Pita and Hummus from The Wicklow

Happy Thursday! For dinner, I met up with my former colleagues, who have since become close friends. It’s always such a joy to spend time with them. We went to our usual spot: The Wicklow.

True to form, I ordered my favourite dish—the Yorkshire Pudding Bowl. These are, hands down, the best I’ve had in Vancouver so far. The Yorkshire puddings are perfectly soft and chewy, offering the ideal contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes they’re filled with. The dish is then drenched in rich, savoury gravy and topped with tender Angus beef, which is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I absolutely love it.

Yorkshire Pudding Bowl from The Wicklow
Certified roast angus beef, house gravy, garlic mash potatoes, horseradish aioli, served in a big Yorkshire pudding bowl

I arrived a bit too early and, while waiting for everyone, decided to try the Pita and Hummus. The roasted garlic hummus was smooth and flavourful, with just the right amount of garlic to make it savoury without overpowering. The warm, soft pita bread slices were perfect for dipping, providing a comforting balance to the rich hummus.

Pita and Hummus from The Wicklow
Roasted garlic hummus, black olives, paprika oil, fresh parsley

I also tried a mocktail—the Pineapple Sour. This refreshing drink was a simple yet delightful mix of pineapple juice, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup, resulting in a tangy-sweet beverage with a silky texture. It was a great way to sip something light while catching up.

Pineapple Sour from The Wicklow
Pineapple juice, egg whites, lemon juice, and simple syrup

I love The Wicklow! It never disappoints.

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie and Billy Miner Pie from The Keg

Happy Merry Tuesday! We celebrated the holiday season at the office with a delightful dinner at The Keg, followed by watching the Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena (they lost 4-3 in overtime).

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie from The Keg
Carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, red wine gravy, and mixed green salad

For dinner, I ordered the Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie. It was wonderfully creamy and surprisingly satisfying, especially for a low-calorie option. The dish featured a comforting blend of carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, all topped with a rich and savoury red wine gravy. The flavours were hearty and well-balanced, offering a great alternative to the traditional meat version.

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie from The Keg
Carrots, peas, mushrooms, green lentils, chickpeas, red wine gravy, mixed green salad

I also couldn't resist the Keg Fries, which were perfectly crispy and golden—ideal for mopping up any leftover gravy from the Shepherd's Pie. The fries were seasoned just right.

Billy Miner Pie from The Keg
Mocha ice cream, chocolate crust, fudge, caramel, and almonds

To cap off my meal, I indulged in the Billy Miner Pie. This dessert is incredibly decadent — rich mocha ice cream nestled on top of a velvety chocolate crust. As if that wasn’t indulgent enough, the mocha ice cream is drizzled with warm fudge and caramel, and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. It was an absolute treat for the senses!

Below is a list of menu items I have tried from The Keg.

Appetizers

• Scallops & Bacon

Keg Steaks

• Baseball Top Sirloin
• Peppercorn New York
• Top Sirloin

Accompaniments

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potato

Mains

• Oven Roasted Salmon (Pistachio Crusted)
• Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Casual Plates

• Loaded Nachos with Braised Beef

Desserts

• Billy Miner Pie
• Crème Brûlée

Teriyaki Bento Boxes from Namiya Sushi

It’s a beautiful Monday evening, and we attended the Immaculate Conception Mass at church today. After the peaceful hour, we decided to grab dinner at the newly opened Namiya Sushi on West Broadway.

Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box from Namiya Sushi
includes California Roll, tempura, organic salad, fruit slices, and rice

Hubby and I both ordered teriyaki bento boxes. I chose the sockeye salmon teriyaki, while hubby went for the beef teriyaki.

Beef Teriyaki Bento Box
includes California Roll, tempura, organic salad, fruit slices, and rice

The bento boxes arrived with a comforting, hot bowl of miso soup, perfect for such a chilly night. The meal also included 8 pieces of California rolls, 4 pieces of crispy tempura, a light and refreshing salad, and some sweet fruit to balance the flavours.

