Breakfast at Blenz Coffee AND the rest of our Sunday

Happy Sunday! We have a jampacked day, and it doesn't help that I'm feeling under the weather. We started our day with breakfast at Blenz Coffee.

Just like yesterday, I ordered a toffee nut latte while hubby had to try their eggnog latte. I also ordered a couple Lumberjack Breakfast Wraps and a croissant. We finished our late breakfast at around 10:45 AM and headed to Sunday Mass.

Eggnog Latte and Toffee Nut Latte

After Mass, we had to wait for 15 minutes for our Uber to arrive, and off to BC Place, we went for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC game at 3:00 PM. We arrived at 12:30 PM (talk about excitement!).

Lumberjack Breakfast Wrap

Because we're early and cold, we decided to spend 30 minutes inside Waves Coffee along Robson Street and enjoyed our Dark Chocolate Belgian Mocha. Then, at 1:15 PM, we started lining up to go inside BC Place. They opened the gate at around 1:45 PM.

Our first goal is to buy team merchandise on sale. So, I got a hoodie while hubby picked a long sleeve. Then, we went to our seats and took some pictures.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC VS Seattle Sounders

Hubby and I walked around to buy food. I thought of trying other things, but I am always getting pulled back by The Poutinerie. So I ordered exactly the same thing as last time.

The Whitecaps draw 1-1 and are off to the playoffs! After the game, we took Lyft home. I feel exhausted now that the adrenaline from the match is gone.

For dinner, I wanted warm soup, so we had instant ramen at home.

My Birthday Celebration: Filipino Dishes from Ilocos Fride

It's my birthday weekend! Just like last year, I celebrated with my family in Richmond. We had the same seven people at the party.

As I did last year, I chose a Filipino entrepreneur to support and chose Ilocos Fride. I looked at their menu and decided to order many dishes we usually don't get to enjoy.

We picked up our order at 4:30 PM, and we arrived home at around 5:05 PM. My mom was already peeking through the window, waiting for us (and her favourite - Ginataang Bilo-Bilo) to come back.

My Birthday Feast from Ilocos Fride

I ordered A LOT of food, and EVERYTHING is delicious. Our family couldn't believe how great everything tasted.

Palabok
Ilocos Fride Description: Rice noodle dish with ground chicken or pork, smoked fish, eggs, chicharon (pork grinds), shrimps, chopped spring onions, and sliced lemons on the side.

The main dish of my party was the palabok, and we all loved it. Having the chicharon on the side is an excellent touch since some (specifically, me) don't like chicharon, so I can add as little as possible to the dish.

Pork Embutido
Ilocos Fride Description: Filipino-style meatloaf with ground pork, carrots, raisins, slices of eggs and sausage wrapped in a banana leaf.

My siblings migrated to Canada 8 years ago, and embutido is something we rarely have at home. But when my younger sister saw it, she specifically remembered that this is something you can put ketchup on. So I ordered two embutido, and we only finished one, so we went home with the second one. Yay for breakfast next week.

Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milk Fish)
Ilocos Fride Description: Milkfish stuffed with minced milkfish meat, carrots, potatoes, and dried peas.

My dad, our only brother, and I absolutely enjoyed the rellenong bangus. I can't believe how good it is, better than what you can order from Goldilocks in the Philippines. I ordered two bangus, but we only finished one. When I was about to pack the second one, my brother said he enjoyed it, so I decided to leave them the second one (agawan sa take out dahil sa sarap!).

Vegetable Lumpia
Ilocos Fride Description: Filled with carrots, cabbage, green beans, bean sprouts, and vermicelli rice noodles.

I ordered the Vegetable Lumpia with our only brother in mind. One day, he randomly asked me if I had tried a delicious Lumpiang Togue like the one our mom used to buy near his school growing up. I told him no. When I saw this dish in the Ilocos Fride menu, I just had to order it for him. When he took his first bite, I was staring at him, waiting for his judgment.

