My recent travels took me to Mexico City which meant I found myself at Pujol. I say "found" but the reservation was made 3 months in advance. I knew I was going to be at Pujol even before I had a plane ticket or hotel in Mexico City. This was the Mexican food experience I never knew I needed, perfected with immaculate attention to service and a wide range of fine, traditional eats. My visit happened in May 2024 so that's 1 month before Pujol received its 2 Michelin stars. I think this blog post will be a fine guide for a recent experience and even though the menu always changes, the mole is a ..read more

A new month means new boxes from Sakuraco and TokyoTreats for imported snacks from Japan. While both boxes are filled with Japanese snacks, the branding and snack contents are made for slightly different audiences. Both boxes are the same price points for all subscription levels and guarantee the delivery of authentic Japanese for your friends and loved ones. Join me in my discovery of both boxes this to celebrate the traditional and snacktastic seasons. Sakuraco Subscription BoxSakuraco Sakuraco (starting at $32.50 USD/mo for 12 months) specializes in a refined snack experience. This month's ..read more

Downtown Vancouver has one of the best spots for a Southern summertime dinner and it might be one of Vancouver's greatest secrets because you might not expect a hotel to have a barbecue specialty in its food program. H2 Kitchen + Bar fills a unique need in Vancouver's downtown dining scene and I had the pleasure of trying out many of their signature dishes in anticipation for a packed summer season of dining which includes distillery dinners, Friday Fry'd Chicken Days, and outdoor long table dinners you can book for special occasions. Food and Drink: I came here for an outdoor long table expe ..read more

A new month means new boxes from Sakuraco and TokyoTreats for imported snacks from Japan. While both boxes are filled with Japanese snacks, the branding and snack contents are made for slightly different audiences. Both boxes are the same price points for all subscription levels and guarantee the delivery of authentic Japanese for your friends and loved ones. Join me in my discovery of both boxes this cherry blossom season to see what's inside. Sakuraco Subscription BoxSakuraco Sakuraco (starting at $32.50 USD/mo for 12 months) specializes in a refined snack experience. This month's theme was ..read more

So, let me tell you about this gem I stumbled upon in Vancouver – Folke. Now, I'm not exactly a vegan, but I do appreciate a killer menu when I see one. And let me tell you, Folke's menu is giving The Acorn a serious run for its money in the vegan department. And remember how Heirloom was supposed to be an elevated vegan/vegetarian experience? Well, no need for jokes about that anymore, thanks to Deborah – seems like she sorted them out! Food: Team Tastic came here for a Sunday evening dinner and on their tasting menu ($85 per person), I enjoyed the following: Charred Cabbage Salad Daikon Um ..read more

I guess the first post did pretty well because Sakuraco and TokyoTreats came back to me with new subscription snack boxes to try. While both are filled with Japanese snacks, the branding and snack contents are made for slightly different audiences. Both boxes are the same price points for all subscription levels and guarantee the delivery of authentic Japanese for your friends and loved ones. Join me in my discovery of both boxes this cherry blossom season to see what's inside. Sakuraco Subscription BoxSakuraco Sakuraco (starting at $32.50 USD/mo for 12 months) specializes in a refined snack ..read more

I used to think that the only way to have really good Japanese food in Vancouver was in an omakase experience. However, a combination of restaurants diluting omakase with an a-la-carte menu, and some way-too-expensive omakase experiences have lowered my expectations from how omakase is defined in Vancouver. Enter Sushi Hil (with one 'l'), which doesn't have an omakase experience on the menu, but they do have a high-end menu that deserves your dollars if a creative and umami-ful experience is what you were after like I was in January 2024. Food: Team Domah came here for a Thursday evening dinn ..read more

I am the type of person to consider giving a Japanese snack box as a gift so it's a little strange to be on the other end of receiving not one but TWO boxes from Sakuraco and TokyoTreats to try. While both are filled with Japanese snacks, the branding and snack contents are made for slightly different audiences. Both boxes are the same price points for all subscription levels and guarantee the delivery of authentic Japanese for your friends and loved ones. Join me in my discovery of both boxes this holiday season to see what's inside. Sakuraco Subscription BoxSakuraco Sakuraco (starting at $3 ..read more

When $195 is on the line in Vancouver dining, few mistakes are tolerated. Miku takes this money and returns an elevated Japanese dining experience that combines the aburi artistry that put them on the map with seasonal ingredients and festive twists that leave you wondering the next time you'll be able to afford this kind of meal. Join me for an in-depth look at the 7 courses of this holiday 2023 dinner. Kaiseki vs. Omakase: If you're wondering why Miku does kaiseki and not omakase, it's because they follow the strict definition of providing a set meal that is created by the chef and inspired ..read more

From Melbourne to Surrey comes Ruex Cafe and Bar, a bright and airy restaurant in which I had the pleasure of a catch-up brunch with some of my former coworkers. I wouldn't fault you for needing a double-take that this is in Surrey. It's a true gem amongst the many chains you tend to see as you venture further and further from Vancouver and it's also not an Indian restaurant which Surrey sees a plethora of. Food and Drink: Team GlueGone came here for a weekend brunch and I had a great taste of the following: Rose Latte ($7) Brekkie Burger ($22) It wouldn't be a transplant brunch from Melbou ..read more