Birthday Lunch at Suika

It's a birthday tradition that I need to eat my favourite Stewed Beef Tendon Curry from Suika on my birthday (or the weekend before/after if it's during a weekday).

Because my birthday is today, hubby and I took a day off from work to have lunch at Suika.

We were at the restaurant at around 12:45 PM and all tables are occupied plus three groups are waiting to be seated before us. The hostess said it's a 30 minute wait and have asked if we're willing to wait. Of course we are.

As soon as we were seated, we looked at the menu and know what we want.

We started our meal with 5 Kinds of Shashimi (15 pcs). I love the tuna sashimi! It'll be the one to order again.

5 Kinds of Sashimi
Three pieces each of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, scallop, and Chef's choice.

After the sashimi, my favourite Chicken Dashi Kara-age arrived. It's juicier than I remember. The batter also seems different. It's still delicious.

Chicken Dash Kara-age
Deep-fried chicken thigh served with sansho-jio (Japanese salt and pepper)

Halfway through the Kara-age, my ultimate favourite - Stewed Beef Tendon Curry arrived. I added Pork Tonkatsu. It's as delicious as ever. I love this curry dish so much.

Stewed Beef Tendon Curry
Suika's original Stewed Beef Tendon Curry with fried pork loin cutlet

Meanwhile, hubby tried the new Wagyu Stewed Hamburg Hayashi Bowl. 

Wagyu Stewed Hamburg Hayashi Bowl
Japanese-style wagyu beef stew on top of rice with melted cheese

To end our meal, we ordered two desserts and enjoyed them both.

Kinako Tiramisu and Creamy Chestnut Pudding

We were seated at the bar in front of the movie projection. They are playing the first Toy Story movie. Happy Birthday to me! 🎂

Breakfast at Blenz Coffee AND the rest of our Sunday

Happy Sunday! We have a jampacked day, and it doesn't help that I'm feeling under the weather. We started our day with breakfast at Blenz Coffee.

Just like yesterday, I ordered a toffee nut latte while hubby had to try their eggnog latte. I also ordered a couple Lumberjack Breakfast Wraps and a croissant. We finished our late breakfast at around 10:45 AM and headed to Sunday Mass.

Eggnog Latte and Toffee Nut Latte

After Mass, we had to wait for 15 minutes for our Uber to arrive, and off to BC Place, we went for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC game at 3:00 PM. We arrived at 12:30 PM (talk about excitement!).

Lumberjack Breakfast Wrap

Because we're early and cold, we decided to spend 30 minutes inside Waves Coffee along Robson Street and enjoyed our Dark Chocolate Belgian Mocha. Then, at 1:15 PM, we started lining up to go inside BC Place. They opened the gate at around 1:45 PM.

Our first goal is to buy team merchandise on sale. So, I got a hoodie while hubby picked a long sleeve. Then, we went to our seats and took some pictures.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC VS Seattle Sounders

Hubby and I walked around to buy food. I thought of trying other things, but I am always getting pulled back by The Poutinerie. So I ordered exactly the same thing as last time.

The Whitecaps draw 1-1 and are off to the playoffs! After the game, we took Lyft home. I feel exhausted now that the adrenaline from the match is gone.

For dinner, I wanted warm soup, so we had instant ramen at home.

My Birthday Celebration: Filipino Dishes from Ilocos Fride

It's my birthday weekend! Just like last year, I celebrated with my family in Richmond. We had the same seven people at the party.

As I did last year, I chose a Filipino entrepreneur to support and chose Ilocos Fride. I looked at their menu and decided to order many dishes we usually don't get to enjoy.

We picked up our order at 4:30 PM, and we arrived home at around 5:05 PM. My mom was already peeking through the window, waiting for us (and her favourite - Ginataang Bilo-Bilo) to come back.

My Birthday Feast from Ilocos Fride

I ordered A LOT of food, and EVERYTHING is delicious. Our family couldn't believe how great everything tasted.

Palabok
Ilocos Fride Description: Rice noodle dish with ground chicken or pork, smoked fish, eggs, chicharon (pork grinds), shrimps, chopped spring onions, and sliced lemons on the side.

The main dish of my party was the palabok, and we all loved it. Having the chicharon on the side is an excellent touch since some (specifically, me) don't like chicharon, so I can add as little as possible to the dish.

Pork Embutido
Ilocos Fride Description: Filipino-style meatloaf with ground pork, carrots, raisins, slices of eggs and sausage wrapped in a banana leaf.

My siblings migrated to Canada 8 years ago, and embutido is something we rarely have at home. But when my younger sister saw it, she specifically remembered that this is something you can put ketchup on. So I ordered two embutido, and we only finished one, so we went home with the second one. Yay for breakfast next week.

Rellenong Bangus (Stuffed Milk Fish)
Ilocos Fride Description: Milkfish stuffed with minced milkfish meat, carrots, potatoes, and dried peas.

