Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Canada's Filipino Restaurant Month | Metro Vancouver Restaurants Prix Fixe Menus

From April 1 to 30, participating restaurants will feature Filipino prix fixe menus that highlight the unique variety of Filipino food, ingredients, and chefs throughout Canada. A more detailed blog post and list of all participating restaurants in Canada are available here.

The Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Consulate General in Calgary announced Canada's First-Ever Filipino Restaurant Month.

The project is jointly executed by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General (PCG) in Toronto and Vancouver. The event aims to bring Filipino cuisine to the mainstream Canadian market, inspire Canadians to explore Filipino food, and develop a better appreciation of our culture. The event also wants to promote Filipino restaurants in various provinces across Canada and encourage dining at local restaurants.

Metro Vancouver Restaurants

Because I am in Vancouver, I have been keeping an eye out to see and menu from the different restaurants participating nearby.

Pampanga's Cuisine Prix Fixe Menu

I spotted the menu below on their Instagram account. For $25, can choose one of the appetizers, one of the entrees, and one of the desserts.

Appetizer Ukoy
Crispy deep-fried fritters made with glutinous rice batter, unshelled shrimp, and various vegetables, including calabaza, sweet potato, cassava, sprouts, scallions, julienned carrots, onions, and green papaya.
Tamales
A dish highly influenced by our Spanish roots where rice, coconut milk, chicken, salted eggs, and peanuts are cooked with rice flour, and coconut milk is wrapped in the banana leaf then steamed.
Entree Sizzling Crispy Sisig with Garlic Rice and Egg
Our best-seller crispy fried pork chunks with our blend of secret spices
Sizzling Caldereta with Garlic Rice
A mild spicy beef stew cooked in herbs, tomato sauce with potatoes, and bell peppers.
Dessert Turon Split
One of our best-seller turon cut in half then topped with a scoop of butterscotch ice cream and caramelized brown syrup with black pearls on the side.
Tibuk-Tibuk
Glutinous rice, coconut milk, fresh milk, sugar, and sprinkled latik.

The Prix Fixe menu is only available in their Fraser Streer location.

Location: 6094 Fraser Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5W 2Z7, Canada

Plato Filipino Prix Fixe Menu

The menu below is posted in the Instagram account of Plato Filipino.It's $25.00 CAD for a choice of one appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Appetizer Tinapa Roll
Fried spring roll with smoke fish and salted egg filling.
Sisig Tacos
Minced pork mask, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and sour cream in soft taco shell.
Fresh Vegetable in a Shell
Sauteed fresh veggies in peanut sauce.
Entree served with rice and free soup Beef Caldereta
Stewed sirloin, finger meat with mix vegetables
Plato Seafood Express
Variety of seafood in coconut sauce with vegetables
Mushroom and Tofu in Adobo Sauce
Simmered in vinegar and soy sauce
Dessert Turon Ala Mode
Banana fritters with jackfruit, ube ice cream, and fresh strawberry
Buko Pandan
Shredded coconut, jelly, and tapioca pearls with pandan flavour
Fruit Cocktail
Mix fruits blend in four seasons' juice (vegetarian)

The Prix Fixie menu is only available in the New Westminster location of Plato Filipino.

Location: 892 Carnarvon St #100, New Westminster, BC V3M 0C5

Grandt Kitchen Prix Fixe Menu

The menu below is from their Instagram account. It's $25 per person. Side comment: FINALLY! A restaurant that understood what Prix Fixe menu is!

Option 1 Option 2
Appetizer Vegetable Spring Roll Vegetable Spring Roll
Entree served with rice Chicken Inasal Inihaw na Liempo
Dessert Buko Pandan Buko Pandan
Drinks Mango or Kalamnsi Juice Mango or Kalamnsi Juice

Location: 10257 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3T 2W6, Canada

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Dinner at RedBeef Noodle Kitchen

We attended the Anticipated Sunday Mass in nearby St. Augustine's Church and decided to grab dinner at RedBeef Noodle Kitchen before heading to No Frills for our weekly grocery.


I ordered my usual Chicken Cutlet Rice while hubby tried the soft and surprisingly delicious Black Pepper Beef Brisket Stew Rice with Mushroom. 

