Customizable Lunch Bento Box from Tokyo in April Restaurant Vancouver

It was a picturesque Thursday with clear skies and sunshine, setting the perfect backdrop for our team's Japanese-themed lunch outing. Our destination was Tokyo in April, a highly-rated Japanese restaurant conveniently located nearby.

Tokyo in April offers a unique lunch experience with its customizable bento boxes. For my selection, I crafted a satisfying ensemble: spicy miso soup, teriyaki beef over rice, a spring mix salad, chicken karaage, and a salmon & avocado roll.

My Custom Bento Box from Tokyo in April

The spicy miso soup was a standout, boasting a balanced flavour profile that wasn't excessively salty but wonderfully savoury. The only hiccup in our culinary journey was the spring mix salad, which arrived unadorned with dressing, seemingly forgotten. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity to infuse some greens into my meal.

Spicy Miso Soup that's part of my bento box from Tokyo in April

The teriyaki beef over rice pleasantly surprised me with its sweeter notes, while the salmon and avocado roll showcased the delicate harmony between velvety salmon and creamy avocado. To elevate the roll further, a textural contrast element could be considered, though it still delivered an excellent taste.

Saving the best for last, the unassuming appearance of the chicken karaage belied its bold flavours. Well-seasoned, with a juicy and tender interior encased in a delightfully crispy exterior, it left an indelible impression. I eagerly anticipate indulging in this flavorful dish again on future visits.

If you find yourself near International Village, stop by Tokyo in April for their unique bento box experience.

For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

Brazilian: Boteco Brasil Chicken: Nando's Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt Thai: Thai Away Home Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread

Pies: Peaked Pies Comfort Food: Nene Chicken Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory Vietnamese: Pholicious Japanese: Tokyo in April

Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

We're a creature of habit. After having lunch at Suika, we always go to nearby Trees Organic at their West Broadway and Fir Street location.

We have tried most of their flavours and one of the few classic flavours left is the Chocoholic Cheesecake.

Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

I love the smooth creamy texture of cheesecake as it is a great contrast to the chocolate crumb crust. Adding milk and dark chocolate to the cheesecake is a chocolate lovers dream.

List of Seasonal Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of the seasonal cheesecakes we have tried from Trees arranged alphabetically.

Almond Marzipan Cheesecake Apple Crisp Cheesecake Banana Cream Cheesecake Banoffee Cheesecake Coconut Cream Cheesecake Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Irish Cream Cheesecake

Mango Cheesecake Matcha Cheesecake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pumpkin Cheesecake Strawberry Cheesecake Taro Cheesecake

List of Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of cheesecakes from Trees that are always available.

Blueberry Cheesecake Chocoholic Cheesecake Key Lime Cheesecake Maple Walnut Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake Oreo Cheesecake Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Tiramisu Cheesecake

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika

Happy Sunday! After Mass today, we enjoyed a pancake breakfast by the Knights of Columbus. Then, we walked to the Kitsilano Farmers Market just to window shop.

At 11:35 AM, our lunch adventure took us to Suika, a beloved Vancouver restaurant close to my heart. Without fail, I gravitate towards two favourites on their menu: the Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping and the irresistible Chicken Dashi Karaage.

Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping

This is the best Japanese curry in Vancouver. The rich curry sauce spiced to perfection forms the base of this personal favourite. It's generously seasoned with aromatic spices that evoke a comforting warmth. I absolutely love the shredded tender beef in the curry sauce.

Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu from Suika
Suika original stewed beef tendon curry with pork loin cutlet

I always choose the tonkatsu as my topping. It is a crispy, golden-fried pork cutlet that adds a delightful crunch. It provides a lovely contrast: the tender, succulent pork inside and the satisfying crispy coating outside covered in the best beef curry sauce.

Chicken Dashi Karaage

Suika has mastered the art of balancing juiciness and crispness with their Chicken Dashi Karaage. Each piece of chicken is an explosion of succulent, tender meat encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. Yum!

