Sandwiches and Cake from Waves Coffee House

Today, hubby and I decided to head to our local Waves Coffee House for a cozy afternoon of blogging, snacking, and just enjoying each other's company.

For lunch, we kicked things off with their chicken pesto sandwich. Served on a perfectly toasted Italian-style ciabatta, the pesto chicken was juicy and herbaceous. The melted cheese added a layer of creamy goodness, while the spinach and tomato brought a fresh and juicy touch to every bite.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich from Waves Coffee House
Italian-style ciabatta with pesto chicken, melted cheese, spinach and tomato

We also tried the ham and cheese sandwich, on the same delicious ciabatta bread. The ham and cheese were classic, but what really set it apart was the honey mustard sauce that gave each bite a hint of sweetness and tanginess. It was the ideal comfort food to pair with our afternoon latte.

Ham and Cheese Snadwich from Waves Coffee House
Italian style ciabatta filled with ham, cheese, and tomato seasned with honey-mustard sauce

Before we packed up our laptops and called it a day, we treated ourselves to a slice of Ganache Decadence Cake. This rich chocolate sponge layered with smooth chocolate whipped cream and topped with a silky, buttery chocolate ganache was the perfect way to end our afternoon. Each forkful was pure indulgence—rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent. It was the kind of dessert that makes you slow down and savour every bite.

Ganache Decadence Cake from Waves Coffee House
Rich chocolate sponge with chocolate whipped creamed topped with silky and buttery chocolate ganache.

Spending that Sunday afternoon at Waves Coffee House was more than just a chance to get some blogging done — it was a mini escape, a moment to relax, enjoy good food, and indulge in a little treat with my favourite person by my side. It’s these afternoons that make life feel a little sweeter.

Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger from White Spot

When one of our closest friends from the Philippines decided to visit Vancouver, we knew we had to take them somewhere that captured the true essence of British Columbia. Without hesitation, we chose White Spot — a legendary BC institution that has been serving up comfort food for generations.

My husband and I have always had our White Spot favorites, but this time we decided to branch out a bit. He went for the Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger, a newer addition to the menu that had us both intrigued. I stuck with my usual Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger, and our friend, wanting to experience a classic, ordered the Bacon Cheddar Burger.

The Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger turned out to be the star of the show. With a perfectly crispy BC chicken thigh glazed in a spicy gochujang sauce, it hit that perfect balance of heat and flavour. The sauce had just the right amount of kick, adding a layer of complexity to the crispy chicken without overwhelming it. The savoy cabbage brought a light crunch, and the mayo added a creamy touch that tied everything together. Each bite was a mix of spicy, savory, and crispy deliciousness—a bold twist on a classic that left a lasting impression.

Gochujang Fried Chicken Burger from White Spot
Spicy gochujang glazed crispy BC chicken thigh, savoury cabbage & mayo

Meanwhile, my Pacific Northwest Steelhead Burger was, as always, fresh and flavourful. It’s my go-to for a reason, with its delicate yet rich flavours that taste like BC on a bun. Our friend’s Bacon Cheddar Burger was a hit too; you can never go wrong with a classic, and it delivered all the comforting flavours we hoped it would.

Sharing this meal at White Spot with my husband and our friend from the Philippines felt like the perfect way to experience Vancouver together. There's something special about enjoying great food with great company.

Costco Food Court Menu and Prices | Downtown Vancouver location

This post was first published in September 2022.

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.

Costco is a popular wholesale retailer known for its bulk goods, low prices, and, of course, its food court. The Costco Food Court is a favourite among shoppers, offering a range of tasty and affordable food options for members and (sometimes) non-members.

Below is a link to other Costco Food Court Menus and Prices that I have visited. I plan to make #CostcoTourism a thing.

• Richmond, BC Warehouse
• Vancouver, BC Warehouse
• Willingdon Burnaby, BC Warehouse
• Hawthorne Los Angeles, CA Warehouse
• South Austin, TX Warehouse 
• Melbourne, VIC Australia Warehouse

September 25, 2024 Updated Menu

The Costco food court menu below is updated on September 25, 2024.

