Holiday Poutine and brunch at Fable Diner & Bar | La Poutine Week 2023

Happy Sunday! My husband and I walked to Fable Diner & Bar to try their Holiday Poutine which is part of La Poutine Week 2023.

After Sunday Mass, I called Fable Diner & Bar to confirm if the Holiday Poutine was available because when I checked on their menu online, it was under the Dinner section, which is served after 5:00 PM. The nice person over the phone said yes, we could order it during breakfast or lunch because it is part of La Poutine Week. Yay!

Hubby and I walked across Burrard Bridge to Downtown Vancouver and discussed our plans, dreams, and other random things. I love spending time with my husband and am truly blessed to have him in my life.

We arrived at Fable and were promptly seated. When we were about to order, the pleasant server informed us that the Holiday Poutine was not part of the brunch menu. I told her I had called earlier to check if they were serving it before coming here. She asked the kitchen staff, and they could prepare it for us. Yay!

Brunch from Fable Diner & Bar in Downtown Vancouver

We ordered the Holiday Poutine, Roast Duck Pancake, and Trucker's Plate.

Holiday Poutine

It's Thanksgiving on top of fries instead of mashed potatoes. The fries were hot and perfectly cooked - crispy outside and soft inside. The gravy has a subtle flavour and is less seasoned than I expected. The shredded turkey was dry, while the stuffing and cheese curds worked surprisingly well. The best flavour of the whole dish is the dried cranberries - they provide tartness and sweetness to the plate. I also like the freshness of the green onions on top.

Holiday Poutine from Fable Diner & Bar
French fries, shredded turkey, cheese curds, stuffing, dried cranberries, turkey gravy, and green onions.

Holiday Poutine from Fable Diner & Bar

Roast Duck Pancake

I remember watching a Triple D (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives) where Guy Fieri visited Fable Diner on Main Street and ordered the Roast Duck Pancake.

First, let me start by saying how unique this pancake is. You won't get this at your typical IHOP, Denny's, or even other diners.

Roast Duck Pancake from Fable Diner & Bar
Shredded roast duck, pancake, kimchi, green onions, kewpie, hoisin, and crispy biz.

The pancake was soft and sweet, and hubby pointed out that it was bigger than expected. The topping is spicy because of the kimchi but is balanced out by the creaminess of the kewpie (Japanese mayo). The roast duck was a bit on the dryer side, but I do love the crispy "biz" which is crispy fried shallots, puffed rice, and sesame seeds.

Trucker's Plate

For our second breakfast plate, we ordered the Trucker's Plate with the thick-cut pork belly, two sunny-side-up eggs, toast, pancakes, and breakfast potatoes.

I love the toast. It's not your typical square-cut bread. Everything else is usual from any fast food joint.

Trucker's Plate from Fable Diner & Bar
Thick cut pork belly, sunny side up eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancake, and toast.

Overall, I am happy to finally visit Fable and spend time with my husband, talking about life, Philippine news, and other things that amuse us. I highly recommend the Roast Duck Pancakes.

Simply Sausage Sandwich from Tim Hortons

We almost always start our Sunday at Tim Hortons. Today I ordered the Simply Sausage Sandwich and Simply Canadian Bacon Sandwich.

However, it seems like they gave us two Simply Sausage Sandwich - one in an English Muffin and the other in the Homestyle Biscuit.

Simply Sausage Sandwich - English Muffin from Tim Hortons

Simply Sausage Sandwich - Homestyle Biscuit from Tim Hortons

I was happily enjoying my sandwich when hubby pointed out that there was no egg. To be fair, the name did say simply sausage, so no egg is to be expected. But at least there's a slice of cheese.

Overall, I think it's worth it for $2.99 plus tax.

Chipotle Steak Loaded Wrap from Tim Hortons

Happy Friday! Hubby and I walked to Tim Hortons to support the Special Olympics Donuts and try the Chipotle Steak Loaded Wrap. We had its bowl version last Wednesday, but they didn't have enough chipotle steak to create a second order that time.