Chicken Dashi Karaage from Suika
Juicy deep-fried chicken thigh, crispy on the outside and filled with rich dashi shoyu flavour

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon

While I stuck to my usual order, my husband chose from Syuka's Chef Special menu and picked the Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon.

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika
Udon noodle pan fried in a creamy seaweed sauce and served with garlic prawns and mushrooms.

The udon noodles are chewy, and the creamy seaweed sauce clings to it nicely. Meanwhile, the prawns have a subtle sweetness, while the mushrooms add their own earthy flavour.

I am joyful to be back at Suika. In the past years, we would visit here once a month, but with so many restaurants opening up, we've only been here once a quarter this year.

Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver soft opening

TGIF! Today, my husband and I embarked on a short but exciting journey - a five-block walk to join the soft opening of Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver.

In preparation for this visit, I spent the last two evenings poring over Google Maps, exploring the most-loved dishes at various Leopold locations in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Armed with my research, I couldn't resist the urge to indulge in the following highly recommended items:

Lunch at Leopold's Tavern Vancouver

1. Poutine - A Canadian Classic

Leopold's Tavern is renowned for its poutine, but with many options, which one to choose? Let's take a closer look at the delectable variations that have gained popularity at different Leopold's spots:

• Traditional Poutine - The timeless grub is a favourite at three different locations.
• Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine - A spicy twist featuring buffalo-breaded chicken is well-loved at three branches.
• Cheeseburger Poutine - A delightful fusion of two classics is also famous at three various Leopold restaurants.

Moreover, the "Poutine of the Week," with standouts like Beer Battered Dill Pickle Poutine and Philly Cheesesteak Poutine, is famous in 1 location each. And at the Warman, SK, site, the Smash Burger Poutine is beloved.

We couldn't resist trying a small portion of two of the three popular ones.

Traditional Poutine - The Canadian Classic

The crispy house-cut fries provide a satisfying crunch, while the salty melted cheese curds add a chewy contrast. Let's talk about that gravy. It's the perfect temperature to soften and melt the curds while adding a delicious beefy flavour. No wonder it's prevalent at Leopold locations at Regina East, Regina North, and Calgary Sage Hill.

Small Traditional Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Cheese curds and beef gravy on house-cut fries

This is my second favourite traditional poutine in Vancouver, slightly after La Belle Patate.

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine

Meanwhile, the buffalo chicken ranch poutine is loved at two Winnipeg (Academy and Bridgewater) locations, plus the lone site in Victoria, BC. That crispy buttermilk fried chicken covered in zesty hot buffalo sauce balanced by the creamy ranch dressing to cool things down with its tangy richness is terrific. Place it on top of crispy fries. Yum!

Small Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Buttermilk fried chicken, cheese curds, ranch and buffalo sauce on house-cut fries.

Both poutines were excellent, and I look forward to trying the rest. For a small size, this is a superb portion filling for lunch.

2. Baja Tacos - A Flavour Extravaganza

Undoubtedly, the Baja Tacos is the star at a staggering eleven Leopold's locations.

Menu Description: Pick from blackened chicken, buffalo-breaded shrimp, or battered avocado. These tantalizing fillings are complemented by feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce, all wrapped in your choice of soft corn or flour tortillas.

I asked if we could order one of each possible option. The friendly server said they could only do it on taco Tuesdays, so I opted for the buffalo-breaded shrimp.

The taco sat there since we started with the poutine, and the breaded shrimp got stale. I recommend chowing it down as soon as it arrives on your table.

Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern
Buffalo breaded shrimp with feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce on three soft corn tortillas.

The crunchy breaded shrimp are complemented by the tanginess of crumbly yet creamy feta, pico de gallo's zesty freshness, and slaw's crunchy texture. The mango salsa adds a tropical juicy sweetness, and the creamy baja sauce ties everything together with its slightly spicy goodness.

Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern

I chose the soft corn, which became crumbly and chewy pretty quickly, so my tip is to eat it immediately. The Baja tacos are famous at other locations, so I'll try the blackened chicken next time and see if it's better than the buffalo-breaded shrimp.

