Sunday, December 26, 2021

Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

This year, I have tried more than a handful of the seasonal cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee.
My previous favourite was the Matcha Cheesecake. It's so good, but the Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake and all the nuts inside is just to die for.

Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake

The Best 2020 Seasonal Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

We didn't do any Boxing Day shopping today, but we went to Trees to enjoy the seasonal cheesecake and have our annual planning meeting.

Friday, December 24, 2021

Christmas Eve Dinner from H-Mart at Home

Every year my sister picks a place on what we'll have for Christmas Eve dinner. This year we had Korean cuisine, specifically Korean BBQ, at home. We purchased a grill, marinated meat, and side dishes.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Below is a list of our past "cuisines":
  • 2020 - Chinese Food
  • 2019 - French Food
  • 2018 - Spanish Food
  • 2017 - Japanese Food
  • 2016 and 2015 - "Italian" Food (really it's Pizza and my mom's Spaghetti)
After dinner, we played some games then did Karaoke while waiting for midnight. Finally, at midnight, we had our annual tradition of exchanging gifts. It's so much fun to be with everybody. Merry Christmas, everyone!


Lunch from Japadog Drive-Through

Happy Friday and almost Christmas! 🎄 Today my parents picked us up from our place. We're going to celebrate Christmas at their place. Before heading there, we went grocery shopping at H-Mart in Richmond. Our theme for Christmas dinner is Korean cuisine.

After grocery shopping, we dropped by Lansdowne because my sister had to buy a tripod, and since my mom was already starving, we grabbed lunch from the Japadog.

My mom thought we should eat at the food court inside Lansdowne, but I am still paranoid about COVID, so buying a food truck and bringing it home seems the best idea.

Left: Kurobuta Terimayo and Kurobuta Okonomi
Right: Karaage and Wagyu Beef Terimayo

The Kurobuta Terimayo and Kuronuta Okonomi are for my parents, while hubby and I ordered Karaage and Wagyu Beef Terimayo. Surprisingly, I didn't enjoy the Karaage, and I think that's the first Japadog I didn't order.

We also ordered four different Shaked Fries flavours: Butter & Shoyu, Shichimi & Garlic, Aonori, and Black Pepper. I think the Butter & Shoyu is still the best. However, if you want something spicy, the Shichimi & Garlic is a delicious option.

For future me, here's a list of Japadog based on the menu in the McArthurGlen location with a link to which ones you've tried.
  1. Kurobuta Terimayo
  2. Kurobuta Okonomi
  3. Kurobuta Oroshi
  4. Kurobuta Love Meat
  5. Spicy Cheese Terimayo
  6. Yakisoba
  7. Ebi Tempura
  8. Tonkatsu
  9. Hot Spicy
  10. Yakiniku Rice
  11. Croquiette
  12. Karaage (today)
  13. Wagyu Beef Terimayo (today)
  14. Avocado
  15. Cilantro

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Black Forest Filled Ring Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Happy Thursday! I had to pick up a package at the nearby FedEx location and decided to order any new dream donut at Tim Hortons.

Black Forest Filled Ring Dream Donut

I am glad that the donut itself is not dry. The inside is filled with what I presume to be cherry, and the other half is chocolate-filled. Is it something I'll order again? Not really.

Dinner from Tim Hortons

We also ordered dinner of large chilli with whole wheat homestyle bun, grilled cheese melt, and Old Fashioned Plain Donut. The Old Fashioned Donut from Lee's Donuts is so much better, but they don't sell it anymore.

Today is the last workday for the week for me and the last workday for the year for hubby.

For references, below are the previous dream donuts we've tried.

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Dinner from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

To say that Redbeef Noodle Kitchen is our second favourite restaurant in Vancouver is an understatement. It's the only restaurant we ordered more than three times this year, and we absolutely love their food. It hits a different spot.

