However your strategy to tackle Las Vegas, self-restraint or moderation is probably not going to be one of them. True to form, Las Vegas does everything big!   None more so than the legendary buffets the hotels offer to entice the sins of gluttony.

Whenever we find ourselves in Las Vegas, hitting a buffet for a perfectly seared rib eye, or for the piles of gigantic crab legs, is guaranteed to be on our list of to-dos. To be clear, these are not you regular hometown or 5$ all you can eat Chinese buffets. It may seem oxymoronic, but the best buffets in Las Vegas dish out some serious cuisine.  Best of all, you can gorge yourself on cuisines from all over the world without ever having to leave the Las Vegas strip.

But with all the options, which are the best buffets in Las Vegas? Unfortunately many of the buffets, like anything in Las Vegas can be a gamble, leaving you bloated and unsatisfied on nothing but grease and filler.

So to save you time, money and to make each calorie count here’s my top 5 best buffets in Las Vegas:

Bacchanal, Caesars Palace – the flagship buffet that all, before and after, aspire to be like. You’ll be hard pressed to find a buffet lover who doesn’t have Bacchanal as one of their best buffets in Las Vegas. With mountains of crab legs, ginseng chicken soup, and honey dripping off honeycombs, each section is compartmentalized and helmed by a specialized chef to maintain quality and authenticity. The food here, tastes as good as it looks. There’s no skimping on style and quality at Bacchanal. For those interested in making a buffet the highlight of your trip or perhaps wish to indulge in 9 separate restaurants at once, Bacchanal is a must.

Be forewarned though, this type of quality certainly does not come cheap, as the price is the on the high end of buffets, but once you get past the sticker shock, heaven is just beyond the cashier!

Wicked spoon, The Cosmopolitan – A real contender for the top spot as one of the best buffets in Las Vegas, Wicked Spoon is huge on creativity and presentation. Unlike most trough style buffets, dishes here are pre-portioned on smaller plates stimulating “tastings” rather than an all out gorging. For most, it’s a departure from the stigma of buffets creating a classier experience. You’ll avoid overdoing it on their designer spicy mac-and-cheese, and be able to take advantage of the wide range of ethnic cuisines.

Probably the only think lacking is the seafood selection. Not to say they don’t have seafood, but it’s just not as ample of a selection as many of the other Las Vegas buffets on the list. But then again, it might be because they had to make room for their full sized gelato bar!

The Village Seafood Buffet, RIO All Suite Hotel and Casino- The RIO has two buffets.  But the one that you should invest your winnings in is the Village Seafood Buffet. One of the originals that once commanded massive waits and lines, the Village Seafood Buffet has gone through a bit of a renaissance over the years restyling itself as the THE premier Las Vegas seafood buffet. Although the buffet has since fallen out of favor in the wake of more upscale competition, make no mistake this is a solid buffet.  If seafood is your sin, you’ll have an endless stream of Lobster, crab legs, oysters on the half, shrimp, clams, mussels and much more.

Studio B, The M Resort – A newer edition and a bit of trek from the main strip, Studio B understands that, if you bothered to make the trip to their buffet, they better not disappoint.   With most standard offerings typical of Las Vegas buffets, Studio B rises above the competition by including beer and wine into the cost – making Studio B a great deal and a great start to your Las Vegas adventure. The alcohol selection is limited, but with mimosas on tap, who’s complaining!

Also worth mentioning, Studio B at the time that we went had quite a lot of vegetarian and meatless options – A welcome break for those on meat overload.

Le Village Buffet, Paris – If you have an awesome crepe bar, you’re going to make my list.  With a pretty impressive menu of sweet and savory crepes, Le Village Buffet brings a taste of France to Las Vegas.   I’m not going to say it’s as good as the ones you get from an authentic French creperie, but it certainly satisfies the Jones. In addition to the crepes, you’ll also find Parisian staples like macarons, crème brulee, and truffled pastas!

It’s an older option on the strip, and does lack the bells and whistles of the newer buffets, but it is quite a bit cheaper than say Bacchanal or Wicked Spoon and definitely deserves a spot as one of the best buffets in Las Vegas.

Where once Las Vegas was all about gambling, it has since become synonymous with its buffets. Regardless of what your plans are in Las Vegas, I bet you’ll end up, at a minimum, at one of the many buffets.   Hit up any of the top 5 Las Vegas Buffets listed above and you’ll walk away happy and satisfied knowing you finally beat the House!

The post You Can’t lose! The 5 Best Buffets In Las Vegas appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Have you ever stopped to wonder how they make the noodles for your Pho noodle soup? That question had never crossed my mind until my visit to Nha Trang, Vietnam.