3. Club Sandwich - A Timeless Classic

The last item we ordered is the Club Sandwich, an all-time favourite, which also enjoys its place of honour at 11 different Leopold's Tavern locations. Here's what sets it apart:

Menu Description: Relish the delectable combination of smoked turkey, thick-cut ham, and crispy bacon, harmoniously joined by white cheddar, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo, all nestled between slices of your preferred bread.

With layers of smoked turkey, ham, and thick-cut bacon, it's a carnivore's dream come true. The smoked turkey adds a mild, smoky flavour with a hint of sweetness, while the ham provides a salty and savoury contrast. The thick-cut bacon introduces a smoky, crispy, slightly salty note that elevates the entire sandwich. It was almost perfect, except the bacon was overly cooked, and two slices were on top of each other, making it so hard that my front teeth hurt. I removed it from the sandwich, separated the two slices, and ate it on its own.

Club Sandwich from Leopold's Tavern
Smoked turkey, ham, thick-cut bacon with white cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and blue cheese sauce

Meanwhile, the white cheddar cheese contributes a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the meats. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes offer freshness and a touch of juiciness. The whole ensemble is bound together by a generous slather of mayo, adding a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy finish.

It's a classic club sandwich and not something I'll order again. However, I love the curly fries.

Dessert: New Churro Bites

We ordered the new churro bites because my husband loves sweets, and only two options exist. I absolutely love the churro bites. One order came with 20 pieces of mini churros served with vanilla dipping sauce. I hope they serve it with a chocolate dip - this would make it the best churro in Vancouver!

Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern
Mini churros tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with vanilla dipping sauce.

Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern

These mini churro bites offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while revealing a soft and doughy interior.

Whether you're a poutine aficionado, a taco enthusiast, or a fan of classic club sandwiches, Leopold's Tavern offers something special for everyone. What is your favourite food item at Leopold's? As for me, I can't wait to come back for more poutine!

Lunch Rush at Pholicious for Vietnamese theme team lunch

Happy Thursday! The clock struck 12:30 PM, and our team descended upon Pholicious, a Vietnamese gem nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Vancouver. Our timing couldn't have been better. After securing a table, the relatively small restaurant filled with eager diners, all seeking to indulge in affordable food served by friendly people.

Vegan Spring Roll: A Crunchy Surprise

Our Vietnamese lunch kicked off with the vegan spring roll. The exterior of the spring roll offered a satisfying crispiness. Unfortunately, the interior was a different story. The texture was somewhat mushy. Thankfully, the dip made things so much better; it was slightly sweet and tangy.

Vegan Spring Roll from Pholicious

House Special Pho: A Symphony of Savoury Comfort

House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious
Beef, grilled chicken, beef ball, and chicken ball

The true star of our meal was the House Special Pho, a hearty and flavorful dish that brought together a medley of ingredients. In this steaming bowl of goodness, beef, grilled chicken, beef balls, and chicken balls swam in a broth that perfectly balanced the essence of both beef and chicken.

House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious

My favourite is the grilled chicken, which introduced an unexpected layer of subtle sweetness to the dish.

What is your favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver?

For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

Brazilian: Boteco Brasil Chicken: Nando's Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt Thai: Thai Away Home Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread

Pies: Peaked Pies Comfort Food: Nene Chicken Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory Vietnamese: Pholicious

Happy Hour Eats from White Spot

Sundays have always been synonymous with relaxation and good food for us, and this past weekend was no exception. With a $50.00 gift card, we headed to White Spot for an early dinner. The timing couldn’t have been better, as we stumbled upon their happy hour offering, featuring some delightful Snack & Share items at discounted prices.

White Spot is a beloved chain of restaurants in Canada with a rich history dating back to 1928 when Nat Bailey opened the first White Spot drive-in.

