Showing posts with label Let's Eat!. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Let's Eat!. Show all posts

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.

Brunch Life

I have been doing some home workouts since late summer of 2024. You know, I am at a stage where I have to watch my numbers...the ones that your family doctors check to evaluate your state of well-being...

But...I'd never stop dining out, it's my first way to celebrate, I have always been a food-oriented person      

♨(⋆‿⋆)♨

Before 2024 concluded, I celebrated my few hours of being child-free by treating myself to brunch at Cafe Medina. Known for its long lineups and liege waffles, this is one of the places I hope would survive the pandemic, thankfully they did. 

Les Boulletes - Lamb Meatballs 
My favourites are Les Boulletes, Liege waffle with lavender chocolate sauce, and Lavender Latte - the main reason for my visit.

Unfortunately that day, I could barely taste the lavender in their latte, but the chocolate-lavender dip for the liege waffle made up for the minor shortcoming.    

Waffle and Milk Chocolate Lavender Dip

Fast forward to January 2025, I had the opportunity to try the new brunch place near my home. Banette opened in mid-December 2024 in Uptown New Westminster, they offer a mix of brunch and baked goods. The first visit was with my dear daughter when we went out to do some errands, we just wanted a light meal so we split a Caesar salad and canelé, and I was so impressed with both of them that I decided to try to come back as soon as possible to try their other offers, 
Below is the photo of Avocado French Toast. I like how Banette uses a black plate and a touch of edible flowers to elevate their brunch presentation. I don't normally order French toast at brunch places but I miss having avocado as dessert which is something I rarely see in most brunch places here in Metro Vancouver where avocados are normally seen in smoothies, salads, guacamoles, and toasts with poached eggs.

Avocado French Toast
Avocado French Toast from Banette

I have been thinking about food again...I guess it's time to do the home workouts to make space for the next round of brunching! 
(*´ڡ`●)

First Time Kaiseki Dining

Kaiseki Dinner
Kaiseki Dinner

I used to be not a big fan of eating in smaller portions; the idea of the joy of eating has to be presented in a buffet style - the grab-all-you-can-eat type of setting -  the bigger, the better. Eventually, the excitement of looking at food in immense portions wore out, and the foodie in me started to crave a wider gastronomic experience.

'Kaiseki' dining is a must experience for every foodie, this opportunity came when I and dear 🐻booked a Ryokan for a honeymoon trip in Japan. Being pregnant at that time and having had a myriad of food to avoid as advised by my physician, the thought of kaiseki dining had made me worried; will the raw fish be safe? can I have a sip of their wine? and will my dear 🐻enjoy it?... Ignoring the voices in my head, I proceeded...with a touch of caution, it's only for one night.
Kaiseki Menu


The dining room boasts a panoramic view of their property's garden. We were very lucky to have the window seat to admire the view. The view was not visible during nighttime, but the vision on the table is worth admiring. When the menu of the dinner was handed, I noticed that my dearest 🐻 showed a sign of being intimidated, he was out of his comfort zone, food-wise. Knowing I have the solution for this challenge, I need to ask permission from the fragile blueberry-sized human inside me, I whispered "be strong...I have to eat some of this seafood with a possible few drops of mercury that can possibly harm you...most likely not, you have a portion of my durable cells!" --- for sure pregnant Japanese women have been eating raw fish for years and their life expectancy is one of the longest!

Menu March 2018


*Aperitif*

“Saika”

Plum Wine Produced in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan


*Appetizer*

Tofu Flavoured Fukinoto* And Sesame

With Salmon Egg, Flower of Shiso, Wasabi,

Bamboo Shoot, Shrimp, Fried Fukinoto

*Fukinoto: Japanese Butter Scape


*Soup*

Chicken Soup with Bun of Tofu, Kelp, Ginger


*Sashimi*

Daily’s Special

Shiso leaf (Japanese Herb), White Seaweed, Wasabi


*8 Assorted Dish

Jellied Monkfish / Wasabi Flower / Boiled Herring/

Shrimp Norimaki (A kind of sushi) /

Boiled Beans and Squid / Pickled Japanese Ginger / 

Mille feuille of Bread and Salmon /

Beef, Mitsura & Pine Nuts Dressed with Miso Sauce


*Stewed Dish*

Local Odawara Chicken, Turnip,

Red Konjac & Canola Flower

If you like, dip ingredients into citrus soy sauce,

Green onion and spicy radish.


