Isaac & Agatha (Bridgeport, Richmond, BC)

Isaac & Agatha recently reopened on Bridgeport under new management / partnership (if I remember correctly, it was Isaac & someone else prior). The eateries in this area cater to the "grab and go" crowd in this industrial area of Richmond, and Isaac & Agatha are no exception. They have a spacious seating area and are only open for breakfast and lunch.

That being said, they only offer a limited selection of breakfasts. Their lunch options are more varied, from pastas, sandwiches, Filipino fare, to souvlaki, burgers and grilled items. On this occasion, I stopped in for a quick breakfast as it was my "day off from the gym".

As I have been trying to avoid meat in a (desparate?) bid to eat healthier, I have been looking for veggie / lighter options in my eatings. Alas, aside from their lunch menu, there are no vegetarian-friendly substitutes in their breakfast, and every breakfast option includes meat and eggs. I settled on the bacon mushroom omelette. It was prepared fresh and delivered to my table with a free, fresh coffee (not sure if the owner / attendant thought I was a food blogger - she hadn't seen my camera yet, or that she just thought I needed one. :p).

I did have to run back up to the counter to grab some utensils, condiments, and napkins, but I'm sure seasoned patrons to the establishment are aware of this. Another note was that the creamers brought to the table with my meal were ice cold - something my "inner health inspector" appreciated. (Personally, the small amount of creamer within each tiny package, along with the method of packaging - pasteurized aseptic leaves little health safety concern, but on a "potential hazard" level, many health officials *love* to scold restaurant operators on keeping the creamers on ice or at refrigerator temperatures. Don't get me started.)

My bacon mushroom omelette came with two slices of brown toast and fresh fruit. Again, I appreciated the fresh fruit (many other "truck stop" joints around this area do not include this), and also the unbuttered toast. This made for a slightly healthier meal - quite often I leave toast on my plate as the cook has put too much butter on it; the way Isaac & Agatha presented it allows the customer to regulate the amount of butter. While I enjoyed my meal the loneliness of Isaac & Agatha resonated with me. The place was deserted for the entire duration of my stay - perhaps people only show for lunch?




The reason could be that Isaac & Agatha lack an identity. A glance at the rest of their menu is greatly varied. There are sandwiches and burgers, but also pastas, chicken, calamari, souvlaki, and seafood. In addition to this, there is a small separate menu advertising Filipino lunch at the counter. Is this an instance of "Jack of All Trades" gone wrong? Time will tell.

Service was prompt and indifferent, but little really appeals to me about Isaac and Agatha to make a return visit, unless I was in the area and looking for a quick bite that *wasn't* fast food.


Isaac & Agatha#101 - 11911 Bridgeport Road
Richmond BC
P: 604-276-0201

Tuttimelon Frozen Yogurt (Richmond BC), Thu Hien (Vancouver BC)

Whew. It's been a while. I didn't really notice as a little thing called the Olympics were in town! When I got back from a couple days off of taking in the festivities, I found out that bossman had left things (from the days I had taken off!) for me to follow up on / finish up. It was a little nerve wracking as he took two weeks off immediately after I got back as well!

I've been busy though. Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays, and also finishing up Uncharted on the PS3. Since this is my first post in a while, here's two mini reviews of Tutti Melon and Thu Hien Deli on Kingsway.

I first heard about Tuttimelon early last year when there was a slight boom for frozen yogurt franchises in the lower mainland, then again when Sherman had posted about them (and the consistently bad Richmond drivers. lol!). While Tuttimelon is somewhat close to where I work, I couldn't fathom driving out of my usual commute for dessert, especially when I knew how dense Alexandra Road was and how I *hate* looking for parking.

I finally had the chance to try them out after a weekday lunch. And you know what? The usual Alexandra traffic jam was nearly non-existent! Bonus!

I ordered a medium tart yogurt with dragonfruit and strawberry. I thought the clerk was going to skimp on the toppings, but he basically mounded them on (even the dragonfruit!).

Sadly though, before I could take a photo, he'd slapped a dome lid on to the pretty dessert and all I got was the photo taken in the car. I actually twittered about it - I'm pretty sure if you were there in person you would have seen my shoulders slump a little as he ran his finger around the edge of the lid to fully close it off.

