Munchie Adventure: Tomoya Japanese Restaurant 友居酒屋, Burnaby

Lest we forget those who traded their lives for our peace today. Today is a day to remember and reflect again upon the things I have, because I'm very fortunate to be here-- in a land free of war. This life I have, every day is a blessing. So I wear this poppy to remember those who made it possible.

Restaurant: Tomoya Japanese Restaurant 友居酒屋 (visit their website here)
Location: 6285 Nelson Avenue, Burnaby
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi
Price range: $10-15 per entree




Date of visit: November 11, 2012
Atmosphere: 4/5
Staff/service: 3/5
Food variety: 5/5
Food quality: 3/5
Buck worthy? 4/5

My friend came back from Kamloops for the weekend, so we decided to go try this place because I've been wanting to come here for a while =P (Ever since I noticed it when I went to Cattle Cafe next door). Annnnd of course, I'm overly excited, we end up ordering way too much food for two people xD But it was all pretty good! Prices weren't bad either!

We heard their Blossom Roll was good, so we ordered their Special Roll Combo ($9.95) which included miso soup, salad, and a roll. The first to arrive were the miso soups (other one from the other combo I ordered), but they kinda tasted weird. Sweeter than the normal miso soups I've had.

Then came the salad, it was steaming! Weird eh? Turns out it was the fried salmon on top, which was very yummy, but since it was hot, it half-cooked the lettuce it was sitting on xD The sauce on the salmon was kinda bland, wished it was more tangy. Good job for the salmon, not so good for the combination.

Here's our Bossom roll!! Quite pretty, but not as nice as the one I had at Ebisu once upon a time. Liked the flavors though, went well altogether. There was salmon and egg in the middle, and smoked salmon on the outside. In the middle was a seaweed salad with some ikura and sauce. Egg felt a bit too wet after closer inspection =P

Onto the next combo, which was the Happy Choice- L ($10.50) They also have one that is $8.50, but you get to choose 3 items only. This one we can choose 4 =D With no preference, my friend let me choose what to order for this one^^ I chose the takoyaki, which was very freshly made, crispy and hot! Again, the salad on the bottom made no sense to me. Takoyaki was yummy though =)

Then I got the Chopped Scallop Nigiri, because I love chopped scallop =D I have mixed feelings for this one... it was really big and packed full of scallop, but I'm not sure if the scallops were that fresh. No tummy ache afterwards, but still-- a bit skeptical about it.

For roll, I chose their House Roll, and it was decent. The rice was a bit mushy and the imitation crab meat was packed too tightly that it was hard ><" The positioning of the ingredients wasn't even either... I barely had any salmon in my piece *sadface*

Then for the hot stuff, they had a large selection too, I decided upon the Teriyaki Sole Fillet on Rice (there's an option without rice, but who wouldn't want MORE rice? xD). This wasn't the wisest decision because I didn't realize we ordered so much food, and the rice was just too much. The sole was crispy on the outside and moist and flaky on the inside. SOOO GOOOODDD ^^ The rice was well cooked too, but I had no more room in me to stuff more in =P

Last thing we ordered was their Black Sun ($8.99), which seemed like a popular item from online reviews. It's chopped scallop and salmon belly in a mayo sauce with masago topped with black tobiko and a raw quail egg yolk. On the side was a teriyaki + wasabi sauce decorating the plate. I liked it, but after a few more bites, I got sick of it.

After I destroyed it =P

Thank goodness MH still had some room to finish it, or else it would've been a waste! Not as amazing as I thought it'd be, good idea, nice display, but not something I'd like to spend $8.99 on again =P

Overall, I had a good experience, even though the waitress didn't notice our hand waves most of the time, she was quite patient. I asked her for the password for the free WiFi offered at the restaurant multiple times because I just couldn't remember it. . . and she patiently told me again and again =P I ordered some takeout for the family, since I was also craving salmon maki, but had no room for it. Sadly, but the time I got home from work. . . my brother "helped" me digest it all already =(

Recipe: Pretzels

After my Seattle trip, and seeing the price of pretzels, it reminded me I had a good recipe on my own, so decided against buying one, and came home to make my own =) The simple recipe is at the very bottom (without pictures). Hope you all have fun with it, and enjoy! =D

Ingredients:
250 mL warm water
15 mL    yeast
5 mL      sugar
---------------------------
750 mL flour (split into half)
30 mL   margarine or butter, softened
1 mL     salt
15mL    sugar
30 mL (2 tbsp) Garlic Plus Powder or Italiano or other herbs you like from their line (from Club House) **FOR HERB PRETZELS ONLY!!! Don't put in any for plain ones =)**
---------------------------





500 mL water (fill up half your pot)
10 mL   baking soda
---------------------------
1         egg
30 mL water
coarse salt (optional, for plain pretzels only)

Some Useful Utensils:
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups (dry and wet)
Big bowl
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cookie sheet
Parchment paper
Oven mitts
Small pot
Flat seive
Brush
Small bowl (for the egg)

Method:

1. Mix together warm water and 5 mL sugar.

2. Sprinkle yeast on water evenly, and let sit until yeast dissolves.

Some yeast should still be on the top, but its ok if they've all sunk, just make sure
not to have one spoonful in a clump!