*Fried Dish*

Fried Local Ashigara Beef and Vegetables

With Curry sauce, Grated Cheese,

Tomato, Green Pepper


*Shimmered Dish*

Yellowtail Flavored Arimani*

*Arimani: Flavor of Boiled Soy Sauce,

Sake & Japanese Green Pepper


*Rice*

*Miso Soup*

*Japanese Pickles*


*Dessert*

“Setoka” Premium Mandarine Orange & Strawberry


The whole thing sounds so foreign to both of us, but I immensely enjoyed the whole experience, I just wished that there will be more of this in my future dining experience.
Sashimi Course
Sashimi Part of the Menu

To see the whole Kaiseki gallery please click the emoticon: 

Mother's Day Sakura Afternoon Tea at Trump Vancouver Champagne Lounge

It was supposed to be in Tsujiri in Richmond, but my dear 🐻was not able to book a spot for us. Then an ad showed up that Trump Vancouver Champagne Lounge was having a Sakura-themed afternoon tea. Being a Japanophile myself, thrilled by what I saw, I have decided to go to Trump Vancouver the second time around to celebrate my first Mother's Day as a mom.

Afternoon Tea-Birdcage
Deluxe Sakura Afternoon Tea

Afternoon-tea-sweets
Mini Doughnut, Matcha Roll and Sakura Puff
We arrived in a busy lounge, with most patrons coming for the Sakura afternoon tea. I couldn't help admiring the tree tray used to display the tea set and the cherry blossom-shaped cookie pops. After settling in our seats and ensuring that my daughter was comfortable in her stroller; we reviewed the menu to decide which tea set and tea flavour to choose, my heart fluttered with glee upon seeing both motoyaki and takoyaki on the savoury selections. Wishing to take home some of their macarons later and treat myself with champagne, I picked the deluxe set (presented in a birdcage instead of the ring tree to display the tea sets)  and as for the tea, I chose Bain de Roses to match the floral theme. 

Afternoon-tea-menu
Sakura Afternoon Tea Menu

We both shared all the three scones--how I wish there was two of each flavour because they were all really good. My husband gave me his share of the motoyaki and takoyaki as he is not a big fan of both. I gladly accepted the offer; extra motoyaki and takoyaki are always welcome (。✿‿✿。)! To show my appreciation, I gave him my mini doughnut in return.

Not wanting to save the best for last, I started working on my first takoyaki and motoyaki. The takoyaki, being deep fried created a pleasant crunch at each bite, and the oyster motoyaki...it was absolute heaven once it reached my tongue, I love how rich it was and had a hint of lemon to blend the creamy flavour of the sauce and oyster together.

My favourite dessert in the set, the Sakura pannacotta, had a base flavour of vanilla - my forever favourite flavour, with the simple addition of sakura on top, transformed a simple dessert into a piece of delicate edible art.

I am happy that I celebrated my first Mother's Day with my infant daughter with an afternoon tea. Looking forward to more afternoon tea with her as she grows up. This mommy is very happy to go home, and looking forward to having her macaron, but....Concha has another plan. Probably he was not pleased being left in the crate while we dined out.

Being a mom of a Labrador retriever, I forgave the glutton; every Lab mom is very familiar with this story.

Box-of-macaron
Concha's Revenge


Update: Trump Vancouver has permanently closed on August 28, 2020.

Tea Time in H Tasting Lounge

It has been planned a few months earlier, right after our afternoon tea at Trump Vancouver on one snowy weekend. We have decided that the next tea salon to visit will be the H Tasting Lounge of Westin Bayshore.

Tea-menu-H-tasting-lounge-Vancouver
Aircraft illustration on the menu cover
H Tasting Lounge is still new to the afternoon tea scene of Vancouver, but it seems it has everything to match other tea salons in all Metro Vancouver could offer.
Live music was playing a favourite song as we were led to our seat, hinting that this experience will be different than others. The weather was lovely, and to our luck, we were seated beside the floor to ceiling window so we were able to see outdoors. The tea menu was presented to us, they carry the same brand of Tea as L' Orangerie's. While waiting for our tea set to arrive, my sister and I savoured the live music as we admired the H Tasting Lounge's interiors. The whole soul of the lounge pays honour of Westin's one-time resident - Howard Hughes.  

