Travel – Page 73 – Elsie Hui

May 5, 2013May 5, 2013

NEM Delight

I really had a thing for Vietnamese food this week, and I found myself not too far from home, just off of Bow Bottom Trail. We found ourselves at NEM Delight just because of the high ratings on Urbanspoon. Once we saw that, we figured that this is where we were going to go… so, we ventured off! When we got here, we realized it was just a take-out place only, so we just grabbed 2 subs and called it a night. It was a typical take-out place so it was kind of shocking when she said the wait was about 10 minutes for a sub… but it wasn’t like we were in a hurry or anything!

We ordered a Grilled Chicken Submarine which was actually very reasonable for a sub price. It was $5.70 for a decent sized Vietnamese submarine. The wait was probably the fact they were actually grilling the chicken and onions – which was extremely flavourful! It wasn’t your typical Vietnamese sub, but it was a good one! The jalapeno peppers was quite something – they were very spicy, and they kept the seeds in and all too! We ended up taking the peppers out to finish the subs.

The other sub we tried was their Grilled Pork Submarine and for the same price, we picked pork – as it’s not a common one you see on the menu. Usually, you get the beef and chicken, and that’s it! The pork was really tender and also packed with flavour! The grilled meat in the subs topped with the usual Vietnamese sub toppings, cucumber, cilantro, pickled carrots and onions… which really made it seem like a usual sub to the next level with almost a fusion of flavours!

Overall, these were good subs, but not sure if I’d go all the way over that way for another… the parking lot was small, and there wasn’t a ton of parking spots either. The nice thing is the menu is extensive and the prices are very well priced. The food is quite decent as well.

NEM Delight

6, 13750 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Calgary, AB
(403) 235-5757

April 12, 2013April 12, 2013

Blondes Diner – Calgary 4th Street

The most wonderful meal for me is breakfast – and my favourite place to enjoy breakfasts are at diners. I love them, old style, new style or even no style! I first heard about Blondes Diner from watching TV actually… on Top Chef Canada, they have a chef that’s a contestant on the show. Right away, I knew I had to try this diner! The location of this diner is right on 4th street and I believe it use to be a Greek restaurant at this location. It’s easy to find and quite spacious inside. Parking is a little trickier, but that’s the area!

We went in on a Sunday, relatively late in the afternoon – for sure past noon. There was still a line up for a table which is a good sign! The service was casual, but it wasn’t slow! By the time we got to our table, our waitress came right away. It was a awful weather outside, so I decided to have a nice cup of Hot Chocolate which I enjoyed thoroughly! I wish it was a tad bigger because I was almost done my hot chocolate by the time my lunch got to the table. Well, maybe I was just enjoying it too much! 🙂

Looking around the restaurant, it was really clean and modern. There were seats with plastic chairs and some cozy chairs! I was fortunate enough to sit by the window in the cozy chairs! It was a really relaxing experience at Blondes, and that’s something I love!

I love coconut, and so when I saw it on the menu, I knew I had to try their Crispy Crepe which the menu describes it as coconut frangipane, seasonal compote, whipped creme fraiche! It turns out as a delicious thin crepe with shredded coconut filling inside, and topped with pineapple compote! Wow, this was such a delight to have and something I wouldn’t mind having again and again!

We didn’t know what else to order, and thankfully they had a delicious sounding featured breakfast! This breakfast was a hot beef sandwich with a side of chickpea salad. The hot beef was full of flavour and it sat on a nice thick toast with tons of gravy on top. The chickpea salad was so refreshing and would be an awesome side for a summers night!

Overall, we had a great time here! It was fun and exiting and a nice modern take on a diner and more upscale. With that said, it’s just a nice breakfast/brunch/lunch place instead of a diner! But, worth it was worth the visit!

Blondes Diner

2005 B 4th St SW
Calgary, AB
(403) 474-3867

March 24, 2013

Wildernest Dream Cafe – Calgary

Breakfast is always a nice treat, and I found myself at Wildernest Dream Cafe one Sunday morning. It was great, it wasn’t super busy, but it was comfortable. There was street parking right outside, and on Sundays, it’s complimentary! The location is like a little house and even the inside, it’s partitioned into little seating areas as well, kind of like a little house. It’s really a unique place to be, as you know it was once someone’s home, and now it’s been recreated to a restaurant/cafe.

Once we were seated, the waitress came up to us not long afterwards and asked us if we knew what we wanted to drink. I ordered their Chai Latte, and it came after quite a long wait. However, it was a good one. It was more on the sweeter side instead of a spicy chai. This is alright with me, since I’m fully aware there are a few kinds of chai.

My other half ordered a Hot Spiced Cider which is typically something I don’t order as it’s normally as it’s normally just heated up apple juice with a cinnamon stick – and it’s no different here. It wasn’t bad, but it’s just nothing special.

