Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

We're a creature of habit. After having lunch at Suika, we always go to nearby Trees Organic at their West Broadway and Fir Street location.

We have tried most of their flavours and one of the few classic flavours left is the Chocoholic Cheesecake.

Chocoholic Cheesecake from Trees Organic

I love the smooth creamy texture of cheesecake as it is a great contrast to the chocolate crumb crust. Adding milk and dark chocolate to the cheesecake is a chocolate lovers dream.

List of Seasonal Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of the seasonal cheesecakes we have tried from Trees arranged alphabetically.

Almond Marzipan Cheesecake Apple Crisp Cheesecake Banana Cream Cheesecake Banoffee Cheesecake Coconut Cream Cheesecake Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake Irish Cream Cheesecake

Mango Cheesecake Matcha Cheesecake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pumpkin Cheesecake Strawberry Cheesecake Taro Cheesecake

List of Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

Below is a list of cheesecakes from Trees that are always available.

Blueberry Cheesecake Chocoholic Cheesecake Key Lime Cheesecake Maple Walnut Cheesecake

New York Cheesecake Oreo Cheesecake Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Tiramisu Cheesecake

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika

Happy Sunday! After Mass today, we enjoyed a pancake breakfast by the Knights of Columbus. Then, we walked to the Kitsilano Farmers Market just to window shop.

At 11:35 AM, our lunch adventure took us to Suika, a beloved Vancouver restaurant close to my heart. Without fail, I gravitate towards two favourites on their menu: the Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping and the irresistible Chicken Dashi Karaage.

Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu topping

This is the best Japanese curry in Vancouver. The rich curry sauce spiced to perfection forms the base of this personal favourite. It's generously seasoned with aromatic spices that evoke a comforting warmth. I absolutely love the shredded tender beef in the curry sauce.

Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu from Suika
Suika original stewed beef tendon curry with pork loin cutlet

I always choose the tonkatsu as my topping. It is a crispy, golden-fried pork cutlet that adds a delightful crunch. It provides a lovely contrast: the tender, succulent pork inside and the satisfying crispy coating outside covered in the best beef curry sauce.

Chicken Dashi Karaage

Suika has mastered the art of balancing juiciness and crispness with their Chicken Dashi Karaage. Each piece of chicken is an explosion of succulent, tender meat encased in a crispy, golden-brown shell. Yum!

Chicken Dashi Karaage from Suika
Juicy deep-fried chicken thigh, crispy on the outside and filled with rich dashi shoyu flavour

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon

While I stuck to my usual order, my husband chose from Suika's Chef Special menu and picked the Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon.

Prawn and Mushroom Creamy Udon from Suika
Udon noodle pan fried in a creamy seaweed sauce and served with garlic prawns and mushrooms.

The udon noodles are chewy, and the creamy seaweed sauce clings to it nicely. Meanwhile, the prawns have a subtle sweetness, while the mushrooms add their own earthy flavour.

I am joyful to be back at Suika. In the past years, we would visit here once a month, but with so many restaurants opening up, we've only been here once a quarter this year.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard from Dairy Queen

As our vibrant stroll through Main Street's Car Free Day came to a close, we couldn't resist the allure of indulging in some delightful desserts to cap off our culinary adventure and get relief from the summer heat. Our sweet journey led us to Dairy Queen, where we faced a dessert dilemma—two limited edition Blizzards, each promising a unique flavour experience.

Our first choice, the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard, held the promise of a dessert imbued with the nostalgic flavours of Snickerdoodle cookies. However, this Blizzard turned out to be a surprise of a different kind.

Upon the first spoonful, it became apparent that cinnamon was the dominant player in this dessert. While some may relish the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon, it overshadowed the other elements of the treat, leaving me yearning for a more balanced flavour profile.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
Find sugar, spice, and everything nice blended into our Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat.

I hated it so much that I needed a different Blizzard and got a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Pie. This delectable creation celebrated peanut butter's rich and creamy allure, harmonizing it with the irresistible appeal of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

REESE'S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard® Treat from Dairy Queen
A little salty, a little sweet - satisfy your pie craving with this treat.

With each spoonful, I revelled in the decadent blend of velvety peanut butter and the satisfying crunch of the chocolate cups. It was a symphony of textures and tastes that made me smile.

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

Cake Batter Cookie Dough Blizzard Treat Caramel Fudge Cheesecake Blizzard Treat COFFEE CRISP® Caramel Macchiato Blizzard Treat Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat OREO® Hot Cocoa Blizzard Treat

Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat REESE'S® Caramel Pretzel Blizzard® Treat REESE'S® Peanut Butter Cup Pie Blizzard® Treat Skor® Blizzard Treat Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard® Treat

Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe food truck (includes menu)

Nestled amidst the vibrant festivities of Car Free Day on Main Street, we stumbled upon Camion Cafe, a delightful food truck specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, specifically bánh mì. We decided to give their Lemongrass Bánh Mì and spring roll a try.

Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe
Lemongrass beef, ginger garlic marinade, mayo cucumber, jalapeno, daikon & carrot pickles, and cilantro.

