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I went a little crazy Saturday and decided to throw my...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:28:00 -0700

Pumpkin Cupcake - Cupcakes

Pumpkin Pie - Thomas Haas

Pumpkin Truffles - XOXOLAT

"Vanilla" Pumpkin Mousse Cake - The Urban Tea Merchant

Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake - Bel Cafe

Pumpkin Pie Gelato - Bella Gelateria

Pumpkin Fudge - Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Pumpkin Maple Cake - Kingyo

Pumpkin Macaron - Soirette

Pumpkin Scone - COBS Bread & Cranberry Pumpkin Cookie - Caffe Artigiano

I went a little crazy Saturday and decided to throw my own PUMPKIN FOOD CRAWL!

I dragged my sister along and with the help from the “Pumpkin - The Seasonal Bacon” article from Good Life Vancouver we eventually were able to hit up 11 of our 12 desired stops!

1. Cupcakes - Pumpkin Cupcake

A classic I HAVE TO HAVE every year just based on the frosting alone!

2. Thomas Haas - Pumpkin Pie

A name I learnt not to forget, Thomas’ adds Cinnamon Chantilly and White Chocolate making this pie probably the most regal I’ve ever had! Reminiscent of a sweet potato pie’s sweetness.

3. XOXOLAT - Pumpkin Truffles

As explained by an employee, “one is a sweet pumpkin chocolate, while the other has a strong pumpkin punch.” Needless to say the latter was the taste bud burster!

4. The Urban Tea Merchant - “Vanilla” Pumpkin Mousse Cake

Strongest “pure” pumpkin flavour out of the bunch! The texture of the mousse was an added bonus.

5. Bel Cafe - Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

My sister’s favourite! Served with a Cranberry and Raspberry Compote (delicious on it’s own), the best touch was the brulee!

6. Bella Gelateria - Pumpkin Pie Gelato

As always, best gelato! No matter what the flavour!!

7. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - Pumpkin Fudge

I was so full of sugar, that finding a piece small enough to not throw me overboard was a challenge. I didn’t need to worry. One bite and I couldn’t stop!

8. Kingyo - Pumpkin Maple Cake

We were so disappointed we came too early for the Pumpkin Udon, luckily they serve cake all day!! This was my personal favourite eat of the day. The cake was very light and all the flavours were spot on, making this a (quick) pleasure to eat!

9. Soirette - Pumpkin Macaron

Everything about this place makes me happy, so it makes absolute sense that we were grinning ear to ear as we munched on the macarons - which were delicious!

10. COBS Bread - Pumpkin Scone

This was the most comforting of all! As soon as I got home I warmed this one up and just melted biting into the soft dough!

11. Caffe Artigiano - Cranberry Pumpkin Cookie

As soon as I uttered “Pumpkin” the barista couldn’t stop boasting about this giant cookie!! She knew what she was talking about. I would get two next time!

Filled up with pumpkin (and sugar) this crawl came to a sweet end. Thanks to all the fine eateries that feature my favourite vegetable on their menus if only for a month!
Today is a new day though, and I’m ready for more!!

Lola Coasters (Vancouver) Creamsicle, Peanut Butter and...

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:54:30 -0700

Lola Coasters (Vancouver)

Creamsicle, Peanut Butter and Jelly

Sometimes I feel glutinous eating marshmallows on their own. Thankfully someone has decided to make gourmet ones sandwiched between two soft graham crackers so I don’t have to feel so guilty about pigging out!
The Summer s’more flavours (including Cotton Candy, Bacon, Piña Colada, and Pink Lemonade - to name a few) are delicious and pastel coloured! Perfect for my Birthday party!

Cupcakes Like It Sweet (Bellingham) Chocolate Fudge Cupcake,...

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 09:45:28 -0700

Cupcakes Like It Sweet (Bellingham)

Chocolate Fudge Cupcake, Sprinkles Cupcake

The last thing I expected to find was a cute cupcake cafe in Bellingham! It was a sweet surprise to eat such flavourful and rich cupcakes! Props to the handmade sprinkles which were flawless and tasty (even on their own!). I’m looking for an excuse to cross the border for a return visit!

Cupcakes Like It Sweet on Urbanspoon

Mrs. Fields Caramel Apple Pie Cookie I’m easily sold on...

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:39:53 -0700

Mrs. Fields

Caramel Apple Pie Cookie

I’m easily sold on anything well packaged. Including this cookie!
Apples baked into a pie crust cookie with gobs of caramel on top was an absolute no brainer for me - I had to have it! Too bad it’s only around for the Summer, I would have loved this all year round!

Talenti Gelato Banana Chocolate Swirl My latest find!!It has a...

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 09:57:49 -0700

Talenti Gelato

Banana Chocolate Swirl

My latest find!!
It has a third less fat than regular ice cream. That’s why I ate the whole pint and felt totally okay with it! Also it’s absolutely delicious, creamy and flavourful! No one had to force me to eat this!

