Thrifty Tuesday - Bow Bow Cafe Taiwanese Restaurant

Bow Bow Cafe is at 4611 Kingsway in Burnaby and if you aren't looking for it or are looking for it but aren't paying attention, it is very easy to miss.  That's what I did, but my girlfriend who I was meeting found me on the street, turned me around, and led me to the hole-in-the-wall kind of place.

Bow Bow Cafe is a small restaurant serving Taiwanese noodles.  That's what it's famous for.  This is a no frills kind of place.  The menu is written on a chalkboard on the wall.  Read it and order.  It's that simple.  If you are a place that specializes in noodles, then you order the Taiwanese Beef Noodle.

We decided to also order the chicken noodle dish below.  However, I admit, I loved the Beef Noodle better.  The advantage of Bow Bow Cafe is that it's pretty simple and fast food and there's not much fuss.  The disadvantage other than trying to find it beside an adult sex shop, is that it is a cash only type of place.  I don't mind this as the dishes were reasonably priced at around $10-$12 each.  My friend treated me so I don't quite remember but it's a good place to try again now that fall is here for the beef noodle in a soup.  
  

Vancouver Restaurant - Hon Sushi Korean Japanese Restaurant in Burnaby

I can't believe that the last time I blogged about Hon Sushi a Korean Japanese restaurant in Burnaby it was a year ago.  In my post I had tried the Japanese food at Hon Sushi:  http://vancitygirlfriends.blogspot.ca/2016/02/vancouver-restaurant-hon-sushi-korean.html

Well we have tried the Korean food at Hon Sushi and love it!  I'm thankful my husband discovered this on his own with friends and loved it.  I'll always love Korean food as it brings back memories of when I taught English in Korea for two years when I was in my 20s.  The flavours, spiciness and taste.  

It's great to have a Korean restaurant that can provide the side dishes and a few of the famous Korean dishes.  Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the Korean Tofu hotpot.  That was delicious and what my husband and I do is that we will order a few dishes to share.  So we shared the stew with a bowl of rice each and the spicy squid dish below.  The side dishes of kimchi, pickled radish and seaweed come with the meal.  Another one of our favorites is the Korean pancake.  One day I'll bring my girlfriend who loves Korean dramas and food there to try a different hot pot.  When I do, I'll be sure to write another post to share with you.  Enjoy the pics and it's time to be adventurous and start looking for a Korean restaurant new you!

Thrifty Tuesday - Wing Wednesday at WINGS

WINGS is a pub and restaurant and like the name suggests it is famous for chicken wings.  They have 25 different flavors to choose from so it isn't easy to decide which ones to try.  Best is to bring a group of friends there on Wing Wednesday when the wings are on special and then share.  On the wing menu:  http://greatwings.ca/wings/ there are a few things to watch out for.  That would be the chili pepper icon which shows how spicy the wings are going to be and then the sauciness icon which looks like a mustard tear drop, this shows how saucy the wings will be.  Or how many napkins you'll need to get through the wings.  

It's a laid back pub and when we went with a group the server even split the bill.  What we didn't know was that they included a gratuity in the bill and many of us also gave a tip.  That's how cheap the bill was if we didn't even notice or think that a tip was included.  The wings are delicious!  

Burnaby French Bakery - Mon Paris Patissiere

Mon Paris Patissiere French inspired bakery has just opened in Burnaby just across from the Metrotown skytrain station on Beresford.  The chef was trained in France and it shows with the complexity and beauty of her chosen desserts.  

On a snowy Burnaby day I ventured out to Mon Paris Patissiere after discovering it on Instagram.  The photos looked beautiful and I wanted to try it.  I ordered ginger fresh tea $2.50 to help me recover from my cold and a Passionata dessert $6 because it sounded so delightful and I wanted a lighter dessert.   From Mon Paris Patiessere website:

"Passionata - Biscuit Madelaine with honey and raw sugar, mango brunoise, and passion fruit mousse."  

