Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

🍔 At a Glance: Quick Facts 📍 Location: Indian Burger Joint (Terminal Avenue — Vancouver, BC) 🍔 Ordered: Cheesy Aloo Chilli Burger ($12.95), Pav Bhaji Blast Classic Burger ($12.95), Vegetable Samosas ($2.49 each), Zesty Zira Lemonade, Guava Panna ⭐ Smooch Verdict: An intense, spice-filled fusion menu that demands a return visit. While the unique curry sauces offer an adventurous flavour profile, the classic combination of crispy potato patties and melted cheese steals the show. Happy Friday! We started our evening with a practical little walk over to London Drugs to restock on dressing and saline wash. Once the errands were sorted, the real fun began. For dinner, we decided to...

Happy Thursday, which means lunch was on the company! I was the lucky winner who got to pick the cuisine, and I went straight for Indian food . One of my colleagues is heading back to India for a two-week vacation, and we figured she shouldn't have to wait until she lands to enjoy a good meal! We took a stroll through Yaletown and ended up at Tasty Indian Bistro . If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s been all over the news lately—apparently, Nick Jonas was just here a few weeks ago! He reportedly loved the Palak Paneer so much he took an order to-go, so you know the vibes are high-status. The Order While the celebrity connection is fun, I’m a creature of habit. I went with my usual: Chicken Vindaloo ($21.00) at a medium heat, paired with their pillowy Garlic Naan ($4.75). My usual order at Tasty Indian Bistro: a medium-heat Chicken Vindaloo, garnished beauti...

There are days when you just need to press pause, find a window seat, and let the world rush by without you for a while. That was my afternoon at Chai Wagon in Mount Pleasant. I found a spot at the counter facing the street, watching the cars zip past toward Main Street while I settled in with my order. The Perfect Heat: Ginger Chai ($4.50) Of course, I went for the Ginger Chai . This was my third time ordering it, but it was the first time I’ve had it served this hot and honestly? It changed the whole experience. There’s a comfort in a cup that you have to hold with both hands, waiting for that first sip while the steam carries the sharp, spicy scent of fresh ginger. It’s balanced, and exactly what a typical grey Vancouver afternoon calls for. If you're looking for chai that hasn't been watered down by syrups, this is the standard. The "Indian-Jamaican" Fusion: The Paneer Tikka Patty ($5.95) I couldn't spot the Vada Pav o...

Happy Thursday! Today brought our usual company-paid team lunch, and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the theme: Indian cuisine . With the cold winter weather keeping us indoors, we ordered delivery from Tasty Indian Bistro in Yaletown straight to the office. Since I had just experienced such a wonderful , decadent feast at Mount Everest Kitchen the night before, I knew today was about making kind , smart choices for my body. While I am usually the first to reach for my favourite rich curries, I stayed disciplined and chose a simpler path. It felt like a virtuous yet deeply satisfying way to fuel a busy office day. Practical Bites & Prices A dear colleague, who shares the rich heritage of India, mentioned that the dal would be delicious paired with rice. It was so tempting , but I stood my ground, anchored by the memories of last night’s indulgence. Here is the comforting duo I enjoyed: Yellow Dal Fry ($19.00): These yellow split lentils were aromatic and...

🏔️ A Soulful Supper: Mount Everest Kitchen & Bar It was a solemn Ash Wednesday, and after attending Mass, hubby and I set out for dinner with our dear 89-year-old friend. After going back and forth on where to settle, he suggested Mount Everest Kitchen & Bar . They’ve recently opened a beautiful new location in the heart of Kitsilano at York Avenue and Yew Street, and it felt like the perfect place to gather. Our friend had visited just a few nights prior, and the wonderful staff remembered him immediately. Their kind hospitality shone through as they treated us to complementary carrot ginger soup on the house. To God be the glory for the gift of friendship and such warm welcomes! Practical Bites & Prices This was the one meal where I truly lacked any sort of control or worry about my diet or health . I haven't eaten this much food in about two months, but every savoury , rich bite was a joy . Here is our docume...

Happy Saturday! I worked extra overtime this morning for about five hours before hubby knocked on the door to see if I was finished. After work, we walked to Chinatown to buy necessary items for an upcoming company event. It felt like work had completely taken over my precious weekend! Ginger Chai from Chai Wagon To take some well-deserved time back for myself, we decided to hang out at the nearby Chai Wagon. I remember seeing their original cart in front of the Save-on-Foods on Cambie, but we never gave it a real shot. Their new location at the corner of East 2nd and Main Street is so close to our new home that it would be a shame not to support them. Chicken Tikka Kathi Roll from Chai Wagon I finished more than ten blog posts while sitting here and happily enjoying my half-sweet Ginger Chai. There was a subtle ginger flavor, but mostly it was warm and comforting, especially since it was raining cats and dogs outside. I enjoyed my steaming drink with ...