Lunch from Newly Renovated Beautiful PICA Blue Hat Bakery-Cafe

We had to run an errand around the area and thought it would be a great idea to visit the newly renovated and stunningly beautiful PICA Blue Hat Bakery-Cafe.

Blue Hat Bakery

Once I feel comfortable eating in a restaurant again, I want this spot right here! Look at the view from the window, it looks like a beautiful picture.

View from PICA Blue Hat Bakery-Cafe

Beautiful new counters from PICA Blue Hat Bakery-Cafe

Tuna Mediterranean Sandwich from PICA Blue Hat Bakery-Cafe

The food is still delicious. It's nice to see the faces of Christine and Lily and I'm glad they're back at work. Be sure to visit PICA and grab things to go or if you're feeling brave enjoy it either inside the cafe or outside in their elevated patio.

Canada Day lunch from Salmon n' Bannock

Happy Canada Day! How we usually celebrate Canada Day?

• 2016: Steveston Richmond, BC Salmon Festival and Canada Day Parade with sisters
• 2017: Steveston Richmond, BC Salmon Festival and Canada Day Parade with parents, sister, and brother
• 2018: Steveston Richmond, BC Salmon Festival and Canada Day Parade with hubby
• 2019: We were not in the country to celebrate. :(
• 2020: There's a pandemic.

Since there's still a pandemic, we decided to order lunch from Salmon n' Bannock. They are the only year-round Indigenous restaurant in Vancouver. They serve wild fish, free-range, grass-fed organic meat, Bannock made fresh daily and other culinary delights inspired by a variety of First Nations traditions. It seems fitting to support a First Nations business today.

How to order?

They are not open for dine-in service, but they're on Uber Eats, and I originally planned to order that way. However, I called yesterday to check if they are open today, and they said yes with a caveat that they're serving a July 1 BBQ special, and that's the only thing on the menu. I ordered two for pick-up at 1 PM, which is the time they open.

July 1 BBQ from Salmon n' Bannock

We walked there in the rain and picked up our food. It costs $21.00 each. What's included in the meal? Wild sockeye salmon, maple coleslaw, vegetables, signature bannock, and a baked potato.

Wild sockeye salmon, maple coleslaw, vegetables (steamed broccoli and buttered sweet potato), baked potato, and signature Bannock. Butter and sour cream on the side

Wild sockeye salmon, maple coleslaw, vegetables (steamed broccoli and buttered sweet potato), baked potato, and signature Bannock. Butter and sour cream on the side

My hubby and I are stuffed! Everything was so delicious. I love salmon, and it's cooked perfectly. The Bannock is good with the butter they provided. I can't wait to go back, hopefully, when they're ready for dine-in service.

Where is Salmon n' Bannock located? It's the same block as Toys R Us along West Broadway.

My only request, please serve salmon chowder. It's something I fell in love with last year when we had lunch at Thunderbird Cafe in Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

Dinner from Royal Seoul House

I love slow Saturdays like today. We went to Staples to send off a package to Nova Scotia. Then, we decided to order take out dinner from our favourite Korean restaurant, Royal Seoul House.

We're still not brave enough to eat in a restaurant. I'm willing to go in, pick up food, then go out, but outside our house and my parent's place, we haven't spent more than 30 minutes in other establishments. Oh, that's not entirely true, we attended Mass twice now.

Anyway, before heading to the restaurant, I called in with my selection. We walked around the neighbourhood and went in 20 minutes later. My order is ready, and I can't wait.

Royal Seoul House was empty. Although, patrons may be eating in the private space for physical distancing.

Favourite Korean Dishes

Unlike in the Philippines, Korean dishes are not as popular here in Canada. They're also not that many Korean restaurants, unlike Japanese cuisine, which is nearly everywhere. I ordered our favourite Korean dishes.

Banchan
I didn't expect our take out to come with banchan.

Goon Mandu

Mandu is a Korean dumpling. I love dumplings from all countries, and Mandu is definitely second on the list (right after Xiao Long Bao).

Goon Mandu (deep-fried beef dumplings)

Japchae

This is my mom's favourite, and we have learned to love.

Japchae (stir-fried potato noodle with assorted vegetables and beef)

Seafood Pancake

This is a recent (when we moved to Canada) discovery for me. Growing up in the Philippines means an abundance of seafood, and this dish perfectly encapsulated all the fantastic seafood.

Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake) (Flour pancake with green onion and assorted seafood)

I'm happy to buy from the Royal Seoul House and support local businesses in our neighbourhood. I can't wait to have the courage to dine in again and enjoy their BBQ.

Coconut Jam from Bukobaba

I wrote a blog post about ten Filipino businesses in Metro Vancouver to support this month (Filipino Heritage Month).

Where to get Coconut Jam in Metro Vancouver?

One of the businesses on the list is Bukobaba. They sell premium coconut food and wellness products. Browsing through their website and store and learning about their business, I discovered that their products are available in Meinhardt Fine Foods. We do our grocery shopping in Meinhardt, and I decided to look for Bukobaba, and I found it! Woot!

Bukobaba Products at Meinhardt Fine Foods

I purchased one bottle of the Coco Jam + Cacao, and we're hoping to use it as a spread to our sandwich, instead of Nutella. We can't wait to try it.

Coco Jam + Cacao from Bukobaba purchased from Meinhardt Fine Foods.

I can't wait to support more Filipino businesses, not just this Filipino Heritage Month, but for the rest of the year and beyond.

June 18 update

We finally opened our jar of Coco Jam + Cacao. It was difficult to open so we put the jar under hot running water for a minute. Then, I mixed the contents of the jar with a teaspoon. The coconut part is solid because of the cold weather here. 

After mixing and the consistency looked right, we put some on toasted whole wheat bread and it was delicious! I think I need more bread. I'll probably order some pandesal to enjoy it with.

Breakfast at Tim Hortons

Before the pandemic, hubby and I used to have breakfast every Sunday at Tim Hortons before going to Mass. Today, we decided to do that again. We grabbed our usual Tim Hortons favourite.

We had two Farmers Breakfast Wrap (sausage for me and bacon for him), a small single single for hubby and a small hot chocolate for me. It was drizzling this morning, and we decided not to eat in the store, so we found a spot under a building awning, and we enjoyed our food there.

Look! Balancing a small cup of hot chocolate and Farmers Breakfast Wrap from Tim Hortons in one hand as I try to take a photo.

Hubby's Farmers Breakfast Wrap

I'm hoping we can go back to doing this consistently.

Lunch from Little Ongpin Restaurant

Last June 12, I wrote a post about ten Filipino-owned businesses in Metro Vancouver to support because it's Filipino Heritage Month.

Today, on top of ordering from LA Chicken, I called Little Ongpin Restaurant yesterday to place an order for pick-up at 11:30 AM this morning. Yes, we're having a feast at home!

What to get from Little Ongpin Restaurant?

I absolutely love their Lumpiang shanghai and pork barbecue. My brother and sister enjoyed their Chami noodles, while my mom likes the kare-kare.

Lumpiang Shanghai

Kare-Kare

Chami

I have tried a few Filipino restaurants in Metro Vancouver, like Pin-Pin, Aling Mary, Josephine's, and Bahay Kubo all the way in Surrey. But my favourite Filipino restaurant is still Little Ongpin Restaurant in Richmond, BC. 

Lunch from LA Chicken

LA Chicken has the best-fried chicken in Metro Vancouver. It's flavourful, crispy, and crunchy just how fried chicken should be. With that said, there's a long line of people to get inside the small shop today, and that makes me happy.

I'm so proud of folks at Richmond, supporting their local restaurants to help keep them open. I ordered 12 pcs of fried chicken (thighs and leg), half original and half spicy.

Spicy Fried Chicken from LA Chicken

Original Fried Chicken from LA Chicken

LA Chicken

Line in front of us

Inside LA Chicken

How to order from LA Chicken?

There's a long line outside because only two people at a time are allowed inside. The person at the counter takes your order, makes you pay, then he goes to the back to pack your order. He then leaves it at the table on the left side of the cash register, and you'll be on your way. Then, he can help the next customer.

The process is quick, and I saw a couple more men at the back, cooking the chicken as fast as they could to serve the hungry line outside.

Let's continue supporting small, local, and family-owned restaurants.

A Starbucks drink during COVID-19

I haven't been to Starbucks since March 15 (Sunday). Today, we decided to grab a couple Frappuccino just because we have points to use for a free drink.