It is a quaint cafe with a four tables inside.  When I first arrived it was empty and I had the luxury of choosing a table and taking photos of the beautiful dessert and getting a refill of the soothing ginger fresh tea quietly.  When I left all the tables were full and customers had come through the little bakery.  Good to see for a newly opened bakery in Burnaby!  

Mon Paris Patissiere is lovely and I know that I'll be returning to taste more delightful desserts that's on their menu.  


Mon Paris Paitssiere Menu

Vancouver Restaurant: Boiling Point Restaurant

Even with the busy city lifestyle, it is nice once in a while to catch up with old friends.  December and January are popular months when I have an opportunity to meet friends and spend a bit of quality time.  I have one girlfriend who is Taiwanese and an avid foodie.  The combination makes her a perfect date and one who chooses fabulous unique restaurants.

Boiling Point is a Taiwanese hot pot specialty chain restaurant.  They have three Boiling Point restaurants in the Lower Mainland.  There is one in Burnaby, BC, Richmond, BC and Surrey, BC.  We went to the one in Burnaby which was the closest.  The have restaurants in the USA in Southern and Northern California and Washington.  There is also one in China.  

It is a quaint little restaurant and when I entered it was jam packed of people at the door.  Then I noticed a small little machine which was the ticket to let them know how many people were in your party.  It was easy enough to navigate and even though my girlfriend hadn't arrived, there were so many people standing at the door, I thought for sure it would be a 30 mins wait.  So I grabbed the ticket and found a standing spot inside to wait.  Less than 5 mins later the server came and called my number, I felt a bit embarrassed and told her my friend had not arrived yet so I could wait and she could seat the other guests.  She did that and returned and continued to seat others but at the same time was conscientious that I was first and kept checking to see when my friend would arrive.  Once I knew my girlfriend was looking for parking and told the server, she asked me to sit at the table first.  The tables are quite tightly packed and it is perfect if there are two people who are eating.  The menu was a one pager with great pictures of different types of hot pots and descriptions.  I decided to try the Korean style hot pot and my friend also ordered side dishes of stinky tofu and grilled pork, Taiwanese specialties.  

At Boiling Point everyone gets their own individual hot pot that is cooked in front of you.   I love restaurants where you can actively participate.  Even though it is a small space and jam packed, the hot pots were delicious and I can't wait to return so I can try a different hot pot.  

I would want to return for lunch since the lunch combo consists of hot pot, rice and a drink for $11.99.  The dinner combo is the hot pot and rice for $12.99.  Enjoy my pics below and feel free to check out their full menu:  Boiling Point.

Boiling Point Side Dish - Fermented Tofu (Stinky Tofu)

Boiling Point Side Dish - Sliced Pork

Boiling Point Hot Pot - Korean Bean Paste

Boiling Point Hot Pot - House Special

Vancouver Event: 4Cats Mug of the Season Workshop

Last year I bought in the Entertainment Book and knowing that it would expire at the end of December, I explored it to see what else I could use before the land of Entertainment book coupons ended. 

That's when I discovered the 4Cats Workshops at Capitol Hill in Burnaby.  It is close to SFU and when I saw the Polar Bear Mug was the mug of the season, I invited a girlfriend who invited more girlfriends and then there were four of us going to the Polar Bear Mug workshop at 4Cats.  I was even able to find another coupon to use.  

This was a fun Friday night that flew by quickly because adults are perfectionists and it takes us longer to follow instructions and make our mugs.  That's what I think.  When we first arrived we all sat around a large table and the 4Cats teacher gave us name tags and the clay supplies.  Then she went through each step and the class followed.  I have to admit that everything was going well until it was time to add the mug handle.  It was hard, and then my clay started cracking and I had a lopsided handle that fell apart.  In the end I asked the teacher to do it for me.  Yes, I'm not afraid to ask for help.  Thankfully she did so I had enough time to paint my mug before the class was done.  