He said it tastes like as he remembered. Whew! I took a bite, and I agreed. There's a dozen per order, and I left most of what's left with them so that my brother and mom can enjoy it.

Lumpiang Super Shanghai
Ilocos Fride Description: Filled with ground pork, carrots, parsley with a sweet chilli sauce.

Filipino birthday parties won't be complete without lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls). Our favourite spring rolls are from Little Ongpin, and I thought this tasted the same, but with the wrapper thicker. It's perfect for munching on.

Ginataang Bilo-Bilo
Ilocos Fride Description: A dessert or snack made with glutinous rice balls, plantain bananas, sweet potatoes, and tapioca pearls cooked in coconut milk.

I don't eat this dish, but it's our mom's absolute favourite. It's something she and my brother craves for. So while my younger sister and I demolished the cake, my mom and our only brother enjoyed the Ginataang Bilo-Bilo. When I was packing our leftovers for takeout, he said how much he enjoyed the dessert. I know it's his subtle way of telling us not to bring it home. So I told him, don't worry, I don't eat that dish so you and Mama can enjoy it.

The best birthday celebrations are with the people we love over delicious food, and I received that today. I am so grateful to God for all the blessings He provided my family and me.

Something tells me my mom will be ordering the Ginataang Bilo-Bilo again sooner than they'd like to admit.

If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

My Birthday Celebration: Ube and Mocha Cake from Arts to Bakes

I'm loyal to restaurants and even dishes that I absolutely love. For example, in my favourite restaurant, I have favourite dishes that I always order. For my second birthday in a row, I ordered a cake from Arts to Bakes. 🎂

Last year, I fell in love with her mocha cake, so I had to order it again this year, but I wanted to try a different flavour, so I asked for a half ube and half mocha cake.

Half Ube and Half Mocha from Arts to Bakes

Beautiful Cake

Just like last year, both flavours are excellent! Definitely the highlight of my birthday weekend. My younger sister demolished the ube cake like there's no tomorrow, while I sort of did the same for the mocha cake. To say that it's a hit is an understatement. Even my dad, who doesn't like sweets, ate and enjoyed the ube cake.

Ube with Macapuno side of the cake

Mocha side of the cake

Half Ube and Half Mocha Cake

I'm already planning to order an ube cake for my younger sister's birthday next year based on her reaction to it. 

If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich for breakfast at Starbucks

Happy Saturday! We had errands to run around Cambie Village and decided to grab breakfast from Starbucks.

We only go to Starbucks when we don't have to pay for it from our salaries. 😂 My hubby participates in research and testing of Android developer tools and as a reward he earns Amazon gift cards (or something). We don't shop with Amazon and would just convert the gift card to one we can use at Starbucks.

Today, we went to the Starbucks location at 2nd Avenue and Yukon Street. I ordered my favorite Toffee Nut Latte. For breakfast sandwich, I chose the lowest calorie one: Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich from Starbucks.

Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich

Toffee Nut Latte and Caramel Brulee

Hubby ordered the Holidays drink: Caramel Brulee Latte and his chosen sandwich is Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Sandwich.

Week 7 of HelloFresh

I skipped HelloFresh last week but ordered five different dishes this week.

Veggie Chilli with Tortilla Chips and Sour Cream
HelloFresh Description: Simple to prepare, with extraordinary flavours, this delicious chilli will have everyone racing to the table. Your bowls will be filled with beans, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Each bite is tender and comforting. We suggest using tortilla chips to scoop up and enjoy every last bite!

My tip in enjoying this chilli is to reheat the tortilla chips in the oven or air fryer. Then, crush a few on top of your chilli for extra crunch. The heat is minimal, so you can add all the chipotle powder.

Classic Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti and Parmesan
HelloFresh Description: Our spaghetti and meatballs tastes just like Noona's, but takes a fraction of the time! The secret to these leaner meatballs is swapping ground beef for turkey and pairing with a homemade tomato sauce that keeps the dish flavourful.

I enjoyed the dish more than I should. I love the tender meatballs.

