Bubble Queen #2

After visiting Bubble Queen on Monday, I have been craving for their Matcha Red Beans Egg Waffle lately! So...I decided to satisfy my craving tonight, with my foodie buddy, EU, again.

Bubble Queen
1200-8888 Odlin Crescent, Richmond BC

Ratings
1:Yucks! 2:Improvement needed 3:So-So~ 4:Good 5:Very good 6:Heavenly

Food: 6 (only based on their egg waffles; but I know everyone has a different taste on egg waffles)
Price: 5.5
Service: 6
Ambiance: 5.5
Overall: 6

• Mon-Thur 2pm-9pm Fri 2pm-midnight Sat 12pm-midnight Sun 12pm-6pm
• Cozy place; suitable for teenagers
• Super friendly and patient owner (Vivian)
• Large variety of drinks available
• Flexible choices
• Egg waffles (aka Bubble waffles), snacks, thick sliced toasts, casual meals and seasonal desserts available
• Many egg waffle flavours available (Is Bubble Queen the only restaurant to offer different flavours of egg waffles?)
• Magazines available (English, Chinese and Japanese)
• Free Wi-fi
• TV on the wall
• Dine in/Take out
• Popular to locals (esp. teenagers)
• Take-out menus are not 100% accurate; the menu they have is more detailed and has more choices!
  (For more detailed menus, please visit a little sweet treat for Eu)
• Limited seatings
• *Remember to check the pictures here and the white/glass board next to their counter! All the new flavours of both drinks and egg waffles are on the board!

We arrived about 5:40pm and we were the only customers at that time. The owner, Vivian, was not there, but there's another young lady busy preparing some batter. About 6pm, more and more people arrived and had almost filled up the whole store!

Blueberry Slush with Aloe Vera Cubes-5.5/6

• $4 ($3 for drink, +$1 for Aloe Vera Cubes)
• Made from frozen blueberries
• I don't think they blend in any ice. It's thick but not icy. I like it.
• I ordered "No Sugar Added", and they really did a good job on that :) It's 100% unsweetened (Well, I know some bubble tea places normally ignore this request).

• Loaded with Aloe Vera CHUNKS!

Matcha Red Beans Egg Waffle-6/6

• $3.50
• One of their new flavours
• Like last time, I asked for a thicker batter for this waffle. And the result...it was served warm, very chewy and very soft! It was very soft and chewy that I could gently tear them apart (see below photo)! I like the texture very much!

• LOADED with red beans!!!
• The red beans were not overly-sweetened.
• BOTH green tea and red bean flavour were there!
• With +$0.50 more than the regular ones, I think this is totally worth it.

(Image from a little sweet treat for Eu)

Oreo Cookie Egg Waffle-4/6

• $3.50
• One of their new flavours
• You can compare this egg waffle with the one I had. Apparently, this is harder than the Matcha one. I think it's a bit too hard and crispy for my liking, but EU likes it a lot.

• Same as the one I had, this was LOADED with oreo cookies!

*EU also ordered a Raspberry Slush with Aloe Vera Cubes, you can visit her blog for more info on that :)

Bubble Queen-Queen of Egg Waffles!

I have always been looking for the best egg waffle in Richmond. But after having the waffles from Rainbow Cafe yesterday, I am even more desperate to find one. EU has suggested Bubble Queen before, but due to it's odd location (to me), I have never got the chance to try their drinks and egg waffles.

Originally, we planned to buy a loaf of pumpkin bread from Maple Castella; however, all pumpkin bread were already sold out when we got there :( So, EU came up with a brilliant idea-go to Bubble Queen and try their egg waffles! Egg waffles? Sure, why not? ;D

Pink Swirl (aka Sushi World)-Taking risks may not be a good thing sometimes...

EU planned to go to Pacific Centre today because she needed to make a visit to Hollister. So we decided to grab a quick lunch in Richmond before heading off to Vancouver.