The menu has an illustration of an aircraft on the outside and a quote from the man, who was an aircraft enthusiast and a pilot himself: 
Do-the-impossible-because-almost-everyone-has-told-me-my-ideas-are-merely-fantasies

These were the unique experiences we had on this occasion: it's our first time having a candy floss, very nicely perched on the silvery trunk to form a pink tree. The whole tea set was presented in four sets - the Ferris wheel tray for the savouries, a glass box for the sweets, a plate for the scones, and the whatsitsname for the candy floss that formed into a tree and underneath it rest the confiture and butter for the scones. No tiered tray and still fab - big plus having a crooner with a seductive voice as background music!

Afternoon-tea-set-H-Tasting-lounge
Afternoon tea set

Ferris-wheel-tray-afternoon-tea
Ferris wheel tray - Learn the art of balancing act ೕ(•̀ᴗ•́)

As for our favourites: Pork bao and the steamed bun with salty yolk filling. The menu at that time seems to have a good mix of the typical afternoon tea fare - scones, cucumber sandwich, with Eastern touch. I am looking forward coming to H Tasting Lounge when they have their own themed afternoon tea in the near future and perhaps get myself a cocktail too. ( ͝° ͜ʖ͡°)つY

Following the Sweet Man's Pilgrim at Hatsune and Kinozen


I love the Japanese show 'Kantaro' from Netflix. It's based on the manga Saboriman Ametani Kantarou, following the (mis)adventures of a book salesman juggling between completing his tasks and indulging his sweet addiction during work hours. What I love about Kantaro is the way he describes his sweets finds, he describes them with passion as if he is making love to them. Kantaro is food porn, period.
After watching one season, I made sure that I have to include at least one of the places that were featured in our Tokyo itinerary.

Hatsune-Anmitsu
My Anmitsu

Kanmidoko Hatsune 


Anmitsu

Japanese-Traditional-Dessert
Founded in 1837, it's Tokyo's oldest confectionary restaurant. This joint is known for its Anmitsu.

It was the feature on the show's pilot episode. For the uninitiated, it resembles an ordinary fruit salad drenched on heavy syrup. Anmitsu is a Japanese dessert that has sweet beans, syrup, mochi (rice cake) and agar for the signature ingredients.
It was late afternoon when we arrived at Hatsune, the place is not so busy that we were able to sit where Kantaro sat. (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و
Using the best of local ingredients, carefully crafted to achieve perfection, no doubt Hatsune etched to every Tokyo residents' hearts. It's their secret why they exist up to this day, sweetening Tokyo's day since it opened almost 200 years ago.
Hatsune-Iron-Kettle
Iron Kettle
My dear 🐻ordered another kind of sweet bean with mochi dessert; while me I came here for the Anmitsu. 
It was not my first time having a dessert with a medley of ingredients of different textures and flavours; Halo-halo' sans ice, the beloved Filipino snack during the torturous heat of summer, which makes my first bowl of Anmitsu as same as enjoying a glass of good ol' halo-halo.



Kinozen-Matcha-Bavarian-Cream
Matcha Bavarian Cream

Kinozen 

Matcha Bavarian Cream


Kinozen-Rice-Crackers
Pig shaped rice crackers
In the sixth episode, Kantaro discussed a mouth-watering result when east and west work in harmony in a form of the rich Match Bavarian Cream of Kinozen.
Matcha formed into a creamy jello-like consistency, with a side of sweetened bean paste and whipped cream made from Nakazawa cream. It's a product a year long of hard work and experimentation, with trial and error to attain the right consistency of the gelatinous matcha, and finding the suitable sides to complement altogether. It is Kinozen's main attraction.

Unfortunately, It seems Netflix has cancelled Kantaro after its first season. It saddens me that a show that is really close to my heart has been prematurely ended. I will terribly miss seeing him describing his cravings of the day intimately.
.·´¯`(>▂<)´¯`·. 
There were also several questions that were left unanswered. Did the 'Sweet Knight' and the 'Sweet Princess' ever meet? What are other joints would Kantaro visit when playing hookie? Did he fulfil his promise to the Almond Tofu?. I can always read the manga version, but nothing matches Matsuya Onoe excellent portrayal of sweet-lusted book salesman.
I'd always say my prayers to the sweet deities for few more seasons. Will my prayers be heard? As Kantaro always say-
Only sweet heaven knows... 八(^□^*)

Themed Afternoon Tea Notch 8 And Trump Champagne Lounge

After I realized that I had been to several tea parlours around Metro Vancouver, I acknowledged that I had acquired an afternoon tea bug. Whenever we go out of town, I sometimes make sure that I should go for one; a bonus experience if I can find a tea parlour that does afternoon tea with a cultural twist. In regards, to adding a cultural twist to afternoon tea, I am very disappointed that I missed the opportunity to experience the afternoon tea-Filipino style at Marco Polo Davao during my Davao 2017 trip, It would be very interesting on how Filipino cuisine could be presented in an afternoon tea. It's something that I am going to search for the next time I visit the Philippines.