Black Pepper Beef Brisket Stew Rice with Mushroom

Chicken Cutlet Rice

I also ordered my favourite Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken. As a palate cleanser, I ordered the Taiwanese Pickle Cabbage. Lastly, I wanted Steamed Beef Shumai and taking a bite after dipping in soy sauce is reminiscent of my tween years in the Philippines.

Salt & Pepper Popcorn Chicken

Taiwanese Pickled Cabbage

Steamed Beef Shumai

RedBeef is my second favourite restaurant in Vancouver and I love how "empty" it is during early dinner.

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Easter Nest Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

The Canada Men's National Team had a game tonight against Costa Rica. Unfortunately, they lost.

We ordered from Tim Hortons potato wedges so we can enjoy it while watching the game. Of course, I ordered any Dream Donut that we haven't tried.

Easter Nest Dream Donut from Tim Hortons
The festive and delicious donut is decorated with colourful sprinkles and a nest of Hershey's Eggies.

Hubby said it seems to be a simple donut with just sprinkles on top and the addition of Hershey's Eggies made it adorable, but nothing special. He's looking for a filling which seems to be consistent in other Dream Donuts.

Tim Hortons Dream Donut delivery

I also ordered a Strawberry Swirl, but it wasn't available and they sent us a Vanilla Cream Puff Filled Ring instead.


Below is a list of Dream Donuts we have tried so far:

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Canada's Filipino Restaurant Month | List of Participating Restaurants

The Philippine Department of Tourism and Philippine Consulate General in Calgary announced Canada's First-Ever Filipino Restaurant Month.

The project is jointly executed by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Philippine Consulates General (PCG) in Toronto and Vancouver. The event aims to bring Filipino cuisine to the mainstream Canadian market, inspire Canadians to explore Filipino food, and develop a better appreciation of our culture. The event also wants to promote Filipino restaurants in various provinces across Canada and encourage dining at local restaurants.

Source: PCG Vancouver website

I am so excited to support this event and see which restaurants will participate in Vancouver. Kain Tayo!

When is Canada's Filipino Restaurant Month?

April 1 to 30, 2022

What will happen during Canada's Filipino Restaurant Month?

Participating restaurants will feature Filipino prix fixe menus that highlight the unique variety of Filipino food, ingredients, and chefs throughout Canada.

List of Participating Restaurants in Alberta

Brooks Earthy Eats
Calgary Amihan Grill + Bakeshop Chopstix
Fuji Ramen and Sushi Pacific Hut
Rise N' Shine Breakfast Place Streetside Grill and Cafe
Calgary and Edmonton Bro'Kin Yolk Max's Restaurant
Edmonton Cebuchon and BBQ Filistix
Manila Grill Express

List of Participating Restaurants in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Max's Restaurant Pampanga's Cusine
Surrey Grandt Kitchen Lyra Lou Cakes
Richmond Kumare Restaurant and Bakery Smokehouse Sandwich Co.
Delta
New Westminster Plato Filipino

Participating Restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba


Participating Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia


List of Participating Restaurants in Ontario

Etobicoke B's Sizzling Kitchen
Ottawa Tamis Cafe
North York CASA Manila MB The Place To Be
Republika RestoBar and Grill Wilson's Haus of Lechon
Scarborough FV Foods
Toronto iSlas Filipino BBQ and Bar Kanto by Tita Flips
Lechon Republik

List of Participating Restaurants in Quebec

Dollard-Des Ormeaux Beck's Filipino Cuisine
Montreal Junior Filipino La Republika

Participating Restaurant in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan


Map of participating restaurants in Canada's Filipino Restaurant Month 2022


Filipino Restaurant Month Canada Raffle Prizes

The following is from the Facebook of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.

How to enter?

  1. Go to any of the participating restaurants during Filipino Restaurant Month.
  2. Order from the prix fixe menu.
  3. Fill out the entry form that will be given to you.
  4. Wait for the raffle.

National Prizes:

  • 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room with breakfast for two in Astoria Current (Boracay)
  • 2-night stay for 2 in a deluxe room with breakfast at Crimson Boracay
  • 2-night stay for 2 with breakfast at Crimson Filinvest City, Manila
  • 1-night stay for 2 with breakfast at Quest Hotel Tagaytay
  • 2-night stay in an Oceanview Suite at Club Paradise in Palawan
  • Culinary Day Tour for 2
  • 1 Roundtrip Ticket from Manila to any destination in the Philippines
  • 10 $100 Gift Cards to Seafood City (one per person)

Local Prizes

  • Dining Vouchers from the 40 participating restaurants
Source: https://www.facebook.com/PHinVancouver/posts/5193600474024811

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Dinner from Flying Beaver Bar & Grill

We're celebrating our sister's birthday today. We went to our parent's place, played Mario Kart, watched Turning Red, and watched the last 10 minutes of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC game. This is all after a delicious dinner delivered from Flying Beaver Bar & Grill.