Snack & Share - The Best Deals

We couldn’t resist starting our culinary journey with some of White Spot’s fantastic happy hour deals:

Sundays at White Spot: A Perfect Dinner Experience

Cheesy Bacon Perogies ($7.00, usually $11.49)

Our first pick, the Cheesy Bacon Perogies, was a delightful combination of crispy fried perogies, sauteed onions, and a luscious cheese sauce. It is topped with crispy bacon and green onion and drizzled with the signature Zoo Dip.

Cheesy Bacon Perogies from White Spot
Crispy fried perogies & sautéed onions in a cheese sauce, bacon, paprika, green onion, & drizzled with Zoo Dip.

Coconut Prawns ($9.00, usually $14.49)

Among the trio we sampled, the Coconut Prawns stood out as our absolute favourite. These plump, sweet, and coconut-crusted prawns were cooked to perfection. While we weren’t big fans of the accompanying pineapple sambal dip, the prawns themselves were heavenly.

Coconut Prawns from White Spot
Coconut-crusted prawns served with sweet & spicy pineapple sambal.

Southwest Chicken Quesadilla ($12.00, usually $16.49)

The Southwest Chicken Quesadilla brought a taste of the Southwest to our table. Stuffed with herb-marinated BC chicken, roasted corn, green onions, mozzarella, and Cheddar cheese, it sounded promising. However, we found the cheese could have been melted a tad more.

Southwest Chicken Quesadilla from White Spot
Herb-marinated BC chicken, roasted corn, green onion, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, pico de Gallo, & sour cream,

BC Chicken Burger

Hubby decided to explore the burger menu and opted for the BC Chicken Burger, a delicious creation featuring a chargrilled tender BC chicken breast, melted Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, red onion, and the famous Triple “O” sauce. It was a burst of flavour in every bite.

BC Chicken Burger from White Spot
Chargrilled fresh BC chicken breast, Cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce tomato, red onion & Triple "O" sauce.

Zoo Sticks

As our side, we couldn’t resist trying their Zoo Sticks - fresh breaded zucchini served with their famous Zoo Dip. These golden sticks provided a delightful crunch and paired perfectly with the flavorful dip.

The Spot's Zoo Sticks from White Spot
Fresh breaded zucchini with our famous Zoo dip

For future me, below is a list of items we have tried from White Spot.

Breakfast Menu

The breakfast menu is served from opening until 2:00 PM.

Brunch Menu

• Nat's Hearty Breakfast
• Classic Benedict

Main Menu

Snack & Share

• Cheesy Bacon Perogies
• Coconut Prawns
• The Spot's Zoo Sticks
• Poutine
• Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Onion Rings
• Southwest Chicken Quesadilla
• Dippin' Chicken with honey mustard sauce
• Spinach & Artichoke Quesadilla (no longer in the menu)

Spot's Classics & More

• Chicken Caesar Wrap

Pastas & Bowls

• Seafood Fettuccine
• Spaghetti with Meatballs (no longer in the menu)

Hearty Dishes & Mains

• The Spot’s Fish & Chips
• Baby Back Ribs

Burgers

• The Legendary
• Bacon Cheddar Bigger Burger
• Monty Mushroom Bigger Burger
• West Coast Salmon Burger
• BC Chicken Burger
• Brie & Mushroom Veggie Burger
• Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger (limited time item)
• Wagyu Cheddar Burger (limited time item)

Desserts Menu

• Salted Caramel Brownie
• Chocolate Cake Slice with Ice Cream (no longer in the menu)
• Hot Fudge Brownie (no longer in the menu)

Drinks Menu

Non-Alcoholic

• Our Famous Milkshakes: Chocolate

Mocha from Lovelarte

My husband volunteers at Friends of the VPL in the Vancouver Public Library Central location. I decided to join him in Downtown Vancouver for a quick lunch and wait for him to finish.

I was searching for coffee shops nearby and found one outside of the library called Lovelarte. I ordered a mocha while I blog and people-watch because what else can I do for three hours? 😅

Mocha from Lovelarte

I love hanging out at coffee shops and writing. I wish I had my laptop, but it's too cumbersome to bring it.

I hope you're having a blessed Sunday.