Notch 8


Afternoon_tea_menu
Themed afternoon tea is another trend that's been going around. My introduction to themed tea time was from Notch 8's Enchanted Forest Afternoon Tea. Arrived with our empty bellies and plenty of stories to share, my amigas and I decided to meet up to indulge in fairyland. After meeting each other in Hotel Vancouver's lobby, we all together checked in to the cafe, and we were led to the section of Notch 8's that was transformed into a lush magical place.

Our 'enchanted' edibles were neatly arranged on a layered log tray. The presence of the 'toadstools' (meringue with chocolate glaze) on the tray added to a 'forest-y' mood.

Unfortunately, the excitement of being with my amigas prevent me from taking decent photos of our afternoon tea. Safe to say we relished every tidbit and every second at those moments, before we knew it, it was time for us to go as they limit their guests' stay to one and a half hour.
Enchanted_Forest_Afternoon_Tea
Enchanted Forest Afternoon Tea

Trump Champagne Lounge


One snowy afternoon, my sister and I, met up to try Trump Vancouver's take on afternoon tea. We booked it a few days earlier without any idea what that day has a surprise for us. We headed to the Trump Champagne Lounge and ignored the snowstorm warning to satisfy our curiosity.
Little did we know, they were doing a 'Beauty and the Beast' (Tale as old as time) themed afternoon tea. I remember being on cloud 9 as I was on my way to the theatre to watch it when I was young. Now a mother to a baby girl, I am looking forward to the day I will read books to her every night, and Beauty and the Beast will be one of them.


Date in Origo Club

We got married in Richmond, BC;  A city known for its popular night markets and predominantly Asian restaurants. Most of these food joints give you the feel of traveling to Asia in one bite!  Recently I heard about a new French restaurant in Richmond. It also offers afternoon tea - that's something new and romantic!  As Valentine's approached, I suggested to my dear husband that going to an afternoon tea in Richmond would be our Valentine's date. I want to make a tradition to regularly visit the city where we had sworn to be each other's partner-in-crime for the rest of our lives.

English_Breakfast_Tea
Breakfast Tea
I booked ourselves for an Afternoon Tea for two in Origo Club without reading further on what this place has to offer. Let the first experience surprise me!
As we sat on our table, sparkling water was offered. I started to savour the ambiance while looking at their menu to decide which tea should I pair with my meal. Unlike most afternoon places, their tea selection was limited, with no signature tea blend. But one thing that Origo offers with their afternoon tea was pour-over for an additional charge. I was torn between pour-over coffee and breakfast tea; the English breakfast tea won in the end, with the thought of going back for the pour-over experience and champagne on the next visit.

High_Tea_Origo_Club
Origo Club Afternoon Tea

Their signature "O" shaped tray was a visual treat itself with or without the sweet and savory treats that garnished it. Its design is my second favorite, next to Higashiya Ginza's wooden tray.

O_Shaped_Tray

We both took note of everything we ate: about their scones, at first, I was worried that my dear 🐻would not enjoy the chive scone - he is not a fan of anything that's too garlicky. He ate his share of scones with no qualms at all. We both agreed that our favorite piece was the duck breast (Canard et Poire Pochée au Thym - seared duck breast, thyme poached pear). On the dessert side - the Matcha tart (Tartelette au Fromage Blanc et Matcha) is the one I enjoyed the most.

Savoury_Treats
A row of savoury tidbits

Origo_Club_Matcha_Tart
Sweets on the top tier

During our stay in Origo Club, an entrance to another quarter with interesting displays caught my attention; upon reading later, I found out it's an art gallery that can be viewed by appointment only. Perhaps a peek in Origo's art gallery will happen in the future after a glass of Barons de Rothschild Champagne Brut.
It's nice to be back romancing in Richmond!

