Full English Breakfast from Sandro Sandwich Bar

Happy Saturday morning from London! My husband only has two requests for this trip: to see the Prime Meridian and to eat a full English breakfast.

After taking a shower, we were still early for our plans for the day, so I searched for a nearby open, now full, English breakfast from our hotel and found Sandro, which opened at 6:00.

Breakfast at Sandro Sandwich Bar
Full Monty: Egg, bacon, sausage, beans or tomatoes, and toast
Full English Breakfast: Egg, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, & chips

Hubby happily ordered the full English breakfast while I went for the full Monty. They're both so satisfying.

I now get the charm of beans as part of breakfast. It is quick to prepare and fill. It is likely a remnant of what happened during the war, where it is most affordable and easily accessible to the masses.

I am typing this post in the tube on our way to Watford Junction for my only request for this trip: Warner Bros Studios for Harry Potter.

Fish & Chips at The Golden Hind Restaurant

Our first meal in London was the classic fish and chips, and we went to The Golden Hind Restaurant as recommended by the guidebook.

We have excellent fish and chips in Vancouver, specifically salmon. In the UK, salmon is not part of the usual menu, so we ordered cod and a haddock with large chips for sharing.

Cod and Haddock Fish & Chips

First, I did not expect a long and generous amount of fish. Wow. In Vancouver, the cut is more square(?), while in Seattle, it's like fish sticks.

Then, the batter in London is definitely lighter and thinner compared to what I have had in Vancouver.

Of course, as expected, haddock is more flavourful than the cod. I thought the tartar sauce was subpar, but the fries are definitely fresh-cut potatoes.

After dinner, I was in a food coma and felt exhausted from the flight. I cannot wait to come back to our hotel for much-needed sleep.

Air Canada Economy Class Food from Vancouver (YVR) to London (LHR)

We just arrived in London, and I hope to publish this before arriving at London Paddington Station of Heathrow Express.

We left Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on time with Air Canada. Dinner meal was served at around 9:30-ish (PST).

The appetizers is lemon herb couscous salad and cheese. The cheese is a block of marble cheese, which is always good, while the salad has no flavour. To be fair, the couscous is perfectly cooked and not gritty.

For the main course, you have two choices, and we got both!

I started with the chicken caciatore with roasted potatoes and bell peppers. The chicken was tender, while the potatoes were a tad too soft. The flavour is acceptable.

Chicken Cacciatore with Roasted Potatoes and Bell Peppers 

Meanwhile, hubby got the penne pasta with pesto sauce and roasted peppers. When he opened it, the smell of pesto enveloped my nostrils. It smelled so good. Unfortunately, the taste is just okay. The pasta was overcooked. I wonder why I am expecting so much from economy-class airline food.

Penne Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Roasted Peppers

They served a brownie for dessert, which I had yet to eat. My hubby said it's standard, and I quote, "It's a brownie." 🤣

Then, at around 3:00 AM (PST), they served breakfast of cranberry lemon loaf and yogurt. I got vanilla yogurt, and it is pretty standard. I enjoyed the soft, delicious cranberry lemon loaf.

Yogurt and Cranberry Lemon Loaf

Okay. The announcement just said we're arriving at London Paddington Station.

Where to eat in Vancouver International Airport? Salmon N' Bannock on the Fly

We're flying out of Vancouver International Airport today, and I am making recommendations on which one is worth trying.

Before security (if you're waiting for someone or bringing someone to the airport), Japadog in the domestic terminal is my top recommendation. If you're flying internationally and want to avoid walking to the domestic terminal, the local Richmond chain, Pajo's, is an excellent choice for supporting local businesses.

After security, for international flights, I highly recommend Salmon n' Bannock to get a taste of Indigenous flavours and cooking.

We grabbed dinner at Salmon n' Bannock while waiting for our flight. They have a restaurant in Vancouver, so we have tried most of their dishes. Today, we focused on the sandwiches for something light.

Hubby and I shared the BBQ Salmon Salad Sandwich and Lox Sandwich. The bun is the traditional soft bannocks. 🤤

They're both delicious and a bit messy. I have always been a fan of Lox Sandwiches, usually with bagels, so this is the first time I am having it with Bannock, and it's just perfect.

Lox Sandwich from Salmon n' Bannock on the Fly
Cured salmon lox, dill cream cheese, capers, and red onion between a bannock.

Meanwhile, the BBQ Salmon Salad Sandwich is messy to eat, and it's like a tuna sandwich but with salmon and in-between bannocks.

BBQ Salmon Salad Sandwich from Salmon n' Bannock on the Fly
BBQ salmon salad with lemon aioli, greens, and tomato between a bannock.

We also got a discounted pumpkin spice scone, and it was so good. I recommend a scone and coffee from here if you need a quick breakfast. It was warm and moist.

