Cake and more from purebread

purebread in Gastown closes at 4:00 PM, so I couldn't find the perfect time to bring my husband here.

Chocolate Espresso from purebread

This is only my second time at purebread because I get too overwhelmed with all the options, from cakes to bread to bars. It's intimidating.

Salted Caramel bar from purebread

I chose the chocolate espresso loaf, while hubby opted for the salted caramel bar. It is impossible to go wrong with any of their products, and when you need a pick-me-up, this place is a safe haven.

Butter Croissant from Bean Around The World

Thank God it's Friday! We usually work from home on Fridays, but I decided to work in the office today because I'm too lazy to bring my laptop home. For some reason, I was not in the best mood this morning. It's supposed to be a relaxing week in the office because we're not busy, but I don't think I know how to relax. I think I prefer busy work days when I don't notice the time.

Anyway, my frown turned into a bit of a smile when I went downstairs to grab breakfast from Bean Around The World. I got a butter croissant and a sausage roll - both could be better. Okay, that's me being nice; they're both not good.

Butter Croissant from Bean Around The World

However, the barista was friendly and provided enough social interaction for the day to give me a bit of an energy boost to write this blog.

I look forward to the rest of the day and the long weekend. I do not have any plans whatsoever, and I am excited to do nothing days.

I'm writing this on my phone, and it will be published as is. Will edit it when I get home.

The Mighty McMuffin from McDonald's Canada

Happy Thursday! I left home earlier than usual today, and surprisingly, the bus I took stopped way earlier and did not proceed until the end of its route, so I decided to walk the rest of the way to the office and spotted McDonald's

Mighty McMuffin from McDonald's Canada
Get a double portion of hickory-smoked bacon plus a freshly cracked Canada Grade A egg, processed cheddar cheese and savoury sausage on a toasted English muffin. A mighty eat to rid you of your mighty hunger.

They are promoting The Mighty McMuffin. It is essentially if the Sausage 'N Egg McMuffin and Bacon 'N Egg McMuffin had an older bigger sibling. It has sausage, bacon, and egg between soft toasted English muffins.

BC Culture Days Latin America at Pacific Arts Market, Vancouver

Greetings on this rainy Saturday! I am fortunate to reside just a few blocks from Pacific Arts Market. This establishment has recently delighted us with its vibrant events (see Vancouver Night Market), especially those featuring delectable culinary offerings.

Today, our rendezvous at Pacific Arts revolves around celebrating Latin America's rich and diverse flavours. Needless to say, I'm here to savour every delightful dish presented by the participating vendors. We arrived in the area at around 2:30 in the afternoon, and based on earlier pictures, some vendors had already left.

Taquitos from Lita's Mexican Food

Our gastronomic expedition starts at Lita's Mexican food, where the enticing aroma of taquitos beckons. These little gems sport a crispy exterior, and the hot sauce makes it perfect on this chilly day.

Chicken Taquitos from Lita's Mexican Food

If you don't know, taquitos are a popular Mexican dish, often served as finger foods or appetizers. These cheese and meat-filled tortillas are typically deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown. Lita's taquitos are available in grocery stores, so go check them out.

Mote con Chicharrón from La Yapa

We're venturing into uncharted culinary territory as we try Ecuadorian cuisine for the first time at La Yapa. We picked two delectable choices: the Mote Con Chicharrón and Guagua de Pan.

The Mote con Chicharrón is a revelation. It features mote (hominy), which is corn that has been treated with an alkali to remove the outer hull, causing the corn kernels to puff up and have a soft, chewy texture. It serves as the base for the chicharrón (fried pieces of pork). It is fatty, juicy, and oh-so succulent, harmonizing perfectly with the tender corn.

Mote con Chicharrón from La Yapa

Meanwhile, guagua de pan is a traditional Ecuadorian sweet bread decorated with coloured icing. The bread is slightly firmer than expected and likely became stale due to the cold and rainy weather. I wish I could try this fresh from the oven.

Guagua de Pan from La Yapa

Beef Quesadillas from Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana

Prepare yourself, for what I'm about to share is nothing short of a culinary epiphany. Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana serves up what can only be described as the pinnacle of Mexican beef in Vancouver.

Beef Quesadillas from Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana

The beef is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour and placed upon a warm tortilla covered with melted cheese. It's a symphony of taste that I can't wait to revisit at their location on the corner of 4th Avenue and Burrard and perhaps again on Cinco de Mayo.