Justin’s Nut Butter Peanut Butter Cups + Classic Almond...

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 09:55:56 -0700

Justin’s Nut Butter

Peanut Butter Cups + Classic Almond Butter

Justin claims to have the BEST nut butter in the world and I may have to completely totally agree with him!
I feel like I could rave about the almond butters forever! I absolutely love the different flavours like maple almond, or honey almond (even the classic is spoon to mouth worthy)!
What really impressed me is when I found out he even makes exquisite peanut butter cups!! DESSERT!!! I couldn’t even ask for anything more!!

Clearly I’m HIGHLY recommending everyone to try!

Ensemble Tap (Vancouver) Crispy Bacon Pancakes The finale in my...

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:48:18 -0700

Ensemble Tap (Vancouver)

Crispy Bacon Pancakes

The finale in my pancake craze series! I promise tomorrow will be breakfast free!
As with the other pancakes these were also delicious! A sweet and salty combination enhanced by the side of caramelized apples! Apples and bacon are one of the best food unions. Brilliant brunch idea!

Ensemble Tap on Urbanspoon

Jethro’s Fine Grub (Vancouver) The Rooster I think...

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:59:09 -0700

Jethro’s Fine Grub (Vancouver)

The Rooster

I think I’m on a total pancakes kick! Most of these flapjack eateries are featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (just saying).
These are the biggest pancakes I’ve ever seen in my life and they come as a stack of two, so you better be prepared to eat!
The Rooster is an espresso and dark chocolate filled buttermilk pancake - absolutely oozing with deliciousness! I was only able to eat about a quarter which is probably why they have pizza boxes prepared for all the daring guests who venture into this diner!

Jethro’s Fine Grub on Urbanspoon

The Red Wagon (Vancouver) Pulled Pork Pancakes I LOVE...

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:00:15 -0700

The Red Wagon (Vancouver)

Pulled Pork Pancakes

I LOVE THEM!!!
I’m still kinda confused as to whether this really counts as dessert, but HELLO these were the most delicious pancakes I’ve ever had and so I need to make a post about them. THE END!

The Red Wagon on Urbanspoon

Dadeo (Edmonton) Bananas Foster Apparently they use to have a...

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:58:37 -0700

Dadeo (Edmonton)

Bananas Foster

Apparently they use to have a location in Vancouver, but closed down? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??!!!!
I love Cajun cuisine a LOT more than the next person and I knew if there was one place I should eat at in Edmonton it would have to be Dadeo’s (great choice Josh)!
I, of course, ate way too much AND THEN ordered the Bananas Foster (serves 2-4).
What I was expecting was a culinary spectacle, followed by the most satisfying sweet indulgence, which would lead to a major sugar high (strong enough to cause me to break a sweat - by just sitting and eating).
That’s exactly what I got!
I’ve never been happier with my gluttony! I completely love and adore you Dadeo!!

Dadeo New Orleans Diner and Bar on Urbanspoon

Tutti Frutti (Basically everywhere except Vancouver…) Soy...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 09:51:59 -0700

Tutti Frutti (Basically everywhere except Vancouver…)

Soy Black Sesame + Guava

Ever since visiting Yogurtland I’ve been a major frozen yogurt snob - easily turning down all other froyo shops (even ones I previously raved about!).
BUT I always give new places a try AND THANK GOD I DID!!!!
Whoever decided to make black sesame froyo is an absolute genius!!! Having SOY flavours is so cute and trendy (and extremely tasty).
Now if only they would open a location here in Vancouver…

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt on Urbanspoon

Nelson the Seagull (Vancouver) Toasted “To Die For”...

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 09:58:51 -0700

Nelson the Seagull (Vancouver)

Toasted “To Die For” Banana Bread with mascarpone and honey

I’m “dying” to try all the different creations Erin Ireland has out there and since banana bread is what I like to call a “perfect combination of heaven and food” I found myself dragging (but not really against her will) my friend to this cafe one morning.
This is my FAVOURITE kind of breakfast - one that includes nutritious qualities, but also contains all the attributes of a dessert!

(My friend wants me to make it known that the coffee was REALLY good too!)

Nelson the Seagull on Urbanspoon

Once Upon a Cupcake (Edmonton) Strawberry Fairytale Edmonton...

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:50:02 -0700

Once Upon a Cupcake (Edmonton)

Strawberry Fairytale

Edmonton Cupcakes #3 of 3

This one I stumbled upon by accident at West Edmonton Mall, almost like it was destiny. A true love story (if you will) about a boy on a date with pink perfection!
Strawberries and cream cheese on top, cream cheese within the strawberry cake on the bottom. What’s not to fall in love with?!
Shockingly this was my Edmonton favourite, from a cupcake kiosk in the middle of a giant mall. Once again - “destiny”!

Fuss Cupcakes (Edmonton) (top) S’mores Cupcake(bottom)...

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:58:45 -0700

Fuss Cupcakes (Edmonton)

(top) S’mores Cupcake
(bottom) Fuss Cookies

Edmonton Cupcakes #2 of 3

If I lived in Edmonton THIS is where I would hang out daily! The store is bright (teal) and spacious, and totally.. just.. COOL! I even dragged some of my friend’s wedding guests to come and have a try)
The cupcakes are all displayed in a pretty counter on the side, while the main counter offers other goodies (like cookies!) and drinks. I clearly needed to try their July cupcake special and was totally impressed by their icing (being made up of more than JUST marshmallows), though it had a chocolate cake base which is not my favourite - and I would have loved a graham cracker base for a finish!

Fuss Cupcakes on Urbanspoon

Flirt Cupcakes (Edmonton) Orange Creamsicle Cupcake Edmonton...

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:47:01 -0700

Flirt Cupcakes (Edmonton)

Orange Creamsicle Cupcake

Edmonton Cupcakes #1 of 3

While over in Edmonton, Alberta for the weekend I knew I was going to have to try some local cuisine and sweets! On the hunt for the best cupcake I spotted Flirt, a quaint store on Whyte Avenue, and HAD to purchase this cupcake!!
Orange Creamsicle screams Summer to me, and this cupcake made a great breakfast (oranges and cream = balanced diet?)!

Flirt Cupcakes on Urbanspoon

Fable (Vancouver) Peanut Butter Lava Cake As seen on Top Chef...

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:50:39 -0700

Fable (Vancouver)

Peanut Butter Lava Cake

As seen on Top Chef Canada, Trevor Bird (as per our suggestion… and constant nagging) has finally made his off-screen dessert debut!
He insists that this dessert is perfect for the peanut butter lover who would eat it by the spoonful (that’s ME!!)!
I don’t have anything negative to say, the cake and the creamy “lava” that flows from inside is a flawless PB heaven. The sorbet (raspberry on the night of my visit) and jam on the plate add to the nostalgia of growing up eating PB and J sandwiches.
Here’s to the adult PB lovers in all of us!

Fable Kitchen on Urbanspoon

Pink Ribbon Bakery (Vancouver) (L to R) Lemon Cake with...

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 09:57:03 -0700

Pink Ribbon Bakery (Vancouver)

(L to R) Lemon Cake with Raspberry Frosting, Vanilla Cake and Frosting with Butterscotch Chips, Maple Bacon

As a cupcake fanatic I’m so sorry to report that it took me SO LONG to finally get out to this bakery!
The cupcakes here are completely devour-able! So good you can’t have JUST one bite (or JUST one cupcake)!
Every cupcake I’ve had here, both times I’ve gone, have been perfect! Moist cake, fantastic icing, supreme flavours that shine, AND the owner also makes gorgeous cakes with expert skill. This place is not to be passed up!

Pink Ribbon Bakery on Urbanspoon

Gorilla Food (Vancouver) Choco-Berry Gorilla Mylk Shake The fact...

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:35:00 -0700

Gorilla Food (Vancouver)

Choco-Berry Gorilla Mylk Shake

The fact that I can’t go anywhere without getting something sweet was even true here at Gorilla Food - a vegan/raw restaurant!
With my meal I ordered a cookies (how could I not) and a shake!
Maybe I’m crazy and on a health kick, but it was SOOOOO good!!! I’m not really a chocolate shake drinker, though using raw cacao made a huge difference taste wise!
I chugged it down and had no regrets (cause it’s healthy, duh)!!

Gorilla Food on Urbanspoon

BETA5 Chocolates (Vancouver) Oatmeal Cookies Again I found...

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:42:27 -0700

BETA5 Chocolates (Vancouver)

Oatmeal Cookies

Again I found myself at Harvest and while checking out I spotted a jar of cookies on the counter. I recognized the makers of said cookies and, with the knowledge of how ridiculously good their chocolate is, I purchased two. Should have purchased MORE! At first glance they seem so simple, but biting into the cookie you realize that there are different textures and tastes. These aren’t your typical “oatmeal cookies”.

BETA5 Chocolates on Urbanspoon

Pierre Hermé (England, France, Japan) (L to R) Olive Oil with...

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:16:54 -0700

Pierre Hermé (England, France, Japan)

(L to R) Olive Oil with Mandarin Orange, Pure Origin Venezuela Porcelana Dark Chocolate, Salted-Butter Caramel, Lemon & Flaky Hazelnut Praline, Orange & Campari & Candied Grapefruit, Jasmine Flower & Jasmine Tea, Milk Chocolate & Passion Fruit

I’ve said this many times. These are the BEST macarons I have EVER had!
My friend was gracious enough to bring some back from London (where I originally had my first taste). I knew as soon as she handed them over that I was holding the best macarons in the city! There is nothing like biting into these smooth and extremely flavourful cookies. The olive oil is my absolute favourite!