We Ate Every Footlong Sidekick and Dipper at Subway

Disclaimer number 1: This post is not sponsored by Subway. We just really, really love food.

Disclaimer number 2: This post is based on a single experience and individual taste preferences may vary.

So, my husband and I decided to go a little crazy today and try every single item on Subway's new footlong Sidekicks and Dippers menu. Yes, you read that right. Every. Single. Item. We figured, why not? We went all in! Let's dive into our honest reviews.

Subway Footlong Sidekick and Dipper

Footlong Sidekicks: Hit or Miss?

We started with the Sidekicks.

Let’s start with the sweet stuff. The Footlong Cookie was a definite hit. Warm, gooey, and incredibly moist, it was the perfect indulgence. We’d happily order this again.

Footlong Cookie from Subway

Next up, is the Footlong Pretzel. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown straight out of the bag. It was stale and lacked flavour. However, a quick trip through the air fryer worked wonders. The smoky honey mustard dip was a game-changer, transforming the pretzel into a surprisingly decent snack.

Footlong Pretzels from Subway

And then there’s the Footlong Churro. We’re not sure what happened here, but it was a complete disaster. Stale and hard, it was a far cry from the delicious treat we know and love. This one’s a hard pass.

Footlong Churro from Subway

Footlong Dippers: A Flavorful Trio

Moving on to the savoury side, the Pepperoni and Cheese dipper was a clear winner. Packed with flavour, it didn’t even need the garlic aioli dip to shine. The Ham and Cheese was decent on its own, but the smoky honey mustard elevated it to another level.

Pepperoni and Cheese Footlong Dipper from Subway

The Two Cheese dipper was a bit of a disappointment. It was mostly bread with not enough cheese to make it interesting. The Chipotle Southwest dip was a must to add some flavour.

Overall, our Subway Footlong adventure was a mixed bag. While the cookie and some of the dippers impressed, the pretzel and churro fell short. We’re curious to hear your thoughts if you've tried these new menu items. Let us know in the comments below!

Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie: A $3.49 Dream Come True

Is there anything better than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie might just be the answer to that age-old question. For a mere $3.49, this cookie is an absolute steal.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie from the Costco food court

Let's talk about texture. The exterior boasts a delightful crunch, especially around the edges, while the inside is a decadent, ooey-gooey dream. It's the perfect balance of textures that keeps you coming back for more. And let's not forget the size! This isn't your average cookie; it’s a generous portion that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie from Costco food court

If you haven't tried Costco's Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie yet, do yourself a favor and grab one the next time you're there. It's a guilty pleasure that's totally worth it.

Have you tried this cookie? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

Quesabirria from Patrón Tacos and Cantina

It's Thursday, which means company-sponsored team lunch! With my colleagues on vacation, I had a solo Mexican fiesta at our go-to Patrón Tacos and Cantina.

Quesabirria from Patrón Tacos and Cantina
Two corn tortilla filled with melted cheese, beef birria, onions, cilantro, lime, and sour cream. Served with a birria broth.

I kicked off my meal with my favourite tortilla soup – a comforting blend of smoky guajillo broth, crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and salty feta. It's the perfect prelude to any Mexican feast.

Tortilla Soup from Patrón Tacos and Cantina
Veggie guajillo broth served with fried corn tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and feta cheese.

But the star of the show was undoubtedly the quesabirria. Two soft corn tortillas cradled a mouthwatering combination of melted cheese and tender, slow-cooked beef birria. The rich, complex flavours of the birria, infused with a hint of spice, were perfectly balanced by the cooling crunch of onions and cilantro. Dipping the tortillas into the accompanying birria broth elevated the experience, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite. The broth itself was a savoury masterpiece, with a deep, earthy flavour that was both satisfying and addictive.

Quesabirria (part of the lunch set) from Patrón Tacos and Cantina
Two corn tortilla filled with melted cheese, beef birria, onions, cilantro, lime, and sour cream. Served with a side of birria broth. 