Chicken Karaage from Namiya Sushi

I couldn’t resist trying their chicken karaage, which was decent but didn’t stand out, and the takoyaki, which had a nice crisp on the outside and a soft, savoury center.

Takoyaki from Namiya Sushi

There are at least five sushi spots within a kilometre of our place, so I’m always looking for that one standout dish that will make me return. For example, Sushivan has its Korean ramen, while Masa serves a fantastic Japanese curry. What’s Namiya Sushi’s signature dish? I suppose I’ll have to keep coming back to discover my go-to item.

Fried Chicken Benny and Eggstravaganza from Eggspectation

Happy Saturday! It's been a couple of years since we last visited Eggspectation, and today, the place is packed with Taylor Swift fans.

We started our meal with drinks from their smoothie bar. I tried the Page's Tropical Paradise, which I didn't quite enjoy (I'm not a fan of berries!), so my hubby happily drank the fruity blend of banana, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, mango, and pineapple mixed with orange juice. I opted for his choice instead, the Tropical Teaser—a refreshing mix of mango, banana, and pineapple, blended smoothly with orange juice.

Page' A Tropical Paradise and Tropical Teaser from Eggspectation

For our meals, hubby picked the Eggstravaganza, a hearty plate featuring two sunny side up eggs, accompanied by two slices of soft, sweet brioche French toast drizzled with pure maple syrup. It also came with crispy bacon (his favourite!) and Lyonnaise-style potatoes—sautéed potatoes with onions and a touch of seasoning, making them perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We're currently going through a French toast phase at home, and this dish was a comforting, satisfying choice.

Eggstravaganza from Eggspectation
A classic dish! Two large free run eggs (sunny side up), two slices of brioche French toast with pure maple syrup, bacon and Lyobbaise-style potatoes 

Meanwhile, I selected what I consider the best brunch item: the Fried Chicken Benny. This dish features a perfectly poached egg, atop a toasted English muffin, with crispy fried chicken smothered in rich, velvety hollandaise sauce. The contrast between the crispy chicken and the creamy sauce was absolutely divine. It’s the perfect combination of savoury and indulgent flavours—truly a comforting brunch.

Fried Chicken Benny from Eggspectation
Lightly breaded chicken breast broiled with swiss cheese on an English muffin, topped with two poached eggs and our famous hollandaise sauce

I also got the chance to say hello to my sister, who was busy working the bar today.

Below is a list of items we have tried from Eggspectation.

Great Eggspectations

• Bagel and Lox
• Breakfast Poutine
• Eggspectation Bagel Breakfast Sandwich
• Fried Chicken 'N Waffles
• High Rise Pancakes

Benedict and Beyond

• Classic Benedict
• Fried Chicken Benny
• Montreal Benny
• Smoked Salmon and Beyond

Omelettes Eggscetera

• Eggspectation Omelette

The Classics

• Eggstravaganza

From the Smoothie Bar

• Banana Java
• Green Light
• Hot Chocolate
• Nutella Hot Chocolate
• Page' A Tropical Paradise
• Tropical Teaser

Tour of Italy from Boston Pizza

It's Thursday! My husband had dinner plans this evening, so I decided to head to Boston Pizza to indulge in my favorite Cactus Cuts. As I browsed the menu, I noticed their "Season's Eatings" section and couldn't resist trying one of the new items.

I chose the Tour of Italy, which features two types of pasta and chicken parmigiana. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by the pasta. The spaghetti marinara was overly tangy with a one-dimensional, sour tomato flavor, while the fettuccine in basil cream sauce lacked seasoning and felt incredibly bland. The creamy sauce didn't provide the depth of flavor I was hoping for.

