Lunar New Year dinner at Happy Noodle House

Happy Lunar New Year! LNY is a great excuse to enjoy Chinese food, and we have been celebrating the occasion by having dinner at one of the many Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. This year, we walked to Happy Noodle House along Davie Street. We have tried their food in 2022 when we had it delivered (see post here).

This evening, we ordered their Xiao-Long Bao, Hot Chili Wonton, Chive Pockets, and House Special Chow Mein. It's a feast!

The first to arrive at our table is the Xiao-Long Bao, and it's truly top-notch. Nibbling the delicate wrapper gives way to a burst of savory, rich broth and tender meat.

Xiao Long Bao from Happy Noodle House

Then, we received a plate full of their House Special Chow Mein. The sauce covering the thick, chewy hand-pulled noodles provides a deep flavor. It's so comforting and satisfying.

House Special Chow Mein from Happy Noodle House

Afterwards, the Chive Pockets and Hot Chili Wonton came. It's our first time trying both dishes ever. The Chive Pockets have a crispy exterior filled with tender, onion-y flavor.

Chive Pockets from Happy Noodle House

Meanwhile, the Hot Chili Wonton is filled with savory pork served in a spicy chili oil sauce, providing a deep, spicy flavor. It's not the best thing I've had today, and since it's my first time trying this dish, I'm unsure how it compares with others.

Hot Chili Wontons from Happy Noodle House

Overall, we'll probably be back at Happy Noodle House since it's on the way from work.

Below is a list of dishes we have tried from Happy Noodle House:

• House Special Chow Mein
• Tan Tan Noodles
• Beef Rolls
• Chive Pockets
• Hot Chili Wontons
• Pan-Fried Pork Buns
• Xiao Long Bao

Fancy Sourdough Browned Butter and Black Sesame Cheesecake from The GOOD Chocolatier | 2025 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Happy Sunday! After Mass today, there was a pancake brunch in the parish hall. I enjoyed the food for lunch and volunteered until 2:00 PM.

#089 Black Sesame Cheesecake from The GOOD Chocolatier

Afterwards, my husband, Ted, and I grabbed hot chocolates at The Good Chocolatier since they are part of the Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival.

#088 - Fancy Sourdough Browned Butter from The GOOD Chocolatier

My husband and I got drink #088 - Fancy Sourdough Browned Butter and #089 - Black Sesame Cheesecake. Neither drink is overly sweet. I prefer the sesame because of its distinct flavor, while no particular flavor profile stood out from the sourdough browned butter.

Fried Chicken Over Rice from bb.q Chicken

For our company-paid team lunch today, the theme was Korean, and I convinced my colleagues that we should walk to bb.q Chicken on Granville Street.

I'm so happy with the dish I chose! I ordered their Fried Chicken Over Rice with the Mala Hot flavor. The fried chicken had a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. It had a good amount of heat, which the rice and scrambled eggs helped to balance. 

Fried Chicken Ove Rice from bb.q Chickcen
Fried chicken, scrambled egg, and onion with mala hot sauce and mayo on steamed rice

It was the perfect lunch bowl, especially at only $12.00 during lunchtime!

Orange Creamsicle and Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate from Artigiano | 2025 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

Happy Wednesday! We left work early (4:00 PM) today because the WiFi was being turned off for rerouting, so my husband and I decided to get our first hot chocolates of the Metro Vancouver 15th Annual Hot Chocolate Festival at Artigiano near BC Place.

They offer two flavors: Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate and Orange Creamsicle Hot Chocolate.

Artigiano participates in the 2025 Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival

The Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate is a rich blend of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, creating a deep, nutty base. It's then topped with vanilla cream, chocolate shavings, and a praline crumble, adding layers of texture and sweetness. This indulgent drink is paired with a warm, freshly made beignet filled with chocolate hazelnut cream, making it a truly decadent treat.

Drink #009 Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate from Artigiano
Dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, topped with silky vanilla cream, decadent chocolate shavings, and a crunchy Praline crumble. It is paired with a warm, freshly made beignet filled with luxurious chocolate hazelnut cream.

