The Mighty McMuffin from McDonald's Canada

Happy Thursday! I left home earlier than usual today, and surprisingly, the bus I took stopped way earlier and did not proceed until the end of its route, so I decided to walk the rest of the way to the office and spotted McDonald's

Mighty McMuffin from McDonald's Canada
Get a double portion of hickory-smoked bacon plus a freshly cracked Canada Grade A egg, processed cheddar cheese and savoury sausage on a toasted English muffin. A mighty eat to rid you of your mighty hunger.

They are promoting The Mighty McMuffin. It is essentially if the Sausage 'N Egg McMuffin and Bacon 'N Egg McMuffin had an older bigger sibling. It has sausage, bacon, and egg between soft toasted English muffins.

Oreo Fiesta Signature Bubble Waffle from Crema Ice Cream food truck

After a spicy lunch at The Frying Pan, my husband requested we get ice cream to cool down. We spotted the Crema Ice Cream food truck and got the Oreo Fiesta Signature Bubble Waffle.

We chose a scoop of chocolate ganache to come with the bubble waffle and topped it with M&M, sprinkles, and Oreo pieces.

Oreo Fiesta Signature Bubble Waffle from Crema Ice Cream food truck
Choice of ice cream (chocolate ganache), bubble waffle, M&Ms, sprinkles, and Oreo pieces

I prefer the S'More Signature Bubble Waffle we tried previously because it has a more varying texture. However, the chocolate ganache is the best chocolate ice cream I've had in Vancouver. It's not overly sweet, and I love the solid chocolatey flavour.

Car Free Day in Denman Street is our last summer event; ending it with delicious ice cream is the way to go.

Nashville meets Korean Fried Chicken in The Frying Pan

As we continued our afternoon on Denman Street for Car Free Day, I searched Google Maps for restaurant recommendations. I search for restaurants sorted by distance filtered by open now and above 4.5 stars. The first suggestion is Frying Pan Denman. They are known for serving Nashville x Korean style hot fried chicken sandwiches and started as a food truck.

I have a confession: hubby, and I love watching Korean dramas, and we're binge-watching My Lovely Liar on Viki. The male and female lead eat Korean fried chicken at 3 AM while watching the Manchester United and Liverpool games. It's such a perfect timing suggestion that I get to each fried chicken right now, too.

The Frying Pan

From the extensive menu, we chose three things: the Dirty Hot Chicken Fries (medium hot spice level), half original chicken bites, and half Korean Yang Nyeom chicken bites.

Half Original Chicken Bites from The Frying Pan

We took a piece each from the two chicken bites and packed the rest to enjoy at home. Both have the expected crispy exterior and juicy interior. The original is your classic Korean fried chicken, while the Yang Nyeom has the perfect balance of savoury with a hint of sweet and spicy flavour.

Yang Nyeom Chicken Bite from The Frying Pan

We decided to finish the Dirty Hot Chicken Fries in the restaurant. It's waffle fries topped with slices of tender and juicy chicken breast and drizzled with spicy mayo for heat, teriyaki sauce for sweetness, and cheese for slight saltiness. No wonder it's one of their recommended dishes because it's perfect.

Dirty Hot Chicken Fries from The Frying Pan
Waffle fries, house teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo, cheese, green onion, chicken breast, slaw and pickles.

I am so happy that events like Car Free Day exist because they allow me to enjoy and explore neighbourhoods I usually wouldn't go to.

Street Tacos from TAPS and TACOS food truck

After my husband finished the Under Armour Eastside 10k, we slowly walked to Denman Street for Car Free Day. The same foodie rules apply where we prioritize food trucks we have yet to try, which means getting four different street tacos from TAPS and TACOS food truck.

First up is the pork carnitas taco. The spicy allure of salsa roja danced with the savoury pork carnitas.

Then, we took a bite of a roasted jackfruit taco. A surprising and delightful vegetarian option, the roasted jackfruit taco boasted the smoky allure of salsa Morita.

Afterwards, we enjoyed the delightful blend of tender meat and a kick of salsa Morita of the roasted chicken taco. The shredded succulent roasted chicken is perfect. I recommend this one.