My dad, our only brother, and I absolutely enjoyed the rellenong bangus. I can't believe how good it is, better than what you can order from Goldilocks in the Philippines. I ordered two bangus, but we only finished one. When I was about to pack the second one, my brother said he enjoyed it, so I decided to leave them the second one (agawan sa take out dahil sa sarap!).

Vegetable Lumpia
Ilocos Fride Description: Filled with carrots, cabbage, green beans, bean sprouts, and vermicelli rice noodles.

I ordered the Vegetable Lumpia with our only brother in mind. One day, he randomly asked me if I had tried a delicious Lumpiang Togue like the one our mom used to buy near his school growing up. I told him no. When I saw this dish in the Ilocos Fride menu, I just had to order it for him. When he took his first bite, I was staring at him, waiting for his judgment.

He said it tastes like as he remembered. Whew! I took a bite, and I agreed. There's a dozen per order, and I left most of what's left with them so that my brother and mom can enjoy it.

Lumpiang Super Shanghai
Ilocos Fride Description: Filled with ground pork, carrots, parsley with a sweet chilli sauce.

Filipino birthday parties won't be complete without lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls). Our favourite spring rolls are from Little Ongpin, and I thought this tasted the same, but with the wrapper thicker. It's perfect for munching on.

Ginataang Bilo-Bilo
Ilocos Fride Description: A dessert or snack made with glutinous rice balls, plantain bananas, sweet potatoes, and tapioca pearls cooked in coconut milk.

I don't eat this dish, but it's our mom's absolute favourite. It's something she and my brother craves for. So while my younger sister and I demolished the cake, my mom and our only brother enjoyed the Ginataang Bilo-Bilo. When I was packing our leftovers for takeout, he said how much he enjoyed the dessert. I know it's his subtle way of telling us not to bring it home. So I told him, don't worry, I don't eat that dish so you and Mama can enjoy it.

The best birthday celebrations are with the people we love over delicious food, and I received that today. I am so grateful to God for all the blessings He provided my family and me.

Something tells me my mom will be ordering the Ginataang Bilo-Bilo again sooner than they'd like to admit.

If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

My Birthday Celebration: Ube and Mocha Cake from Arts to Bakes

I'm loyal to restaurants and even dishes that I absolutely love. For example, in my favourite restaurant, I have favourite dishes that I always order. For my second birthday in a row, I ordered a cake from Arts to Bakes. 🎂

Last year, I fell in love with her mocha cake, so I had to order it again this year, but I wanted to try a different flavour, so I asked for a half ube and half mocha cake.

Half Ube and Half Mocha from Arts to Bakes

Beautiful Cake

Just like last year, both flavours are excellent! Definitely the highlight of my birthday weekend. My younger sister demolished the ube cake like there's no tomorrow, while I sort of did the same for the mocha cake. To say that it's a hit is an understatement. Even my dad, who doesn't like sweets, ate and enjoyed the ube cake.

Ube with Macapuno side of the cake

Mocha side of the cake

Half Ube and Half Mocha Cake

I'm already planning to order an ube cake for my younger sister's birthday next year based on her reaction to it. 

If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich for breakfast at Starbucks

Happy Saturday! We had errands to run around Cambie Village and decided to grab breakfast from Starbucks.

We only go to Starbucks when we don't have to pay for it from our salaries. 😂 My hubby participates in research and testing of Android developer tools and as a reward he earns Amazon gift cards (or something). We don't shop with Amazon and would just convert the gift card to one we can use at Starbucks.

Today, we went to the Starbucks location at 2nd Avenue and Yukon Street. I ordered my favorite Toffee Nut Latte. For breakfast sandwich, I chose the lowest calorie one: Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich from Starbucks.

Bacon, Gouda, and Egg Sandwich

Toffee Nut Latte and Caramel Brulee

Hubby ordered the Holidays drink: Caramel Brulee Latte and his chosen sandwich is Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg Sandwich.

Week 7 of HelloFresh

I skipped HelloFresh last week but ordered five different dishes this week.

Veggie Chilli with Tortilla Chips and Sour Cream
HelloFresh Description: Simple to prepare, with extraordinary flavours, this delicious chilli will have everyone racing to the table. Your bowls will be filled with beans, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Each bite is tender and comforting. We suggest using tortilla chips to scoop up and enjoy every last bite!

My tip in enjoying this chilli is to reheat the tortilla chips in the oven or air fryer. Then, crush a few on top of your chilli for extra crunch. The heat is minimal, so you can add all the chipotle powder.

Classic Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti and Parmesan
HelloFresh Description: Our spaghetti and meatballs tastes just like Noona's, but takes a fraction of the time! The secret to these leaner meatballs is swapping ground beef for turkey and pairing with a homemade tomato sauce that keeps the dish flavourful.

I enjoyed the dish more than I should. I love the tender meatballs.

Shrimp Chow Mein with Bok Choy
HelloFresh Description: A quick chow mein recipe that's definitely one for the books! This dish is packed with shrimp and veggies coated in a mouthwatering sauce that will have you wondering how this came together in 25 minutes!

The Chow Mein is delicious and has lots of veggies. Definitely in my top five favourite HelloFresh dishes this year!