Shrimp Chow Mein with Bok Choy
HelloFresh Description: A quick chow mein recipe that's definitely one for the books! This dish is packed with shrimp and veggies coated in a mouthwatering sauce that will have you wondering how this came together in 25 minutes!

The Chow Mein is delicious and has lots of veggies. Definitely in my top five favourite HelloFresh dishes this year!

Cal Smart Turkey Chilli with Lime Crema
HelloFresh Description: Jam-packed with nutrients to keep you going strong, but still delivering on flavour, this recipe proves you can still satisfy that chilli craving you've been having, but ditch the extra calories! This week's cheat day may not need to happen after all! Calorie Smart is based on a per serving calculation of the recipe's kilocalorie amount.

This is better than Veggie Chilli.

Creamy Gnocchi Alfredo with Spinach and Peppers
Golden pan-fried gnocchi add a fun twist to the restaurant classic, Alfredo! Rich cream, melty cream cheese, zesty garlic and savoury Parmesan make a luscious sauce for this vegetarian supper.

I love this dish, and I wish there was more gnocchi. It's such a simple trick to get a creamy alfredo sauce - whipped cream and cream cheese.

I ordered four HelloFresh dishes next week.

HelloFresh Promo Code!

Save $90 with my code HS-PAL5157JZ!

Hopia in Metro Vancouver

Growing up, there are two kinds of hopia - the branded circular one (I'm thinking of Eng Bee Tin) and the half-moon one you can get at your local bakery or from a street vendor.

Hubby and I were discussing hopia and how we haven't had one in a long time. Then, lo and behold, a Filipino entrepreneur based in Richmond posted in the Facebook marketplace that she's selling the hopia we're craving for, and it's even available for delivery!

I sent her a message yesterday asking if she could deliver the following day to our address and how much the delivery fee would be. So after sorting out the logistics, we're all set.

We received one dozen hopiang monggo (mung bean) and a dozen hopiang baboy (pork) before 12:00 NN today. Yay for a reseller who delivers BEFORE the agreed time.

Right: Pork Hopia
Left: Mung Bean Hopia

The Pork Hopia is as I remember growing up - subtle sweetness and thick doughy exterior. I love it! The Mung Bean Hopia was delicious too, but as hubby jokingly said, "Wala kasing alikabok 🤣." Let me provide context for whoever reads this blog from outside the Philippines.

Snacks like these are sometimes sold on the street alongside all the pollution from vehicles. Hubby was pointing out that this is good, but something is missing and what he meant was the "pollution" back home is the flavour enhancer it needs. 🤣

Ready to eat hopia

I can't wait to reheat it in the microwave for a snack and maybe even dinner. Happy Friday!

 If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

Brunch at Yolks Broadway

Happy Saturday and Happy Halloween!

To start the Halloween weekend, we had our blood taken at LifeLabs as part of our initial visit to our family doctor. After that, we had to do 10-hour fasting. As a result, our last meal was at 9:00 PM the previous night, and our first meal was brunch at Yolks Broadway.

Food coma brunch at Yolks Broadway

Drinks

From the drinks menu, hubby ordered Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate while I had Greens & Almonds Smoothie.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Green & Almonds
Kale & spinach, banana, almond butter and fresh-pressed apple juice.

I enjoyed both drinks, but their drinks menu is so extensive I can't wait to try the others.

Perfectly Poached Bennies

I have two favourite breakfast items: Eggs Benedicts and Chicken & waffles. Unfortunately, the latter is not always readily available at breakfast spots, unlike the former. However, Yolks just made a dish combining the two! So I would like to introduce Buttermilk Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict served with 1/2 Belgian waffle. I even added double-smoked bacon.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Perfectly Poached Bennies

This is amazing! Two perfectly poached eggs on buttermilk fried chicken on 1/2 Belgian waffles with hollandaise sauce and crispy hashbrown patty. I even added extra double-smoked bacon. The fried chicken was surprisingly delicious. I remember having their Chicken and Waffle but thinking the chicken was too salty. This is perfect.