Street Tacos from TAPS and TACOS food truck

Last but not necessarily the least is the braised beef tacos. It is adorned with vibrant salsa verde, promising a zesty adventure. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef combined with the tangy salsa and the crispness of onion and cilantro.

One noteworthy aspect of TAPS and TACOS' presentation was their consideration of diners. They provided multiple tortillas for each taco, ensuring that the delicious contents remained firmly within the bounds of the tortilla, preventing any spills and allowing us to savour every bite to the fullest.

Mocha and Butter Croissant from Monaco Café

On this unexpectedly clear and beautiful Sunday morning in Vancouver, I found myself at Monaco Café, savouring a quiet coffee date with myself while my husband tackled the Under Armour Eastside 10k 2023.

I ordered a delightful trio: a medium mocha, a butter croissant, and a sausage roll. Let's dive into the flavours:

The sausage roll was a savoury delight, featuring a juicy hotdog nestled within layers of flaky pastry. Each bite was a satisfying combination of flavours and textures.

Turning my attention to the croissant, I discovered a pastry perfection. Soft, flaky, and wonderfully buttery, it checked all the boxes for a great croissant. The only thing that could have elevated it further was a touch of warmth. However, the oversight might have been mine as I forgot to request it from the barista. 😅

Butter croissant, medium mocha, and sausage roll for breakfast at Monaco Café

As for my mocha, it was nothing short of perfection. Imagine a warm morning hug crafted from the sweet embrace of chocolate with a gentle undertone of rich, slightly bitter coffee. In every sip, I felt grateful for life's many blessings, from the beautiful morning weather to the simple joys in between.

Pumpkin Spice Latte: A Fall Delight at Blenz Coffee

After a delightful day indulging in Latin American cuisine at the Culture Day event organized by Pacific Arts Market, we decided to unwind at Blenz Coffee, conveniently located on West Broadway and Maple, before heading to Mass. Our choices for the evening included the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, the intriguing Blue Latte, and a delightful Tahitian Vanilla Bean Dacaron for dessert.

Latte Date at Blenz

Pumpkin Spice has become synonymous with the flavours of fall in North America, yet it remains somewhat elusive to describe. The Pumpkin Spice Latte at Blenz greeted us with its rich, aromatic pumpkin spice aroma. Still, its taste was akin to a regular latte, leaving us curious about its seasonal allure.

Pumpkin Spice Latte from Blenz Coffee

On the other hand, the Blue Latte not only captivated the eyes with its vibrant hue caused by the Butterly Pea Flower but also surprised our taste buds with a subtle herbal note.

Blue Latte from Blenz Coffee

Saving the best for last, the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Dacaron was a delightful conclusion to our coffee break. Among the Dacaron varieties we've sampled, this one stood out as the sweetest, with its rich vanilla flavour harmonizing perfectly with the unique texture of this delectable dessert.

Tahitian Vanilla Bean Dacaron from Blenz Coffee

For more on our Dacaron adventures, be sure to check out our dedicated blog post. As we sipped our lattes and savoured our treats, our evening at Blenz Coffee offered a delightful pause amid our busy day.

BC Culture Days Latin America at Pacific Arts Market, Vancouver

Greetings on this rainy Saturday! I am fortunate to reside just a few blocks from Pacific Arts Market. This establishment has recently delighted us with its vibrant events (see Vancouver Night Market), especially those featuring delectable culinary offerings.

Today, our rendezvous at Pacific Arts revolves around celebrating Latin America's rich and diverse flavours. Needless to say, I'm here to savour every delightful dish presented by the participating vendors. We arrived in the area at around 2:30 in the afternoon, and based on earlier pictures, some vendors had already left.

Taquitos from Lita's Mexican Food

Our gastronomic expedition starts at Lita's Mexican food, where the enticing aroma of taquitos beckons. These little gems sport a crispy exterior, and the hot sauce makes it perfect on this chilly day.

Chicken Taquitos from Lita's Mexican Food

If you don't know, taquitos are a popular Mexican dish, often served as finger foods or appetizers. These cheese and meat-filled tortillas are typically deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown. Lita's taquitos are available in grocery stores, so go check them out.

