Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Happy Saturday. The drive into Richmond this morning was a dream: soft pink cherry blossoms lined the streets like nature’s own confetti. I headed straight to Eggspectation for a much-needed brunch, where my sister (who works there!) settled me into a cozy corner booth. It was the perfect "writer's sanctuary" to explore their new 2026 menu updates. Having fasted since 9:30 PM the night before, I needed a reset. I started with the Green Light Smoothie ($9.00) . The first sip is a sharp, ginger-forward kick that clears the morning fog, followed by the mellow sweetness of fresh apple.  Nashville Hot Chicken Benny  from Eggspectation  Deep-fried chicken breast sprinkled with spices on a toasted English muffin, topped with two poached eggs, pickles and our signature Hollandaise sauce The Main Event: Nashville Hot Chicken Benny This is the undisputed star ...

Happy Friday! My husband is currently away on a retreat in Mission, so I invited my brother over to finally see our new condo. He was the last of my immediate family to visit, and it felt so good to finally show him our space. After a quick tour of the unit, we headed over to Pho Quynh Express at 1691 Main Street for a quiet Friday dinner. We ended up chatting for more than two hours about career paths and life in general. I really felt like a good Ate (older sister) tonight, just catching up and being there for him. This Large Vegetable & Seafood Rice Noodle Soup ($18.57) was loaded with broccoli, squid, and shrimp. The perfect, nourishing Lenten meal. Review: Vegetable & Seafood Rice Noodle Soup Since it is Lent, I am sticking to meatless options. I ordered the Large Vegetable & Seafood in Rice Noodle Soup ($18.57) , listed on the menu as Mì Hoặc Hủ Tiếu Đồ Bi...

Sometimes a team lunch is just a break from answering tickets and calls, and sometimes it’s an intense sporting event in the palm of your hand. Today, our team headed to Patron Taco and Cantina on Robson right at 12:30 PM. We have a colleague from Ireland (our company even has an office in Cork!), so the energy was high. By 12:45 PM, we were huddled around a phone watching the UEFA Path D playoff semi-final : Ireland vs. Czech Republic. It was a nail-biter—ending regular time at 2-2 and going straight to a heartbreaking penalty shootout. Ireland lost 4-3 in the end, but the drama definitely made for a memorable lunch! These warm, crispy Baja Tacos ($30) are the perfect light lunch at Patron Taco and Cantina on Robson. Review: Baja Tacos at Patron Taco and Cantina Amidst the football tension, I finally tried the Baja Tacos ($30) . If you ever ask me what the lightest lunch ...

Earlier today was a big family day as we celebrated my younger sister’s birthday at Chop Steakhouse. This was not our first time choosing Chop for a family milestone. Back in 2021, we celebrated my sister's birthday with a Chop Steakhouse delivery that set a high bar for steak at home. It was wonderful to visit their dining room at the Richmond location to see how the experience is in person. The Snapshot: Chop Steakhouse Richmond The Vibe: Dark, upscale, and cozy: perfect for groups or date nights. Happy Hour: Daily 3 PM to 6 PM and 9 PM to Close. The Location: 10251 St Edwards Dr, Richmond, BC (at the Sandman Signature). The Starters: Steak Bites vs. Birria Spring Rolls Since we arrived during Happy Hour, we dove into a spread of appetizers. The Steak Bites ($24) were the clear winner: juicy, tender, and exactly what you want from a steakhouse. ...

Earlier today was a big family day as we celebrated my younger sister’s birthday, but before the festivities began, Hubby and I carved out a little "us" time. We found ourselves at the Tim Hortons on Bridgeport and No. 4 Road in Richmond, BC, curious to try their latest seasonal feature. A "love letter" to spring at the Bridgeport Tim Hortons. The Sakura-pink aesthetic is undeniable, but does the taste live up to the look? The Snapshot: Tim Hortons Spring 2026 The Treat: Strawberry Cheesecake Filled Muffin ($2.59*) The Vibe: A pink, Sakura-inspired nod to the spring season. The Location: 11700 Bridgeport Rd (at No. 4 Rd), Richmond, BC. The Pro-Tip: Best paired with a plain black coffee or tea to cut through the sweetness of the filling. *Price in CAD as of March 2026. ...