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

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.

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.

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.

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.

A row of savoury tidbits

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

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!

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.