El Azteca Modern Tequila Bar (Yaletown)
January 28, 2015
April 27th, 2013. Spring Break in Vancouver!
el azteca modern tequila lounge
So what to do in Vancouver? Eat as much food as possible! Continuing on our food-cation in Vancouver: a bite in Yaletown at El Azteca Modern Tequila Lounge 😀
el azteca modern tequila lounge
Sure, Yaletown can be hit and miss in terms of actual good food and compared to how beautifully
gussied up the interior is the service and authenticity of the cuisine can be a disappointment…but you can’t help trying. Yaletown is like that really popular, pretty girl at the party that you just keep hoping is going to be your future wife, but then she opens her mouth and starts talking…and you realize that she thinks scalloped potatoes are made of scallops and that macaroons are the same as macarons…..
el azteca modern tequila lounge
Anyways!! I digress. With a preamble of cocktails, Robert and I started the evening with the Chicharron de Rib Eye; deep fried bites of rib-eye and guacamole served in a martini glass and a side of tortillas. So, I really wanted to love this, and on paper it all sounded so good! Not that it wasn’t good…the crunch on the rib-eye was great…but I think I’d have to say that rib-eye should just be left alone…not diced up small and that fried. Really ended up masking the flavor. But hey! It was still pretty yummy…just didn’t need to be made of rib-eye!
el azteca modern tequila lounge
Robert went ahead with the Tacos Camarones of fresh Pacific shrimp, bacon, onion, peppers, and smokey habanero. The shrimp was plump, the flavors all worked together, and of course the true test of a taco is how much finger-lickin’ you do! I’d say this was a decent effort 🙂
el azteca modern tequila lounge
I did my usual hemming and hawing over the menu and even picked our server’s brain. In the end I ended up with the Cochinita Pibil. Pork slow-roasted in banana leaf (supposedly) and then served in a traditional peltre bowl served with a side of beans, pickles, and soft tortillas.
el azteca modern tequila lounge
Did I enjoy it? YES! The pork came shredded, moist and smothered in a flavorful sauce that was sweet, tangy and had a little kick to it. 2 things I loved about this dinner: 1. It’s interactive. I get to build my own taco and play with ratio of ingredients. LOVE THAT! 2. I was eating with a close friend whom I didn’t have to feel self-conscious about eating with my hands and having food juices dripping down my wrist. Hahaha!
el azteca modern tequila lounge
I would NEVER order something like fajitas on a first-date situation, so the fact that I can order anything with Robert is a sign of true food-friendship ;D
el azteca modern tequila lounge
A fun and playful touch to the end of our meal at El Azteca was the Jacob’s Ladder block toy that our check came in! Holy blast from the past!
el azteca modern tequila lounge
Don’t judge my love for Churros. Or donuts. Or anything deep-fried. With a tagline like “served with white chocolate dipping sauce” there is NO WAY I could resist an order to take out with me. Midnight snack here I come~!!! Crispy, sugary, cinnamon-y, hot doughy goodness. Yes, heaven, I’m sure, is full of churros 🙂
In conclusion, El Azteca is warm and inviting and service with cute Latino accents is always a plus, but the food doesn’t stand out, the flavors don’t pop, and for what you pay the portions are pretty meager. Is great for maybe a drink and small bites pre-party, but wouldn’t want to sink my entire night here.
Banana Leaf on Robson
January 22, 2015
April 27th, 2013. Banana Leaf Robson
banana leaf robson
So I felt like a bright lunch would be a great way to go so I had planned for us to go to the new Banana Leaf that just opened up on Robson.
I ordered the appetizer platter as my lunch and I was pretty pleased! I love love love options and this dish came with the Papaya and Pineapple Salad, Chicken Satay, Spring Rolls, Roti Canai and Calamari.
banana leaf robson
Finger food, check. Sauces, check. Flavor, check! The roti canai was stretchy but with a crispy crust, the calamari was a tad dry, but acceptable with a salty and crumbly crispy coating, the spring rolls were deep fried goodness and while the satay could have been punchier with the flavor, it was still not bad! As for the salad, the dressing was bright, sweet, acidic, and overall was fresh!
banana leaf robson
Robert, on the other hand, was very disappointed with his curry dish. Being well traveled and also being from LA he’d know! He said it was bland and forgettable and he even left a scathing comment card! Yikes!