Now my Polar bear mug is curing so I'm not sure what the final results will look like.  If you are looking for an event for your girlfriends, then check out Capitol Hill and the adult workshops.  I know that kids love 4Cats but I never knew it could be fun for adults too.  

Vancouver Restaurant: Trattoria Burnaby Pasta Tuesday

National Blog Posting Month

Blogging everyday in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 8 - Pasta Tuesday at Trattoria Burnaby

While pasta Tuesday is known at Boston Pizza, I'd say skip BP and go to Tratt Tuesday at Trattoria Burnaby instead.  They have amazing pasta and every Tuesday these signature pasta dishes are only $12 for a gourmet dinner.  Now that is a special feature that is win win for everyone.  Plus I have found that they are quite fast at preparing the dishes on Tratt Tuesday and I know why.  If they are giving away their pasta dishes at $12 then they want to turn over as many tables as possible.  I love it!  

Sometimes I just want a good meal fast and Trattoria Tuesday did it for me.  I'm not sure if we just got lucky that night.  Lucky since we didn't have to wait for a table and they seated us on the bar seats and table by the window immediatly.  We ordered our pasta dishes and they were served quickly, then the bill was brought promptly to our table.  It was wonderful fast service which is how we like it.  Delicious food and the ability to pay and leave conveniently and quickly without any pressure to buy drinks or dessert.  I'm sure that they have busier Tuesdays where you have to wait depending on the number in your party.  All in all I'd take Pasta Tuesday at Trattoria Burnaby over Boston Pizza any day.   Take a look at that tasty Tratt Tuesday!  

Trattoria Tuesday 

Vancouver Park - Fall is in the Air at Central Park

National Blog Posting Month in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 3 - Fall is in the Air

On these rainy days in Vancouver it is nice to look back on #ThrowbackThursday to the crisp fall days when the leaves are changing colours and fall is in the air.  One sunny day a few friends decided to ring me up and since they were in the area we went for a walk in Central Park in Burnaby.  

That was a great opportunity for me to explore Central Park in the fall.  When you look up you can see the trees and there are many types to see that I wasn't even aware of.  We had a fabulous day of photography taking photos of the maple leaves, the scenery of the park and the surrounding areas.  That goes to show that even though I live there, I am commuting to work and not fully present in the moment to actually look up the trees that surround me.  So take a moment around your neighbourhood and you may be surprised to find some hidden gems.  

Vancouver Coffee Shop - Platform 7

Platform 7 is not your regular brand name coffee shop.  Instead when I first walked in, I thought I was taken to London England and brought into the Harry Potter set.  The decor is that of a train station and it is mesmerizing.  Then the menu is amazingly difficult to follow because there are so many different choices.  I decided to try something new and ordered a Shakerato.  

It was an elegant iced drink served in a martini glass.  It was essentially a coffee cocktail.  A shot of espresso chilled and shaken with ice and  I think they mentioned there was a fruit mix but I'm not sure.   lounge.  The coffee cocktail did give me a bit of a buzz.   Platform 7 had almost like a lounge feeling.  London England train station to be more exact.  A few times, I had to double check and say "Is this not Harry Potter?"  "No, that's Platform 9 and 3/4".  

Either way, it's worth checking out:  Platform 7 Website

Travel Tuesday - Deer Lake Park

I love being a tourist in my own town and exploring nature in the city.  In Burnaby there are beautiful parks and Deer Lake Park is one of them.  

Deer Lake Park in the summer has boat rentals where people can rent kayaks, canoes, or peddle boats to scoot around the small lake.  Deer Lake has a beautiful walking trail around the lake with a wooden boardwalk that cuts across one end of the lake.  There are ducks around surprising few mosquitoes as it is not as large as Burnaby Lake.  It is easy to walk around Deer Lake Park in less than an hour.  

