Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

Welcoming the Newest Team Member at Browns Socialhouse (QE Theatre) Tuesday lunch took us a few blocks over to Browns Socialhouse . We were welcoming a new colleague to the team today, and since our office is so close to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre , this location was the perfect choice for a celebratory midday break. I have always appreciated the "Socialhouse" vibe for work lunches. It strikes that tricky balance because it is polished enough for a professional welcome, yet casual enough that you actually feel like you are getting a mental reset from the desk. The atmosphere near the theatre is always a bit buzzy, and that helped keep the conversation flowing as we got to know our newest team member. The Blackened Chicken Cowboy : fresh, crunchy, and perfectly satisfying with a beautiful view of that Vancouver spring sunshine on the patio. The Meal: Blackene...

Your Guide to Rescuing Food with Too Good To Go Vancouver If you have been following Smooch Food for a while, you know that I am a huge fan of the Too Good To Go app. In a year where inflation has made every grocery trip feel like a splurge, this app has been a total game-changer for our household. Exploring the Metro Vancouver food rescue scene on the Too Good To Go map. New to the App? Let’s Save Together! I have been using Too Good To Go to rescue delicious food from going to waste, and I would love for you to join the movement. Download the app here (Full disclosure: Using my link helps me earn a small ($2) voucher toward my next food rescue at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Smooch Food!) Not only do we get to try some of the best artisanal bakeries and local eateries in Metro Vancouver for a frac...

Highs, Lows, and a TGTG "Rampage" in Chinatown There is a specific kind of "mixed feeling" that only comes with a big career milestone. This week, I received a glowing performance review along with a salary increase and a bonus. On paper, it is a moment to celebrate! But behind the scenes, the weight of leadership is heavy. I suspect we may have to let go of one of my direct reports soon, and having gone through that process before, I know how draining it can be. When my heart is a little heavy and my brain needs a distraction, I tend to go on a bit of a Too Good To Go "rampage." Today, that led me to Chinatown for a double-header food rescue. Stop 1: Tim Hortons (Keefer Street) More than just a bag: The "Doughlightful" box from the Keefer Street Tim Hortons I reserved a "Doughlightful Bag," though honestly, they should re...

The house was quiet, the week ahead is simmering on the horizon, and here I am just waiting for my favourite person to walk through the door. My husband returned from his retreat in Mission, BC . He didn’t come home empty-handed, either! He surprised me with a little box from Oohlala Donuts in Kitsilano, and inside was a treat. The Collaboration: A Taste of Vancouver Royalty If you are a fan of the Vancouver food scene, you likely know the name Vikram Vij . As the visionary behind the legendary Vij’s Restaurant , he is known for elevating Indian flavours into something truly magical. This particular donut was developed in partnership with Chef Vij, and you can tell there was an incredible amount of intention behind every ingredient. It is not just a pastry; it is a thoughtfully composed dessert. The Details: More Than Just a Sugar Rush A closer look at the intricate details: real Indian var...

There are days when you just need to press pause, find a window seat, and let the world rush by without you for a while. That was my afternoon at Chai Wagon in Mount Pleasant. I found a spot at the counter facing the street, watching the cars zip past toward Main Street while I settled in with my order. The Perfect Heat: Ginger Chai ($4.50) Of course, I went for the Ginger Chai . This was my third time ordering it, but it was the first time I’ve had it served this hot and honestly? It changed the whole experience. There’s a comfort in a cup that you have to hold with both hands, waiting for that first sip while the steam carries the sharp, spicy scent of fresh ginger. It’s balanced, and exactly what a typical grey Vancouver afternoon calls for. If you're looking for chai that hasn't been watered down by syrups, this is the standard. The "Indian-Jamaican" Fusion: The Paneer Tikka Patty ($5.95) I couldn't spot the Vada Pav o...