I've sampled a good amount of their menu, but this quesabirria has undeniably claimed the top spot. Patrón Tacos and Cantina continues to impress with its authentic and flavorful offerings.

For future me, below is a list of menu items we have tried:

Appetizers

• Empanaditas

Sopas Tradicionales

• Tortilla Soup
  

Main

• Chilaquiles (Chorizo)
• Enchiladas (Carnitas and Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Huaraches (Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Quesabirria
• Quesadillas
  

 Desserts

• Churros
  

Hawaii Shrimp Fries from KYU Grill: A Perfect Finale

Our Celebration of Lights adventure wouldn't have been complete without a stop at KYU Grill. This food truck's unique Japanese-Hawaiian fusion cuisine was the perfect way to cap off the evening.

The Hawaii Shrimp Frites were an absolute dream. The crispy shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the fries, though softened by the delicious sauces, were incredibly flavourful. The combination of spicy mayo, pineapple corn salsa, and mango sauce created an explosion of taste in every bite. It was the ideal dish to enjoy as the sun dipped below the horizon and the fireworks illuminated the night sky.

Hawaii Shrimp Frites from KYU Grill food truck
Signature crispy frites, spicy mayo, pineapple corn salsa, mango sauce, green onions, crispy shrimp, and sesame

The Celebration of Lights is more than just a fireworks display; it's a quintessential Vancouver summer experience. The synchronized fireworks and music created a magical atmosphere, and the crowd's energy was infectious. As the show came to a close, we joined the throngs of people making their way along Beach Avenue, the city alive with excitement. Our evening concluded with a leisurely stroll across the Burrard Bridge, a perfect end to a memorable night.

Takenaka food truck: A crispy craving satisfied | Celebration of Lights

Craving something savoury to complement the fireworks? Takenaka's food truck was the perfect answer. Their Japanese fare offered a delicious contrast to the sweet poke bowl we'd enjoyed earlier.

The karaage was everything fried chicken should be: crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside. A classic comfort food elevated by its Japanese flavour profile. But the real highlight were the truffle fries. The crispy, golden fries were perfectly seasoned with a generous sprinkle of truffle salt, creating a truly indulgent treat.

Karaage and Chips with Truffle Salt from Takenaka food truck

If you're a fan of fried food with a gourmet twist, Takenaka is a must-try.

Aloha Poke food truck: A Fresh Catch at Celebration of Lights

The Celebration of Lights is a Vancouver summer staple. This year, we decided to enjoy the fireworks from the English Bay side, a change from our usual Kitsilano Beach spot. The energy was electric, with crowds gathering to witness the breathtaking fireworks displays which started at 10:00 am.

To fuel up for the main event, we indulged in a variety of delicious treats from the numerous food trucks lining the beach. Our first stop was Aloha Poke which brought a taste of Hawaii to Vancouver.

Their Classic Poke Bowl with Salmon was a refreshing and satisfying dinner. The combination of fresh salmon, warm rice, and creamy avocado was pure perfection. Thanks to the crunchy mixes and tangy sauces, the bowl was packed with flavour and texture. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the salmon; it was incredibly fresh and flavorful.

Salmon Classic Poke Bowl from Aloha Poke food truck
Salmon, white rice, organic greens, cucumber, crabmeat, corn, pineapple, sesame, yuzu, and spicy mayo

The friendly service added to the overall positive experience. If you're looking for a healthy and delicious option at your next event, Aloha Poke is definitely worth checking out.

Pesto Srhimp Linguine from Basil Pasta Bar

This Thursday's team lunch took us to Italy, specifically a delicious adventure in the land of pasta. We ordered from Basil Pasta Bar, and while my Pesto Shrimp Linguine boasted all the hallmarks of a flavorful dish, it fell a little short of its full potential.

