February 2013

In Bellingham

McDonalds America: Hot & Spicy McChicken

February 3, 2013

Going to the Seattle Premium Outlets gives me a chance to visit McDonalds and Wal-Mart to have a taste of food not available in Canada. Instead of 40 Piece McNuggets, I scanned the menu to find the Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken. I thought this was pretty cool, so I ordered it.

The Combo with a drink and fries were around $5. Once I received the order, the burger was quite small. I was disappointed.

The Hot n’ Spicy McChicken patty was definitely dry, but it did have the extra spicy kick. It was passable, but not as good as their other burgers.

Fries are always good, but who can resist McDonalds fries?

In BBQ

HK BBQ Master: All About the Meat and Skin

February 2, 2013

HK BBQ Master has been well-known to the community for having amazing BBQ meats. Far better than any other place in Vancouver. I had to take KoreaGirl and CanuckGirl here for lunch. The prices were good for under $10.

It’s located under the Superstore on #3 Road. There’s tons of parking, so no worries about fighting for spots.

When we arrived here, it was about 1pm and the place was packed with lots of people doing take-out. I hate my roast pork skin soggy, so eating it fresh was definitely on my mind. They have a few tables available. We were able to get a table right away! The service was very quick and rushed. They’re all about speed and efficiency.

BBQ Pork and Roast Pork ($7.50) is what KoreanGirl ordered. The roasted pork was amazing! Crispy skin and deliciously fatty. Each plate comes with a piece of broccoli and it really sucks.

Roasted Pork, BBQ Pork and Soya Chicken ($9.50) was a great way to try all their meats and I had to agree that the Roasted Pork was crazy good!

BBQ Duck and Soya Chicken ($7.50) is what CanuckGirl ordered. I stole some duck from her and it was really good!

Overall, we were impressed with their meats! If you want the best, you really have to come to HK BBQ Master. The crisp skin on the roast pork is addictive. MMmmmmmmmm! We left happy and will definitely return.

We Rate HK BBQ Master:

Address:
4651 #3 Rd
Richmond, BC

[googlemap width=”620″ height=”480″ src=”https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=4651+%233+Rd+Richmond,+BC&hnear=4651+No+3+Rd,+Richmond,+British+Columbia+V6X+2C4&gl=ca&t=m&z=16 “]

In Dineout

Fraiche: Dine Out Vancouver 2013

February 1, 2013

Fraiche is a restaurant located in West Vancouver and is popular for their views of the Lions Gate Bridge and surrounding areas. Their Dine Out this year is $38 and contains 3 courses.

The space isn’t very large. You get the best view when you sit near the window. Perhaps its best to request sitting by the window.

We ordered a few cocktails in the beginning since we got to the restaurant very early. Who knew there would be very little traffic on the Lions Gate Bridge after work.

Even the men had some cocktails too.

All the cocktails were pretty good! A great way to start off the meal, but definitely hurts your wallet afterwards.

Amuse Bouche

Complementary bread comes in 2 varieties – white and an olive bread. We all agreed the olive bread was the best.

Poached Lobster Salad also has melon, jalapeno, and basil. Good amount of lobster, but it was a small salad. I think there were more lobster pieces than greens.

Smoked Onion Veloute has a 63-degree egg in the centre, parmesan, and shimiji.

House-Cured Duck also contains foie gras mousse, blood orange, and brioche. The duck reminded me of prosciutto.

Butter Poached Sole with Truffle also has oyster root, asparagus, and potato.

Roasted Sablefish is on top of brandade dumplings, sunchoke, and topped with a horseradish foam.

White and Dark Chocolate was ok, but didn’t taste super amazing.

Orange Mascarpone was the better dessert, but it wasn’t crazy amazing.

Overall, the view is breathtaking up at Fraiche. The Dine Out menu wasn’t very impressive for the $38 price, but I am sure they bring their A-game on a regular night. The service was very attentive and the staff was helpful in figuring out the menu.

We Rate Fraiche:

Address:
2240 Chippendale Rd
West Vancouver

Website: http://www.fraicherestaurant.ca/

[googlemap width=”620″ height=”480″ src=”https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=2240+Chippendale+Rd+West+Vancouver,&hnear=2240+Chippendale+Rd,+West+Vancouver,+Greater+Vancouver,+British+Columbia+V7S+3J2&gl=ca&t=m&z=16″]