December 2016 - Page 2 of 3

In product

Quaker Super Grains Granola: Blueberry Pecan Review

December 21, 2016

Breakfast is an essential part of the day, but if you’re always running around like me, putting together something in the morning with more than 2 ingredients is too tough for me. I kinda need coffee or tea before I begin to function. My quick morning routine is granola and yogurt. If I have more time on the weekends, I’ll make something with more effort.

I got sent some Quaker Super Grains Granola with Blueberry and Pecans to give it a try. It contains seven super grains and seeds – whole grain oats, whole grain wheat, flaxseed, red quinoa, sunflower seeds, amaranth, & barley.

I added the crunchy clusters to some strawberry yogurt and created layers in a cup. I enjoyed the texture of the granola and the fragrant pieces of dried blueberries. The grains and pecan added a nice nutty taste.

You can also make No-Bake Granola & Yogurt Tarts with the Quaker Super Grains Granola with Blueberry and Pecans if you want to be a little bit more fancy.

In product

PC Insiders Collection: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar

December 20, 2016

President’s Choice released their Winter PC Insiders Collection and there were lots of cool products, but one of my favourites was the Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar. I am a huge fan of pecan pies and once I have a piece I can’t stop eating it. If you’re too lazy to cook something for a holiday party, pick this up and your guests will love it. It’s cheap and it won’t break the bank ay $7.95.

The filling is made with brown sugar, semi-sweet chocolate, butter and vanilla poured in a flaky rectangular-shaped pastry. It’s hand-topped with pecan halves and baked until tender and crisp.

Simple to slice crosswise into individual bars or on alternating angles for a more classic wedge shape.

I cut it on alternating angles to have the super cute wedge. I liked the ratio of the mixture to the pecans.

Pair it with ice cream or top it off with whipped cream.

You can find this in the bakery section of the Real Canadian Superstore.

Website: http://www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/products/productlisting/pc-chocolate-pecan-pie-bar.html

In Dessert

Cupcakes: Holiday Wreaths and Treats

December 20, 2016

With the holidays upon us, thinking of what to bring to a holiday gathering at a friends place or at the office is pretty tough. Cupcakes has a few holiday treats that will brighten up the party. It’s been a while since I’ve had a cupcake from here, so when they asked me to try a few of their holiday features, I couldn’t say no.

Cupcake Wreath

Their cupcake wreath comes in 4 different sizes – Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. I got the Medium, which is comprised of 22 mini cupcakes. You can customize the taste with any of their cake and buttercream flavours. I got the chocolate cupcake with a green coloured butter cream. It is also decorated with beautiful fondant pieces and a big red bow.

We took it to the office and it disappeared really quickly. It was hard to be the first one to dig in, but the cupcake was moist and the frosting was light.

Holiday Flavoured Cupcakes

In addition to the cupcake wreaths, they have special holiday flavoured cupcakes like:

eggnog
gingerbread
ginger holiday
rudolph
chocolate rum
frosty
candy cane
peppermint patty

Lots to choose from, but I personally liked the rudolph as it has a chocolate marble cake with chocolate and vanilla buttercream and a red button. Another super festive one is candy cane with vanilla and pink peppermint marble cake with white peppermint buttercream and candy cane sprinkles.

With the full size cupcakes, I always have to split it with a friend. It’s a pretty big size.

Overall, if you are stuck on what to bring to the holiday potluck, their sweet treats will impress.

We Rate Cupcakes:

Address:
2887 West Broadway, Vancouver

Website:
http://cupcakesonline.com/

In Brewery

Luppolo Brewing Company: Brewery in East Vancouver

December 19, 2016

My friends take me to the coolest breweries. We made a stop at Luppolo Brewing Company in East Vancouver. Luppolo means hops in Italian, thus the name. They were inspired by the values associated with Italian culture – quality, craftsmanship, community and family. This really fit with what they’re trying to create at their brewery.

Interior

There are tons of tables inside the tasting room. For a Sunday evening, this place was almost full.

Beer Flight

I got a beer flight and as usual I ask them for their recommendation of beers that are light and not as hoppy.

One of my favourites was the New World Sour. You can taste the notes of grapefruit and other citrus fruits.

