Saturday, June 3, 2023

Regular BLT Sandwich from Tim Hortons

I am not a fan of Tim Hortons' sandwiches. The bread and meat/veggie ratio is way off. The Regular BLT Sandwich has the most acceptable ratio of bread and content, but there's a little flavour here.


Regular BLT from Tim Hortons

Unfortunately, I can't recommend any of the sandwiches except the Craveables. Those are small but have decent taste.


Regular BLT from Tim Hortons


Walnut Crunch Donut from Tim Hortons

For many Canadians, the Walnut Crunch is a nostalgic Tim Hortons donut. But, for people like me who arrived in this beautiful country not too long ago (2015 for me), it's my first time trying it.


Walnut Crunch Donut from Tim Hortons

Hubby said it doesn't look appetizing, which I agree with, but the flavour is similar to the Chocolate Glazed Donut with crunchy walnuts on top. It's worth the hype marketing, and it's understandable why Tim Hortons fans want it back.

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Late Night Dinner at Pho Mimosa in Granville Street, Vancouver

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.


#28 Hoanh Thanh Soup from Pho Mimosa
Pork and Shrimp Wontons Soup

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.


#31 Pho Dac Biet from Pho Mimosa
Special Beef Noodle Soup (rare beef, brisket, beef balls, tendon and tripe)

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.


#49 Com Bo Kho from Pho Mimosa
Vietnamese Beef Stew with Rice

Extra Grilled Chicken from Pho Mimosa

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.


#1 Cha Gio from Pho Mimosa
Deep-Fried Pork Spring Rolls

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.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Food and Drinks Menu | Vancouver, BC

Below is the food and drinks menu of Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I recommend eating elsewhere before going in for your show. This was taken during a concert and caterers may become available depending on the show.


Inside Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The prices are all in Canadian dollars and does not include taxes and tips. Information are subject to change without prior notice. Moreover, Vancouver Civic Theatres only accept debit and credit card.


Menu Price
Beer & Cider (355 ml Cans) Price
Red Truck Craft Beer $9.25
No Boats on Sunday Apple Cider $9.25
Nude Coolers | Whiteclaw $9.25
Red & White Wine (5 oz pour) Price
Gray Monk Pinot Gris $9.25
Red Rooster Merlot $9.25
Sterling Vintners Chardonnay $12.00
Sterling Cabernet Chardonnay $12.00
Sparkling Wine (200 mL bottle) Price
Henkell Trocken $11.00
Spirits Price
House Spirits $9.25
Premium Spirits $12.00
Drinks Price
Pop $5.00
Juice $5.00
Redbull $5.00
Sparkling Water $5.00
Bottled Water $5.00
Coffee $3.50
Tea $3.50
Hot Chocolate $5.00
Latte $5.00
Cappuccino $5.00
Spirited Coffee $9.25
Snacks Price
Chips $3.00
Kitkat $3.00
Candy Bags $5.00
VCT Chocolate Bar $6.00

Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair in Vancouver

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver announced PROUDLY PHILIPPINES 2023: Philippine Food and Travel Fair.


Source: PCG in Vancouver website

When is Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair?

June 3, 2023, Saturday


What time?

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM


Where is the Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair?

Similar to last year, it will be at Robson Square in Downtown Vancouver.



As of March 16, 2023, the PCG in Vancouver is now accepting applications for participation as vendors for the event.


What to expect in Proudly Philippines 2023 Food and Travel Fair?

Enjoy summer with Filipino food, products, and businesses as well as awesome performances.

The event will be hosted by Cristina Carpio of CTV Morning Live


GMA PinoyTV Tinikling 2.0 Challenge

Join the Tinikling 2.0 Dance Challenge with a Hip-Hop Twist! Win $1,500 and more amazing prices.

How to register?
Register your group by sending an email to culturalselection@vancouverpcg.org on or before May 26, 2023. Don't forget to include your group name, members, email, contact details, and hip-hop dance music for approval.

