Boston Pizza Chinook Centre – Calgary, Alberta

This particular evening we were wanting to eat at Boston Pizza which is somewhere we use to go a lot, but has cut down. We went to the Chinook Centre location as it’s not only convenient, but we could also get some Christmas shopping afterwards! This location is one of the newest locations in Calgary, and I think it’s great!

I ordered the Baked Chipotle Bacon Penne which was excellent, with a nice spicy smokey chipotle taste which was kind of subtle, but enough to detect. This plate of penne was a large portion but was really good – it was penne with creamy alfredo sauce tossed with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheese. Then to make it extra special, they put a nice layer of cheese on top and baked it to oozy gooey yumminess!

For the pizza, we ordered Spicy Perogy Pizza and this was such a different type of pizza. Instead of your typical tomato pizza sauce, they use sour cream, and they line the pizza with potato slices. The toppings was delicious and it had lots of smoky bacon, cheese and green onions!

For dessert, even though we were super stuffed, we were convinced to try the Sticky Toffee Pudding and we’re so happy that we tried it. It was a delicious steamed chocolate sponge cake, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream smothered with rich caramel sauce.

The food at this location was phenomenal, and the service overall was excellent. The prices was right, and you’ll never know what kind of new menu items you’ll find from Boston Pizza. It’s not your typical Pizza Chain as it offers not only your usual suspects at a pizza joint, but it offers new and exciting menu items and even specialty items like gluten free dishes.

Boston Pizza in Calgary Chinook Center

232 – 6455 Macleod Trail SW Map
Calgary, AB
(403) 255-2525

MGM Grand Buffet

We don’t normally eat at buffets, but we did on this occasion, as the room I booked came with complimentary buffet. I stayed at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino which was a wonderful place to stay.

MGM Grand Buffet Entrance

The buffet was delicious, and there was a lot of food options. It was quite the Grand Buffet as you’ll definitely find something for everyone! They have from regular breakfast/lunch foods like potatoes, eggs, sausages, to much more exotic brunch items like sushi. Even the selection at the salad bar was massive, and the ingredients were fresh. They employees at the Grand Buffet keep the items stocked and that’s a great thing to see – as I’ve been to a few buffets that don’t refill to control their supplies and not meeting demands.

MGM Grand Buffet

One of my favourite stations from this buffet was the Smoked Salmon, they had two pieces of really nice salmon, and I’m sure I ate enough they would’ve frowned at me if they knew it was going into my belly – solely! I did try some of their sushi, and it wasn’t anything special, but I think it’s a special item for breakfast! This buffet is definitely trying to cater to as many ethnics and cuisines as possible!

MGM Grand Buffet - Sushi

To further enhance what I’m talking about regarding selection, even the selection of loaves was massive! There is really something for everyone, and it’s kind of too bad this was found at the back – because I really stuffed myself before I found the bakery selection!

MGM Grand Buffet - Pastries

I really enjoy desserts, and the dessert bar at this buffet is actually quite massive for a morning buffet. I’ve previously been to a buffet in Vegas last year and they actually do things like turn the ice cream machine off for the morning buffets, and everything becomes cookies, pastries, like croissants, breads and toasts and other morning goodies. At the Grand Buffet, they even have a large selection of sugar free desserts which is really pleasing to see!

MGM Grand Buffet - Dessert Bar

This is a great location and definitely a grand buffet! You can find traditional meal items to specialty items, and usually variations of all, plus everything in between! So, if you’re looking for selection, especially with the heated item selection – this could be a great option for you!

MGM Grand Buffet on Urbanspoon

MGM Grand Buffet
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 891-7777

Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie Bellagio

From last time I went to Vegas, I discovered Jean Philippe Patisserie, and I knew I had to go back. I went back everyday this time, and I don’t regret the extra sugar at all! It’s a wonderful place to go to get delicious baked goods and sweets! This time, I even went to the Jean Philippe at Bellagio, where there is the tallest chocolate fountain, and it was amazing!

Jean Philippe - Chocolate Fountain

After reading some reviews when I got home last time, someone told me that the Jean Philippe Crepes was a must try item, so I had to try it this time. It was a fun experience as they make it in front of you after you order. I ordered a Dulce de Leche Crepe which was a crepe with dulce de Leche caramel sauce, and then topped with chocolate shavings and whipped cream! I didn’t eat it there, I brought it back to my hotel room to enjoy, so it fell apart a little by the time I got it back. But, it tasted wonderful!

Jean Philippe - Crepe making

The crepe for the most part was in good condition, all except the whipped cream that started to slide off and was half melted as the crepes was hot when I got it. It was good that it was quite cool outside in Vegas so it didn’t do any further damage.

Jean Philippe

Once I got my fork through the crepe, I knew I was going to love this dessert! The texture of the crepe was warm, soft and chewy with a very subtle sweetness to the crepe itself. I’ve had crepes where it was hard and just not very pleasant, but this one alone was decadent! The batter was perfection and with the Dulce de Leche Caramel Sauce inside, it was really good!

Jean Philippe

I believe if I ate this on location, the warm caramel sauce would have oozed out a bit and made it even more wonderful – but this is a good excuse to go back next time! 🙂 From this Bellagio location, I bought also a Cinnamon Bun and saved it for breakfast the next morning. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it as I love cinnamon buns.

Jean Philippe - Cinnamon Bun

Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie (Bellagio) on Urbanspoon

Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie

3600 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas
(702) 693-8788

Cookie Occasion – Calgary, Alberta

During a visit to see Fiasco Souped Up Food Truck in Calgary Marda Loop, I went to a place for cookies called Cookie Occasion which easily drew me to here as I love cookies.

I got to go get myself another cookie as I promised myself! This time, I got the Triple Sin Cookie and it was sinfully delicious. These cookies are made of the three common Callebaut chocolate chunks – dark, milk and white and they are all mixed into a great cookie dough! There’s really nothing quite like it!

The other cookie we purchased was Amaretto Almond Cookie and within the first bite, my mouth was exploding with almond flavours. These cookies are mixed in with Callebaut milk chocolate chunks, almonds and a splash of amaretto! We’ve never had a more almond tasting cookie before and it was really wonderful!

As much as I like cookies from anywhere, I can not get over how wonderfully delicious these cookies are, and the texture of the cookie is unlike any other. These cookies are a must try if you haven’t done so yet! You’ll see the difference, and you’ll thank me later! 🙂 But, note their hours are Monday – Saturday 10AM to 5PM!

Cookie Occasion

2107 – 33rd Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 246-6700

Coconut Tapioca Dessert

Coconut Tapioca Dessert is a dessert which I can call my all-time favourite. I’ve tried to make this a few times myself, and it’s just not as good or as easy to purchase this cup of goodness from T&T Supermarket. 椰汁西米糖水 西米露

Tapioca Dessert

I really like to purchase a cup or two of this dessert, and put them in the typical “Asian” rice bowls, and it just looks very authentic. It tastes authentic and better than a lot of dessert places that claim they make it themselves. As I mentioned, I don’t bother making it anymore as it looks better and tastes better – without all the work. It’s not terrible for a price either as we get 2 bowls out of this cup for around $4.

Bowl of Tapioca Dessert

The only down-side about this product, it has a “best before date” of 2 days later. It’s not normally a problem – but you definitely can’t have it sitting in your fridge too long. This means, I don’t get to stock up on this product… and with me going to T&T about once a week or longer, it becomes a monthly treat.

If you really wanted to make it at home, there’s a simple recipe I came up with – it’s great if you’re looking for a small portion of sai mai lo as it makes 2 Chinese bowls of coconut tapioca pudding!