Let's dissect the beauty that awaited me: perfectly cooked al dente linguine formed the base, ready to cradle the star of the show - a creamy pesto sauce. This wasn't your average pesto sauce, though. Imagine a vibrant green infusion of basil's earthy goodness swirled with the richness of the cream, all gently nudged into a complex dance by the subtle acidity of white wine.

Pesto Shrimp Linguinefrom Basil Pasta Bar
Pesto cream sauce with white wine, shrimp, garlic, and spinach. Garnished with parmesan cheese & fresh basil

Then came the parade of add-ins: plump, juicy shrimp, their delicate sweetness playing off the pesto's savoury notes. Garlic, a constant companion in Italian cuisine, added a touch of warmth, while the spinach provided a welcome pop of freshness and a touch of bitterness to balance the creaminess. Finally, a generous shower of parmesan cheese and fresh basil completed the picture, promising an explosion of Italian flavour.

Unfortunately, the promise wasn't entirely fulfilled. The overall dish was bland. A quick sprinkle of salt would have easily unlocked the symphony of flavours I expected. Each component — the pesto's herbal depth, the shrimp's subtle sweetness, and the parmesan's sharp bite — was present, but they needed a conductor to bring them together in perfect harmony.

With a touch more salt, this Pesto Shrimp Linguine has the potential to be a light and fresh pesto dream. The foundation was there, the ingredients delightful, and with a minor adjustment, it could have been a true testament to the magic of Italian cuisine.

Summer Feast at Boston Pizza

We decided to skip the cooking for Thursday's dinner and head to Boston Pizza,   just a couple blocks away. Their summer menu sounded perfect for a warm evening, so we dove right in.

I opted for the Barbacoa Nachos! The slow-cooked spiced beef was tender and incredibly flavorful, with a hint of smokiness that perfectly balanced the tangy avocado lime sauce. Each bite was a delightful combination of textures – the crisp tortilla chips giving way to the gooey cheese, the juicy tomatoes adding a pop of freshness, and the jalapeno poppers providing a touch of heat. To make it even more decadent, I added guacamole, the perfect creamy complement to the dish.

Barbacoa Nachos from Boston Pizza
Slow-cooked spiced beef over hand-cut tortilla chips topped with cheddar cheese, pizza mozzarella, red onions, tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeno poppers. Drizzled with avocado lime sauce. Served with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Hubby couldn't resist the "Pizza Flights" option. Three 6-inch pizzas for the price of one? Genius! We chose a trio that offered a variety of flavours.

The star of the show was definitely the new Summer Pesto Chicken Pizza. The basil pesto sauce was vibrant and bursting with fresh herbs, while the seasoned grilled chicken added a savoury counterpoint. The roasted red peppers offered a touch of sweetness, and the red onions and goat cheese brought a delightful tanginess. It all came together beautifully on their signature pizza dough, which was perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Pizza Flights from Boston Pizza

The Boston Royal was a surprise for me. I love classic pizza combinations, and the mix of smoked ham, pepperoni, shrimp, olives, green peppers, onions, and fresh mushrooms seemed unorthodox on paper. However, the flavours somehow melded together beautifully. The smokiness of the ham paired surprisingly well with the briny shrimp, and the variety of veggies added a welcome freshness.

But my personal favourite was the Spicy Perogy Pizza. This unique creation was a delightful twist on comfort food. The creamy sour cream and crispy bacon were a classic combination, and adding those delicious cactus-cut potatoes was pure genius. The pizza mozzarella and cheddar cheese added a gooey richness, and the green onions provided a pop of freshness. Every bite was a delightful medley of textures and flavours, with a subtle kick from the spice.

After our delightful feast, we decided to walk around the neighbourhood to soak up the summer evening. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city, and the streetlights were just starting to twinkle. It was the perfect ending to a delicious and fun-filled evening.

Boston Pizza checklist

For future me, below is a list of all the items we have tried at Boston Pizza.

