Lunch from Jollibee in Vancouver

I want to make this post political, but my husband recommended not to, for fear that I might be targeted; so I'll do my best to keep it at a minimum.

I have been sad, angry, upset, and disappointed since seeing the election results in the Philippines last week. We had plans to take a vacation to visit my in-laws and friends next year, but since the dead dictator's son seems to be winning, we decided to cancel our trip.

We are also going further than cancelling our visit. I have decided to stop supporting all Filipino businesses and products sold here. Why? I saw that Marcos, Jr. is supported by prominent businessmen, and my stomach couldn't handle the idea that I was buying their products. Or the thought that I could be giving my hard-earned cash to businesses that support a thief makes me nauseated.

Lastly, we always donate to organizations that help the Philippines when there's a disaster. We're not going to do that anymore. Canada is home now, and we have decided to help our fellow Canadians who will appreciate it more.

The lunch from Jollibee today is our farewell to Filipino businesses (until something change).

With that said, here's what happened today. First, we went to Mass and decided to walk across Burrard Bridge to Jollibee while it was raining.

Upon entering the store, there were many people in the queue, and the next thing I noticed was how hot it was. I told my husband that it's warm here, and he said maybe it's part of the experience, so you feel like you're in the Philippines. 😅

Line inside Jollibee

We ordered one 1-piece Chicken Joy with Jolly Spaghetti, Cheesy Yumburger, Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Large French Fries, and Peach Mango Pie.

Chicken Joy and Jolly Spaghetti

Deluxe Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Cheesy Yumburger

The food is nostalgic. The spaghetti and fried chicken tasted the same way when I was a kid. The Peach Mango Pie is double the size of what you'll find in the Philippines. Lastly, the spicy chicken sandwich can compete with the best ones in North America.

I learned in our Leadership class that "A principle is not a principle until it costs you something." I will miss Filipino food, but I had to make a stand in my own way.

Dinner at Masa Japanese Restaurant

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC have only two draws so far in the season, and they're both at home. So for both games, it felt like a loss. A win makes me happy (of course) while a loss is expected, so I'm upset, but not enough to stress-eat. A draw is painful because it means they had a chance to win but didn't.

Like in the last draw, we end up at Masa Japanese Restaurant to eat after the game. I didn't order my usual Assorted Curry but chose two rolls and a takoyaki.

Romeo Roll
Seared prawn, crabmeat, avo, cucumber, mozzarella, and balsamic

Juliet Roll
Seared jalapeno, crabmeat, avo, cucumber, mozzarella, and balsamic

Takoyaki
Deep-fried mixed tako ball with sauce

I hope the Whitecaps FC wins on Wednesday, but I expect them to lose because I do not want to be disappointed.

Snacks from Commercial Drive Pizza at BC Place | Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs San Jose Earthquakes

Happy Saturday! We're back at BC Place to watch the Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs San Jose Earthquakes match, resulting in a 3-3 draw.

As I continued trying the different stalls and food in BC Place, we grabbed a couple pizza slices from Commercial Drive Pizza.

Fiesta Pizza (previously called Taco Pizza)
Seasoned Ground Beef, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Green Onions, and Diced Jalapeno Peppers

If you want the more flavourful pizza of the two variants, we tried. Unfortunately, the Carnivore Pizza doesn't have as many chorizo or bacon, so it feels like we got Pepperoni Pizza.

Carnivore Pizza (previously called Italian Job Pizza)
Pepperoni, Chorizo, and Bacon

The Poutinerie

After the pizza, I ordered French Fries and Funnel Cake Fries.

French Fries and a cup of Pepsi

Funnel Cake Fries
Signature fried topped with icing sugar.

Unless you like fried dough with icing sugar on top, I don't recommend the Funnel Cake Fries.

Lunch at Caffè Cittadella

Happy Saturday! After running errands near South Granville, we decided to grab late lunch at Caffè Cittadella.

