Quesillo Toreada Crispy Kings from Burger King

It's our last night in Mexico City, and I'm craving Filipino food or something familiar. We couldn't find any Filipino restaurants nearby, so we quickly decided to grab burgers and fries from the Burger King in front of the hotel.

Quesillo Toreada Crispy Kings from Burger King

We ordered the heavily promoted Toreada Kings. We had no idea what it was, but we were surprised to take a bite of the burger and be greeted with fried yet creamy quesillo (cheese?) and a crispy chicken patty. It felt familiar yet new, which is a great summary of our entire trip to Mexico.

Quesillo Toreada Crispy Kings from Burger King

It feels familiar — it reminds me so much of being back home in Manila, from the weather and air pollution to the sheer number of people. But it's also different. Mexico loves corn, while we love our rice. And of course, everyone here speaks Spanish, while we only have a little left in the Philippines.

We're flying out tomorrow morning, and I look forward to returning home to Vancouver. It's been an incredible trip, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Mexico City. It's a city that's full of life, culture, and delicious food. I'll definitely be back someday! Thank God!

Coffee Break and Croissants from Pallet Coffee Roasters

Happy Saturday! We're picking up a package near Cambie and West 39th Avenue, so we decided to walk there from our apartment. Halfway through our walk, we stopped by Pallet Coffee Roasters along Oak Street for breakfast.

Hubby went for a latte and double-baked almond croissants.

Double baked almond croissant from Pallet Coffee Roasters

Latte from Pallet Coffee Roasters

While I got a butter croissant and a mocha.

Butter Croissant from Pallet Coffee Roasters

Mocha from Pallet Coffee Roasters

We enjoyed our pastries and drinks while continuing our walk under the beautiful Vancouver spring sunshine. Thank God for moments like this.

Special Sub from Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine

Happy Thursday! For the company-paid team lunch today, the chosen theme is bahn mi. It's drizzling outside, so we walked to nearby Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine. I wasn't sure what to get, so I went for the Special Sub and a small wonton soup because I'm feeling under the weather.

Special Sub from Viet Sub Vietnamese Cuisine
Ham, cold cuts, pork, and meatball

The Special Sub with ham, cold cuts, pork, and meatball with fresh vegetables in between crispy baguette is the perfect food coma lunch on a rainy day.

Mother's Day Feast from Peaceful Restaurant

Our usual Mother's Day tradition is visiting Dai Jang Kum in Richmond, BC because it's my mom's favourite. This weekend, Mom wants the beef rolls from Peaceful Restaurant, and since it's her special day, she gets what she requested.

Feast from Peaceful Restaurant

We ordered a feast from Peaceful that includes the following:

• Beef & Broccoli
• Deep-Fried Sesame Ball
• Minced Chicken with Corn Soup
• Peaceful Beef Rolls
• Salt and Pepper Chicken Wing
• Salted and Pepper Squid
• Seasonal Vegetables and Crispy Tofu
• Yang-Zhou Stir-Fried Rice

Avocado Toast from Tractor Foods

Happy Thursday! For breakfast today, instead of my usual Tim Hortons, I decided to opt for a healthier (albeit pricier) choice: avocado toast from Tractor Foods.

Avocado Toast from Tractor Foods
Smashed avocado, sundried cherry tomatoes, pickled red onion, sprouts, everything crunch, and sourdough toast

I love the sourdough toast and, of course, the creamy smashed avocado balanced by pickled red onion. It's a great start to the day.

Sausage Scrambled Egg Loaded Box from Tim Hortons

Happy Thursday! It's the day I usually indulge myself a little by getting a Tims wrap for breakfast. Today, when I opened the app, there was a new item: Scrambled Egg Loaded Box with your choice of sausage, bacon, double stacked (both sausage and bacon), or just eggs.

Sausage Scrambled Egg Loaded Box from Tim Hortons 

Sausage Scrambled Loaded Box from Tim Hortons 

I chose sausage. The box came with two cut up hash browns, scrambled eggs, and crumbled sausage drizzled with their chipotle sauce.

It's different and acceptable, but I'll stick to my wrap. I needed that tortilla to help with the sauce.

Pão de queijos and more from Brazilliant Café and Catering

Happy Thursday! Our company is celebrating Brazilian Carnaval. We did a mask-decorating activity and ordered breakfast from Brazilliant Café & Catering in Seymour. I placed our food order online for pickup at 8:30 am.

