Norwegian Waffles from KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café

Happy, blessed Sunday! My husband is volunteering with Friends of the VPL, and before going to the Vancouver Public Library Central location, we need to have lunch. As we wandered through the bustling streets of Robson, we spotted the newly opened KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café.

This charming café specializes in Norwegian Waffles. "Vafler" is the Norwegian word for "waffles." It's commonly used to refer to thin, crisp waffles, which are often enjoyed with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savoury, making them a versatile and delicious treat. We had the pleasure of trying their mouthwatering creations on their opening weekend.

Røkelaks - A Symphony of Savoury Flavours

Our culinary journey began with the Røkelaks waffle. This masterpiece (and a personal favourite) featured thin, crispy waffles folded to perfection, enveloping Norwegian smoked salmon, creamy Brie, slices of ripe avocado, and a sprinkle of dried chives. Typing this makes my mouth water again.

Røkelaks from KOS Waffle
Norwegian smoked salmon, Brie, avocado, and dried chives

The first bite was an explosion of flavours - the smokiness of the salmon paired harmoniously with the mild creaminess of Brie, while the avocado added a touch of freshness. The waffle itself was crispy, providing an ideal contrast to the soft, savoury fillings.

Grilled Chicken Club - An Ode to the Classics

Next to arrive was the Grilled Chicken Club. This waffle creation was like a classic club sandwich in between a vafler. Inside the thin, crispy waffle, we discovered tender grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, creamy Havarti cheese, and a drizzle of ranch sauce.

Grilled Chicken Club from Waffleland Café
Grilled chicken breast, bacon, Havarti cheese, and ranch sauce

Each bite offered a medley of textures and tastes, from the juicy chicken to the smoky bacon, all embraced by the waffle's delightful crunch.

The Tradition - A Sweet Treat with a Norwegian Twist

To end our waffle adventure on a sweet note, we savoured The Tradition. This waffle was a delightful blend of sweet caramelized Norwegian cheese, fresh strawberries, a luscious berry sauce, and whipped cream. The thin and crisp waffle provided a perfect base for the decadent, sweet toppings.

The Tradition from KOS Waffle
Sweet caramelized Norwegian cheese, berry sauce, and sour cream.

The caramelized cheese was a revelation, offering a unique, delectable sweetness, while the berry sauce and strawberries provided a refreshing contrast. The touch of sour cream rounded off the flavours beautifully.

At KOS Waffle, it's not just about waffles; it's about a culinary journey through Norwegian flavours. Whether you're a fan of savoury or sweet, these waffle creations are sure to delight your taste buds.

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KOS Waffle Menu

Below is the menu of KOS Waffle by Waffeland Café in Robson Street, Vancouver.

Sweet Waffles The Tradition - $13.00 The Pebbles Reese - $12.00 Old Faithful $13.00 Skillingboller - $11.00 Dutch Baby - $13.00 Summer Fruit - $13.00	Savoury Waffles Mousetrap Wafflewich - $14.00 The "Elvis" - $13.00 Røkelaks - $16.00 Grilled Chicken Club - $15.00 Danger Waffle Dog - $15.00 Vegan Chicken Wafflewich - $15.00
Coffee Americano - $4.00 Cappuccino - $5.00 Latte - $5.00 Cafe Mocha - $5.50 Iced Americano - $4.50 Iced Latte - $5.50 Iced Caramel Machiato - $5.75 Hot Chocolate - $5.50	Milkshakes The Real Slim Shakey - $7.50 Chocolate Almighty - $7.50 Crème Matchaccino - $8.00 Nutella Mocha Frappe - $8.00 Cold Drink Shaken Blueberry Lemonade - $5.00 Strawberry Peppermint Lemonade - $5.00 Peach Lemonade - $5.00 Butterfly Pea Lemonade - $5.00

Norwegian Waffles from KOS Waffle by Waffleland Café

Beef Pares and Pork Sisig from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

On our walk home from Car Free Day in Commercial Drive, we decided to have an early dinner at Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express along East Broadway. I ordered from them twice during the pandemic when they still offered delivery: August 2020 and December 2020.