Cal Smart Turkey Chilli with Lime Crema
HelloFresh Description: Jam-packed with nutrients to keep you going strong, but still delivering on flavour, this recipe proves you can still satisfy that chilli craving you've been having, but ditch the extra calories! This week's cheat day may not need to happen after all! Calorie Smart is based on a per serving calculation of the recipe's kilocalorie amount.

This is better than Veggie Chilli.

Creamy Gnocchi Alfredo with Spinach and Peppers
Golden pan-fried gnocchi add a fun twist to the restaurant classic, Alfredo! Rich cream, melty cream cheese, zesty garlic and savoury Parmesan make a luscious sauce for this vegetarian supper.

I love this dish, and I wish there was more gnocchi. It's such a simple trick to get a creamy alfredo sauce - whipped cream and cream cheese.

I ordered four HelloFresh dishes next week.

HelloFresh Promo Code!

Save $90 with my code HS-PAL5157JZ!

Hopia in Metro Vancouver

Growing up, there are two kinds of hopia - the branded circular one (I'm thinking of Eng Bee Tin) and the half-moon one you can get at your local bakery or from a street vendor.

Hubby and I were discussing hopia and how we haven't had one in a long time. Then, lo and behold, a Filipino entrepreneur based in Richmond posted in the Facebook marketplace that she's selling the hopia we're craving for, and it's even available for delivery!

I sent her a message yesterday asking if she could deliver the following day to our address and how much the delivery fee would be. So after sorting out the logistics, we're all set.

We received one dozen hopiang monggo (mung bean) and a dozen hopiang baboy (pork) before 12:00 NN today. Yay for a reseller who delivers BEFORE the agreed time.

Right: Pork Hopia
Left: Mung Bean Hopia

The Pork Hopia is as I remember growing up - subtle sweetness and thick doughy exterior. I love it! The Mung Bean Hopia was delicious too, but as hubby jokingly said, "Wala kasing alikabok 🤣." Let me provide context for whoever reads this blog from outside the Philippines.

Snacks like these are sometimes sold on the street alongside all the pollution from vehicles. Hubby was pointing out that this is good, but something is missing and what he meant was the "pollution" back home is the flavour enhancer it needs. 🤣

Ready to eat hopia

I can't wait to reheat it in the microwave for a snack and maybe even dinner. Happy Friday!

 If you're in Metro Vancouver and sell Filipino food, please send us a message on Facebook with your menu. We would love to try your products (don't worry, I'm not an influencer and would gladly pay and support your business).

Brunch at Yolks Broadway

Happy Saturday and Happy Halloween!

To start the Halloween weekend, we had our blood taken at LifeLabs as part of our initial visit to our family doctor. After that, we had to do 10-hour fasting. As a result, our last meal was at 9:00 PM the previous night, and our first meal was brunch at Yolks Broadway.

Food coma brunch at Yolks Broadway

Drinks

From the drinks menu, hubby ordered Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate while I had Greens & Almonds Smoothie.

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Green & Almonds
Kale & spinach, banana, almond butter and fresh-pressed apple juice.

I enjoyed both drinks, but their drinks menu is so extensive I can't wait to try the others.

Perfectly Poached Bennies

I have two favourite breakfast items: Eggs Benedicts and Chicken & waffles. Unfortunately, the latter is not always readily available at breakfast spots, unlike the former. However, Yolks just made a dish combining the two! So I would like to introduce Buttermilk Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict served with 1/2 Belgian waffle. I even added double-smoked bacon.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Perfectly Poached Bennies

This is amazing! Two perfectly poached eggs on buttermilk fried chicken on 1/2 Belgian waffles with hollandaise sauce and crispy hashbrown patty. I even added extra double-smoked bacon. The fried chicken was surprisingly delicious. I remember having their Chicken and Waffle but thinking the chicken was too salty. This is perfect.

Classic

While I love and enjoy my Eggs Benedict, hubby ordered Croque Madame. We wanted to try this dish at a nearby French cafe, but it was too early for their brunch. So now, we can finally try Croque Madame.

Croque Madame
Menu Description: Maple-smoked ham, gruyere cheese, Mornay sauce, two perfectly poached eggs, Yolks-made Dijon on grilled artisan sourdough with a choice of on side (in this case, Truffle-Lemon Potatoes)

The Croque Madame was good as well, but I'm still so hyped with the fried chicken eggs benedict, it's hard for me to enjoy this. I liked the cheese and sauces especially dipping the truffle-lemon potatoes in it, but portions of the bread were burnt, and since I have no point of comparison, I'm not sure if that's part of the charm.

Sweets

To end our delicious brunch, we ordered Beignets. It's served with two dipping sauces. Hubby enjoyed the salted caramel dip while I loved lemon curd. The tartness emphasized the sweetness of the Beignets.

Beignets
Menu Description: French-style crispy and fluffy "donuts" served with salted caramel and lemon curd.

This is a lovely and happy meal for hubby and me since it has been a while since we had brunch at a breakfast spot.