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

Bulgogi Beef Rice Bowl from Disco Cheetah

Happy Thursday! It's team lunch, and the theme is Korean, so we ordered from Disco Cheetah.

I chose the Bulgogi Beef Rice Bowl instead of creating my own custom bowl. It arrived with a generous serving of rice, a fresh green salad, a perfectly poached egg, creamy smashed potatoes, vibrant red pickled cabbage, scallions, crispy shallots, garlic ranch, and a zesty chili sauce.

Bulgogi Beef Rice Bowl from Disco Cheetah

Each bite was perfectly balanced: the tender, sweet-savoury beef was the highlight, with its rich, umami flavour. The rice provided a comforting base, while the poached egg added a luscious creaminess. The smashed potatoes were velvety and indulgent, while the pickled cabbage brought a tangy crunch that contrasted beautifully with the other ingredients. The crispy shallots added a satisfying crunch, and the garlic ranch and chili sauce delivered a creamy, slightly spicy kick. Together, it was an incredibly delicious and satisfying combination.

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.

Green Glow and Peanut Butter & Chocolate from Jugo Juice

Sure! Here's your edited version, along with an expanded description of each drink's flavor:

It’s been a long day walking around Metrotown, and just before heading home, we decided to stop by Jugo Juice.

Hubby opted for the Peanut Butter & Chocolate smoothie. The dominant flavor is definitely peanut butter, giving it a rich, creamy texture with a slightly nutty taste. The banana adds a smooth sweetness, while the frozen yogurt contributes a touch of tanginess that balances the richness. The chocolate almond milk adds a subtle cocoa flavor, making it a decadent treat with a nutty, chocolatey finish.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Smoothie from Jugo Juice

I chose the Green Glow for a healthier option. This smoothie features fresh kale and creamy avocado, which bring a slight earthiness and richness to the drink. The pineapple and banana lend a tropical sweetness, while the coconut water adds a refreshing, hydrating quality. The tropical juices give it a light, fruity punch, but the banana remains the most prominent flavor, giving the Green Glow a smooth, mildly sweet base with a fresh, vibrant finish.

Green Glow Smoothie from Jugo Juice

We enjoyed our smoothies while sitting on one of the benches, people-watching and relaxing after a busy day. For future reference, the other two drinks we have tried are Kale Aid and their Orange Juice.

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

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024: Second Visit

One of the perks of having a season pass to the Vancouver Christmas Market is the chance to revisit and discover more culinary gems. Today, we returned for another festive evening, this time focusing on trying dishes we hadn’t sampled before. Here’s a rundown of our latest foodie adventure.

All Beef (100%) Sausage from Bratwurst Haus

This naturally smoked sausage was everything you want in a bratwurst: juicy, flavourful, and cooked to perfection. The fine grind beef had a satisfying texture, and the smoky aroma added a warm, comforting vibe that’s perfect for a winter night.

All Beef (100%) from Bratwurst Haus

Veggie Sausage from Bratwurst Haus

This plant-based option, made with soy and bean protein, veggies, and mild Italian spices, was a thoughtful offering for vegetarians. While it had a decent flavour profile, it didn’t quite hold up to the other savoury options at the market. I’d recommend skipping it unless you're committed to a vegetarian diet.

Veggie Sausage from Bratwurst Haus

Creamy Mushroom Soup from Das Champignon Haus & Das Soup Haus

As a mushroom enthusiast, this soup was a delight! The rich, velvety broth was packed with earthy mushroom flavour, making it the ultimate comfort food on a chilly evening. I could have easily had a second serving—it’s that good!

Creamy Mushroom Soup from Das Champignon Haus & Das Soup Haus

4. Nutella Langos from Das Langos

We ended our night on a sweet note with this indulgent dessert. The freshly fried langos, topped with a generous spread of Nutella, was a dreamy combination of crispy and creamy. It’s the perfect shareable treat to cap off a magical market visit.

Nutella Langos from Das Langos Haus

Having season passes allows us to explore the market at a relaxed pace, revisiting our favourites while taking the time to discover new dishes. With so many food options and festive activities, each visit feels fresh and exciting.