I ordered the Salmon Eggs Benedict which has always been one of my “go-to” breakfasts if I see it. This one was done a little differently, as they use what they call “potato latkes” instead of the traditional English Muffin for the base of the eggs Benedict. When I think about potato latkes, I think about light and fluffy potato pancakes, but these ones were just a little different. It wasn’t bad at all, but it was quite different. The Pacific Salmon, they were really generous with the portions of that, and topped with their homemade hollandise sauce. Overall, I loved the plate – and I especially loved their hashbrowns!

My husband ordered the Hawaiian Breakfast Wrap only because that was my second choice, and it is weird of me to order 2 breakfasts sometimes. I love anything with pineapples in it, and this was no exception. We shared the 2 orders, and this wrap was delightful! It was hot with scrambled eggs with pineapples, red and green peppers, bacon and cheese all wrapped up into a large wrap! We even ordered a side of their Chicken Sausage which was like a meatloaf cut into strips. The concept was fantastic and the plate just works!

Overall, we had a fabulous time here. I think during a weekday or Saturday, I would utilize the parking lot right beside the cafe as it would be much simpler. The food is really good, and the prices are quite reasonable. The prices for the sides are a tad costly, but the portions are fairly large too! I think I would be back if I’m in the area. We ended up spending the day at Fort Calgary and then the Calgary Zoo, so the location was fantastic! Another great thing about this cafe, they offer Gluten Free options and tons of it too!

Wildernest Dream Cafe

1309 9 Avenue Southeast
(403) 265-3663

March 23, 2013March 23, 2013

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt – 17th Avenue Calgary

So, this is an interesting post. It’s not my first invite to Grand Openings and whatnot. However, I must say – this is the first time I’ve attended any invite from my activity in the blogosphere. How could I resist such an invite to Tutti Fruitti?? I’m sure glad I attended as it was what I really wanted – delicious, creamy, indulgent. light and refreshing frozen yogurt! This store front location is perfect as it’s near tons of people, both residential and commercial so this really is an ideal location.

Once in the store, you basically greet the amazing team, and walk straight to the back where the frozen yogurt dispensers are! You first start by picking up a cute cup – large or small, which really depends on how much frozen yogurt and toppings you want to put on. I totally recommend just grabbing the big cup since you never know when you’re going to dispense too much frozen yogurt – or decide on too many toppings. These cups are weighed at the end when you’re ready to enjoy – and at $0.55 an ounce, it makes it a great treat, big or small!

Once you’ve filled up your cup with the frozen yogurt, take a walk back to the front of the store where an huge array of toppings are presented for you to choose from. These toppings range from brownies, to tapioca pearls that have a little burst of flavour, to regular candies and snacks you love to enjoy anywhere! You can really be here forever – and this is where a BIG cup comes handy! Don’t walk too fast like me, I didn’t see the Ghiradelli caramel and chocolate syrups till I was done my yogurt.

I ended up enjoying a delicious cup of yogurt with coconut and pineapple twist (middle lever is a mix of the 2 flavours) as I love that combination – like a Pina Colada! It always transports me to somewhere warm and special – so I love that combination. The frozen yogurt here is really creamy, smooth and light. The texture is great as there isn’t ice crystals throughout! My toppings was simple, I choose some mochi and lychee boba. I love the boba’s Tutti Frutti has to offer from here!

This is really the place to be at – hot or cold outside, it’s the perfect light and delicious treat where you can decide anything! I’ve learned from the past place with so many options… taking everything you like in one doesn’t taste the best when it melts together. My advice now: Have lots of separate cups! 🙂 This place will be a heaven for kids and just a fantastic place just to hang out and catch up with friends and family. This location offers a great comfortable downstairs as well, making it one of the largest Tutti Frutti store fronts out there!

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

858 16th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2S0B7
(403) 460-8846

March 11, 2013March 11, 2013

World Ground Cafe – Oakland

One afternoon during out trip to California, we decided to slow down the pace and start the day with a nice hot drink. We came across a place called World Ground Cafe which was still in Oakland. We actually like to come here often to pick up some drinks on the go! The location is great for us, the people are always friendly, and the drinks are always fresh and delicious!

I really like to order their Hot Chocolate as it’s rich and creamy! It’s never too greasy tasting – but yet, I don’t ask for whipped cream. It seems to be my “go to”drink in the morning, which I have no problem with!

The other drink we seem to enjoy ordering a lot was their Spicy Chai as it was a nice spicy chai. It’s not the same as the ones we get back at home, but it does leave a nice fragrant note and flavour in the mouth. It definitely warms up the body on those cold wintery months!

Overall, we like this place as it has what we need, at a price we like, and the location that is convenient for us! Most importantly, it’s worth the price we pay too! Especially for something as basic as hot chocolate! I am sure I will be back next time I’m here – since I’ve been back for a few years now!

World Ground Cafe

3726 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, CA
(510) 482-2933