The Good Customer

WHAT? : Japanese-style prawn curry.  (Confession: This dish is actually served with 5 prawns, not 4, as shown in the above picture. I was so hungry that day that I had a prawn before remembering to take this shot. OOOPPS!)

WHY? : Entree was part of a “lunch set”. Served with coffee or tea. Delicious and well prepared with little extras such as almond silvers and pickled ginger.

HOW MUCH? : $11.99 for the set. An excellent deal!

WHERE? :

MORE: Formerly known as UCC Cafe Plaza, Aoyama Cafe is renowned for their UCC coffee blends – a brand that has been developed over the past 70 years. Choose your own individually “siphoned coffee” from a variety of coffee blends such as No. 1 Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaii Kona, and Sumiyaki (charcoal roast). Food is a fusion of Japanese and European - pastas, rice dishes, sandwiches, and desserts.

NOTES:  Had a wonderful experience at this location. Staff were exceptionally attentive and gracious.  Restaurant is divided into 2 sections – dining room and cafe. There is a minimum charge of $10 per person in the dining room. The airy and comfortable dining section is decorated with sleek, modern furniture. A lovely environment indeed!

Popularity: 3% [?]

WHAT? : Bento box – tuna & salmon sashimi, vegetable & prawn tempera, potato croquette, salad, rice.

WHY? : Delicious and affordable. If you frequent this restaurant, then you are probably familiar with it’s loyal following of patrons. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table during their dinner hours. On this particular visit, I’ve discovered that “lunch” is the perfect time to enjoy their delicious Japanese fare. Minimal wait times plus wonderful lunch box (bento) specials.

HOW MUCH? : $8.50

WHEN? : Lunch hours only

OTHER : There are 6 other bento box combinations to choose from  – $8.50 to $11.99.

WHERE? : SHIRO Japanese Restaurant;  3096 Cambie Street, Vancouver BC, V5Z 2V9, 604-874-0027

Popularity: 2% [?]

WHAT? : Pear, Brie and Prosciutto Sandwich

WHY? : Because it may be the most amazing sandwich… ever. Who would think that a combination of blue brie, sliced pear, prosciutto, roasted walnuts, lettuce, oil & vinegar served on a baguette could taste so good?

HOW MUCH? : $8.25

WHERE? : Finch’s Tea & Coffee House; 353 Pender Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 1T3, 604-899-4040          http://finchteahouse.com/menu.htm

TIP: The fine people at Finch’s make all their sandwiches with tender loving care, so please allow a little time for your sandwich preparation. Call ahead your order to reduce your wait time.

Popularity: 3% [?]

WHAT? : Glutinous Rice

WHY? : The most amazing glutinous rice I have ever tasted. Check out it’s contents: red rice, brown rice, black eye beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, Chinese shitake mushrooms, Chinese preserved sausage… sprinkled with scallions and sesames.

HOW MUCH? : $5.80 SGD

WHERE? :  Heritage Taste, Basement Level, Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore

Popularity: 3% [?]

~El Bandito~

~Red Hot Bayou~

WHAT? : Vegetarian hot dogs from CYBER DOGS – yes, somewhere amongst all the yummy toppings is a veggie wiener.  El Bandito ~ chili, cheese, salsa, avocado, onions.  Red Hot Bayou ~ red beans, pepper, onions, celery, corn, Cajun spices mixed with rice.

WHY? : The once boring “veggie dog” is all dressed up and ready for a night on the town! This establishment serves up their 100% vegetarian hot dogs in so many styles that you are bound to find something to whet your appetite.  Check out their website for their witty menu selections.

WHERE? : Cyber Dogs;  909 Pike Street, Seattle (corner of 9th & Pike), WA;  206-405-DOGS

http://www.cyber-dogs.com/

Popularity: 17% [?]

~Deconstructing The Crabs~

~Hairy Crab Deconstructed~

~Xiefen (crabmeat+crab roe sauce) Over Peashoots~

What? : Hairy Crab ( Da Zha Xie) aka “Chinese Mitten Crab”. Referred as such because of its dense patch of dark hair on it’s claws. Can be found in lakes across Jiangsu province which borders on Shanghai, China.

Why? : Between the months of September to November – the season to sample this delicacy coined “asian foie gras”. Can be prepared various ways, but the most popular and simplest is steamed with ginger to preserve it’s “fresh” taste.  Not a “meaty” crab, it is prized for it’s “roe” and “sweet tasting flesh” which can be enhanced by dipping into malt vinegar. Doesn’t sound appetizing? Dining on hairy crabs is an experience in itself! Who doesn’t want to use utensils specifically manufactured for these these tasty crustaceans?

Where? : These photos were taken from our dining escapade at Wu Kong Shanghai Restaurant. Alpha House Basement, 27-33 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong   2366-7244

Popularity: 2% [?]

~Smooth Operator~

What? : A decadent dessert coined the “Smooth Operator“.

Why? : Chocolate sponge cake layered with marscarpone cheese icing and fresh raspberries, topped with white chocolate shavings and drizzled with raspberry coulis. Need I say more?

Where? : Sweet Revenge Patisserie.  4160 Main Street, Vancouver BC, Canada   604-879-7933
http://www.sweet-revenge.ca

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Not Your Average Benny~

What?: Crab Meat Benny

Why?: A casual weekend brunch with loved ones introduced me to this indulgent entree. Not your average eggs benedict. Loads of crab meat served on top of grilled savory biscuits. Instead of hollandaise sauce – a chipotle-wild berry sauce. Comes with home cut potatoes and fresh cut fruit. Scrumptious!

Where?: Seb’s Market Cafe;  592 Broadway St
Vancouver, BC;  (604) 298-4403

Popularity: 5% [?]

~Not From Your Toaster~

 

 

What?: Asian-style french toast. Perfect slice of buttered toast topped with vanilla ice cream, red bean paste, and fresh whipped cream. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and matcha green tea powder.

 

Why? : The bread is absurdly wonderful! This Japanese style cafe is famous for their artisan Danish bread – made with the unique technique of forming 81 layers after folding the dough. The result is a gorgeous marble textured loaf that is crispy on the outside but soft and moist in the centre. Popularized throughout Japan after it was first made in Kyoto, Japan. Also known as the ‘magical bread’ in Japan.

How Much? :  $75 hkd – includes coffee or tea ($10 usd)

Where? : Bo-lo’Gne ; shop1,G/F,41-49 Aberdreen Street,Hong Kong

Popularity: 3% [?]

~Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice; Malaysian Style Sponge Cake; Fried Vermicelli With Hot Sauce~

~Preserved Egg and Pork Congee; Pan Fried Daikon Cakes; Fried Vermicelli~

Popularity: 5% [?]