Dinner feast from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen

Curry Chicken Cutlet Rice and Curry Beef Rice

I like the Curry Chicken Cutlet Rice, and it's so nice that the curry sauce is in a separate container. It's like enjoying Chicken Cutlet Rice and having the option to dip it in curry sauce. The Curry Beef Rice is for hubby, and it's so good. I recommend the Curry Beef Rice over the Chicken if you want curry.

Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken

My absolute favourite (and must-try item) from Redbeef is the Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken. It's still so good.

Steamed Creamy Custard Buns

I was hoping the Creamy Custard Buns would be sweet, but it tasted like salted egg yolks. It's delicious, but not something for dessert.

Malay Sponge Cake

This is another favourite from Redbeef. It's so soft, and in general, I love sponge cakes and chiffon cakes. Hmmm, so good.


Lunch from Le Coq Frit

Hubby and I are in "lockdown" 🤣. I attended a dinner with more than 20 people in Burnaby, and the restaurant didn't check vaccination cards. So we will stay home for 14 days and see if we develop any COVID-19 symptoms. If we don't (I hope we don't), we will head to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner.

With that said, this weekend, instead of going out, we ordered in. I was browsing DoorDash, figuring out where and what to order. We don't have any specific cravings, but I found Le Coq Frit. It's a relatively new restaurant along West Broadway. We pass it by a few times when walking to and from church.

I ordered a lot of things which are to be expected.

Lunch from Le Coq Frit

Our delivery arrived in beautiful bags.

Our delivery arrived in reusable bags, which we kept.

Chicken & Croffles
Croissant waffles with Boneless Thigh Real Crispy Chicken, Jalapeno, and Spicy Mayo.

It's my first time trying croffles, and it's so awesome. It's essentially croissants shaped like waffles. It's flakey and buttery. The Real Crispy Chicken is delicious as well. I wish I had ordered more.

9 pieces Original Black Chicken Wings
Coated with Sweet, Savoury, and sticky Soy-Based Sauce

The "Original Black Chicken" tastes like Korean fried chicken. It's sweet and savoury. We loved it and will gladly order it again.

9 pieces Original Red Chicken Wings
Nashville Hot Chicken

The "Original Red Chicken" is spicy. Hubby said it's too hot and we will not order again. The only thing we didn't try from their menu is the Sweet & Spicy Chicken. I can't wait to visit the store soon.

Classic Signature Chicken Burger
Made with French Artisan Brioche Buns, Chicken Breast, Greens, Pickles, and House Sauce

Is it wrong that I will order the chicken burger as well? I can't wait to try it with another chicken flavour to see if it'll make it better or worse.

French Fries
Deep-fried until golden brown, then sprinkled with seasonings

This is not your typical french fries with just salt. It's actually good.

Yam Fries
A golden crispy, delicious side for burgers.

It's your standard yam fries.

Onion Rings

The onion rings are the only thing I can't recommend. Unfortunately, I didn't like it. Thankfully, everything else was delicious. Can't wait to order from Le Coq Frit again.


Thursday, December 16, 2021

Week 12 of HelloFresh

This week is the last week we're ordering from HelloFresh for the year.

Cantonese-Style Noodles with Beyond Meat
This tasty veggie knock-off has it all! Tender peppers, chewy chow mein noodles and green beans, all tossed in a glossy salty soy and hoisin sauce!

One-Pot Mexican-Style Quinoa and Black Beans with Lime Crema
This Mexican-style one-pot wonder is jam-packed with veggies and flavour, making this the perfect dinner for any night of the week.

Creamy Paprika Chicken with Sweet Peppers on Buttery Mash
This comforting dish builds slow-cooked flavour, that will have you dreaming of Oma's chicken paprikash, in a fraction of the time. Juicy chicken thighs and sweet bell peppers are a classic pairing for the rich tomatoey sauce.

Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Ragout with Spaghetti
The twist on the classic spaghetti bolognese is a winner! The ragout is packed with tender ground beef and tons of flavour. Topped with a fresh sprinkling of Parmesan, this dish will have everyone in your home going back for more.

