Korean Food: Seafood Pancake, Bibimbap, Barbecue, Kimchi Fried Rice

We tried all kinds of Korean food in various restaurant.
In Insadong, a Korean craft district, we tried seafood pancake, bibimbap and Korean steamed egg.
In Korea, food always comes with free kimchi and other vegetable dishes and I love that.

korea seafood pancake and steamed egg in Insadong

Korean bibimbap

We also ate in the local barbecue restaurant with my wife's friend's family.
The plate they use is very interesting, slightly slanted.

Korean fried Kimchi rice on teppan

After they barbecue, they have the option of frying kimchi rice themselves.  Very interesting and very tasty I must say.I also tried a bowl of Korean cold noodles.  (not sure what they are called, Japanese would call it "reiman".)

Korean cold noodle

The noodle is also very tasty but hard to chew.  (maybe it is supposed to be like this.)
However, I liked it as well because it is very different from any other country's noodles.

Sauteed barbecued beef

I really enjoyed the real local korean food and I wish that I can come back again to try them.

Korea: Lotteria's Shrimp Bulgogi Burger and KFC's Big Mouth Burger

In Korea, we tried all kinds of local food.  Even Western fast food with local flavors.
We went to Lotteria and KFC to try their new burgers: Shrimp Bulgogi Burger and Big Mouth.

Korea Lotteria Shrimp Bulgogi burger

The shrimp bulgogi burger is quite long but one can get very satisfy with this. This has two tastes: shrimp and bulgogi. It is exactly half and half. 

KFC's big mouth is also quite tasty with cheese and lots of mushroom and barbecue sauce.
Korea is a country very focused on skin care, so when we bought the combo, it came with two face mask packs.  I find it quite funny because fast food and skin care are totally different kinds of products.

Korea: Changdeok Palace

Changdeok palace

As seen above, this is another spectacular heritage place to see.  The exterior and the surrounding complex of buildings are amazing to see. (Also, the gift shop here has neat things to sell.)

The palace ground was large to navigate and with kids, we did not dare to stay too long.
There is a famous secret garden that we did not get to see but we were happy enough to enjoy the palace itself.

Changdeok Palace korea

This day was very sunny but very chilly...

Korea: Kimchi Onigiri

One more neat thing about Korean food I like is the Kimchi Onigiri (rice wrapped in nori).

You can only buy them in Korea, and they sell them in supermarkets or convenience stores.
They were very tasty with various taste and styles to my surprise.  They can come with seafood, tuna, barbecue sauces, etc.  We loved it and we ate lots.

Korean Kimchi Onigiri

Yummy.....I miss it so much.

Trip to Korea: Yucky Soba

On the airplane ride to Korea, we had lunch on the airplane even though it was a short ride.
It was soba.  I was so happy because I love soba and I have ate soba for year and they never go wrong.
It turned out to be the most disgusting `soba` I have ever tried...

Yucky soba....not ``Yakisoba`` haha.

The rice along with it was super disgusting, too.  It is sour but not like sushi rice.  (Perhaps Korean style that I don't know?) I thought this is a Japanese soba bento but I have not tried anything like it.

The kids menus were better and I ended up sharing my son's sandwich and yogurt.

Korea: Seoul: Jongmyo Royal Shrine

On a sunny cold day during our Korea Trip, we visited the Jongmyo Royal Shrine.  It was five minutes walk from our hotel but it was almost 0 degree because the water in the pots was frozen.

We actually all did not wear a jacket because we thought it was going to be sunny and 20 degrees like previous days.  We were so wrong.  We got a guided English tour for only 2 dollars US or 2000 won.  However, we were sooooo cold during the hour of tour.  We wished we had the jackets so we can enjoy the tour more.  The tour guide was nice enough to lend us her guide uniform jacket to cover the baby.

On a sunny day, the place was beautiful!

Jongmyo Korea

This place is where the kings rest in peace in Korea.

At the end, the guide said she was nervous but we ensured that she did a good job and took a picture with her.