3. In the big bowl, mix together 375 mL flour, margarine, salt and sugar.
(I use my hands to mix the margarine in to make a crumble-like mixture)

4. Add in softened yeast and mix with wooden spoon.

5. Add the remaining flour (usually I only need to add about 250 mL more)
until dough is no longer sticky.
6. Knead dough for 5 minutes. **For Herb Pretzels, this is when you
slowly add the Garlic Plus Powder while kneading! Knead until
evenly mixed =)**
7. Cover dough with plastic wrap and/or towel for 10 minutes 
(I just place it in my oven-- It's not on though!!)

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper!

8. Cut into 6 or 8 even portions (about 3oz), roll into a line.

Overlap once

Twice

Flip down, it takes a bit of practice, but you can shape it afterwards =)

9. Shape into pretzels, cover, let rise on parchment paper-lined
cookie sheet for 10 minutes.

10. Bring 1/2 pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Gently place risen pretzel
in the water. Remove when pretzel floats-- which is almost immediately
to a few seconds.

11. Place on greased/ parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (you can use the
same one as you did for the rising).
12. Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes in the middle rack until lightly golden
in color.

13. Make egg wash by beating egg and mixing with 30 mL water.

Brush baked pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt
(for plain pretzels).
14. Cool on racks, or eat immediately =D This is a pic of the herb pretzel,
with the plain ones in the background =)

Recipe:

1. Mix together warm water and 5 mL sugar.
2. Sprinkle yeast on water evenly, and let sit until yeast dissolves.
3. In the big bowl, mix together 375 mL flour, margarine, salt and sugar. (I use my hands to mix the margarine in to make a crumble-like mixture)
4. Add in softened yeast and mix with wooden spoon.
5. Add the remaining flour (usually I only need to add about 250 mL more) until dough is no longer sticky.
6. Knead dough for 5 minutes. **For Herb Pretzels, this is when you slowly add the Garlic Plus Powder while kneading! Knead until evenly mixed =)**
7. Cover dough with plastic wrap and/or towel for 10 minutes (I just place it in my oven-- It's not on though!!)
8. Cut into 6 or 8 even portions, roll into a line.
9. Shape into pretzels, cover, let rise on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for 10 minutes.
10. Bring 1/2 pot of water and baking soda to a boil. Gently place risen pretzel in the water. Remove when pretzel floats-- which is immediately to a few seconds.
11. Place on greased/ parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (you can use the same one as you did for the rising).
12. Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes in the middle rack until lightly golden in color.
13. Make egg wash by beating egg and mixing with 30 mL water. Brush baked pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt (for plain pretzels).
14. Cool on racks, or eat immediately =D

Enjoy~~

Munchie Adventure: BBT Cafe, Kerrisdale (Vancouver)

Needed to go to UBC today, so we wanted to find a place close by, and decided upon BBT Cafe. Turns out it's pretty well known amongst UBC students! It's my second time here, last time was for dinner though, here's lunch =) They open at 11:30am on the dot though! haha

Restaurant: BBT Cafe
Location: 5979 West Blvd, Vancouver
Cuisine: Taiwanese, Chinese, Bubble Tea
Price range: $10-15 per entree




Date of visit: November 8, 2012
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Staff/service: 2.5/5
Food variety: 3.75/5
Food quality: 3.5/5
Buck worthy? 3/5

First off, we were told some menu items would be a long wait (15-20 minutes), but we had time. And it turns out the waitress didn't lie to us, it did take longer.

The first to arrive was my lunch. Which was the Deluxe Meat Sauce on Rice ($8.50). Probably cuz the meat is already pre-made and rice is usually already cooked, I got to stare at my food first. (Because I find it rude to start eating before everyone has their food) There were a lot of fat chunks, so I removed some of them to feel less guilty =P There was also a lot of rice, and for the side dishes, I particularly liked the cabbage. I found a liking to it after a while actually, didn't like it at first xD

Next was the Salty Chicken Nugget ($6.50) that KW ordered and shared with everyone =) It was very crispy and HOT. Seasoning was good, and they used chunks of chicken instead of grounded chicken. Gave us something to munch on while we waited for the other food to arrive ^^

JL ordered their House Special Fish Pot ($8.95) and asked for it to be non-spicy (it's normally spicy). It had fish shaped tofu in it ^^ Cute. I think she liked it, looked like a decent portion size.

KW ordered their Satay Beef Hot Pot ($10.50), and there was fire. So I guess he got his money's worth =P He ordered extra spicy, but I guess they goofed up and made it non-spicy... which he was rather disappointed about. At least the stone fire was amusing xD

Then after about 10-15 mins, JC's order arrived. His Grilled Chicken Rice ($8.95) looked really good! He said it was very fresh and worth the wait =) Reminded me of teriyaki chicken, but with a bit of spicy?