Halo-Halo

As we stepped in on a sunny Saturday, the first order of business was to beat the heat with a classic Filipino dessert - halo-halo, which my husband more than happily enjoyed. This delightful concoction of crushed ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and topped with ube, was the perfect refreshment. The medley of textures and flavours, from the coolness of the ice to the sweetness of the fruits, made every spoonful a journey of taste and sensation.

Halo-Halo from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Turon

I love turon, so that's what I ordered so my hubby can focus on the halo-halo. Turon is a delightful Filipino snack that's both sweet and crispy. These fried banana spring rolls were served with ice cream, adding a lovely contrast. The warm, crunchy exterior gave way to soft, sweet banana goodness inside, making it an ideal blend of textures.

Turon from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Dinner

Having indulged our sweet cravings, we moved on to the main course. Our Filipino dinner spread included java rice, beef pares, pork sisig, and pancit canton.

Java rice is a fried rice seasoned with annatto powder, giving its distinct orange colour. It is the perfect base for the rest of the dishes.

Java Rice from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

The first to arrive at our table is the beef pares. It is tender chunks of beef stewed in savoury and slightly sweet sauce. The meat practically melted in my mouth, and the sauce had the perfect balance of sweet and savoury - the flavour profile of some Filipino dishes.

Beef Pares from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Next up to get to our table is a sizzling plate of pork sisig. It is finely chopped pork, seasoned to perfection and served with a side of calamansi (Filipino lime) for the zesty kick and to help cut through the grease. It is also topped with two eggs. It was the medley of crispy and tender with subtle sweetness from the onions. This is the best sisig I have tried in Vancouver (compared to the only other restaurant I've had).

Pork Sisig from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Last to arrive is the classic Filipino stir-fried noodle dish pancit canton. It is loaded with vegetables, shrimp, and pork. It is not as good as my grandma's or mother-in-law's pancit, but it satisfies my craving.

Pancit Canton from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express

Our visit to Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express was a culinary adventure. As I embarked on a journey to reconnect with my Filipino heritage, every dish served as a delicious reminder of my roots. If you're in Vancouver and want a taste of the Philippines, this restaurant is a must-visit. It's a testament to the vibrant and hearty flavours that Filipino food has to offer.

For future me, below is a list of items you have tried from Klasik Inasal and Noodle Express.

Side Order Deep Fried Shanghai Roll Eggplant Omelette Klasik Inasal Pork Skewer

Round Tray Beef Pares Bicol Express Chicken Caldereta Pork Sisig

Noodles Pancit Canton Pancit Palabok

Italian Classic and Garlic Pesto Pizza from La Pache Pizza

Continuing our Italian adventure (see post about La Grotta del Formaggio) in the heart of Commercial Drive, Vancouver - we grabbed a couple pizza slices from La Pache Pizza. With its unassuming exterior, you might not guess the flavour explosion that awaits inside.

La Pache offers Neopolitan pizza, a beloved Italian classic characterized by its thin, soft, and slightly chewy crust.

Garlic Pesto Slice

Our culinary adventure began with the Garlic Pesto slice. One bite and we were transported to the sunny streets of Naples. The pesto sauce provided a burst of freshness, and the roasted garlic added a delightful punch. The creamy mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and dollops of ricotta cheese created a harmonious symphony of flavours. The crust, the star of any Neapolitan pizza, was a perfect blend of crunchy on the bottom and soft on top, offering a delightful contrast to the toppings.

22. Garlic Pesto from La Pache Pizza
Pesto sauce, fior di latte, mozzarella, roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and ricotta cheese

Italian Classic Slice

Our second slice was the Italian Classic, a flavour-packed masterpiece. The spiciness of the meats was beautifully balanced by the cheese, and the tomato sauce provided a zesty backdrop. The crust, once again, stole the show with its signature Neapolitan texture, crispy yet tender.