Indian Coffee with Milk

Hot Chocolate

I ordered a Hot Chocolate while hubby wanted to try Indian Coffee with Milk.

For lunch, we shared a Butter Croissant and Tuna Melt Sandwich. I enjoyed both. I liked how toasted, buttery, and warm the croissant was. The Tuna Melt was perfect as well.

Tuna Melt Sandwich

Butter Croissant with Jam

I can't wait to come back and try their other sandwiches.

Dinner from Boom Kitchen at BC Place | Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Valour FC

Happy Wednesday. I am still sad about what's happening in the Philippines, but this evening I distracted myself by watching the game between Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Valour FC at BC Place. The 'Caps won 2-nil. Yay!

After work (5:00 PM), we left our home and walked to BC Place. We arrived shortly before 6:00 PM and ordered dinner from Boom Kitchen.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl (with chipotle chicken add-on)
Tender chicken bites, black beans, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and sweet corn, served on rice

If you like a meal with a bit of spiciness, the Chipotle Chicken Bowl offers that. I think mixing everything together to ensure each bite has a little bit of the ingredients is the way to go.

Braised Short Rib Bowl (with short rib add-on)
Pulled beef short rib, beer onion, shredded cabbage and banana peppers, served on rice.

The beef was so soft and with just the right amount of sauce. Overall, I am happy with both dishes and am willing to order them again.

We'll be back on Saturday at BC Place for Whitecaps vs Earthquakes.

Lunch from Lionsgate Grill at BC Place | Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Toronto FC

Happy Sunday! The last home game at BC Place was a month ago (April 9) when the Vancouver Whitecaps FC lost to the Portland Timbers. Then, they lost two away games against CF Montreal and Austin FC.

To say that my expectation is low will be an understatement. We're just going to the game since we already paid for the tickets, and it will allow me to try as many food items at BC Place to add content to this blog.

For today, we grabbed lunch from Lionsgate Grill. I ordered Chicken Tenders & Fries and the Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe.

3-piece Chicken Tenders and Fries
Crispy fried chicken tenders served with french fries.

I surprisingly enjoyed the chicken tenders. It was hot, and the batter had a decent amount of black peppers for some heat.

Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe
House formed Canadian beef patty, crispy lettuce, tomato, onion, double smoked bacon, sliced cheddar, and house recipe sauce.

The flavour was okay in the Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe, but the bun was too thick for the burger patty, and the ratio was way off. So I won't recommend it.

Look at how thick those buns are compared to the beef patty.

After finishing the burger and chicken tenders, I needed mini donuts in my life.

Cin City Mini Donuts

Surprisingly, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC won against Toronto FC. It's a game filled with bad officiating, but I'm sure the Whitecaps will take the three points.

Whitecaps win at BC Place.

After the game, we walked across the Cambie Bridge to go home and were rewarded with this beautiful sunny view of False Creek, Science World, and the mountains.

View from Cambie Bridge

We'll be back at BC Place on Wednesday for the Canadian Championship Preliminary round against Valour FC. But, of course, we're going to watch with low expectations.

Breakfast at Starbucks

Happy Sunday! Before heading to the 9:00 AM Mass, we went to Starbucks to enjoy their butter croissant and a tall mocha.

Butter Croissant and Tall Mocha from Starbucks

After Mass, we walked across Burrard Bridge to the Starbucks close to BC Place and grabbed a couple Spinach, Feta, & Egg White Wrap and a Trenta Iced Black Tea.

Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap and a Trenta Iced Black Tea from Starbucks

I'm always happy to get free food and drinks from Starbucks.

BC Place Food, Menu, and Prices 2022 Checklist

I am watching 12 out of 17 home games of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC this year,   and as such, I will try as much food as offered and make recommendations as we go. This post is my checklist of meals to try in the stadium with links to the actual post.

BC Place is the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and BC Lions.

