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! (⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

Laminated Balls from The Philippines

They were the first thing on my shopping list when I planned my first trip back to the Philippines, after moving to Vancouver, even have set a budget to get a few pieces of them ˭̡̞(◞⁎˃ᆺ˂)◞*✰

It's embarrassing to admit that I don't remember exactly l where/when I saw them the first time, most likely I have seen them in Quiapo's famed "Ilalim ng Tulay" or "Under the Bridge" (not the Red Hot Chili Pepper Song).

The place is known for being the hub of anything Philippine handicrafts for tourists and locals, haggling is highly recommended.

It must have been the time when my late Aunt's first visit to the Philippines since moving to the States, I have a memory of us walking along Quiapo in search of something to bring back to the States with her, along the way I started noticing the decorated laminated balls in some stores, they are usually piled up in a shallow weaved basket, or arranged nicely in a wooden tray, their patterns caught my interest, actually, it was love at first sight. Each ball bears different patterns, and each piece showcases the Philippines' indigenous materials, beautiful in its own way.

When my time finally came to bring something to Vancouver from Manila, I indulged, I even bought a few from SM Kultura as I noticed they have better quality than the ones in the street stalls. I  rearranged my luggage's contents several times and carefully bubble-wrapped each to ensure I took them home crack and scratch-free. Nowadays I have them on display in and outside of our home.

It's been more than a decade since the first time I saw them in Quiapo; my love for it grew deeper because of the memory that it holds, It reminds me of the time when I was starting to picture what my future life would be, living a peaceful life, surrounded by beautiful things and people I cared for, and the laminated balls are part of it.

First Time Kaiseki Dining

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.

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 Part of the Menu

To see the whole Kaiseki gallery please click the emoticon: 

☜(⌒▽⌒)☞

Slice of Heaven in Higashiya Ginza

Somewhere 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.

Tea Bar

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:

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!

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.

Back in Japan ヾ(o✪‿✪o)ｼ

Before Marvel and DC superheroes I had Son Goku and Voltes 5 to rely on when planet Earth is in danger; my love affair with Japan started early, I remember my younger self wishing to visit Japan if the opportunity presented itself.

Then fast forward to 2018...

A year after our short visit to Narita and Shinjuku, me and 🐻 swore to each other that we will come back to spend more time and explore Japan. We were both hypnotized by Metropolitan Tokyo's crowded streets and flashing city lights, we really fell in love with how Japan balances modernization and old traditions.

There are plenty of Japanese restaurants in Metro Vancouver, and we regularly visit sushi restaurants in our area, I am proud to say that I converted my dear 🐻 into a sushi lover.  Even for a short trip, we aimed to dine in a sushi restaurant in Tokyo and we were very happy to find one in Shinjuku area - Kizuna Sushi.

On March 9 - 21, Japan is our chosen destination for our honeymoon, and me and my dear 🐻, now my husband are looking forward to it; we have already ordered our JR Rail Pass, our sumo tickets, booked ourselves a night in a ryokan with onsen and so much more on our plans, we are now in the process of tweaking our itinerary and for sure it's going to be a busy but lot's fun trip!

Here's one photo of Godzilla greeting us in Shinjuku 

≧(´▽｀)≦   ヾ(´▽｀*;)ゝ”

Godzilla head in Shinjuku

I guess my love affair with Japan goes on, this time I will be sharing it with my dear husband who is the biggest love of my life💕

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. (∩︵∩)

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.