10. Italian Classic from La Pache Pizza
Tomato sauce, fior di latte, mozzarella, hot soppressata, spicy capicolla, fire-roasted Italian sausage

La Pache Pizza truly captures the essence of Neapolitan pizza. The secret lies not only in their choice of ingredients but also in their meticulous preparation and wood-fired oven cooking. This results in a pizza that's light and flavorful. If you're seeking an authentic Neapolitan experience in Vancouver, La Pache Pizza should be at the top of your list. Buon appetito!

Il Classico Panini from La Grotta del Formaggio

Happy sunny Saturday! Today is 2023 Car Free Day in Vancouver's vibrant Commercial Drive neighbourhood, so in true fashion, we walked 5 kilometres there from our home. We have tried all the food trucks that are part of the event, so I searched Google Maps for restaurants with more than a 4.5-star rating that are open now and sorted it by distance. The first recommendation is La Grotta del Formaggio.

Established in 1979, La Grotta Del Formaggio has been a culinary cornerstone of Commercial Drive. With its roots firmly planted in Italian tradition, the deli brings a taste of Italy to Vancouver. It's where food lovers gather to experience the essence of Italian cuisine, specifically deli meat.

La Grotta del Formaggio

We entered the historic spot with high expectations. All the reviews raved that it's one of the (if not the) best sandwiches you can get in Vancouver. I opted for their Il Classico Panini.

The first bite was a revelation. The perfectly toasted bread was the ideal canvas for the ingredients. The delicately rich mortadella danced in perfect harmony with the spicy capicollo, creating a balance of flavours.

The provolone cheese added a creamy note, while the artichokes (a personal favourite) and tomatoes provided a refreshing burst of tanginess to cut through the rich meat. The olives, baby spinach, and hot banana peppers contributed layers of earthy and spicy flavours. The crispy and slightly pungent red onion lent a satisfying crunch, while the pesto mayonnaise and olive oil balsamic vinegar tied it all together with a silky, herb-infused finish.

Il Classico Panini from La Grotta del Formaggio
Mortadella, spicy capicollo, provolone cheese, artichokes, tomatoes, olives, baby spinach, hot banana peppers, red onion, pesto mayonnaise, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar

The Il Classic Panini at La Grotta Del Formaggio is more than just a sandwich; it's a culinary journey through the flavours of Italy. Each ingredient is carefully chosen and thoughtfully combined to create a satisfying and memorable masterpiece.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo from The Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown

Happy Thursday! For team lunch, the theme is Italian (pasta). Instead of getting food delivered, we decided to walk to The Old Spaghetti Factory in Gastown.

When eating at a pasta place, I usually go for cream-based sauce and seafood, which is why I got the Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo. It's surprisingly satisfying. It's not the best I've tried, but it's something I am willing to eat again when I am craving seafood pasta.

Seafood Fettuccine Alfredo from The Old Spaghetti Factory
A creamy creation with prawns, scallops, and mushrooms sautéed with our spinach and egg fettuccine noodles and Alfredo sauce.

The creamy Alfredo sauce is smooth and rich, coating the perfectly al dente spinach and egg fettuccine noodles. Meanwhile, the prawns and scallops are cooked just right, providing a subtle oceanic sweetness which pairs well with earthy mushrooms.

The Old Spaghetti Factory has an "it's all included" package where an order of pasta includes Italian Sourdough Bread with soft Whipped Garlic Butter, a choice between minestrone soup or crisp green salad, spumoni ice cream, and hot tea or coffee.