Even in the summer, we were able to enjoy an evening stroll before dinner.  I was happy we were walking instead of running.  Save the running for the cool fall weather.  Enjoy the views of the lake on a summer day!

Vancouver Restaurant - Trattoria Burnaby

One evening after dinner and a bike ride, I went to Trattoria Burnaby for drinks and a snack.  Living in Burnaby, Trattoria is a convenient restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a wood burning oven.  On Thursdays their signature cocktails had a discount so I decided to try their Limoncello Peach Mojito.  This was a nice refreshing drink for a summer's night and made my cheeks rosy.  Of course it doesn't take much for that to happen.  Some drinks just go down a little too easy.  

For our snack, we shared a Squash pizza and it was a burst of unique flavours that I never imagined would go so well together and look so picturesque.  It almost makes me want to be a vegetarian if meals were this delicious.  The squash pizza had pesto, roasted squash and hazelnuts and tallegio.  Even if you are not a vegetarian, it is worth tasting and so much more adventurous than boring pepperoni pizza which does not exist on Trattoria Burnaby's menu.

If you're in the neighbourhood, check out Trattoria Burnaby's Menu.  They also have a Cocktail hour from 2:30-5:30pm and 9:30-close everyday.  Trattoria Burnaby is so close to home that I know I'll be back to try more.  

Trattoria Burnaby Blog Posts:  Brunch or Breakfast and Weekend Brunch

Vancouver Restaurant: Sushi Town Burnaby Restaurant

Sometimes it is great to get outside of downtown Vancouver and head out into the suburbs.  I'm not sure if you call Burnaby the suburbs but there are some great restaurants in North Burnaby on Hastings Street.

Sushi Town is one of them located at 5935 Hastings Street in Burnaby.  It has generous portions and I was completely full after lunch.  Likely I need to remember this next time so my eyes aren't bigger than my stomach.

The spicy salmon sashi serving if probably enough for four people.  It is a place where you can share your rolls and the special rolls are larger.  I ordered a house roll and a mangodise roll.  I really loved the mangodise roll, maybe the presentation made it more appealing.  It was too much food and I couldn't finish the house roll.  In hindsight I should have ordered a smaller roll like a california roll.  I'd definitely share a salmon sashimi.  It was refreshing.  

If you are in the neighbourhood and are looking for an affordable sushi joint in Burnaby, check out Sushi Town.  

Spicy Salmon Sashimi

Mangodise Roll

Vancouver Restaurant - Big Smoke Burgers at Simon Fraser Univercity

This year a new burger joint arrived on top of Burnaby Mountain at Simon Fraser University campus.  That was Big Smoke Burgers - Hand Crafted Burgers.  University students must like burgers to have a specialized burger joint at Cornerstone right by the bus loop.  It is a spacious restaurant and a fast food ordering.  They have hand crafted burgers and beer.  

The menu has an assortment of specialty burgers from chicken, veggie, beef, and lamb.  Sides include onion rings, fries, poutine, or a side salad.  Combos are the obvious option where you can have your burger of choice, a side (exclusive of the green salad) and a drink of water, Boylan's soda, or a fountain drink.  

I decided to try the lamb burger with jalapeno harvarti cheese and mushrooms.  Delicious!  It is nice to be able to create your own burger and choose onion rings to go with it.  It's an affordable option to hang out with friends at SFU.  

Now I wouldn't be able to have a burger and onion rings everyday but on the odd occasion with friends, it sis a nice treat and a winning combination.  

Big Smoke Burgers Menu:  http://bigsmokeburger.com/menu/

Vancouver Restaurant - Dinesty Dumpling House

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Seafood Noodle

The first time I went to Dinesty Dumpling House it was on Robson Street with a girlfriend to celebrate Chinese New Year.  She arrived early to put our name on the waiting list and we stood outside in the sunshine before they called our name.  The shanghai style dumplings were AMAZING!  It was a packed restaurant but the food that arrived at our table was worth the wait.  It is flavorful and fresh.  They make dumplings and handmade noodle in house.  