New Tour of Italy from Boston Pizza
Buttermilk-breaded fried chicken breast topped with signature Alfredo sauce, Gouda, provolone, Pizza mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Served with spaghetti marinara and fettuccini in a Basil cream pasta sauce with garlic toast

Thankfully, the chicken parmigiana was a redeeming feature. The chicken was perfectly cooked—tender and juicy on the inside, with a delightfully crispy coating on the outside. It was just the right balance of crunch and tenderness, making it the true star of the dish and a saving grace in an otherwise lackluster meal.

Boston Pizza checklist

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

Apps & Shareables

• Bandera Pizza Bread
• Cactus Cut Potatoes (my favourite!)
• Classic Nachos with BBQ Chicken
• Classic Nachos with Seasoned Ground Beef
• Classic Nachos with Spicy Chicken
• French Onion Soup
• Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Thai Bites (part of The Triple Play)
• The Triple Play

Pizza

• Boston Royal Pizza
• Carbonara Pizza
• Deluxe
• Great White North
• Loaded Pepperoni & Bacon Squarefooter Pizza
• The Meator
• Mediterranean Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Spicy Perogy Pizza (I highly recommend!)
• Tropical Chicken

Pasta

• Boston's Lasagna

Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Desserts

• Chocolate Explosion
• Salted Caramel Panookie

Seasonal

• Barbacoa Nachos
• Breakfast Pizza
• Southwest Breakfast Bowl
• Summer Pesto Chicken Pizza
• Tour of Italy

Beef Gyro and Chicken Sandwich from Halal Guys

It had been a long day at work, and my husband picked me up. I was too tired to cook or even decide on what to eat. We spotted Halal Guys near the office and he decided to have dinner there.

Beef Gyro Sandwich from Halal Guys

I took my first bite of my beef gyro & chicken sandwich, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. The beef gyro was tender and savoury, with a rich, smoky flavour, while the chicken was juicy and perfectly seasoned. The raw onion added a crisp, slightly sharp bite, balanced by the sweetness of the peppers. The jalapeños brought a subtle heat, and the olives offered a briny tang. We also added creamy hummus, which provided a smooth and savoury contrast to the other flavours. All of this was tucked inside a soft pita that wrapped everything together in a comforting, satisfying way.

Chicken Sandwich from Halal Guys

I ended up enjoying it far more than I had expected.

Matcha Latte and Pumpkin Walnut Loaf from Caffè Artigiano

After shopping with my parents at Best Buy and Canadian Tire, we decided to take a break at Caffè Artigiano.

Matcha Latte from Caffè Artigiano

Pumpkin Walnut Loaf from Caffè Artigiano

I ordered a matcha latte and a pumpkin walnut loaf. The unsweetened matcha paired perfectly with the sweet, moist pumpkin walnut loaf.

Gourmet Wok inside Granville Island Public Market

After Mass today, I spent some quality time with my parents. Our first stop was Granville Island Public Market for lunch. Naturally, I went straight to my favourite spot, Gourmet Wok, and ordered my usual: the 3-item combo

This combo includes fried rice, which is flavourful but sometimes on the drier side, making it a great base to soak up the sauces from the other dishes. The fried salt-and-pepper fish had a lightly crispy exterior, though it was slightly stale today. Despite that, the bold seasoning of salt, garlic, and pepper still shone through. The kung pao chicken was rich and saucy, with a slight tang and a savoury, umami-filled glaze that clung to the tender chicken pieces, complemented by the crunch of peanuts and bright red chili peppers. The Chinese-style barbecue pork was indulgently fatty with a sticky-sweet glaze that melted in my mouth, offering a deliciously smoky and caramelized flavour.

Gourmet Wok inside Granville Island Public Market

This meal is my go-to at Granville Island Public Market because it offers the best value for the price, satisfying both my appetite and my taste for variety.

Al Pastor Burrito and Chronic Fries from Chronic Taco

Shopping! Well, it was Black Friday, and we found ourselves unintentionally near Metrotown (the biggest mall in BC!), so we decided we might as well shop.

