#TimBiebs SOLD OUT Lunch from Tim Horton's

Today is my first day off with the whole goal of running errands. I woke up an hour later than usual,, which is such a luxury.

The day started with breakfast at home, then to a nearby LifeLabs for a blood sample. Afterwards, I had an 11:00 AM appointment to get my haircut after 14 months at Suki in South Granville, but I had 10 minutes to spare before that,, so I spent that time in line at RBC to get two rolls loonies for the laundry.

I love my hair, but I don't show my face or upload my picture in Smooch Food. So, before heading home, we went to Tim Horton's to buy and try #TimBiebs and whatever Dream Donuts they have available. Unfortunately, both are sold out, so we ordered our usual chilli and two farmer's market wrap for lunch because there's a promo.

Happy lunch from Tim Horton's

I will make a new post as soon as we have tried a new Dream Donut and/or the TimBiebs. Happy Friday!

Reunion Holiday Dinner at The Wicklow Pub

It was cold but surprisingly clear skies this evening in Vancouver when I met some of my former colleagues. Since moving to Canada six years ago, I don't have any friends, and the best place to make a social (and professional) connection is at work. That's why every year (except last year), I organize a reunion dinner around December to gather everyone and catch up.

I had a fantastic time catching up with my friends about career, recruitment, housing, mortgages, cryptocurrency, falling buildings, even the Marcoses. I laughed so hard at the jokes and banters, and I was food coma from the delicious food.

Super thank you, The Wicklow Pub, for hosting us. They allowed us to use the private room exclusively, meaning we could talk and laugh as loudly as possible. I miss these guys and the fun we have at work, but I am more than happy to keep organizing these events to see each other once (maybe twice) a year.

For tonight, I finished the nachos myself and got peer pressured to order yam fries because everyone has it.

Nachos

Yam Fries

I am sleepy now, so I'll edit and maybe add more details tomorrow. Maybe.

Thank God for giving me beautiful friends in Canada and keeping them all safe and healthy in the middle of the pandemic.

• May A, Jo, and Ja find employment and work soon in a place where they'll be appreciated and supported.
• May everyone else continue to grow and bless their current employers.
• Keep them and their families safe, healthy, and happy today and every day for the rest of their lives.

Bingsu from Sulmida Snow Dessert Cafe

Bingsu is something we always see Mike Chen (Strictly Dumplings) eat in his videos when in South Korea. After our ramen dinner at Yaguchiya Ramen, we had dessert from Sulmida Snow Dessert Cafe.

Green Tea and Red Bean Sulmida Mini Bingsu Cups

It was raining this evening, but the cafe is so warm that enjoying the Bingsu is such a comfort.

Korean Dessert Cafe

What is Bingsu?

"Bingsu, sometimes written as bingsoo, is a Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings that may include chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and red beans. The most common variety is pat-bingsu, the red bean shaved ice." - Wikipedia

Dinner at Yaguchiya Ramen

Happy Tuesday! Our family doctor is near Metrotown, which means every appointment is an opportunity to explore the different restaurants in the area.

It was raining all day, which is expected in Vancouver, but we usually just stay home most days. However, the trip going all the way to Burnaby felt so much longer than it really was. The rain, traffic, and everything was such a great reminder why hubby and I decided and wanted to stay in our current neighbourhood close to work, groceries, church, and almost everything we need - except a family doctor, apparently.

It's not all bad. We would grab groceries at The Canadian Superstore and decided to walk the crosswalk, and the first restaurant we saw was Yaguchiya Ramen. I was hesitant at first because the restaurant looked small outside, but it's a decent size inside, and it's well-lit as well. They also checked vaccination cards, and they refused a couple who failed to download their vaccination card. The host recommended they order takeout instead. Thankfully they did without fuss and drama.

Ramen

I ordered my usual Miso Ramen, and it was delicious but not as impressive as the Yaguchiya Special Ramen which hubby ordered. I kept getting a spoonful of broth from his bowl.