⭐ Recommended

☑️ I ate this already

🔲 I have yet to try

All prices are in Canadian dollars based on the display in BC Place and are subject to change without prior notice. It does not include taxes or tips.

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Beast On Fire

🔲 Slow Roasted Prime Rib - $17.25

🔲 The BLT - $15.25

🔲 Bacon Wrapped Foot Long Hot Dog - $13.25

🔲 The Beast's Rib - $38.00

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Beast Unleashed

🔲 Smash Goldburger - $35.00

🔲 Short Rib Bao Burger - $14.75

🔲 Kimchi Dog - $13.25

🔲 Elvis Burger - $14.75

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Bombay South Asian Kitchen

🔲 Butter Chicken Curry - $13.50

🔲 Lamb Korma Curry - $12.75

🔲 Chana Masala Curry - $12.50

🔲 Vegetable Samosas (2-piece) - $7.75

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Boom Kitchen

☑️ Braised Short Rib Bowl - $16.50 - May 11, 2022

☑️ Chipotle Chicken Bowl - $15.75 - May 11, 2022 ⭐

🔲 BC Place Signature Grilled Cheese - $10.25

🔲 Super Happy Power Bowl - $12.50

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Commercial Drive Pizza

Stadiums won't be complete if they don't offer pizza.

🔲 Pizza Two Slice Combo - $10.25

🔲 Pepperoni Pizza Slice - $6.50

🔲 Cheese Pizza Slice / Three Cheese Pizza - $6.50

🔲 Hawaiian Pizza Slice / Ham & Pineapple Pizza - $6.50

🔲 Buffalo Chicken Pizza Slice / Ranchero Chicken Pizza - $6.50

☑️ Italian Job Pizza Slice / Carnivore Pizza - $6.50 - May 14,2022

☑️ The Taco Pizza Slice / Fiesta Pizza - $6.50 - May 14,2022

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Dawson's Hot Dogs

Obviously, by the name, they sell your standard stadium hotdogs.

☑️ Foot Long Hot Dog Supreme - $13.50 last April 2, 2022

☑️ Foot Long Hot Dog - $10.25 last April 2, 2022

🔲 Coney Island Chili Dog - $9.50

🔲 Jumbo Hot Dog - $6.50

🔲 Vegetarian Hot Dog - $6.50

🔲 Topped Doritos Walking Taco - $9.50

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Lionsgate Grill

They primarily sell burgers and beer.

🔲 Bucket of Chicken Tenders with Fries - $24.75

☑️ Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe - $13.50 - May 8, 2022

☑️ Cheeseburger Deluxe - $10.00 last February 29, 2020

🔲 Original Hamburger - $9.00

🔲 Buffalo Chicken Tender Burger - $13.25

☑️ Chicken Tenders & Fries - $13.75 - May 8, 2022

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The Mac Bar

☑️ Oceanwise Tuna Bento Bowl - $15.50 - April 8, 2022

🔲 Chef Salad - $12.75

🔲 Caesar Salad - $8.50

🔲 Cheese Plate - $8.50

☑️ Mac & Cheese Bowl - $12.00 - April 8, 2022

Customize the Mac and Cheese with possible add-ons (+$3.75 each):

🔲 Add Chipotle Chicken

🔲 Add Cheese Curds

🔲 Add Pulled Beef Short Rib

🔲 Add All Beef Sausage

🔲 Add Sweet Corn

🔲 Add Crunchy Cheetos

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The Poutinerie

The Poutinerie is by far my favourite stall in BC Place. If you're from outside of Canada and want to try poutine, this is the place to go.

☑️ Short Rib Poutine - $12.50 last October 27, 2021 and March 5, 2022 ⭐

☑️ Classic Poutine - $10.00 last February 19, 2022

☑️ Chicken Tenders & Fries - $13.75 - May 8, 2022

☑️ Funnel Cake Fries - $8.25 - May 14,2022

☑️ Garlic Fries - $8.00 - March 5, 2022

☑️ French Fries $6.00 - March 5, 2022

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Level 3 Southwest Lounge

During the Canada Women National Team friendly game against Nigeria, we chose Club Seating. The Sports Lounge menu has items from different vendors on the second floor.