Brazillian Carnaval celebration with food from Braziliant Café and Catering

I chose the traditional Brazilian breakfast pão de queijo with ham and cheese for myself, and for sharing, we got bolinho de bacalhau (Codfish Croquettes). To end our breakfast on a sweet note, I got a box of brigadeiros – coconut, dulce de leche, coffee, and chocolate.

Pão de queijo with ham and cheese from Brazilliant Café and Catering

The pão de queijo was still warm, with a soft, chewy interior and a cheesy exterior. I enjoyed it, but it’s definitely a food coma-inducing breakfast. I can't believe how sleepy I felt afterward! One of my colleagues even got a second cup of coffee and took a walk outside to stay awake.

Pão de queijo is made from cassava flour which made it so perfectly chewy and filling.

The bolinho de bacalhau is my favorite! I grew up in the Philippines and love fish. Of course, if we had an air fryer, having this piping hot and crispy would be magnificent.

A box of Brigadeiros from Brazilliant Café and Catering

I do find the brigadeiros a bit too sweet, but they're oh-so-perfect with a cup of tea.

I love company events because of the different foods I get to try!

Dante's Inferno | Italian Sandwich in Robson

Happy Thursday! It's raining, and we have a team lunch today. With "Italian" as the chosen theme this week, I decided to visit the relatively new Dante Italian Sandwich along Robson Street. I got their Inferno sandwich.

Inferno from Dante Italian Sandwich 

The sandwich came with two Italian cured meats: Capicollo piccante and soppresata. The capicollo piccante has a spicy, slightly smoky taste, while the soppresata contributes more depth with its blend of herbs and spices. The soft focaccia is spread with bomba, which provides extra heat, but it's perfectly toned down by the creamy and rich stracciatella cheese and fresh tomatoes. However, my favorite part is the peppery bite of arugula. The touch of bitterness definitely helped cut through the heaviness of the meats and cheese.

Inferno from Dante Italian Sandwich
Capicollo piccante, soppresata, stracciatella cheese, bomba spread, fresh tomato, and arugula

I ate my lunch at my desk because we've been having such a busy day. I paired my Inferno sandwich with Diet Coke (don't tell my husband).

Green Glow and Peanut Butter & Chocolate from Jugo Juice

Sure! Here's your edited version, along with an expanded description of each drink's flavor:

It’s been a long day walking around Metrotown, and just before heading home, we decided to stop by Jugo Juice.

Hubby opted for the Peanut Butter & Chocolate smoothie. The dominant flavor is definitely peanut butter, giving it a rich, creamy texture with a slightly nutty taste. The banana adds a smooth sweetness, while the frozen yogurt contributes a touch of tanginess that balances the richness. The chocolate almond milk adds a subtle cocoa flavor, making it a decadent treat with a nutty, chocolatey finish.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Smoothie from Jugo Juice

I chose the Green Glow for a healthier option. This smoothie features fresh kale and creamy avocado, which bring a slight earthiness and richness to the drink. The pineapple and banana lend a tropical sweetness, while the coconut water adds a refreshing, hydrating quality. The tropical juices give it a light, fruity punch, but the banana remains the most prominent flavor, giving the Green Glow a smooth, mildly sweet base with a fresh, vibrant finish.

Green Glow Smoothie from Jugo Juice

We enjoyed our smoothies while sitting on one of the benches, people-watching and relaxing after a busy day. For future reference, the other two drinks we have tried are Kale Aid and their Orange Juice.

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

If you're a fan of hot chocolate or chocolate muffins (or both!), Tim Hortons’ new Hot Chocolate Muffin might be your next treat to try. This dessert isn’t just a muffin—it’s an experience, especially when you give it a little warmth at home.

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

When we brought ours home, we decided to experiment by popping it into the microwave for 30 seconds. What happened next was pure magic: the inside became gooey, reminiscent of a molten chocolate lava cake. The warmth elevated the chocolate flavor, turning it into something richer and more indulgent.

Have you tried it yet? Let me know how you liked it! 😊

Double Chocolate Brownie from Tim Hortons

As someone who loves rich, chocolaty desserts, I couldn’t resist trying Tim Hortons’ new Double Chocolate Brownie. From the first glance, I knew this treat was going to be indulgent—and I wasn’t wrong. It turned out to be one of the fudgiest brownies I’ve ever had, but also one of the sweetest.

The glossy top was studded with chunks of chocolate. Its deep, dark colour hinted at the richness inside, and it looked dense enough to promise a decadent treat.