Tamales from Jicama y Perejil

This is my second time trying tamales (a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa that is filled with various ingredients, wrapped in a corn husk, and then steamed or boiled), and the first time was also because of a Pacific Arts event. I chose tender chicken enveloped by a tamale's embrace.

Chicken Tamales from Jicama y Perejil

While the chicken's tender is undeniable, the texture of the corn gives pause, exhibiting an unexpected grittiness. Moreover, I know tamales need to be served hot, but this is not warm enough to melt the cheese on top.

Nachos from TACO'N Todo food truck

I have a mild obsession with food trucks and have made a checklist of food trucks in Vancouver.

Beef Nachos from TACO'N Todo food truck

I ordered nachos topped with beef and was pleasantly shocked at the serving size. It's good enough for three people, and we manage to conquer it as a duo. The nacho chips, a personal weakness, deliver pure satisfaction, making this dish a resounding success.

After our food adventure, we make our way to church for the 5 PM Anticipated Mass, and I find myself writing this post inside Blenz Coffee at the corner of West Broadway and Maple. I will edit it at home later this evening.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard from Dairy Queen

As our vibrant stroll through Main Street's Car Free Day came to a close, we couldn't resist the allure of indulging in some delightful desserts to cap off our culinary adventure and get relief from the summer heat. Our sweet journey led us to Dairy Queen, where we faced a dessert dilemma—two limited edition Blizzards, each promising a unique flavour experience.

Our first choice, the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard, held the promise of a dessert imbued with the nostalgic flavours of Snickerdoodle cookies. However, this Blizzard turned out to be a surprise of a different kind.

Upon the first spoonful, it became apparent that cinnamon was the dominant player in this dessert. While some may relish the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon, it overshadowed the other elements of the treat, leaving me yearning for a more balanced flavour profile.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
Find sugar, spice, and everything nice blended into our Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat.

I hated it so much that I needed a different Blizzard and got a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie. This delectable creation celebrated peanut butter's rich and creamy allure, harmonizing it with the irresistible appeal of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

REESE'S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
A little salty, a little sweet - satisfy your pie craving with this treat.

With each spoonful, I revelled in the decadent blend of velvety peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of the chocolate cups. It was a symphony of textures and tastes that made me smile.

Below is a list of Blizzard Treats from Dairy Queen that we have tried.

Cake Batter Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat COFFEE CRISP® Caramel Macchiato Blizzard Treat Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat OREO® Hot Cocoa Blizzard Treat

Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat REESE'S® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat REESE'S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard® Treat Skor® Blizzard Treat Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat

Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada

Our Car Free Day adventure along Vancouver's vibrant Main Street turned into a gastronomic journey filled with pleasant surprises. After relishing the delightful Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir, we continued our leisurely walk, enjoying the event's lively atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling street and cheerful chatter, a sign that read "Raclette" caught our attention. Memories of enjoying raclette cheese at the Vancouver Christmas Market flooded back, and we knew we couldn't resist this cheesy delight.

We approached the Frencheese Canada stall and ordered The Raclette Charcuterie.

The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada
Melted raclette cheese poured on potatoes sauteed with butter, seasoned with thyme and rosemary, shared Sopressa salami and Italian ham, mixed lettuce drizzled with vinaigrette, and baby gherkins.

The raclette cheese melted to perfection cascaded over the potatoes, creating a gooey savoury blanket. The combination of the salty Sopressa salami and Italian ham provided a delightful contrast, while the fresh lettuce added a crisp, refreshing element.

One prominent flavour that stood out was thyme. The thyme and rosemary-infused potatoes carried a robust and aromatic essence that lingered with every bite.

The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canaada

As we indulged in our Raclette Charcutiere, it was as though we'd been transported to a cozy European street market. The savoury, cheesy goodness combined with the lively atmosphere of Car Free Day created a moment that felt like a mini culinary vacation.

So, if you ever find yourself strolling down a festive event like Car Free Day, keep an eye out for the Frencheese Canada stall. Their Raclette Charcutiere is a delectable experience that brings a slice of Europe to the heart of Vancouver. It's the kind of cheesy encounter you'll want to savour and share with fellow food enthusiasts.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir

On a sunny Saturday morning (before noon), my husband and I decided to join Car Free Day with a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Vancouver from our home near South Granville. Our goal? To enjoy quality food and savour the neighbourhood's vibrant atmosphere. From the many different booth, we spotted La Porte de l'Espoir and chose croque monsieur.