In between shopping, we needed to refuel and grabbed dinner at the food court. It was packed with people! We decided on Chronic Tacos and ordered the Al Pastor Burrito and Chronic Fries.

Al Pastor Burrito from Chronic Taco
Flour tortilla, al pastor, rice, beans, and toppings

The Al Pastor Burrito was a vibrant combination of flavours wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. The al pastor— spicy, marinated pork with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple — stood out as the star of the dish. The rice and beans provided a hearty base, while the mix of fresh toppings, including crisp lettuce and tangy salsa, added layers of texture and brightness. Every bite was a balance of smoky, sweet, and savoury notes, with just the right amount of heat. 

Chronic Fries from Chronic Taco
Crispy french fries topped with pollo asado, melted cheese, onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa

Meanwhile, the Chronic Fries offered a different kind of indulgence. The crispy fries served as the perfect vehicle for the juicy, marinated pollo asado, which had a lightly charred, smoky flavour. Melted cheese added richness, while the fresh cilantro, onions, and lime brought a refreshing zing that cut through the heaviness. The salsa tied everything together, creating a bold, satisfying dish with an irresistible mix of crispy, cheesy, and zesty flavours.

Chronic Fries from Chronic Taco

Since we’re rarely at Metrotown, here’s an updated checklist of food stalls for future reference.

✔️ A&W

☑️ Bake House (closed)

☑️ Bourbon St. Grill

✔️ Bubble Waffle Cafe

✔️ Burger King

🔳 Cazba

✔️ Chachi's (closed)

☑️ Chef Tony Dimsum (closed)

☑️ Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill

☑️ Crepe de Licious

✔️ Curry Express Indian Cuisine

✔️ DQ Orange Julius

✔️ Freshslice Pizza

✔️ KFC

🔳 Koya Japan

🔳 Jamaican Mi Juicy

☑️ Manchu Wok

☑️ Nando's

✔️ New York Fries

🔳 Opa! Of Greece

☑️ Subway

✔️ Thai Express

✔️ Tim Hortons

🔳 Togo Sushi

🔳 U-Grill

☑️ Vina Vietnamese

Drinks and Snacks at Chai Coffee N' Chaska

 I have a doctor's appointment today and we arrived a bit early so we decided to hang out and have snack at nearby Chai Coffee N' Chaska.

For drinks, I went with their Masala Chai, a comforting blend of black tea, milk, and a medley of warming spices. My husband chose the intriguing Elachi Chai, infused with the delicate flavour of cardamom.

Masala Chai from Chai Coffee N' Chaska

To complement our beverages, we indulged in a couple of delectable snacks. The spicy beef patty was a flavorful delight, while the veggie samosas offered a crispy, savory treat. And, of course, I couldn't resist a side of crispy, masala-spiced potato wedges.

Spicy Beef and Vegetable Samosas from Chai Coffee N' Chaska

Masala Potato Wedges from Chai Coffee N' Chaska

See related article: Vegetable Samosa from Dropout Chaiwala

Korean barbecue from Royal Seoul House

When Korean barbecue cravings hit, Royal Seoul House was the perfect pick for a dinner date with my husband. Nestled on the corner of West Broadway and Alder Street, this spot is a classic go-to for authentic Korean cuisine in Vancouver.

Korean barbecue from Royal Seoul House

We opted for Combo D, a well-rounded selection for beef lovers. The set came with an assortment of marinated cuts: prime cut beef ribs, beef short ribs, marinated beef, and beef belly. Each piece was tender, flavourful, and grilled right at our table to perfection. There's something so satisfying about the sizzle of meat on the grill, the enticing aroma wafting up, and the first bite of caramelized goodness. 

Korean barbecue from Royal Seoul House

No Korean barbecue experience is complete without the ever-reliable ban chan. Their side dishes, including kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, and pickled radishes, were fresh and balanced out the richness of the meats. I especially appreciated the variety, as they paired well with the grilled beef and rice.