Once I got back to the car, the disappointment increased as I realized I'd have to make it back to the office before tasting anything - Richmond driving plus open Tuttimelon would have resulted in leather seat hazards! (Did I mention the mounds of strawberry and dragonfruit?)

I liked the abundance of fruit, but didn't really like the yogurt though. The tart flavour wasn't tart enough, and the texture of the dessert was more sorbet than yogurt. There was an ample amount of syrup / liquid at the bottom of the cup (clear, not yogurty!) and the mouthfeel should have been creamier than the watery, almost icey texture that was present. The price was also quite elevated; the medium tart flavour (I believe it was even more for flavoured yogurts) plus two toppings worked out to nearly six dollars. Six dollars! I could have had better tasting frozen yogurt at Qoola, plus have the karma effects of having supported a "green" company.

Initially, I'd wanted to return to try their gelato, but I do not believe I will make it. Above average price for below average product, sorry, I'm not a fan.

Tuttimelon
8391 Alexandra Road
Richmond BC
P: 778-297-1660

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For a while, I thought I'd keep Thu Hien my little banh mi secret. Location wise, it is convenient for me as I can head straight down Knight street after work and pick up a light snack or meal on the way home. I've visited a couple times when I've been craving a warm sandwich on crisp baguette, and meant to blog about it...but honestly, those sandwiches don't really stand a chance once they get in the car. I either stop by my mothers on the way home and nosh there, or pull over and simply start eating. (Even to veteran commuting eaters like me, Banh mi is a little bit of a task to eat while driving. Don't eat banh mi and drive kids!)

I've tried their cold cut special (left), chicken (right), and meatball sandwiches, but I have to say the chicken is the clear winner. Moist, hot chicken with flavour marinated into it, then grilled. They're not stingy with the protein either. In fact, I would think the chicken banh mi has the most meat.




In addition to your choice of meat, they fill the crisp baguettes with cold-pickled daikon and carrots, sprigs of cilantro, a spear of cucumber, and a smear of mayonnaise and chili sauce. It is *right* combination of salty, tart, spicy, texture, and freshness. And that is why I crave it! Generally, the baguette is shattery-crisp (they get them from Ba Le); however, the last time I went, the baguette was a little chewier than usual. It was an anomoly.

I've also noticed regulars coming in to Thu Hien and ordering the rice crepes (with a bag of fish sauce accompanying it). After reading Noshwells' account of how big the portions are for the rice crepes, I know I have to try them soon.

Thu Hien also sells ready made meals and spring rolls. Although they look tempting, I've only ever tried their banh mi. The deli does offer a seating area, but I've rarely seen people purchase and eat their meal there. Parking can be a pain - there is limited street parking and you may need to park a block or two away during rush hour.

In any case, love the banh mi, want to try the rice crepes.

Thu Hien Deli
1388 Kingsway
Vancouver BC
P: 604-874-9243

Shoryumen & Fumisen (Richmond BC)

This post is brought to you by baby E, hereafter known as "(e)". (e) is an adorable three month old baby boy of my friend H. Doesn't he look Supercute? I only took a couple photos of him, but he was aware and looking at the camera for most of them.

When I wake up in the morning, I groggily check my email, facebook, and twitter. Yesterday, I logged on to twitter *right* as Jonnek1028 was tweeting about Tenku Bakudanyakis' "new friends", Shoryumen and Fumisen. Literally right after I tweeted back about wanting to visit the Elmbridge parking lot for lunch that day, I opened up a message on facebook from H about the same stalls. I decided then and there that I'd try them for lunch!

Shoryumen and Fumisen, following in the Tenku Bakudanyaki model, are yatai, or mobile food carts selling various hot foods. In this case, Shoryumen is a ramen stop, while Fumisen sells a variety of temaki, or what they call, "gourmet sushi cones".



Since I visited Tenku Bakudanyaki last, they've relocated about 10 meters north, and an inukshuk composed of shipping containers has been erected by the city of Richmond as a welcome to the Olympic tourists visiting the Olympic Oval which is a mere two blocks away.



When I *finally* got to the location (after circling a bit, and doing a couple u-turns on Gilbert road), I was greeted by H and (e) and after glancing around a bit, we entered the stall that is Shoryumen. Being that it was, essentially, a cart, I was impressed how sturdy it was and how the proprietor, Kan Odaka had accomplished a clean look by simple wood grain and black countertop. The intimate environment also allowed us to chat with him while we ordered and ate our ramen.