When I took my first bite, I was immediately struck by how fudgy it was. The brownie practically melted in my mouth, with a gooey, almost molten texture that felt so indulgent. The chocolate chunks on top weren’t just for decoration—they added bursts of intense flavour and a satisfying bite.

Double Chocolate Brownie from Tim Hortons

That said, the sweetness really hit me after a couple of bites. While the brownie’s texture and flavour were incredible, it was almost too sugary for me to finish on my own. I could feel myself reaching my limit, so I decided to save the rest for later (or better yet, share it with someone else next time).

Manzo and Prosciutto Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

This week’s rainy weather had me getting lunch at Giovane Caffè – Italian Coffee Bar, conveniently located in the lobby of my office building. With no desire to venture out into the downpour, I treated myself to two of their incredible sandwiches that turned my lunch breaks into a mini Italian getaway.

On Tuesday, the Manzo sandwich was a hearty and satisfying choice. Featuring thinly sliced, tender roast beef, it was beautifully seasoned and paired with a tangy horseradish aioli that added a subtle kick. Peppery arugula complemented the richness of the beef, providing balance and freshness. All of this was nestled in a toasted ciabatta roll, which had a perfectly crisp crust and a soft, pillowy interior. It was the kind of sandwich that warms you from the inside out—ideal for a gray, rainy day.

Manzo Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

On Wednesday, I opted for the Prosciutto sandwich, which delivered a more delicate, refined flavour profile. The star ingredient, thinly sliced prosciutto, was silky and flavourful, perfectly accompanied by creamy mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil. Fresh basil leaves added an aromatic touch, while a light balsamic glaze brought a hint of sweetness and tang. What really set this sandwich apart was the focaccia—light, airy, and infused with just the right amount of olive oil and herbs. Every bite felt indulgent yet balanced, a perfect ode to classic Italian simplicity.

Prosciutto Sandwich from Giovane Caffè

On rainy days when stepping outside isn’t appealing, having Giovane Caffè just a short elevator ride away feels like a luxury. Whether you’re in the mood for the bold and hearty Manzo or the refined and aromatic Prosciutto, their sandwiches are the perfect way to brighten a dreary day. If you’re nearby, I can’t recommend them enough!

For my reference, I have tried their caprese sandwich and frittata panino.

Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's Canada

After a long day, I was ready for something quick and comforting. My husband suggested McDonald's to make it easy, so I picked up my usual favourites: a McChicken, World Famous Fries, and 20 Chicken McNuggets. But while waiting, something new caught my eye — the Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry.

Halloween McFlurry from McDonald's

Reese's Chipits 'N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's
A Halloween treat! Reese' Chipits peanut butter swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve and blended with hot duge sauce.

This McFlurry is a treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The smooth vanilla soft serve is swirled with rich chocolate fudge, adding the right amount of indulgent sweetness. But it’s the Reese’s Chipits that take it up a notch, blending in those tiny morsels of peanut butter and chocolate for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch. It’s a true chocolate-peanut butter lover’s dream!

California Crab Roll from Costco's food court

If you love sushi but are not a fan of the usual food court fare, Costco has a new treat! The beloved warehouse chain has added a California Crab Roll to its food court menu. Priced at $9.99 for eight pieces, this latest addition to Costco’s menu is a refreshing alternative to their popular (and still classic) hot dogs.

California Crab Roll from Costco

Should you try it? Not really, unless you want something different than the usual pizza slices and hot dogs.

Fire Island and Pepperoni from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

Happy Wednesday! This is the only evening I have with no dinner plans. I'm still adjusting to the time difference, and the rain outside makes walking around less appealing. I decided to grab a couple of slices of pizza from our company's favorite, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza.

I ordered the Little Neck Combo, which includes two slices of pizza (I chose Fire Island and Pepperoni), two knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda.

Vancouver also has New York-style pizza, but only AJ's Brooklyn Pizza comes close to this.

The Little Neck Combo from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Two slices of pizza, two garlic knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda

A slice of Pepperoni pizza from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Sal's famous New York pepperoni

The Pepperoni was delicious, but the Fire Island had the perfect balance—savory and meaty pepperoni, spicy jalapenos, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. It was absolutely yummy!

I enjoyed my food in my hotel room, and it was the perfect ending to the day. Watching free Australian channels (like "The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition") while eating pizza and then falling asleep — life is good. Thank you, Lord!