My husband set the expectation low since the sandwich had been sitting there for 30 minutes or so. However, it was still extraordinary. A toasted slice of bread encased with layers of thinly sliced ham and creamy melted cheese.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

But it wasn't just the flavour that impressed us; it was the texture. The outer layer of the sandwich was crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the softness of the ham and the gooeyness of the cheese. Every bite felt like a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

This is an excellent first food for the day, and I cannot wait to see what other food vendors we see on Main Street Car Free Day.

Taiwanese Sausage and Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro | Taiwanfest 2023

To culminate our delightful Taiwanfest culinary journey (see posts about Aiyaohno Cafe and Family Lin), we couldn't resist indulging in our all-time favourites - the Deep-Fried Taiwanese Sausage and the crispy Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro.

However, there was a hint of nostalgia and slight sadness in the air, as Sasaya Bistro, a constant in Taiwanfest, did not offer their signature bento boxes this time. These bento boxes were a symphony of flavours, combining fragrant rice, tangy pickled cabbage, a perfectly boiled egg, and a choice of tantalizing meats.

Deep-fried Taiwanese Sausage from Sasaya Bistro at Taiwanfest 2023

Oh, how I miss pairing Taiwanese sausage with a bed of fluffy rice; it's a match made in culinary heaven. But despite the absence of the bento box, the sausage itself did not disappoint. Its savoury goodness shone through, reminding me of why I fell in love with it in the first place.

And then, there was the Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle. Eating it was akin to a jaw workout - an exercise in chewiness that truly tested the limits of my dental prowess. But it was worth every bite, with its crispy exterior giving way to a delightfully tender interior.

Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro at Taiwanfest 2023

Our Taiwanfest food adventure was a joyous affair, filled with old favourites and a few new discoveries. While I missed the bento box dearly, the enduring appeal of Taiwanese sausage and the unique experience of tackling the Squid Tentacle made it a truly happy food day.

Taiwanese Egg Cake and Popcorn Chicken from Family Lin | Taiwanfest 2023

After savouring the delectable delights from Tai Dog at Aiyaohno Cafe during our visit to Taiwanfest, we couldn't resist the allure of returning food vendor - Family Lin.

What awaited us was a taste sensation that instantly won our hearts: the best deep-fried Taiwanese chicken popcorn with salt & pepper. Each bite was a symphony of flavours and textures, a perfect blend of juiciness and crispiness that left our taste buds dancing in delight. I dare say if Family Lin had a restaurant nearby, it would undoubtedly become a personal favourite, perhaps even dethroning Redbeef Noodle Kitchen as my go-to source for Taiwanese-style chicken popcorn.

Deep-Fried Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken from Family Lin at Taiwanfest 2023

But that wasn't all we discovered at Family Lin's booth. We also had the pleasure of trying their Taiwanese Egg Cake, a delightful surprise that added a touch of sweetness to our savoury adventure. The cake was wonderfully soft, its texture reminiscent of a sweeter, egg-shaped pancake. What truly set it apart, though, were the crispy edges that added a delightful crunch to each bite. While I enjoyed its soft and slightly sweet interior, my husband was captivated by the crisp edges that perfectly balanced flavours and textures.

Taiwanese Egg Cake from Family Lin at Taiwanfest 2023

If you're the proud owner of this fantastic eatery, consider this a call-out from an ardent food lover. Your culinary creations deserve to be celebrated and shared. Please drop me a message with your location - great food like yours should be savoured and promoted!"

Deep-Fried Pork Belly Tai Dog from Aiyaohno Cafe | Taiwanfest 2023

Every year, as our annual Labour Day weekend tradition, we go to Taiwanfest for a delightful taste of Taiwanese cuisine. While Sasaya Bistro has always been a familiar face at the festival, this year brought a pleasant surprise – not one, but two new food vendors! Among them was Aiyaohno Cafe,   selling 'Tai Dog.'

At first, my husband and I thought it would be similar to Japadog, offering hotdogs with Japanese-style toppings. However, we were in for a surprise. Tai Dog's approach was refreshingly different. Instead of the usual, they took the hotdog bun, coated it in crispy panko, deep-fried it to perfection, and then crowned it with succulent pork belly. 🤯

Deep Fried Pork Belly Tai Dog, a collaboration creation between Taiwanfest and Aiyaohno Cafe

The result was a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. The bun was crispy on the outside yet wonderfully soft on the inside. The pork belly, with its tantalizing combination of fatty and crunchy elements, was the star of the show. It was beautifully balanced by the refreshing crunch of cucumber.

