Croissants and Latte from Le Doux Ciel

After a satisfying lunch at Homura Yakiniku, we decided to treat ourselves to something sweet and stopped by the newly opened Le Doux Ciel on West Broadway. Located in the same building as the Ultimate Golf Lounge, it’s a charming spot with an inviting, cozy interior — perfect for enjoying a couple croissant and latte while watching the world go by.

The almond croissant was deliciously buttery, with a crisp, flaky exterior and a generous almond filling that had a warm, nutty sweetness. The pastry layers were delicate yet slightly chewy on the inside, creating a wonderful contrast with the crunchy toasted almond slivers on top.

Almond Croissant from Le Doux Ciel

On the other hand, the hazelnut croissant, equally indulgent, had a filling that was smooth, rich, and full of hazelnut flavour. Its slightly earthy and chocolatey undertones made it a decadent treat for any Nutella lover. With the flaky, golden pastry on the outside and a creamy, nutty filling within, the hazelnut croissant added a luxurious twist to the classic.

Hazelnut Croissant from Le Doux Ciel

Paired with these treats, we sipped on a coconut latte and a rose latte. The coconut latte was smooth and velvety, with a gentle sweetness from the coconut that complemented the espresso’s natural notes. It had a tropical aroma that was light yet fragrant, adding a delicate sweetness to each sip.

Coconut Latte and Rose Latte from Le Doux Ciel

The rose latte, on the other hand, was floral and fragrant. The rose added an aromatic quality that paired beautifully with the coffee’s robustness, creating a drink that was both comforting and slightly exotic.

As we savoured these flavours, we felt blessed to share such a lovely moment together. Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings.

Harami skirt steak, toro beef, rib finger, and more from Homura Yakiniku

Celebrating one of our wedding anniversaries, we decided to have a lunch date at Homura Yakiniku, diving into two of their lunchtime combos that offered an array of delicious meats and sides.

Combo 1: Harami Skirt Steak, Rib Finger, and Toro Beef

The harami skirt steak was incredibly tender, with a rich, beefy flavour. It’s marbled enough to stay juicy on the grill, with a touch of smokiness that brings out the natural flavours. The rib finger, with its bolder, fattier profile, had a wonderful chewiness. But the toro beef stole the show. This cut, with its high fat content, practically melts in your mouth. Grilled to a golden-brown finish, it was buttery and rich, and its delicate flavour and texture made it my favourite of the day.

Rib Finger, Harami Skirt Steak, and Toro Beef from Homura Yakiniku
with steamed rice, Miso soup, Homura salad, cucumber kimchi, and daikon

Combo 2: Filet Mignon, Chicken Thigh, and Pork Shoulder

The filet mignon was as tender as expected, with a mild, clean flavour that’s perfect for dipping sauces. Each bite was so juicy and soft! The chicken thigh offered a different, more savoury profile — it was juicy and slightly charred on the outside. The pork shoulder was a pleasant surprise: rich in flavour with a light, tender texture that made it ideal for pairing with the dipping sauce.

Filet Mignon, Pork Shoulder, and Chicken from Homura Yakiniku
with steamed rice, Miso soup, Homura salad, cucumber kimchi, and daikon

Sides and Add-Ons

Each set came with a vibrant Homura salad: a mix of spring greens with corn, carrot, daikon, tomato, and crispy wonton chips, all lightly dressed in a house-made yuzu dressing. The yuzu added a refreshing citrusy note, pairing well with the grilled meats. Alongside the salad were classic miso soup, steamed rice, pickled daikon, and cucumber kimchi, each adding its own balance of texture and acidity.

Takoyaki and Chicken Karaage from Homura Yakiniku

We also ordered chicken karaage and takoyaki. The karaage was crispy, with juicy chicken inside and a hint of ginger. The takoyaki had a soft, fluffy interior with tender pieces of octopus, all topped with a savoury drizzle that elevated its umami flavour.

Our anniversary lunch at Homura Yakiniku was the perfect meal, with the toro beef still fresh in my mind as a standout.

Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's Canada

After a long day, I was ready for something quick and comforting. My husband suggested McDonald's to make it easy, so I picked up my usual favourites: a McChicken, World Famous Fries, and 20 Chicken McNuggets. But while waiting, something new caught my eye — the Reese’s Chipits ‘N Fudge McFlurry.

Halloween McFlurry from McDonald's

Reese's Chipits 'N Fudge McFlurry from McDonald's
A Halloween treat! Reese' Chipits peanut butter swirled into smooth vanilla soft serve and blended with hot duge sauce.

This McFlurry is a treat for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The smooth vanilla soft serve is swirled with rich chocolate fudge, adding the right amount of indulgent sweetness. But it’s the Reese’s Chipits that take it up a notch, blending in those tiny morsels of peanut butter and chocolate for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch. It’s a true chocolate-peanut butter lover’s dream!

Avocado Toast and Liège Waffles from Café Medina

It's Thursday, which means it's time for our weekly company-paid team lunch. This week, the theme was brunch, and we made our way to Café Medina. I ordered their avocado toast and a Liège-style waffle, both of which lived up to Café Medina's reputation.

Avocado Toast from Café Medina
Grilled focaccia, avocado, house made tomato salsa

The avocado toast came on a perfectly grilled slice of focaccia. The bread was crisp on the outside, warm and soft within, making a delicious base for the rich avocado. Topped with a house-made tomato salsa, it added a burst of freshness and subtle acidity that perfectly balanced the creamy avocado. The flavours were simple yet refined.

Liège Style Waffle from Café Medina

But the real showstopper was the Liège-style waffle, which easily ranks in my top two favourite waffles in the city. These waffles are denser and slightly chewier than the standard variety, with a caramelized exterior that adds a perfect amount of sweetness. The golden crust gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, rich with the flavours of vanilla and butter. It’s the kind of treat that doesn’t need any embellishments — though a drizzle of maple syrup would even make it better.

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is our go-to for Sunday breakfast but today we had errands to run and decided to grab dinner in this Canadian icon. We tried the new Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza and Pepperoni.

Pepperoni is a classic, and Tim Hortons delivers it with a familiar flavor that’s accessible and well-suited for all ages, especially kids. The blend of cheese and a milder sauce makes it a dependable, fuss-free choice for families. For anyone with younger eaters in tow, this option is straightforward, filling, and easy to enjoy.

Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

A slice of Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons’ latest flatbread, the Spicy Rosé, takes things up a notch. This one is perfect for someone looking for a more adventurous pizza with complex flavors. The sauce here has a kick, with a creamy yet spicy base that balances beautifully with the toppings. The Spicy Rosé isn’t overwhelming, but it has a heat and depth that feels geared toward an adult palate. If you’re craving something more unique than the typical pizza, this one is worth a try!

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

New Spicy Rosé Flatbread Pizza from Tim Hortons

I have tried the Bacon Everything and Chicken Parmesan when Tims first launched the flatbread pizza line and Bacon Everything is still my favourite.

Spicy Umami Miso Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar

Our team had the pleasure of gathering for our weekly company-sponsored lunch at JINYA Ramen Bar, a spot known for elevating traditional Japanese ramen to a whole new level.

I opted for the Spicy Umami Miso Ramen. Imagine a rich, pork-based broth infused with ground pork soboro, giving it a hearty depth of flavour. It came topped with fresh bean sprouts, green onion, bok choy, and a touch of chili oil – the final spicy note tying everything together. The thick noodles were perfectly textured, allowing each bite to soak up just the right amount of broth.

Spicy Umami Miso Ramen from JINYA Ramen Bar
Pork broth: ground pork soboro, bean sprouts, green onion, bok choy, and chilii oil served with thick noodles

The best part? Sharing this experience with the team made it even more enjoyable. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and with every slurp of ramen.

So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy exceptional ramen with friends, family, or coworkers, JINYA Ramen Bar might just be the spot. I know we’ll be back!