At first glance, the crusty demi-baguette encasing the bánh mì appears too hardy, but beneath this textural exterior lies the star: the lemongrass-infused beef. It's so tender and succulent.

Lemongrass Beef Bánh Mì from Camion Cafe
Lemongrass beef, ginger garlic marinade, mayo cucumber, jalapeno, daikon & carrot pickles, and cilantro.

In contrast to the savoury beef, the cucumber contributed a crispy crunch. At the same time, the jalapeno adds a subtle kick of heat, and the daikon & carrot pickles offer a sweet and tangy contrast that helps cut through the meat's richness.

Spring Rolls from Camion Cafe

We also savoured one of Camion Cafe's spring rolls to complete our culinary exploration. It exhibited a harmonious blend of textures: crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful within.

Camion Cafe food truck menu

Shawarma and Dolmades from Shawarma Time Truck (with menu)

I just love Car Free Day on Main Street. My husband and I made a pact to prioritize food stalls without a physical store and food trucks that we have yet to try.

As we continued our stroll along Main Street, we spotted Shawarma Time Truck. I eagerly ordered one beef shawarma wrap and a side of dolmades, a Mediterranean delight I've adored (thanks to Super Dishes Egyptian Halal Cuisine).

First up were the Dolmades, and they lived up to my high expectations. These delicate parcels, made with vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, were a testament to the artistry of Mediterranean cuisine. Each bite was a burst of savoury, tangy, zesty goodness, and I savoured every one.

4 Pieces of Dolmades from Shawarma Time Truck
Grape vine leaves, stuffed with delicious rice, shaped into little rolls

The beef shawarma wrap had its own charm. The tender slices of beef were generously seasoned and spiced, delivering that signature shawarma flavour. However, it leaned slightly on the saltier side, a touch more than I prefer. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying experience.

Beef Shawarma Wrap from Shawarma Time Truck
Fresh-cut beef shawarma with tahini spreads and your choice of toppings and sauces

Shawarma Time Truck Menu

Below is a picture of the Shawarma Time Truck menu.

Shawarma Time Truck menu

Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada

Our Car Free Day adventure along Vancouver's vibrant Main Street turned into a gastronomic journey filled with pleasant surprises. After relishing the delightful Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir, we continued our leisurely walk, enjoying the event's lively atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling street and cheerful chatter, a sign that read "Raclette" caught our attention. Memories of enjoying raclette cheese at the Vancouver Christmas Market flooded back, and we knew we couldn't resist this cheesy delight.

We approached the Frencheese Canada stall and ordered The Raclette Charcuterie.

The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canada
Melted raclette cheese poured on potatoes sauteed with butter, seasoned with thyme and rosemary, shared Sopressa salami and Italian ham, mixed lettuce drizzled with vinaigrette, and baby gherkins.

The raclette cheese melted to perfection cascaded over the potatoes, creating a gooey savoury blanket. The combination of the salty Sopressa salami and Italian ham provided a delightful contrast, while the fresh lettuce added a crisp, refreshing element.

One prominent flavour that stood out was thyme. The thyme and rosemary-infused potatoes carried a robust and aromatic essence that lingered with every bite.

The Raclette Charcutiere from Frencheese Canaada

As we indulged in our Raclette Charcutiere, it was as though we'd been transported to a cozy European street market. The savoury, cheesy goodness combined with the lively atmosphere of Car Free Day created a moment that felt like a mini culinary vacation.

So, if you ever find yourself strolling down a festive event like Car Free Day, keep an eye out for the Frencheese Canada stall. Their Raclette Charcutiere is a delectable experience that brings a slice of Europe to the heart of Vancouver. It's the kind of cheesy encounter you'll want to savour and share with fellow food enthusiasts.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir

On a sunny Saturday morning (before noon), my husband and I decided to join Car Free Day with a leisurely stroll down Main Street in Vancouver from our home near South Granville. Our goal? To enjoy quality food and savour the neighbourhood's vibrant atmosphere. From the many different booth, we spotted La Porte de l'Espoir and chose croque monsieur.

My husband set the expectation low since the sandwich had been sitting there for 30 minutes or so. However, it was still extraordinary. A toasted slice of bread encased with layers of thinly sliced ham and creamy melted cheese.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

But it wasn't just the flavour that impressed us; it was the texture. The outer layer of the sandwich was crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the softness of the ham and the gooeyness of the cheese. Every bite felt like a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

Croque Monsieur from La Porte de l'Espoir
French ham & cheese sandwich

This is an excellent first food for the day, and I cannot wait to see what other food vendors we see on Main Street Car Free Day.

Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver soft opening

TGIF! Today, my husband and I embarked on a short but exciting journey - a five-block walk to join the soft opening of Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver.