Classic

While I love and enjoy my Eggs Benedict, hubby ordered Croque Madame. We wanted to try this dish at a nearby French cafe, but it was too early for their brunch. So now, we can finally try Croque Madame.

Croque Madame
Menu Description: Maple-smoked ham, gruyere cheese, Mornay sauce, two perfectly poached eggs, Yolks-made Dijon on grilled artisan sourdough with a choice of on side (in this case, Truffle-Lemon Potatoes)

The Croque Madame was good as well, but I'm still so hyped with the fried chicken eggs benedict, it's hard for me to enjoy this. I liked the cheese and sauces especially dipping the truffle-lemon potatoes in it, but portions of the bread were burnt, and since I have no point of comparison, I'm not sure if that's part of the charm.

Sweets

To end our delicious brunch, we ordered Beignets. It's served with two dipping sauces. Hubby enjoyed the salted caramel dip while I loved lemon curd. The tartness emphasized the sweetness of the Beignets.

Beignets
Menu Description: French-style crispy and fluffy "donuts" served with salted caramel and lemon curd.

This is a lovely and happy meal for hubby and me since it has been a while since we had brunch at a breakfast spot.

Bola Bola Siopao from Bao Bakery | Best Siopao in Vancouver

I have been craving for Bola Bola Siopao for what feels like forever. Thank God that the office of our new family doctor is in Burnaby, and we could drop by Bao Bakery before heading home.

Bao Bakery

They have the best Filipino siopao ever! It's seven in the evening when we dropped by there, and I got half a dozen frozen Bola Bola Siopao and two of the already cooked ones. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture of the ones we devoured inside the car.

I was saying my prayers quite loudly - thank God that I'm finally having a delicious siopao.

November 4, 2021 Update 

We microwaved for a couple minutes siopao, and it was great. Fortunately, I had it on the fridge (instead of the freezer) the night before I planned to enjoy it.

Tip: I recommend putting a wet paper towel on top of the siopao to create steam and not dry out the siopao bread.

Dinner from Wendy's

Happy Friday evening! We finally have a family doctor in Canada and tonight was our first appointment. After the doctor visit, we went to Wendy's to grab some quick dinner before heading home.

My mom has coupons (lots of it!) for Wendy's and other fast-food chains, and we could use them.

Spicy Chicken Burger Combo

Unfortunately, the burger wasn't spicy at all. Hubby said there's some heat, but not a lot. Somehow, Wendy's is lagging behind the Spicy Chicken Burger battle, which is unfortunate. However, the french fries were legit. I actually liked it more than I thought I would.

Dinner from The Poutinerie and Dawson's Hot Dogs at BC Place

Happy Wednesday! I wrote this as soon as we arrived home and while the adrenaline was still relatively high.

Why are we watching the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Minnesota United FC?

We had no plans of watching the game tonight in person. On the other hand, my younger sister was planning to watch the Whitecaps for the first time in BC Place. However, there was a COVID scare at her workplace, and she had to get tested this morning.

She called me ten minutes before four in the afternoon explaining the situation and asked if I would like to buy her tickets instead since she's self-isolating. After discussing it with my husband, we said yes. Thankfully, there's modern technology, and she was quickly able to transfer her ticket to me via the Ticketmaster app. I sent her the payment, and off we go.

Back in BC Place again

The last time I watched the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in person was during their first and only MLS game last February 29, 2020; it was two weeks before the pandemic "started."

We arrived at BC Place ten minutes before six in the evening. The gates opened at six, and the first thing we did was buy dinner. #FoodPriority

The closest food vendor from our section was The Poutinerie. I ordered the Short Rib Poutine, fries, and refillable drinks.

Short Rib Poutine
Pulled short rib, cheese curds, red wine gravy, and green onion

While enjoying our food, the players were warming up. The game this evening is vital in the Whitecaps quest for a playoff spot. I was praying so hard during the first fifteen minutes of the game. I kept praying, "Lord, please help the Whitecaps win." over and over again. Finally, I calmed down and just started focusing on the game.