The customization is what is key in Kan`s budding yatai mura / food stall village. At Shoryumen, you can choose from four soup bases, including Kuro, a soy sauce-based soup, Aka, miso, En, sea salt, or Ton, rich pork stock. In addition to soup base, you may choose from a variety of toppings, including seaweed, bean sprouts, fishcake, egg, bamboo shoots, green onions, pork, corn, butter, cabbage, kimchi, black mushroom, pickled plum, garlic chips, and wild vegetables. Toppits are $1/each or $3 for four toppings. All orders come with seaweed, veggies and green onion; you may order additional noodles, vegetables, or meat for $2 extra.



I ordered the Ton soup base with fish cake and corn, while H ordered an Aka soup base with pork and corn. After learning that take out was available, (e) ordered a Ton ramen to go. You know, he was full from his milk-brunch that he'd had before. ;) Just kidding. (e) ordered it for his daddy!



(e) had the best seat in the house. That kids got VIP schmoozing skills man!

As mobile food carts can create a lot of waste, Shoryumen offers a solution - purchase a reusable bowl for only $2.25, or bring your own bowl in and they will take 50 cents off your order!

As for the ramen? It was done perfectly al dente, and the broth (I can only speak for the Ton) was rich and flavourful. As I stood there finishing my meal (I am one of the slowest eaters evaaar.), I decided that the "butter" topping made perfect sense - adding butter to the Ton soup base would make it decadently rich. Would someone like to accompany me in the near future? :)

H found her Aka soup base very flavourful as well. The pork in both cases was tender and added to the experience.

I cannot express how excited I am that there is an accessible ramen place that I can go to solo without feeling out of place. Yes, I know there are other ramen places in Richmond, but there are huge lineups and waits at those locations for lunch. I hope Shoryumen doesn't get *too* crazy busy in the next bit, I am hoping to make regular visits to satisfy my ramen pangs!



Fumisen is another "customize your meal" yatai.

You start by choosing from a nori / seaweed or soy crepe wrapper, then your rice. There are about eight proteins to choose from, and you can also select two extra "vegetable" toppings and from a selection of four sauces. So by my calculations, that makes for 10368 possible combinations! ...right? Please correct me if I'm wrong - it's been a while since I've done "real" math and although I aced math in high school, I just spent about ten minutes checking my math and I'm not sure I'm right. Help!

Edit: Thanks to Kim, the actual number of combinations available is 4608. Here's a curveball though. Notice how both H & myself got tobiko, apple and avocado? I guess if the chef is happy that day, there will be about 10752 possible combinations?

Here is (e) trying to make up his mind while looking at the Fumisen board. Decisions, decisions...



As Kan had suggested trying the apple topping to add texture and flavour to our sushi cone selection, and to try the soy crepe, we obediently did - on all three orders!



The man pictured above takes down your order (pen and paper - afterall, if anything, I think I pointed out that there are a LOT of combinations, yes?), then washes his hands and starts your order. Afterward, the cones are placed in the plastic holder above.



Pictured above: (1) Soy crepe, salmon rice, unagi, tobiko, apple and avocado with wasabi mayo for H, (2) Soy crepe, sushi rice, crab cake (kamaboko), tobiko, apple and avocado with wasabi mayo for me, and (3) Soy crepe, sushi rice, scallop, topiko, apple, and avocado and wasabi mayo for OH, Hs' hubs. Yes, I know...we're so original that we ordered the exactly same "veggie" toppings. :p It was good though - and although the cones were accompanied with a packet of soy sauce, it was unnecessary as the cones were flavourful enough.

Kan has big plans - plans to open a stall for eating / waiting, a dessert stall, as well as plans to open other yataimura in other locations. And Yum-O-Rama is looking forward to it!

Shoryumen, Fumisen, and Tenku Bakudanyaki

12831 Clarke Pl
Richmond BC
Twitter: @yatainoodles @bakudanyaki




Edit:
More photos at my flickr set.
A post in Chinese about Fumisen and Shoryumen at VincentandKimmy.com. Sweet, I'm learning Chinese by osmosis! :)

Damien's Belgian Waffles (Steveston, Richmond, BC)

I've been craving a great waffle - and no, not the stale, freezer-burned "Eggo" waffles of my childhood, a waffle that is fluffy and warm, crisp yet chewy. After a brief "googling", I discovered several options and embarked on my journey.