Another one that I enjoyed was the Dunkleweizen, which is a German style dark wheat beer has a silky mouth feel with hints of banana and clove that compliment the light roast malt character. Subtly sweet and surprisingly refreshing.

Saison was on my list too. Always a great light bodied, fresh and crisp beer. Super easy to drink with minimal hoppiness.

Snacks

Antipasto Platter comes with Grana Padano, marinated peppers, eggplant, olives, and artichokes served with bread.

We all nibbled on this as we all drank out flights and pints.

We Rate Luppolo Brewing Company:

Address:
1123 Venables Street, Vancouver

Website:
http://luppolobrewing.ca/

In appetizer

Crispy Sesame Rice Cake with Tuna Tataki

December 18, 2016

These crispy rice cakes are drizzled with soy-ginger dipping sauce are topped with fiery sriracha mayo and perfectly seasoned Tuna Tataki. They’re delightful as appetizer bites served at cocktail parties and get-togethers. I was at a President’s Choice event and they showed us how to make this awesome appetizer.

It’s super simple and I wanted to share it with all of you.

[tabs tab1=”Recipe”]

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Serves: 12

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 mL) Sticky Rice, rinsed
1-½ cups (375 mL) water
1-½ tsp (7 mL) mirin (Japanese rice wine)
½ tsp (2 mL) Seasoned Rice Vinegar
½ tsp (2 mL) each granulated sugar and salt
¼ cup (50 mL) vegetable oil
1 pkg (112 g) PC Tuna Tataki, thawed
¼ cup (50 mL) PC Sriracha Mayo Sandwich Spread
2 tbsp (25 mL) sesame seeds
1 green onion, thinly sliced on the bias

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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine rinsed rice, water, mirin, vinegar and sugar in medium saucepan; bring to boil over medium heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook 18 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in salt. Spread rice out in large, wide-bottomed bowl; let cool completely.

Wet hands with water, keeping small bowl of water nearby for dipping fingers (easier to work with rice). Divide rice mixture in half and place each on a large square of plastic wrap; roll each into a log about 6 inches long, using plastic wrap as guide to help roll and form shape. Pinch ends tightly to ensure rice is compact. Refrigerate for an hour until firm.

Remove plastic wrap; using sharp knife (wet knife blade with water, if easier), cut each log into 6 even rounds.

With wet hands, press and shape into total of 12, 1/2-inch thick cakes. Sprinkle cut sides of cakes with sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat; sear cakes, in batches and turning once, 3 or 4 minutes per side or until golden.

Transfer cakes to parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes.

Let cool 10 minutes; drizzle cakes with accompanying Tataki sauce.

Cut larger slices of tuna as necessary to make 12 evenly-sized pieces. Top each cake with 1 tsp of the Sriracha Mayo and the tuna. Garnish with green onions.

That’s it, super simple and your guests will love these appetizers.

In Brewery

Storm Brewing: Craft Beer in East Vancouver

December 18, 2016

Storm Brewing is a bit different that other breweries in Vancouver. They don’t have a lounge or a tasting room.

When you walk through their sliding door, you are right in the middle of where the brewing magic takes place.

You are essentially in their workspace brewing away some amazing beers. There are no seats, no tables, and no food.

Anyone 19+ can sample up to 6 different brews one at a time by a cash donation. They do not have pints or flights.

They have lots of beers to choose from. They have their mainstays and a bunch of experiments brews.

Mainstays:

Precipitation Pilsner 5%
Highland Scottish Ale 5%
Hurricane IPA 7%
Black Plague Stout 8%
Imperial Flanders Sour Ale 8%
Chales Dickens 7.5%

Brainstorms:

Vanilla Whiskey Stout 9%
Rosemary IPA 7%
Turkey Dinner IPA 7%
Snake Eyes Ale 7.5%
Glacial Mammoth Extinction 25%
Mrs Claus Pilsner 5%
Lemon Ginger IPA 7%

We spent more time trying these ones as they are pretty unique compared to other breweries. Rosemary IPA and Turkey Dinner IPA have strong aroma of herbs. I was surprised this flavour combination would be possible.

My friends also paid $5 extra to try the Glacial Mammoth Extinction at 25% alcohol. I didn’t try it since I had to be a responsible driver to get everyone to our next spot.