Yew Seafood + Bar – Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Downtown
April 11, 2014
March 16th, 2013. Fancy Time at Yew @ The Four Seasons 
- yew seafood + bar
After brunch with Joyce I rendezvoused with Tracy downtown. It’s been a while since Tracy was downtown with a gal-pal! We strolled through Holt Renfrew trying on high-end shoes, and browsing the gorgeous and (some not so cute) haute couture bags 😉
- yew seafood + bar
Tracy was just so happy to be out of the house and having some much deserved me-time that we also stopped in at Yew at the Four Season’s for a snack!
- yew seafood + bar
Tracy was intent on getting a cocktail to make the most of the experience, but since I’d be driving us back I opted for a delicious little Cappuccino. It joyfully came served with an in-house made Biscotti 🙂 Gotta love the extra little touch and detail that I’ve come to expect from Yew ♥
- yew seafood + bar
For my nibbles I ordered the Organic Local Apple Tart. Of course this wasn’t just your average apple tart. No, this was an apple tart made of Cox’s Pippin and Liberty French apples,aged cheddar ice cream and hazelnuts. Thin shavings of the cheddar and a caramely glaze garnished the slate that the dessert was served on.
- yew seafood + bar
Rich, buttery pastry encompassed the sweet and tart apples which were not soggy and still retained a hint of that great apple crunch. I’m not a huge fan of nuts, so the hazelnuts were just nuts to me, but I loved nibbling on the cheese shavings held between my fingers and that ice cream was super creamy and smooth with just a breath of that rich cheesy flavor.
As always, a very satisfying experience and service, as always, was prompt, pleasant and helpful. Yew gets a thumbs up every time 😀
Pearl Hot Pot (Burnaby)
February 14, 2014
March 11th, 2013. Sister Date Day~
pearl hot pot
Eunice suggested a sister date of hot pot and a movie. How could I resist? What a wonderful idea! She recommended a place she’s been to in Burnaby called Pearl Hot Pot.
pearl hot pot
Usually hot pot is a communal food activity, but in this case they bring out individual pots per person and you can choose your own hot pot type. There are base “combos” dependant on the protein that include veggies and choice of noodles and each combo comes with a soft drink and dessert, too!
pearl hot pot
Dim sum meets hot pot; you choose off the menu which base hot pot you want and then you have the option of checking off on your menu sheet any additional items your’d like to add on such as vegetable, seafood, or meat items.
pearl hot pot
It is fun to eat as a group out of a big pot, but I felt that the individual is a nice way to go as well especially if you want different things or if you come by yourself. Also, it comes with a raw egg, which I love! I’m egg poacher 😉 I like to drop it in gently and swirl the egg whites but keep the yolk intact and give it a slow poach so it cooks through!
pearl hot pot
I think the ingredients are not bad (just not great), the fish balls can be kind of a miss as you can see from the gray-ish color it is in the photo….but the meat and seafood are fine, the veggies are firm, and the broth is decently flavored, so I would say that overall it’s okay 😀 As always, hot pot is just super fun to eat and hot soup and dipping things in it is always yummy and interactive!
Kishimoto on Commercial Drive
December 24, 2013
March 8th, 2013. Kishimoto on Commercial Drive
kishimoto japanese kitchen
So, my lunch date suggested that we meet up at Kishimoto on Commercial Drive for lunch. He claimed that it’s the most solid sushi joint he’s discovered since moving to Vancouver and that he’s becoming a regular there.
kishimoto japanese kitchen
He also warned me that it’s small and is always extremely full, so it was a good thing I arrived a little early to get us a table! True to prediction it was packed when I got there and I was actually feeling lucky when I got sat about 15 minutes in!
kishimoto japanese kitchen
When I saw Chawan Mushi on the menu I got super excited!! There is nothing more exceptional than a perfect chawan mushi!! Super silky, soft egg custard steamed so that there’s almost this umami-like broth or consomme, this one had bits of chicken, prawn, mushroom, gingko nuts, and fish cake.
kishimoto japanese kitchen
Amazing mouth feel as you take a spoonful, it was as delicate as a cloud and mind-blowingly simple in taste but complex in the intricacy. Every singly component was perfectly cooked and was singing in harmony. LOVE!!