Last to arrive was SL's Stir-Fry Chicken Meal ($9.25). It came in a little pot, but I couldn't really distinguish the chicken. Seemed really dark, but I think it was good, she didn't say much about it =P

After everyone's meals arrived, I noticed how different my side dishes were, cuz they all had scrambled eggs, corn, and some veggie. Weird. Not that I didn't like my egg, I got tired of it after half xD Took a while to get a box and bill, but overall it wasn't a bad experience. Not stellar, but decent.

Mini Munchie: Cheesecake Factory, Seattle WA

To end off our night, we went to Cheesecake Factory! We were a bit worried because there was a lineup outside, but luckily it's only for those wanting to eat at the restaurant. We decided to just buy and go =)

Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory (visit their website here)
Location: 700 Pike Street, Seattle, WA
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Price range: $10-15




Date of visit: November 3, 2012
Atmosphere: 2/5
Staff/service: 2/5
Food variety: 4/5
Food quality: 4/5
Buck worthy? 2.5/5

After staring at what was available, I decided to get a 7" Key Lime Cheesecake, which was around $25. I decided on a whole cake, since I was going to buy four pieces which would've amounted to around $27. Made more sense to have one whole cake =P Very frozen when I got it, but perfect by the time I got home. First impression was that it was super sour. However, after a few bites, I really liked it. Usually I get the sweet sweet cheesecakes, which get sickening after a bit, but this was really good. Although, health-wise, not as good, since I could eat more than I should =P

I wanted to get a whole Mango Key Lime Cheesecake, but they only offered it in the 10" =( SW got a slice of it, and said it was very good! Also, after a hard decision, she also got a slice of their Tuxedo Cheescake. It looked really chocolaty and delicious too. I wish I also got a slice of it haha =P

Sadly, there was SO MUCH WHIPPING CREAM that came with it, she scraped most of it off and threw it away. Too unhealthy =P 

AL wasn't going to get anything, but after waiting for a while, and after some convincing, he gave in and 7" got a Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake =P

Munchie Adventure: Olive Garden, Tulalip WA

Road Trip!!!! =D first time ever going with friends, and it was absolutely amazing. Not that going with my family isn't good, it's a different feel =)

It was around 3 when we got there, but it was packed! We had to wait for a table!! But look at the buzzer =O *easily amused* Annnyways, they have this deal where if you order an entree, you get unlimited soup refills or salad. AND breadsticks =) But judging from the prices, I'd say it's just included in the price =P







Restaurant: Olive Garden (visit their website here)
Location: 10326 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA
Cuisine: Italian, Pasta, Steak
Price range: $15-20




Date of visit: November 3, 2012
Atmosphere: 4/5
Staff/service: 4/5
Food variety: 3/5
Food quality: 3.75/5
Buck worthy? 3/5

I asked for hot water, and was surprised with this! Very nice, and who would've thought that tiny pot could hold so much water? =O

We were first started off with soup! There were five kinds to try from, I chose the Chicken Florentine (which wasn't on the menu). It was a creamy tomato soup with potatoes, carrots, spinach, chicken, and something else I can't quite recall xD It was very good!!

SW and AL got the Zuppa Toscana, which was also very yummy! I loved the taste of it, it was a white soup but you could taste the rich meat flavor. There was also Kale in it, which I remember SW telling me all about the goodness of =)

Then came the adorably wrapped breadsticks =P they came fresh out of the oven! =)

Look at how nice they looked, the texture was very good, liked it a lot, but I thought it was a bit too oily on the outside.

When our waitress asked if we wanted appies, I actually told her we wanted "These tomatoes please", but I meant to say "These mushrooms please" xD Aiiiii Oh well, we got the Stuffed Mushrooms ($8.35), and they were really good! They used clams to stuff them, and it was so fresh!! The juices looked oily, but so delicious that we didn't mind =P

Then it was Round 2 of soup for SW and AL, cuz I was pretty full already after the breadsticks, "tomatoes" and first bowl of soup. SW tried their Pasta e Fagioli, which was an Italian Chili (or so the waitress explained). I didn't try this, but it looked packed full of goodies, although I think the previous soups were preferred.

Onto the main courses! AL ordered their Chicken Parmigiana ($16.25) and swapped the spaghetti to angel hair. It looked really good!

SW went for their Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken ($14.75), they even grilled the lemon! =P Looked quite healthy, but I felt it was a bit too burnt. It came with pretty Farfalle pasta though =D Such cute bow-like pasta!!! <3

I couldn't decide what to get, so I went for their Tour of Italy ($18.50), which included Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Lasagna, and Fettuccine Alfredo. I only tried a bit of each, since I was pretty full already, the chicken was very crispy and the tomato sauce was light and tangy. The lasagna was pretty good, although I think the pasta part was a bit soggy. The sauce was nice. Lastly, the fettuccine, wasn't as good. I thought the sauce was a bit "rough" and wasn't as creamy as I expected. Taste was well balanced, but texture definitely could use some improvement.

Ended our meal with some Andes mints, haven't had these in so long that it tasted better than I remember.

Overall, it was a good experience, something different from the buffets I end up going to when in the states! I think they're a bit pricey, but I think most Western meals are relatively more expensive than Chinese food =P The decorations inside gave me this homey feel, and the friendly waiter and waitress (they switched off during our meal) made it very enjoyable.