• Bandera Pizza Bread
• Barbacoa Nachos
• Boston's Lasagna
• Boston Royal Pizza
• Breakfast Pizza
• Cactus Cut Potatoes
• Carbonara Pizza
• Chocolate Explosion
• Classic Nachos with BBQ Chicken
• Classic Nachos with Seasoned Ground Beef
• Classic Nachos with Spicy Chicken
• French Onion Soup
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Loaded Pepperoni & Bacon Squarefooter Pizza
• Mediterranean Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Southwest Breakfast Bowl
• Spicy Perogy Pizza
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Summer Pesto Chicken Pizza
• The Meator
• Triple Play

Maple Bacon Cheddar Croissant and Maple Bacon Bagel BELT from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons brings back the beloved maple bacon and this year, it graces not just one but two breakfast options: the Maple Bacon Cheddar Croissant and the Maple Bacon Bagel BELT.

Maple Bacon Cheddar Croissant

The maple bacon is the star of the show, boasting a sweetness that lingers on the palate. This sweet element meets its match in the buttery layers of the croissant, creating a textural symphony. The melty cheddar cheese adds a touch of saltiness, rounding out the flavour profile.

Maple Bacon Cheddar Croissant from Tim Hortons

Maple Bacon Bagel BELT

The Maple Bacon Bagel BELT starts with a classic – the everything bagel. Toasted to perfection, the bagel offers a delightful chew on the outside and a soft, doughy center. The fresh lettuce and juicy tomato add pops of colour and freshness, providing a welcome contrast to the sweet maple bacon.

Maple Bacon Bagel BELT from Tim Hortons

The Maple Bacon Cheddar Croissant and the Maple Bacon Bagel BELT are delicious. The croissant provides a luxurious eating experience, while the bagel BELT offers classic breakfast flavours with a sweet twist. Ultimately, the winner depends on your preference.

Craving a decadent and textural adventure? Go for the croissant. Looking for a familiar favourite with a sweet surprise? The bagel BELT awaits. No matter your choice, Tim Hortons' maple bacon breakfast is sure to satisfy your sweet and savoury cravings.

List of Food Trucks in Greater Vancouver Area | Checklist

Below is a list of food trucks in Vancouver, BC Canada. This is not a comprehensive list and if you want to add your food truck here, please send me a message in Instragram.