Norwegian Waffles from KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café

Happy, blessed Sunday! My husband is volunteering with Friends of the VPL, and before going to the Vancouver Public Library Central location, we need to have lunch. As we wandered through the bustling streets of Robson, we spotted the newly opened KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café.

This charming café specializes in Norwegian Waffles. "Vafler" is the Norwegian word for "waffles." It's commonly used to refer to thin, crisp waffles, which are often enjoyed with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savoury, making them a versatile and delicious treat. We had the pleasure of trying their mouthwatering creations on their opening weekend.

Røkelaks - A Symphony of Savoury Flavours

Our culinary journey began with the Røkelaks waffle. This masterpiece (and a personal favourite) featured thin, crispy waffles folded to perfection, enveloping Norwegian smoked salmon, creamy Brie, slices of ripe avocado, and a sprinkle of dried chives. Typing this makes my mouth water again.

Røkelaks from KOS Waffle
Norwegian smoked salmon, Brie, avocado, and dried chives

The first bite was an explosion of flavours - the smokiness of the salmon paired harmoniously with the mild creaminess of Brie, while the avocado added a touch of freshness. The waffle itself was crispy, providing an ideal contrast to the soft, savoury fillings.

Grilled Chicken Club - An Ode to the Classics

Next to arrive was the Grilled Chicken Club. This waffle creation was like a classic club sandwich in between a vafler. Inside the thin, crispy waffle, we discovered tender grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, creamy Havarti cheese, and a drizzle of ranch sauce.

Grilled Chicken Club from Waffleland Café
Grilled chicken breast, bacon, Havarti cheese, and ranch sauce

Each bite offered a medley of textures and tastes, from the juicy chicken to the smoky bacon, all embraced by the waffle's delightful crunch.

The Tradition - A Sweet Treat with a Norwegian Twist

To end our waffle adventure on a sweet note, we savoured The Tradition. This waffle was a delightful blend of sweet caramelized Norwegian cheese, fresh strawberries, a luscious berry sauce, and whipped cream. The thin and crisp waffle provided a perfect base for the decadent, sweet toppings.

The Tradition from KOS Waffle
Sweet caramelized Norwegian cheese, berry sauce, and sour cream.

The caramelized cheese was a revelation, offering a unique, delectable sweetness, while the berry sauce and strawberries provided a refreshing contrast. The touch of sour cream rounded off the flavours beautifully.

At KOS Waffle, it's not just about waffles; it's about a culinary journey through Norwegian flavours. Whether you're a fan of savoury or sweet, these waffle creations are sure to delight your taste buds.

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KOS Waffle Menu

Below is the menu of KOS Waffle by Waffeland Café in Robson Street, Vancouver.

Sweet Waffles The Tradition - $13.00 The Pebbles Reese - $12.00 Old Faithful $13.00 Skillingboller - $11.00 Dutch Baby - $13.00 Summer Fruit - $13.00	Savoury Waffles Mousetrap Wafflewich - $14.00 The "Elvis" - $13.00 Røkelaks - $16.00 Grilled Chicken Club - $15.00 Danger Waffle Dog - $15.00 Vegan Chicken Wafflewich - $15.00
Coffee Americano - $4.00 Cappuccino - $5.00 Latte - $5.00 Cafe Mocha - $5.50 Iced Americano - $4.50 Iced Latte - $5.50 Iced Caramel Machiato - $5.75 Hot Chocolate - $5.50	Milkshakes The Real Slim Shakey - $7.50 Chocolate Almighty - $7.50 Crème Matchaccino - $8.00 Nutella Mocha Frappe - $8.00 Cold Drink Shaken Blueberry Lemonade - $5.00 Strawberry Peppermint Lemonade - $5.00 Peach Lemonade - $5.00 Butterfly Pea Lemonade - $5.00

Norwegian Waffles from KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café

Beef Pares and Pork Sisig from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

On our walk home from Car Free Day in Commercial Drive, we decided to have an early dinner at Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express along East Broadway. I ordered from them twice during the pandemic when they still offered delivery: August 2020 and December 2020.