Overall, this place is super unique, but you most likely won’t be spending too much time here. The space is definitely sketch, but they do have some pretty cool beers. I love how much they experiment with beers.

We Rate Storm Brewing:

Address:
310 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

Website:
http://www.stormbrewing.org/

In British Columbia

Cirque Du Soleil: Toruk The First Flight Review

December 17, 2016

Toruk – the First Flight is inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar. Cirque du Soleil transports you to the world of Pandora in a visually stunning live setting.

You get to experience a storytelling odyssey through a new world of imagination, discovery and possibility. Cirque Du Soleil always does a great job dazzling the audiences with mind bending acrobatics and stunts.

The show is currently travelling through North America for a limited time. I watched the show in Vancouver, BC and it only runs from December 13 to 18, 2016. After this date, they move on to the next location.

The show is 2 hours long including a 20 minute intermission.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the show as my friend’s guest to enjoy this amazing show. I made sure to show up at least 20 minutes early to find my seat and get comfortable before the show began.

I never want to be the one person coming in when the show starts. If you’re parking, make sure to leave home early as there was a lot of traffic for those who needed parking.

When we were waiting for the show to begin, they reminded a lot of the audience to download their Toruk app to dive into the world of Pandora.

You get to see what it’s like to become part of the show and get access never-seen-before backstage photos and videos.

What’s great about this show is that you can take photos with your phone without anyone yelling at you.

During the show, it will instruct you to turn your phone towards the stage as it adds the the whole experience. The app makes your camera light flash on and off to imitate stars for the show. I thought it was super cool.

The show is visually stunning and I liked their choice of venue at the Pacific Coliseum as it’s much bigger than their travelling tent. It’s not too big, so most seats do have a great view.

As for the content of the show, I found that you didn’t need to see Avatar to enjoy the show, but knowing the basics of Avatar helped me to understand parts of the show.

The main characters are three Na’vi teens – Ralu, Entu and Tsyal – who are on a mission to find and tame Toruk, but they must collect talismans from all five clans to do so.

Their journey through all five clans was interesting to see as the transformation of the sets always amazes me. The costumes are also very amazing and detailed.

Overall, it was a great experience watching this show. But with that being said, the show isn’t perfect. The actors do their best to execute all stunts, but it’s was very hard to tell if stumbling of stunts were intentional or not. Either way, I still enjoyed it. It’s mind blowing to see the performers contorting their bodies in ways I’ve never seen before.

Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/toruk

In Brewery

Doan’s Craft Brewery: Beer in East Vancouver

December 16, 2016

Doan’s Craft Brewing Co is a family run brewery in the heart of the East Van. From home-brewing to Craft Brewing, the Doan’s family is inspired by great beer, the art and science of craft brewing and the community created by the craft beer movement.

I passed by this shop a few times and thought it looked pretty cute and not pretentious at all. A few friends and I visited their tasting room on a Sunday night and they are open pretty late, which is great.

They do flights, glasses of beer, growlers, and some food too.

Interior

Their space is small and doesn’t have too many seats for large groups, but there is one larger communal table and 3 smaller ones in another corner. They also have some cool local art on the walls too.

If you love arcade games, they have an arcade machine with a few games you can play by yourself or with a friend.

Beers

Looking at their drinks, I had to get a flight of 4 tasters to get a taste of how their line up of beer tastes.

I got them to pick 4 drinks for me that were on the light end of the spectrum and isn’t too hoppy.

I got the:

Kolsch
Scrooge’s Light Ale
Doan Bros Pale Ale
Rye Stout

All 4 beers were really good, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Kolsh. Very light and refreshing, which I enjoy the most.

Overall, it’s a cool space to hang with friends and enjoy a beer. Super casual atmosphere with good beer.

We Rate Doan’s Craft brewery:

Address: 1830 Powell Street, Vancouver

Website: http://doanscraftbrewing.com/

In Late Night

Starlight Room at Sir Francis Drake: Rooftop Bar in San Francisco

December 15, 2016

On the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel at Union Square in San Francisco is the Starlight Room, a rooftop Bar over looking the views of Union Square. When I was on here during vacation, we came up here at night for a drink after dinner.

I love the feeling of exclusivity of this place. Once you get out of the elevator, the huge red curtains reveal the Starlight Room.