Tai Dog from Aiyaohno Cafe

In a word, it was unique and, more importantly, delicious. As I savoured every bite, I couldn't help but think, 'Could I please have this with some soy milk?' 😋

Tai Dog Menu from Taiwanfest

Dulce Apple Fritter Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Yay! A new dream donut from Tim Hortons, the Dulce Apple Fritter Dream Donut, is now available.

It's Labour Day weekend, and we're going to White Rock this morning via the double-decker bus so my husband can see and experience it. 😅 Before that, we walked to Broadway-City Hall Canada Line station and stopped by Tim Hortons so he could try the delicious Savoury Twists.

Dulce Apple Fritter Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Then, we noticed the new Dulce Apple Fritter Dream Donut. It has a strong cinnamon flavour, which overpowers any apple sweetness from the apple. Not even the dulce de leche drizzle on top can save it.

Dulce Apple Fritter Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

This is my biased opinion since I am not a fan of cinnamon flavour. 🥹

Savoury Twists from Tim Hortons

I wanted to say happy Thursday, but it's the 31st of the month, and my salary is not yet in my bank account, causing me great stress this morning. To make myself feel a bit better, I decided to drop by Tim Hortons for my favourite Sausage Farmers Wrap. Then, I noticed that Tims is selling Savoury Twists. There are two variants: Four Cheese Savoury Twists and Everything Savoury Twists.

Four Cheese Savoury Twists and Everything Savoury Twists from Tim Hortons

Okay. This was my first bite of food for the day, and the four cheese was soft, buttery, and cheesy. I absolutely love it. This is so much better than the savoury pastries.

Savoury Twists from Tim Hortons

Four Cheese Savoury Twists from Tim Hortons

The everything savoury twist is saltier than the four cheese, but it has the same soft, chewy texture.

More of this, please? It's so good. It just made the morning better.

Beef Kare-Kare and Chicken Barbecue from Pampanga's Cuisine | Pista ng Bayan 2023

Before I discuss the food, I want to say that Pista ng Bayan is one of the better-organized Filipino events we attended in Metro Vancouver this year. I love how the stage is in the middle while the vendors and booths are wrapped around it. You can explore the market while still being entertained by talented Filipinos.

Now, let's discuss the food. After devouring the bento box from Plato Filipino, we got Combo 2 from Pampanga's Cuisine, which comes with our choice of two meat and rice.

I chose beef kare-kare and chicken barbecue.

Combo 2 with Beef Kare-Kare and Chicken Barbecue from Pampanga's Cuisine

The kare-kare didn't look like the usual colour, but it tasted like peanuts,   which is good. I need my veggies and bagoong. But overall, it satisfied my kare-kare craving.

The chicken barbecue was perfectly caramelized outside and still tender inside. It's perfect.

I'm so happy to be able to support both Filipino restaurants that are part of Pista ng Bayan.

Filipino Bento Box from Plato Filipino | Pista ng Bayan 2023

Happy Saturday! After hubby's volunteering with Friends of VPL, we dropped by on day 1 of Pista ng Bayan at Robson Square.

Our first stop is Plato Filipino. They're offering a bento box Filipino version. It comes with rice (of course), lumpiang shanghai (Filipino spring roll), buko pandan, a choice of between Filipino-style spaghetti, pancit, or palabok, and a choice between Plato Express, beef kaldereta (tomato beef stew with liver spread), or barbecue.

We went for palabok and beef kaldereta, plus I ordered an extra Filipino-style pork barbecue.

Filipino-style Bento Box from Plato Filipino
Buko pandan, beef kaldereta, white rice, palabok, atchara, and lumpiang shanghai

The rice absorbed the sauce from the kaldereta. 🤤 The beef could be a bit more tender, while the lumpiang shanghai is no longer crispy. To be fair, they have been here the whole day.

The palabok was doused with too much calamansi. It's too sour, while the buko pandan was awesome.

We also ordered sago't gulaman, perfect for this hot summer day.

Porchetta from Meat & Bread - Cambie

Meat and Bread have been on my radar for years, but their hours and my schedule just don't match up. Today, bagels were the theme for team lunch again, but my colleague in Vancouver is not a fan of bagels, and she is craving the porchetta sandwich from Meat and Bread 100-metre from our office.

The anticipation is worth it. I feel more regret now that I didn't try it sooner. The porchetta is juicy, fatty pork balanced by salsa verde (mostly pesto) and topped with crackling. It's served between the perfectly toasted ciabatta bread, crunchy exterior, and soft interior.