Halo-Halo

As we stepped in on a sunny Saturday, the first order of business was to beat the heat with a classic Filipino dessert - halo-halo, which my husband more than happily enjoyed. This delightful concoction of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and topped with ube, was the perfect refreshment. The medley of textures and flavours, from the coolness of the ice to the sweetness of the fruits, made every spoonful a journey of taste and sensation.

Halo-Halo from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Turon

I love turon, so that's what I ordered so my hubby can focus on the halo-halo. Turon is a delightful Filipino snack that's both sweet and crispy. These fried banana spring rolls were served with ice cream, adding a lovely contrast. The warm, crunchy exterior gave way to soft, sweet banana goodness inside, making it an ideal blend of textures.

Turon from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Dinner

Having indulged our sweet cravings, we moved on to the main course. Our Filipino dinner spread included java rice, beef pares, pork sisig, and pancit canton.

Java rice is a fried rice seasoned with annatto powder, giving its distinct orange colour. It is the perfect base for the rest of the dishes.

Java Rice from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

The first to arrive at our table is the beef pares. It is tender chunks of beef stewed in savoury and slightly sweet sauce. The meat practically melted in my mouth, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and savoury - the flavour profile of some Filipino dishes.

Beef Pares from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Next up to get to our table is a sizzling plate of pork sisig. It is finely chopped pork, seasoned to perfection and served with a side of calamansi (Filipino lime) for the zesty kick and to help cut through the grease. It is also topped with two eggs. It was the medley of crispy and tender with subtle sweetness from the onions. This is the best sisig I have tried in Vancouver (compared to the only other restaurant I've had).

Pork Sisig from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Last to arrive is the classic Filipino stir-fried noodle dish pancit canton. It is loaded with vegetables, shrimp, and pork. It is not as good as my grandma's or mother-in-law's pancit, but it satisfies my craving.

Pancit Canton from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Our visit to Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express was a culinary adventure. As I embarked on a journey to reconnect with my Filipino heritage, every dish served as a delicious reminder of my roots. If you're in Vancouver and want a taste of the Philippines, this restaurant is a must-visit. It's a testament to the vibrant and hearty flavours that Filipino food has to offer.

For future me, below is a list of items you have tried from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express.

Side Order Deep Fried Shanghai Roll Eggplant Omelette Klasik Inasal Pork Skewer

Round Tray Beef Pares Bicol Express Chicken Caldereta Pork Sisig

Noodles Pancit Canton Pancit Palabok

Italian Classic and Garlic Pesto Pizza from La Pache Pizza

Continuing our Italian adventure (see post about La Grotta del Formaggio) in the heart of Commercial Drive, Vancouver - we grabbed a couple pizza slices from La Pache Pizza. With its unassuming exterior, you might not guess the flavour explosion that awaits inside.

La Pache offers Neopolitan pizza, a beloved Italian classic characterized by its thin, soft, and slightly chewy crust.

Garlic Pesto Slice

Our culinary adventure began with the Garlic Pesto slice. One bite and we were transported to the sunny streets of Naples. The pesto sauce provided a burst of freshness, and the roasted garlic added a delightful punch. The creamy mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and dollops of ricotta cheese created a harmonious symphony of flavours. The crust, the star of any Neapolitan pizza, was a perfect blend of crunchy on the bottom and soft on top, offering a delightful contrast to the toppings.

22. Garlic Pesto from La Pache Pizza
Pesto sauce, fior di latte, mozzarella, roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and ricotta cheese

Italian Classic Slice

Our second slice was the Italian Classic, a flavour-packed masterpiece. The spiciness of the meats was beautifully balanced by the cheese, and the tomato sauce provided a zesty backdrop. The crust, once again, stole the show with its signature Neapolitan texture, crispy yet tender.