So I was super excited to find that there was the same Dinesty Dumpling house in Burnaby on Kingsway.  So convenient!  This was a great spot to take a friend to lunch after a fun Zumba workout upstairs at GoodLife Fitness.  This time we did not have to wait for a table.  Dinesty Dumpling House on Kingsway is spacious and it was just a few minutes before they seated us.  The service was fast and efficient.  Of course we ordered the Pork Dumplings, Seafood Noodle, and deep fried bread with condensed milk.  DELICIOUS!  

Deep Fried Bread with Condensed Milk

Pork Dumplings

Deer Lake Park

Deer Lake Park is situated in Burnaby, BC and close to Metrotown.  It is a small lake where people can rent canoes and boats in the busy summer months.  There are walking trails that surround the lake and the Shadbolt Arts Center and Burnaby Art Gallery are nearby.  The walking trails are well maintained and it is well used.  They built a boardwalk so that a part of the trails is going across the lake.  There are herons and geese and dog walkers and runners.  

Some places are more populated than others but it is easy to find a quiet place.  Most who go there want to be in nature for awhile or to sit on a nearby park bench and enjoy the natural view in the middle of the city. It is great to visit on a sunny day or to go walk around right before sunset.  

Each time I go I find new scenery, flora and fauna, and views that capture my lens.  Enjoy the photos from my March visits to Deer Lake Park in Burnaby.

Deer Lake - Fish pond

Deer Lake Sunset

Deer Lake Boardwalk

Deer Lake at Sunset

Deer Lake Walking Trails

Breakfast or Brunch in Burnaby #AtoZChallenge

Breakfast or Brunch

Breakfast is as many say the most important part of the day and it is the work day that we mostly refer to.  It is also the meal that can easily get skipped.  

I've made yogurt parfaits at home the night before to have a quick breakfast in the morning when I wake up at 6am.  As you can imagine on those busy weekday mornings, the last thing I want to do is make breakfast.  If I don't have breakfast at home, I eat breakfast at the cafeteria at work.  So I can literally get up and go.  Breakfast is rushed but fast and easy. 

Brunch is usually on the weekends and is a combination of breakfast and lunch.  It is the best of both worlds depending on your taste buds.  On the weekends, we sleep in and we don't need to have a quick breakfast on the go.  Instead we can take our time and luxuriate with coffee (for those who drink it) and enjoy brunch over a few hours.  There is no work week rush.  

Burnaby Trattoria opens at 11am for their weekend brunch.  Most of the time when we go, we are greeted at our table with a complimentary bread pudding with chantilly whipped cream.  Such a nice appetizer to start off the day before we order our meal.  They have a small select number of brunch items which I am slowing tasting through the menu with each visit.  

Breakfast Pizza

What's on the menu?  

Breakfast pizza as pictured is topped with double smoked bacon, egg, and tomatoes.  WOW!  It comes full size so I could only eat half.  If you want a savory meal and are hungry, order this one.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict or Traditional Eggs Benedict which comes with hashbrowns and a green salad.  Both are what you would expect from a morning brunch.  Eggs benedict as always are topped with hollandaise sauce.  

I'm curious to try their Truffled Mushroom Frittata next.



Trattoria Burnaby Brunch Menu 

Vancouver Restaurant - Hon Sushi Korean Japanese Restaurant

Last month we discovered Hon Sushi in Burnaby and wrote about it here:  http://vancitygirlfriends.blogspot.ca/2016/01/hon-sushi-korean-japanese-restaurant-in.html

During that time we've returned and the food quality has been inconsistent especially with anything that is deep fried such as the calimary or popcorn shrimp.  We were about to give up and not return, but I remembered that they had lunch specials and wanted to give them one last chance to redeem themselves especially since our first experiences were extremely positive.  