Korea: Seoul 2011 Lantern Festival with Pororo

The first day of our Seoul trip, we happened to stumble upon a lantern festival right beside our hotel.

It has various characters including Pororo, a famous Korean Penguin cartoon character.
They also had Superman, Batman and Anime robots.

Pororo lantern in seoul korea

They also have other Asian cultural themed lanterns such as rabbits making rice cakes on the moon.
It is an ancient tale for the mid-autumn festival that these rabbits were on the moon making rice cake.

rabbit making rice cake lantern festival

They also have lanterns displayed in other countries' themes or world heritage buildings:
Statue of Liberty in USA, Tower of Pisa of Italy, themes from Philippines, China and Japan, etc.

Statue of Liberty lantern in Seoul Korea

Tower of Pisa lantern in Seoul Korea

Nebuta Matsuri Lanterns in Seoul Korea

and some goldfish:

goldfish latern in seoul korea festival

We all had a lot of fun looking at these and we are glad that this is right in front of our hotel!!

Korea: Seoul: Gyeonbok Palace

On the Second Day of our trip to Korea, we visited the Gyeonbok Palace.

We took the subway there and it took only 3 minutes for us to walk to the palace.
The palace looks beautiful.  (The picture was taken on a cloudy day, so the colors might not show as well as intended.)

Gate of Gyeongbok Palace

At this sight, they have the "changing of the guards" performance...the Korean version for visitors to see.
It was interesting to see the old military costumes and hear old military music.

Gate to the main palace in Gyeonbok Palace

The ground of the compound is very spacious. After going through a couple of gates, we can go up to the main palace room where the emperor sat but could not go in because it was barricaded. 
The who palace compound look well preserved and the style is a little different from Japan or China's.

(People with non-oriental backgrounds might think they look all the same but the buildings from different parts of Asia have differences.)

From the palace, we went to the department store and Lotte Mart near Seoul Station.

Giant Pocky Stick Box in Korea

If you are familiar with Oriental snacks, then you know "Pocky", a Japanese chocolate stick snack that has a thousand flavors nowdays.

I found this giant box of pocky that I have never seen before.  The biggest I have seen before was 40 cm boxes but not this big.  The biggest one in the picture, the length is 70 cm.  The medium box on top of the big one is around 50 cm long.  I am wondering if the sticks inside are actually that long.  I wish I had the budget to try it.

Giant Pocky Lotte in Korea

Just Got back from Japan and Korea...Jet Lagged

We went on a trip to Japan and Korea and just got back.  It is so difficult to adjust to the jet lag, especially with the kids.  I will feel sleepy at noon and nap if I can or can't sleep at night. 
Last two days, I was sleepy but my kids woke up at 1 am and 3 am.
They are sleeping well so far tonight but it is my turn that I can't sleep at all.

Japanese Mantis

Our relatives sent a picture of a Japanese mantis.

Japanese Mantis

Japanese mantis 2

I thought this is an interesting picture to share.

La Roche Posay Full Size Toner Sample

Last week, I got a free full size sample of a La Roche Posay full size sample. 
It was a facebook trial offering last month but I was surprised that they sent it within couple of weeks.

La Roche Posay Full Size Sample

I was truly surprised that they would send out a full size sample.  I guess it is good promotion of their products.  Before, some other makers would offer similar samples but I did not receive them after registration.

Nuk Baby Milk Bottle: Winnie the Pooh Edition

I found a cute baby milk bottle for my kid.
It is a Winnie the Pooh edition for Nuk.
It was very cute and I could not resist but buy this bottle!

Winnie the Pooh Nuk bottle

Fred Meyer's Bakery Section

Fred Meyer's Bakery section is so much prettier than most Canadian supermarkets.
The desserts are not as sweet as the Canadian ones with better creativity and presentation.
See picture of counter:

Fred Meyer bakerty section

I bought some chocolate marshmallows, chocolate sandwich cookies and fruit tart.
They are absolutely delicious and not overly sweet to my surprise.
I would definitely try other sweets in the counter next time!

