Lunch Rush at Pholicious for Vietnamese theme team lunch

Happy Thursday! The clock struck 12:30 PM, and our team descended upon Pholicious, a Vietnamese gem nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Vancouver. Our timing couldn't have been better. After securing a table, the relatively small restaurant filled with eager diners, all seeking to indulge in affordable food served by friendly people.

Vegan Spring Roll: A Crunchy Surprise

Our Vietnamese lunch kicked off with the vegan spring roll. The exterior of the spring roll offered a satisfying crispiness. Unfortunately, the interior was a different story. The texture was somewhat mushy. Thankfully, the dip made things so much better; it was slightly sweet and tangy.

Vegan Spring Roll from Pholicious

House Special Pho: A Symphony of Savoury Comfort

House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious
Beef, grilled chicken, beef ball, and chicken ball

The true star of our meal was the House Special Pho, a hearty and flavorful dish that brought together a medley of ingredients. In this steaming bowl of goodness, beef, grilled chicken, beef balls, and chicken balls swam in a broth that perfectly balanced the essence of both beef and chicken.

House Special Noodle Soup from Pholicious

My favourite is the grilled chicken, which introduced an unexpected layer of subtle sweetness to the dish.

What is your favourite Vietnamese restaurant in Vancouver?

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 Vietnamese: Pholicious

Leopold's Tavern: A New Neighborhood Hangout in Vancouver

Leopold's Tavern, originally hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, and founded in 2013, has gained quite a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering pub fare. Now, as it sets foot in Vancouver, it brings a rich tradition of great food, good times, and an inviting pub experience.

Leopold's Tavern is gearing up to make its grand entrance in Vancouver on September 18, 2023 (Monday), taking over the space once home to Stormcrow Alehouse at 1619 West Broadway.

Now, I admit I'm terrible at keeping secrets, so I couldn't resist sharing this exciting news: I'll be indulging in lunch during their soft opening on September 15 (Friday). The anticipation is real! I'm eager to delve into their menu, savour their offerings, and give you the lowdown on what's a must-try.

Leopold's Taven Soft Opening Email

What makes it even better is that we live just five blocks away. We're frequent visitors to the nearby Tim Hortons, so the prospect of having a new restaurant in our neighbourhood has us all pumped up.

I'm counting down the days as I dive into my research to uncover Leopold's Tavern's culinary gems. Join me on this culinary adventure as I explore what this new establishment offers during its soft opening. Stay tuned for all the delicious details! 🍔🍻

Happy Hour Eats from White Spot

Sundays have always been synonymous with relaxation and good food for us, and this past weekend was no exception. With a $50.00 gift card, we headed to White Spot for an early dinner. The timing couldn’t have been better, as we stumbled upon their happy hour offering, featuring some delightful Snack & Share items at discounted prices.

White Spot is a beloved chain of restaurants in Canada with a rich history dating back to 1928 when Nat Bailey opened the first White Spot drive-in.

Snack & Share - The Best Deals

We couldn’t resist starting our culinary journey with some of White Spot’s fantastic happy hour deals:

Sundays at White Spot: A Perfect Dinner Experience

Cheesy Bacon Perogies ($7.00, usually $11.49)

Our first pick, the Cheesy Bacon Perogies, was a delightful combination of crispy fried perogies, sauteed onions, and a luscious cheese sauce. It is topped with crispy bacon and green onion and drizzled with the signature Zoo Dip.

Cheesy Bacon Perogies from White Spot
Crispy fried perogies & sautéed onions in a cheese sauce, bacon, paprika, green onion, & drizzled with Zoo Dip.

Coconut Prawns ($9.00, usually $14.49)

Among the trio we sampled, the Coconut Prawns stood out as our absolute favourite. These plump, sweet, and coconut-crusted prawns were cooked to perfection. While we weren’t big fans of the accompanying pineapple sambal dip, the prawns themselves were heavenly.

Coconut Prawns from White Spot
Coconut-crusted prawns served with sweet & spicy pineapple sambal.

Southwest Chicken Quesadilla ($12.00, usually $16.49)

The Southwest Chicken Quesadilla brought a taste of the Southwest to our table. Stuffed with herb-marinated BC chicken, roasted corn, green onions, mozzarella, and Cheddar cheese, it sounded promising. However, we found the cheese could have been melted a tad more.

Southwest Chicken Quesadilla from White Spot
Herb-marinated BC chicken, roasted corn, green onion, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, pico de Gallo, & sour cream,

BC Chicken Burger

Hubby decided to explore the burger menu and opted for the BC Chicken Burger, a delicious creation featuring a chargrilled tender BC chicken breast, melted Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, red onion, and the famous Triple “O” sauce. It was a burst of flavour in every bite.

BC Chicken Burger from White Spot
Chargrilled fresh BC chicken breast, Cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce tomato, red onion & Triple "O" sauce.

Zoo Sticks

As our side, we couldn’t resist trying their Zoo Sticks - fresh breaded zucchini served with their famous Zoo Dip. These golden sticks provided a delightful crunch and paired perfectly with the flavorful dip.

The Spot's Zoo Sticks from White Spot
Fresh breaded zucchini with our famous Zoo dip

For future me, below is a list of items we have tried from White Spot.

Breakfast Menu

The breakfast menu is served from opening until 2:00 PM.

Brunch Menu

• Nat's Hearty Breakfast
• Classic Benedict

Main Menu

Snack & Share

• Cheesy Bacon Perogies
• Coconut Prawns
• The Spot's Zoo Sticks
• Poutine
• Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Onion Rings
• Southwest Chicken Quesadilla
• Dippin' Chicken with honey mustard sauce
• Spinach & Artichoke Quesadilla (no longer in the menu)

Spot's Classics & More

• Chicken Caesar Wrap

Pastas & Bowls

• Seafood Fettuccine
• Spaghetti with Meatballs (no longer in the menu)

Hearty Dishes & Mains

• The Spot’s Fish & Chips
• Baby Back Ribs

Burgers

• The Legendary
• Bacon Cheddar Bigger Burger
• Monty Mushroom Bigger Burger
• West Coast Salmon Burger
• BC Chicken Burger
• Brie & Mushroom Veggie Burger
• Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Burger (limited time item)
• Wagyu Cheddar Burger (limited time item)

Desserts Menu

• Salted Caramel Brownie
• Chocolate Cake Slice with Ice Cream (no longer in the menu)
• Hot Fudge Brownie (no longer in the menu)

Drinks Menu

Non-Alcoholic

• Our Famous Milkshakes: Chocolate

Mocha from Lovelarte

My husband volunteers at Friends of the VPL in the Vancouver Public Library Central location. I decided to join him in Downtown Vancouver for a quick lunch and wait for him to finish.

I was searching for coffee shops nearby and found one outside of the library called Lovelarte. I ordered a mocha while I blog and people-watch because what else can I do for three hours? 😅

Mocha from Lovelarte

I love hanging out at coffee shops and writing. I wish I had my laptop, but it's too cumbersome to bring it.

I hope you're having a blessed Sunday.

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.