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! (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

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.

Deluxe Sakura Afternoon Tea

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. 

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.

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.

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: 

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

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.

My Anmitsu

Kanmidoko Hatsune 

Anmitsu

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.

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.

Matcha Bavarian Cream

Kinozen 

Matcha Bavarian Cream

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(＾□＾*)

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!

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

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.

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!

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〜♡

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

When Emily Dined in Manila

(Disclaimer: Not safe for Dieters!)

Isn't it sweet when the love of your life visits your country of birth to get to know more about you and the world that shaped your views? 

The plan to visit Manila was already set a few years back, after our week-long New York trip, the traveler in us felt that we found a true travel buddy with each other, the next country should be out of the continent. I suggested to my 🐻 that he should visit the Philippines, and without hesitation at all, he excitedly agreed.

Metro Manila doesn't have an ideal "beauty" to boast about when it comes to the international stage. My country is still trying to work with her insecurities, the capital region reflects that. The Philippines is lovely, but she needs to learn how to respect herself more, be refined, and project herself gracefully. 

But the thing is I love Metro Manila, she's open to many cultures---food-wise, my home introduced me to different cuisines from Chinese, Spanish, American, Japanese, Arab, Korean, and many more. I believe this was what I inherited from her, being the daughter of Manila (and born on Manila Day too), and the love of exploring the cuisine of different countries.

"Paluto"  

One of the most memorable dining experiences in Metro Manila I've shared with my 🐻is the "Paluto / Dampa style dining".
The main characteristics of dampa / paluto places are the presence of wet markets that sell fresh (usually) seafood and vegetables, then different restaurants nearby where you can go and request to cook (paluto) your catch according to the restaurant's style or your preference for a fee.
Several places in the Philippines offer this kind of dining experience, one of the most well-known in Seaside Dampa in Macapagal Boulevard. Depending on who you ask, visiting this place has mixed negative but generally positive experiences,  one must take their haggling skills to the next level with a touch of friendliness--a key to success in any dampa dining.

The result of our wet market shopping effort was unforgettable, we enjoyed our "paluto" from Royal Kitchen. Though my 🐻 is not a big fan of seafood, he enjoyed the whole experience!



Dampa- a term loosely used that describe a roughly built hut - signifies a humble home, not fancy but comfortable and welcoming.
Paluto - request to be cooked.

Fun in the Sunshine Coast

View from the terrace

Not really in the mood for out-of-town trips lately, but my dear 🐻, suggested a short getaway in one of the Islands of British Columbia.

Me: "Okies my dear 🐻, but...do all the planning!"

🐻: "Challenge accepted."

One day, he said that he is looking at Sechelt, and wants my input in choosing our accommodation. Soon we found ourselves a good catch in AirBnb.

Friday, just right off from work, my dear teddy bear picked me and with no time to waste, we zoomed to Horseshoe Bay, because of my dear fiancé's superb driving skills, we managed to catch the ferry right on time😝!

Reminders: You don't need to ferry reservation; just plan ahead and arrive early at the terminal!

Watch out of the fish sign!

Catch of the Day Cottages...and it's indeed a catch!

It's my first time staying in a log cottage, and it looks like exactly what I have in mind - like the one in old fairytale illustrations, rustic, charming, but it's equipped with modern appliances to fit modern living needs.

There's terrace garden outside, nice patio where we can enjoy the gorgeous view of Straight of Georgia; sometimes cruise ships can be seen passing by according to our host.

Our Cottage!

After few minutes of rest, we started exploring the town and noticed instantly how quiet it is for a Friday evening, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of big city during weekends, it's a nice short escape from the chaotic feel of the city; we stopped at a liquor store to grab ourselves some drinks to enjoy our evenings with. 

We watched the sunset in the garden terrace, we were hoping there's a luxury cruise ship passing by to watch. Theres none but the gentle sound of the water rushing to the rocks was enough to sooth our tired body, then call it a night.

Saturday in Sechelt

Smoked salmon bennies waffles

My teddy bear chose Gourmet Girl @ Pier 17 for breakfast. Conveniently located beside the Davis Bay, their waffles were very good starting meal for a busy day.