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024: Food Menus and Prices

The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for 2024, bringing festive cheer, twinkling lights, and an irresistible array of delicious food and drinks. Whether you're craving traditional German fare, indulgent sweet treats, or gourmet comfort foods, this iconic holiday market offers something for everyone. To help you plan your visit, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of food vendors, their menus, and prices to ensure you don’t miss out on the market’s culinary delights.

All prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and do not include taxes or gratuity. Please note that prices and menu items are subject to change without prior notice, so double-check with vendors during your visit. Get ready to explore the flavors of the season at the Vancouver Christmas Market!

New items have ✨ next to it. If you want to compare prices, please check the list from last year.

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024

Bratwurst Haus

Bratwurst is a quintessential German sausage, perfectly grilled to achieve a delectable blend of smoky flavours and savoury spices, delivering a true culinary delight.

☑️ Thuringer Brat - $11.00

☑️ Bavarian Smoke - $11.00

☑️ All Beef (100%) - $12.00

☑️ Farmer Sausage - $13.00

☑️ Currywurst - $13.00

☑️ Veggie Sausage - $13.00

☑️ Cheesy Bacon Twist - $14.00

☐ Pop / Water - $3.00

Das Champignon Haus & Das Soup Haus

They share a booth.

☑️ Mom's Grilled Cheese - $10.00

☑️ Ham & Cheese Croissant - $12.00

☑️ French Onion Soup - $13.00

☑️ Roasted Tomato Soup - $13.00

☑️ Creamy Mushroom Soup - $14.00

☑️ Champignon with Garlic Sauce - $16.00 for regular and $20 for large ✨

☐ Slice of Garlic Bread - $3.00

☐ Slice of Bread - $2.00

☐ Extra Cheese - $2.00

☐ Water Bottle - $3.00

Das Kebab Haus ✨

A middle eastern flare at the Vancouver Christmas Market. This is a new food stall this year! You can choose from three sauces: BBQ, tzatziki, and spicy.

• 3 skewers for $13.00
• 5 skewers for $20.00
• 8 skewers for $28.00
• Pita Bread - $4.00

☑️ Beef

☑️ Chicken

☑️ Lamb

☑️ Pork

☑️ Veggie

☐ Pita Bread

Das Lángos Haus

The Hungarian delight of langos is a golden-fried flatbread adorned with a delectable combination of garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on your taste buds.

☑️ Classic Lángos - $13.50

☐ Traditional Lángos - $12.50

☑️ Nutella Lángos - $11.00

☐ Plain Lángos - $9.00

☐ Extra Bacon - $2.50

☐ Cheese - $2.50

☐ Green Onion - $2.00

Das Strudel Haus

Indulge in the delicate layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a delectable filling by grabbing a strudel from Das Strudel Haus.

☐ Warm Cherry Strudel with Creme Anglaise - $15.00

☑️ Warm Apple Strudel with Creme Anglaise - $15.00

☑️ Black Forest Cake with Callebaut Chocolate - $14.00

☐ Strudel Gift Box for 2 with Creme Anglaise - $28.00

☐ Black Forest Gift Box for 2 with Callebaut Chocolate - $26.00

Meat Pie Haus and Mr. Hotcakes

Mr. Hotcakes and Meat Pie Haus shares a hut. Vegan options are available for the hotcakes.

☑️ Original hotcake with whipped cream - $10.00

☐ Original hotcake with cream cheese icing - $11.00

☐ Original hotcake with ice cream - $13.00

☐ Chicken Pot Pie (topped with mashed potato and gravy) - $15.00 ✨

☑️ Sausage Roll (All Beef) - $12.00 ✨

Mr. Pretzels

If you want the perfect combination of chewiness and crispiness that makes an irresistible treat for festive snacking, then look for Mr. Pretzels.