List of Food Trucks in Vancouver
Food Truck	Enjoyment Date	Event
A
🔲 Acai Dude
🔲 Aloha Poke
🔲 Aperitivo Truck
☑️ Ay Mamacita!	August 14, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food trucks
B
☑️ B&B Concessions: Gourmet Burgers and Fries	July 1, 2023	Canada Together at Canada Place
🔲 B&B Concessions: Crepes
☑️ Bali Bites	July 11, 2024	Team Lunch
🔲 Baba's House
☑️ Bao Buns	April 28, 2023	Richmond Night Market
🔲 Bara Bara Trini Street Food
☑️ Bao Buns	August 5, 2023	Vancouver Night Market
☑️ Baja's Food	July 17, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Beavertails	July 10, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Betty's Greek Honey Ballz
🔲 Big Chip Truck
🔲 Big Red's Poutine
🔲 Bistro Van
☑️ Boca'O	June 11, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ Boteco Brasil	October 1, 2023	BC Culture Days: Flavours of Fall
🔲 Bread and Cheese
☑️ Brownie Bakers	July 16, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Burger Holic	June 11, 2023	RBC Run for the Kids 2023
C
☑️ Camion Cafe	September 16, 2023	Car Free Day: Main Street
🔲 Cannoli King
🔲 Cazba
🔲 Chickpea
🔲 Chou Chou Crepes
🔲 Come Arepa
☑️ Corn Dog King	August 28, 2022	PNE Fair
☑️ Crack On	July 31, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Cravings Kettle Corn	July 1, 2022	Canada Day at Canada Place
☑️ Crema Ice Cream & Desserts	July 29, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Cuba Street Food
🔲 Cultivate Food Truck
D
🔲 Disco Cheetah Korean Grill
☑️ Dim Sum Express	July 9, 2022	The Khatsahlano Street Party
☑️ Dos Amigos Tex-Mex	July 2, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Double Decker Diner
E
🔲 Egg Blanket
🔲 English Bay Mini Donuts
F
☑️ Food Daddy Persian Cuisine	August 21, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Fijian Fusion
🔲 Footlong Freakk Fries
☑️ The Frying Pan	September 24, 2023	Car Free Day Denman Street (at their restaurant)
🔲 Fusion Icy
G
🔲 G's Donair
H
🔲 Henry’s Hip Eats
🔲 Holi Masala
☑️ Holy Smokes	July 14, 2023	corner of West Broadway and Granville Street
☑️ Hugs Mini Donuts	July 9, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Hunky Bills Perogies
🔲 Hurricane Potato
I
☑️ Indish	June 12, 2022	RBC Run for the Kids 2022
🔲 Innocent Ice Cream
🔲 International Perogies
🔲 Its All About Grill
J
☑️ Jamaican Mi Juicy	August 19, 2023	PNE Fair
☑️ Japadog	December 24, 2021	at Lansdowne Parking Lot
☑️ The Jerk Shack	July 2, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 JJ's Hot Cobs
🔲 JJ's Trucketeria
🔲 Juicy Green Express Inc.
🔲 Just in Time
K
🔲 Kampong - Taste of Malaysia
☑️ Kona Ice	July 9, 2022	The Khatsahlano Street Party
☑️ KYU Grill	July 2, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
L
☑️ La Callejera Mexican Street Food	June 25, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ La Taqueria	June 1, 2021	near Vancouver Art Gallery
🔲 Lee's Donuts
🔲 Lemon Heaven
🔲 Lilac Pastry
☑️ Little Devils Wood Fire Pizza	July 30, 2023	Honda Celebration of Lights
🔲 Little Ooties Mini Donuts
🔲 Los Tacos Hermanos
🔲 Lucente's Osteria
☑️ Lucha Libre Truck	May 5, 2024	BMO Vancouver Marathon
M
🔲 The Mad Greek
☑️ Mama's Fish and Chips	July 31, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Mahshiko	July 3, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
🔲 Marhaba Lebanese Food
