Cheesecake Etc.

Cheesecake with Strawberries

Everyone has always been raving about Cheesecake Etc, but I had never been there despite me being a dessert junkie! So I finally got to on a Friday night, and the place was packed! The place was pretty big though, so we were able to grab a seat after waiting for about 5 minutes. To my surprise though, they barely had any varieties to choose from. It was either, Original Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Cheesecake with Strawberries, Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberries or Gourmet Special. So I decided to try the Cheesecake with Strawberries. It’s pretty good, but I didn’t think it was the best thing ever. I probably would prefer going to the Cheesecake Factory in the states and ordering a variety of different cheesecakes instead. Maybe I just like to try more unique desserts, but if you’re someone who likes the original cheesecake, then this is the place to go, at least in Vancouver!

Cheesecake Etc. on Urbanspoon

Falafel and Friends

Chicken Shawarama

This is kind of a late post, but during August, I went to English Bay to have a beach day with friends. Walking towards the beach, I was attracted by many different restaurants and snack shops along the way. And since I’m always hungry for food, I was craving some wraps and ended up in Falafel and Friends. The owner, I’m guessing, was really friendly and a little weird I would have to say, but he was pretty funny in a way. I got the Chicken Shawarama, and requested to have no tomatoes and parsley, and he started making fun of me. Weird. When my friend was paying for her wrap, she was digging for some change, and he said it was fine. Kind of weird in my opinion, but the food was quite good. Large portions as well!

Falafel & Friends on Urbanspoon

Han Ju Tofu Hot Pot

Korean Style BBQ with Rice

Seafood and Tofu Hot Pot

Han Ju Tofu Hot Pot is one of my favourite korean places to go! I don’t especially think of it as a Korean place though, since they only offer a few types of Tofu Hot Pots, and the rice. So, basically people come here to eat these few dishes. They do offer a few snacks and bubble tea drinks, which I find a little bizarre. I love their seafood hot pot though! It’s got these clear noodles inside the hot pot along with rice, so it’s really filling. You can also choose how spicy you want it. This one is mild. I have yet to try their Korean Style BBQ with Rice though! My friends always get it and say it’s their must have here! Their prices ranger from $5.95 to $6.95, so quite reasonable for a good portion. Don’t expect any fancy furniture or service though, as even their serving board is just similar to a fast food plastic one. Also gets quite busy during dinner time, so get there early!

Han Ju Tofu Hot Pot 韓州豆腐鍋專門店 (Richmond) on Urbanspoon

Waves Coffee House (Steveston)

I usually go to Blenz or Starbucks for coffee-type drinks, but decided to try out Waves instead. Went to the one in Steveston Village and found that the place is really cozy and comfy! A great place to have a nice chat or just to chill at night. Not a huge coffee drinker, and was craving some desserts as usual, so decided to try their brownie! I was surprised that it wasn’t at all as sweet as I had imagined it to be though! Quite good! I really want to try the huge assortment of paninis and sandwiches they have for lunch next time though!

Waves Coffee on Urbanspoon

BK Chicken Tenders

Last meal in the states was fast food and we decided to go to Burger King just before we got back to the other side of the border. And if you’ve been to the states, you would know how ridiculously cheap and large the portions of fast food are! 20 pieces of Chicken Tenders were just $4.99! They don’t have these in Canada at Burger King, however. It’s basically the same thing as McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, but they do taste a little different. The crispiness is a little different, but I actually prefer the Burger King Chicken Tenders! Give it a try when you go down to the states!

Garden City Kabob Grill

Calamari Set

Gyro Chicken Donair on Pita

It took me three visits to finally try this tiny little store, Garden City Kabob Grill, but definitely worth it! First time, I was 1 minute late and they closed, and second time, they weren’t open on a Sunday. They offer a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, such as wraps, falafels, platters, and spring rolls. An interesting item they have on the menu is their Taho (Soy Milk Pudding). Apparently it’s really delicious, but I have yet to try it! It comes with tapioca pearls and syrup as well. I actually only decided to try this place because a friend recommended me to try their pudding! But I wasn’t craving sweets that day, and tried their food instead, and it’s really good! Took a little long for the food to be ready, and the seating inside reminds of a Subway or fast food restaurant with the tray and all, but the food is still great! No need to tip that way!

Garden City Kabob Grill on Urbanspoon

Pearl Castle

Fried Pork Chop with Noodle Soup

Chicken with Three Spices

Seafood Udon Soup with Sliced Pork

Pearl Castle is one of my favourite go to places for Taiwanese food or bubble tea. There is always a large variety of food and drinks to choose from and they all taste great! This Pearl Castle is the Richmond Centre location and I found that their food did not taste as great as the one on Capstan. Perhaps it is a franchise? Not too sure. Service also took a little longer. Overall, still decent food.

Pearl Castle 圓香茶坊 (Richmond Centre) on Urbanspoon

Trees Organic

Mango Cheesecake

Trees Organic is an European style cafe with many locations. This one is take-out from the downtown location. They serve 100% Organic & Fair Trade Coffee, decadent cheesecakes, fresh pastries, sandwiches, vegan treats and more. I tried the featured special – Mango Cheesecake! It actually had bits of mangoes in it which was a surprise. Quite delicious! I would love to try their blueberry cheesecake next!

Trees Organic Coffee on Urbanspoon