Italian Sourdough Bread with Whipped Garlic Butter from The Old Spaghetti Factory

Minestrone Soup from The Old Spaghetti Factory

Spumoni Ice Cream from The Old Spaghetti Factory

I love the warm sourdough bread and how the garlic butter melts into it. I chose soup over the salad. I am not a fan of minestrone soup, so I'll go for something else next time. We skipped the coffee and tea option but absolutely adored the spumoni ice cream. The flavour for today is chocolate pistachio. Yum!

I'm typing this at home after a long day at work. I am blessed with my job. After work, we went to T&T Supermarket and Costco to grab a few things. I am writing this post at home, exhausted.

For my amusement, below is a list of our team lunch so far:

Week Number:

Brazilian: Boteco Brasil Chicken: Nando's Japanese: SUSHI UOmo Japanese Restaurant Bagel: Rosemary Rocksalt Thai: Thai Away Home

Bagel (but we went for sandwiches): Meat & Bread Pies: Peaked Pies Comfort Food: Nene Chicken Burger: Five Guys Burgers & Fries Italian: The Old Spaghetti Factory

Eggless Red Velvet Cake In A Jar from Just Cakes Bakeshop in Blenz Coffee

Following a satisfying culinary voyage at Taiwanfest, my husband and I extended the delightful afternoon at our cozy neighbourhood, Blenz Coffee.

There's something about sipping a warm, soothing London Fog latte that comforts you like a familiar embrace. With its delicate blend of Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a hint of vanilla, each sip transports you to London's fog-kissed streets, which I will visit next month.

But the true sweet highlight of our visit was a delectable treat from a local gem, Just Cakes Bakeshop of Surrey, BC. Their Eggless Red Velvet cake in a jar beckoned, promising a harmonious symphony of flavours. For me, red velvet occupies a special place in my dessert-loving heart, second only to the allure of mocha. What captivates me is the delicate equilibrium between the tangy embrace of cream cheese frosting and the sweet surrender of chocolate-infused cake.

Eggless Red Velvet Cake In A Jar from Just Cakes Bakeshop available in Blenz Coffee

As I savoured each spoonful of this cake in a jar, I couldn't help but marvel at the perfect marriage of textures and flavours. The cake was moist and decadent. Meanwhile, the cream cheese frosting lent a creamy, slightly tangy counterpoint to the cake's sweetness. It was a match made in dessert heaven!

In the quiet ambiance of Blenz Coffee, with my London Fog latte casting its aromatic spell and the Eggless Red Velvet cake in a jar indulging my senses, I found solace in life's simple pleasures.

Taiwanese Sausage and Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro | Taiwanfest 2023

To culminate our delightful Taiwanfest culinary journey (see posts about Aiyaohno Cafe and Family Lin), we couldn't resist indulging in our all-time favourites - the Deep-Fried Taiwanese Sausage and the crispy Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro.

However, there was a hint of nostalgia and slight sadness in the air, as Sasaya Bistro, a constant in Taiwanfest, did not offer their signature bento boxes this time. These bento boxes were a symphony of flavours, combining fragrant rice, tangy pickled cabbage, a perfectly boiled egg, and a choice of tantalizing meats.

Deep-fried Taiwanese Sausage from Sasaya Bistro at Taiwanfest 2023

Oh, how I miss pairing Taiwanese sausage with a bed of fluffy rice; it's a match made in culinary heaven. But despite the absence of the bento box, the sausage itself did not disappoint. Its savoury goodness shone through, reminding me of why I fell in love with it in the first place.

And then, there was the Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle. Eating it was akin to a jaw workout - an exercise in chewiness that truly tested the limits of my dental prowess. But it was worth every bite, with its crispy exterior giving way to a delightfully tender interior.

Deep-Fried Squid Tentacle from Sasaya Bistro at Taiwanfest 2023

Our Taiwanfest food adventure was a joyous affair, filled with old favourites and a few new discoveries. While I missed the bento box dearly, the enduring appeal of Taiwanese sausage and the unique experience of tackling the Squid Tentacle made it a truly happy food day.