The Orange Creamsicle Hot Chocolate offers a brighter profile, with rich orange-infused hot chocolate forming the base. It's finished with a Creamsicle Chantilly, reminiscent of the classic frozen treat, and a touch of freeze-dried orange peel for a zesty, citrusy finish. This vibrant hot chocolate is paired with a crisp chocolate orange wafer providing a satisfyingly complementary bite.

Drink #010 Orange Creamsicle Hot Chocolate from Artigiano
Rich orange-infused hot chocolate, finished with a dreamy Creamsicle Chantilly, and a touch of freeze-dried orange peel for a zesty finish. It is perfectly paired with a crisp chocolate orange wafer, featuring a signature Artigiano chocolate stamp.

I prefer the Orange Creamsicle, as it has a nicer depth of flavor than the more common hazelnut. Although, I enjoyed the chopped hazelnuts on the rim of the Hazelnut Praline cup, as they provided a crunchy element to the drink.

Tiramisu and Ube Cream Puffs from Pablo Japanese Bakery Cafe

Happy Sunday! After Mass, my parents (specifically, my dad) requested that we hang out at a coffee shop. We originally planned on going to Lumiere, but it looked full, so we ended up at Pablo.

Pablo is known for their Japanese cheese tarts. We tried two new flavors today: juicy mango and crème brûlée.

Pablo Japanese Bakery Cafe

The foundation of their excellent tarts is the crust. It isn't flaky like a Portuguese tart but is more solid yet crumbly, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the filling. The juicy mango tart offers generous slices of ripe, sweet mango, creating a burst of tropical flavor with each bite. The crème brûlée tart is topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that shatters with a delicate crack, revealing a smooth, rich custard beneath. The burnt sugar adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the custard. I prefer the latter.

Creme Brulee and Juicy Mango Cheese Tarts from Pablo

Pablo also introduced new cream puffs, and we managed to try a couple of flavors: tiramisu and ube. Both are delicious and not overly sweet, achieving a perfect balance of flavor. The tiramisu cream puff features a light and airy choux pastry shell filled with a creamy, coffee-infused filling, dusted with cocoa powder for a hint of bitterness. The ube cream puff has a vibrant purple filling made from ube (purple yam), which has a subtly sweet and earthy flavor, contrasting beautifully with the delicate pastry.

Tiramisu and Ube Cream Puffs from Pablo

It was great to spend time with my parents and husband over delicious sweets.

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For future reference, below is a list of cheese tarts flavour we have tried from Pablo.

• Blueberry
• Chocolate
• Creme Brulee
• Juicy Mango
• Matcha
• Original Cheese Tart
• Roasted Chocolate Almond Marshmallow
• Ube

Retro Donut: Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is bringing back for a limited time two retro donuts: the Blueberry Fritter and the Lemon Cake Donut.

Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

Lemon Cake Donut from Tim Hortons

I tried the Blueberry Fritter when it first returned, so today I decided to try the Lemon Cake Donut. It features a soft and fluffy cake donut covered in sweet and citrusy glaze. I love it!

Mac and Cheese Pizza from Pizza Hut

Happy Saturday! We visited my parents' place for lunch and dinner. Dad cooked sisig and dinuguan, which we gladly enjoyed for lunch. Then, for dinner, Mama requested delivery from Pizza Hut.

My youngest sister and I decided on two Triple Treat pizza boxes, which meant four different pizzas: the Mac & Cheese Pizza, Pepperoni Lover's, Meat Lover's, and Veggie Lover's.

This post is primarily about the amusing Mac & Cheese Pizza. We didn't grow up eating mac and cheese of any kind, so we found it deliciously amusing—it's essentially classic macaroni and cheese placed on top of a pizza crust. A little grilled chicken would make this even better, but it's great as is. The Mac & Cheese pizza has a creamy, cheesy flavour from the macaroni and cheese topping, combined with the bready, slightly crispy texture of the pizza crust.

Mac & Cheese Pizza from Pizza Hut
Light & airy everyday crust topped with classic, creamy Mac & Cheese and orange cheddar cheese

The Pepperoni Lover's is all about the abundant pepperoni. It's savoury and slightly spicy from the pepperoni, with a salty, cheesy base. I love the crispy edges of the pepperoni and the crust and the softer, chewier center.