For those who don’t know, Pho is a Vietnamese soup containing rice noodles and meat. It is often served with basil, bean sprouts, green onions, and lemon and Hoisin sauce are added to taste (unless you are like my husband and add half the jar of Hoisin sauce – in that case it really isn’t Pho anymore but some form of Hoisin soup). You can get different types of Pho and various combinations, but the basic types are:

• Pho Dac Biet: Pho with everything in it
• Pho Tai: Pho with thinly sliced beef
• Pho Sach: Pho with tripe
• Pho Bo Vo Vien: Pho with beef meatballs
• Pho Ga: Pho with chicken
• Pho Bo Sate: Pho with beef in a sate broth
• Pho Ga Sate: Pho with chicken in a sate broth

Like I said before, I never really thought about how the rice noodles are made – just more concerned with the type of Pho I was going to order and whether the broth is going to be flavorful and free of MSG. When you are making Pho, it usually takes about 15 seconds to cook the noodles (assuming they have been presoaked) – just put them in boiling water to soften, throw them in the bowl and add the broth. Simple enough. But there’s actually a whole other process that is invisible to us Pho eaters before we can even boil the noodles to eat our favorite Vietnamese Pho noodle soup!

Making Vietnamese Pho Noodles

Step 1: rice grains are soaked in water for a long period of time to soften.

Step 2: once soft enough, the rice is ground up into a batter. Traditionally the rice is not mixed with any other flour, but now it is common for people to add tapioca starch to make it more chewy and flexible.

Step 3: the batter is then heated directly onto the drying racks (you can see the fire provides a constant source of heat).  Here’s a video that helps that shows you the art of making banh Pho:

Step 4: the racks are placed out in the sun to dry.

Step 5: a machine is then used to cut the dried rice paper into noodles.

We were told that the factory produces all the Pho noodles for the City of Nha Trang, which is a lot of noodles. I have to say, visiting the factory makes me appreciate my Pho noodles that much more.

The post Got Banh Pho? Making Vietnamese Pho Noodles appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of Magnus Larsson

No list of any sort is ever 100% complete or infallible: Lettermen has a new top ten every night, Billboard practically changes weekly, and Nobel has a new list of winners every year. Likewise, since my “Last 2 Days in Vancouver”, I’ve come to realize more places I would miss dearly if I were to leave Vancouver and never return. So, I’m adding to the list. Here are more places I would visit – places that are distinctly Vancouver – if I only had 2 days left to enjoy this city.

Nook (Kitsilano)

Nook – Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza

Lively restaurant by the beach. Check. Delicious house-made pasta and pizza bread. Check. Distinctly Vancouver-inspired appetizer. Check. As a treat, my wife and I come to this Italian restaurant for their Vegetable Antipasto (it’s got quinoa, barley, kale and beets – very Vancouver indeed), the Casarecce, and their housemade sausage (lunch only). Great food, great atmosphere, and great for kids too (the lunch time crowd on weekends are predominantly families with kids). I never walk away disappointed – however, they do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait during peak times.

Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodle

Chef Hung -Can’t remember the names of the dishes – but yum!

So what do you do when you win the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival in 2007, 2008, and 2010? You open 8 restaurants around the world – and make sure 3 of them are in the Greater Vancouver region (Richmond, UBC, and West Vancouver). We discovered this place when there was only 1 restaurant in Vancouver (the Richmond location) and it is easily my favourite noodle place. I bring my father-in-law whenever he’s in town, and even he loves it (and old Chinese men are often the biggest critics). A bonus of going to the Richmond location is that it’s located in Aberdeen centre, where I walk around afterwards to get my Chinese on. By the way, I’m Chinese.

Robson Summer Dance Series (Friday nights)

Image courtesy of Asher Isbrucker

In a previous life, I ballroom danced – and by that I mean I took lessons, trained religiously, entered dance competitions, won competitions, dated my dance partner, and completely neglected my academic responsibilities during my university education. Robson Summer Dance series is an event where – for an evening – I can at least reminisce about my previous experiences and mistakes. It’s a free event and includes a free dance lesson and 2 dance demos along with a few hours of general dancing in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It’s an event for everyone – not just washed up ballroom dancers like myself – and I don’t think there’s a better thing to do for free with a crowd of people on a Friday night. The Summer Dance series is put on by Dancesport BC and runs during July and August.

Richmond Night Market

Image courtesy of GoToVan

There are 2 summer night markets in Richmond, and the one to go to is the original Richmond Night Market located by River Rock Casino. Running on weekends starting mid-May to mid-October, I go for the atmosphere – and by that I mean pushing through scores of people lining up in every which direction for crappy dim sum – and to see the various types of food being served – like the Rotato and the ice dessert shaped like a phallus accompanied with whipped cream (I’m not kidding). Okay, so it’s not that cheap and the food isn’t that great, but I go once or twice a season, and I love the novelty. Oh yeah, and they’ve got a great selection of socks from Korea and China there too.

FUSE (Vancouver Art Gallery)

Image courtesy of Thomas Quine

Normally, I don’t go to art events because I can’t stand the people who go (i.e. the hood rats dressed up in Michael Kors or the wealthy who like to use words like banal to describe art), but I make an exception for FUSE. Every 2 or 3 months, the Vancouver Art Gallery holds an adults only evening – an evening filled with performance art, jazz, wine, and music. I like dressing up, looking at art, and having a drink in the café while listening to jazz. There is something for everyone, and if you can’t find anything you like, just do as I do and starting hating on the hood rats and the wealthy.

The Grouse Grind

6 Tips to Dominate The Grouse Grind

Whenever hiking is mentioned in Vancouver, the Grouse Grind almost always comes up. It is not a particularly scenic hike where hikers get to see breathtaking views of snow capped mountains. It is not a particularly adventurous hike where survivalists walk for miles into the back country to rough it, far away from fast food joints, cell phone service, and hipsters. It is a hike that is all about business; it is, as many describe it, Mother Nature’s Stair climber – and I love it. Hike the Grind, see the view of Vancouver from above (when it’s not raining), and feel good about yourself.