Slice of Heaven in Higashiya Ginza


Pola BuildingSomewhere in Ginza there is a modest looking building that house the wonderland of tea parlours. The search for this building started off when I wanted to go for a high tea in Tokyo.
Since afternoon tea is mostly a European custom, I began to wonder if there is a distinctly Japanese fashion in enjoying an afternoon tea. I admire how they put so much thought and care to detail of almost every aspect of their lives. Blend this trait with the formal presentation of high tea and the result would surely be a divine experience.  My search led us to the doorsteps of Higashiya Ginza.

Higashiya Ginza pride itself for their traditional Japanese confectioneries (wagashi), and their original tea blends to match their sweet treasures. I am very familiar with few Japanese confectionaries, but it would be a great experience to try other traditional treats aside from mochis.
Based on my research, Higashiya Ginza is the only place in Metropolitan Tokyo that offers Japanese twist on afternoon tea.



As we stepped out of the elevator, their logo on a drape welcomed us. Behind the drapes, everything is arranged elegantly - from the neat displays of the different wagashi, the glass vials display, wooden furniture, the whole interior of the Higashiya Ginza radiates perfection.
Higashiya_Ginza_Bar
Tea Bar

Higashiya_Ginza_High_Tea
High Tea in Higashiya Ginza
Our wagashi was served on wood and brass-like tray,  The good thing for me, my dear 🐻is not a big fan of fermented vegetables which means more for me to enjoy. We had one of each when it comes to our treats, all of them - superb, but the one that stood out the most was this:

Natsume_Butter

Their natsume-butter (photo above), is a dried date with walnut and fermented butter stuffing. This treat was so rich that is so decadently addicting. On our way out we decided to bring us a few more for ourselves to enjoy and was hoping that we can bring it home to Canada. But alas, the Natsume-butter has a shelf life of four days! It's funny to think that a decadent treat has a way of telling us that there are some things that are meant to be enjoyed in a limited time.
Higashiya Ginza has opened my eyes to other traditional confectionaries of Japan aside from different kinds of mochis. I can see myself wagashi hopping on my next trip!

Higashiya_Ginza_Box


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!

Cafe-Reissue-Sign
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'.



3-week-old-Concha
Concha at 3 weeks
Photo credit to Cowboy Up Kennel

Latte-art-Reissue-cafe
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!


3D-and-2D-Latte-art
Sugar cubs' Latte and my forever pup Concha


2D-and-3D-Latte-Art-Reissue-Cafe
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!

The Only 'Bill(s)' That Made Me Smile


Ricotta_Hotcakes_with_fresh_banana_and_honeycomb_butter_Bills
Ricotta Hotcakes with fresh banana and honeycomb butter

Metro Vancouver has several names to boast of when it comes to a great brunch; I have been to several of them that my Instagram account has been a testament to my brunch adventures.
One morning, during our second trip to Tokyo, I suggested to my dear husband that we should check what Tokyo brunch scene has to offer; the baby inside seems to want to try a Tokyo brunch experience.

I seemed to noticed that fluffy pancakes are very popular in Japan, so I decided to try to find out what these fluffy pancakes are all about.
Based on my research, this place was dubbed "Best breakfast" by few write-ups on the web; good thing this Sydney-based restaurant chose Tokyo as one of the first cities outside Australia for Bill's international branch. We were planning to visit Reissue Cafe on that day and found out that Bills is just 5 minutes walk from it.

Elevator_Bills_Omotesando
On the way to Bills
Located at the Seventh floor of Tokyu Tower, a short line up had already started to build up by the time we arrived. Not wanting to risk losing our spot, we decided to stay and 15 minutes later our table is ready. I checked the menu to see what else to try but my mind is made up. I came here for their ricotta hotcakes and ordered the herbed garlic mushroom for the side dish.
The pancakes look like flat yellow, pillowy marshmallows on top of the sliced banana. Can't help staring at them, it's nicely plated that I didn't want to eat it right away but my tummy is telling me otherwise. It would've been nice if I am enjoying my latte with a cool 3D design on it!


Bills_Ricotta_Hotcakes
Pinch me! Pinch me!

Bills' airy interior is very inviting, it's busy without too much of the bustling energy. It would be nice to stay a little bit longer but there's so much exploring of Harajuku area to do, and the queue outside is getting longer. Time to let others have a taste of paradise ♡〜٩( ˃́▿˂̀ )۶〜♡

Inside_Bills_Japan_Omotesando

I finally found the 'Bill(s)' that makes me smile. Next destination...time to have my latte art.