Pepperoni Lover's from Pizza Hut
All pepperoni layered on top for added crispiness and pizza mozzarella

The Meat Lover's pizza is my younger sister's choice, and it features a variety of meats, such as pepperoni, sausage, and ground beef. The flavour is rich, savoury, and meaty, with a combination of spices from the different meats.

Meat Lover's Pizza from Pizza Hut
Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mild sausage, beef topping, ham, bacon crumble, and pizza mozzarella

The Veggie Lover's Pizza is our mom's choice! The pizza is topped with various vegetables, such as onions, peppers, mushrooms, and olives. The flavour is fresh and savoury, with a mix of sweet and slightly bitter notes from the vegetables.

Veggie Lover's Pizza from Pizza Hut
Sliced mushrooms, green pepper, red onion, tomato, and pizza mozzarella

We enjoyed the pizza while watching the NFL Divisional matches and after playing a couch cooperative video game, Tools Up.

Below is a list of Pizza Hut items we have tried so far:

Pizzas

• Canadian Pizza
• Cheese Lover's
• Mac & Cheese Pizza
• Meat Lover's Pizza
• Pepperoni Lover's Pizza
• Supreme Lover's
• Veggie Lover's Pizza

Sides

• Bacon Mac'N Cheese
• Boneless Bites (Salt & Pepper)
• Boneless Bites (Garlic Parmesan)
• Boneless Bites (Indian Butter)
• Cinnabon Mini Rolls
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo
• Garlic Bread
• Traditional Wings (Buffalo Sauce)
• The Ultimate Hershey's Chipits Cookie

Pad Thai from Thai Away Home at Club Kitchen

For our company-paid team lunch today, we walked to Club Kitchen to enjoy Thai cuisine from Thai Away Home. I usually go for their green curry, but today I had a craving for noodles that was definitely satisfied by the delicious pad thai.

Pad Thai from Thai Away Home at Club Kitchen

The soft, slippery noodles were coated in a complex, umami-rich sauce with tender chicken and tofu, topped with crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts. It was the perfect bowl.

White Chocolate Pistachio arrives at Tim Hortons

Our Sunday mornings usually involve a trip to Tim Hortons for a quick and easy breakfast. This week, we were excited to see they had launched a new line of White Chocolate Pistachio beverages, promising a unique twist on winter comfort. Naturally, we had to try a couple! We grabbed a White Chocolate Pistachio Latte and a White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate to see if they lived up to the hype.

The Latte was a visually appealing drink. The foam was nicely frothed, and the Belgian white chocolate curls on top added a touch of elegance. The first sip was a burst of sweetness, unfortunately with no pistachio flavour.

The Hot Chocolate was a different experience altogether. It has the same visual appeal of the latte and the aroma was primarily of sweet hot chocolate. The taste was very sweet, a bit too sweet for our liking. The pistachio flavour was not noticeable, almost completely overpowered by the chocolate. It was served at a good temperature, but the sweetness made it a bit difficult to drink a whole cup.

White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons

Have you tried the new White Chocolate Pistachio drinks at Tim Hortons? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden

Happy Friday! I took a vacation day from work today for a dental appointment. My youngest sister asked if I wanted to join them at Olive Garden in Langley, BC, on Sunday. I called her and asked if we could go today since I was off.

Off we went! We started by sharing the Stuffed Ziti Frittata, a crispy, golden-brown disc of pasta filled with a rich, creamy blend of cheeses and meat sauce. The crispy edges gave way to a soft, cheesy interior, making it a perfect appetizer for sharing.

Stuffed Ziti Fritta from Olive Garden
Crispy fried ziti filled with five cheeses. Served with Alfredo and marinara dipping sauce

Then, we moved on to their bottomless bowls of soup and those addictive breadsticks. The soup, a creamy chicken gnocchi, was rich and comforting, dotted with tender potato dumplings and shreds of chicken. The breadsticks, warm and buttery, were perfect for soaking up every last drop. 