Porchetta Sandwich from Meat & Bread

I also ordered the tomato soup. The tangy soup helped balance the greasiness of the sandwich, so they're the perfect pair.

I love it when I get free delicious food. Thank God for the blessings of work and the ability to support businesses that create fantastic stuff.

For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

1. Brazilian: Boteco Brasil
2. Chicken: Nando's
3. Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant
4. Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt
5. Thai: Thai Away Home
6. Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread

Chicken Isaw and Red TJ Hotdog from Zugba | 2023 Surrey Fiesta Extravaganza

After Sunday mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, hubby and I took a bus back to Surrey Central Station to visit the 2023 Surrey Fiesta Extravaganza.

We have yet to try three food booths, one of which is Zugba. A local (Surrey) Filipino restaurant.

I saw chicken isaw (intestine) and a red Tender Juicy brand hot dog! I also got Filipino pork BBQ and banana cue.

Banana Cue, Red Tender Juicy Hot Dog, Chicken Isaw, and Pork BBQ from Zugba

I love the isaw! It tastes clean - no funkiness. The Filipino pork barbecue was tough, so I can't recommend the piece I got. Meanwhile, the banana cue was sweet and soft.

My favourite and most nostalgic is the red Tender Juicy hotdog (grilled)! I feel like a 5-year-old kid back in the streets of the Philippines.

Mocha Torte from Sweet Obsession

My dad requested a mocha cake from my sister, and because they lived close to Sweet Obsession, and got a Mocha Torte.

Mocha Torte from Sweet

I love mocha cake, and this one hits the spot. 🤤 I worry about where to get delicious mocha cake, and now I know.

Mocha Torte from Sweet Obsession
Six thin layers of vanilla sponge and mocha buttercream coated in chocolate ganache

It was soft and not overly sweet. My dad loves it too.

Melon Pan, Mochi, and Curry Bread from Kanadell Japanese Bakery

At the Chinatown Festival, we spotted Kanadell Japanese Bakery, selling all sorts of delicious pastries. We picked three.

Melon Pan

Japanese melon pan is a sweet and popular baked treat. It's a sweet, soft bread that reminds me of Filipino ensaimada without cheese topping.

Melon Pan from Kanadell Japanese Bakery

It is called a melon pan due to its characteristic melon-like shape and crisscross pattern on the surface. The flavour is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet bread.

I love it! We got the original flavour, but there are so many other options. I need to find a closer Japanese bakery.

Curry Pan

My favourite food is Japanese curry; when I see a Japanese bakery selling anything with curry, I buy it. We had the curry pan for dinner. It's delicious beef curry with diced potatoes, carrots, and peas. It's a satisfying dinner.

Curry Pan from Kanadell Japanese Bakery

The breaded crust provided a crunch, while the inside of the dough was soft and absorbed the curry sauce pretty well.

Mini Mochi Bites

I love soft, chewy, and slightly sticky mochi, and this little pack has six assorted flavours.

Assorted Mini Mochi Bites from Kanadell Japanese Bakery

• Matcha - It has a slight hint of bitter green tea.
• Earl Grey - It's subtle.
• Chocolate - Rich and velvety with satisfying chocolate flavour.
• Black Sesame - I wish there was more black sesame flavour, but the little I have is perfect.
• Coffee - The bitter coffee is not as strong because it's overpowered by the sweet mochi.
• Red Bean - I love red beans. It's my favourite of all the mochi flavours. It's sweet and creamy.

Fried Bannock from West Coast Bannock

When you have a big sign in your booth declaring that you're the best bannock on the West Coast, you increase people's expectations.

My only bannock experience is with Salmon n' Bannock, and their bannock is baked. Since West Coast Bannock fry theirs, it's lighter and oily. Most things are better fried, and this one is too. It's airy and fluffy.

OG Bannock from West Coast Bannock
Fresh fried Bannock with butter.

It reminds me of Schiarc' or Pizzette Fritte (Fried Bread) from Italian Day on The Drive and even Beavertails.

Red Bean and Green Tea Dorayaki | Chinatown Festival

After Sunday Mass, we took a bus going to Chinatown today. In the last 8 years (since moving to Canada), this is my second time in this area.

Our first bite of food at the Chinatown Festival is Green Tea Dorayaki. It's too sweet. I wished the green tea provided bitterness, but it's also sweet.

Maybe I'm not a fan of Dorayaki in general.

Green Tea Dorayaki grabbed at Chinatown Festival.

What is dorayaki? It is a traditional Japanese dessert consisting of two small pancake-like discs that sandwich a a sweet filling.