• New Item: California Crab Roll - $9.99
• Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie - $3.49
• Ice Cream Cone (Vanilla or Chocolate) - $2.89
• Ice Cream Sundae (Caramel, Chocolate, or Berry) - $3.49
• Pizza Slice (Pepperoni or Cheese) - $2.59
• 18" Whole Pizza (Pepperoni or Cheese) -$12.99
• 1/4 Pound Hotdog and 20 oz pop with refill (All Beef or Polish Sausage) - $1.50
• Chicken Strips and Fries - $6.99
• French Fries - $2.99
• Poutine - $5.99
• Gravy - $0.30
• Pop (20 oz with refill) - $0.89

May 27, 2024 Updated Menu

The Costco food court menu below is updated on May 27, 2024.

• New Item: Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie - $3.49
• Ice Cream Cone (Vanilla or Chocolate) - $2.89
• Ice Cream Sundae (Caramel, Chocolate, or Berry) - $3.49
• Pizza Slice (Pepperoni or Cheese) - $2.59
• 18" Whole Pizza (Pepperoni or Cheese) -$12.99
• 1/4 Pound Hotdog and 20 oz pop with refill (All Beef or Polish Sausage) - $1.50
• Chicken Strips and Fries - $6.99
• French Fries - $2.99
• Poutine - $5.99
• Gravy - $0.30
• Pop (20 oz with refill) - $0.89

2022

The menu below is taken September 9, 2022.

Menu Item	Price
Pop 20 oz with refill	$0.89
Ice Cream Cone Vanilla or Chocolate	$2.89
Ice Cream Sundae Caramel, Chocolate, or Berry	$3.49
Pizza Slice Pepperoni or Cheese	$2.59
18" Whole Pizza Pepperoni or Cheese	$12.99
1/4 Pound Hotdog and 20 oz pop with refill All Beef or Polish Sausage	$1.50 includes a $0.25 cup fee
Chicken Strips and Fries	$6.99
French Fries	$2.99
Poutine	$5.99
Gravy	$0.30

The Costco Food Court is an excellent option for those looking for tasty, affordable, and convenient food options while shopping at Costco. Whether you're in the mood for a classic hot dog, a slice of pizza, or something else entirely, the food court has something for everyone. So, the next time you're at Costco, stop by and try out the food court for yourself!

Qantas Economy Class Food from Sydney (SYD) to Vancouver (YVR)

Long-haul flights can be challenging, but Qantas made my journey from Sydney to Vancouver a bit more comfortable with their impressive Economy Class meal service. Thanks to my pre-flight indulgence at Heineken House, I was already in a food coma when I boarded. Nonetheless, the in-flight dining and entertainment kept me entertained and satisfied throughout the flight.

To keep myself occupied during the 14-hour flight, I decided to dive into a Harry Potter movie marathon. Starting with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," I worked my way through the series and made it halfway through "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by the time we touched down in Canada. It was a perfect way to pass the time, bringing a sense of nostalgia and magic to the journey.

We departed Sydney at 8:45 pm, and shortly after takeoff, dinner was served. The meal options for Economy Class included:

• Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous with roasted carrots, baby beans, and toasted almonds
• Salad of Chicken with Ancient Grains, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and green goddess dressing
• Beef and Bacon Burgundy with mashed potato, peas, and carrots

All the mains were served with a side of rosemary, garlic, sea salt, olive oil focaccia, and a refreshing ice cream for dessert. Despite still being full from my pre-flight meal, I couldn't resist sampling the couscous. The few bites I managed to take were flavorful and fresh, with the pearl couscous cooked to a perfect al dente. The combination of roasted vegetables and toasted almonds added a lovely texture.

Lemon herb pearl couscous with roasted carrots, baby beans, and toasted almonds at Qantas Economy Class

The food coma from Heineken House, combined with the comfort of the in-flight meal, had me drifting off to sleep in no time. I slept through most of the flight, only waking up occasionally to switch to the next Harry Potter movie. It was the ideal way to relax and let the time pass seamlessly.

About 8 hours into the flight, as we were nearing the end of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," I finally woke up with an appetite just in time for breakfast.

Breakfast was served with a wholesome banana and oat muffin and traditional Greek yogurt with mango and granola crunch. For the main dish, I chose scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, hash browns, tomato, and braised beans over the seasonal fruit plate. This breakfast was delicious! The scrambled eggs were fluffy, the bacon and sausage perfectly cooked, and the hash brown had just the right amount of crispiness. The tomato and braised beans added a nice touch of flavour, rounding out a hearty breakfast that was exactly what I needed.

Scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, hash brown, tomato, and braised beans with wholemeal banana and oat muffin, traditional Greek yogurt with mango and granola crunch from Qantas Economy Class

We landed safely in Vancouver, and I’m now back home. Despite my initial food coma, the Economy Class meal service on Qantas from Sydney to Vancouver was a pleasant surprise. The flavours were fresh and thoughtful, with a good variety to choose from. The combination of hearty meals, comforting snacks, and a Harry Potter marathon made the long-haul flight feel much shorter.

Heineken House: A Perfect Layover Spot in Sydney International Airport

During my layover at Sydney International Airport, I decided to settle in at Heineken House, a place that combines great food, drinks, and sports. With a few hours to spare, I couldn't think of a better spot to relax and watch the AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions.

Heineken House is the ideal place to kick back, especially if you're a sports fan. There are screens tuned to AFL matches and rugby championships, and the atmosphere is electric with travellers cheering for their teams. It felt like a sports bar, right in the middle of the airport!

Watching an AFL match in Sydney International Aiport

I decided to treat myself to some comfort food while watching the game. I ordered the truffle fries and a chicken & avocado sandwich, which came packed with bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.

The truffle fries were a true highlight! The fries were crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, with the rich aroma of truffle elevating them to a whole new level. They were the perfect snack to munch on while keeping an eye on the game. Each bite was full of flavour, and it was hard not to devour them all at once.

Truffle Fries from Heineken House

The chicken & avocado sandwich was a hearty choice, packed with layers of fresh ingredients. The grilled chicken was tender and juicy, while the avocado added a creamy texture that paired beautifully with the crisp bacon. The tomatoes and lettuce gave it a refreshing crunch, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.

Chicken & Avocado sandwich from Heineken House

Watching the AFL match between the Cats and the Lions at Heineken House was an experience in itself. On my last night in Australia, I get to enjoy the excitement of Aussie Rules Football.

After polishing off my meal, I was in a serious food coma. The combination of truffle fries and the hearty chicken & avocado sandwich left me so full that I was practically dozing off on my flight. But, it was worth every bite. Heineken House turned what could have been a tedious layover into a memorable culinary and sports experience.

Bye, Australia! I will be back, hopefully, soon!

3-piece box from KFC Sydney International Airport

I'm on my way back to Vancouver! During my layover in Sydney, I found myself craving something familiar yet satisfying. I decided to indulge in some KFC. I ordered a 3-piece box, which included a mix of classic and spicy flavors: an Original Recipe chicken piece, a Zinger fillet, and an Original Tender. The box also came with regular chips, a generous serving of gravy, and a dinner roll.

KFC's Original Recipe chicken was crispy on the outside, with the perfect blend of herbs and spices that give it that signature flavor. The meat inside was tender and juicy, a satisfying reminder of why this classic recipe remains a favorite for so many.

KFC

Meanwhile, the Zinger fillet was the standout of the meal for me. It had just the right amount of spice — enough to give a kick but not overwhelming.

Lastly, the Original Tender was a nice contrast to the other pieces in the box. It was soft and juicy, with a lighter breading that made it less heavy than the other options.

3-Piece Box from KFC Sydney International Airport

KFC chips in Australia are slightly different from what you might find in other countries. They’re thicker and seasoned with a light sprinkle of salt. Dipping them in the rich, savory gravy was a highlight — the combination of the two was comforting and delicious.

The dinner roll was soft and slightly sweet, which made it great for mopping up any leftover gravy or to enjoy on its own as a palate cleanser between bites of chicken. It was a nice touch that rounded out the meal, adding a bit of comfort-food feel to the whole experience.

Vegetable Samosa from Dropout Chaiwala

It was my last workday in Melbourne, and my manager and I left early to just chat and enjoy chai and snacks at Dropout Chaiwala. As we settled in, the rain began to fall, creating a cozy atmosphere.

We ordered the cardamom chai, which was incredible. I'd never had anything quite like it before—it was fragrant, with the perfect hint of spice, and wonderfully warm on such a chilly day. The rich aroma of cardamom filled the air, making each sip both soothing and invigorating. We paired it with vegetable samosas, which were crispy on the outside, with a flavorful, spiced filling that complemented the chai perfectly.

