Hotteok - Seasonal Favourite

Bungeoppang ready to get in my tummyヽ(;^o^ヽ) 

My Conchaboy's special person introduced me to 'Hotteok" - Korean Pancake

We met Concha's favorite human "J" or we refer to her as Conchaboy's human girlfriend at Concha's old doggy daycare where she used to bring her dog, later I discovered that she's our neighbor and I started regularly met up with her to walk our dogs together. Aside from being pretty and kind, she radiates energy that excites the dogs when she enters the dog park! Eventually, our dog walks turned into drives to visit other dog parks and stopping by to Korea Town Centre for produce and our favourite --- Hotteok.

Kim's Korean Waffles and Pancakes is a popular food cart located in Koreatown beside the Hannam Supermarket. Aside from Hotteok, they also sell 'Bungeoppang 'or the Korean version of Taiyaki. According to "J", Hotteok and Bungeoppang are well-known winter treats in Korea. Following the Korean tradition, Kim's is only open around October till April, Going to Kim's has become my adapted winter season tradition.

Kim's Korean Waffles & Pancakes Food Cart 

There's always a steady lineup of customers whenever we visit Kim's. The comforting scent of sugar and cinnamon mixture creates a strong spell that makes me forget my diet....but it wont...it evokes a nostalgic memory of me on a line up for bibingka and puto bumbong, a popular treat during the Holiday season in the Philippines. Similar scenario but different flavour. I don't have picture of my beloved puto bumbong and bibingka yet so that topic will be saved in the future, So here's a link of me enjoying Hotteok.  

Me, enjoying pancake in the 'cafe'.

Thank you J for introducing to Hotteok! Hope that all your prayers would come true! (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

My Pandesal Story

The scent of freshly baked bread is very comforting, it's one of the best scents in the world. 

It's funny that this scent was at some point a source of mild resentment to me. I remember being forced to wake up early as a child to buy pandesal at the neighborhood's bakery/ corner store. It didn't help that the owner/baker was a middle-aged man with quite an unfriendly, rough, and intimidating disposition. I can still remember his voice whenever he yells at his help in the store. He was not a pleasant man to deal with, his baseline facial expression was the exact opposite of the atmosphere of the warm inviting scent, as soon I got my bag of freshly baked pandesal, I zoomed out of his place to have it enjoy at home with coffee.

Freshly baked pandesal

As I learned my way around Metro Manila, I came across the "pugon" baked ones, they are fluffier, bigger, and tastier, the only downside was pugon baked pandesal price was unfriendly for my student budget, it's one of my "humble" splurges. After leaving Manila, I never taste pugon-style pandesal for so many years...until...A few years ago, there was a bakery in Richmond that specialized in Filipino bread, and their main star - pugon-style pandesal, I recall that 🐻 and would regularly visit Old Manila Bakery for our pandesal and ensaymada fix...but sadly my beloved Old Manila closed...(a common occurrence in Metro Vancouver food scene)

Fast forward to Covid lockdowns, one of my "projects" was to learn to make pandesal and find ways to make it "healthier" for my daughter...

I figured  I should start with the basic: semi-whole wheat pandesal, the taste has to be the same (slightly sweet, and milky) and can be enjoyed even with less white flour.

I found a recipe that matches my memory of how pandesal should be. I tweaked the recipe so the taste remains the same and whole wheat flour is not overpowering. If I don't add whole wheat flour, I could emulate the 'pugon'- style pandesal - bigger, fluffier, and buttery - the way I like it. 

(っ˘ڡ˘ς)

The scent of pandesal emanating from the kitchen is now a source of excitement. Anything pandesal has become our bonding activity, we love it with butter, jam, cream, cheese, and Nutella, it doesn't sound healthy for now, but there are plans to add spinach or moringa powder in the future...I'll keep things simple for now as my dear daughter wants to get involved in the baking process.

My helper

Mr. Grumpy Baker passed on a long time ago (may he rest in peace), not sure who is the new current go-to-pandesal person of the town, but I hope he/she greets the patrons better.