We came early on in the evening, so it wasn’t packed yet. We did notice most tables had reservations for them, so if you intend to spend some time here, try to get reservations ahead of time especially weekends.

The decor is really nice and brings me back to the 1920’s. With an opulent interior marked by red-velvet curtains and high-backed booths, the Starlight Room gives you a reason to put on that party dress.

You will see 360-degree city views, along with a cocktail menu that pays homage to the past but is nonetheless distinctly mode.

Then menu has some awesome sounding drinks and they can make any special requests if they have the ingredients. On their menu, they also have smaller bites on the menu if you want food.

My friend got a surprise virgin drink and I went with the Fog’s Rolling In, which has plantation pineapple rum, spiced pear, and grapefruit.

Overall, we had a great time viewing the city from the top floor and sipping on some cocktails. A good way to end the night.

We Rate the Starlight Room:

Address:
450 Powell Street, San Francisco

Website:
http://www.starlightroomsf.com/

In British Columbia

[Giveaway] Vancouver Christmas Market Family Pack of Tickets

December 15, 2016

Nothing says “It’s Christmas Time in the City” like the Vancouver Christmas Market, launching its 7th season at a new and expanded scenic site at Jack Poole Plaza. Bigger, better, and brighter this year, the cherished annual event runs to December 31 and features more of everything Vancouverites have come to love about this German-flavoured festival of authentic food, drink, entertainment, and foraging for unique treasures to stuff into stockings or tuck under the Christmas tree.

Check out what we thought about the market here: https://foodology.ca/vancouver-christmas-market/

Contest open to British Columbia residents. Contest ends December 18, 2016 11:59pm PST.

Comment below with what you want to eat at the Vancouver Christmas Market.
For additional entries, check out the widget below for more ways to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In Downtown

Vancouver Christmas Market: Eat, Drink and Be Merry

December 14, 2016

The Vancouver Christmas Market has relocated for their 7th year at Jack Poole Plaza – also home to Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic Cauldron. There is about 50,000 square feet of space, and 70 huts in which to savour the German Christmas experience.

Making things merry & bright at the expansive seaside site, visitors are invited to indulge in the authentic German market’s array of mouth-watering delicacies –from sizzling sausages, handbrot, German Pizza, Bratwurst, Gulasch, Spätzle Glühwein, gingerbread, traditional German beer, and others.

I was invited to give a few of the food vendors a try. So, I went with a few foodie friends to experience the Vancouver Christmas Market.

Das Gulash Haus

Das Gulasch Haus is a new addition to the Vancouver Christmas Market. Owner Thomas Goelles is sharing his mother’s Gulasch recipe with all his customers to get a little taste of Austria.

The wholesome stew is made with tenderly braised BC Beef, potatoes, and Hungarian paprika. They also have a Vegan version made with carrots, potatoes and a blend of Hungarian and smoky Spanish paprika. You can have it served it a bread bowl.

We found it was a perfect item to eat as it keeps you warm as you are walking around the market. With temperatures going close to 0 degrees, you’ll want something to warm your stomach and hands.

Freybe Brat Haus

Freybe Brat Haus is one of the most popular vendors at the market. They serve up their traditional Bratwurst as well as a few other sausage flavours on the menu. You can top it off with sauerkraut, grilled onions, mustard and ketchup.

I made sure to drunk mine in grainy mustard with a Weisswurst sausage on grilled onions and sauerkraut. Very delicious!

Spätzle Haus

Spätzle Haus creates hand-make their fresh herb spätzle, which is egg noodle with a traditional recipe passed down from their Grandmother.

Enjoy your Spätzle with one of 3 toppings and our gurkensalat (German cucumber salad).

You can choose from:

Traditional Butter and Swiss Emmenthaler
garnished with caramelized onions and parsley
Wild Mushroom Cream sauce
garnished with pickled red cabbage and parsley
Coconut Curry Tomato
topped with fresh pea shoots and rainbow carrot rondelleo

Our personal favourite was the traditional butter and swiss emmenthaler.

Art Meets Chocolate

Art Meets Chocolate aims to fuse the creativity of artisan chocolate making with the inspired talents of local artists while showcasing the unique feel of various Vancouver and British Columbian neighborhoods.

They have a vast collection of chocolate to sample as well as selling other local chocolates from Lisa Lou.