kishimoto japanese kitchen
Give it up for presentation! When the rolls came out the plate was decked out with a coconut bowl of dry ice, crispy edible adornments and and edamame and daikon decorations! Hahaha, whimsical and delightful!
kishimoto japanese kitchen
On the plate: A simple Spicy Salmon Maki. Fresh, uncomplicated and straight forward.
kishimoto japanese kitchen
Also, the Spicy Cactus Roll. To the naked eye it may just look like a California Roll rolled around in sesame seeds, but it’s actually spicy crab, tempura bits and avocado THEN rolled around in sesame seeds and topped with tobiko 😉 Yum!!
kishimoto japanese kitchen
Mmmmm~ I love a good Tuna Tataki! Perfectly seared tuna just melting in your mouth with the freshness and kick of the green onions, rustic flavor of garlic chips and the sweet and salty of the ponzu sauce. So delicious!
kishimoto japanese kitchen
I also just really enjoy the fatty richness of Salmon Kama. Simply a baked salmon cheek with garlic chips and ponzu sauce, it can be very tender, succulent and has loads of flavor! One of my personal favorites wherever I go 🙂
kishimoto japanese kitchen
To round off the lunch I couldn’t resist this gorgeous Yuzu Sorbet. The perfect palate cleanser, it was refreshing, light, and a great way to end the meal on a pleasing note 🙂
kishimoto japanese kitchen
I feel like the constant thread throughout the lunch was simplicity done at such a level of excellence that it transcended into intricacy. I loved it and would come back again and recommend it to everyone!!
Zakkushi on Denman (Vancouver Downtown)
December 14, 2013
March 2nd, 2013. Yum Time @ Zakkushi!!
zakkushi on denman
After a bit of a social dry spell I was more than excited about an evening of eats with Richard to explore a place we’d heard so much about… Zakkushi on Denman!
zakkushi on denman
Zakkushi is a Japanese Izakaya bar space that focuses on one main thing….grilling anything on a stick! What’s not to love about that? I love everything about it! In true Vancouver style the main food station is right in the open with the delicious aromas of grilled meats wafting and filling up the small and cozy space. With the house packed full Richard and I got seats right at the bar to start off the night.
zakkushi on denman
After drooling all over the menu we finally put up a mass order and waited for the skewered barrage to start flowing in! And the food kept coming ;D
zakkushi on denamn
Alright, so the first trio of skewers to show up were the Kurobuta Pork, Wasa Beef and Uzura Maki.
zakkushi on denamn
The Uzura Maki really was a no-brainer for us since it was what I had used as my bait to get Richard interested in coming here! Uh, bacon wrapped quail eggs topped off with a sweet and creamy mayo and seaweed shreds? Yes, yes and YES! The epitome of everything I enjoy including the fact that it comes on a stick!
zakkushi on denamn
Usually I associate Kurobuta Pork with Japadog and their Kurobuta hotdogs. This was a different application and just as super tasty! The char flavor coming through on that juicy pork with the sweet marinade was really the clincher here.
zakkushi on denamn
The Wasa Beef is AAA grade slices of beef topped off with fresh wasabi and those seaweed ribbons. Simple, clean, flavorful and that wasabi is just the right kinda kick! Another winner 🙂
zakkushi on denamn
As indicators of the rest of the meal to come these first 3 were having us chomping at the bit and wanting more!!
zakkushi on denamn
We also wanted to order some special items and the Charcoal Grilled Yellowtail with Oroshi (grated radish) and Ponzu Sauce sounded like just the thing! Tender, light and melt-in-your-mouth fish with that light and refreshing touch with the ponzu and oroshi!
zakkushi on denamn
The special of the day was also an Octopus Carpaccio with Spicy Sauce, which was actually kind of like a Korean Gochujang sauce. The sweet Korean chili paste goes GREAT with fresh octopus and really highlights the natural sweetness and meatiness you get from octopus.
zakkushi on denamn
Back onto beef, we had the Oropon Beef, which was again AAA grade beef, this one topped with the grated daikon and ponzu. Great for flavor and cutting the richness to add an underlying layer of sweetness and acidity and brightness.
zakkushi on denamn
Side dishes? Yes, why not go for a trio of them! Gomae, Chilled Tofu and some Pickled Veg!
