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

When an fancy concept restaurant opens in Vancouver, it's needs to do something special in order to stand out and distinguish itself from the plethora of fine dining options. Thankfully, that's exactly what Collective Hospitality has executed with the opening of their third restaurant. In this review, I am biased. I have already spent time in The Mackenzie Room and Say Mercy! Both had their unique twists, and "French-ish" is the parallel twist at Collective Good Bistro. You can deliberate between a tasting menu or order a la carte, which I love about dining in this family of restaurants, and ..read more

Vancouver has its fair share of taco shops but these are a fast-fry experience whose number one mission is to deliver tortillas and protein into your stomach as fast as possible. Alimentaria Mexicana on Granville Island is a cantina that slows things down and gives diners a chance to try higher quality proteins and entrees. It'll cost more than your average taco shop, but there's nothing else like it in the area. Join me in my visit to Alimentaria Mexicana this past weekend to see if this is the experience for you. Food: Team Tastic came here for a weekend lunch and I had a great taste of the ..read more

Black Walnut, located in Vancouver's Cambie Village, runs by their own rules and the result is one that's truly unique and interesting enough that folks outside the neighbourhood will sniff it out and visit to satisfy their curiosity. I'm here to spill the beans on all things dry-aged cod and so much more at this walnut wood-adorned home away from home. Disclosure: I was invited for a media tasting. All opinions are my own. Food and Drink: The Hot Food Crew came here for a Tuesday dinner and I had a great taste of the following: Empress Cocktail ($14) Today's Bread ($8) Foie Gras and Duck Li ..read more

If you told me 95% of Korean restaurants in Vancouver serve the same stuff, I would confirm that sentiment. That's why I'm genuinely curious when a Korean place pops up with a loud website or influencer campaign proclaiming their status as a destination worth putting on your list. Sadly, of the "modern" takes on Jess' Restaurant's menu, I think most are misses and only a few items are worth venturing out for and paying the extra dollar for the extravagant vibes of this modern eatery. Food: Team Lido came here for a family dinner and I had a great taste of the following: Pork Jowl ($23) Deep ..read more