I did something I hadn't done in a long time: volunteer in person.
Compassion Canada was looking for volunteers for the "for KING & COUNTRY"
concert at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Downtown Vancouver. I have a confession: I didn't know the band before volunteering and spent the last
few nights listening to their songs on YouTube.
It was fun to volunteer in person. After our volunteering part (during the
intermission), we enjoyed the second part of the show.
I haven't been to a concert since forever (12 years ago?), and it was fun, but I
wish I knew more of their songs. After the show, I exited the Queen
Elizabeth Theatre to see my husband standing outside. We're both giddy that
our dear Vancouver Whitecaps FC won 6-2 (six!!!) against Houston Dynamo at
nearby BC Place.
I told him I wanted ramen, but after 10:00 PM, all ramen shops Downtown were
closed. Grr. His alternative proposal: pho. I searched for pho restaurants, and
only two are open until 11:00 PM, one of which is Pho Mimosa along Granville
Street.
Before you judge me (okay, you're allowed to judge), I last ate at 12:30 PM lunch, and it's already 10:30 PM, and I was standing up for about 3
hours. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling hungry, but I know that when my mom reads
this, she'll nag me not to eat or drink anything cold and no alcohol because
it'll upset my stomach.
I wanted pho but spotted my favourite Vietnamese Beef Stew, so I ordered everything I wanted and overate.
The first thing to arrive at our table is the Hoanh Thanh Soup (Pork and
Shrimp Wontons soup with no noodles). I took a spoonful, and it warmed my
stomach. It's like a comforting hug after a tiring day. The Pork & Shrimp
Wontons are nice too. If I'm back to strictly dieting, I'll be happy to order this without the noodles.
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#28 Hoanh Thanh Soup from Pho Mimosa
Pork and Shrimp Wontons Soup
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Afterwards, hubby's Pho Dac Biet (Special Beef Noodle Soup) arrived. He gave
me a bite of each meat and offered me a bite of the noodles, which was so good. At this point, I regret not getting a bowl of pho.
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#31 Pho Dac Biet from Pho Mimosa
Special Beef Noodle Soup (rare beef, brisket, beef balls, tendon and
tripe)
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Then, my Com Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) arrived alongside a bowl of rice.
The pieces of beef are so tender, which is why it's my favourite. Then, because I was
feeling greedy, I ordered an Extra Grilled Chicken on the side, which was
terrific. It's sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked.
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#49 Com Bo Kho from Pho Mimosa
Vietnamese Beef Stew with Rice
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Extra Grilled Chicken from Pho Mimosa
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The Cha Gio (Deep Fried Pork Spring Rolls) is the last thing to arrive. It's
huge. At least, it's bigger than what I remember we get from other pho restaurants, or maybe it's how it's presented. It's delicious, too - crispy exterior and
flavourful interior.
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#1 Cha Gio from Pho Mimosa
Deep-Fried Pork Spring Rolls
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After dinner, we walked across Granville Bridge because I needed to burn calories after eating so much. We also enjoyed looking at the waning gibbous
moon. It's so beautiful.