Pumpkin Spice Scones from Salmon n' Bannock on the Fly

This was such a lovely last meal in Vancouver before our flight. I am writing on my phone, and please excuse the typo.

Salmon N' Bannock on the Fly menu

Menu below is subject to change without prior notice. Prices was last updated last October 12, 2023

• BBQ Salmon Salad Sandwich - $16.99
• Lox Sandwich - $16.99
• Game Salami Sandwich - $16.99
• Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich - $13.99
• Vegetarian Chili Bowl - $15.00
• Daily Soup - $14.99
• Salmon n' Bannock Plate - $21.99
• Vegetarian Bannock Taco - $21.99
• Feel the Beet Salad - $19.99
• Elk Burger - $18.99

Bento Boxes from Sushivan | Day 0 of London, UK trip

My husband and I are flying out of Vancouver this evening to visit London, England, for the first time. It's our first time in the continent of Europe. We are excited! Before that, we are grabbing lunch at Sushivan.

We both order bento boxes, and they're such a satisfying lunch. I need rice before leaving the comforts of home.

Salmon Teriyaki & Sashimi Box from Sushivan
Salmon teriyaki, happy sashimi, appy tempura, salad, 4 pieces California roll, and rice

Chicken Teriyaki & Sashimi Box from Sushivan
Chicken teriyaki, appy sashimi, appy tempura, salad, 4 pieces California roll, and rice

The unagi, or grilled eel, offers a sweet, smoky richness beautifully complemented by crab meat's delicate sweetness. The cool, crisp cucumber and creamy avocado provide a refreshing contrast, while the tobiko, or flying fish roe, adds delightful pops of briny saltiness.

Caterpillar Roll
Unagi, crab meat, cucumber, avocado, tobiko, and unagi sauce

To tie it all together, the unagi sauce drizzled over the roll offers a luscious, savoury-sweet glaze that enhances the overall flavour profile. These ingredients create a harmonious combination of sweet, savoury, and umami notes, making the Caterpillar Roll a delightful and well-balanced sushi experience.

Beef Biryani from Davie Dosa Company

Happy Wednesday! I am on vacation starting tomorrow, so my colleague suggested we have our team lunch today since it's for the team together, and it will be pointless if it's just her. I told her we should ask permission, but she said it's too early in Melbourne for us to ask permission from anyone.

The chosen theme for team lunch is Indian food, specifically biryani. We ordered from Davie Dosa Company, and I got the Beef Biryani. It was a generous portion. I did not want to finish it, but I had to because I wouldn't be in the office the next day to finish my leftovers.

Beef Biryani from Davie Dosa Company

The rice was flavorful and spicy. There is a generous amount of beef, albeit some is tough. I wish it was more tender.

Overall, it was a good team lunch before my vacation. I will miss team lunch next week, but I'll note it here.

Moroccan Chickpea Kale Soup and Hammer Time Sandwich from Kafka's

Happy Tuesday! It's raining, and I am alone in the office. I didn't want to leave the building, so I grabbed soup and a sandwich from Kafka's downstairs.

The Moroccan Chickpea Kale Soup is a soul-warming concoction that expertly blends Moroccan spices and the nourishing essence of kale. With every spoonful, you'll experience the rich, earthy notes of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The tender chickpeas add a delightful creaminess to the broth, while the kale introduces a fresh, leafy bite. It's a flavorful journey that'll warm your heart and belly. There were also sausage slices for protein. Yum!

Moroccan Chickpea Kale Soup from Kafka's

For sandwiches, only the Hammer Time is available. The star of the show is the high-quality ham, which boasts a smoky, savoury taste that complements the rich, velvety texture of the egg. Nestled between two slices of freshly baked bread, it's a satisfying and robust breakfast option to kickstart your day with gusto.

Hammer Time from Kafka's

Family Thanksgiving Dinner

My younger sister insists on cooking traditional Thanksgiving dinner with the usual turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and garlic mashed potatoes. She and her boyfriend did all that for Sunday dinner. This is similar to our menu last year but with the addition of corn casserole and Brussels Sprouts. Like last year, I brought the pie, this time from The Pie Hole.

Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by my sister and her boyfriend

Turkey

Pecan Pie from The Pie Hole

Pumpkin Pie from The Pie Hole

The corn casserole was like a creamy cornbread, while the Brussels Sprouts were slightly salty. They work well together since one is sweet, and the other is salty. After the food coma, dinner and packing leftovers, we played video games and had much fun.

Do you know why my sister (and I) fell in love with Thanksgiving? We both blame it on Bob of Bob's Burger. He LOVES Thanksgiving (his favourite holiday!), and starting from season three, they have an annual Thanksgiving episode. Watch it on Disney+.