Their lunch specials run from 11am - 3pm which is quite generous and since we like to eat a late lunch.  It was 2pm and we had plenty of time to order from the lunch special menu.  

I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki which comes with miso soup for $6.95 and my husband ordered the Dynamite Combo which comes with a salad for $9.95.  The food was freshly made and I was happy again with Hon Sushi.  

I still want to return one day to try their Korean food which I haven't touched yet.  It still remains a nice choice in the neighbourhood for sushi.

Even though people are still asking, this is not Fish on Rice anymore so they don't have the AYCE sushi.  You will need to go to Kawawa Japanese restaurant in Metorown for AYCE (All You Can Eat) sushi now.  

Weekend Brunch - Trattoria Burnaby

Trattoria Burnaby may be known for their pasta Tuesdays, wine Wednesdays, or pizza Sundays, but did you know that they are open for brunch on the weekends.

Fennel Sausage Hash

We recently discovered this delight and their amazing brunch menu of eggs benedict, fennel and sausage hash, and when we went their they started us off with a complimentary sample of their bread pudding with chantilly cream.  They have real coffee and an espresso bar so you can have good coffee with your brunch.  

In Burnaby there are not a lot of breakfast joints and especially none that open early.  Trattoria Burnaby opens at 11am on the weekends and holidays for brunch but we hope that with our feedback, they will consider opening earlier on the weekends.  Then they could become out new breakfast joint.

Our first impression was a pretty good one.  I enjoyed my breakfast with my Mighty Leaf tea and since my husband raved about how delicious their coffee is, I may try that next time even though I'm not a regular coffee drinker.  

I'm happy we ventured on a rainy day to Trattoria Burnaby for brunch and here's the menu to check out if you are in the area.  I already know what I'll order the next time I go there, the Truffled Mushroom Frittata.    http://www.glowbalgroup.com/trattoria/trattoria-burnaby.html#menu-section

Vietnamese Restaurant: Pho 101 in Burnaby

It is always so nice to eat out in restaurants and dishes instead of plastic containers.  This was one of those days.  Pho101 is a Vietnamese restaurant at 5937 Hastings Street.  Especially for those cold rainy dark days, it is always nice to have a bowl of warm comfort soup.  I decided not to go with Pho (soup) and instead enjoy their Vermicelli which you can't see in the picture because that is hidden underneath the grilled pork, sugar cane, spring roll, and pork patty.  Wow, that dish has a little bit of everything and is super delicious.  Just writing this blog is making my mouth water.  

If you prefer to order by numbers, this one's #35.  

They are also on Skip the Dishes:  https://www.skipthedishes.com/pho-101

Vancouver Restaurant: Firepots

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Winter is the perfect time for hot pot.  With many people getting the flu or cold the idea of sharing a hot pot is not ideal but we still want our hot pot so Firepots is perfect because they have individual hot pots.  Each person can order what type of hot pot they want and it is cooked on the warmer in front of your seat.

Why did we choose Firepots?  It's in Burnaby which is a convenient location.  There is a coupon in the Entertainment Book that has a 2 for 1 entree at Firepots.  I buy the Entertainment Book every year to support my niece's school so while I have it I might as well try different types of restaurants and save money at the same time.  

I tried the Fiery Schezuan Lamb which they made milder for me except for when I bit down on a fiery peppercorn.  I did eat it all up.  My friend's Tom Yum Goong Seafood Hot Pot looked amazing and I'm curious about the Satay Beef.    The Chocolate Fondue is a nice sharing dessert.  Three of us shared one and it was perfect!   Even without an Entertainment coupon, it is quite reasonably priced at $15 per individual hot pot.  It's definitely a foodie adventure.

Signature Hot Pot -Tom Yum Goong Seafood Hot Pot

Chocolate Fondue - Melting the chocolate on the warmer

Firepots Website:  http://www.firepots.ca/menu