I did something I hadn't done in a long time: volunteer in person.
Compassion Canada was looking for volunteers for the "for KING & COUNTRY" concert at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Downtown Vancouver. I have a confession: I didn't know the band before volunteering and spent the last few nights listening to their songs on YouTube.
It was fun to volunteer in person. After our volunteering part (during the intermission), we enjoyed the second part of the show.
I haven't been to a concert since forever (12 years ago?), and it was fun, but I wish I knew more of their songs. After the show, I exited the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to see my husband standing outside. We're both giddy that our dear Vancouver Whitecaps FC won 6-2 (six!!!) against Houston Dynamo at nearby BC Place.
I told him I wanted ramen, but after 10:00 PM, all ramen shops Downtown were closed. Grr. His alternative proposal: pho. I searched for pho restaurants, and only two are open until 11:00 PM, one of which is Pho Mimosa along Granville Street.
Before you judge me (okay, you're allowed to judge), I last ate at 12:30 PM lunch, and it's already 10:30 PM, and I was standing up for about 3 hours. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling hungry, but I know that when my mom reads this, she'll nag me not to eat or drink anything cold and no alcohol because it'll upset my stomach.
I wanted pho but spotted my favourite Vietnamese Beef Stew, so I ordered everything I wanted and overate.
The first thing to arrive at our table is the Hoanh Thanh Soup (Pork and Shrimp Wontons soup with no noodles). I took a spoonful, and it warmed my stomach. It's like a comforting hug after a tiring day. The Pork & Shrimp Wontons are nice too. If I'm back to strictly dieting, I'll be happy to order this without the noodles.
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#28 Hoanh Thanh Soup from Pho Mimosa Pork and Shrimp Wontons Soup |
Afterwards, hubby's Pho Dac Biet (Special Beef Noodle Soup) arrived. He gave me a bite of each meat and offered me a bite of the noodles, which was so good. At this point, I regret not getting a bowl of pho.
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#31 Pho Dac Biet from Pho Mimosa Special Beef Noodle Soup (rare beef, brisket, beef balls, tendon and tripe) |
Then, my Com Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew) arrived alongside a bowl of rice. The pieces of beef are so tender, which is why it's my favourite. Then, because I was feeling greedy, I ordered an Extra Grilled Chicken on the side, which was terrific. It's sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked.
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#49 Com Bo Kho from Pho Mimosa Vietnamese Beef Stew with Rice |
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| Extra Grilled Chicken from Pho Mimosa |
The Cha Gio (Deep Fried Pork Spring Rolls) is the last thing to arrive. It's huge. At least, it's bigger than what I remember we get from other pho restaurants, or maybe it's how it's presented. It's delicious, too - crispy exterior and flavourful interior.
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#1 Cha Gio from Pho Mimosa Deep-Fried Pork Spring Rolls |
After dinner, we walked across Granville Bridge because I needed to burn calories after eating so much. We also enjoyed looking at the waning gibbous moon. It's so beautiful.