Chipotle Steak Loaded Wrap from Tim Hortons

The Chipotle Steak Loaded Wrap has all the deliciousness of the bowl but inside a tortilla. I liked the wrap better because you get all the components on each bite: the juicy, tender steak, perfectly spiced grains, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and lettuce.

This is definitely the best-loaded wrap/bowl Tim Hortons has released so far. Because it's raining outside, we also ordered a large Chili.

Special Olympics Donut from Tim Hortons

From February 3 to 5, Tim Hortons is bringing back their Special Olympics Donut. 100% of proceeds will go to Special Olympics Canada, which supports Special Olympics Canada athletes across the country.

Special Olympics Donut from Tim Hortons
Chocolate Cake Ring donut with white fondant, sprinkles and whipped topping.

We had dinner at Tim Hortons and had the Special Olympics Donut for dessert.

Special Olympics Donut from Tim Hortons

It's the usual chocolate donut from Tims topped with sprinkles. The donut is a bit stale and dry, but the sprinkles and fondant provided just the right amount of sweetness.

Special Olympics Donut from Tim Hortons

Cheesy Chicken Poutine from Five Star Fried Chicken | La Poutine Week 2023

Happy Thursday! It's a beautiful clear day and evening in Vancouver. There's no rain! Hubby and I decided to take a walk and find ourselves near City Square Shopping Centre. We grabbed dinner at Five Star Fried Chicken for the first time and tried their Cheesy Chicken Poutine which is part of La Poutine Week 2023.

Cheesy Chicken Poutine from Five Star Fried Chicken

The gravy on the Cheesy Chicken Poutine was warm and salty, which is an excellent contrast to the colder cheese curds. Also, the chicken was a bit crunchy compared to the soft, soggy fries soaked in gravy.

Below is the description of the poutine on the La Poutine Week 2023 website:

Cheesy Chicken Poutine

We serve our unique cheesy chicken poutine which made with our signature crunchy fries and fresh gravy, you will also be able to enjoy our spiced fried chicken added in small pieces which we prepared with mixture of 17 different spices and marination of good 26 hours before cooking, the addition of cheese curds will boost the taste to its extreme level. We double the layers of every ingredient used so you can enjoy every bite all the way to the end.

Five Star Fried Chicken's Cheesy Chicken Poutine

We also ordered a Star Combo which includes 2 pieces of fried chicken, fries, and a drink. The batter was thicker than other fast food chain fried chicken, but the inside was well-seasoned and juicy.

Fried Chicken from Five Star Fried Chicken

Juicy, glistening fried chicken from Five Star Fried Chicken

Again, my Filipino-ness came out when I told my hubby that I wanted to eat this with rice and gravy.

Five Star Fried Chicken inside City Square Shopping Centre food court

Chipotle Steak Loaded Bowl from Tim Hortons

Happy Tuesday evening! For dinner on this cold and clear night, we went to Tim Hortons to try the new Chipotle Steak Loaded Bowl.

I also wanted the wrap version, but the location close to us only has one serving left of Chipotle Steak.

New Chipotle Steak Loaded Bowl from Tim Hortons

I feel like it's sacrilegious to say that the beef steak is better than what you get from Chipotle Mexican Grill. It's tender, juicy, and marinated well.

Chipotle Steak Loaded Bowl from Tim Hortons
The loaded bowl features a base of brown rice, lettuce, diced tomato, and cucumber. It's topped with slow-cooked seasoned steak, crispy onions, and the signature chipotle sauce.

The rice was soft and seasoned well. The lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber provided freshness and a change of texture to the dish.

Chicken Habanero Loaded Bowl  from Tim Hortons

Overall, this is way better than the Chicken Habanero Loaded Bowl. Unfortunately, I had to order this again because I needed to figure out what else to try. The chicken was dry, and there was no saving it. Thankfully, the rice and salad were the same ones on the Chipotle Steak Loaded Bowl.

Medium-sized Mocha Iced Capp from Tim Hortons

It's 2°C outside during our walk to Tims, and I still opted for a medium-sized Mocha Iced Capp.