I love date nights with hubby!

Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte from Café Anecdote

I took a day off today for what was supposed to be a routine dental appointment. But when I arrived at the clinic, they told me I didn’t have an appointment. After some back-and-forth, they realized that one of the receptionists had mistakenly canceled it.

With no dental cleaning on the agenda, we decided to make the most of the day. We grabbed lunch at McDonald’s and wandered around the Dollar Store and Michaels for some lighthearted browsing. It was fun, but I couldn’t shake the bummed-out feeling on our walk home.

To lift my spirits, we stopped by my favorite cozy spot — Café Anecdote.

We ordered their seasonal fall drinks: a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. Both were exactly what I needed to turn my day around. The Pumpkin Spice Latte was warm, aromatic, and perfectly spiced, with just the right balance of pumpkin flavor and creamy milk. 

Pumpkin Spiced Latte from Café Anecdote

The Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte was rich and indulgent, with deep caramel notes from the brown sugar and a comforting kick of cinnamon.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte from Café Anecdote

We stayed at the café for a good two hours, sipping our drinks, watching the construction machinery at work nearby, and talking about plans and dreams. There’s something so simple yet special about coffee dates.

Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's Canada

I finally did it. After years of seeing the Filet-O-Fish on the McDonald’s menu, I decided to give it a try. It’s one of those iconic fast-food items that people either seem to love or forget exists. Today, I joined the ranks of the curious.

Let’s talk first impressions. This sandwich is small. At 400 calories, I expected it to be a little more substantial, but it’s definitely on the petite side.

The bun is probably the standout for me. It’s soft and slightly squishy. The tartar sauce is another highlight. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of punch, it ties the whole sandwich together. It’s generously slathered on, so you get a good taste of it in every bite. Now, the fish. This is where things get a bit “meh” for me. It’s okay — mild on the inside.

Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's Canada
Dive right in. Our Filet-O-Fish is pure temptation on a lightly steamed bun, topped with processed cheese and tangy tartar sauce.

So, will I order the Filet-O-Fish again? Maybe. It is a solid choice if you’re in the mood for something light and straightforward, but it’s not going to dethrone any of my fast-food favorites (chicken nuggets). For now, I’ll chalk this up as another item checked off in the McD's menu.

Chicken Cutlet Rice from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen

I had a lunch date with my parents today and I enjoyed my favourite Chicken Cutlet Rice from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen.

Chicken Cutlet Rice from Redbeef Noodle Kitchen

Redbeef has the best Taiwanese-style chicken cutlet in Vancouver.

Holiday Hot Chocolates from Blenz Coffee

Blenz has unveiled a delightful lineup of hot chocolates for the holiday season, and they are truly worth savouring! With creative flavours and customizable chocolate bases (choose between dark, milk, or white), these cozy drinks are perfect companions for the chilly Vancouver weather.

Here’s a closer look at the available options:

• The Naughty - it's a spicy cocoa with hinta of vanilla and roasted acho peppers.
• Sticky Toffee Twinkle - just like sticky toffee pudding - creamy toffee notes and sweet dates.
• Holly Jolly Pistachio - rich avocado notes with a lush, earthy finish.
• Peppermint
• Hazulnut

We decided to try the Sticky Toffee Twinkle and Holly Jolly Pistachio, both made with dark chocolate for an added depth of flavour. The Sticky Toffee Twinkle was indulgent, with its caramel-toffee profile perfectly enhanced by the bittersweetness of dark chocolate.

Holly Jolly Pistachio from Blenz Coffee

The Holly Jolly Pistachio, on the other hand, offered a unique, earthy nuttiness that paired beautifully with the robust dark chocolate base. Both were exceptional, especially as the temperatures dip in Vancouver.