Read my related post – 6 Tips To Dominate the Grouse Grind

As always, there are some more things I would do, but that may have to wait for another blog post (One more last 2 days in Vancouver perhaps?). What would you do in your last 2 days in Vancouver? In your hometown? I’d love to know.

The post 2 MORE days in Vancouver? Okay! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Six days is not nearly enough time to experience the culinary pleasures that New York has to offer. I had grand plans to visit places such as Babbo (Mario Batali’s restaurant in Greenwich Village), Dominique Ansel (the bakery that created the cronut – a heavenly cross between a donut and croissant), and the Milk Truck, but unfortunately time got away from us and we ate wherever it was convenient. That is not to say that our taste buds suffered as a result – that is indeed not the case – but rather we just ate at restaurants that were close by and in doing so were able to experience some of the best New York food along the way.

Here are some of the places we went to that are definitely worth mentioning:

Amy’s Bread: I’ve said it once, I will say it again – Amy’s Bread! I’ve already mentioned the Coconut Dream Bar, but the German Chocolate cake and bread twists were some other favourites. Mike had the Manhattan Breakfast with Coffee one morning and he enjoyed it very much! Amy’s Bread also offers bread-making classes, which is something I am going to do the next time I go to NYC!!!

Magnolia Bakery: this place is always busy, but the Key Lime cheesecake and Oatmeal Raisin cookies made it worth the wait in line. Cupcakes seem to be the dessert of choice for most patrons and they were able to sell me a coconut cupcake, or two J.

Carnegie Deli: the food portions are huge, so you may want to share with someone. Mike had the corned beef sandwich and because I don’t eat meat, he was on his own and did not mind one bit. Instead I had the potato pancakes, which were ginormous, and although they were good they were a bit too much for me. On top of that, Mike ordered onion rings because why wouldn’t we want onion rings?

Going at night allowed us to get a table easily, but when we were leaving a line up was beginning to form.

Onion rings as a side dish.

There was like a pound of meat in this sandwich. Mike was not able to finish the whole sandwich, but really who could eat all of this in one sitting?

Potato pancakes, good but I probably shouldn’t have ordered them in a place that specializes in smoked and cured meats.

For me, the atmosphere and decades worth of pictures hanging off the wall at Carnegie Deli was more of the appeal than the food itself. I’m sure you would get a different opinion from a meat eater or Rueben sandwich connoisseur because Carnegie Deli is famous for its meats.

Trattoria Trecolori: before going to see the Book of Mormon, Mike and I wanted to go to a nice Italian restaurant close to the theatre. Walking around, we came upon Trattoria Trecolori and thought “why not”? We were pleasantly surprised – the food was authentic and delicious, the service was great, portions were just right, and the prices were completely reasonable.

Mike had the ravioli, which was stuffed with different cheeses . . . hmmmm delish.

I had the Linguine Nere alla Monsignore, which was linguini with shrimp, scallops, squid, clams, and mussels in a marinara sauce. The dish satisfied both my craving for pasta and seafood!

Momofuku Noodle Bar: this is one of the best places in New York for Ramen. It is located in the East Village and we would have overlooked this little non-assuming restaurant if we weren’t specifically looking for it. I jumped for joy when we finally found it and realized that there was no line up. I had read from a number of reviews that it was best to go at off-dinner hours or else you would wait in line for a long time.

I had the spicy miso ramen, which was served with smoked chicken, a poached egg, and sesame. The noodles were succulent and perfectly cooked, not soggy, and the broth had a depth of flavour that when mixed together with all the other ingredients it was truly an orgasmic experience.

Related post:  10 of the Best Vancouver Ramen Shops

Momofuku’s spicy miso ramen . . out of this world!

Mike had the ginger scallion noodles, which was served with pickled shitakes, cucumber and cabbage. A good alternative if you don’t want something soup based

We also ordered the shitake mushroom buns and I had no idea what I was getting into until after the first bite. I grew up eating buns – Bun Bao, Banh It Tran, all sorts of Chinese buns – but this was gastronomic heaven!!! There was a unique flavour from the hoisin sauce and shitake mushrooms, and when you combined it with the cucumber it helped to lighten the palette and not overwhelm as it often happens when you have too much hoisin sauce in a dish. Not to mention, the buns themselves were light and fluffy so when you put it altogether you have the perfect balance between taste and texture. This place is definitely a must try!

Steak and Shake: after the David Letterman Show we stopped in for a shake. The Oreo Cookies N’ Cream shake was definitely the cherry on top of a great day!

What are some of your favorite New York food places?  Let me know so I can check it out next time.

Want to find out more about New York?

New York Part 1 – U.S Tennis Open

New York Part 2 – David Letterman and Times Square

New York City Tours Part 3 – Keep on Hopping on

The post New York Food Part 4 – Gastronomic Heaven appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Is that Doner a Gyro?