The 'Lab' in the Garden Café

The "Mom" of my air layered quince

Cherry blossom - lab's success story

Maintaining lovingly the café always comes with few heartbreaks. I have experienced loss of some of my beloved plants thru various reasons, ranging from climate extremes, neglect, lack of info on how to provide proper care. A few years ago, I was delighted to be able to propagate my quince thru air layering. among the three air layered, it looks like only one might survives  

(；´ﾟДﾟ)ゞ

Looking at my old photos I realized that I have probably performed plenty of experiments in the café/garden. Some were successful - survived, some perished eventually.  I have read from gardeners' forums that all seasoned gardeners have experienced death of established plants under their care. I mourn the loss of my plant babies and eventually move on, hoping to learn from my journey and pray for more luck.

One of my early experiments, that perished...

With all the losses and few victories in my gardening journey, I came to realize that the café conceals a laboratory, where my experimentations are being done to ensure my plants' survival. The lab is not an intimidating place, it's a space where my hope for my plants' healing manifests. Two of the success stories from the lab that I can share - the cherry plant that I bought online, with the lab's help, it survived the transport shock. The lavender (the last photo) that was left out during autumn and winter, it survived freezing temperatures and heavy rain. 

The main goal of the "lab" for now is to hardened my Japanese Maple seedlings before placing them in their own pot, to avoid sharing the same fate of this unfortunate fella (photo above),  while this gentleman in the photo below ensures the safety of my plant babies from pesky squirrels.  

My "lab" in the café

The future goal, I would love to have my dear Princess get involved in the lab/ garden / café, I wish that all of her beautiful memories from the café would inspire her to be a creative and smart lady.

The survivor

Emily Is Still Going Out!

If you happen to follow my mis(adventures) in the world of blogging, you might probably noticed my inactivity. I think most bloggers would be guilty of this at some point. Good thing that this is not my main source of income and for sure I don't have a following in the wide scary and crazy world of the internet, there's no risk of breaking someone's heart (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و

When Emily goes out with Concha

But then, the yearning to share my thoughts somewhere is still with me. My lame but valid excuse ---" life happens". No, I don't blame life; I created life and take care of lives, parenting is a very challenging calling... It's fun, scary, frustrating, rewarding and oh it's damn hard for the most part. 

Speaking of life, we are still going through this devasting effect of the virus. I personally know some people who have contracted it, and we all lost loved ones because of it... Everybody's lives were affected in so many ways, that it made me reflect more on life in general, it made me focus more on what is really important and along this journey found new hobbies. Now having my daughter, my priority is her, I want to make time for her, and hopefully, share some of my hobbies with her, I also want to spend my time with my dear husband 🐻 and my black Labrador Retriever Conchaboy. 

One of the main results of the lockdowns and health orders was re-igniting my interest in gardening, I don't boast of having a green thumb but I am motivated in creating a beautiful space for my daughter and Conchaboy where they can hang out and have fun. 

I am planning to add more about gardening projects in the near future and might probably tweak a little in WEGO; as for eating out, I still go and enjoy some of the cool yummy places in the Vancouver area, there's more to come here in WEGO, hopefully, add food content soon! (•̀o•́)ง

Reissue

Visiting this cafe was the main highlight of the day; I pictured myself clearly - me in a charming coffee house, admiring my coffee that was designed by a master latte artist!

There's plenty of coffee places around Metro Vancouver that does latte art, but I haven't encountered who does beautiful frothy sculptures, being in Tokyo where's there a handful of cafe that specialized in latte art, it should be an experienced that I shouldn't miss!

You have arrived!

Reissue Cafe is known for its beautiful masterpieces on their coffee, bring a picture or any image in your mind and few extra hundred ¥; the artist will painstakingly turn your cup of joe into a work of art.  Reissue is located on top of another establishment along the quieter street in Harajuku; once inside I was greeted with a very laidback vibe, I would have probably mistaken it as someone's else house if there's no extra tables around. We were still full from our hearty brunch earlier so we decided to pass from their food in their menu, we are looking forward to the latte art.

My dear husband 🐻ordered to have our baby Concha's photo that we got from his breeder, mine the 3D design - the pink Sugar cubs' character - 'Latte'.