• Combo 1 (pretzel + bottled water) - $10.50
• Combo 2 (pretzel + dipping sauce + bottled water) - $12.50
• Bottled water - $3.00
• Dipping sauce - $2.00

☑️ Sugar & cinnamon pretzel - $8.75

☐ Salted pretzel - $8.75

Pancake & Waffle Haus

Customizable sweets are the game at the Pancake & Waffle Haus. Bottle water is $3.00

Choose your style for $8.00:

☑️ Poffertjes (10 pieces of Dutch Mini Pancakes)

☐ Croffles (Croissant waffle)

☐ Affogato (Hot coffee on ice cream)

☐ Waffle on stick

☐ Ice cream (2 big scoops)

Choose a sauce for $1.00 each:

• Nutella
• Chocolate syrup
• Strawberry syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Maple syrup
• Condensed milk
• Butter
• Whipped cream
• Raspberry jam

Choose a topping for $1.00 each:

• Oreo crumbs
• Biscoff crumbs
• Cinnamon Sugar
• M&M
• Marshmallow
• Cinnamon crunch
• Coconut
• Sprinkles
• Add ice cream +$3.00
• Add banana +$2.00
• Add strawberry +$2.00

Below is a list of popular creations:

☐ Icing sugar & butter - $9.00

☐ Raspberry jam & marshmallow - $10.00

☐ Caramel sauce & biscoff crumbs - $10.00

☐ Condensed milk & cinnamon - $10.00

☐ Strawberry syrup & coconut - $10.00

☐ Nutella & peanut - $10.00

☐ Chocolate syrup oreo - $10.00

☐ Nutella banana - $11.00

☐ Nutella strawberry - $11.00

☐ Strawberry syrup banana - $11.00

Squid Feast

One of my favourites from last year, Squid Feast, is an Asian booth in a European market. Choose from one of the following sauces: spicy garlic, tzatziki, spicy salt & pepper, and sweet & sour.

☑️ Large Deep Fried Squid Tentacle - $19.00

☑️ Small Deep Fried Squid Tentacle - $16.00

☐ Deep Fried Whole Squid - $13.00

☐ Deep Fried Shrimp - $16.00

Cheese Me Raclette

Raclette is molten Swiss cheese skillfully scraped onto potatoes, enhancing the festive ambiance with its rich, savoury allure. Vegetarian iotions are available upon requested.

☑️ Gourmet Raclette with Potatoes - $21.91

☐ Classic Raclette with Baguette - $17.15

☐ Caciocavallo Grilled Cheese - $17.15

☑️ Cheese Me Chowder - $15.24

☐ Add Charcuteries - $8.58

☐ Add Melted Raclette Cheese - $8.58

Das Apfel Haus

They serve apfel (apple cider).

☑️ Non-alcoholic cider - $5.00

☐ Spiked cider - $9.95

☐ 2024 Collectible Mug - $9.50

Das Kartoffelhaus - The Hurricane Potato

It's all potato at the Kartouffel Haus, which offers kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Hurricane Potato. The German potato pancakes are vegan friendly and are served with apple sauce & sour cream.

The hurricane potato is $11.00 while a zuccini version is $14.00.

☐ Kartoffelpuffer - $14.00

☐ Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon - $19.00

☐ Kartoffelpuffer with brie cheese - $19.00

☑️ Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon and brie cheese - $23.00

Das Schnitzel Haus

Schnitzel is a classic German dish featuring a thin, tenderized meat—commonly pork or veal—lightly coated in breadcrumbs and expertly fried to achieve a delightful crunch.

☐ Schnitzel wrap with crunchy slaw & potato salad - $23.00

☑️ Viennese pork schnitzel with potato salad - $18.00

☑️ German pork schnitzel with potato salad and gravy - $19.00

☐ Bottled water - $3.00

Das Gulasch Haus

Embrace the spirit of the season with a steaming bowl of Gulasch, a true winter delight. This traditional Hungarian stew features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savoury broth.

☑️ Tender beef stew - $16.00 + bread bowl for $2.00

☑️ Vegan potato stew - $14.00 + breadbowl for $2.00

☐ Water - $3.00

Haxen Haus

Haxen Haus serves schweinshaxe, a large pork shank roasted on a special rotisserie.