For future me, below is a list of ramen you have tried:

• JINYA Tonkotsu Black
• Karaage Chicken Ramen
• Premium Tonkotsu Red
• Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen
• Spicy Umami Miso Ramen

California Crab Roll from Costco's food court

If you love sushi but are not a fan of the usual food court fare, Costco has a new treat! The beloved warehouse chain has added a California Crab Roll to its food court menu. Priced at $9.99 for eight pieces, this latest addition to Costco’s menu is a refreshing alternative to their popular (and still classic) hot dogs.

California Crab Roll from Costco

Should you try it? Not really, unless you want something different than the usual pizza slices and hot dogs.

Dan Dan Noodles from Peaceful Restaurant

Sometimes, a little solo lunch is exactly what you need — especially when life gets busy. Today, when my husband got into a meeting, I found myself with a little free time and a craving for some comfort food. So, I headed to Peaceful Restaurant in Kitsilano.

Sitting there by myself, I ended up stress-eating two of my go-to comfort dishes: Dan-Dan Noodles and Peaceful Beef Rolls.

The Dan-Dan Noodles were exactly what I needed. They’re served in a rich, spicy, and tangy peanut sauce that clings to the noodles, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The minced pork added a savoury depth, while the fresh spinach gave it a light, refreshing contrast.

Dan Dan Noodles from Peaceful Restaurant
Spicy, tangy peanut sauce, minced pork & spinach

Alongside the noodles, I had the Peaceful Beef Rolls — one of my all-time favourites. These rolls are filled with beef that’s tender and flavourful, perfectly balanced with sweet hoisin sauce. The beef is wrapped in a crispy green onion flatbread, which adds both crunch and a subtle oniony flavour that pairs so well with the richness of the meat.

Even though I was alone, the familiar flavours of these dishes were the best kind of company.

Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon from McDonald's

There’s something about a lazy Saturday that just begs for comfort food, and today, we decided to treat ourselves to a delivery from McDonald’s. Our pick? The Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon—a crispy chicken sandwich that’s packed with bold flavours and a bit of a kick.

The sandwich itself starts with a tender chicken filet, seasoned the McD's way and fried to a crispy golden brown. What really makes it stand out, though, is the creamy sweet and spicy sauce that’s slathered on top. It has just the right amount of heat without being overpowering, balanced out by the sweetness that lingers after each bite. From my standard, there's no heat. But if you have a low tolerance for hot food, then this would be perfect.

Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon from McDonald's

Adding to the indulgence are the hickory-smoked bacon strips, which bring a smoky crunch to the sandwich. The whole thing is served on a soft potato bun that brings it all together, giving it that classic McDonald’s feel—familiar, comforting, and delicious.

Sinking our teeth into the Firecracker McCrispy with Bacon was exactly what we needed for a laid-back Saturday afternoon.

Elvis Platter at Memphis Blues BBQ

This week was a big one for both me and my brother. He started his new job, and I recently got promoted, so we decided to celebrate. For dinner, we headed to Memphis Blues BBQ on Robson Street, a spot known for its hearty, Southern-style barbecue. We went all out and ordered the Elvis Platter — essentially their famous Memphis Feast, but with even more meat!

The platter came loaded with a generous variety of meats. The slab of ribs, which turned out to be my personal favourite, was tender and juicy with a smoky, charred bark on the outside. The meat practically fell off the bone!

The pulled pork had a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, its soft texture pairing beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy barbecue sauce. It was a bit milder in flavour compared to the ribs, but still full of that signature Southern BBQ taste.

Elvis Platter from Memphis Blues BBQ

The sliced beef brisket was another standout — thinly sliced and wonderfully smoky. The brisket had a perfect ratio of fat to meat, creating a velvety texture with a deep, rich flavour. It was the kind of brisket you savour slowly, enjoying every bit of that slow-cooked goodness.

The smoked sausage added a little spice to the mix with its savoury flavour and slightly firm texture. It had a nice snap to it when you bit into the casing, making it a satisfying contrast to the softer cuts of meat.