Chocolate sandwich cookie, Marshmallow, Fruit Tarts

Burger King in US: Using Internet Coupon for Family Meal

Early October, we went to Burger King in the States and used their 10 dollars family deal internet coupon.
The amount of things we received is amazing. 
We will never get anything like this in Canada because everything is double priced.

Burger King Family Meal Coupon

We received 2 large drinks, 3 large fries, 2 burgers, 2 strawberry cheesecake (tastes great!), and 10 chicken nuggets!!!
Amazing!  I can easily pay 30 dollars plus for these kind of volume in Canada.
American pricing and volume for fast food is just incredible.

20000 Hits for My Blog

I know I haven't update my blog much these days because all my photos are in my cellphone.

However, I have reached the milestone of 20000 hits for my page. 


Gotta keep going!

London Drugs Canada: October Cosmetics Deals for RoC

Recently, I have been trying to find coupon deals for various things and I found a great deal for RoC cosmetics in London Drugs that I just can't pass on.

First of all, the RoC brand was on sale for 30 percent off.  That is a deal in itself because it is an expensive brand.  Same as Vichy or La Roche Posay.

I bought a "Wrinkle Correxion Gift Set" that retails for 49 dollars but is on sale for 34 dollars.  It is the same price as buying the Wrinkle Correxion Creme alone but also comes with a 36 (regular price) Anti-wrinkle eye creme.

I also bought a very small tube of Anti-age Eye Cream for 16.80 (regular 24.00).  Therefore, I spent over 50 dollars.

Now, it is time to use my 3 store in store coupons for that week's promotion.

First, if I spent over 35 dollars, I get a tube of Anti-age Correxion cream that retails for 32 dollars.

Then, if I spent over 40 dollars, I get another tube of Multi-Correxion Cream that retails for 42 dollars.

Last, if I spent over 40 dollars, I would get 10 dollars off.

Now, with 12 percent sales tax in BC, Canada, I paid $47.23 and got 5 RoC items that retails for $183 dollars.  That is a 74% saving over the regular price!!

Not only that is my total percentage shopping for a trip so far, it is my total savings record as well.

That is roughly 136 dollars of saving from the non-sale prices.

I hope they have this sale again....

Trader Joe's Tuna in Green Curry Sauce

We found this Tuna in Green Curry Sauce at Trader Joe's last month and decided to try it.
Amazingly, it taste pretty good to me.  I am always amazed at the new products they come up with every month. 
This one actually taste like green curry from Thailand.

box of trader joe's green curry tuna

Actually, it is from Thailand if you look at the box.
Here is a picture of the tuna and sauce (sauce not too clear from the picture....supposed to be light green.

Trader Joe's green curry tuna

Very yummy.....

McDonald's Canada: New Blueberry Pie

The other day, we tried the new blueberry pie introduced by McDonald's.
It was definitely tastier than the usual apple pie.  I think McDonald's should seriously be thinking of keeping the banana chocolate pie and other pies on the regular menu to give customers varieties to choose from.

McDonald's Blueberry Pie

Here is a look from inside the bluberry pie.  It has a sweet but nice taste of blueberry. hmm...
I like it.  I wish the Canadian fast food chains can come up with more varieties and new ideas.

Trader Joe's Cream Brulee

As I am writing this entry, I actually ate the brulee few weeks ago after I bought it from Trader Joe's, so I don't remember the exact taste.

However, even though it was not "awesome", it was "good" for a dessert after dinner.

Trader Joe's Creme Brulee

Here is a inside look for the actual Brulee:

Trader Joe's Creme Brulee 2

My Chihuahua Loves U-Shape Maternity Pillow

My Chihuahua loves to sleep in the U-shaped Maternity Pillow meant for mothers to use to feed the babies.

I think they like the enclosed cuddly feeling of it just like blankets.  My little chihuahua also likes to use pillows.  Sometimes, they are like humans.....