Physical Distancing

There is a couple and a lady waiting when I went inside. They're in line for mobile order pick-up. There is signage on the floor on where to stand to ensure people are physically distancing.

Physical distancing and lines inside Starbucks

The Starbucks barista asked for my name and said my order is ready, yay! I picked it up on the table and off I go. Before I exit, another barista is wiping the door (which seems to be always open) with sanitizer.

Inside Starbucks

Starbucks Drinks

We went home and enjoyed our Frappuccino with a homemade egg sandwich while watching Tangled on Disney+.

Tall Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and Venti Double Chocolaty Chip Creme Frappuccino

I can't wait for Starbucks to slowly open up the dining area. I would love to hangout in one again.

Lunch from Masa Japanese Restaurant

In the last twelve weeks, I realized that we purchased and supported most of our favourite local restaurants like Suika, Lin Chinese Cuisine, and Sushivan. However, we have not ordered from Masa Japanese Restaurant, which is the closest Japanese cuisine source from our place.

With that, we ordered our favourite and have tried new dishes from Masa today.

Sushi & Roll Masa Special: Knights of the Round Table
Deep-fried sushi rice with 8 kinds of seafood and special sauce

The Knights of the Round Table was good, but I think the Masa Aburi Cheese Monster Roll is much better.

Assorted Katsu Curry
Japanese Curry with Tonkatsu, 2-pc Ebi Fry, and 1-pc Goroke with rice

I'm happy to be having Japanese curry again. The last time I ate curry was more than a month ago when we ordered from Suika.

Chicken Katsu
Deep-Fried Chicken Cutlet with Vegetable and Rice

The surprise of the day is the chicken katsu and how crispy it was when it arrived. The sauce it came with was delicious as well.

Lunch from Lin Chinese Cuisine

I'm going to say it - Lin Chinese Cuisine is the best Chinese restaurant in Fairview. We decided to buy food good for until Tuesday.

What to eat from Lin Chinese Cuisine?

For lunch today, we finished the Xiao long bao, Pan-Fried Cake with Marinated. Beef, Tan Tan Noodle Soup with Minced Meat, and the free Spring Rolls.

Best Xiao Long Bao

They have the best Xiao long bao that I have tried. I think it is best enjoyed in the restaurant, but in these times, even take out it's delicious.

Xiao Long Bao

Pan-Fried Cake with Marinated Beef

It's okay, but the best Pan-Fried Cake with Marinated Beef I have tried is from Peaceful Restaurant.

Pan-Fried Cake with Marinated Beef and Spring Roll

The spring roll is free.

Tan Tan Noodle Soup with Minced Meat

I don't know why I love Tan Tan Noodle so much. I wish I could eat it hot in the restaurant, but it's good to take out as well - be sure to put it inside the microwave to warm it up. Yummy!

As shown in the pictures below, they put the noodle and minced meat separate from the soup.

Tan Tan Noodle Soup with Minced Meat

Tan Tan Noodle Soup with Minced Meat

Tan Tan Noodle Soup with Minced Meat

Main Dishes

We also ordered the following items for consumption until Tuesday (hopefully).

The sauce for the Sweet and Sour Pork is separate from the meat and vegetables.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts

The honey sauce for the Honey Prawns is separate from the prawns.

Honey Prawns

Deluxe Mixed Vegetables

Shanghai-style Chow Mein

Why order from Lin Chinese Cuisine?

First, let's support local restaurants. This place is a family-owned Chinese restaurant along West Broadway (between Granville Street and Fir Street).

Second, if you order via phone for pick-up, they give you a 10% discount.

Lastly, if your order is above $50, they give you spring rolls (we got 4 pieces, which is happiness in itself).

How to order from Lin Chinese Cuisine?

You can give them a call (that's what I did) for pick-up. You can also go there, place your order for take-out. You can also place an order through their website. They're also in Skip The Dishes.

Lin Chinese Cuisine Details

Address: 1537 West Broadway, Vancouver BC

Phone number: 604-733-9696

Hours: 

11am - 3pm (they serve lunch specials - rice, chicken/pork/beef dish, with soup for around $10 or so)

5pm - 10pm (delivery is possible during dinner as well - just in case you want it delivered in your place)

May 17, 2020 Update:

Hubby and I measure the calories we eat to lose weight (or at the very least not gain so much weight). I decided to weigh a couple of the items we ordered yesterday.