🔲 Master Chef's Kabob House
☑️ Max's Restaurant food truck	December 11, 2021	"Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver!"
🔲 Meet2Eat
🔲 Melt City Grilled Cheese
🔲 The Mini Donut Factory
☑️ Miss Siam	August 27, 2020	corner of West Broadway and Birch Street
☑️ MJ's Caribbean Cuisine	June 11, 2022	Riley Park Summer Farmers Market
🔲 Mo Bacon Truck
☑️ Mom's Grilled Cheese Truck	June 12, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Mr. Arancino	July 3, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Mr. Donair
🔲 Mr. Frosty Ice Cream
☑️ Mr. Pretzels	July 29, 2023	Celebration of Lights
☑️ Mr. Shawarma	August 6, 2022	Robson Square
🔲 Mr. Taco
☑️ Mr. Tube Steak	June 3, 2023	corner of West Georgia and Granville Street
☑️ Munchu Picchu	June 5, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
N
🔲 Namaste Food Lovers
🔲 NaMi Vietnamese
🔲 Noona's Cucina
O
🔲 Old Country Pierogy
☑️ Overland Sandwich	June 4, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
P
☑️ Praguery Ice Cream and Chimney Cakes	December 14, 2022	PNE Winter Fair
☑️ Planted	May 7, 2023	BMO Vancouver Marathon Street Festival
☑️ Potato Corner	December 16, 2023	"Maligayang Pasko, Vancouver!"
🔲 Pretty Good Sandwiches
R
☑️ Rain or Shine Ice Cream Truck	July 8, 2023	Khatsahlano Street Party
🔲 Ragazzi Pizza Co
☑️ REEL Mac and Cheese	June 26, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Rice Bowls Paradise	August 28, 2022	PNE Fair
🔲 Rocky Point Ice Cream
🔲 Rolled West Coast
☑️ Roasted Revolution	August 28, 2022	PNE Fair
☑️ Rosie's BBQ and Smokehouse	July 17, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Rosie's Curry & Spice Kitchen
S
☑️ SAJetarian	June 25, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Saltspring Noodle Bar
☑️ Salty's Lobster Shack	July 9, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Say Hello Sweets	July 3, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Shameless Buns	July 16, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
☑️ Shawarma Time	September 16, 2023	Car Free Day: Main Street
🔲 Sirius Craving
🔲 Slavic Rolls
🔲 Smoking Hot Donair
🔲 Steamworks Food Truck
🔲 Steve-O's Deep-Fried Sweets & Treats
🔲 Steve-O's Fried Chicken
🔲 Streetdogs
☑️ Super Thai	June 11, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Sweet Avenue Bakery
T
☑️ Taco'N Todo	September 23, 2023	Culture Days at Pacific Arts Market
☑️ Taco Nori Sushi Tacos	September 2, 2022	Richmond Night Market
☑️ Taco Tigre	May 10, 2024	The Shipyards Night Market
🔲 Tacosaurus Vancouver
☑️ Takenaka	July 3, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ TAPS and TACOS	September 4, 2023	Car Free Day: Denman Street
🔲 Teapressu
🔲 Teriyaki Boys
🔲 Teriyaki Express
🔲 ThaiBox on Truck
🔲 Tin Lizzy Concessions: Best Grilled Cheese & Poutine
☑️ Tin Lizzy Concessions: Fishn' Chips & Chicken Tenders	July 1, 2022	Canada Day at Canada Place
🔲 Tin Lizzy Concessions: Mini Donuts
🔲 Tochi
☑️ Tokyo Katsu Sand	June 19, 2022	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2022
☑️ Tornado Potato	July 17, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021
🔲 Truckin’ BBQ
🔲 Twisted Potato
U
🔲 Urban Wood Fired Pizza
V
🔲 Via Tevere Il Saltimbocca
W
🔲 Wak Wak Burger
🔲 Wings Outdoor Grill
Y
🔲 Yardie Grill Jamaican Cuisine
☑️ Yo-Bones BBQ	July 10, 2021	Thank Granville Its Food Trucks 2021