This is my last HelloFresh post for the year. In 2021, I ordered fifty two (52) HelloFresh meals in a span of 12 weeks.

  1. Bacon and Mushroom Linguine with Spinach and Thyme
  2. Beef and Roasted Red Pepper Ragout with Spaghetti
  3. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Toasted Pine Nuts and Baby Tomatoes
  4. Cal Smart Caper-Dill Dressed Salmon with Couscous, Tomatoes, and Spinach
  5. Cal Smart Chipotle Pork Chilli with Poblano Peppers and Cheddar Cheese
  6. Cal Smart Harvest Beef Soup with Cream and Potatoes
  7. Cal Smart Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey and Parmesan
  8. Cal Smart Turkey Chilli with Lime Crema
  9. Cal Smart Stewed Harissa Chicken with Peppers and Feta
  10. Cantonese-style Noodles with Beyond Meat x2
  11. Carb Smart Chipotle Beef Chilli with Poblano Peppers and Cheddar Cheese
  12. Carb Smart Moroccan-Style Shrimp Stew with Zucchini, Feta and Almonds
  13. Carb-Smart Stir-Fried Beef with Green Beans and Peppers
  14. Carb Smart Tagliata Steak Salad with Basil Pesto and Arugula
  15. Chinese-Style Beef Bowl with Garlic-Ginger Rice and Green Veggies
  16. Chicken Tikka Masala with Peppers and Garlic Rice
  17. Chorizo Taco Bowls with Lentil Red Rice and Lime Crema
  18. Chow Mein-Style Chicken with Mixed Veggies
  19. Classic Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti and Parmesan
  20. Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini with Mushroom and Peas
  21. Creamy Gnocchi Alfredo with Spinach and Peppers
  22. Creamy Paprika Chicken with Sweet Peppers on Buttery Mash
  23. Gochujang Sugar-Glazed Shrimp with Seasoned Rice
  24. Golden Thai-Style Chicken Curry with Chow Mein
  25. Ground Turkey Navarin Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  26. Kale and Black Bean Quesadillas with Fresh Tomato Salsa and Crema
  27. Loaded Veggie Penne with Olives and Bocconcini
  28. Mediterranean Falafel Sandwich with Tzatziki and Side Salad
  29. Mediterranean Gnocchi with Bocconcini and Oregano
  30. Not Noona's Chicken Cacciatore with Cavatappi and Basil
  31. One Pot Italian Sausage Soup with Cream and Potatoes
  32. One-Pot Mexican-Style Quinoa and Black Beans with Lime Crema
  33. Rigatoni and Chorizo in Rose Sauce with Roasted Peppers and Spinach
  34. Sausage and Broccolini Pasta with Fresh Penne
  35. Shrimp Chow Mein with Bok Choy
  36. Shrimp Diavolo Linguine with DIY Chili Oil
  37. Spanish Chorizo and Chickpea Stew with Kale, Peppers, and Spiced Croutons
  38. Spicy Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts and Ginger Rice
  39. Spicy Lamb Noodles with Honey Chili Drizzle
  40. Squash Ravioli and Roasted Red Peppers with Spinach Salad
  41. Summer Turkey Bolognese with Basil and Zucchini
  42. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bowls with Green Onion Rice
  43. Sweet 'n' Sour Chicken with Veggie Fried Rice
  44. Tomato Garlic Beef Spaghetti with Sweet Pepper and Zucchini
  45. Tomato Garlic Beef Spaghetti with Sweet Peppers
  46. Tuscan Sausage Linguine with Sweet Bell Pepper, Chili, and Parmesan
  47. Veggie Bulgogi Bowls with Meatless Farm and Gochujang Fried Rice
  48. Veggie Black Bean Curry with Lime-Coconut Quinoa
  49. Veggie Chilli with Tortilla Chips and Sour Cream
  50. Vietnamese-Inspired Basil Beef with Peppers and Garlic-Lime Rice
  51. Zucchini and Lemon Linguini with Basil Pesto and Goat Cheese

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