Sticky Toffee Twinkle from Blenz Coffee

For food, we paired our drinks with two classics: a butter croissant and a roasted veggie sandwich on multigrain bread.

A warmed butter croissant. Flaky, golden, and decadently buttery, this croissant was the perfect light bite to complement our rich drinks. Each layer was airy yet satisfying, melting in our mouths with every bite.

The roasted veggie sandwich on multigrain bread is packed with flavour, this hearty sandwich featured roasted zucchini and red peppers, which added a sweet, smoky touch. The creamy house-made hummus lent a tangy, garlicky balance, while the baby spinach and melted mozzarella brought freshness and richness to every bite. The multigrain bread tied it all together with its wholesome, nutty texture.

Roasted Veggie Sandwich on Multigrain Bread from Blenz Coffee

Whether you’re seeking a festive treat or a cozy café moment, Blenz’s holiday hot chocolates and comforting food pairings are a must-try this season! Which flavour will you go for first?

Birthday dinner feast at Indian Oven

There’s nothing like celebrating a special occasion with a feast of beloved dishes. For my birthday dinner, I went all in with some of my favourite Indian flavours at Indian Oven.

Starting with the appetizers, we enjoyed crispy Indian fries — potato fingers dipped in a chickpea batter and fried to a perfect golden brown. They had that satisfying crunch, with a subtle hint of spice in the batter that made them addictive from the first bite. 

Indian Fries from Indian Oven
Potato fingers dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried

Then came the Indian Oven Special Platter, a vibrant assortment of pakoras and samosas. The platter was a hit with everyone at the table; the paneer pakora was soft and delicately spiced, while the fish and chicken pakoras had juicy interiors, contrasted by their crispy, flavourful coatings. The samosa was packed with well-seasoned potatoes and peas, delivering that classic, hearty flavor in each bite.

Indian Oven Special Platter from Indian Oven
Combination of veg pakora, veg samosa, paneer pakora, chicken pakora, and fish pakora

For the main course, I started with my all-time favourite, chicken vindaloo. True to its reputation, the vindaloo was fiery, with a complex tangy heat that built up but never overpowered the tender chicken. Paired with a side of fluffy white rice, each spoonful balanced the rich spices with just the right amount of heat. The palak paneer, meanwhile, was creamy and smooth, with chunks of paneer that were tender yet held their shape beautifully. The mild, earthy spinach paired perfectly with the paneer's subtle cheese-like flavour — a comforting dish that I just had to include.

Chicken Vindaloo from Indian Oven
Chicken simmered in zestry tangy curry sauce with rare spices

Palak Paneer from Indian Oven
Puréed spinach and paneer cooked with onions and seasoned with garlic

On the side, we ordered both regular naan and garlic naan to scoop up every last bit of curry. The naan was pillowy, with a slight chew that’s perfect for sopping up sauces. The garlic naan added that extra flavour punch, with toasted garlic bits elevating each mouthful.

Indian Oven

For my parents, the coconut chicken provided a milder option, with a silky coconut-based sauce that added sweetness to the succulent chicken. And the goat curry? This dish was deeply aromatic, with tender pieces of goat and spices that melded into a luscious sauce, perfect over a bed of rice.

Coconut Chicken from Indian Oven
Chicken cooked in creamy coconut sauce

Goat Curry from Indian Oven
Goat cooked in exotic spices

My sisters ordered the palak chicken and butter chicken. The palak chicken combined tender chicken pieces with creamy spinach, providing a fresh yet savoury contrast. Meanwhile, the butter chicken offered that classic, indulgent richness with its smooth, buttery tomato gravy coating each bite of juicy chicken.

Palak Chicken from Indian Oven
Chicken cooked in spinach sauce

Each dish brought something unique to the table, with textures and flavours that played off each other beautifully. Celebrating with this feast was the perfect way to indulge and enjoy the full range of Indian cuisine at Indian Oven. If there’s one thing better than delicious food, it’s enjoying it with family on a special night!