10. Italian Classic from La Pache Pizza
Tomato sauce, fior di latte, mozzarella, hot soppressata, spicy capicolla, fire-roasted Italian sausage

La Pache Pizza truly captures the essence of Neapolitan pizza. The secret lies not only in their choice of ingredients but also in their meticulous preparation and wood-fired oven cooking. This results in a pizza that's light and flavorful. If you're seeking an authentic Neapolitan experience in Vancouver, La Pache Pizza should be at the top of your list. Buon appetito!

Il Classico Panini from La Grotta del Formaggio

Happy sunny Saturday! Today is 2023 Car Free Day in Vancouver's vibrant Commercial Drive neighbourhood, so in true fashion, we walked 5 kilometres there from our home. We have tried all the food trucks that are part of the event, so I searched Google Maps for restaurants with more than a 4.5-star rating that are open now and sorted it by distance. The first recommendation is La Grotta del Formaggio.

Established in 1979, La Grotta Del Formaggio has been a culinary cornerstone of Commercial Drive. With its roots firmly planted in Italian tradition, the deli brings a taste of Italy to Vancouver. It's where food lovers gather to experience the essence of Italian cuisine, specifically deli meat.

La Grotta del Formaggio

We entered the historic spot with high expectations. All the reviews raved that it's one of the (if not the) best sandwiches you can get in Vancouver. I opted for their Il Classico Panini.

The first bite was a revelation. The perfectly toasted bread was the ideal canvas for the ingredients. The delicately rich mortadella danced in perfect harmony with the spicy capicollo, creating a balance of flavours.

The provolone cheese added a creamy note, while the artichokes (a personal favourite) and tomatoes provided a refreshing burst of tanginess to cut through the rich meat. The olives, baby spinach, and hot banana peppers contributed layers of earthy and spicy flavours. The crispy and slightly pungent red onion lent a satisfying crunch, while the pesto mayonnaise and olive oil balsamic vinegar tied it all together with a silky, herb-infused finish.

Il Classico Panini from La Grotta del Formaggio
Mortadella, spicy capicollo, provolone cheese, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, baby spinach, hot banana peppers, red onion, pesto mayonnaise, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar

The Il Classic Panini at La Grotta Del Formaggio is more than just a sandwich; it's a culinary journey through the flavours of Italy. Each ingredient is carefully chosen and thoughtfully combined to create a satisfying and memorable masterpiece.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo from The Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown

Happy Thursday! For team lunch, the theme is Italian (pasta). Instead of getting food delivered, we decided to walk to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Gastown.

When eating at a pasta place, I usually go for cream-based sauce and seafood, which is why I got the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo. It's surprisingly satisfying. It's not the best I've tried, but it's something I am willing to eat again when I am craving seafood pasta.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo from The Old Spaghetti Factory
A creamy creation with prawns, scallops, and mushrooms sautéed with our spinach and egg fettuccine noodles and Alfredo sauce.

The creamy Alfredo sauce is smooth and rich, coating the perfectly al dente spinach and egg fettuccine noodles. Meanwhile, the prawns and scallops are cooked just right, providing a subtle oceanic sweetness which pairs well with earthy mushrooms.

The Old Spaghetti Factory has an "it's all included" package where an order of pasta includes Italian Sourdough Bread with soft Whipped Garlic Butter, a choice between minestrone soup or crisp green salad, spumoni ice cream, and hot tea or coffee.

Italian Sourdough Bread with Whipped Garlic Butter from The Old Spaghetti Factory

Minestrone Soup from The Old Spaghetti Factory

Spumoni Ice Cream from The Old Spaghetti Factory

I love the warm sourdough bread and how the garlic butter melts into it. I chose soup over the salad. I am not a fan of minestrone soup, so I'll go for something else next time. We skipped the coffee and tea option but absolutely adored the spumoni ice cream. The flavour for today is chocolate pistachio. Yum!

I'm typing this at home after a long day at work. I am blessed with my job. After work, we went to T&T Supermarket and Costco to grab a few things. I am writing this post at home, exhausted.

For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

Brazilian: Boteco Brasil Chicken: Nando's Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt Thai: Thai Away Home

Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread Pies: Peaked Pies Comfort Food: Nene Chicken Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory