Phnom Penh – All the Best Stuff

We had tried to visit Phnom Penh back in March but found out that they were closed for renovations.  Usually, “closed for renos” is Chinese restaurant code word for a pest problem so I was surprised that the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority’s food inspection website said that they were pest free when they inspected the place in the middle of March.

Cora’s Breakfast & Lunch (Richmond) – 1990′s Harvest

Do you remember the 90′s?  I’ve often thought of myself more as Generation Y (even though chronologically, most would consider my a Gen Xer)… “over educated, underachiever” as Jaye Tyler would say from the classic series, Wonderfalls.

So why this romp back to nostalgia?  It’s just that Cora’s has opened up a new outlet down in Coppersmith Plaza on Steveston Hwy in Richmond.  While I’ve never been to a Cora’s before, I was intrigued by the reviews of some of their other locations around town.

Chronic Tacos (New West)

If you’re looking for a laid back place to pick up some Mexican-style fast food, Chronic Tacos might be the place for you.  The interior of this American-based franchise is a little too Ed Hardy-esque for my liking (I think my retinas are still recovering from all of the bright red walls).

Szechuan Chongqing (Broadway) – 30th Anniversary AYCE Tasting Menu

I’m a little confused that Szechuan Chongqing is having a “30th Anniversary” considering their website says that they opened in 1983.  Perhaps it has to do with the Chinese tradition of starting the birthday age count at one instead of zero (a newborn is said to start at 1 year old).

Tung Hing Bakery – Chinese Pastries and Banh Mi Too

On our first visit to Tung Hing Bakery (during our epic Bánh Mì Pilgrimage last year) we totally bypassed the fact that Tung Hing also serves a big selection of Chinese pastries.

Empire Seafood Restaurant – Dim Sum

Alaskan King Crab season seemed to come and go really quick this year so we were surprised to see that Empire Seafood Restaurant still had a huge tank full of the tasty critters 2 weeks ago.  More surprising was the fact that the prices were still relatively cheap at $16.99 per pound (I called around some other places the same day and they were charging anywhere from $23 to $28 per pound).

Tomahawk Restaurant

I’ve heard a lot of rave reviews about the Tomahawk Restaurant in North Vancouver for years but never found the time to stop by.  In truth, I’m not a fan of having to cross a bridge if I don’t have to plus I’ve heard that the line ups to this popular establishment is legen – wait for it dary!

Bubble World (Collingwood) – Mango Ice Cream Slush

Bubble World has a number of locations around town including this one in the Collingwood area across the street from Pine House Bakery.  While I’ve been to some really sketchy-looking bubble tea joints, Bubble World is actually pretty bright and fairly welcoming.

McDonald’s (Market Crossing) – Big Breakfast Sandwich

I wonder if any of the people having breakfast at the McDoanld’s at Market Crossing know that there’s a popular (but hidden gem) diner located nearby that supposedly serves great breakfast dishes – I’m talking about Fraser Park Restaurant on Byrne Road.  I’ve recently tried them out – but in truth, I had a bit of a craving for a Big Breakfast on this particular morning.

Fraser Park Restaurant – Elevenses

Like so many others, I’ve often driven past this hole-in-the-wall diner without even noticing it.  Just a block or two away from the Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park, this little gem is a favourite of locals.

Pied-à-Terre Bistro – Beef Cheek Bourguignon

After having some seriously great French food at Mistral French Bistro and Bistrot Bistro previously, I’ve been thinking of trying out Pied-à-Terre on Cambie for a while.  Literally translated to “foot on the ground”, the term pied-à-terre has come to mean a secondary home… to me, it just means a great place to pick up some tasty French food.

Earls (Kingsway) – The Bronx Burger

I really can’t recall why we don’t visit Earls more frequently – I kind of group it together with similar establishments like Cactus Club, Milestones, and Joey Restaurants – casual dining atmosphere with some pretty good food options.  This particular Earls is located on Kingsway, right underneath Fish on Rice.