Lazia Downtown Edmonton (10200 102 Ave NW)

Heh, slowly, I'm catching up to some of my pictures, or not since I've been trying out putting my smartphone away and actually having a real conversation with the people that I've been going out with. I've been fairly busy. I haven't gone out to eat as much as I'm saving up for a place to live. But this blog post is kind of special in its own way.

So Lazia, its packed for lunch. I work downtown at Commerce Place, and this place was ideally the closest they wanted to go for someone's going away party. Needless to say, I try not to judge but I kind of blanched at the urbanspoon score. I was not looking forward to this lunch but hey, if its paid for, then for sure.

I'll keep it at that. They kind of deserve it, even with a mediocre large party of 8.

I'd like to point out that this restaurant is like Asian Fusion; my meal was really... unpleasant and I ended up switching it with my buddy who didn't like hers. But, presentation looked good.

 Right? It looked good. 

Anyways, despite the poor service we received, and the forcible 15% gratuity that we had to tip them and the frustration of getting drinks in the first place. I'd say, well it wasn't that bad (please don't hurt me). But the only comment I have to really make and emphasize is that: we made reservation - at least don't make us wait for 30 minutes if you can't honor them especially for a business lunch!

  

Pho Kim (1511 Centre Street N)

Hey all so its been awhile since I've blooged, and now I'm back

So I went down to Calgary alot over the summer whether it be for Stampede or just a weekend getaway. And I ate around, luckily since I have a job again, I can get back to telling you about my food adventures.

A must-have staple while I'm in Calgary is some good pho. Sometimes in Edmonton, its hard to come back delicious broth with the right amount of noodle to meat ratio. Anyways, I recommend Pho Kim. My father, when he went to University of Calgary, use to frequent this visit a lot - mainly to the due the price-food ratio factor. I would say that it use to be quite generous and since economic times are rough, the portions kind of shrunk. Its unfortunate but hey, pho-makers need to make a living too!

Keith got the satay beef! Its pretty good I would have to say, very strongly of the satay/ curry.

I got my standard bun bo hue. Nothing really special but I do enjoy the meat to noodle ratio!

Check it Out!

I present to you, a McGangBang

Have you guys ever had a McGangBang? I know its a bad name but basically its a junior chicken inside a McDouble OR a McChicken inside a Big Mac if you're brave.... 

TRY IT TODAY

SEAWEED

So I know a lot of people that read this blog might probably be Asian. Okay. Maybe not. But today's post is dedicated to edible seaweed.

Well, how should I start this? For those that haven't tried it, its pretty much dried algae formed in sheets. Its kind of fishy. A lot of Asian cultures use this in their preparation of food. Seaweed is found in sushi, kimbap, soups, salads, etc. I'm just going to focus on the dried snack version.

Anyways, seaweed is really high in iodine - aka really salty, a pack of like 10 paper thing slices is the same as a pack of potato chips. I find either most people are addicted to this stuff or they're really blah and they won't try it again. Seaweed is a matter of personal preference.

Anyways, todays post is where I buy my seaweed. Generally, I don't know for what reason, I like the really small packets of seaweed that you can buy at any Asian grocery (Lucky, T&T) imported from Japan. They're super expensive like 8.00 for like the smallest possible pack. Ugh. But recently, my mom brought him a box from Costco. Its so reasonably priced that I have just accepted the fact that quantity > quality.

But seriously though, this stuff isn't bad. For 9.99 CDN you get 36 packets... and they're pretty good. Packaged in South Korea!

Jayone Roasted Seaweed

Throwback Thursday: The Cupcakery (Monte Carlo Street of Dreams, Las Vegas)

This week's feature is The Cupcakery, from Las Vegas Nevada! I actually miss Vegas a lot. But last summer, I stayed at the Monte Carlo and every morning I would walk past this little cupcake shop before heading down the strip. Everything inside was really pink, really cute, and sparkly! The Cupcakery is located inside the Street of Dreams inside Monte Carlo, but they have other shops too located around Vegas. 

I'm generally not a big fan of cupcakes. But the designs on some of them did catch my eye. Haha. At least they were really good. 

Strawberry Shortcake w/ Cream Cheese frosting :)

Carry on friends! Vacation time is awaiting!

T.H.I.S. Place (10382 105 St)

So some of you know Tom who owns Lan's Asian Grill. Well recently over the summer he invested in a new venture called T.H.I.S aka To be Happy Is Simple. THIS is located right across from building 5 from Grant Macewan. Contrary to popular belief, THIS doesn't actually serve food (sorry guys, I know Thai food at Lan's is definitely a hit!)- its a coffee shop. They have a plethora of coffee, teas, hot drinks, cold drinks, and popsicles. When the time is right, they'll have frozen yoghurt. 

When you walk in, the doorway is a maze and it leads you straight to the counter where you're greeted by the other owner of THIS. She's really nice and she'll recommend you things that are absolutely delicious (or what she feels like making for you - its especially good). 

All their hot chocolate is made with real chocolate, not powder and definitely not chocolate milk. Their popsicles are all handed made and the sticks have their special insignia on it. 

 

Viet Iced Coffee Popsicle

Sorry for the blurry picture, I was running late for my class and I quickly snapped a shot. The above popsicle is not actually on the menu. You can try it out, I totally recommend it. It has a lot of caffeine in though, so beware. If you've never had a viet iced coffee before, its basically really strong coffee over condensed milk (which is the white parts). 

Try it out! I give this place 10/10. But be wary, the shop isn't open Sundays and its closed at 7 from Monday- Saturday :) 

EDIT 1: Go try their hot chocolate, they come in plenty of different flavours! And they're made of real chocolate!

Its Springtime!

I know I know. Edmonton isn't exactly the ideal place to call home for spring and summer. But when spring is about to come, and after the last snowstorm, it means its a time for flowers, and ice to melt and everyone tries to lose weight to fit into bikinis again. 

To me, springtime is welcomes the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fish, er ... fresher fish, and BBQ meats come out again! Long gone are the 8 months of canned goods that you're forced to endure. Okay, I'm over exaggerating, but I tend to eat a lot more canned foods over winter. On the plus side, spring welcomes lower costs of grains and vegetables.

Most people are probably grimacing from this post. Like WHY DO YOU EAT VEGGIES THEY DON'T TASTE GOOD!

YOU TELL ME IF THE BELOW PICTURE DOESN'T TASTE GOOD.

Ahi Tuna Salad from Joeys Downtown

I'm not a fan of the warm or hot weather. But I'm a big fan of food that tastes good. I hate eating, to me its a chore to stay alive. I eat minimally but when I have to eat, I prefer stuff that tastes good so I'll actually enjoy it for once. 

Anyways, welcome back spring, I'm sure a bunch of people missed you.

:)