Lastly, the rib ends and chicken rounded out the platter. The rib ends were a mix of chewy and crispy while the chicken was moist and flavourful, with a subtle smokiness that worked well with the sides.

Fresh-Cut Fries from Memphis Blues BBQ

Speaking of sides, the platter came with cornbread, slaw, potato salad, fresh-cut fries, and BBQ pit beans. The cornbread was soft and buttery, a perfect accompaniment to the rich meats. The tangy slaw and potato salad added a refreshing balance to the heavy flavours, while the fries and BBQ pit beans brought even more comfort food goodness to the mix.

Corn Bread from Memphis Blues BBQ

Sharing this feast with my brother (and our sister, her boyfriend, and my husband) was the perfect way to celebrate our milestones. The Elvis Platter was a BBQ lover's dream, and Memphis Blues delivered exactly what we were looking for—a meal that was hearty, flavourful, and full of Southern charm.

Cheesling Chicken from bb.q chicken

After a long day, I finally got the news I’d been waiting for: HR made it official — I’m being promoted to team lead in the Vancouver office! It’s a moment I’ve been working toward for a while, but now that it’s here, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. To celebrate the news, my husband asked me what I wanted to eat, and my answer was simple — fried chicken! So, off we went to bb.q chicken, a Korean fried chicken spot.

We ordered their Golden Fried Chicken, which truly is Korean fried chicken at its best. The pieces were juicy and tender on the inside, with a light and crispy coating on the outside. Each bite was perfectly seasoned, delivering that satisfying crunch I’d been craving all day. It was the kind of fried chicken that makes you forget about everything else for a moment.

Golden Fried Chicken from bb.q chicken

But the highlight of the night was my new favourite, the Cheesling Chicken. Dusted in a blend of sweet cheeses (mascarpone and cheddar), it’s a flavour I discovered during my visit to Melbourne last month when I was at the company’s HQ. The Cheesling Chicken has quickly become a go-to for me — the combination of crispy chicken with the rich, sweet cheese dusting is a game-changer that adds a unique twist to traditional fried chicken.

Cheesling Chicken from bb.q chicken

To round out our meal, we also got the Secret Fries, crispy potato fries drizzled with a Korean sweet sauce and a hint of mayo. They were the perfect mix of sweet and savory, a great complement to the chicken dishes.

Secret Fries from bb.q chicken

This dinner at bb.q chicken was the perfect way to celebrate the promotion. I’m grateful for this next step in my career, even though I’m feeling a bit anxious about the new responsibilities. I’m praying that I’ll do a great job and make a positive impact on the team. For now, I’m thankful tp God for good food, my supportive husband, and this exciting new chapter ahead. Your will be done, Lord!

Gyro from The Greek - Yaletown

Every Thursday, our company gathers for a team lunch — a tradition that not only brings us together but also spices up our week with a bit of friendly competition. The twist? Each week, the winner gets to pick the theme, and this time, Greek cuisine was the choice. So, we all made the short 10-minute walk to The Greek in Yaletown.

I decided to go with the classic gyro. The slow-roasted chicken was perfectly seasoned, bursting with a savoury blend of herbs and spices that made every bite flavourful and satisfying. Wrapped in a soft, freshly baked pita, it was filled with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, sliced onion, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki that brought everything together. The combination of textures—the warm, tender chicken with the crunch of the veggies and the cool, tangy tzatziki — was just what I needed for a satisfying meal.

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

For my side, I chose the avgolemono soup, a traditional Greek chicken soup with rice, kale, carrot, celery, egg, and a hint of lemon. Although the soup was a bit too salty for my taste, it still had a nice balance of flavours, with the lemon adding a refreshing zing that complemented the richness of the chicken and vegetables.

Team lunches like these are always a highlight of the week. It’s more than just the food; it’s the laughter, the conversations, and the chance to step away from our desks to enjoy something delicious together. This week’s Greek theme at The Greek - Yaletown turned out to be a great choice, and it left us all satisfied and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

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.