Mozzarella Baguette Sandwich from PAUL Le Café

The baguette was fantastic – crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, filled with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, crisp lettuce, and a fragrant basil pesto. It was a light, delicious lunch that felt like a taste of Paris.

Canelé from PAUL Le Café

To finish off, I tried a canelé for the first time. This small pastry had a thick, caramelized crust and a soft, custard-like center. It was sweet, rich, and incredibly satisfying – a perfect end to my French-inspired lunch.

We Ate Every Footlong Sidekick and Dipper at Subway

Disclaimer number 1: This post is not sponsored by Subway. We just really, really love food.

Disclaimer number 2: This post is based on a single experience and individual taste preferences may vary.

So, my husband and I decided to go a little crazy today and try every single item on Subway's new footlong Sidekicks and Dippers menu. Yes, you read that right. Every. Single. Item. We figured, why not? We went all in! Let's dive into our honest reviews.

Subway Footlong Sidekick and Dipper

Footlong Sidekicks: Hit or Miss?

We started with the Sidekicks.

Let’s start with the sweet stuff. The Footlong Cookie was a definite hit. Warm, gooey, and incredibly moist, it was the perfect indulgence. We’d happily order this again.

Footlong Cookie from Subway

Next up, is the Footlong Pretzel. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown straight out of the bag. It was stale and lacked flavour. However, a quick trip through the air fryer worked wonders. The smoky honey mustard dip was a game-changer, transforming the pretzel into a surprisingly decent snack.

Footlong Pretzels from Subway

And then there’s the Footlong Churro. We’re not sure what happened here, but it was a complete disaster. Stale and hard, it was a far cry from the delicious treat we know and love. This one’s a hard pass.

Footlong Churro from Subway

Footlong Dippers: A Flavorful Trio

Moving on to the savoury side, the Pepperoni and Cheese dipper was a clear winner. Packed with flavour, it didn’t even need the garlic aioli dip to shine. The Ham and Cheese was decent on its own, but the smoky honey mustard elevated it to another level.

Pepperoni and Cheese Footlong Dipper from Subway

The Two Cheese dipper was a bit of a disappointment. It was mostly bread with not enough cheese to make it interesting. The Chipotle Southwest dip was a must to add some flavour.

Overall, our Subway Footlong adventure was a mixed bag. While the cookie and some of the dippers impressed, the pretzel and churro fell short. We’re curious to hear your thoughts if you've tried these new menu items. Let us know in the comments below!

Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie: A $3.49 Dream Come True

Is there anything better than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie might just be the answer to that age-old question. For a mere $3.49, this cookie is an absolute steal.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie from the Costco food court

Let's talk about texture. The exterior boasts a delightful crunch, especially around the edges, while the inside is a decadent, ooey-gooey dream. It's the perfect balance of textures that keeps you coming back for more. And let's not forget the size! This isn't your average cookie; it’s a generous portion that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie from Costco food court

If you haven't tried Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie yet, do yourself a favor and grab one the next time you're there. It's a guilty pleasure that's totally worth it.

Have you tried this cookie? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!