When traveling to a new destination, my biggest fear is making a complete ass of myself.  Typically, when planning for a trip, part of my prep ritual is to research the history, culture and etiquette of the destination.  This not only enriches my travels and overall immersion, but also helps me to avoid being that tourist. I know you’ve all seen them: loud, obnoxious and generally insensitive to anything different. But before you think that I’m taking the high-road on this, I must confess, I’ve been guilty of a few personal transgressions too.

I like to think that I’m relatively successful blending in and “doing as the locals do”, but every now and then, my horrible habits bubble to the surface…

Case in point, during my last trip to Turkey I stuck the proverbial “foot in my mouth”. Normally I would include my wife in my anecdotes, but for this particular story she has disavowed any involvement and has forbidden me to use the word “we”.  But, then again, she hasn’t subscribed to the blog so she’ll be none the wiser.

After a long overnight flight to Istanbul, our first critical mission was to get some food. Considering it was early morning and options were a bit limited, we decided to get the lay of the land around the Sultanahmet district and if lucky, scrounge up some local chow. As we walked through the neighborhood we spotted a man skewering slabs of raw, marinated meat on a vertical spit. Pounds and pounds layered upon each other in preparation for the hungry throngs that would inevitably arrive. Being from the U.S., I immediately recognized it for what it was and so, armed with my knowledge learned from Wikipedia, I strolled confidently up to the counter and asked…are those Gyros you’re preparing?

Doner Kebab Preparation

It was a long silence (in reality, it was probably only a few seconds). The man finally gave me a wry smile, accompanied with a sidelong glance, as he pointed to a sign, and said, “no…it’s a Doner”

It certainly wasn’t the end of the world, but embarrassment is merciless (and my wife’s memory is unforgiving). Thankfully the gentleman understood my honest mistake, that or I’m convincing myself it wasn’t the first time he’s been asked that question. Whichever it was, he was very polite in addressing my faux pas and didn’t draw attention to my blunder.

Needless to say, I am now hell-bent on determining what made the two dishes different besides geography. More importantly though, I want to save you guys the same embarrassment.

The Gyro and Doner Difference

Both the Doner and Gyro are staples in their respective countries and can be found virtually everywhere. Turkey has the Doner, or Doner Kebab, whereas Greece has the Gyro. At first glance their appearances seem very similar in presentation and preparation.   The columns of meat can usually be seen marinating slowly on a rotating spit with thin slices being carved off periodically. Both dishes are generally served with Pita bread, and complemented with different sauces and salads.   Apparently, they were so similar that Greece even used the word Doner at one point, only to eventually replace it with the term Gyro. Confused? So was I! Believe it or not though, they are unique with their own distinct taste.

Doner Kebab on vertical spits

The Doner Kebab, is a Turkish dish usually made from either lamb, veal, or chicken and is generally served with flatbread, onions, tomatoes, hot sauce, and pickles. As fast food the meat, sauces and garnish are all tightly wrapped in a pita making it easier to walk and eat without skipping a beat. On the plate version though, it can be served open face with additional goodies like hot tomato sauce and sheep butter – think Iskender kebab

Iskendar Kebab

The Greek Gyro on the other hand, is typically made with fatty moist pork, tomatoes,  and onions wrapped tightly by an oily grilled Pita bread. Like the Doner, chicken and veal are occasionally found, but not as prevalent as pork. The most notable difference from the Doner is the inclusion of fried potatoes and tzatziki sauce. The Greek Gyro seems slightly less healthy because of the added fat and frying, but it’s unbelievably flavorful – who doesn’t love potatoes. Reminds me of a California burrito (more on that in another post :))

Greek Gyro

Think it’s starting to make sense? Wrong again! To make it all the more confusing, variations exist worldwide with places like the U.S. and Canada using the terms interchangeably and with much flexibility. Even the Doner Kebab has multiple variations within Turkey where it’s sometimes served with rice or with cheese.  To set themselves apart,  you’ll even find restaurants calling Doners by its Arabic name “Shawarma”.

Still, embarrassment and confusion aside, we were first in line a few hours later. You don’t need to know what it’s called to enjoy it. I know we didn’t.

What were your most embarrassing moments on the road?

The post Is that Doner a Gyro? appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Above image courtesy of Tdlucas5000

Seattle is often overlooked as a travel destination. I hazard to guess that most Canadians living on the West Coast tend to cross the border to (a) pick up some packages they ordered from Amazon from their mailbox in Blaine; (b) pick up milk, cheese, and other super hormone infused groceries in Bellingham; or (c) buy some outdated and oversized clothes from the Premium Outlet Mall in Tulalip.

Being further south than all the locations just mentioned, the number of Canadian license plates on the road virtually vanishes by the time I enter Seattle. Too bad, because Seattle has much more going for it at times than say, oh, Vancouver (yes, I said it). I’ve been staying in Seattle for at least 4 weekends a year every year for the past 5 years. I make it a point to go to Bumbershoot during the Labor Day Long Weekend, to the Capital Hill Block Party to listen to an indie pop band, and to some of the evening events held by the Seattle Art Museum.

I do enjoy the Seattle vibe – call me an undercover hipster.

So what do I do in my last 2 days in Seattle? I do all those things that are native to Seattle and cannot be found in any other city. I avoid tourist traps like the Seattle Space Needle, which we call the CN tower here in Canada, and I avoid the things that would either have a long line up (like Dim Sum at Din Tai Fung in University Village) or take a while to get to (like heading over to Portland for some tax free shopping). I’d maximize my time, and do the things that’s always made me feel connected to the city. Here are just a few things that have made it on my list.