zakkushi on denamn
I told Richard he MUST try some tongue so I also went ahead and ordered the Negi Tongue. Now, when you go to Asian supermarkets and see these gigantic frozen cow tongues studded with tastebuds you just kinda wanna keep walking…and walking…and walking.. until you are far far away! But when done well they are actually super tender and yummy! Japanese izakaya places seem to get it consistently right and I always like to order a portion! This one with the almost caramelized onion sauce was no exception and even had Richard lapping it up!
zakkushi on denamn
Who doesn’t love duck? Fatty, rich, and full of amazing flavor! We definitely had to order the Duck Breast with Yuzu Citrus Chili Sauce. Rendered down just right with the signature duck texture and unctuousness. Just gorgeous 😀
zakkushi on denamn
Mmmmm~~ P-Toro! Just pure, simple crunchy, juicy pork served up with a slice of lemon. So simple, but nothing comforts your palate like delicious pork belly! Drool worthy, for sure 😀
zakkushi on denamn
And yes, I had to do it… Takoyaki!! Delicious fried balls of light Japanese batter filled with bits of octopus and topped off with light and salty bonito flakes and that yummy yummy sauce! I can’t help myself, I love this especially when it’s hot & fresh!
zakkushi on denamn
How happy were we with this meal? So much that we were both on the verge of major food coma and delirious from the many many foodgasms!
Mmmmm~~~ Such yum and much happiness!!
Hot Chocolate at The Coquitlam Grill
November 20, 2013
February 19th, 2013. The Coquitlam Grill
the coquitlam grill
Been really loving on The Coquitlam Grill for the last little while. Great neighborhood spot with a huge menu (lots of options!), fantastic breakfasts, decent lunch specials and just that great down-home feel.
Solid food and reasonable service all add up to many repeat visits ;D
(Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream piled high!)
Lunch @ La Spaghetteria (New Westminster)
November 20, 2013
February 19th, 2013. Luncheon @ La Spaghetteria (New West)
la spaghetteria
I was meeting a couple former colleagues at Spaghetteria for lunch. It had been a while since I’d last seen them and Ms. V had coupons to this place located on New West’s foodie street aka 6th Street.
la spaghetteria
This is obviously an older establishment on this well loved street and when I arrived I was almost lost because the store front was going through some renovations. But find it I did.
la spaghetteria
The interior definitely could use an update what with the sun faded plastic table cloths, the dusty looking vases and fake flowers. Everything about the place reads out-dated…including the food. I wasn’t wowed by the obviously frozen seafood in the pasta, the bland sauces and the “meh” single-noted-ness of the dishes.
la spaghetteria
I hope that with all the renos they also update the food!
(Mocha Latte)
The Fish Shack
October 30, 2013
December 27th, 2012. The Fish Shack 
the fish shack
A little holiday indulgence? We definitely felt that it was well deserved on all our parts to do at least one dinner out downtown 🙂 Henry, Eunice and I all have birthdays in January, so this was kind of our pre-birthday siblings dinner out!
the fish shack
the fish shack
After a bit of “research” I suggested we do The Fish Shack on the Granville Entertainment District, a newer place where Sanafir used to be. Eunice loves oysters, I craved crawfish, and Henry will eat just about anything… Perfect! Howard and Chris were more than welcome to join us since the more the merrier is generally our philosophy 🙂
It’s not the largest space, but the high ceilings give it the illusion of being spacious. I thought the crate detailing along the height of the walls was clever and compared to other Glowbal restaurants gave the place a more friendly and approachable atmosphere.
the fish shack
Even our waiter was much friendlier than the usual Global service we come to expect! Right off the bat our waiter was inviting, warm and made us feel right at home as if he was our friend!
the fish shack
Ermrrrrggggdddd!! What to order?? Everything looks so good!
the fish shack
Chris and Howard start off with a glass of house white and red, which come in humble glass tumblers. Again, just as if you’re at home ;D
the fish shack
Eunice goes a bit fancier with The Fish Shack’s Very Own Caesar Cocktail; Pinnacle Vodka and their very own ceasar mix of tomato and clamato juice, horseradish, tabasco sauce, worcestershire sauce, fresh lime juice, salt & pepper, dijon mustard, prawn and a pepperoni stick. (Photo is sans pepperoni as Eunice was already nibbling on it!)
the fish shack
And Eunice also couldn’t resist ordering some oysters on a half shell. I tried one, and they were fresh and succulent!