My husband ordered the creamy and cheesy Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. The blend of five cheeses—ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and fontina—created a rich, decadent sauce that coated the perfectly cooked ziti pasta. The baked, bubbly top added a delightful textural contrast. It was perfect for my gums, which were still tender from my appointment.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno from Olive Garden
A baked blend of Italian cheeses and Olive Garden's signature five Cheese marinara

I opted for the "healthier" eggplant parmigiana. The spaghetti was a classic—al dente, with a bright, tangy tomato sauce that had just a hint of sweetness. The eggplant parmigiana itself was a delightful combination of textures: crisp, golden-brown breading on the tender eggplant slices, layered with melted mozzarella and that same vibrant tomato sauce. It was a satisfying, lighter version of the more traditional chicken parmigiana.

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden
Hand-breaded eggplant, lightly fried and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with a side of spaghetti

For dessert, we indulged in warm Italian doughnuts, known as zeppoli. These pillowy soft fritters were dusted with powdered sugar and served with dipping sauces. The chocolate sauce was deep and intensely sweet, a classic pairing. However, I was surprised by how much I preferred the raspberry sauce. Its bright, tart notes cut through the richness of the doughnuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy—I loved it. I told my sister I now have a more mature palate, preferring the raspberry over the chocolate.

Warm Italian Doughnuts from Olive Garden
Fried doughnuts tossed in vanilla sugar, served with raspberry and chocolate sauce

Below is a list of dishes we tried at Olive Garden:

Appetizers

• Calamari
• Lasagna Fritta
• Meatballs Parmigiana
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Classic Entrees

• Cheese Raviolli
• Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
• Chicken Marsala Fettucine
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Fettuccine Alfredo (part of 6 oz. Sirloin)
• Italian Feast 
• Lasagna Classico
• Ravioli Carbonara 
• Shrimp Scampi
• Spaghetti with Marinara (part of Eggplant Parmigiana)
• 6 oz. Sirloin
• Tour of Italy

Desserts

• Black Tie Mousse Cake
• Cannoli
• Chocolate Caramel Lasagna
• Tiramisu
• Warm Italian Doughnuts

Giant Katsu and more at Kinkura Sushi + Sake

Happy Thursday! My husband picked me up from work today, and I was too exhausted to cook dinner at home. We decided to grab dinner at Kinkura Sushi + Sake along Davie Street before walking across the Granville Bridge.

I was blown away by their "Giant Katsu" — it was truly huge. My husband ordered it thinking it would be a wide but thin fried pork cutlet. However, we received a behemoth of a tonkatsu — a thick slab of pork, easily longer than a chopstick and nearly two inches thick! It was a golden-brown, crispy mountain of meat. The sheer size of it dwarfed the accompanying bowl of fluffy white rice. It was crazy! The unexpected size was a delightful surprise, and the katsu itself was perfectly executed: a satisfyingly crunchy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a tender, juicy interior. Yum!

Giant Tonkatsu from Kinkura Sushi
Deep-fried breaded pork served with house salad and rice

I ordered a healthier salmon teriyaki with vegetables. A generous fillet of tender salmon, glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, was served alongside a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables. It was delicious, too.

Salmon Teriyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake
Grilled salmon and vegetable with teriyaki sauce

To share, we got their original chicken karaage — piping hot and fresh from the fryer! Each bite-sized piece of chicken boasted an incredibly crispy exterior that shattered with a satisfying crunch, revealing a juicy, flavorful interior bursting with savory goodness. I loved it!

Regular Chicken Karaage from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

We also got takoyaki. The delicate wheat flour batter balls were filled with tender pieces of octopus and topped with savory takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes. They were soft but could be skipped. Kinkura Sushi + Sake was a random find for us, and I absolutely love discovering new spots around Vancouver.

Takoyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

I am making an attempt this year (2025) to try and support new restaurants that we have not tried before. Below is a list of restaurants we have tried for the first time:

1. Ramen One (January 3, 2025)
2. Kinkura Sushi + Sake (January 9, 2025)

Gyro from The Greek Yaletown

It was the first company-paid team lunch of 2025, and the theme was Greek! We went to our favourite spot: The Greek in Yaletown.

Their gyro is my absolute favourite, and I've stopped trying anything else on the menu. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of oregano, garlic, and other Mediterranean herbs, making it incredibly tender and juicy. The warm, soft pita wrap cradles the savoury meat, and the crisp, fresh lettuce, juicy ripe tomatoes, and sharp red onions provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Gyro from The Greek
Slow-roasted chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki on a fresh baked pita with avgolemono soup

Plus, it comes with either soup or salad. I always choose their avgolemono soup. The creamy, lemony broth is rich and comforting, with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the savoury gyro.