Berries and cream waffles 💖

We started our day walking along Davis Bay, while reminiscing our recent trip in the Philippines, we reminded each other that this would be one of our countless great memories together and there will be more to come.
Being raised from the east, now based in the west coast and had a chance to travel around the globe, I am glad that I experienced immersing in the waters of the east and west part of the Pacific Ocean, It's like listening to a story from opposite perspectives.

I started beach combing right away and found myself some nice  treasures --- sunbaked driftwoods for my air plants (see photo below); the shores were covered with pebbles and there are stacked rocks on display which inspired me to make my own, although I am no master of stone stacking but I added a playful touch on mine:

Make it stylish!

One of the suggested activity by our cottage host was to check out the Farmers' Market, the biggest on the Sunshine Coast.

Sechelt Farmers' Market banner

Morning shoppers in Sechelt farmers market

It's my first farmers market outside Vancouver, and was looking forward what their market has to offer. I noticed right away the abundance of art works made of beached trinkets, can't help admiring them that I admit that I splurged a bit 😉 and bought something for my mom back in the city. 

Dried lavenders

Aside from artworks, there's plenty of local produce, preserved fruits, and baked goods; we were intrigued by the melonpan being sold by one of the vendors as it resembles concha,  my 🐻's favourite bun. We were both too full to try all the goodies, we told ourselves that we will be back in Sechelt farmers' market anytime soon.

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

Morning Wisdom From Jethro's

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

My gastronomical Guru, Denny's taught me that "Anything can be solved over a stack of pancakes". Then Jethro's Fine Grub came along with a sign with bold statements that caught our eyes:

Jethro's Fine Grub sign (back)

Jethro's Fine Grub sign (front)

Not really in the mood for having bacon for breakfast, but it gave us an impression that they take their bacon seriously. That's a good sign.

It was a weekday so there was no long line up which regularly happens in several popular brunch places in the Vancouver area during the weekends.
We have a table ready and the service is fast; the attendant gave us a Mexican hot sauce right away which I really appreciated. I always ask for hot sauce when I go to brunch places. They also regularly check if we need our coffee refill.

Smoked Salmon Benedict vs. Apple Cobbler French Toast

There are a lot of great choices on their menu; it took me a while to choose between Smoked Salmon Benedict and Apple Cobbler French Toast I forgot to take a photo of their menu. I decided to order the Smoked Salmon Benedict instead of the other, and my 🐻 ordered The Gold Rush.
At that time we were not really in an adventurous mood (but would be ordering Crab Cake Benedict next time we visit)

While waiting for our order, I enjoyed the funny illustration on their wall. For sure it's an offensive joke for vegans and animal rights advocates, but I can see the humour in it.

Bacon is all that matters!

My dear 🐻's facial expression was priceless when he saw his order..it's huge! He was speechless for a few minutes. I gladly proceeded to enjoy my Benedicts and shared some of my hash browns with my dear 🐻. I am also having some bites of the yummy huge pancake.
I remembered messaging my sister about wishing she was with us, we need reinforcements 😂! I even saw the customer's order beside us, french toasts--- and the slices of each toast were thick!

Serving comparison

My order: Smoked Salmon Benedict

And his order...The Gold Rush

What's in The Gold Rush? A giant pancake stuffed with banana, pecans, streusel, and caramel. Topped with whipped butter and more caramel, pecans, and streusel!

We both enjoyed it (I actually loved it) but we couldn't finish it. One of the attendants provided us with a take-out box with instructions on how to reheat our generous leftovers.

Want to accept the challenge?

Jethro's Fine Grub has two locations: the Dunbar location and the Fraser St. location, so there are two battlefields to choose from:

Jethro's Fraser Street Location

Next time, we will be bringing an army to share the giant pancakes with. I guess from their sign it might sound like having too much of good things is great, but the real joy is sharing it with people who are special to us.

We need another empty tummy to help us...

Update: It's a great sadness to write this update...Jethro's Fine Grub has closed.(◞‸◟；)