 The Capitol Experience:

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, Cal Anderson Park, Elliot Bay Book Company, Oddfellow’s

Image courtesy of Kieran Lynam

This is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon in Seattle. First, I grab a sundae at Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream and park myself with sundae in hand at Cal Anderson Park. Sometimes, I just sit there; other times, I watch the local hipsters play a game of Quidditch or bicycle polo. After polishing off the sundae, I go around the corner and spend some time at Elliot Bay Book Company, a bookstore with that iconic “feel” (like Powell’s books in Portland but much smaller). I’ll grab a coffee in their coffee shop, peruse the graphic novel section (basically, comic books for adults), and then settle into looking at some nonfiction. When happy hour rolls around, I go a few doors down to Oddfellow’s for some drinks and a quick bite. Nice relaxing afternoon, all in the span of a block or two.

The Tom Douglas Experience:

Lola’s, Dahlia Bakery

Every time I’m in Seattle, I eat at Lola’s at least twice when I first arrive and twice more before I leave. For brunch, I get the pancakes with sausage links and mascarpone. Sometimes, I’ll even get an extra pancake on the side because my wife wants a piece (and I’m unwilling to share). It’s that good. For dinner, the dish I recommend isn’t even an entree; it’s actually a side: Grandma Dot’s Spaghetti, and we actually have to get 2 (as per the sharing issue stated previously). After brunch (or before dinner), I’ll walk across the street to Dahlia Bakery for a Fig Newton and Chocolate Truffle Cookie. Before heading back across the border, I usually grab a few more cookies to savour crumb by crumb before the next time I’m in Seattle.

Homemade Fig from Dahlia Bakery

University Village Shopping Centre

The Coffee Shop of Choice: Starbucks

No, my coffee shop of choice in Seattle is not a hippy, independently owned coffee shop decorated with vintage furniture and stacks of FRAME or MARK magazines and serving artisan coffee. It’s quite the opposite: the generic-looking Starbucks franchise serving slightly burnt Pike coffee with a side of USA Today in University Village Shopping Centre. But, this Starbucks has a buzz about it that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. My guess is that the place attracts professors, students, and academics from different backgrounds. Looking at the slew of laptops that occupy the centre table, it looks like the equivalent of a Model UN but for university students. All those brain cells firing at once in such a confined space rubs off on me, and for a second, as I’m reading the newspaper, I feel as though I’m not in a Starbucks franchise but on the ground floor of a San Francisco based startup.

The Vibe:

Pike Place Market

I know I said I would avoid touristy places, but I enjoy going to Pike Place Market because I enjoy watching other tourists in town. I like watching the long line up in front of the original Starbucks store. On a clear, sunny day, I like standing at the edge of Victor Steinbrueck Park (which is directly overlooking the Alaskan Way Viaduct) and looking out onto Elliot Bay, with the big Ferris wheel and Safeco Field in the distance to my left. I like walking through the small side streets around Pike Place market and looking at all the food options available. The place has got a buzz that rubs off on you, and I like it.

For the Inner Child:

Bumbershoot, PAX, or Sakuro-Con

Spending time in Seattle for me isn’t complete without going to a festival. If you haven’t been to Bumbershoot (which takes place over the Labour Day long weekend), you need to go. A celebration of the arts, Bumbershoot is part music festival, comedy act, dance exhibition, literary expo, and fine and visual arts showcase all rolled into one. I usually check out the shows on the smaller music stages, spend some time in the Starbucks Lounge (which you can access if you’re a Gold member), and walk around looking at all the other booths, art shows, and graphic posters in between. Makes for a great day.

PAX and Sakuro-Con both have a buzz and following of their own. Growing by leaps and bounds year-over-year, both festivals remind me of what Comic Con would be like (if I ever made it to Comic Con). My favourite part of the festivals is seeing all the cosplay spill onto the streets. It certainly appeals to my inner geek.

There are some more things I would do, but that will have to wait for another blog post. What would you do in your last 2 days in Seattle? In your hometown? I’d love to know.

See our other 2 Day Series

Last 2 days in Vancouver

Last 2 days in San Francisco

The post Last 2 Days in Seattle appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

Throughout my travels, I’ve always found my way back to Vancouver. I love this city. Whether you’re passing through to Whistler, or ambling down the Granville promenade, Vancouver certainly has something for everyone.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Rocky mountains on the east, Vancouver is positioned in the heartland of Canada’s natural and cultural diversity. Considering it’s Canada’s most ethnically diverse city, it’s natural to expect Vancouver to have a vibrant food scene.

And you would not be wrong.

Vancouver has a reputation for legendary Japanese food, the type worthy of a layover stop.

Traveling through downtown, especially the West-End, you’ll immediately notice the presence of numerous Japanese restaurants. These aren’t your typical sushi-and-everything-else type fare, these restaurants are distinct in their art, specializing in izakaya, yakiniku and even ramen.

Yes..ramen.