Kung Pao Chicken

The Kung Pao Chicken weighs around 600 grams. I decided to get 200 grams for breakfast, but we only end up eating around 50 grams each, so we will have the balance for lunch.

200 grams of Kung Pao Chicken

Honey Prawns

The Honey Prawns (without the sauce) weighs 300 grams and it has 15 prawns. I decided to reheat everything and we'll have 3 each for breakfast and whatever remains for lunch.

300 grams of Honey Prawns

Happy Sunday!

May 18, 2020 Update:

Today, we ate the Deluxe Mixed Vegetable. It weighs 500 grams, though that was frozen from our fridge. After reheating in the stove, it weighs around 450 grams (I didn't write down the exact weight). Meanwhile, the Sweet and Sour Pork weigh 500 grams without the sauce. We didn't finish the pork, but we ate all the vegetable for lunch and dinner.

We also started eating the Shanghai-Style Chow Mein last night. We ate 150 grams each and I think there's 200 grams left in the container which we will probably have for dinner tonight.

Happy Monday! It's Victoria Day which means extra rest day.

Thursday at Tim Hortons

Last Tuesday and Wednesday after lunch, I will get this terrible migraine. I have to fight it through and continue working. After work (around 6:00 PM), today and yesterday, we decided to take an hour's walk around the neighbourhood. It's fun to be out and enjoy the beautiful day. It's also lovely to see the handful of restaurants open and doing their best to survive.

We still keep our distance from people and would sometimes walk along the street (when there are no cars) to give way.

Anyway, before heading back home after our walk, we decided to grab Caramel Iced Capp from Tim Hortons. I didn't have a migraine today, but I did get brain freeze. :)

Thank God it's Friday tomorrow!

Caramel Iced Capp

Just for fun, there are beautiful tulips around the neighbourhood which made me smile.

Beautiful

Cake Craving Satisfied from Meinhardt

We're now nearing the end of our 5th week working from home and only going out to grab food and groceries. It's been challenging mentally, but doable. In the last couple of days, I wanted to eat something sweet like cake or doughnut.

That craving was satisfied today. I went to Meinhardt Fine Foods to do our weekly grocery run. I'm sorry that we can't store food for two weeks, we have a small fridge in our apartment. Anyway, I purchased ingredients for what I'm going to cook Filipino Pork Giniling (recipe here) and decided to get red velvet cake.

Homemade Red Velvet cake

We didn't finish the whole thing. I divided it into four, so we can have some more tomorrow. How are you coping with the current situation?

Lunch from Meinhardt Fine Foods

I went to the grocery earlier. I want to say that I'm scared and paranoid, but in reality, I'm realistic and cautious. There's not a lot of people outside, so physical distancing is possible. I smiled at everyone I saw today, and almost everyone did the same.

I went to Meinhardt Fine Food to grab ingredients to cook Pork Nilaga (onion soup), which I can cook tomorrow, and we can eat for a week. I also grabbed a couple of ready to eat items: Palak Paneer and Chicken Tandoori.

Palak Paneer and Chicken Tandoori

It was so delicious. Meinhardt gives you wipes when you enter so you can use it with your basket, then the cashier gave me a pump of sanitizer before I grab my bag ready to leave. It was a pleasant experience.

After Meinhardt, I went to Shoppers Drug Mart a block away. I grabbed frozen chicken nuggets, biscuits, cream cheese, and bagel. It was a quick swift trip.

 I walked a few more blocks to see hubby walking towards me to help with the plastic bags. The only people who didn't observe physical distancing are two ladies. I moved out of the way so they can walk freely, but one lady still walked way closer to me.

Lunch from New India Buffet + Bar & Restaurant

April Fool's day is the longest day we've been out of the house. We were out for nearly 2 hours - running errands.

Cherry Blossoms trees in full bloom in our block.

We went to RBC all the way near Cambie (1.7km) to withdraw coins. You're silly, coins are not "essential." Well, for renters like us, we need coins to do laundry. After getting coins, we grabbed groceries from Shoppers. Then, we decided to order online for pick-up 4-5 days worth of Indian food from New India Buffet + Bar & Restaurant.

I've never eaten here, but I definitely will once this COVID-19 situation is over.

It's beautiful inside. We ordered chicken vindaloo, beef saag (spinach), aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower), and fish masala. It's so delicious!