In preparation for this visit, I spent the last two evenings poring over Google Maps, exploring the most-loved dishes at various Leopold locations in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Armed with my research, I couldn't resist the urge to indulge in the following highly recommended items:

Lunch at Leopold's Tavern Vancouver

1. Poutine - A Canadian Classic

Leopold's Tavern is renowned for its poutine, but with many options, which one to choose? Let's take a closer look at the delectable variations that have gained popularity at different Leopold's spots:

• Traditional Poutine - The timeless grub is a favourite at three different locations.
• Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine - A spicy twist featuring buffalo-breaded chicken is well-loved at three branches.
• Cheeseburger Poutine - A delightful fusion of two classics is also famous at three various Leopold restaurants.

Moreover, the "Poutine of the Week," with standouts like Beer Battered Dill Pickle Poutine and Philly Cheesesteak Poutine, is famous in 1 location each. And at the Warman, SK, site, the Smash Burger Poutine is beloved.

We couldn't resist trying a small portion of two of the three popular ones.

Traditional Poutine - The Canadian Classic

The crispy house-cut fries provide a satisfying crunch, while the salty melted cheese curds add a chewy contrast. Let's talk about that gravy. It's the perfect temperature to soften and melt the curds while adding a delicious beefy flavour. No wonder it's prevalent at Leopold locations at Regina East, Regina North, and Calgary Sage Hill.

Small Traditional Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Cheese curds and beef gravy on house-cut fries

This is my second favourite traditional poutine in Vancouver, slightly after La Belle Patate.

Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine

Meanwhile, the buffalo chicken ranch poutine is loved at two Winnipeg (Academy and Bridgewater) locations, plus the lone site in Victoria, BC. That crispy buttermilk fried chicken covered in zesty hot buffalo sauce balanced by the creamy ranch dressing to cool things down with its tangy richness is terrific. Place it on top of crispy fries. Yum!

Small Buffalo Chicken Ranch Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Buttermilk fried chicken, cheese curds, ranch and buffalo sauce on house-cut fries.

Both poutines were excellent, and I look forward to trying the rest. For a small size, this is a superb portion filling for lunch.

2. Baja Tacos - A Flavour Extravaganza

Undoubtedly, the Baja Tacos is the star at a staggering eleven Leopold's locations.

Menu Description: Pick from blackened chicken, buffalo-breaded shrimp, or battered avocado. These tantalizing fillings are complemented by feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce, all wrapped in your choice of soft corn or flour tortillas.

I asked if we could order one of each possible option. The friendly server said they could only do it on taco Tuesdays, so I opted for the buffalo-breaded shrimp.

The taco sat there since we started with the poutine, and the breaded shrimp got stale. I recommend chowing it down as soon as it arrives on your table.

Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern
Buffalo breaded shrimp with feta, pico de gallo, slaw, mango salsa, and baja sauce on three soft corn tortillas.

The crunchy breaded shrimp are complemented by the tanginess of crumbly yet creamy feta, pico de gallo's zesty freshness, and slaw's crunchy texture. The mango salsa adds a tropical juicy sweetness, and the creamy baja sauce ties everything together with its slightly spicy goodness.

Buffalo Breaded Shrimp Baja Tacos on Soft Corn Tortilla from Leopold's Tavern

I chose the soft corn, which became crumbly and chewy pretty quickly, so my tip is to eat it immediately. The Baja tacos are famous at other locations, so I'll try the blackened chicken next time and see if it's better than the buffalo-breaded shrimp.

3. Club Sandwich - A Timeless Classic

The last item we ordered is the Club Sandwich, an all-time favourite, which also enjoys its place of honour at 11 different Leopold's Tavern locations. Here's what sets it apart:

Menu Description: Relish the delectable combination of smoked turkey, thick-cut ham, and crispy bacon, harmoniously joined by white cheddar, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo, all nestled between slices of your preferred bread.

With layers of smoked turkey, ham, and thick-cut bacon, it's a carnivore's dream come true. The smoked turkey adds a mild, smoky flavour with a hint of sweetness, while the ham provides a salty and savoury contrast. The thick-cut bacon introduces a smoky, crispy, slightly salty note that elevates the entire sandwich. It was almost perfect, except the bacon was overly cooked, and two slices were on top of each other, making it so hard that my front teeth hurt. I removed it from the sandwich, separated the two slices, and ate it on its own.

Club Sandwich from Leopold's Tavern
Smoked turkey, ham, thick-cut bacon with white cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and blue cheese sauce

Meanwhile, the white cheddar cheese contributes a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the meats. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes offer freshness and a touch of juiciness. The whole ensemble is bound together by a generous slather of mayo, adding a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy finish.

It's a classic club sandwich and not something I'll order again. However, I love the curly fries.

Dessert: New Churro Bites

We ordered the new churro bites because my husband loves sweets, and only two options exist. I absolutely love the churro bites. One order came with 20 pieces of mini churros served with vanilla dipping sauce. I hope they serve it with a chocolate dip - this would make it the best churro in Vancouver!

Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern
Mini churros tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with vanilla dipping sauce.

Churro Bites from Leopold's Tavern

These mini churro bites offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while revealing a soft and doughy interior.

Whether you're a poutine aficionado, a taco enthusiast, or a fan of classic club sandwiches, Leopold's Tavern offers something special for everyone. What is your favourite food item at Leopold's? As for me, I can't wait to come back for more poutine!