Cändy Meister

Candy Meister offers a selection of colourful, scrumptious, all natural, gluten, dairy and corn free candies from Germany. A wide variety of their treats originate from the candy producer Wilhelm Mueller, who maintains candy making traditions the same way as he did in 1949.

Stop by the hut and try up to 40 different flavours, such as our popular Mulled Wine, Assorted Fruit, and Crunchy Candies as well as our wide selection of herbal candies.

Handbrot & Soup

Dresdner Handbrot (hand bread) is offered at town festivals, Christmas markets and festivals across Germany. You can now get it at the Vancouver Christmas Market.

Handbrot is made and baked in wood fired ovens on location, with savoury fillings like Gouda Cheese, House Smoked Ham or Gouda Cheese and Mushrooms. This version is topped with sour cream and green onions. It was super delicious and I would definitely order it again.

They also serve a warming Pea & Ham Soup made daily using a traditional recipe. Super delicious too. Plus warming on cold days.

German Pizza & More!

You can find German Pizza here too. Their pizzas are made with organic spelt sourdough. All ingredients are BC produced, our cheese is provided by Smits & Co in Chilliwack and the German Prociutto (Schinkenspeck) is from Summit Creek Sausage, located in Bridge Lake.

They had 2 version available:

German Prosciutto, creme fraiche, aged gouda, onions and fresh herbs.
Vegan – tomato sauce, sweet potato, garlic scapes/pesto and fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

There’s lots to eat and discover at the Vancouver Christmas Market this year. You will have to pick a good day when it’s not raining or snowing to come take a visit to enjoy the songs, shopping and the food.

I wasn’t able to try all the food stalls at the market, but there are definitely some new favourites and old classics.

Website: http://vancouverchristmasmarket.com/

In American

Gotts’s Roadside: Burgers at the Ferry Building in San Francisco

December 13, 2016

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco and we ended up at the Ferry Building to grab some lunch. The ferry terminal has so much to eat, but we were on a mission to find Gott’s Roadside since we were told by several friends they have some awesome burgers.

We ordered our items at either the left or the right side of the restaurant. They have 2 counters to take orders.

Once you have your order and get your drink, you get this electronic buzzer and it will let you know when your order is ready.

Flashing lights. Time to get the food!

Bacon Cheeseburger is a beast with American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles & secret sauce on a toasted egg bun. Really nice toasted bun with a good amount of ingredients inside the burger. It really hit the spot.

Onion Rings were huge and I love the crunch when you bite into the onion rings.

Don’t forget to grab some ketchup and mustard. They use Sir Kensington and they make amazing condiments. My favourite brand.

Cheeseburger has American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and their secret sauce on a toasted egg bun.

My friend also got Sweet Potato Fries on the side with a chili spice-dusted and a side of house-made ranch sauce.

Overall, it was a great lunch and we really enjoyed Gott’s. I would come back again. They even have outdoor seating if you want to enjoy the sun. We avoided eating outside since we didn’t want to get too tan.

We rate Gott’s:

Address:
Ferry Building, Level 1, 1 Ferry Plaza, Suite 6, San Francisco, CA

Website:
https://gotts.com/

In Dessert

Wild Sweets: Holiday Collection

December 12, 2016

Wild Sweets is back with their holiday collection to make everyone’s Christmas a little more merry and delicious. This includes sculptures, logs, and chocolate sets.

I was invited back to check out the items that they are offering.

Crispy Chocolate Cherry Orange ‘Tea Cake’

This was one of my favourite items. This is their twist on the classic Christmas fruit cake. The cake is placed over a crunchy buttery ‘sablé’ cookie topped with a hazelnut chocolate praline cream with crispy crepe flakes. It is so good. I will take this over any fruit cake any day.

Venezuela Ocumare Chocolate ‘Bûche de Noël’

Each layer of this cake provides a different texture, including a delicately soft jelly coating, cloud-like mousse, unctuous cream, rich ganache and crispy/crunchy base. This one one of my top favourites too. It’ll be great to bring this to a holiday party and it’s unique compared to other cakes out there. I love the mousse and how rich that ganache is.

Holiday cocoArt Sculpture

They have 5 different holiday sculptures.