The Drink of Kings and Vancouver Sunny Rush from Uno Gelato | 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

After lunch at White Spot, we walked around nearby Safeway and Pulpfiction Bookstore while waiting for Uno Gelato to open at 12:00 NN.

We're here for the 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival and ordered both available flavours: The Drink of Kings and the non-alcohol version of Vancouver Sunny Rush.

#136 The Drink of Kings from Uno Gelato

The first thing I tasted on my first sip was the coconut whipped cream, then there's this subtle flavour I can't pinpoint, which turned out to be cinnamon. Then, I absolutely love the slight bitterness from the 55% dark chocolate and cocoa powder.

The Drink of Kings from Uno Gelato

The Drink of Kings is paired with a vanilla dough cookie with rolled oats which provides a contrasting texture to the creamy hot chocolate.

Below is the description of The Drink of Kings on the Hot Chocolate Festival website:

#136 - The Drink of Kings

Available January 14 - February 14, 2023

A creamy, cozy cup full of healthy vegan hot chocolate that is extra rich and extra sweet thanks to a special caramel candy-like fruit addition. The drink is made with oat milk, Callebaut NXT Dairy-Free 55% Dark Chocolate and French Valhona cocoa powder, incorporating Madagascar vanilla and cinnamon. To make it extra thick, extra creamy, and extra sweet, we are blending in Medjool dates, known as "the fruit of kings". Then it is topped with coconut whipped cream and vegan burnt caramel sauce.

Paired with an award-winning cookie Butterfly. A gluten-free cookie made by Panela Lemon using vanilla dough with rolled oats, stuffed with a silky coconut cashew cream.

#137 Vancouver Sunny Rush from Uno Gelato

The Vancouver Sunny Rush does not have the "traditional" milk hot chocolate flavour and has a fruity punch thanks to the orange sauce. It is paired with the most delicious macaron I have ever tried: Salted Caramel Gelato Macaron. Can I get a dozen of these, please?

Vancouver Sunny Rush from Uno Gelato

Below is the description of The Drink of Kings on the Hot Chocolate Festival website:

#137 - Vancouver Sunny Rush *

Available January 14 - February 14, 2023

A boozy combo of decadent Inaya Dark Chocolate 65% Cacao Barry, smooth Jim Bean Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and sweet Cointreau, using Canadian maple syrup and a touch of Vancouver Island sea salt for an exquisite balance. Topped with coconut whipped cream drizzle with a sauce created with the best oranges, complete with slightly bitter notes and orange zest pieces. Perfect to drink during the cool winter nights.

Paired with a salted caramel gelato macaron, (our most popular gelato flavour, wrapped between two delicate shells with a subtle almond flavour).

* Contains alcohol, non-alcohol version available upon request.

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We have one more weekend until the 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival is over, and below is a list of the flavours and vendors we have enjoyed so far.

• #02 Florals and Slice from 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts
• #73 Plus de Cerises, Mon Chérie from The GOOD Chocolatier
• #74 My Fat Vegan Dream from The GOOD Chocolatier
• #122 Fat Elvis from The Pie Hole
• #136 The Drink of Kings from Uno Gelato
• #137 Vancouver Sunny Rush from Uno Gelato

Wagyu Cheddar Burger and Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger at White Spot

Happy Sunday! It's been a stressful week, and budget has been extraordinarily tight, but God is good. We received a White Spot gift card last year for fundraising for the RBC Run for the Kids in support of BC Children's Hospital. We used it today, and I ordered the Wagyu Cheddar Burger while hubby got the Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger from the Featured section of the menu.

Wagyu Cheddar Burger from White Spot
1/3 lb Brant Lake Wagyu beef patty, double Cheddar cheese, sauteed onion, secret Triple "O" sauce, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun.

Wagyu Cheddar Burger

I had high hopes for the Wagyu Cheddar Burger, but the sauteed onion was overpowering. It was easier to appreciate the beefy flavour once I took a bite without any onions. I love the slightly burnt, crispy edge of the juicy beef patty.

A peek inside the Wagyu Cheddar Burger from White Spot.

I ordered my Wagyu Cheddar Burger with my favourite Triple O side of Garlic Parmesan Fries.