First up, Damien's Belgian Waffles set in picturesque Steveston Village in Richmond. Yes, it is *extremely* out of the way, but on the afternoon that I visited Damien's Belgian Waffles, I *extremely* needed to be removed from the workweek. (It was just that kind of day week. Don't make me get into the details.)

In the recent downpour (read: Pineapple express) that the Vancouver area has been having, it was a real relief to have a dry, slightly sunny patch in the afternoon. I stopped by Steveston Village and found Damien's in a small strip mall. It is located near a cake decorating store, so for you pastry chefs out there, it might be worth a stop to pick up some supplies and a treat as well!



Damien's offers single waffles to eat in or to go ($2.25 - $2.50) as well as some waffle treats with ice cream, chocolate, whipped cream and/or fruits (~$5). There is also a selection of tea and coffee to go with your waffle treat. For those wanting to enjoy the waffles at home, there are packs of waffles to go (singles or mini waffles!). The waffles are made from wholesome ingredients and utilizes honey or maple syrup as a sweetener instead of refined sugar. Okay, so they use imported Belgium pearl sugar as well, but that is a necessity of the recipe, so why fight tradition. :)

The waffles come in a variety of flavours such as original, matcha, maple, and cinnamon. The vanilla flavour also comes dipped with a milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate.



I tried their Melba Magic creation, which consists of a vanilla (original) waffle warmed slightly, with ice cream, whipped cream, raspberries, and a white chocolate garnish on top, as well as their ginger raja tea, which was freshly brewed in a tea press (nice touch!). The waffle held up nicely to the ice cream and the sweetness of both the waffle and ice cream was paired nicely with the tart raspberries. What I didn't like were the disposable plates and cutlery. Not only are they not environmentally friendly, but it's tacky and impractical. Trying to saw through a waffle with a plastic knife is not fun. :( Flavour is there, the experience is not.

Waffles for a late lunch (I got there at around two-thirty in the afternoon!)? Why not! It was relaxed and laid back in sunny Steveston. :)



I bought a matcha and milk-chocolate dipped waffle to go. They're packaged in small leopard- print paper bags - it was like a little present!

Damien (I am assuming...) instructed me to warm them in the toaster or toaster oven on a low to medium toaster setting. I found my waffles warmed to my liking, slightly crisp on the outside, and chewy on the inside. On the odd occasion, there was a slight crunch from the pearl sugar that was cooked into the batter. Nice!

While the matcha flavour left a slight bitterness on the tongue, the milk chocolate was a simply sweet (and selfish! :) breakfast the next morning.



It was a nice reprieve from work - I'm glad of that. If you don't want to make the trek out to Steveston Village to visit Damien's Belgian Waffles, try catching them this weekend at the craft show at Nikkie Place in Burnaby, or Steveston Buddhist Temple. There's also some winter and craft markets that they'll be participating in, check out their event calendar for details.

I felt much more relaxed after Damien's. Let's hope they stay around for a little while!

Damien's Belgian Waffles

#2 - 3891 Chatham Street
Richmond BC
P: 604-304-2884

Kim Ga Nae (Richmond, BC)

We first read about Kim Ga Nae when My Secret Eden recommended it in a post back in September. Upon referencing it on Urbanspoon and seeing Sherman's post on it, I had made a mental note of it to try if we were in the area.

The turn in temperature made me wish for some bi bim bap, and subsequently, brought us to Kim Ga Nae.



Kim Ga Nae offers Korean all you can eat as well as a la carte options - we opted for all you can eat, as two people eating a la carte could get quite pricey.

It took us a while to be seated as only one waitress was working the lunch shift. As with other BBQ Korean restaurants, the dining area was quite literally ice cold when we started - these places depend on the heat of the barbeque units to generate heat, I guess. :)



The banchan came first - a selection of five dishes which were just okay.



