Travel – Page 16 – Elsie Hui

March 11, 2017

Vietnam Sub & Grill – Calgary, Alberta

We found Vietnam Sub & Grill by luck when we were driving around Country Hills this one weekend, and saw it from the corner of our eye. It’s in a little corner location a bit tucked away, but it’s not a busy strip mall when we went – in fact, it was a Saturday afternoon and we were the only ones in there.

Without much expectation, we decided to order their Lemon Grass Beef Salad Rolls which actually wasn’t bad. We’ve had worse, and the rice paper was prepared nicely such that it wasn’t ripping or hard. The beef was quite flavourful, and the dipping sauce was good too. So, we were off to a good start, even though there wasn’t “lemongrass” flavour, it was still quite fragrant and had taste to it!

I ordered their Vietnamese sub, and their Satay Chicken Sub to be exact. It was pretty standard looking, but the bun was really nice and the satay chicken was quite tasty. THere wasn’t much filling in it, and that’s a little bit of a bummer. Their Baguette was really good and you can tell that was a fresh bun, so I give them credit for that!

Then, we had to try a noodle soup and ordered their Satay Rare Beef Rice Noodle Soup and the nice thing about this soup was it had tons of flavour and salt. We didn’t have to add anything to it. It wasn’t just a spicy bowl of soup or anything, so it was quite decent!

Overall, we were pleasantly surprised as we didn’t have any expectations for this little place with no one in there. We did get quite thirsty from the salt afterwards, but that’s an us issue. Tons of parking, clean facilities and restaurant… and there was window seating as well as booth.

Vietnam Sub & Grill

10 Country Hills Landing NW
Calgary, AB T3K 5P4
(403) 262-8819

March 3, 2017

Pho Mai Thy – Calgary, Alberta

I’m not sure what happened here… but I know I went to Pho Mai Thy with my other half! We came here in search of something less popular in hopes of it being super delicious. We actually came here with low expectations, and it met and exceeded the bar I set for this restaurant! The parking here wasn’t bad at all, and the service was pretty good even close to closing time!

We ordered a plate of Cha Gio which is something I really enjoy ordering if I’m hungry! These were really nicely fried, and the filling was very flavourful! Crispy, fresh, hot and awesome – not much more you want for these spring rolls!

I ordered a bowl of Bun Bo Hue as I love doing that once in awhile as I know it’s a specialty food. I try to compare it to whatever I like as I have no idea how original is really supposed to be. I have a favourite place that I go for this, and this isn’t too far behind! The noodles are good, the flavour is great, the spice level is high – yet edible! The size of the noodle soup was big with quite a bit of beef in it, so I quite enjoyed my bun bo hue!

Overall, this place as mentioned was better than we expected. So, we left here with a super full belly and we were quite satisfied.

Pho Mai Thy

6219 Centre Street NW
Calgary, Alberta
(403) 454-8919

March 3, 2017

The Canadian Brewhouse – Calgary, Alberta

We were up north this one weekend for an event. After the event, we thought it would be fun to enjoy some sunshine on a patio somewhere. We ended up at The Canadian Brewhouse in Country Hills. It was a beautiful afternoon, and lots of people were soaking up the sun as we wanted to! Luckily, the parking lots is quite big, even though it shares with many other amenities. You’ll eventually find a spot!

Once I sat down, I actually ordered a girly drink, their Bellini and it was pretty good! The waitress took a long time bringing it out so it was pretty much melted – but if it came right after it was made, I know it would taste amazing!

I was feeling quite festive and “aloha” with the warm beaming sun, so I ordered their Hawaiian Lu Wow pizza, and I know fruits on pizza isn’t for everyone – however, I love pineapples. I like them however they come, so this meal really hit the spot for me.

As it was kind of brunch time, we also ordered their Chicken & Waffles as we were just at an event and wishing the chicken and waffle food truck was there. It wasn’t, so ordering this was the next best thing. It was pretty to look at, and pretty tasty as well!

Overall, we had a fabulous time at the Canadian Brewhouse and we know we will be back! The food was great, atmosphere very good, service was okay, so it was a good time!

The Canadian Brewhouse

9650 Harvest Hills Boulevard NE
Calgary, AB
403-452-5636

February 24, 2017February 24, 2017

Annie’s Bakery and Cafe – Calgary, Alberta

We quite enjoy wandering through Fish Creek Park in Calgary. There’s always things to see around! We’ve always walked by Annie’s Bakery and never got a chance to go in. This one time, we made an effort to come here during their opening season, and we’re glad we did!

Although everyone seems to eat ice cream, we were more into baked goods. I ordered their Cinnamon Rolls which looked really good. I’m not sure if it was just out in the air without being covered too long or what it was, but it didn’t seem that great! It was a little dry and hard. The taste of it was amazing, but it was more of the texture. Not bread like, or the soft ooey-gooey.

We also got an Apple Strudel as we just got back from Eastern Europe at this time so a cup of coffee and baked good was on the top of our minds. The apple strudel was really good!

The coffee we got with this was their latte which to my excitement, they made it in front of you and made it taste amazing!

Overall experience, it was fun! the place was small, so be prepared for a picnic when you come here.

Annie’s Bakery and Cafe

15985 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Calgary, AB
403-476-1308

February 24, 2017February 24, 2017

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kananaskis Lodge

I have now been the Kananaskis Lodge twice now and both experiences were quite different. We really enjoy going during our anniversary as it’s shoulder season, yet the road conditions are still good enough. This resort is always picture perfect, so we love taking photos of it to match some local postcards.

The room was actually the same as the last time, but reversed layout. So, it was a familiar stay which I enjoyed, like an old friend. Once you oepn the door, you’re into the bathroom sink area, and through the sink area would be that main bathroom with the tub and toilet.

The room is always spacious for 2 people, but I can see it being comfortable for a family, and still big enough with a group of friends. The bathroom situation would be a little strange sometimes if you’re with a group of friends, but if you’re close enough to stay in the same room, you’re good!

Overall, our stay was wonderful as always. Hospitality was impeccable and the food was top notch. I’m sure another anniversary down the road we would be back! It’s a nice quiet and remote location, yet has enough things to do, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kananaskis Lodge

1 Centennial Drive
Kananaskis Village, Alberta