29 seconds before kick-off

The team scored less than a minute before the first half was over because of an own goal. Talk about a miracle! 😂

Michael Boxall opens his account for the 'Caps after 10 years!#VWFC #VANvMIN pic.twitter.com/PMUJ3gjkjb

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 28, 2021

During the break, we walked around and decided on getting a hot dog and nachos with cheese from Dawson's Hot Dogs. Unfortunately, my hot dog picture doesn't look good, so here's a picture of the nachos instead.

Nachos with Cheese

The game went on, and at the 60th minute, this happened:

Football is cruel https://t.co/6ByUQJRdrn pic.twitter.com/OSSjpE0uBf

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) October 28, 2021

My sister sent me a message asking how much I prayed for that goal to miss! It should have been a sure goal for Minnesota, but by some miracle (the post), it bounced out. Phew!

Then, at the 64th minute, Brian White scored a second goal for the Whitecaps. So it's Dajome to Gauld to White!

PICK UP THE PHONE GREGG 🇺🇸#VWFC #VANvMIN pic.twitter.com/9l2cB6QKOQ

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 28, 2021

There were substitutions, and I applauded each player that came off the pitch because this team deserved it tonight.

Unfortunately, it's not a clean sheet because Minnesota scored a goal in the 90th minute. I'm just glad the team was able to hang on through the additional three minutes. Thank God that the Whitecaps won! 

Post Game Joy

After the game was over, we stayed until the end of "Stand by Me," and I appreciated (more than I thought I would) how Vanni Sartini walked around the pitch, cheering with the supporters. And the team followed him around. My hands hurt from all the clapping, but my heart was filled with joy.

I am so happy and grateful that the Whitecaps won!

I already have tickets for the game against the Sounders on November 7. That was supposed to be my first time back in BC Place, but the universe has other plans, and I am glad that I was able to witness this critical game.

For reference, here's a Tweet I posted around the 30th-minute mark. 

I am more tense than usual since I'm watching in person. 🙏🙏🙏 Please please please win. #VWFC pic.twitter.com/vGUnumDdZf

— Smooch Food Vancouver 🇵🇭🇨🇦 (@smoochfood) October 28, 2021

Dinner Celebration at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

We're celebrating a special occasion today and decided to have dinner at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ.

We visited the Gyu-Kaku branch that's walking distance from our place. I called in yesterday to make a reservation since it's recommended. The lady over the phone advised that we should have our BC Vaccine Passport and an ID ready.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Dining

Since it's our first time at Gyu-Kaku, we ordered the Chef's Favourite BBQ Course for 2 people. It included the following items:

Starters

• 2x Miso Soup
• Beef Sukiyaki Bibimbap
• 4 pcs Gyu-Sushi
• Napa Kimchi
• Gyu-Kaku Salad

BBQ Items

• Gyu-Kaku Kabli Short Rib
• Harami Skirt Steak
• Filet Mignon
• Umakara Ribeye
• Garlic Shio Cabbage
• Pork Belly
• Shrimp Garlic
• Broccoli with Cheese

Almost all Gyu-Kaku's Must-Try items are on the list above, so I am pleased with what we ordered. On top of the Chef's Favourite BBQ Course, we also ordered three items from the Small Plates section of the menu:

• Fried Chicken Karaage
• Takoyaki
• Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings

Chef's Favourite BBQ Course

The first three items to arrive are the Miso Soup, Gyu-Kaku Salad, and Napa Kimchi.

The Miso Soup is your traditional miso soup. Meanwhile, the Napa Kimchi is super spicy and such a great palate cleanser. I enjoyed the Gyu-Kaku Salad too, but before we could finish it, more items arrived.

Napa Kimchi, Miso Soup, and Gyu-Kaku Salad

After the appetizers, three BBQ items and the Gyu-Sushi arrived. I enjoyed Filet Mignon the most. It melts in your mouth, and it's so delicious.