Rendang Sapi and Es Cendol from Bali Bites food truck

This week's company lunch transported us to the vibrant flavours of Indonesia! It all started last week with a team photo during our WA-BAGEL lunch. Little did we know, a Bali Bites food truck served as our backdrop, sparking curiosity among our Australian colleagues with its intriguing name and the image of a Komodo dragon. Inspired by this serendipitous encounter, a colleague chose Indonesian cuisine for our lunch today.

Our lunch adventure took us near the Park Place building, where the Bali Bites truck awaited. Having spent the past few nights wrestling with the question of "one Indonesian meal to rule them all," I had consulted Gemini. It provided a shortlist of four iconic dishes, each with a brief description - rendang is top of the list!

With this information, I chose Rendang Sapi, a dry curry beef brisket, from the Bali Bites menu. This dish served medium-spiced, featured melt-in-your-mouth beef nestled alongside tender potatoes. The star of the show, however, was the rich and flavorful curry sauce, which had me wanting just a touch more. But that's a minor quibble in the face of such a delightful meal.

Rendang Sapi (Dry Curry Beef Brisket) from Bali Bites food truck
Medium spiced tender beef brisket and potato, served with white rice and topped with fried onions

To complement the warmth of the rendang, I opted for my all-time favourite Indonesian drink: Cendol. This refreshing beverage, a rare find these days, brought back fond memories of Singapore over a decade ago. The perfect marriage of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and green jelly noodles, Cendol was a delightful way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Es Cendol from Bali Bites food truck

Overall, this Indonesian lunch was a delightful exploration of flavours and textures. The rendang's tender meat, rich curry, and cool and refreshing Cendol created a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Sick Day Survival: Orange Juice and Turmeric Shot from Trish Juice

This week has been a rough one. That persistent cough just wouldn't quit, and let's be honest, crawling out of bed for anything but tissues and cough syrup wasn't exactly appealing. But sometimes, a little self-care is the strongest medicine. Enter Trish Juice, my new favourite Vancouver destination, for a delicious (hopefully effective) pick-me-up.

Knowing I needed a vitamin boost, I started with their fresh-squeezed orange juice. Bonus points for the buy-one-get-one-free deal – a small victory in a week of feeling under the weather. The sunshine in a glass was exactly what I needed to perk up my taste buds.

Trish Juice Wellness Package

Now, for the not-so-delicious but hopefully powerful part of my order: the Turmeric Shot. This concoction of turmeric, lemon, ginger, honey, and coconut water sounds exotic, but let's be honest – it's a mouthful, literally and figuratively. I held my breath, tossed it back, and braced for the worst... It wasn't great, but hey, if it knocks out this cough, I'll take it!

To end on a high note, I indulged in a sweet treat (or two). The chocolate chip banana pudding was creamy and decadent, the perfect antidote to a week of feeling blah. For a lighter option, I also grabbed the island's dream parfait — a tropical paradise in a cup bursting with yogurt, pineapple, mango, and granola.

Turmeric Shot, Orange Juice, Island Dream Parfait, and Chocolate Chip Banana Pudding from Trish Juice

Trish Juice definitely hit the spot. Their commitment to fresh, healthy ingredients is evident in every sip and bite. While the Turmeric Shot might be a challenge to swallow, the rest of the menu is a delicious path to wellness. So next time you feel run down, skip the greasy takeout and head to Trish Juice for a taste of sunshine and a kickstart to feeling your best.

Pesto Prawn Benny and Hearty Hash Bowl from Tap & Barrel Bridges

Happy (though still coughing) Sunday! Hubby and I celebrated one of our anniversaries yesterday, but unfortunately, this summer's heat gave me a nasty cough. I've been feeling under the weather all week, even taking a sick day from work last Friday and staying home all Saturday to rest up.

Every July anniversary, we have a tradition of going to The Bridges restaurant (2023, 2022, and 2020), which is now part of Tap and Barrel. Despite the sweltering morning, we grabbed a table on their patio, enjoying the stunning view of False Creek and the Burrard Bridge. We opted for the weekend brunch menu, perfect for a relaxed Sunday celebration.

To kick things off, we shared their Fresh Guac & Chips. Let's just say I'm having a serious guacamole moment – it's that good! We've always gotten their amazing nachos in the past, but we wanted to try something new. The guacamole was fresh and vibrant, with a perfect chunky texture. The chips were perfectly crispy, ideal for scooping up every last bit of that delicious green goodness.

Fresh Guac & Chips from Tap & Barrel Bridges
Guacamole, roasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, pico de Gallo, feta, cumin-dusted tortilla chips

For his main course, Hubby went for the hearty hash bowl, which featured their famous southern fried chicken. Apparently, the chicken was absolutely crispy on the outside and juicy inside!

Hearty Hash Bowl from Tap & Barrel Bridges
Crispy potatoes, red onion, tomato, red peppers, sauteed spinach, poached eggs, hollandaise, parsley, and southern fried chicken

Meanwhile, I couldn't resist the Pesto Prawn Benny (last year, I got the Pesto Prawn Pizza, while the year before last, it was the Pesto Linguine). The prawns were cooked to absolute perfection – plump, juicy, and bursting with freshness. The toasted English muffin provided a sturdy base, while the soft poached eggs added a luxurious touch. 

