The Cake Shop I've Loved For 20 Years

Since moving to Vancouver a long long time ago, Michele Cake Shop has always been at the top of my Chinese bakery list.

The fruit tarts are 1/3 of my favourites.  Want to know what the other two are?  Read on!

Nomnom...Jumbo Pretzel with Beer & Cheddar Fondue

It's been so cold and rainy the past few days/weeks, I can't help but reminiscent the better weather days.  During the summer, two of my good friends took me to Tap & Barrel in the Olympic Village area.

 Original Rock Salt & House Mustard Jumbo Pretzel with Beer & Cheddar Fondue add-on

On The First Day Of Christmas...Market

For some unexpected reason, we ended up at the Vancouver Christmas Market on its opening day.  How inconvenient, right? 

 I've been here back in 2011 or 2012, but didn't recall it to be this much fun!

The Forbidden City In Vancouver

I have never been to the Vancouver Art Gallery before this night.  I have walked by it many many times and been inside once (to wait for a friend), but never paid a proper visit.

It wasn't one of those typical nights where you just finish work and go home.  It was rather exciting to have something to look forward to!  Plus, I was glad to have done this with one of my lifelong friends.

My Favourite Ice Cream Brand Is "Seriously Good"

For those of you who know me, you'd probably guess sooner or later I would write about Earnest Ice cream.

When I travelled Europe, I fell deeply in love with Mövenpick's Swiss Chocolate flavour ice cream.  Normally in Canada, I love a good almond and chocolate coated Magnum ice cream bar. 
These were all before Earnest came into my life.

Before Flying Too Far, I Want You And You

The other day we headed to Trattoria at Park Royal for birthday lunch celebrations.

Compared to the Trattoria on 4th, this one is much much better!

Gnocchi for $16.95
(Tomato cream sauce, vodka, roasted garlic, italian sausage)

The Golden Furball ♥

When I first stepped into my friend's place and saw Ginger, she was this small, round and golden fur ball curled up sleeping with her chin dipped in her water bowl (awwww).

At the end of July, my friend brought home her Golden Retriever puppy.  I saw her the next day and she wasn't feeling well.  A little homesick and a little afraid, she wasn't eating nor drinking much. 

Who Doesn't Eat Tiramisu In Italy

Me.  

I've only been to Italy once in my life, but have not had the chance to enjoy a true Italian tiramisu nor an authentic non-Starbucks cup of coffee there (I didn't care about food as much then, but more on the architecture, landscape etc.  Now is when regret kicks in).  I'll ensure it doesn't happen the many next times I visit Italia.  

For now, I have to share the Vancouver-made tiramisu (by true Italians of course) that surprised me.  It is at a family-owned restaurant called the Italian Touch.

Prawns, Scallops, Portabello Mushrooms...Take Your Guess

I discovered good Seafood Crêpe in Vancouver!

I Take With Me...Memories

Before the departure, I figured it was probably worth while to hunt down the most beautiful places in my hometown.  Just because I am leaving, doesn't mean I'll love Vancouver less.  I want to tell everyone I meet:

"Look!  I'm from this beautiful place!" 
(With my nose high up in the air.)

How about let's start with the BEST places to view a Vancouver sunset?

Lions Gate Bridge: Off My Bucket List!

At this point in life, I have 2 bucket lists.  

1. World Edition

2. Local Edition (Right now, it's still Vancouver.)

Cycling across the Lions Gate Bridge was one of the top priorities.

For The Nights I Can't Remember

I know...I'm so lame, but it's a dedication to Hedley (a rockband based in BC, Canada and I love them)!

 Ever since one of my recent visits to London (in 2012), I have been in search for somewhere to see a gorgeous 360 degree night view of the city.  What has come close is this good view from the 38th floor of the Heron Tower near Liverpool Station.  (The elevator lights change colours!)

Almost Hogwarts...But Not Quite

Cambridge is an hour train ride from London's Liverpool station, which was where my journey started.

That Thing About Raw Oysters

Having been a Vancouverite, I'm not going to lie about how picky a foodie I am.  Once I mentioned I'm relocating to London, I immediately got asked about the food there.  Last week in London, I pretty much didn't eat for two days, ate burgers for three days and drank wine/gin and tonic for dinner for the remainder...(how do Londoners replace dinner with alcohol?)

Okay, I admit that I had macarons from Laduree and Pierre Herme and ice cream from Godiva on the same day...but this could only happen in London (and Paris, maybe Tokyo) so I had to!

The Count Down

London, an exciting city filled with opportunities I could never have imagined.