Garlic Parmesan Fries from White Spot
Our signature Kennebec fries with garlic and Parmesan, & drizzled with Caesar dressing.

Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger

If you love bacon, you're going to absolutely love this! The beef patty is juicy but does not have the strong beefy, meaty flavour of the Wagyu Cheddar Burger, but you can taste the bacon in every bite. They did not skimp on the bacon. The bun was soft and buttery.

Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger from White Spot
Our 1/4 fresh Canadian beef burger & a slice of Cheddar wrapped in three strips of crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and secret Triple "O" sauce.

A peek inside the Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger from White Spot.

After lunch, we walked around Kits. We entered Safeway to see if they have anything unusual. Then, we entered Pulpfiction, a bookstore selling new and old books.

Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda McMuffin from McDonald's Canada

Happy Sunday! For breakfast today, we went to McDonald's to try the Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda McMuffin and Sesame Bacon, Egg & Gouda Bagel.

Bacon, Egg, & Smoky Gouda McMuffin

The gouda cheese has a distinct flavour and surprisingly works well with the crispy bacon and soft English muffin.

Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda McMuffin from McDonald's

Sesame Bacon, Egg, & Gouda Bagel

It's the same bacon, egg, and gouda cheese, but in a sesame bagel this time. Since the bagel has more flavour than the English muffin, it's more difficult for the gouda cheese to stand out. The edges of the bagel are crunchy and toasted perfectly.

Sesame Bacon, Egg, & Gouda Bagel from McDonald's Canada

Premium Roast Coffee

After breakfast, we walked to church, and when we passed by Tim Hortons, hubby said, "oh no! I need to hide my coffee, or Tims will think I'm a traitor." I was laughing so hard while we were crossing the street.

Premium Roast Coffee from McDonald's Canada

Fat Elvis from The Pie Hole | 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Our last food stop of the day is The Pie Hole because they are part of the 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. They are offering three different flavours, and we ordered the Fat Elvis.

#122 Fat Elvis Hot Chocolate from The Pie Hole

Below is the description of the Hot Chocolate Festival website.

#122 Fat Elvis

Dark chocolate and banana-infused hot chocolate, topped with peanut butter whipped cream, chocolate ganache, caramel and candied peanuts. Served with a 3" personal 'Fat Elvis' pie

#122 Fat Elvis

It's my favourite hot chocolate we have tried so far! I love all the candied peanuts on top, which provided a beautiful crunch to the creamy hot chocolate. It's also the perfect sipping temperature of all the hot chocolates we've had that are part of the Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival. It's not overly sweet, and you can taste the slightest bitterness of the dark chocolate.

The Pie Hole Hot Chocolate

It's also the messiest hot chocolate! The weight of the peanut butter whipped cream on top made it overflow. 🤣 We had so much fun drinking it; the staff are the friendliest too.

Hot Chocolate overflow because of the peanut butter whipped cream.

It's served with a 3" 'Fat Elvis' pie, reminding me of the banoffee pie from Starbucks in the Philippines. It has a strong banana flavour, and the texture is soft and creamy, but the tart shell and candied peanut topping provide crunch. I absolutely love it!

3" 'Fat Elvis' Pie from The Pie Hole

Below is the description of the Fat Elvis Pie on the Pie Hole website.

Fat Elvis Pie

One of our biggest pies and best selling! In our golden Double Butter Crust we start with a layer of dark chocolate ganache then top it with banana cream and a peanut butter whipped cream. To finish this pie we drizzle more chocolate ganache, house made caramel and roasted peanuts. Fit for The King!

It's a sugar-filled day! We continue our diet tomorrow, but I feel like I gained 10 lbs this weekend.

Dim Sum for Lunar New Year Lunch at Peaceful Restaurant Kitsilano

Happy Lunar New Year! We had lunch at Peaceful Restaurant in their Kitsilano location and had four dim sum dishes.

Xiao-Long Bao Steamed Buns

The first dim sum that arrived at our table was the 8-piece Xiao-long bao steamed buns. We haven't had it in a while, and it has a strong pork flavour. After slurping all the soup, dip it in the vinegar sauce to add sourness which helps cut through all the fat.