Don’t be mistaken though; these are not the instant, in-a-cup, hangover type ramen. But, in fact, these dishes are a true reflection of the artistic abilities of the chef; ramen has become a craft. Ramenya, or noodle shops as they are more colloquially known, have experienced a revival where you can now customize details from soup base to even the thickness of the noodles. In some cases, the toppings themselves warrant their own blog.

It’s not quite the famed Sapporo Ramen Alley in Hokkaido, Japan, but it’s certainly on it’s way:

Now for my top 10 best Vancouver ramen shops:

1. Marutama Ra-men
Address: 780 Bidwell Street, Vancouver
Website: japanesenoodle.com

Located on the north side of West-End, just off Robson St. Marutama is a hidden gem amongst a sea of noodle shops. Generally not as busy as it’s competitors, Marutama deserves special mention. Unlike other noodles shops, this Ramanya uses exclusively chicken broth for it’s soups, and has a soft-boiled Ajituske Tamago (egg) that is literally to die for. They also compliment their dishes with thin noodles so as not to overpower the flavor of their creations.

2. Hida Takayama Ramen
Address: 203-1610 Robson Street, Vancouver
Website: hidatakayamaramen.com

Although located along Robson st, in the West-End, Hida Takayama Ramen is often overlooked as it’s located inside a food court without a street side entrance. However, location seems less of an issue, and more of an advantage to those in the know. Sparse on their toppings, Hida’s claim to fame are their homemade noodles and broth that has been prepared for 3-4 days. Worth also noting, you can choose any noodle-size portion at no extra cost. Be sure to try their White Sesame Ramen.

3. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
Address: 1690 Robson Street, Vancouver
Website: santouka.co.jp/en

A global Ramenya chain, I first came across them in San Diego and was salivating to see a location in Vancouver. Befitting West-end’s ramen alley, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has quickly established itself as a must-eat Vancouver staple. With their signature toroniku over a Shoyu, Miso, or Shio broth, any choice you go with will be the correct one.

4. Motomachi Shokudo Ramen
Address: 740 Denman St, Vancouver

For those on the prowl for some late night eats, you can’t go wrong with Motomachi Shokudo Ramen. Motomachi Shokudo Ramen has a very unique Bamboo-charcoal Miso Ramen that looks eerily reminiscent of Squid ink based dishes. Looks aside, this bowl of noodles is anything but classic, and still incredibly satisfying. A dish definitely worthy of the Ramen aficionado.

5. Kintaro
Address: 788 Denman Street, Vancouver

Right up the street from Motomachi Shokudo Ramen, Kintaro, at first glance appears to be a no nonsense, slurp-your-noodles establishment. But its longevity certainly speaks for itself. One of the oldest ramenyas in the city, this is a must for anyone serious about the art of the noodle. With a salty, rich and thick, cloudy broth complimented by fatty chasu, Kintaro is in high demand. Arrive early for dinner, or plan on a late lunch, as these tables fill up quickly. Oh, did I mention they also have a ramen with mozzarella cheese?

6. Ramen Jinya
Address: 270 Robson St., Vancouver
Website: jinya-ramenbar.com

Originally a Southern California chain, Ramen Jinya offers a fresh non-traditional perspective on ramen. Don’t be fooled by it’s heritage though, Ramen Jinya has some amazing selections. The pork broth Tonkotsu ramen is aromatic, full bodied and leaves an after-taste you’ll remember long after. This may be due to the charred garlic oil, but make no mistake their creations are delicious. Try their Tonkotsu Black Ramen.

7. Taishoken Ramen
Address: 515 Abbott Street, Vancouver

Located closer to Vancouver Chinatown and a brisk walk south from the other noodle shops, Taishoken Ramen is worth the detour. Tsuke-men, also known as “dipping ramen” is masterfully prepared by Taishoken Ramen, where a plate of cold noodles is paired with a soup to dip it in. This may seem off-putting at first, but once you grace your taste buds with the first strand of coated noodles, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t been eating ramen like this sooner.

8. Gyoza Bar
Address: 622 West Pender Street, Vancouver,
Website: gyozabar.ca

Kaisen Tomato Ramen. Japanese ramen prepared with French style cooking. Nuff said!

9. Benkei Noodle Shop
Address: 545 West Broadway, Vancouver

Located far off from Vancouver’s Ramen Alley, Benkei Noodle Shop is more a neighborhood favorite, serving consistently satisfying classic ramen dishes. With the overall ramen inflation affecting the city, Benkei Noodle shop has managed to maintain it’s cheep-and-cheerful status. Try their generously portioned curry ramen.

10. Harvest Community Foods
Address: 243 Union St. Vancouver

Certainly not your traditional Japanese ramen shop, Harvest Community Foods sources their ingredients locally, creating a menu that changes depending on the season. They unabashedly marry western styles to the more traditional Japanese methods, artfully crafting ramen soup with ingredients like bacon. Like the name suggests, Harvest Community Foods is committed to sourcing from local farmers. Make no mistake, the flavor of their soup, is only rivaled by their largess to the community.

What do you think? What are your favorite Ramen shops?

The post 10 of the best Vancouver Ramen shops – Warning- You will be Hungry! appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

I love San Francisco. I always feel at home when I’m there. It helps the climate – the cool summers and warm winters – is similar to my home town of Vancouver , BC. It helps the city feels homey since I can walk or take transit to most places around town. And, it also helps my brother-in-law actually lives IN San Francisco (and not just the so-called “Bay Area” a.k.a. “everything else that is NOT San Francisco”) and is open to hosting a couple of squatters for 2 weeks.