Vegetable Samosa from Dropout Chaiwala

I’m honestly going to miss Melbourne. I wish I could stay longer; I’ve felt so at home and comfortable here.

Chicken Chowmein and Momo combo from Magic Momo Kafe

Did I ever tell you how blessed I am that all my managers so far have been truly amazing people? My current manager went to the office today (Friday), which is usually a work-from-home day for us, just to make sure that I wasn't alone.

Chicken Chowmein and Momo from Magic Momo Kafe

We had lunch at Magic Momo Kafe nearby, where I got a combo of chicken chowmein and momo. It was good, but the company made it even better.

Korean fried chicken from Samsam Chicken

Happy Thursday! I asked colleagues at random if they wanted to join me for dinner. While I knew many had other plans, five agreed to spend their evening with me.

We originally planned to go to a Japanese restaurant, but it was too small to accommodate us. Instead, we ended up at Samsam Chicken. It was delicious! I can't remember exactly what we ordered, but I know this is my second Korean fried chicken spot in Melbourne, and it's much better because of the friends I've made.

Samsam Chicken

It feels strange to be hanging out with people after work, as I'm not used to doing this in Canada. I'll truly miss this beautiful city.

Miss U Lox from Schmuck's Bagels

Happy Thursday! Today, for our company-paid team lunch, we enjoyed a delicious bagel theme. The Melbourne office is a huge fan of Schmuck's Bagels, and for good reason. It's one of the few places that can consistently handle large orders on the same day.

Miss U Lox from Schmuck's Bagels
Smoked salmon, creamy cream cheese, pickled red onion, tomato, capers, fresh dill, & lemon on rye

I opted for the "Miss u Lox" bagel, my go-to choice for a bagel sandwich with salmon and capers. The smoked salmon provided a rich, salty flavor, complemented by the smooth, tangy cream cheese. The pickled red onion and tomato added a burst of acidity and sweetness, while the capers provided a briny, salty kick. The fresh dill and lemon added a bright, herbaceous flavor, although the lemon was a bit overpowering for my taste. Overall, it was a delicious bagel sandwich, but I would have preferred less lemon.

This is my second bagel sandwich in Melbourne, and I still prefer the version from Brown Bagels.

Dinner at The Galbi BBQ

We had planned to visit the Queen Victoria Night Market but opted for a Korean barbecue nearby instead.

I enjoyed a delightful evening with colleagues who genuinely wanted to connect and get to know me. Their camaraderie and laughter were truly appreciated.

The Galbi BBQ

The Galbi BBQ

I'm unsure of my colleagues' specific choices, but the Korean barbecue was fantastic. It's hard to go wrong with such a delicious cuisine.

Nasi Goreng Kampung from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe I'm returning to Vancouver in a few days. For lunch today, a fellow Filipina and I decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal. After getting approval from HR, I invited a known foodie in our company to join us. When asked about cuisines we don't have many of in Vancouver, he suggested D'Penyetz & D'Cendol.

I indulged in my favorite Cendol Original, a refreshing concoction of sugar cane, coconut, and other delightful ingredients. It was absolutely delicious!

Cemdol Original from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

For my main dish, I opted for the Nasi Goreng Kampung with Satay Chicken. Nasi Goreng Kampung is a classic Indonesian fried rice dish known for its bold and complex flavors. The savory umami taste of anchovies (ikan bilis) provides a rich foundation, while the heat from chili peppers adds a fiery kick. The sweetness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) balances the spiciness, creating a satisfying contrast. The addition of fragrant herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric, further enhances the flavor profile. It was the best nasi goreng I've had in a long time. The seasoning and flavor were perfectly balanced and incredibly comforting.

Nasi Goreng Kampung from D'Penyetz & D'Cendol

While Indonesia and the Philippines share cultural similarities, their culinary traditions have distinct nuances. The flavors of this dish felt both familiar and exotic, a delightful combination that was difficult to describe.

Team Dinner at Desi Dhaba

Happy Tuesday! For dinner tonight, the team had a company-paid team feast at Desi Dhaba. It was my first time enjoying Indian food with someone who grew up and knows the cuisine well.