My mom even sent us a message this morning that we should add it to the list of delicious restaurants.

Wild BC Salmon Burger
Our famous salmon burger in a hoisin ginger glaze & topped with seaweed salad

It's a delicious salmon burger.

Wok-Style Calamari
Topped with pureed jalapeños, garlic, & ginger. Served with a sweet ginger aioli.

Fish Tacos
Grilled cod tacos topped with coleslaw. Mango salsa + chipotle aioli

Short Rib Poutine
Fries, cheese curds, house-made gravy + shoestring onions + topped with pulled short rib

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
Oven baked, topped with vanilla ice cream, caramel coulis, & whip cream

Overall, the food was delicious and it seems like they have a beautiful view in the restaurant so we can't wait to enjoy the food and ambiance in person.

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Dinner at Suika

Trees Cheesecake and Suika are like our weekend combo. It's like when we visit one we should go eat at the other just because they're my comfort places. All restaurants should aim to provide delicious food and a comforting ambiance.

Aburi Salmon Pressed Sushi
Seared Pressed Salmon Sushi topped with Unagi sauce, Mayo and Ikura on Premium sushi rice

Chicken Dashi Karaage
Juicy deep fried chicken thigh, crispy on the outside and filled with rich dashi shoyu flavour

Signature Beef Curry with Tonkatsu
Suika original stewed beef tendon curry

Demiglaze Beef Katsu Don
Panko-breaded, striploin beef cutlet on rice, topped with secret house demiglaze

This is the first Suika visit that I didn't finish my curry. Hubby and I were discussing things that were stressing us out and even the curry is not enough to pull me out of sadness. Or it could be that we ordered too much. 

Coconut Dream Cheesecake from Trees Cheesecake + Organic Coffee

The Coconut Cheesecake from Trees is the second seasonal cheesecake that we almost ordered two slices because one is not enough. I absolutely enjoyed it.

A slice of Coconut Dream Cheesecake

A cup of Mocha and Rocket and a slice of Coconut Dream Cheesecake

Trees is definitely our favourite coffee shop in Vancouver.


For reference, below are some of the seasonal cheesecakes we have tried.

Friday, March 18, 2022

Happiness from Goldilocks

I was craving siopao (Filipino steamed buns) and Chuckie (a Filipino brand of chocolate milk), but it's pretty challenging to find both in our neighbourhood, and I don't want to go out of my way just to find it.

To satisfy my Filipino food craving, I ordered from Goldilocks. I went "add to cart" happy and just added everything I wanted to eat in the DoorDash cart; 30 minutes later, our goodies arrived.

Goodies from Goldilocks

We ordered Mamon Classic and Mocha, Red Bean Hopia, Ube Hopia, Pan de Sal, and Empanada for snacks. 

For food the next couple of days, I ordered kare-kare, laing, menudo, and beef caldereta. I can't wait to enjoy them with rice. 

I haven't had Filipino food in a while and today just became a happier day.

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Lunch from Panago | Pi Day 2022

Does pizza count to celebrate Pi Day?

Lunch delivery from Panago

Veggie Korma
Large original crust, pineapple green peppers, mozzarella and cheddar blend, baby spinach, spicy banana peppers, and coconut curry sauce

Hmmm, my favourite coconut curry sauce in a pizza.

Pesto Vegetarian
Large original crust, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, parmesan, red peppers, baby spinach, mozzarella, and pesto sauce

Garlic Cheezy Bread

Chicken Bites

Chocolate Chunk Pretzel Cookie

Happy Pi Day!

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Soup and Chili in our 7th HelloFresh Box for 2022

I tried something different this week. Instead of ordering one of 4-6 different meals, I picked two of 3 different dishes. Specifically, I chose two soups and one chilli.

One-Pot Chunky Chicken and Corn Chili

We had this for Sunday dinner, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday breakfast. Because of the way I ordered, I now have an extra can of corn.