Hot Chocolate and Moroccan Vegan Wrap from Lovelarte

Happy Thursday! This morning, a colleague and I headed to the nearby Lovelarte to grab breakfast and have a meeting.

Hot Chocolate from lovelarte

I decided to try the Moroccan Vegan Wrap, and I paired it with a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Moroccan Vegan Wrap from lovelarte

The hot chocolate was the perfect complement to the wrap. Its smooth, velvety texture helped balance the dryness of the wrap. While the wrap itself was flavourful with its blend of Moroccan spices and vegetables, it had a slightly dry and gritty texture that made the drink a welcome addition to the meal. Together, they provided a satisfying combination of warmth and flavour, making for a cozy and fulfilling breakfast.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

Happy Sunday! As part of our breakfast this week, we tried the new Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

It was a bit warm, but the pastry wasn't flaky. Additionally, the feta cheese and egg combination had an unusual texture — almost rubbery. The flavour is also off-putting.

I'm not a fan of this one.

Poutine and Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea restaurant

Happy Saturday! We visited Ikea today for dinner and were pleasantly surprised to find two new items on their menu: Poutine (a Canadian classic) and a Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Let’s dive into the details. Ikea's take on the Canadian favorite, poutine, was passable. It had all the essential components: crispy fries, gravy, and cheese curds. However, I believe the gravy is what truly makes or breaks a poutine, and this one was just okay. The first bite had a strange aftertaste that I couldn’t quite place, but it eventually mellowed out and became more enjoyable.

Poutine from Ikea's restaurant

Next up, the Pulled Pork Sandwich, an American classic. The pulled pork was beautifully shredded, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. However, the barbecue sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, with an almost fruity undertone due to the lingonberry base. While it wasn’t bad, it certainly wasn’t my ideal version of a pulled pork sandwich.

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea's restaurant

All in all, while these dishes were decent attempts, next time, I think I’ll stick with the tried and true, always-delicious Swedish meatballs!

Chicken Strips from A&W

Happy Saturday! Ugh. I'll be back to work on Monday, and since my hubby has a dental appointment, I decided to wait for him inside a nearby A&W. It's my first time trying the A&W chicken strips. I want to say that they're like any typical chicken strips from a fast food chain, but they're a bit above the rest because they taste like real chicken.

Chicken Strips from A&W

Chicken Strips from A&W

The seasoning is simple—salt and pepper—nothing fancy, just this classic combination. Plus, they're lightly breaded. I surprisingly enjoyed them!

Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One

Happy Friday! It's our first time eating out in 2025, and we’re checking out a relatively new spot, Ramen One, located along West Broadway between Cambie and Yukon.

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pieces of chashu and an egg.

The rainy weather makes it the perfect day for a warm bowl of ramen. What sets Ramen One apart is its unique ambiance and service. Each diner gets their own private booth (similar to those you’d find in Japan), and your ramen is served through a little window — it's actually pretty fun!

Ramen One

I tried the Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen, and it did not disappoint. The chashu was tender, the soft-boiled eggs were just right, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. Super satisfying!

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pcs. of chashu and an egg.

It might not be the best ramen in Vancouver, but if you're in the area and craving a bowl with a bit of privacy, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Here's a keto-friendly air fryer cake recipe. This will be a simple, almond flour-based, cinnamon-spiced cake, perfect for a sweet keto treat!

Keto Cinnamon-Almond Cake in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2 tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 3 tbsp Sugar Substitute (to taste, such as stevia or erythritol)
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for greasing the air fryer pan)

Directions:

1. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease a small cake pan or silicone mold with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, cinnamon, sugar substitute, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well until fully combined. If you want a peanut butter swirl, gently stir in the peanut butter at this stage.
5. Pour and smooth: Pour the batter into the greased cake pan or mold (I used a 6-inch oven-safe baking pan). Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Air fry: Place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy!

This cake is lightly spiced with cinnamon, rich with almond flavor, and perfectly keto-friendly. If you want to make it more decadent, a dollop of peanut butter on top or mixing it into the batter will add creaminess and depth. Enjoy your keto dessert!