Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

The Scent of Home: Fresh Pandesal at Pamilya Delights My walk home from 36th Avenue down to Olympic Village was a long one, but there is a certain magic to trekking through Vancouver on a clear Sunday. As I reached the corner of Main Street and East 11th Avenue, the familiar scent of yeast and sugar pulled me in. This is the spot where Aling Mary’s used to be, now home to Pamilya Delights ; for a Filipino living in the city, it is a necessary pilgrimage. Since my husband wasn't with me to play the voice of reason, I indulged in a solo shopping spree for my favourite comforts. I managed to snag a dozen piping hot pan de sal and three pieces of Spanish bread. In a city where it feels increasingly rare to find a bakery that still bakes these traditional staples fresh on-site, Pamilya Delights is a sanctuary. It is easily the nearest and best source for freshly baked Filipino bread on this side of the city. The "Data": Filipino Bakery ...

A TARDIS on Main Street: The Grand Opening of C Market Coffee There are some days where Vancouver simply shows off. Today is one of them. Under a sky so clear and blue it feels like a gift, and I am ever so grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving me a chance to live here, I found myself walking six kilometres from 11:00 AM Mass just to soak in the gorgeous, crisp air. My destination? A milestone for the local coffee scene. I stood in a line that stretched nearly the block, which is a sight I usually avoid at all costs. But for the grand opening of C Market Coffee , I made an exception. Located at 195 E 36th Avenue, right on the edge of the Mount Pleasant and Riley Park neighbourhoods, this isn't just another coffee shop. Spanning a staggering 5,000 square feet, it is officially the largest cafe in Vancouver. The energy here is electric, the sun is shining without the bite of summer heat, and from the sidewalk, you wouldn't guess its true sca...

Walking toward Great Northern Way, the first thing that catches your breath isn't the aroma of roasting beans, but the architecture. Nestled right next to Emily Carr University, Nemesis Coffee GNW feels like a structural heartbeat for the arts district. With an exterior that mimics a blooming red flower, it’s a design-forward sanctuary that sets the stage for a truly smooch-worthy afternoon. The architectural heartbeat of the Great Northern Way: Nemesis Coffee GNW’s striking "blooming red flower" design, nestled right next to Emily Carr University. Stepping inside, the interior is just as sentimental. The soft light from the nearly-set sun diffuses through the "fins" of the ceiling, creating an intimate, breathing space. It’s ...

Last Updated: February 28, 2026 — I’m at the Expo Boulevard location almost every week to ensure this remains the most accurate Costco menu documentation in Vancouver! There is a specific kind of magic to the Downtown Vancouver Costco . Even amidst the hustle of the city, that first bite of a $1.50 hot dog feels like a "smooch-worthy" embrace from an old friend. I've documented the changes here since 2022 because this food court isn't just a place to eat; it's a personal ritual and a documentation of comfort. To God be the glory for these small, affordable joys that stay consistent in a changing world. The menu below is from the Costco food court in their Downtown Vancouver location (Expo Boulevard) and is subject to change without prior notice. All prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes and tips. 🌎 #CostcoTourism Global Tracker Follow my journey as I document every smooch-worthy Costco bite around the world: Canada: ...

Last Thursday, our team's "Mexican Cuisine" theme led us back to our old favourite: Patrón Tacos & Cantina . There’s something so fun about a company-paid lunch here; it’s a personal documentation of good food and even better company. To God be the glory for these moments of rest and generous company paid meals. The Lunch Special: $19.95 (plus tax & tip) Includes a choice of Soup or Salad, 2 Tacos, Mexican Rice, and Refried Beans. In an effort to stay mindful of my health goals, I opted for the Caesar Salad to start. It arrived beautifully dressed—perhaps a bit too generously for a strict diet, but every bite of those crunchy croutons and savoury cheese felt like a small treat.  A crisp and savoury start to the afternoon: The Caesar Salad from Patrón's lunch special, perfectly dressed and topped with crunchy croutons and cheese. ...