We ordered the usual butter chicken and all my favorite dishes - chicken vindaloo, palak paneer, garlic naan, and rice.

Some of the dishes we ordered from Desi Dhaba

The food was delicious, but the company was even better. I felt warm and fuzzy being surrounded by people I genuinely enjoy spending time with. After dinner, a colleague and his fiancée joined me to watch an AFLW match at Ikon Park.

Green Curry from Dodee Paidang in Little Collins

Happy Tuesday! This is my second week back in Melbourne, and all my colleagues are also working from the office. Today, we welcomed a new employee and celebrated with lunch at Dodee Paidang in Little Collins Street, a company tradition for new hires.

This was my second Thai restaurant experience in Melbourne, and I again ordered my favorite: chicken green curry. It was a delightful blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors. The tender eggplant and bamboo shoots contrasted nicely with the slightly crunchy snake beans. The basil added a fresh, herbaceous aroma, and the coconut milk provided a smooth, velvety texture.

Green Curry from Dodee Paidang
Thai eggplants, Basil, bamboo shoot, fish sauce, chilli, snake bean cooked in homemade green curry paste and coconut milk

While it was a significant improvement over any green curry I've had in Vancouver, the one I had last week at Pa Tong Thai Restaurant was still slightly superior.

Ortolana Pizza from Gradi inside Crown Melbourne

Happy Monday! Today, I had a delightful lunch experience enjoying dim sum (yum cha) with our co-CEO, who speaks Cantonese. It was a highlight of my day, and we even received complimentary egg tarts! Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to take a photo of our meal.

After work, I met up with a former manager from my time in the Philippines for dinner at Gradi inside Crown. It was wonderful to catch up and reminisce about our lives since leaving the Philippines.

Ortolana Pizza from Gradi
Pizzaa in Bianco, Fior di Latte, roasted capsicum marinated with garlic & parsley, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage, Basil, and extra virgin olive oil

I chose the Ortolana pizza, a delicious vegetarian classic that showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of fresh, seasonal vegetables. This pizza featured roasted capsicum, fried eggplant, zucchini, onion, cabbage, and basil. It was absolutely delicious!

Gelato from Zero Gradi

We even indulged in gelato from Zero Gradi afterward.

Karakuchi Ramen from Shujinko

After a tiring day exploring Healesville Sanctuary and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, I took the train back to the Central Business District. While I considered walking around the city further, I was feeling exhausted.

For a quick and comforting dinner, I went to nearby Shujinko for a bowl of ramen. I ordered the Karakuchi Ramen, but it wasn't as spicy as I anticipated. Unfortunately, we have better ramen options in Vancouver.

Karakuchi Ramen from Shujinko
Our signature original ramen in tonkotsu soup base (pork broth) with spicy seasoning. Served with bok choy, spring onion, bean sprout, marinated egg, and signature grilled pork belly

To enhance the flavor, I also ordered chicken karaage and allowed it to soak in the broth, which made a significant improvement.

Karaage from Shujinko
Japanese-style fried chicken, served with fresh salad, Mayo, and lemon

After dinner, I returned to my hotel room and slept soundly.

Plain Aussie pie from Pie in the Sky

After a morning in Healesville Sanctuary and before heading to Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, we grabbed lunch (pies!) from Pie in the Sky. I opted for their Plain Aussie Pie.

This classic Australian pie is filled with beef mince, aromatic herbs, and spices. Unfortunately, I found it to be rather bland. The flavors were muted, and the overall taste was lacking.

Plain Aussie Pie from Pie in the Sky

However, the chips (fries) we ordered were a standout. They were perfectly cooked and generously coated in the iconic Australian seasoning, chicken salt. The combination of crispy fries and savory chicken salt was absolutely delicious and made up for the disappointing pie.

Chips covered in chicken salt

Overall, while the Plain Aussie pie didn't live up to my expectations, the chips were definitely worth trying. If you're ever in Olinda, I recommend giving Pie in the Sky a visit for their chips and chicken salt.

Hot Jam Donuts, an Australian sweet treat

Happy Sunday! I spent a lovely day with my manager and our HR. They generously gave up their weekend to accompany me to Healesville Sanctuary, where we saw adorable koalas and even had the incredible experience of feeding a kangaroo.