Santa-Sphere

Tree

Snowman

Sleigh

Orna-Tree

Crispy Cherry Cake Ganache Collection

Each collection features an assortment of 4 chocolate bouchées with the following flavours:

William Pear & Chestnut Cream Caramel Ganache
Lychee Rose & Raspberry Caramel Ganache
Cassis Blackberry & Elderberry Ganache
Mandarin & Orange Zest Caramel Ganache

These reminded me of little moon cakes. It was like a hybrid between a fruit cake, chocolate and a moon cake.

2016 Vintage Canadian Icewine Collection

ThisCollection includes the following ganache flavours:

Cabernet Franc Icewine & Strawberry Apple Ganache
Riesling Icewine & Peach Orange Ganache
Vidal Icewine & Pineapple Passion fruit Ganache
Gewürztraminer Icewine & Lychee Rose Ganache

A good gift for those ice wine lovers out there and these taste pretty good.

2016 Vintage ‘Ganache Classique Nougatine’

The 2016 Vintage ‘Ganache Classique’ Limited Edition Collection includes the following origins and percentages:

70% Venezuela Ocumare
70% Venezuela Canaobo
70% Peru Oro Verde
64% Mexico Chiapas

Each ganache filling is topped with a piece of salted butter cocoa nibs nougatine before being enrobed in dark chocolate. I love the differing textures.

Overall, my favourite part of the holiday collection are the cakes. A nice twist to the classic items.

We Rate Wild Sweets:

Address:
2145 – 12191 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, BC

Website:
http://dcduby.com/

In Delivery

foodora: Food Delivery in Vancouver

December 11, 2016

foodora is a new food delivery company in Vancouver. They expanded into Canada and so far only service Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. They have some pretty good restaurants on their list that isn’t the usual Chinese, Pizza, or Indian food. The restaurant chosen have heathy options. The company plans to expand to offer 100+ restaurants by January 2017.
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It was a stormy day outside, so we decided to order some lunch back to the office instead of going outside. You can order it the day of and it takes 30 minutes to deliver or you can pre-order your meal a day ahead of time.

foodora deliveries are available between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m, but also depends on the restaurants too. The delivery zone so far covers only Downtown Vancouver, but they are looking to expand.

From the list of restaurants, I went with Poke Shop located in Gastown. I inputted my order, paid, and then I can watch every step of my meal’s journey. There was a $3.50 delivery fee for orders $30 or more and $4.50 per order under $30.

They use bikes to deliver the meals, which is nice and environmentally friendly.

For our lunch, we ordered 2 poke bowls and 2 drinks from the Poke Shop. I placed my order a day before to be delivered at 11:45am, but it did arrive a bit early at 11:30am.

The meal arrived quickly, so all items were still nice and cold. The only thing we noticed was there was little bit of spillage with one of our drinks. It was really minor.

With the many delivery companies out there in Vancouver, what stands out the most for foodora is their selection of restaurants in the Downtown area.

Check it out if you want to see what food options are available to your doorstep.

Website: https://www.foodora.ca/

In Hawaiian

Pacific Poke: Poke and Panini in Chinatown

December 10, 2016

Pacific Poke has finally opened their doors in Chinatown on Main Street. I’ve been waiting for a long time to open as it’s the closest poke restaurant to my office.

What sets them apart from other poke restaurants in Vancouver is their clean, wholesome ingredients packed with bold flavours. When I saw they were finally open on Instagram, I went with a few of my coworkers to check it out as it was we needed some lunch.

Interior

You order on the left side and on the right side is their seating. They have a few tables and some seats by the window. The decor is simple, but the metal origami pieces are pretty cool.

Ordering

On the menu, you can build you own poke bowl or pick one of their many chef inspired creations.

I always end up building my own to cater to my own taste buds. They have 2 sizes – regular and large.

If you want something different, they have poke paninis. There are 3 kinds:

First, you choose your poke base. You can do a classic base of organic brown rice or traditional sushi rice, but I went with the kale salad base.

For the protein, you can choose from:

Sockeye salmon
Ahi tuna
Negitoro
Steelhead
Spicy tuna
Spicy Salmon
Albacore tuna
Crab
Shrimp

Some of their selection can change seasonally based on whats available. I went with the Sockeye Salmon and Ahi Tuna as those are very classic.