Gyu-Sushi, Filet Mignon, Harami Skirt Steak,  and Umakara Ribeye

After the meats, our three small plates arrived. I will order the fried chicken again. The takoyaki and gyoza are okay, but not something I'll order again.

Takoyaki, Fried Pork Gyoza Dumplings, Fried Chicken Karaage

After the three small plates, the Pork Belly, Broccoli with Cheese, and Garlic Shio Cabbage arrived. But I forgot to take a picture since I'm busy stuffing my face with delicious meat.

Beef Sukiyaki Bibimbap

This is another must-get for me the next time we're back. Finally, the penultimate items to arrive on our table are the Shrimp Garlic and Gyu-Kaku Kabli Short Rib.

Shrimp Garlic and Gyu-Kaku Kalbi Short Rib

Gyu-Kaku Desserts

My husband has a sweet tooth, and we ordered three of the available desserts.

Matcha Tiramisu
White cake lady finers with matcha green tea cream

This is what all Matcha Tiramisu aspire to be. Not overly sweet and excellent matcha flavour.

Taiyaki with Matcha Ice Cream
A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red beans. Deep-fried and served with a scoop of ice cream.

I enjoyed the Taiyaki more than I should. The deep-fried pastry should be enough to make me happy, but the matcha ice cream on the side made it over the top better.

S'mores
Classic campfire s'mores. Roast the marshmallows over the grill

I enjoyed roasting the s'mores, but it was so sticky and difficult to eat. I love it!

Note to future me, order the Matcha Tiramisu and Taiyaki with Ice Cream again. Next time, create your own course and choose the following items again.

• Beef Sukiyaki Bibimbap
• Napa Kimchi
• Gyu-Kaku Salad
• Gyu-Kaku Kalbi Short Rib
• Harami Skirt Steak
• Filet Mignon
• Fried Chicken Karaage

Maybe try the following items:

• Okonomiyaki (hopefully, it won't be sold out)
• Seawood Soup
• Kobe Style Kalbi Short Rib (instead of Gyu-Kaku Kalbi Short Rib)
• Harami in Secret Pot (instead of Harami Skirt Steak)

I can't wait to come back!

Dinner delivery from Domino's Pizza

Happy Saturday! Every time the Vancouver Whitecaps has a Saturday game, we would almost always visit my parent's place so that we can enjoy the game with our only brother. It's always fun watching with him and recently (last Thanksgiving and today) my younger sister joined us.

Our youngest sister asked that we have Domino's for dinner because my mom kept ordering from Pizza Hut, and she missed Domino's cheesy bread.

We ordered more than enough food for five persons. I also realized that I haven't tried any Feast Pizza, so I'll order one every chance I get.

Domino's Pizza dinner delivery

14" Hand Tossed Chicken Taco
Menu Description: Whole Cheddar, White Processed Cheddar Cheese, Chicken, Green Pepper, Onions, Tomatoes

I enjoyed the Chicken Taco pizza more than I thought I would. If all the Feast Pizza is as good, then I am looking forward to ordering more flavours.

12" Hand Tossed Customized Pizza
Our customization: Whole Garlic Parmesan Sauce, No Pizza Sauce, Cheese Left Extra Pepperoni

My younger sister wanted to customize a pizza. Instead of pizza sauce, she said we should do one with whole garlic parmesan sauce, the normal amount of cheese, and extra pepperoni on one side of the pizza. The portion without the pepperoni was quite good, but the side with pepperoni was just too heavy and salty.

Chicken Carbonara
Menu Description: Alfredo Sauce, Bacon, Chicken, Mushrooms, Onions

My favourite item from the Domino's Pizza menu is the Chicken Carbonara. However, I hate how much I enjoy it and don't even want to share.

8-Piece Boneless Chicken

8-Piece Domino's Pizza Cheesy Bread

I told our youngest sister that Domino's now has other flavours of cheesy bread, but she didn't want to try the new items.

Marbled Cookie Brownie (12pc)

The dessert is requested by hubby. He has a sweet tooth, and these are good brownies.

It's always fun to hang out with my siblings.