Mains

🔲 Grilled Stadium Hot Dog & Fries - $9.00

🔲 Kimchi Dog - $14.75

☑️ Macaroni & Cheese - $12.00 - April 8, 2022

🔲 Short Rib Mac & Cheese - $16.25

🔲 Chicken Tenders & Fries - $15.00

🔲 Bucket O'Tenders & Fries - $24.75

🔲 House Cheeseburger & Fries - $15.75

🔲 Buffalo Chicken Burger & Fries - $15.75

🔲 Unleashed Veg Burger & Fries - $15.75

🔲 Chipotle Chicken Bowl - $15.75

🔲 Braised Short Rib Bowl - $16.50

Tapas

☑️ House Fries - $8.00 - April 8, 2022

🔲 Traditional Poutine - $10.50

🔲 Short Rib Poutine - $14.00

🔲 Garlic Fries - $9.50

Grab N' Go

🔲 Cheese Plate - $9.00

🔲 Chef's Plate - $12.75

☑️ Oceanwise Tuna Bowl - $15.50 - April 8, 2022

🔲 Caesar Salad - $8.50

Cinco de Mayo lunch from Loz Takos

It's the 5th year in a row that we enjoyed Mexican-inspired food at Cinco de Mayo (May 5).

• 2018 - We had nachos, quesadilla, burrito, and churros from Sal y Limon on Kingsway Avenue.
• 2019 - We had nachos, tacos, and churros from Tacofino Taco Bar in Gastown.
• 2020 - We had nachos, quesadilla, burrito, and churros from Las Margaritas in Kitsilano delivered at our home.
• 2021- We had nachos, quesadilla, burrito, and churros from Salsa and Agave in Yaletown delivered at our home.

We originally had planned to dine in at one of the many restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine in Vancouver. However, it was raining quite hard, and our plans kept on changing throughout the day, so we ended up looking at DoorDash and choosing Loz Takos.

We're pretty consistent with our orders, but I'm dropping quesadilla because I can make it at home.

Lunch from Loz Takos

Munchie: Nachos

The nachos were fair, and having stale chips didn't help. Though, soft chips soaked in cheese were helpful for my gums.

Tortilla Soup with Chips

This is my first time trying tortilla soup, and I am uncertain what to expect. There's a scoop of what I think is guacamole in the middle of it could be green peppers.

Asada de Res (Grilled Steak) Burrito

Asada de Res (Grilled Steak) Burrito

Hubby and I are still on a calorie-counted diet, so we're sharing the Asada de res (grilled steak) burrito. The burrito was good. The steak was a bit dry, but overall a good filling burrito.

Churrito

It's pretty hard to go wrong with a churro, and I am satisfied with this one. Although, I don't know why Loz Takos calls it churrito because it's not as small as we thought it would be.

I haven't been this food coma in a long time.

Proudly Philippines: Food and Travel Fair in Vancouver

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver announced PROUDLY PHILIPPINES: Philippine Food and Travel Fair.

Image source: Vancouver PCG

When is Proudly Philippines: Food and Travel Fair?

June 11, 2022, Saturday (A day before Philippine Independence Day)

What time?

It's from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where is the Proudly Philippines: Food and Travel Fair?

It will be at Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver.

I will update this post once more information becomes available.

New York Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee | BMO Vancouver Marathon Series

Happy Sunday! My husband ran the half-marathon during the BMO Vancouver Marathon today. Congratulations, love!

1st Post in the series: Breakfast at Starbucks

2nd Post in the series: Lunch at Lin Chinese Cuisine

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After our delicious lunch at Lin Chinese Cuisine, we walked to Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee even though we have already tried the available seasonal flavour. 

