Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

After an overwhelming day at work, Hubby picked me up to ensure I did not have to carry my heavy backpack home while recovering from my outpatient surgery. Before heading back, we decided to grab a quick dinner at Wren Café in Yaletown. We were not entirely sure what to expect, but the display case immediately caught our eye, packed with adorable fruit-shaped pastries and cakes! 📍 Restaurant At-A-Glance: Wren Location: 280 Nelson Street, Vancouver Cuisine: Cozy cafe and bistro, comfort food with a bakery case Price Range: $$ (mains around $16 to $19, desserts around $8.50) Must-Order: Tiramisu Good For: A relaxed weeknight dinner, with breakfast and pastries also worth checking out Supreme Pulled Pork Sandwich We started with the Supreme Pulled Pork Sandwich ($18.95 CAD) with Truffle Fries as our side. It is fair to call this an open-faced sandwich since it is served on a single piece of bread. The crusty slice comes topped with creamy,...

✨ At a Glance: Quick Facts 📍 Restaurant: Italia Bella (West Broadway — Vancouver, BC) 🍝 Ordered: Linguine Pescatore ($29.95), Baked Beef Tortellini ($26.95) ⭐ Smooch Verdict: A charming, upscale surprise on West Broadway with a warm neighbourhood feel. While the seafood linguine was generous but under-seasoned, the rich and cheesy baked tortellini was an absolute standout! Happy Saturday! After a wonderful, productive morning blogging away at Elysian Coffee , our appetites finally caught up with us. We needed a spot for lunch right away, so I quickly pulled up Google Maps to see what was closest to us and open at that exact momen...

✨ At a Glance: Quick Facts 📍 Location: Onda by Casereccio (Vancouver, BC) 💰 Price Range: $15 – $30 per person 🍽️ Featured Items: Spaghetti Meatballs ($26.95), Crudo Panini ($14.95) 🌿 Vibes: The perfect post-marathon Italian comfort food spot ⭐ Smooch Verdict: An absolute must-visit for panini lovers. The house-made focaccia is easily the best in Vancouver—perfectly crispy on the outside and airy on the inside. Happy Sunday! Today is a celebration because Hubby officially finished the BMO Vancouver half-marathon. Running thi...

Highs, Lows, and a TGTG "Rampage" in Chinatown There is a specific kind of "mixed feeling" that only comes with a big career milestone. This week, I received a glowing performance review along with a salary increase and a bonus. On paper, it is a moment to celebrate! But behind the scenes, the weight of leadership is heavy. I suspect we may have to let go of one of my direct reports soon, and having gone through that process before, I know how draining it can be. When my heart is a little heavy and my brain needs a distraction, I tend to go on a bit of a Too Good To Go "rampage." Today, that led me to Chinatown for a double-header food rescue. Stop 1: Tim Hortons (Keefer Street) More than just a bag: The "Doughlightful" box from the Keefer Street Tim Hortons I reserved a "Doughlightful Bag," though honestly, they should re...