Signature Beef Noodle Soup from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

I'm a creature of habit. Every year on the weekend before or after my birthday, I eat at RedBeef Noodle Kitchen and get my favourite: Chicken Cutlet Rice and Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken.

Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken with Rice from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

We had both for lunch today after Mass and before walking to BC Place. Meanwhile, my husband ordered the Signature Beef Noodle Soup because it's cold outside, and a warm soup is all you need.

Signature Beef Noodle Soup from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

The Signature Beef Noodle Soup is a harmonious symphony of rich broth, tender beef slices, and perfectly cooked noodles. Each spoonful delivers a comforting embrace.

Chicken Cutlet Rice from RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

Meanwhile, my go-to dish has the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken cutlet and fluffy rice topped with pickled vegetables. I'm so happy!

Unlocking Citrus Bliss: Exploring Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House's Key Lime Cheesecake

Indulge your taste buds in a citrus symphony with Trees Organic Coffee's Key Lime Cheesecake, a delightful dessert that takes your palate on a tangy journey. In the heart of Vancouver, Trees Organic Coffee & Roasting House has mastered the art of crafting cheesecakes, and their Key Lime creation stands out as a zesty sensation.

Key Lime Cheesecake from Trees

Trees Organic's Key Lime Cheesecake is a masterpiece of flavor fusion. The velvety smoothness of the cheesecake base perfectly complements the bold and zesty kick of fresh key lime. Each bite dances on your taste buds, striking a harmonious balance between sweetness and tanginess.

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

Birthday dinner at Leopold's Tavern Vancouver

It took me a long time to decide where to celebrate my birthday this year. At the last minute, I invited my family (parents and siblings) to Leopold's Tavern in Vancouver. I loved their food the last time we went there, so I thought, why not.

When we arrived, my brother immediately asked, "Why did you bring Mama and Papa here? I will drink with my friends here, but not my parents." I just shrugged and said they have delicious food.

My husband and I were feeling snacky, so we picked two items from the Snacks section of the menu, traditional salt & pepper wings, and my sister went for the Poutine of the Week for sharing.

The salt & pepper traditional wings are perfectly golden-brown with a crunchy outer layer and tender interior.

Traditional Salt & Pepper Wings from Leopold's Tavern

Next, the Nachos boast a mouthwatering burst of flavours with the creamy richness of melted cheese, the freshness of pico de gallo, and the bold kick from pickled jalapenos. The interplay of textures is exquisite, with the crispiness of the nacho chips complementing the savoury and spiced beef, creating a satisfying and dynamic nacho experience.

Spicy Beef Nachos from Leopold's Tavern
Cheese, pico de Gallo, onions, pickled jalapenos, peppers, olives with side salsa and sour cream

I have high expectations of the Kettle Chips because I love the one from Boston Pizza (Cactus Cut Potatoes). The one from Leopold's is a bit thicker than BP but still offers a delightful crunch with each bite, delivering a perfect balance of saltiness and the hearty, robust flavour of thick-cut potatoes.

Kettle Chips from Leopold's Tavern

Lastly, the poutine of the week is Beer Braised Chicken Poutine. The beer-braised chicken, tender and succulent, complements the rich combination of fries, cheese curds, and luscious chicken gravy. Caramelized onions, aged white cheddar, and a drizzle of buffalo BBQ sauce elevate the dish to a symphony of savoury goodness while the crispy onion tanglers add a satisfying crunch. This poutine is a true masterpiece for those seeking a hearty and flavorful pub experience at Leopold's Tavern.

Poutine of the Week: Beer Braised Chicken Poutine from Leopold's Tavern
Fries, cheese curds, and chicken gravy layered with beer braised chicken, aged white cheddar, caramelized onions, buffalo BBQ sauce topped with crispy onion tanglers, and green onions.

The atmosphere at Leopold's is ideal for friends to hang out, but the quality of food is enough to impress even the pickiest of eaters (like my parents).

Coconut Macaroon from purebread

After lunch, my colleague and I decided to drop by purebread to grab some sweets.

Coconut Macaroon from purebread

purebread is dessert heaven; the real challenge is choosing which one to try. I went for coconut macaroon, and it did not disappoint.

Coconut Macaroon from purebread

What sets coconut macaroons apart is their unique texture. The shredded coconut, when baked, achieves a perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and a chewy, moist interior. It is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet. I thought of my dad while enjoying it since he loves coconut-based desserts.

Meatball Sandwich from Meat & Bread

For team lunch, the theme is sandwiches, and we were more than happy to return to our favourite sandwich joint in Vancouver: Meat & Bread.

My colleague went for her must-try item: Porchetta. Meanwhile, I vowed to try all their sandwiches and went for the Meatball Sandwich.

Meatball Sandwich from Meat & Bread

It's messy to eat, but that meatball is top-notch. I would be happy to eat that with pasta! Yum! Their bread is hot and toasty.

Meatball Sandwich from Meat & Bread

I can't wait for the next time a sandwich is chosen as the theme for team lunch.

A Cozy Ramen Experience at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka beckons with the promise of authentic Japanese flavours and a warm, inviting ambiance. We delved into a delightful experience on our recent lunch visit, exploring their menu.