We ordered a rice cake to sample, japchae, and beef bone soup. The rice cake was not something we would order again - it tasted good, but was just too heavy for our liking. As always japchae (even cold japchae, as Kim Ga Naes' was served) was devoured quickly, but the beef bone soup - as My Secret Eden found of the soft tofu soup, was bland.

The meats! I neglected to take photos of the meat, but we would definitely come back for all the meat. For all you can eat, the chicken, pork and beef were of decent quality, and marinated long enough to be tenderized before a quick grill.

As for my bi bim bap?



Well lets say this. I *love* bi bim bap, and the bi bim bap at Kim Ga Nae was no exception. I like that it came in a smaller, cuter portion, but still had all the toppings of a regular bi bim bap / stone bowl rice. If I were running a 10k or half marathon tomorrow, I'd go to Kim Ga Nae to fill up on carbs... haha!

We also ordered a seafood pancake and a gyoza, and we'd order them again. Actually, we were split on the seafood pancake - apparently M got the the pieces with huge chunks of squid and shrimp, whereas I got the more "pancake-y" pieces. Oh well, it is hard to proportion a "big portion" dish to smaller "tapas" style portions, I suppose. At only $12.95 for a lunch-time all you can eat, I am not complaining!

Upon exiting Kim Ga Nae, we saw that their a la carte menu was quite reasonable as well. Perhaps we'll try them with friends or family soon.

Kim Ga Nae

4260 No. 3 Road
Richmond BC
P: 604-273-4747

Bamboo Grove (Richmond, BC)

What's in a name? Well, the name of the restaurant featured in this restaurant is Bamboo Grove, but my family knows it more as "the lamb chop place". In fact, I only learnt of its' English name because M was commenting (harping? haha!) that we should only call a restaurant by its' name, instead of "that crab place" or "that pork chop rice place" or "the place beside the big vase" place.

...Yes, we actually make up pet names for the restaurants we visit frequently. :)


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As for the Chinese name of the restaurant? Still don't know it.

Bamboo Grove is situated near Richmond Center Mall. There is street parking, as well as parking in the back. When the restaurant parking lot is full, we usually park in adjacent parking lots.

On the occasion that these photos were taken, we had just had a filling dim sum at Kirin (post to come soon!). Just *looking* at the food at Bamboo Grove that night was making us full!



One of the first appetizers was live garlic steamed scallops. The chefs had shucked the live scallops, seasoned with wine, garlic, and green onions, and topped the scallops with rice vermicelli. They were served on the half shell and the scallops were HUGE! I took a picture with a teacup for comparison. It was like eating a scallop steak! The rice vermicelli was a nice touch, as it soaked up all the scallop juices and kept the otherwise exposed scallop surface moist.



The next dish is a family favourite - we order it nearly every time visit Bamboo Grove and we have yet to tire of it. Huge tiger shrimp and Japanese eggplant are sauteed in a mixture of spicy pork. It is really just so good. Even the dedicated carnivores in the family will scoop up some eggplant, on account of it tasting so meaty. The shrimp are a perfect size for this dish, as it takes on meaty characteristics as well.



Also ordered was a crab and lobster in cream sauce atop noodles, and sugar peas sauteed with cod. Everyone always fights for their noodles...and yes, we notice if people around the table have taken an extra large portion (ahem, remember that time J took two wings?? Remember??).

One item we didn't order (but we usually order!) this visit was the lamb chop. It is marinated, seasoned, and roasted just *so* to provide a non-gamey, succulent, tender morsel of meat on the end of a frenched and foil-wrapped bone. One of my relatives can *not* eat lamb for its gamey flavours, but will make a willing exception at Bamboo Grove.



As usual, my father got his vote with a braised fish hot pot. He likes the flavours in this dish, and goes through all the trouble of removing every shred of fish meat from the bones. As for me, I am too lazy and just love the mushrooms - they have all the flavour of the dish without all the work.

The vegetable was a romaine. Simplistic, but really just a nice reprieve from all the rich dishes before.



For dessert? Individual coconut jellies with a touch of evaporated milk on top. Afterall, I'm sure there are coconut trees that grow near the Bamboo Grove, right?

If you plan on dining at Bamboo Grove, it's a good idea to make reservations. And make the reservations early! "Second round" diners typically have to wait a while before they're seated.

Bamboo Grove Restaurant
6920 No. 3 Road
Richmond BC
P: 604-278-9585