We ordered one of their Signature Cheesecake Flavours during this visit and chose the New York, and I ordered a Dragonwell green tea.

New York Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

We enjoyed our cheesecake and sat there for a couple hours just talking. I fell in love with my husband again. This is one of my favourite activities with him, sitting in a coffee shop and just talking about anything and everything. Thank God for blessing me with such an excellent life partner and friend.

Lunch at Lin Chinese Cuisine | BMO Vancouver Marathon Series

Happy Sunday! My husband ran the half-marathon during the BMO Vancouver Marathon today. Congratulations, love!

1st Post of the Series: Breakfast at Starbucks

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When I arrived near the finish line area, there were a lot of people - runners and people cheering for them. I waited about an hour before seeing my husband cross the finish line. Woohoo! I'm so happy to see him finish in one piece. I always get paranoid (I blame the 2013 Boston Marathon incident) that something will happen, so I am so grateful to God that he finished and he did well.

BMO Vancouver Marathon 2022

FedEx ruined my Sunday.

We ordered a Dyson PH03 Purifier Humidify + Cool Air Purifier with HEPA Filter - White/Silver from Best Buy. According to the tracking number, it will arrive on Monday, which is well and good because we work from home. However, while waiting for my husband near the finish line, I received a call from FedEx.

Our package is already there. I told the delivery person we were not home and asked if he could come back tomorrow. Then, I received a picture - the package was in front of our apartment building in an unsecured area where it could get stolen anytime. I was freaking out. This Dyson PH03 is the single most expensive appliance/furniture we own, and it's just sitting there! Yes, we're frugal with things we use at home and generally buy affordable items.

I found my husband in Portal Park. I informed him of the situation with FedEx,   and we decided to go straight home. We originally planned to enjoy food from the different food trucks at the Street Festival and slowly walk home. Instead, we walked to the bus stop and took a bus home. Thankfully, our package is still there, but we missed the opportunity to enjoy and eat at the Street Festival organized by the Downtown Vancouver BIA. I was upset at FedEx for ruining the Sunday I had planned.

We rested for a few minutes at home and decided to have lunch at Lin Chinese Cuisine.

Lunch at Lin Chinese Cuisine

We decided on Lin Chinese Cuisine because we want hubby to eat carbs, so noodles seem to be a good option, and we haven't been here since December.

We're also starting our own "Support Broadway Businesses" initiative where we either dine-in or order to go from restaurants along West Broadway. A lot of them are affected by the construction of the train line.

We ordered two noodle dishes and Xiao Long Bao.

Tan Tan noodle soup with minced meat

Noodle soup with pork chop

Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai juicy pork dumplings)

After enjoying our carbo-loaded lunch, hubby requested that we have desserts, and that will be on my next post.

Breakfast from Starbucks | BMO Vancouver Marathon Series

Happy Sunday! My husband ran the half-marathon during the BMO Vancouver Marathon today. Congratulations, love!

He left our home at 6:30 AM, walked to the train station, and to Queen Elizabeth Park, where the starting line is.

I left at around 8:30 AM and started my almost 6km walk to the finish line. On the way, I grabbed my free butter croissant and mocha drink from Starbucks.

Free Starbucks

Butter Croissant

I enjoyed my breakfast while walking to Downtown Vancouver across Burrard Bridge.

Flowers near the Seaforth Armory

View from Burrard Bridge

It's a cloudy and cool day. I will continue with what happened today in the next post.

Dinner at Tim Hortons

Happy Wednesday! It's almost a week since my wisdom teeth extraction. I think I'm recovering quite nicely. We decided to walk around the neighbourhood since the weather was nice. Before heading home, we had dinner at Tim Hortons.

Hubby said I shouldn't eat donuts yet, so I ordered my favourite chilli with the complimentary bread. I absolutely love the soft bread soaked in chilli. I also got potato wedges, but the edges are too hard, so I only nibble on the middle part, and hubby ate the rest.