☑️ Half pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread - $17.00

☑️ Whole pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread - $34.00

☑️ Pork hock sandwich topped with sauerkraut - $11.00

☐ Side of sauerkraut (veggies) - $4.00

☐ Pop / water - $3.00

I Love Chocolate

Experience pure decadence at the Vancouver Christmas Market with the mesmerizing chocolate fountain. Cascading velvety layers of rich, molten chocolate await, providing the perfect canvas for dipping an array of treats.

☐ Fruit skewers (mixed skewers) - $9.50

☐ Marshmallow skewer - $6.50

☐ Chocolate covered apples - $12.00

☐ Chocolate covered banana - $11.00

☐ Chocolate covered pineapple slices - $10.00

☑️ Chocolate covered pretzel rods - $6.00

☐ Kids marshmallow - $2.00

☐ Hot chocolate - $7.00

☐ Oat milk hot chocolate - $8.00

☐ Whipping cream / mini marshmallows - $1.00

Helmis Perogies

Vegetarian option is available for their only menu item. It is served with crumbled farmer's sausage from Rempel Meats in Abbotsford, sour cream, sauerkraut, and grilled onions.

☑️ Potato and Cheddar Perogies - $17.00

Das Späetzle Haus

Späetzle are soft egg noodles, often pan-fried for a delightful crispness, bringing a taste of European tradition to the festive atmosphere.

☐ Homemade späetzle - $18.10

☑️ Späetzle with mushroom sauce - $22.86

☐ Add bacon bits - $1.90

☐ Add double cheese - $6.67

☐ Add truffle mushroom - $2.86

Authentic Churros

Churros are golden-brown treasures, dusted in cinnamon sugar or sugar, and boast a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, soft center.

☑️ Cinnamon sugar or sugar - 3 for $8.00

☑️ Cinnamon sugar or sugar - 6 for $14.00

☐ Caramel sauce - +$1.00

☐ Chocolate drizzle - +$1.00

☐ Whipped cream - +$1.00

☐ Oreo crumble - +$1.00

☐ Nutella - +$2.00

☐ Maple syrup - +$2.00

☐ Coffee cream - +$2.00

Transylvanian Chimney Cakes

Chimney cakes are a delightful pastry with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a soft, doughy interior.

☐ Walnut chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Coconut chimney cake - $13.00

☑️ Cinnamon sugar chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Almond chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Add Nutella - +$3.00

☐ Add lemon curd - +$2.00

☐ Add apple cinnamon - +$2.00

☐ Add black forest cherry - +$2.00

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

If you're a fan of hot chocolate or chocolate muffins (or both!), Tim Hortons’ new Hot Chocolate Muffin might be your next treat to try. This dessert isn’t just a muffin—it’s an experience, especially when you give it a little warmth at home.

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

Hot Chocolate Muffin from Tim Hortons

When we brought ours home, we decided to experiment by popping it into the microwave for 30 seconds. What happened next was pure magic: the inside became gooey, reminiscent of a molten chocolate lava cake. The warmth elevated the chocolate flavor, turning it into something richer and more indulgent.

Have you tried it yet? Let me know how you liked it! 😊

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.

Double Chocolate Brownie from Tim Hortons

As someone who loves rich, chocolaty desserts, I couldn’t resist trying Tim Hortons’ new Double Chocolate Brownie. From the first glance, I knew this treat was going to be indulgent—and I wasn’t wrong. It turned out to be one of the fudgiest brownies I’ve ever had, but also one of the sweetest.

The glossy top was studded with chunks of chocolate. Its deep, dark colour hinted at the richness inside, and it looked dense enough to promise a decadent treat.

When I took my first bite, I was immediately struck by how fudgy it was. The brownie practically melted in my mouth, with a gooey, almost molten texture that felt so indulgent. The chocolate chunks on top weren’t just for decoration—they added bursts of intense flavour and a satisfying bite.

Double Chocolate Brownie from Tim Hortons

That said, the sweetness really hit me after a couple of bites. While the brownie’s texture and flavour were incredible, it was almost too sugary for me to finish on my own. I could feel myself reaching my limit, so I decided to save the rest for later (or better yet, share it with someone else next time).