So, what do I do in my last 2 days in San Francisco? I do what I set out to do in my original post titled “Last 2 Days in Vancouver”: I do all those things that are native to San Francisco and cannot be found in any other city. I avoid the tourist traps like Alcatraz, which I’ve seen many times before (in movies) and I avoid the things that would either have a long line up (like brunch at Mama’s) or take a while to get to (like going any where outside of San Francisco). I’d maximize my time, and do the things that’s always made me feel connected to the city. Here are just a few things that have made it on my list.

The Hamburger Place: Super Duper Burgers

I would eat a Super Duper hamburger for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love the basic menu of hamburgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream, and I love the fact that although the menu is basic, the food is not (hamburgers, fries can all come with your choice of toppings) Unfortunately, I need to model some restraint and good eating habits to my children (and pickles and a slice of cabbage cannot be considered a daily serving of veggies). On the plus side, Super Duper also has one of the best vegetarian patties I’ve ever eaten too. Yes, there may be better burgers elsewhere, but for what it is – a fast food restaurant serving a gourmet burger without the gourmet prices – I’m a big fan.

The Food Court: Embarcadero

When I’m not at Super Duper burgers (or perhaps right after I eat at Super Duper), I dine at the Embarcadero. With lots of selection and a nice, busy atmosphere, it’s a great place to grab a quick bite. Personally, I like to grab a sandwich from Acme Bread Company, 2 cups of Earl Grey panna cotta from Cowgirl Creamery, and finish it off with a nice drip coffee from Blue Bottle. Take my food outside and find a nice spot outside to sit in the sun while overlooking the Bay Bridge is my idea of a nice lunch. After lunch, I may just talk back up Market Street to feel the buzz of Financial District while burning off my lunch. Lucky for me, there’s a Super Duper on Market Street too.

The Homey Neighbourhood: Hayes Valley

I usually take my dog with me to San Francisco, and on most mornings, I take my dog on a walk in Hayes Valley. We’ll order an open faced breakfast burrito from Arlequin and eat it on their patio. We’ll walk up to Ritual Roasters and grab a nice cup of coffee and sit at the park while watching the bus tours drive by (and me feeling like a local). Sometimes, the Juice Shop Truck will be around and we don’t even mind paying $12 for a juice (ok, maybe that’s not a thing a local would do, but hey, I’m on vacation). If Smitten Ice Cream is open, we’ll grab a freshly made treat (they use liquid nitrogen and a ice cream machine that looks like a KitchenAid Mixer to make individual servings on the spot) and walk back towards the Civic Centre and back to what real life in San Francisco feels like.

The Scenic View: Observation Deck at the DeYoung Museum

Unless it’s the Louvre or the MOMA, I normally don’t go to museums when I’m on vacation. However, I go to the DeYoung Museum every single time. Besides the fact that it’s an awesome structure designed by rockstar architects Herzog and De Meuron (a fact you can bring up to your snooty friends in the future), the observation deck gives you a 360 degree view of San Francisco. You might not get a view of the Bay or the Golden Gate Bridge, but it’s a view of the city that is a must. Oh, and it’s free.

The Long Walk: Dolores Park to Valencia Street

This is another foodie inspired walk my wife and I do every single time we’re in San Francisco. We take the Muni along the Church line and stop right at Dolores Park and 18th Street. We walk east along 18th Street and start grabbing snacks: ice cream at Bi-Rite and pastries at Tartine. When we get to Valencia, we’ll head north a block to El Toro Taqueria for some shrimp tacos, then double back towards 18th and Valencia for some more pastries and coffee at Craftsmen and Wolves. On my own, I’ve walked down to Ritual Roasters (yeah, the same coffee label at Hayes Valley) to grab a coffee and sit with the hipsters. With my wife, after all that food, we’ll likely head back to Dolores Park to sit on the grass or we’ll continue walking to Mission Street to catch a bus back towards the Civic Centre. A note if you’re a tourist: Mission street may be rough looking for those of us from Canada, so you may want to double back to Dolores Park and take the Muni back the way you came.

The Other Scenic View: Union Square

Every city has a central location in downtown where every tourist likes to go. Union Square appears to be it for me in San Francisco. And although I’ve said I would avoid the touristy centres, I get an odd sense of oneness when I’m in the middle of the crazy crowds of Union Square during Christmas while trying to do my shopping (like everyone else). The view I enjoy so much is in the Macy’s building. The Starbucks on the 4th floor overlooks Union Square and, during Christmas holidays, it’s strangely cathartic to look down at all the activity: the crowds, the shopping, the rush, the Christmas Tree, and the ice rink. An even higher view can be achieved from the top floor of the Macy’s building, where Cheesecake Factory is located.

The Tea Spot: Samovar Tea Lounge

I come here for the tea, but mainly, I come here for the view. Overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens by the Metreon, this tea house is set back into the park and is deeply calming. I like to buy myself some Chai, sit out on their patio, and relax. You’ll soon forget that you’re actually in a park that’s in one of the busiest areas in downtown San Francisco and that is why I love this tea spot.