My chihuahua in U-shape maternity pillow

Tim Horton's Smile Cookie or No Smile Cookie?

Tim Horton's has this promotion about "Smile Cookies" in September.  If a customer buys the cookie, a portion of the sale goes to the city's local charties.

It is supposed to be "Smile Cookies", right?
How come I got this?

Restaurant: Boathouse in Port Moody's Rocky Point Park

On my birthday and our wedding anniversary, even though I had a fever, we went to Boathouse Restaurant for dinner.  I was really looking forward to this dinner because I have never been to this restaurant and I had a birthday coupon to use.

It was a sunny afternoon around the dock in Port Moody.  The restaurant was busy already at 5:30 in the afternoon. It was summer after all.
The waitress was very friendly and gave good service.  She constantly said, "Happy Birthday" and brought the kids meal menu to us.

I wanted to try their steak and seafood barbecue stick, so we order couple of them.
They were the best steaks we have tried recently!  The steaks were fresh, soft and tender.
After the bite, it was like chewing soft chicken.  They were delicious!!

Boathouse restaurant steak

The kids meal was so very good.  However, the celery stick did not interest my kids....haha.
It was too big, and I don't the kids like the celery sticks.

The adult meals came with free bread and butter.  Those were great as well!!

boathouse restaurant seafood stick with steak

The birthday person gets the steak free! Also, I got a small birthday cake with sparkles as a "surprise".
It was rather embarrassing when people are looking at me but I did like the cake.

We really enjoyed the experience there and will definitely go back again!

Restaurant: Pho Sen in Coquitlam, BC

We went to this restaurant early in the summer in July but never bother to blog about it because we did not find this Pho restaurant exceptional.  It is better than some but not good enough.
The restaurant is new but the service is not there at all.  We needed extra plate and I ended up picking them up myself.  There was no customer there but the waitress was not paying attention.

Pho Sen coquitlam bc

The noodle we ordered should include beef tendon.  Well, we don't see tendons anywhere.  (only couple of small pieces at the bottom.)  The spring rolls were huge but with small shrimps inside.  Most of the rolls is just noodles.  The pricing is kind of high for Pho...

We will probably not come back to this restaurant....

Seals in the Harbor in Rocky Point Park in Port Moody, BC

We went to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody to take a walk and try to teach my son how to fly a kite.
When we are taking a walk on the dock, we saw a couple of seals swimming and lingering around.  They did not mind the people and boats at all, and just tried to find their food.

seals in rocky point park port moody british columbia

This is not the first time they show up around this park.  I think they come around summer time every year.

Restaurant: The Mexican (Downtown Vancouver)

I actually purchased a Living Social deal for a Spanish restaurant a year ago and never went, so I decided to go before the deal expires.  The funny thing is that the Spanish restaurant closed down and it turned into a Mexican restaurant.  Since the deal still works, we decided to give it a try as it is the first time we go into a real Mexican restaurant.

They renovated the restaurant so it looked new.  (We went when they opened at 5 in the summer.  They open till late.)  I was pleased with the greeting and attitude of the waiter right off the bat.  After ordering, he brought us free Mexican chips and sauce.

The Mexican Restaurant Vancouver free chips and sauce

For our first dish, we ordered Nachos.  I have never seen such a big dish before (well, I don't go to Mexican so I would not know.)  However, the amount of nachos is huge.  The sauce and nachos taste sooooo good.  The Avocado sauce is just simply amazing.

The Mexican Vancouver Large Nacho with Avocado sauce

Then, we ordered some burritos:

The Mexican Vancouver downtown burrito

The burritos are absolutely humongous.  I never expected this because all the burritos I buy in the fast food restaurants are all small.  This is 3 times their sizes.  We were really really full by now.

Mexican vancouver burrito cut

At last, we get to choose 4 kinds of tacos!  The size is small but we enjoy choosing different flavors.

These taste absolutely amazing.  I would definitely recommend this restaurant to people who don't eat Mexican often.  For their portion, I think the prices are reasonable.  The service was excellent.