Mote con Chicharrón from La Yapa

We're venturing into uncharted culinary territory as we try Ecuadorian cuisine for the first time at La Yapa. We picked two delectable choices: the Mote Con Chicharrón and Guagua de Pan.

The Mote con Chicharrón is a revelation. It features mote (hominy), which is corn that has been treated with an alkali to remove the outer hull, causing the corn kernels to puff up and have a soft, chewy texture. It serves as the base for the chicharrón (fried pieces of pork). It is fatty, juicy, and oh-so succulent, harmonizing perfectly with the tender corn.

Mote con Chicharrón from La Yapa

Meanwhile, guagua de pan is a traditional Ecuadorian sweet bread decorated with coloured icing. The bread is slightly firmer than expected and likely became stale due to the cold and rainy weather. I wish I could try this fresh from the oven.

Guagua de Pan from La Yapa

Beef Quesadillas from Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana

Prepare yourself, for what I'm about to share is nothing short of a culinary epiphany. Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana serves up what can only be described as the pinnacle of Mexican beef in Vancouver.

Beef Quesadillas from Mi Casa Cucina Mexicana

The beef is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour and placed upon a warm tortilla covered with melted cheese. It's a symphony of taste that I can't wait to revisit at their location on the corner of 4th Avenue and Burrard and perhaps again on Cinco de Mayo.

Tamales from Jicama y Perejil

This is my second time trying tamales (a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa that is filled with various ingredients, wrapped in a corn husk, and then steamed or boiled), and the first time was also because of a Pacific Arts event. I chose tender chicken enveloped by a tamale's embrace.

Chicken Tamales from Jicama y Perejil

While the chicken's tender is undeniable, the texture of the corn gives pause, exhibiting an unexpected grittiness. Moreover, I know tamales need to be served hot, but this is not warm enough to melt the cheese on top.

Nachos from TACO'N Todo food truck

I have a mild obsession with food trucks and have made a checklist of food trucks in Vancouver.

Beef Nachos from TACO'N Todo food truck

I ordered nachos topped with beef and was pleasantly shocked at the serving size. It's good enough for three people, and we manage to conquer it as a duo. The nacho chips, a personal weakness, deliver pure satisfaction, making this dish a resounding success.

After our food adventure, we make our way to church for the 5 PM Anticipated Mass, and I find myself writing this post inside Blenz Coffee at the corner of West Broadway and Maple. I will edit it at home later this evening.

Customizable Lunch Bento Box from Tokyo in April Restaurant Vancouver

It was a picturesque Thursday with clear skies and sunshine, setting the perfect backdrop for our team's Japanese-themed lunch outing. Our destination was Tokyo in April, a highly-rated Japanese restaurant conveniently located nearby.

Tokyo in April offers a unique lunch experience with its customizable bento boxes. For my selection, I crafted a satisfying ensemble: spicy miso soup, teriyaki beef over rice, a spring mix salad, chicken karaage, and a salmon & avocado roll.

My Custom Bento Box from Tokyo in April

The spicy miso soup was a standout, boasting a balanced flavour profile that wasn't excessively salty but wonderfully savoury. The only hiccup in our culinary journey was the spring mix salad, which arrived unadorned with dressing, seemingly forgotten. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity to infuse some greens into my meal.

Spicy Miso Soup that's part of my bento box from Tokyo in April

The teriyaki beef over rice pleasantly surprised me with its sweeter notes, while the salmon and avocado roll showcased the delicate harmony between velvety salmon and creamy avocado. To elevate the roll further, a textural contrast element could be considered, though it still delivered an excellent taste.

Saving the best for last, the unassuming appearance of the chicken karaage belied its bold flavours. Well-seasoned, with a juicy and tender interior encased in a delightfully crispy exterior, it left an indelible impression. I eagerly anticipate indulging in this flavorful dish again on future visits.

If you find yourself near International Village, stop by Tokyo in April for their unique bento box experience.

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 Japanese: Tokyo in April