There are other spots I have left out that will have to be included in another post. What would you have to do in San Francisco before leaving? How about in your hometown? I would love to know.

The post Last 2 Days in San Francisco appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.

What would you do in your hometown if you would be moving away forever in 2 days? My guess is, you would hit all your favourite gems and little hot spots in the city. You would eat at your favourite restaurant, sip coffee at your favourite coffee house, and sit on the steps of your favourite local landmark to watch people go by. Basically, you would go to all those small local things that couldn’t be found in any other city, and since you only had 2 days, you would have a fire under your ass to make sure you got to them all. There are just so many things to do in Vancouver.

Related post:  10 of the Best Vancouver Ramen Shops – Warning! You Will Be Hungry!

So what would I do in my last 2 days in Vancouver? Before I answer that question, here are some things that didn’t make it on my list:

• tourist traps like the Capilano Suspension bridge and Gastown;
• things that would have a long line up like Vij’s restaurant – great food and atmosphere, super busy, but no reservations?
• things that would be far to get to like Whistler-Blackcomb
• things that would take a long time to do and have a low rate of return like walking around in Stanley Park

Here’s a few of the things that would make it on my list:

The Coffee Shop: 49th Parallel Roasters/Lucky’s Donuts (Main Street)

This coffee shop serves some great coffee and also makes the best donuts in town (unofficially). Critics may balk at paying $3.50 for a donut, but let’s face it, everyone wants to know what makes a $4 donut taste better than the one you in a 6-pack from Safeway for $3.99. I’d get myself a nice cup of coffee and a Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut, find a seat by the fireplace, and sit and listen to the hipsters talk about their e-commerce business selling doggy yoga wear made of locally sourced Alpaca wool. Ahhhh, this is Vancouver.

The Tea Spot: East is East

I love myself some Chai tea. I used to brew Chai tea at home in an attempt to reverse engineer the best (again, unofficially) one in town: Darjeeling Chai Tea at East is East. Unfortunately, I could never get the right balance of spiciness and sweetness at home, and I still drive across town to grab a tea at least once a week. Yes, it’s that good. While you’re at East is East, I’d also recommend getting their Tibetan Mantu, a vegetarian dumpling dish that would convert any carnivore to vegetarianism.

The Bakery: Terra Breads

Locally, Terra Breads is a baking phenomenon. Without fail, every time my father-in-law flies into town, finding Terra Breads’ Fruit and Pecan Loaf is the first thing he inquires about (even before asking how my wife and I have been doing). Yes, Terra Breads products are sold in Whole Foods (at least in Vancouver), but go to one of their 4 locations (Olympic Village, Granville Island, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant) to get their full selection.

The Chinese Bakery: New Town Bakery (Chinatown)

The first thing you may notice about walking into this bakery is the large number of Chinese folk there. That’s normal. The other thing you’ll notice is the large number of non-Asians (white folk) and other Asian groups (ex. Philipinos) there too. That’s normal too and a sign that the message has gone international (or is it interracial?) that this bakery is the place to get your BBQ pork bun, apple turnovers, and coconut buns (all of which I recommend you getting). Take a number and wait patiently as you see fresh buns come out by the tray (steamed on bamboo trays still). The only thing that bugs me: Cash only.

The Scenic Walk: Yaletown to English Bay Seawall

I have a dog, and I do part of this walk everyday (when it’s not raining). Starting at the turn about at the base of Davie Street, you can walk along the seawall and catch a view of False Creek, Granville Island, David Lam Park, George Wainburn Park, and English Bay. It’s a great walk. You can also take the Aqua Bus or the False Creek Ferry at designated docking stations along the seawall and cross over to Science World, Olympic Village, or Granville Island (by the way, dogs hate getting into small ferries). Or, you can walk the entire way to English Bay and grab a bite to eat along Denman. It makes for a great way to see Vancouver.

The Casual Eatery: Bao Qi

Vietnamese beef noodle (a.k.a. pho) restaurants are as plentiful in Vancouver as MSG in Chinese food. Lucky for me, I found one of the best. What makes it the best is the broth: MSG-free, house brewed, clear, and tasty, I’m surprised people don’t pack the broth in a to-go container when they’re finished. What’s most surprising: it’s a downtown restaurant that serves exceptional food but without the exceptional prices. Note: there are no washroom facilities in Bao Qi, and you’ll need to head to Starbucks to use the one there (you’ll find pumpkin spice lattes seem to go well with pho)

The Dining Experience: L’Abbatoir

I know I said I’d avoid Gastown, but this is one restaurant I would make an exception for. L’Abbatoir is my go-to for any occasion: Valentine’s Day, Anniversaries, Birthdays. And, it’s not a tourist trap (no backpacks or fanny packs on customers in this hip establishment). It’s modern French food without the pretentious attitude or the over-the-top prices. It’s a romantic evening out with a bottle of wine and a warm, dimly lit atmosphere. It’s your get-out-of-jail-free card the next time you’re in the dog house.

There are some more things I would do, but that will have to wait for another blog post. What would you do in your last 2 days in Vancouver? In your hometown? I’d love to know.

The post Last 2 days in Vancouver appeared first on Blaze Your Adventure.