Our journey into Japanese culinary bliss commenced with takoyaki. These savoury octopus balls, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, teased our taste buds with their umami-rich goodness. The drizzle of sauce and a dusting of bonito flakes added the perfect finishing touch to this classic appetizer.

Takoyaki from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Hubby opted for the Shio Cha-Shu Ramen, a hearty bowl that promises comfort in every slurp. The star of this dish is the succulent pork, slow-roasted to perfection until it practically melts in your mouth. The generous portion of pork, coupled with the soul-soothing broth, made each spoonful a journey into ramen nirvana.

Shio Cha-Shu Ramen from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
This is a substantial bowl of ramen piled high with a precious amount of pork roasted to the point of falling apart. Have any soup you like with Santouka's roasted pork, which allows you to enjoy the delicious flavour of meat.

Meanwhile, my choice was the Kara-miso Tokusen Toroniko Ramen, an original creation by Santouka. This unique dish pairs plain ramen with a separate plate of pork cheek meat. The velvety texture of the cheek meat and the robust flavours of the miso-infused broth created a symphony of tastes that danced on the palate.

Kara-Miso ToKusen Toroniku Ramen from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
This is Santouka's original dish. The plain ramen is eaten with pork cheek meat on a separate plate. Get your fill of the softness of this cheek meat that instantly melts in your mouth.

If you are in Vancouver and yearning for authentic Japanese ramen, consider Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.

Aloha Yumburger from Jollibee

In a world filled with countless fast-food chains, there's one that stands out not just for its food but for the unique experience it offers. Jollibee, often dubbed the "McDonald's of the Philippines," has made its mark internationally, capturing the hearts and palates of people from around the globe. And if you have yet to have the pleasure of trying their offerings, let's take a closer look at two of their popular items: the Spicy Fried Chicken and the Aloha Yumburger.

The Warm Welcome

Walking into a Jollibee restaurant, you're greeted with an ambiance that's vibrant and welcoming. The playful, bee-themed decor sets the stage for a cheerful dining experience synonymous with Filipino culture. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavours and a warm embrace of Filipino hospitality.

The Spicy Jolly Crispy Fried Chicken

First, let's talk about the Spicy Jolly Crispy Fried Chicken. Jollibee's take on this classic fast-food staple is nothing short of mouthwatering. With a crispy, golden exterior that glistens enticingly, this chicken isn't just about its looks. One bite, and you're hit with a medley of flavours - the perfect balance of spice and savoury.

The secret to this delectable dish is the marinade. The chicken is bathed in a blend of spices before being perfectly fried. It's no surprise that Jollibee's Spicy Jolly Crispy Fried Chicken has garnered a devoted following. The chicken's crispiness gives way to a juicy, tender interior packed with taste.

The Aloha Yumburger

Now, let's move on to the Aloha Yumburger, a Jollibee creation that blends the traditional American burger with the flavours of the Philippines. With a soft, toasted bun, the burger is dressed with mayonnaise, cheese, lettuce, a special dressing, and a juicy patty infused with a tropical twist - a slice of sweet, juicy pineapple.

Aloha Yumburger from Jollibee
A double patty langhap sarap Yumburger (which tastes as good as it smells) with a pineapple ring, bacon, aloha dressing, and lettuce on a fresh bun.

The juxtaposition of the savoury elements with the bright and slightly tangy pineapple creates a truly unique experience. It's like taking your taste buds on a mini-vacation to the Philippines with each bite.

A Taste of the Philippines

In every dish served at Jollibee, you'll find a delightful reflection of Filipino cuisine - a cuisine that's as diverse as the archipelago's 7,641 islands. The flavours are a result of a rich history of trade, cultural influences, and, of course, a deep love for delicious food.

Boston Pizza's Irresistible Carbonara Pizza

It's Thursday, and I crave pizza after a long week of working and going to the office. Thankfully, tomorrow is work from home day. We went to the Boston Pizza, 5 minutes walk from our home and got a pizza that was not just a pizza but a whole flavour adventure.

That's precisely what Boston Pizza's latest creation, the Carbonara Pizza, offers. This culinary masterpiece combines the beloved pizza base with the classic flavours of carbonara pasta, resulting in a slice of heaven for your taste buds.

At the heart of this culinary marvel is Boston Pizza's signature pizza dough, smothered in fragrant garlic butter. This sets the stage for a symphony of tastes that unfolds with each bite.

Carbonara Pizza from Boston Pizza
Signature pizza dough smothered in garlic butter and topped with loads of cheese, grilled chicken, smoky bacon, Alfredo sauce, and Parmesan.

This pizza boasts generous portions of grilled chicken and smoky bacon. The grilled chicken adds a delicious, slightly charred taste, while the smoky bacon brings its irresistible aroma and crunch to the party. Together, they make for a dreamy pairing.

What's a carbonara-inspired dish without a creamy, savoury Alfredo sauce? It's rich, velvety, and perfectly complements the other ingredients on the pizza.

No pizza is complete without cheese, and the Carbonara Pizza doesn't disappoint. Parmesan cheese, with its sharp and nutty profile, is sprinkled on top, adding depth and a delightful sharpness to every bite.

It's a bold creation that melds a classic pasta dish with a beloved Italian favorite. And the result is nothing short of spectacular. If you're a fan of the hearty flavors of carbonara, but you also have a soft spot for a well-made pizza, this is the best of both worlds.