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco food court

I survived my first day working in our Melbourne office today. I met my manager for the first time in person and also spent time with HR and our CEOs.

After work, I was tired, so I went back to the hotel to freshen up and rest for a bit. Then, I took the bus to Costco in Docklands. My goal was to check out the food menu and walk around.

The Costco was so empty compared to the ones I've visited in Canada and the US. To be fair, I visited at around 5:00 PM on a Monday. I have the Costco food court menu here.

Aussie Steak Pie from Costco Australia

A peek of what's inside the Aussie Steak Pie from the Costco food court

For dinner, I decided to try their Aussie Steak Pie. The is filled with tender slow-cooked steak in a rich, savoury gravy and the pie is encased in a flaky, buttery pastry crust golden brown and crisp. It is such a comforting and satisfying meal!

The Melbourne Star viewed from Costco Docklands

House Down Under in Docklands, Melbourne Australia

I enjoyed my pie outside, away from the prying eyes of seagulls. Then, I walked around the Docklands area and took a tram back to my hotel. What a great way to end my first full day in Australia!

Riding my first tram in Australia!

Hot Honey Crunch and Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

After a satisfying lunch at Redbeef, we decided to grab ice cream from Rain or Shine across the street. Hubby and I focused on the seasonal flavours.

I went for the sweet and tarty Key Lime Pie while hubby went for the Hot Honey Crunch. The latter was spicy! 🥵 It included spicy almond.

Hot Honey Crunch from Rain or Shine Ice Cream

Key Lime Pie from Rain or Shine

We enjoyed our treats while slowly walking home enjoying the sunshine. I'm truly grateful for days like this! We started the day with a serene Mass with the community, enjoyed our comfort food, and got to enjoy treats. Thank God for the many blessings.

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons has recently introduced a new limited-time Nutella product to their menu: the Croissant with Nutella. As a fan of their other Nutella offerings like the Dream Donut, Dream Cookie, and Iced Capp, I had high hopes for this latest addition. Unfortunately, my husband and I were left feeling a bit disappointed.

The Croissant with Nutella is essentially a croissant sandwich with a layer of Nutella spread in the middle. While the croissant itself was acceptable , the Nutella was not filled or stuffed inside. This was a stark contrast to what my husband had envisioned: a croissant filled to the brim with the delicious hazelnut spread.

Croissant with Nutella from Tim Hortons 

Given Tim Hortons' track record with their other Nutella products, it's surprising that they didn't take the opportunity to create a truly indulgent croissant experience. A croissant filled with Nutella, perhaps with a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, would have been a much more satisfying treat.

Have you tried Tim Hortons' Croissant with Nutella? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza (Hemlock Street)

 Maple Leaf Pizza is the closest pizza spot from our home and we decided to grab a couple slices of their veggie pizza that is available.

Veggie Pizza from Maple Leaf Pizza
Mushrooms, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and cheese

It was surprisingly delicious. The dough was chewy and perfectly cheesy. It is definitely an improvement from Bella Pizza.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL

Today marks my first anniversary at work, and what is the theme for our company-paid team lunch? You guessed it — bagels! In fact, it's become a running joke that bagels are the clear favourite, having been chosen a whopping seven times for our weekly lunches in the last 54 weeks.

This week, we ventured to WA-BAGEL to taste their unique Japanese-style bagels. I couldn't resist their signature Montreal Bagel Sandwich. The first bite was a revelation – the Montreal smoked meat's savoury smokiness was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the miso-caramelized onions. They added a depth of flavour that regular caramelized onions just can't achieve. The creamy Japanese mustard aioli tied everything together, adding a touch of tang that cut through the richness of the meat and onions.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL
Montreal smoked meat, miso caramelized onions, Japanese mustard aioli on a plain bagel.

For a sweet treat, I also grabbed their Mochi Matcha bagel. This beauty was a matcha lover's dream – a vibrant green bagel filled with chewy, bouncy mochi bits. The sweet red bean paste was like a burst of sweet, earthy goodness in every bite. The chopped walnuts added a delightful crunch, satisfyingly contrasting the soft mochi and smooth bean paste. It was the perfect way to end a savoury and delicious lunch.

Mochi Matcha from WA-BAGEL
Matcha bagel filled with mochi, red bean paste, and chopped walnuts

We found a charming plaza with tables and chairs along Burrard Street, the perfect spot to enjoy our feast. The summer sun was warm, and the atmosphere was just perfect. It truly embodied the beauty of a Vancouver summer!