Xiao-Long Bao Steamed Buns from Peaceful Restaurant

Xiao-Long Bao Steamed Buns are very soupy.

Pan-Fried Chicken Fried Dumplings

The next dish that arrived at our table was the 8 pieces of Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings. The skin of the dumplings is crispy, while the inside is hot. The chicken flavour is stronger than the park, and the dipping sauce is sour,  cutting through the oiliness of the dish. Be sure to eat it quickly because the dumpling wrapper gets soggy fast, losing its crispiness.

Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings from Peaceful Restaurant

8-Piece Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings are filled with minced chicken and cabbage.

Must-Try: Peaceful Beef Rolls

We arrived at Peaceful Restaurant at around 11:30 AM and left after an hour. We stayed during the Sunday lunch rush, and all tables within earshot ordered the Peaceful Beef Rolls. It's definitely a fan favourite, and I can't blame the Vancouver crowd. The flatbread has suitable thickness and chewiness compared to the thinly slice beef. Meanwhile, the green onion provided a mild sweetness alongside the hoisin sauce. It's a perfect sweet and savoury roll.

Peaceful Beef Rolls from Peaceful Restaurant

Two Peaceful Beef Rolls are five-spiced beef rolled in a crispy green onion flatbread & sweet hoisin sauce.

Cumin Beef & Flatbread

Wow, it's SPICY! The bun is crispy and has a strong sesame flavour. The beef is tender and covered with cumin. There are two types of spicy food - painfully spicy and flavourful spicy which definitely belong to the latter.

Cumin Beef & Flatbread from Peaceful Restaurant

Cumin Beef & Flatbread is a sesame flatbread filled with beef, cumin, and fresh hot peppers.

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The last time we went to Peaceful Restaurant was in 2019, and it's good to be back at one of the restaurants that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visited in Vancouver.

Florals and Spice from 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts | 2023 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Happy Sunday! We visited the 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts for the 2023 Hot Chocolate Festival and shared a Florals & Spice hot chocolate.

Florals & Spice Hot Chocolate

It has sweet floral undertones and is definitely sweeter than the Plus de Cerises, Mon Chérie from The GOOD Chocolatier.

#01 Florals and Spice

Dark hot chocolate infused with cardamom and organic rose petals. Served with a mini brioche doughnut filled with spiced chocolate custard and topped with orange blossom glaze, pistachios and rose petals.

Vanilla Old Fashioned and Triple Chocolate Donuts from 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts

We find ourselves in a 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts location because of the 2023 Hot Chocolate Festival. So, of course, we tried two of their donuts: Vanilla Old Fashioned and Vegan Triple Chocolate. We also ordered two savoury pastries (Savoury Scone and Pistachio Almond Croissant) because it's breakfast, and I don't want all sweets.

Breakfast at 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Doughnuts

Vanilla Old Fashioned Donut

Vanilla Old Fashioned is crispy on the edges and with a slight vanilla sweetness. I prefer this to the Triple Chocolate Donut. I love the difference in texture with the soft interior and crunchy exterior.

Vanilla Old Fashioned Donut at 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Donut

Savoury Scone

The Savoury Scone is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's filled with peppers and celery. It's pretty good. I wish they warm it, though. It reminds me of pizza's saltiness - cheese and deli meat bits.

Savoury Scone at 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Donut 

Savoury Scone at 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Donut

Vegan Triple Chocolate Donut

Vegan Triple Chocolate is not sweet but has an intense chocolate flavour. Its consistency reminds me of a brownie or a really dense chocolate cake.

Vegan Chocolate Donut at 49th Parallel Coffee + Lucky's Donut

Pistachio Almond Croissant

The Pistachio Croissant is flakey and buttery. I was not getting any Pistachio flavour... until I reached the middle. There's filling inside!

Pistachio Almond Croissant

Pistachio Almond Croissant

It's fun to hang out at a coffee shop surrounded by delicious pastries and discuss expenses with my husband.