For the toppings, they have:

ginger jicama
tomato kimchi
pickled red onion
green onion sprouts
red beets basil
jalapeno
organic seaweed salad
fresh wasabi peas
seasonal offerings

I couldn’t decide what to get so I asked them for a bit of everything to add to my bowl. Why not get all the ingredients to try it all.

They also have some drinks, but their house-made iced teas and lemonade are amazing:

Strawberry Green Tea
Yuzu lemonade
Unsweetened Genmaicha

You can ask them to try them before deciding which one to get.

Poke Bowls

After the first few bites, you can tell the toppings are super fresh and not coming straight from a can. They seem to put a lot of work into preparing each topping that goes into the bowl.

Even though the portion size wasn’t as large as some other poke places in town, the flavours of the sauces really shine and doesn’t over power the fresh pieces of fish.

How my coworkers and I describe this place is like the Tractor of Poke.

Poke Panini

The Poke Panini’s can be order in full or half size. My coworkers got their Salmon Poke Panini and they enjoyed other ingredients that came inside the panini like the tomato kimchi.

Final Thoughts

Easily one of my top favourite poke places in town. With so many poke places opening up in town, each place has their own unique difference. I really appreciate how Pacific Poke put a lot of love and care into each ingredient, you know it’s not from a can. Plus their drinks is worth a try. Their portions are a bit smaller and prices are a bit higher than the other places but I would come here again.

We Rate Pacific Poke:

Address:
625 Main Street, Vancouver

Website: https://www.thepacificpoke.com/

In product

Reese Peanut Butter Cups Stuffed With Reese’s Pieces #CupFusion

December 9, 2016

I’ve been a fan of Reese Peanut Butter Cups during my days trick or treating during Halloween when I was a kid. When people wanted to trade their peanut butter cups, I welcomed them into my stash. The combination of the peanut butter and chocolate were addictive.

They recently came out with their peanut butter cup stuffed with Reese’s Pieces which blew my mind because I didn’t think they would ever come up with this. These are available in the United States and will shortly be available in Canada. I was sent a few packs to give them a try. I didn’t hesitate to say yes because I love chocolate.

Taking the first few bites, I found that the outer coating of the Reese’s Pieces adds texture to the peanut butter cup. Other than the texture, the peanut better cup itself still has a good sweet taste for those peanut butter lovers out there.

A pretty good concept and you’ll be able to see then on store shelves in Canada soon.

Website: https://www.hersheycanada.com/en/reese/

In product

Paqui Carolina Reaper One Chip Challenge

December 8, 2016

I got my hands on the PAQUI Carolina Reaper Madness for the One Chip Challenge from Safeway. It was located by the customer service counter with a warning for anyone purchasing it. It retailed for about $5 for just one chip. Apparently it’s all sold out now, so there won’t be anymore on store shelves till next year.

That’s all thats in the box, one chip to cripple you or anyone. I brought the chip to a party

The Paqui Carolina Reaper Madness is made with the hottest chili pepper on the planet, the “Carolina Reaper,” which measures in at over 1.5 million on the Scoville Heat Scale and is the Guinness World Record holder for hottest chili. Consider yourself warned.

Amy/The Food Queen had too much egg nog and thought she would eat the whole chip herself. Let’s just say it didn’t work out so well for her.

Watch Dee/Gastrofork’s video on how this One Chip Challenge played out.

Essentially, the chip doesn’t have any taste at all. It just burns for about 10 minutes. The hot stabbing pain is pretty intense.

We definitely wouldn’t recommend anyone else to try this.

Website: http://paqui.com/onechipchallenge/

In American

Bourbon St Grill: Metrotown Food Court

December 7, 2016

Bourbon St Grill just open at Metropolis at Metrotown and it’s slowly become M’s favourite food court place to eat at. Their menu is pretty interesting as it’s Americanized food but with a cajun twist. It’s like Manchu Wok but more variety in flavours. The few times that we’ve been here, there was a line up but it moves really quickly.

You can also find them at other malls across Metro Vancouver.

I got a plate with green beans, BBQ pork, battered chicken and cajun rice. A good portion for 3 item and rice. As for food court food, it was pretty average, but you get your moneys worth.

We Rate Bourbon St Grill:

Address:
4700 Kingsway
Burnaby

Website:
https://metropolisatmetrotown.com/stores/bourbon-st-grill/