Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Safeway is back at Oakridge, and I finally went for a wander. It's huge . I didn't buy anything this time. I just walked around with my phone out and snapped every menu board I could find, so you can see what's on offer (and what it costs) before you go. 📍 Ready-to-Eat At-A-Glance: Safeway Oakridge Park Location: Underground, reached from the south atrium of Oakridge Park, 650 W 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2M9 (Oakridge neighbourhood) Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday and stat holidays 11 am to 7 pm (per Oakridge Park, check before you go) What's Here: Zenshi sushi counter, Zenshi Chinese hot foods, Hot Value Meals, 4 Can Dine, Sandwich Combo, cooked-to-order pizza, Starbucks Price Range: From $2.99 (Veggie Spring Roll, 2pc) to $29.99 (Zenshi Family Feast) Best Deals on the Boards: Hot Value Meals from $5.99, pizza slices at $4.49, 4 Can Dine for $19.99 Good For: Quick lunches, family dinners, grab-and-go meals ...

I'm back at the Olympic Village Save-On-Foods, and this time I walked the whole ready-to-eat area with my phone out. Grocery store meals are one of my favourite no-effort dinners (and you don't have to tip!), so I wanted to see everything they have in one place. 📍 Ready-to-Eat At-A-Glance: Save-On-Foods Olympic Village Location: 1688 Salt St, Olympic Village (False Creek), Vancouver, BC What's Here: The Kitchen (made-in-store deli case, carvery, breakfast), grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, sushi and poke, snack packs and charcuterie, hot meals, self-serve Starbucks, wine and beer Price Range: Food from $4.99 (Mini Spinach Dip Snacker) to $14.99 (whole Lumber Jack Sandwich), coffee from $2.00 Best Deals on the Shelves: Free 12 oz coffee with a breakfast wrap or sandwich, salad plus small hot soup combo for $3 extra, More Rewards free sandwich for 4000 points Good For: Quick dinners, packed lunches, snack platters, breakfast on the go ...

Elaichi Patisserie was part of the first batch of Flavours of Hope , so their name has been on my radar for a while. I got to enjoy their pastries back in October 2023 at BC Culture Days organized by Pacific Arts Market , and of course I follow them on Instagram. When I saw they were opening a physical store, I was so happy and proud. Supporting small local family businesses is the best. Elaichi Patisserie, Mount Pleasant (Soft Opening) Location: 2821 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G1 (Main Street between 12th and 13th Ave) Featured Items: Samosa Croissant ($6.25 + tax), Chai & Cookie Croissant ($8.50 + tax), Chai ($4.50 + tax) Seating: No tables, but there is a comfy couch. Plan to take your croissant and chai to go. Verdict: A proud, delicious local opening. The samosa croissant is a must-try, and the chai and cookie croissant is perfectly flaky and not overly sweet. They are still in thei...

Team lunch called for pies again, and this time I went with the Mentil Lentil from Peaked Pies. I love how this spot always has a solid vegetarian option that doesn't feel like an afterthought. Peaked Pies, Team Lunch Featured Item: Mentil Lentil Pie ($14.38) Dietary: Vegetarian Verdict: Hearty, saucy, and comforting. Tastes like a good spaghetti sauce baked into flaky pastry. This one is packed with tender lentils, sweet zucchini, earthy carrot, and crisp celery, all simmered in a rich chili basil tomato sauce. It's honestly reminiscent of a good spaghetti sauce, hearty, saucy, and well-seasoned with just enough heat to keep things interesting. On top of that filling sits a generous dollop of creamy parmesan ricotta mix that melts into the sauce as you cut through the flaky pastry shell. Mentil Lentil: hearty filling with a creamy ricotta surprise. Honestly, I'd happily eat t...

I don't hang out with my parents often enough, so when they visit my side of Vancouver, I make it a priority to bring them somewhere special. Today, I decided to introduce them to C Market Coffee along Main Street, Vancouver's biggest coffee shop. This is my third time visiting, and I still remember being here on opening day. C Market Coffee, Main Street (Third Visit) Location: 195 E 36th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5W 4A1 (Main Street) Visit: Family outing with parents Featured Items: K-Ube Latte ($7), Dubai Chocolate Croissant ($10.50), Ultimate Chocolate Nemo Cake ($8) Verdict: A delightful spot to share time with family. The croissant steals the show with its perfect texture and pistachio cream. My parents ordered their usual Americanos while my sister and I decided to indulge in a couple of their signature desserts. We went with the luxurious Dubai Chocolate Croissant and the Ultimate Chocolate Nemo Ca...