Concha at 3 weeks
Photo credit to Cowboy Up Kennel

Concha on coffee ;)

Unfortunately our orders didn't arrived together, I was hoping that I could get a photo of both orders while the chocolate ink on the froth was still sharp, so pardon my photo of Concha on coffee, the chocolate has (verrry) slightly dispersed. As soon I received the 3D art, I snapped the photo of them side by side right away!

Sugar cubs' Latte and my forever pup Concha

Latte and Concha

Both were beautifully rendered, both tasted great! If I was not pregnant at that time, I would be ordering my second cup of coffee to request for another latte art and for more photos too, I guess sometimes, I can't have too much of the good thing...
They say that having a cup of coffee in a quiet day is one of greatest pleasure in life; having coffee rendered by an artist take this statement to the next level!

Unveiling My Bridal Veil

Most girls has vision of perfect wedding. To have a perfect wedding, the Bride has to get 'The One'.

The perfect wedding gown...

"I don't care about the gown, as long I won't look like a clown"

It became a popular belief that The Bride has to "wow" the crowd with her fancy dress. This is not the wedding that I want. My wedding is not just about me -- it's my husband's day too. It's the day we pledge to be with each other and take care of each other, till the end of our lives.

But then...

I am a big fan of shawls or any accessories that can drape on my upper body. My quick vacation in Manila made it possible to attain my little whim - a veil that is personalized, that describes me. I want it made of Pineapple cloth or "Piña" which is only made in the Philippines.
The whole process of turning the pineapple leaves into a luxurious cloth involves a long tedious process from extracting fibres off the leaves to gently applying intricate designs by talented embroiderers. Its mainly used to make formal attire in the Philippines and has also attracted the attention in the world of haute couture, because of this reason Piña earned the reputation of being the Queen of fibres in the Philippines.

Prior to our departure for our 2017 vacation, I found La Burda de Filipina online and directly contacted the Proprietress Marivic Gordovez to inquire with the help of a dearest friend back in the Philippines.

Traditionally the designs on the piña cloth are sewn by hand; due to our situation, there are time and budget constraints, the only option Marivic has is to have my veil machine sewn. Little bit disappointed, but i have something in mind to add a "hand-made" touch--- embellishing my veil with freshwater pearls, my birthstone, and Swarovski crystals to add sparkle😉.

Back in Vancouver, I am very delighted to find Beazu. They carry a vast variety of beads of any kind. Forgetting to buy freshwater pearls on my recent Philippine trip, I am relieved to find that Beazu carries them!

Each pearl and crystal was applied painstakingly as best I could, trying to be careful not to ruin a fabric that took time to create, putting my heart and soul into it. I have never worked with pineapple fibre before, but I am proud of the final result:

The final result

As I am writing this post, I would like to express my gratitude to my long time friend Olive. I am grateful for her help in purchasing my veil and many thanks to  La Burda de Filipina for the elegant veil, I am proud to own one, and I truly love it.

See the rest of the photos in this album.

On my way to be Mrs. 🐻

<----Trying on my Piña veil for the first, after the tryout bridal make up with Save the Date Beauty.


On the day of my wedding on 2017-11-23--->

Scent, Music and Colours of Davao

Summertime is icy treat time, I usually go for my halo-halo, or grab myself some bubble tea, but that time I decided to go to Candy Tree Dessert* a dessert place just a few steps from my place. 

Based on what I've heard, the Durian waffle tower is one of their main attraction, which was also recommended by the lady behind the till, trusting the positive reviews, her advice, and my guts, I said yes to the scrumptious tower of powerful aroma; the description fits my order perfectly as the scent approached my nose first, as my order being delivered on my table, the aroma sent my mind somewhere...

Our brief visit to Davao city has left me and my fiancé with lots of great memories, there are so many of them that I think it deserves a Part 2 in WEGO.

Back In Davao....

Our Davao trip started beautifully on the first night, right after we arrived. Both tired and needing a light meal, we checked the hotel's quiet bistro in the pool lounge hoping to grab a quick bite, as soon after we placed our order, live music started playing to serenade the patrons, being the only couple in the lounge this experience reminded me of the famous Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene.