After exploring the sanctuary for a couple of hours, we took a scenic drive. Suddenly, HR spotted a food truck with a "Hot Jam Donuts" sign and excitedly exclaimed, "You have to try this!"

Hot Jam Donuts food wagon

Hot jam donuts are a quintessential Australian treat, known for their soft, fluffy dough and gooey, warm jam filling. The simple sugar coating adds a delightful touch. I absolutely adored them!

Hot Jam Donuts

Our donuts were served piping hot, straight from the fryer, making them even more delicious.

Walking around Melbourne CBD and lunch at Grill'd

Happy Saturday! I arrived in Melbourne a week ago and spent most of today walking around the city and experiencing its unusual weather.

I started the day by waking up late (no alarms!) and enjoying a hearty breakfast from the hotel buffet.

Then, I walked to the historic Flinders Station and then to Fed Square. It began to drizzle, so I used my trusty umbrella while exploring the area. The rain stopped as I crossed Princes Bridge to Alexandra Gardens. Afterward, there was a heavy downpour for about 10 minutes accompanied by strong winds. My umbrella did its best to keep me as dry as possible.

I walked through Kings Domain to the Shrine of Remembrance. I spent from 10:00 AM to noon learning about Australia's wartime service.

I spent the next couple of hours strolling through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. Afterward, I crossed the Morell Bridge to get a closer look at AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, and the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. I was feeling hungry by this point, which was around 3:00 PM. I walked across the William Barak Bridge to Batman Avenue.

Finally, time for food! I had lunch at Grill'd, the office's go-to choice for team lunches when the theme is burgers. I opted for the Simply Grill'd, which is as basic as it gets—a 100% Australian, grass-fed, free-range beef patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, relish, and herbed mayo between a sesame burger bun. It was a satisfying, classic burger.

Simply Grill'd Beef Burger with Famous Grill'd Chips with Chipotle Mayo Dip

I also ordered their famous Grill'd chips (fries for us North Americans) with a delicious chipotle mayo dip.

Simply Grill'd from Grill'd
100% Austrlian, grass-fed, free-range beef patty, cos lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, reslish, & herbed mayo

After enjoying my meal, I walked back to the hotel and rested my legs for an hour before taking the tram to St. Patrick's Cathedral for Mass. After an hour, I walked back to the hotel. According to Google Fit, I took more than 22,000 steps today. I love it!

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar

My first week in Melbourne is nearly over. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown! After work today, I went up the Eureka Tower with one of our CEOs and our HR department. Our CEO, being born and raised in Melbourne, was able to share insights into the city's history and point out significant landmarks. Going up the tower gave me a good sense of where to explore tomorrow on my only day alone.

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar
Served with Irish Champ

After our time at the Eureka Tower, I grabbed dinner at the hotel restaurant, Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar. Of course, I ordered what I considered the most Australian dish—pie! I opted for their Homemade Beef Mustard Pie served with Irish Champ.

Homemade Beef Mustard Pie from Platform 270 Restaurant & Bar
Served with Irish Champ

This was an upscale version of the pie, served in an iron skillet with a flaky crust that barely covered the flavorful ground beef and gravy. It was delicious and satisfying, but the Costco pie still had the edge in terms of price and better-seasoned gravy.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich from Brown Bagels

Happy Friday! Although it's a work-from-home day, our HR and my manager were kind enough to come into the office to ensure I didn't feel alone.

For lunch, HR and I went to her favorite bagel shop, Brown Bagels, which serves delicious bagels. I opted for the Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich, my go-to combination.

Smoked Salmon Gourmet Bagel Sandwich from Brown Bagels
Chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, rockat and capers

The sandwich featured smoked salmon, perfectly balanced by chives cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and capers. The flavours and textures complemented each other beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

Beef Kare-Kare from Ceree

Happy Thursday! I'm feeling truly blessed. The Melbourne Museum is open after its usual hours today, giving me a chance to explore its exhibits and make the most of my only weekend.

Before heading to the Melbourne Museum, I had dinner at Ceree, a Filipino restaurant recommended by one of my Filipino colleagues. I scanned the menu but knew deep down that I needed to have kare-kare. It's a peanut-based beef stew with vegetables, served with bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Their version is absolutely perfect—creamy, saucy, with tender beef that pairs incredibly well with the garlic rice.