Minimum Number of Group Members: Four (4)

Criteria for Judging:

  • 35% Peformance (Technical Skills
  • 35% Choreohraphy (Creativity)
  • 20% Audience Impact
  • 10% Costume

How long is your performance? 2-3.5 minutes performance per group


List of Food Vendors at Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair:

The list below is uploaded on the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Facebook page on May 29, 2023.

  • Angco Grand Impex
  • Bukobaba
  • Cake It Easy
  • Dale's Food Products
  • Eat Kanadiyan
  • Goldilocks
  • Heritage Baking
  • KaonTa Chicken Inasal

List of Non-Food Vendors at Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair:

The list below is uploaded on the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Facebook page on May 30, 2023.

  • Artsy Candles
  • Bee Inspired
  • Emsager Photography
  • Eunoia Naturale
  • GMA PinoyTV
  • Hablon Styles & Hues
  • La Moda Optibella
  • Narda's
  • Malaya Handcraft
  • Novae Student
  • PNB Global Remit
  • Summit Kids

List of Travel Booths at Proudly Philippines 2023: Food and Travel Fair:

The list below is uploaded on the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Facebook page on June 1, 2023. One of the booth is for Department of Tourism.

  • I & J Travel
  • Maligaya Travel
  • New Millennium Holidays
  • One Dream Travel
  • Philippine Travel
  • Tourmasters Travel

Sunday, May 28, 2023

June's Blizzard Treat of the Month: Reese's® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen

This is the perfect Blizzard Treat for me. I love savoury flavours over sweets (my husband is the sweet-tooth) so the Reese's® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen is the perfect one for me.


Reese's Caramel Pretzel Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen


It includes sweet and creamy world-famous DQ soft-serve with salty peanuts and crunchy pretzels and to push it over the edge is an indulgent peanut butter cup. I can't get over how much I love this. Can I have it again in large this time?


Below is a list of Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen that we have tried.

Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen

After a delicious burger from Dairy Queen, hubby picked the Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat for dessert. It's sweet on sweet on sweet and he absolutely loves it.


Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen
Vanilla soft serve, salted caramel truffles, cheesecake pieces, and caramel topping

Indulge in the ultimate cheesecake experience with the Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen. This innovative creation combines all your favorite classic flavors in one irresistible treat, ensuring you never have to choose between your dessert cravings again.

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful blend of salted caramel truffles, creamy cheesecake pieces, and rich caramel topping, all expertly mixed with Dairy Queen's famous vanilla soft serve. Each spoonful offers a symphony of textures and flavors, with the smoothness of the soft serve beautifully complemented by the chewy caramel truffles and velvety cheesecake bites. The combination of sweet and salty notes adds an extra layer of indulgence, satisfying your sweet summertime cravings to perfection.


Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat from Dairy Queen

We enjoyed our Blizzard Treat on our walk home under the blaze of spring sunshine. It's a beautiful Sunday!

Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger from Dairy Queen

Today is the first time I am trying the savoury items from Dairy Queen. My husband ordered the New Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger since it's new. This burger is messy so grab a lot of napkins to try and keep your hands clean!

The 100% beef patties are incredibly satisfying with their meaty goodness. What sets this burger apart is the delightful combination of sweet honey BBQ sauce and tangy ranch dressing. The flavors harmonize beautifully, striking the perfect balance that will have you craving more. Unlike recent BBQ releases from other fast food chains (McDonald's and Tim Hortons), this burger avoids excessive sweetness, making it a refreshing change.


Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger from Dairy Queen
100% seasoned real beef patties, topped with ranch dressing, honey BBQ sauce, crispy golden onion rings, applewood smoked bacon, and two slices of perfectly melted white cheddar served on a soft and toasted bun.

But the deliciousness doesn't stop there. The addition of savory applewood smoked bacon brings a smoky and savory note, while the perfectly melted white cheddar cheese adds a creamy and comforting element. But my favourite part of the burger is the crispy golden onion rings adds a satisfying crunch to each bite, enhancing the texture of the burger.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not trying Dairy Queen's burgers sooner. With their Backyard Bacon Ranch Signature Stackburger, they have certainly raised the bar and given other fast food joints a run for their money. Trust me, this burger is worth the mess and the urge to reach for more napkins. Don't miss out on this flavor-packed delight!

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