the fish shack
Howard said he wasn’t very hungry and decided on thre New Englad Clam Chowder. Joke was on him because this cream based chowder was very rich and filling!
the fish shack
Chris opted for the Fish Taco, which consists of flour tortilla tacos with homemade guacamole and roasted corn and tomato salsa. Al fresca at it’s finest!
the fish shack
Everyone else may not have been sure what to order, but I was there specifically for the Fisherman’s Catch! At $20 per person for 2 people it was a net of dungeness crab, mussels, snow crab, prawns, calamari, crayfish, potatoes, corn and chorizo! How can I not love that?
the fish shack
Henry and I had pretty much decided to go in on this one together. With a wooden slab as our “plate” and provided with all the instruments necessary for the meal to come this promised to be super awesome!
the fish shack
The catch came in a net with a with the gorgeous broth just dripping into the bowl 🙂 Our waiter cut the net to release the beautiful seafood items, tossed them in the bowl and, VOILA, perfection!
the fish shack
Super well seasoned, moist and dripping with umami, I was transported into food heaven! First of all, I LOVE crayfish and haven’t had any since my trip to New Orleans. I LOVE crab and was NOT afraid of getting messy with it 😉 The chorizo added great savory notes, the potato was the perfect starch accompaniment and I must confess, I welcomed the numerous refills of the liquid butter for dipping. I was happy, happy happy!
the fish shack
Chris also ordered the Creamy Horseradish Coleslaw to balance all the richness and seafood-ness. We all agreed that we would have preferred more of that horseradish-signature spicy zing.
the fish shack
Mmmmmm~ Crispy Smelt & Fries with tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon! Salty, crispy, yummy! Excellent finger food 😀
the fish shack
I’m a sucker for good bread, and these buns that came on the wooden board were beyond! light, slightly charred crusty outside that had a slight give and warm, webby dense inside: this bun was gorgeous for sopping up the delicious juices as well as just tearing into on it’s own. I attacked the bread so vigorously that the waiter had to bring us more!
the fish shack
Long after everyone else had thrown in the towel I was still going strong. Chomping away, bread in one hand, crab cracker in the other hand. I think Chris and Howard were pretty surprised to see me not even slowing down. Even as the waiter was clearing off plates there I was guarding my food with one eye and and watching him suspiciously with the other! Only the promise of dessert was enough to persuade me to pack up the rest!
the fish shack
Upon arriving at the restaurant I checked in via Yelp and lo and behold a coupon for a free dessert flashed before my very eyes! Before we ordered dinner I showed our waiter the coupon and he said he’d be sure to bring one out to us. Sticky Toffee Pudding with Chantilly Cream? HECK YES!!! Sticky. goopy, sweet and not shy on the sauce, it was all I wanted in a dessert that night! Oooooooohhhhh, YEAH!!!
the fish shack
Happy Holidays and Happy Birthday to us~~! (And food coma for me…..!!)
Eunice Cooks us a Korean Meal~!
October 27, 2013
December 26th, 2012. Eunice Cooks!
korean meal at home
So we hit up H-Mart to stock up on some groceries since Henry was home for the holidays.
I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to cooking Korean food, but my sister just seems to be a natural at it. And furthermore, her food actually comes pretty close to our mom’s cooking!
korean meal at home
A natural at producing great, clean flavors and cooking with extreme care and attentiveness she produces a Korean meal that is full of love!
Fish roe sacks are usually topped off with sesame oil, sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onion. Don’t knock it til you try it! Slightly salty, rich and earthy from the sesame components and the light popping of the roe. Mix it with your rice and you have gold!
korean meal at home
For some reason or other I was just super into these fishcake “sausages” at the supermarket… I suppose from childhood/Korean living nostalgia… I just kept coming back to the case they were in… so we ended up getting them! We dipped them in an egg wash and then I placed little bits of parsley to add some color and flavor and then pan fried them 🙂
korean meal at home
Some more banchan: spicy dehydrated fish “cakes”, and spicy marinated and dehydrated roots. A little sweet, a little spicy and a little chewy 🙂
korean meal at home
She also banged out some kimchi tofu soup in no time at all! I swear, I don’t know how she manages to just produce great food out of seemingly thin air!
korean meal at home
Ahhhh~~~ a goood meal in our stomaches!! Thank you, Eunice, for the excellent meal!! You can really tell we loved it!