Frozen Lemonade

Cilantro Lime Chicken Wrap

Meanwhile, my husband ordered the Cilantro Lime Chicken Loaded Wrap. He said it was fine and different from what you usually get from Tims. I can't wait to try it too!

Soft Foods Lunch at Boston Pizza

Happy Sunday! I had all four wisdom teeth extracted last Thursday, and I have been eating ready-made soup from Save on Foods for the past three days and mashed cauliflower. Moreover, I had two antibiotics and two types of painkillers.

To change things up, I looked at the menu of different restaurants near us to look for soup and mashed potatoes. Thankfully, both are available at Boston Pizza.

Husband appreciation section: I would like to thank my husband for taking care of me since after the surgery. He's been preparing my meals and making sure I have icepacks on my cheeks. Thanks, Love.

BP's French Onion Soup
A rich beef broth made with sherry and sweet onions. Topped with house-made crostini, Gouda, provolone, pizza mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked until the cheese is a bubbly golden brown.

The French Onion Soup of Boston Pizza didn't look appetizing, but it was flavourful, and the bread soaked the broth, making it soft and perfect for my swollen cheeks.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A heaping helping of garlicky, fluffy carb-a-licious goodness

After three days of vegetarian soup, the Garlic Mashed Potatoes are what I need. It's filled with carbohydrates made me feel happy.

Royal Hawaiian Pizza
Sweet Thai honey garlic, Gouda, provolone, Parmesan, pizza mozzarella, red onions, smoked prosciutto, bacon, pineapple, and toasted sesame seeds.

On the other hand, hubby ordered pizza because he could eat anything he wanted and didn't have swollen chipmunk cheeks. To end our meal, we had the only dessert with ice cream.

Chocolate Brownie Addiction
Two warm chocolate brownies topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with our caramel and chocolate sauces.

Our fridge is filled with more Carrot Ginger Soup and mashed cauliflower, and our pantry now includes mac and cheese and pudding. Hopefully this would be sufficient until end of work, or I'll just order mashed potatoes from Boston Pizza.

Dinner at Mr. Japanese Curry

Happy Wednesday. I told my husband that this was my "Last Supper." I am having all four of my wisdom teeth removed tomorrow, and it's advised to eat soft food (soup, smoothies, and mashed vegetables) in the next 5-7 days, so we walked to Cambie Village to Save on Foods for ready-cooked soup that hubby can easily reheat with minimal movements from me.

I also get paranoid thinking, what if something happens during the minor surgery and this becomes my last meal. I totally would want to eat Japanese curry. Every time we go to a Japanese restaurant (whether they specialize in sushi or ramen), if they have curry, I will most likely order it with tonkatsu as my meat topping and, of course, with rice.

My favourite Japanese curry is from Suika, but my dinner tonight came a really close second, and that's saying a lot from their delicious meals. The only downside is Mr. Japanese Curry has such a small place that your clothes will smell like curry afterwards.

I tried to replicate the Suika meal of Beef Curry (#3 in Mr. Japanese Curry) with Tonkatsu (under toppings) and chose Level 2 heat (it's the right heat). It was almost perfect except that Suika curry had the beef shredded and so soft while with Mr. Japanese Curry it's in chunks.

#3 Beef Curry (Stewed Beef) with Tonkatsu 

Overall, I'll come back to Mr. Japanese Curry and enjoy this meal again.

Hubby ordered #4 Mr. Curry and I enjoyed the cheese, onion, and pork combination with curry sauce and rice. 

#4 Mr. Curry
Beef curry with sliced grilled pork and onions in a homemade garlic soy sauce, fried shrimp, a hard-boiled egg, and melted cheese

Karaage
Boneless fried chicken

The karaage was lightly battered and extremely juicy. It was definitely worth it.

For future me, please order less rice and more curry sauce. Yum!