One-Pot Chunky Chicken and Corn Chili with Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream

One-Pot Italian Sausage Soup

We ordered this last year, and I enjoyed it maybe more than I should have. I cooked this meal on Monday for dinner and reheated the rest for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday lunch.

One-Pot Italian Sausage Soup with Cream and Potatoes

Carb Smart Cheeseburger Soup

This is the only reason why I decided to order this week. I am curious about Cheeseburger Soup. I prepared this meal on Tuesday for dinner and we enjoyed it for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday lunch. It's too salty for my liking. I'll add more water when I reheated it and it improved the dish.

Carb Smart Cheeseburger Soup with Cheddar and Veggies

I am skipping HelloFresh next week, because I need a break from cooking and I want us to consume things about to expire in our pantry.

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Lunch at Vina Vietnamese

Happy Sunday! We met my mom in Downtown Vancouver today, so she can sign my Canada Passport application as my guarantor. We had lunch at the Pacific Center Food Court specifically from my favourite stall - Vina Vietnamese.

I am obsess with their Beef Stew. I also tried the Beef Pho, but the Beef Stew is just on another level.

Beef Stew

Beef Pho

Roll

I actually ate the pho today because I have been craving soup since yesterday, but I will definitely order my favourite beef stew next time!

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Dinner at MASA Japanese Restaurant

The Whitecaps FC did not win, but did not lose against New York City FC today, but somehow a draw is still an unhappy result. To deal with the draw, we had dinner at Masa Japanese Restaurant.

The menu looks different, but the food is still delicious. I highly recommend any of their Masa Special Sushi. They all have been great so far.
Double Dragon
Unagi roll with double unagi, tobiko, green onion on top

Salmon Teriyaki Platter
 Grilled slice salmon with vegetable and rice

Assorted Katsu Curry
Japanese curry with tonkatsu, ebi fry 2 pieces, croquette 1 pc, and rice

I ordered my usual comfort food of Assorted Katsu Curry.

Game Day Snacks from The Poutinerie in BC Place | Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs New York FC

Happy Saturday! It's the first home game of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC this year and for the season. They host the reigning MLS Champs New York City FC. The result was a 0-0 draw.

Shortrib Poutine
Pulled shortribs, cheese curds, red wine gravy, and green onion

The red wine gravy was salty today. Unusual.

NEW ITEM: Garlic Fries
Signature seasoning blend and fresh garlic

The fries in the bottom was extremely oily.

I hope the Whitecaps starts winning soon. The next home game is on April 2, 2022.

Friday, March 4, 2022

Mario Day Meals in our 6th HelloFresh Box for 2022

HelloFresh is celebrating Mario Day with "Win Back Game Night" meals. I included both Mario Day meals in our HelloFresh box this week. 

Unfortunately, our box didn't arrive at its usual time (before 10:30 AM), and I contacted HelloFresh about it. According to the tracking number, it still hasn't been picked up by FedEx, but our box was thankfully inside our building when we arrived home at 4:00 PM.

Sunday breakfast and Tuesday lunch: Thai-Style Turkey 'Pad Krapow'

Thai-Style Turkey 'Pad Krapow' with Green Beans

HelloFresh description: If you select this meal, you will receive Mario-themed crafting activities in your HelloFresh box, such as place cards and cup wrappers to put the final touches on your great family dinner. Start the evening right with this terrific Thai-inspired meal, which pairs perfectly with game night! After enjoying your meal, it’s time to play your family’s favourite Mario games, like Super Mario Maker™ 2, on your Nintendo Switch system (games and system not included). And, you could get a chance to win 1 of 30 Nintendo Switch prize packs*. See the insert in your box for more details on how to enter HelloFresh’s contest. Nintendo is not a sponsor, co-sponsor or administrator of this contest. *View full rules at www.hellofresh.ca/gamenight

Sunday and Monday lunch: Beef and Pineapple Fried Rice

I absolutely love this dish, or maybe I just like pineapple in savoury meals.

Beef and Pineapple Fried Rice with Hoisin-Soy Drizzle

HelloFresh description: Juicy pineapple chunks give ordinary fried rice a sweet-savoury appeal that's hard to resist. All that's missing from this delicious Thai-inspired dish is the whole pineapple to serve it in!