Cookies at Deja Brew

For years, Deja Brew felt like a bit of a mystery. Tucked in busy West Broadway, this coffee shop only operates on weekdays, closing its doors by 5:00 pm — a schedule that doesn’t exactly suit those of us who save our coffee shop outings for leisurely weekends or evenings after work. But when I had a Friday off, my husband and I finally had our moment to solve this "Deja Brew" enigma. And it was worth the wait!

Walking in, we were greeted by a warm, intimate setting that felt like a throwback to classic, cozy coffee houses with earthy tones, mismatched mugs, and mellow lighting. The ambiance was relaxed, yet buzzing with regulars.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie from Deja Brew

After browsing their pastries, we settled on two cookies: the peanut butter chocolate chip and the white chocolate macadamia. The peanut butter chocolate chip cookie was soft with just the right chew and a blissful mix of sweet chocolate and peanut butter.

The white chocolate macadamia, however, was the highlight. It was subtly sweet, with the macadamia nuts adding a buttery crunch that balanced the creamy white chocolate—definitely a winner for anyone who loves a bit of decadence in their cookie!

White Chocolate Macademia from Deja Brew

Although Deja Brew’s hours are challenging for those with typical work schedules and does not work or live nearby, this coffee shop deserves a detour if you ever get a chance. It’s one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems in Vancouver where weekday visitors are treated to great coffee, delicious baked goods, and a cozy, welcoming vibe. While we might not make it there often, I’m already planning about my next day off for another visit.

Chicken Teriyaki Curry from Mr. Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is my absolute favourite dish. I make sure to enjoy it on the weekend of my birthday. Since Suika is still closed, we walked over to Mr. Japanese Curry to get my fix.

I went with my usual order: beef curry topped with tonkatsu, The curry itself was rich and savoury, with a smooth, thick consistency that perfectly coated each bite of rice. The beef added a hearty depth, its flavour slow-cooked into the curry. The tonkatsu on top was crispy and golden on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The crunch of the breading with the softness of the curry made every bite satisfying.

Beef Curry topped with Tonkatsu from Mr. Japanese Curry

Meanwhile, my husband tried the limited-time Chicken Teriyaki Curry, which was a game-changer. The chicken was incredibly tender, coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce that added a slightly smoky, caramelized flavour. The rice was blanketed in the same rich beef curry, creating a comforting fusion of savoury curry and teriyaki sweetness.

Chicken Teriyaki Curry from Mr. Japanese Curry

It's the perfect lunch date.

Holiday Drink and Food from Starbucks Canada

Happy Friday! For breakfast today, we went to the nearby Starbucks and ordered a few seasonal favourites from their holiday menu.

We started with the Chestnut Praline Latte. This latte has a velvety, creamy texture, with flavours that evoke roasted chestnuts and sweet caramel. It’s topped with spiced praline crumbs, adding a touch of crunch and a gentle, nutty finish to each sip.

Chestnut Praline Latte from Starbucks Canada

For something savoury, we got the Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich. The sandwich features thick, smoky bacon layered over a fluffy, folded egg, with melted cheddar that adds a rich, tangy note. The croissant-style bun is soft yet slightly crisp on the outside, with a buttery flavour that brings the whole sandwich together.

Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich from Starbucks Canada

We also tried a Cheese Danish, which was a deliciously soft pastry with a light, flaky crust. The cream cheese filling inside was rich and slightly tangy, balanced by a hint of sweetness in the pastry.

Cheese Danish from Starbucks Canada

Lastly, we had a Turkey Sage Danish. The pastry here is tender and flaky, filled with a creamy, herby sage spread and topped with pieces of juicy, tender turkey. The earthy sage and savoury turkey make it a perfect seasonal bite, adding a warm, holiday-inspired flavour to the meal.

Turkey Sage Danish from Starbucks Canada

Altogether, it was a delicious way to start a festive Friday!