Pesto Prawn Benny from Tap & Barrel Bridges
Sauteed prawns, almond basil pesto, garlic mayo, English muffin, poached eggs, hollandaise, old bay seasoning, micro radish and crispy potatoes

But the real star of the show was the almond basil pesto. The rich, creamy hollandaise sauce is a classic Benedict staple, but the pesto added a new dimension. The almond and basil combined for a beautiful herbaceous earthiness, perfectly balancing the creamy richness of the hollandaise.

Their crispy potatoes were the perfect accompaniment, with just the right amount of golden brown crispness and fluffy interior.

Despite the beautiful view and delicious food, the heat and my lingering cough had me a little worried. I didn't want to spoil the celebration by getting faint or overheated, so I made sure to stay hydrated, and we took our time enjoying our conversation on a slow walk home.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL

Today marks my first anniversary at work, and what is the theme for our company-paid team lunch? You guessed it — bagels! In fact, it's become a running joke that bagels are the clear favourite, having been chosen a whopping seven times for our weekly lunches in the last 54 weeks.

This week, we ventured to WA-BAGEL to taste their unique Japanese-style bagels. I couldn't resist their signature Montreal Bagel Sandwich. The first bite was a revelation – the Montreal smoked meat's savoury smokiness was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the miso-caramelized onions. They added a depth of flavour that regular caramelized onions just can't achieve. The creamy Japanese mustard aioli tied everything together, adding a touch of tang that cut through the richness of the meat and onions.

Montreal Bagel Sandwich from WA-BAGEL
Montreal smoked meat, miso caramelized onions, Japanese mustard aioli on a plain bagel.

For a sweet treat, I also grabbed their Mochi Matcha bagel. This beauty was a matcha lover's dream – a vibrant green bagel filled with chewy, bouncy mochi bits. The sweet red bean paste was like a burst of sweet, earthy goodness in every bite. The chopped walnuts added a delightful crunch, satisfyingly contrasting the soft mochi and smooth bean paste. It was the perfect way to end a savoury and delicious lunch.

Mochi Matcha from WA-BAGEL
Matcha bagel filled with mochi, red bean paste, and chopped walnuts

We found a charming plaza with tables and chairs along Burrard Street, the perfect spot to enjoy our feast. The summer sun was warm, and the atmosphere was just perfect. It truly embodied the beauty of a Vancouver summer!

Blueberry Sour Cream and Sugar Twist retro donuts from Tim Hortons

To celebrate Canada Day, we capped off a fantastic dinner at Salmon n' Bannock with a visit to a true Canadian icon - Tim Hortons! In honour of their 60th anniversary, they're bringing back some retro donuts for a limited time.

Blueberry Sour Cream and Sugar Twist donuts from Tim Hortons

This time around, I tried the sugar twist and the blueberry sour cream donut. Now, full disclosure, I don't have any childhood memories attached to these flavours. But based purely on today's experience? I can't believe they ever took them off the menu!

Sugar Twist donut from Tim Hortons

I'm a self-proclaimed fried dough enthusiast (baked works are welcome, too!), so the sugar twist was an instant win. The classic combo of crispy, fluffy dough and a generous sugar coating is my kind of dessert - simple and delicious.

Sugar Twist from Tim Hortons

Now, the blueberry sour cream donut was a surprise hit. I was expecting a flavour overload, but it turned out to be a delightful balance. Just like their blueberry muffin, it wasn't overly sweet or tart - just perfect.

Blueberry Sour Cream retro donuts from Tim Hortons

Blueberry Sour Cream retro donuts from Tim Hortons

Here's a rundown of all the retro donuts they've brought back so far: 

• Blueberry Fritter
• Blueberry Sour Cream
• Cinnamon Sugar Twist
• Dutchie Donut
• Sugar Twist
• Walnut Crunch

If you're looking for a nostalgic trip or simply want to have donuts, be sure to head to Tim Hortons before these beauties disappear again!