Beef Kare-Kare from Ceree
Beef with green beans, bok choy, eggplant in peanut sauce and sauteed shrimp

They served the beef kare-kare in a clay pot!

Garlic Fried Rice from Ceree
No Filipino meal is complete without rice!

For dessert, I indulged in a slice of ube cake. It was delicious! I felt so happy and satisfied.

Ube Flan from Ceree (baked by Pastry Plus Melbourne)
Light and soft ube sponge, muscovado cream, ube custard flan, and purple yam jam

I took a leisurely walk to the nearby Carlton Gardens, which was bustling with runners, bikers, and people enjoying the beautiful weather. I admired the Royal Exhibition Building and had a wonderful time exploring the Melbourne Museum.

Fire Island and Pepperoni from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza

Happy Wednesday! This is the only evening I have with no dinner plans. I'm still adjusting to the time difference, and the rain outside makes walking around less appealing. I decided to grab a couple of slices of pizza from our company's favorite, Sal's Authentic New York Pizza.

I ordered the Little Neck Combo, which includes two slices of pizza (I chose Fire Island and Pepperoni), two knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda.

Vancouver also has New York-style pizza, but only AJ's Brooklyn Pizza comes close to this.

The Little Neck Combo from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Two slices of pizza, two garlic knots, Sal's legendary sauce, and a can of soda

A slice of Pepperoni pizza from Sal's Authentic New York Pizza
Sal's famous New York pepperoni

The Pepperoni was delicious, but the Fire Island had the perfect balance—savory and meaty pepperoni, spicy jalapenos, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. It was absolutely yummy!

I enjoyed my food in my hotel room, and it was the perfect ending to the day. Watching free Australian channels (like "The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition") while eating pizza and then falling asleep — life is good. Thank you, Lord!

Curry Chicken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch Australia

About twelve years ago, when Pepper Lunch first opened in Makati, Philippines, I absolutely fell in love with it. I was thrilled to see it in Vancouver, but unfortunately, they have since closed their only location in the city.

For lunch today, I went with my favorite Australian-born and raised colleague and one of our developers. I managed to ask my work-related questions while also taking the opportunity to get to know them better. We dined at Pepper Lunch.

I ordered my usual Curry Chicken Pepper Rice. It has a subtle heat that I enjoy, and I love the crunchy bits of rice that are stuck to the sizzling hot plate. The dish offers a satisfying blend of curry and juicy chicken.

Curry Chicken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch

Curry Chciken Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch

As we took the tram back to the office, we discussed which snacks I should try, such as lamington, Anzac biscuits, and Vegemite. A friendly stranger on the tram even chimed in with his recommendations. I felt so at home in this vibrant city.

Korean Deep Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

After a full day at work, I returned to the hotel to freshen up. Two of my colleagues decided to spend their after-work hours having dinner with me, and they suggested going to Doma Korean Eatery.

Jap Chae from Doma Korean Eatery

We ordered Japchae, a seafood pancake, and fried chicken (original and snowing cheese). While the Japchae and seafood pancake were merely average, the chicken was exceptional. It had the expected crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Although I typically prefer the original flavor, the snowing cheese variant won me over. The fried chicken was coated in a special cheese powder that resembled falling snow. This powder was a blend of various cheeses, including parmesan and mozzarella.

Original Korean Deep-Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

Snowing Cheese Korean Deep-Fried Chicken from Doma Korean Eatery

We spent the next couple of hours chatting away. I suddenly realized how it felt to have friends and a sense of social life, something I hadn't experienced regularly since I left the Philippines nine years ago.

Green Curry from Pa Tong Thai Restaurant

It was my first day in the office with all of my colleagues working there as well. I received warm hugs from several colleagues who were excited to see me in person. For lunch, HR arranged for me to eat with two colleagues, and we decided to go for Thai because I needed a comforting bowl of rice.

We walked to the nearby Patong restaurant. I ordered my usual green curry with rice and boy, was it amazing! I realized how watered-down the Thai food we have in Vancouver truly is. Sheesh!

Green Chicken Curry with rice from Pa Tong Thai Restaurant

This green curry had the perfect balance of heat and was incredibly creamy due to the rich coconut milk. The flavours were vibrant and authentic, a far cry from what I was used to back home. It was a delightful and satisfying meal that made my first day even more memorable.