A serenade and kilawin  

My dear 🐻 ordered a burger and fries, that was his "light" meal --- me, curious about what Marco Polo has to show off with their version, I ordered kinilaw - the Philippine style ceviche.
I could picture it in my mind: raw tuna cubes, marinated in vinegar, lightly flavored with aromatic vegetables, and choice of other various ingredients---depends on the cook. This is my first kinilaw in my Philippine vacation, and Davao is the right place to have them since tuna is one of the city's main products. With a watering mouth, I waited patiently as I enjoyed live music. My kinilaw that night was crowned with fried dried squid - adding crunch to the flavourful tuna.

My breakfast in Café Marco

Marco Polo is located in downtown Davao, we happened to be there during the ASEAN summit and security was strict, but the presence of the military and police force didn’t deter the locals and tourists to go to Davao’s night market, located just stone throw away from the hotel. Every night Roxas Avenue gets alive with lines of food vendors, diners, and tourists. Unfortunately, we were full when we happen to check this very popular local foodie stop. There were plenty of dishes to choose from grilled meats and kinds of seafood, chicharron, refreshments, and desserts.

One thing that I also make sure that I would not miss when visiting a new place is to check for any great souvenir places. Good thing that Aldevinco is just adjacent to Marco Polo. 

Aldevinco Shopping Center carries pretty much everything Mindanao souvenirs. Like any other market, one has to use their bargaining skills to get the best deals. Be ready to be greeted with lots of attention from the merchants upon entering Aldevinco. Indulge in the colourful displays from clusters of tight boutiques...doors will be opened as you approach their shops and you will be greeted by their vibrant displays; enter the world of colors:

If we are not stopping by Palawan at that time, my luggage would be full of shawls as they are my favorite accessories... gotta travel light. 

On the first visit to Aldevinco, I grabbed myself two lovely table clothes and I have been using them regularly whenever I entertain in my home in Canada.

Table cloth that i bought from Aldevinco

A fruit with a powerful aroma can evoke such pleasant memories; back in Burnaby while savoring the durian waffle I am grateful that have plenty of memories to cherish from my Davao holiday; a place that I once called home.

*Update: Candy Tree Dessert has permanently closed. (∩︵∩)

Two Birthdays And A Wedding

"I am very sure Canada as a Cancerian is a very caring country, she welcomes everybody with open arms, encourage their growth, watch over her people's well being...."

Vegan strawberry vanilla cake

<--- This is a very beautiful strawberry vanilla cake from Edible Flours, unfortunately because of extreme warm weather during its transport it melted part of its icing...😓




I promised myself not to fear aging; I just turned 35 recently.

The same age as the lead character of one of my favourite TV series to watch back when I was in Manila. The show is about the complicated and exciting personal lives of four ladies in a big city in the States, the lead character is a writer, with a weekly column, and lots of designer shoes, but she doesn't seem happy, I still love this show and been watching reruns, but I don't like to be like her...

Though at 35, I am grateful to found love and We will get married this November. I am not a big fan of designer shoes and I don't have a weekly column, but WEGO is where I share my joyful experiences in my travels and life here in Vancouver. 

My special birthday tea & birthday specials from The Body Shop

It's quite unfortunate that there is a lack of appreciation for getting older. We all dread it. When we were kids, we all looked forward to our birthdays, then once we became adults, we eventually stopped mentioning our age and never mentioned our birthdays anymore.

Our reasons are understandable. 

I am trying to improve the way I think about aging. I figured that it would be better to start earlier by welcoming each number as another friend; a friend who would assure me that good things are coming.

My birthday dinner in Joe Fortes

How did Emily celebrate her Birthday?

When Emily Goes Out is all about celebrating my life experiences. Working on my blog is a celebration, of my happiness and my way to constantly remind myself that there is something to be rejoiced about. 

Last Day Of Being 34 

The day before my big day I booked a nice afternoon tea in Pâtisserie Für Elise with my sister, as we are both fans of afternoon or high tea. 

Layers of goodness!

Cute house in the city 💖

<---This house has been in Vancouver
since 1893!