#MeatlessMonday dinner and Ash Wednesday #Abstinence lunch: Cuban-Style Black Bean Bowls

Cuban-Style Black Bean Bowl with Peppers and Cilantro-Lime Rice

HelloFresh descriptionAll the flavours of Abuela's slow-cooked beans in a speedy, simple supper! The secret? A quick DIY soffrito! Hearty black beans and rice make a wholesome meal full of protein. All the fixings bring in the fun!

Tuesday dinner and Thursday lunch: Mexican-Spiced Pork Quesadillas

Mexican-Spiced Pork Quesadillas with Tomato-Sweet Bell Pepper Salsa

HelloFresh descriptionIf you select this meal, you will receive Mario-themed crafting activities in your HelloFresh box, such as place cards and cup wrappers to put the final touches on your great family dinner. Make game night cheesy in a good way with these delicious quesadillas, which pairs perfectly with game night! After enjoying your meal, it’s time to play your family’s favourite Mario games, like New Super Mario Bros.™ U Deluxe, on your Nintendo Switch system (games and system not included). And, you could get a chance to win 1 of 30 Nintendo Switch prize packs*. See the insert in your box for more details on how to enter HelloFresh’s contest. Nintendo is not a sponsor, co-sponsor or administrator of this contest. *View full rules at www.hellofresh.ca/gamenight

Thursday dinner and Friday lunch: Smart Coconut Salmon Soup

Smart Coconut Salmon Soup with Mushrooms and Squash

HelloFresh descriptionHearty salmon and sweet squash in a creamy coconut broth will warm you right up, while a kick of chilli and lime adds layers of flavour to this light supper. Smart is based on a per-serving calculation of the recipe's carbohydrate and kilocalorie amount.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Dinner at Sushivan Japanese Restaurant

It's a cold Wednesday evening and we walked to and from our neighbourhood church for Ash Wednesday Mass. After the mass, we went to Sushivan for dinner.

I had my usual favourite Korean-style Ramen, but this time topped with seafood. Hubby ordered the Salmon Teriyaki & Sashimi Box. I absolutely love the salmon teriyaki and I can't wait to come back and order it for myself.

Salmon Teriyaki & Sashimi Box
Salmon teriyaki, appy sashimi, appy tempura, salad, 4 pcs California roll, and rice

Korean Style Ramen with Seafood

As we go down the list of Special Roll, we ordered the Rainbow Roll.

Rainbow Roll
California roll with assorted fish, tobiko

Yay for supporting small businesses!

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Where to get the best Pie in Vancouver? | Pi Day 2022

A List and Map of the Best Pie in Vancouver

It's possible that not many people "celebrate" Pi Day (3.14 - March 14) as we do. For the past few years, we've been eating savoury and sweet pies during Pi Day. With that said, here is my attempt to compile a list of the "best pie in Vancouver" based on articles or lists on the first page of the Google Search result.

These list is based on the following articles:

  1. 2018 Article from Vancouver Is Awesome: 5 places for perfect pie in Vancouver
  2. 2021 Article from VancouverMom.ca: Pi(e) Day: Five to-die-for pie shops in Vancouver
  3. 2021 Article from Dished Daily Hive: Best pie in Vancouver to try at least once

Recommended by all three articles

Aphrodite's Organic Cafe  & Pie Shop


How to order?

☑️ The Pie Hole

We absolutely love The Pie Hole and it helps that they have a location in West 4th Avenue where we went to celebrate Pi day in 2020.

Four 6" Pies from The Pie Hole

How to order?

The Pie Shoppe


How to order? In Store at 1875 Powell Street, Vancouver BC

Savary Island Pie Company



How to order?

Recommended by 2 out of 3 Articles

Tartine Bread and Pies


How to order?

Recommended by 1 out of 3 Articles

☑️ A La Mode Pie

Available in store (inside Granville Island) or through delivery apps: DoorDash and SkipTheDishes

Flourist Bakery, Mill & Cafe

Available in store at the Commercial Street location or online for delivery or pick-up at the Strathcona location.
 

Gabi & Jules

Available in store (2302B Clarke Street, Port Moody) or online for delivery (check if you're within their delivery area)

Purebread

Checking their online order I couldn't find pies in the menu. It's possible it's only available in their store.

Map of the best pie in Vancouver

Here is a map view to find the best pie closest to you.

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