Yaguchiya Special Ramen
Pork and chicken broth, three pork chashu, seasoned egg, spinach, roasted seaweed and leeks with shoyu base.

Miso Ramen
Pork and chicken broth, pork chashu, bean sprouts, corn, and chives with miso base.

Sides

For the sides, I ordered Gyoza and Yaguchiya Bun. The Gyoza is as expected from a ramen shop - it didn't taste like it's been in the freezer forever. I love the fluffy buns. I ordered two, but they only have one left, which we had to share.

Yaguchiya Bun (braised pork belly bun) and 5 pieces of Gyoza

I was already telling hubby that we need to come back and try the other ramen when we're in the area again.

Cool History

Here is a short history of Yaguchiya Ramen.

Yaguchiya Ramen is an iekei style of ramen that originated from Yokohama, Japan, in 1994. In 1997, the second restaurant opened in Hiratsuka City. Finally, the 3rd location opened 20 years later (2017) in Burnaby, BC, Canada!

It's been so long since I've had ramen inside a restaurant, and it's such a comforting food and meal. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful experience.

Lunch at Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurant

Happy rainy Sunday! We started today with two breakfast sandwiches and a venti drink from Starbucks. Unfortunately, the location we visited didn't have outdoor seating, so we decided to hang out at Blenz coffee near the Church. We enjoyed sitting outside while munching on their rancheros breakfast wrap, watching the rain, and discussing plans and random things. Thank God for moments like this.

After Mass, we decided to have lunch at Earls Kitchen + Bar Restaurant at West Broadway and Fir Street. The host asked if we were willing to wait because it'll be 20 to 25 minutes. It was roughly 12:30 PM. I said, sure. We were standing outside for five minutes when spots became available in the waiting area indoors.

We kept ourselves entertained, and after having two breakfasts, we weren't hungry. So at 1:05 PM, we were finally seated.

Our server thanked us for patiently waiting and apologized for the delay. The manager also offered the first round of drinks on the house. The server also mentioned that the kitchen is backed up, so it might be a few more minutes before we get food. We didn't mind. Hubby and I just spent the time discussing our different applications.

When he came back, we were ready for our order. For sharing, we had Warm Spinach + Three Cheese Dip. Then, for our drinks, hubby had PB&J (yes, they have a PB&J cocktail!) while I had a Pineapple Cucumber Mule.

Warm Spinach + Three Cheese Dip
Artichokes, creamy garlic, chives

I enjoyed our appetizer and drinks. You can also ask for additional bread to make sure you wipe clean the dip.

PB&J
Screwball Peanut Butter whiskey, raspberry jelly, red wine and fresh lemon - contains peanuts.
Pineapple Cucumber Mule
Ginger, pineapple, passion fruit, fresh lime, cucumber, star anise extract, and soda

For our main course, hubby ordered Canadian Prime Sirloin while I have Garlic Prawn Spaghettini.

9oz Canadian Prime Sirloin
Classic sirloin served with buttery garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Garlic Prawn Spaghettini
Chilli and clam sauce, herbs, garlic bread

On my first bite of the Garlic Prawn Spaghettini, I thought it was bland, but as I continued eating and mixing the pasta with the clam sauce, which settled at the bottom of the plate, it's so delicious. I love the subtle heat from the chilli.

The Earls menu is quite extensive, so I'll try other dishes first, but I will definitely order this again.

Dinner from KFC | 25% off Black Friday Deal 2021

KFC Canada had a promo of 25% off for Black Friday on all Festive Buckets. So, of course, I won't pass on a good deal and a delicious meal. Plus, the festive bucket is quite adorable.

I also ordered two Popcorn Chicken Bowl meals because I wanted some iced tea. Somehow, the bottled ice tea is not available under the drinks section.

Festive Double Bucket Meal

Festive Double Bucket Meal and Popcorn Chicken Bowl

It's such a food coma, "what is diet" meal. I need to exercise consistently to lose all the calories from dinner. Otherwise, it's so satisfying. ❤