I had Darjeeling tea to paired it with this --->
and also came with quiche











Entering Pâtisserie Für Elise is like being transported to a different time! The venue is a Queen Anne-style heritage house, with all things pink and girly interiors.

La vie en Rose! 💓

After our afternoon tea bonding time, my sister brought me one of their flavoured loose-leaf tea (Crème Brûlée) as a treat. Feeling guilty after the treats we spent the night walking around Downton Vancouver and took advantage of my birthday discount from The Body Shop.  

It was a great day, why not celebrate now when technically it's already my birthday in Manila!

Enter 35

And on the big day, my dear 🐻 planned everything, he kept it as a surprise! I was spoiled by my dear 🐻 he bought me a nice purse for my everyday use!
We went out for a walking tour around Downtown Vancouver and got to know the early history of the city's red-light district. I have already been to other walking tours in Vancouver, and I enjoy every single one of them, I find it very educational and I appreciate the visual and sometimes interactive aspect of it while listening to the stories of the tour guides about certain places.

My fiancé knows that I love seafood especially oysters so he brought me to Joe Fortes for dinner, and their Lobster Oil--it is something to die for and it's not safe for dieters!
I indulged myself with oysters, by ordering the fried and raw oysters!

Joe Forte's complementary bread and Lobster Oil 

Raw and Fried Oysters for me to enjoy! 

...and oh  I got myself a free drink from Starbucks!

Free frappuccino from Starbucks

(My) Mon Paris in Burnaby

I consider Paris one of my favourite cities, and she probably has a piece of my heart. I remember summer 2011, when my sister and I visited Paris.

Late last year, while walking around the neighbourhood, I passed a place that has a potential spot among my “favourites”; I noticed the illustration of an Eiffel Tower with a heart on it as a logo —it send a message to me clearly, the logo is something I can relate to, the love of the city of Paris; then there’s the word “pastries” - now that’s the magic word! But the sign also said: Coming Soon—that got me curious and swore that I will come back once this place is ready.

When Emily comes back:

We were in the early steps of wedding preparations: there’s checking of venues, searching for possible caterers, and recently checked a place where we were considered for our wedding favours. There are a lot of things going on that I forgot about the heart of the Eiffel Tower logo.

One rainy Friday afternoon, my other partner in indulgence, my sister decided to meet up. She mentioned this new bakery that she wanted to try out - - -Mon Paris. 

The place with the heart on the Eiffel Tower logo! I didn’t really see the whole name the first time I passed by it. I am thankful she mentioned this place and I was so excited to finally have the chance to try it!

Our first order from Mon Paris

Inside Mon Paris we were greeted by the decadent displays of chocolate Easter eggs, croissants, and other pastries. 

We were completely hypnotized by all the goodies, they are all talking to us: “try me, buy me, try me…”, it is a small place and we felt the only unoccupied table will be gone as soon another customer shows up, so we grabbed the table and proceeded to order right away.

Easter chocolate special

Warning!!! Not safe for dieters!!! (NSFD)

We both ordered London Fogs for a drink; it has a few pieces of lavender floating which we found cute; we had a hard time deciding which sweets to order with our tea as they all looked tempting! 

While ordering I kept glancing at the display of the rows of the colourful chocolates beside me; they all looked elegant. 

Mon Paris chocolates

That’s when I decided to choose Mon Paris chocolates for my wedding favours! My sister seems to think that it’s a great idea and volunteered to cover the wedding favours as her wedding gift for me. 

The owner of Mon Paris Chef Elena Krasnova, was present at that time, my sister and I discussed with her that we were very interested in ordering boxes of chocolates for my upcoming wedding.

We were absolutely impressed with our orders; the presentation is sophisticated, the taste not too sweet; Chef Elena mastered creating masterpieces by blending all the different flavours and textures.

St. Honore

Strawberry Cheesecake

Enjoying our dessert I thought about grabbing several pieces of Mon Paris goodies for my teddy bear’s upcoming birthday, but I can’t wait for a few more weeks so before we left, I grabbed a box nine of chocolates for my 🐻 to enjoy.