One of our eat-and-go places for lunch is Pink Swirl, which has always been one of my favourites.
(FYI: The other eat-and-go place for lunch is Qoola at Aberdeen Centre :))

Qoola @Metrotown-Everything's UNLIMITED!

After having lunch at Sushi Garden, EU and I are back to business-SHOPPING! ;) Passing by Superstore, we decided to grab a box of Aunt Jemima Pancake powder because we have already finished it last time (Yeah 4 in a row! Woohoo!).

As we were walking to XXI (Forever 21, which is a boutique), EU reminded me that there's a new Qoola in Metrotown. I didn't plan to try until she said this new Qoola is "SELF-SERVED". What? Self-served? Curious enough, I decided to visit this new fro-yo store.

Qoola Frozen Yogurt + Fruit (Metrotown)
#2250 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby BC

Ratings
1:Yucks! 2:Improvement needed 3:So-So~ 4:Good 5:Very good 6:Heavenly

Food: 4.5
Price: n/a (depends how heavy your fro-yo is)
Services: 5.5
Ambiance: 3
Overall: 5.5

• Frozen yoghurts, drinks (smoothies) available
• Healthier choice to satisfy your sweet tooth
• Encourages environmental friendly
• Suitable for all ages
• Fat-free yoghurt
• Gluten-free yoghurt
• Self-served
• "Unpredictable" cost; it depends on the weight of your fro-yo ($1.59/100g)

I thought there's going to be really crowded because Qoola is one of the biggest/most popular yoghurt stores in Vancouver; however, there were only 2-3 customers when we arrived.

First, you have to get a yoghurt cup. Then you can get as much yoghurt as you want from the fro-yo machine (No worries! It is easy to use ;)) They offer 6 flavours: country vanilla, chocolate, mango, wild berry, original and raspberry (I am not sure whether they will change their flavours monthly).

After getting enough yoghurt, you can add as many toppings as you want! The dry ingredients (crackers, nuts, mochi, candies, fruit loops, etc.) are on the big semi-circular table. The fruits and sauce are right next to the fro-yo machines.

When you're done, you can go to the cashier and someone will help you to weigh your end product!

To me, I am a person who gets crazy on toppings! So self-served fro-yo may not be a good idea for me.

Wild Berry & Mango Frozen Yoghurt (with 5 toppings)-5/6

• $5.76 ($5.49 before tax)
• Toppings: Blueberries, kiwi, blackberries, pineapple and Captain Crunch
• I know it's hard to tell from the photo, but this end product is really heavy! I thought the total cost would come to $8-10 but it ended up less than $6!
  (FYI: A small fro-yo with 2 toppings in Qoola costs $5)
• Mango flavour yoghurt is sour, which I like it a lot. It also has that mango flavour despite its sourness.
• Wild berry flavour is not as good as I expected. It tastes better alone (without the mango yohurt next to it).
• The fruits are fresh except the blueberries. The blueberries are frozen and are still very hard.

(Images from a little sweet treat for Eu)

Chocolate & Raspberry Frozen Yoghurt (with 4 toppings)-n/a (I only tried a few spoons)

• $4.84 ($4.61 before tax)
• Toppings: Blueberries, strawberries, mochi and kiwi
• Chocolate flavour is mild with a little bit of bitterness.
• Raspberry flavour is strange for my liking; it tastes like bubble gum (and it also looks like bubble gum!)
• EU likes it a lot. She didn't really mix both flavours together so everything tastes fine to her.

EU and I were too overwhelmed by this new idea! We finished our first fro-yo in about 20mins, then I suggested...maybe we should make another one while walking to XXI.

Think I was joking? No I was not. We did go back and made another fro-yo! :D

Original & Mango Frozen Yoghurt (with 4 toppings)-6/6

• $4.10 ($3.90 before tax)
• Toppings: Granola, raspberries, blueberries and kiwi
• Apparently, this is smaller than the first one I had. But still, it was quite heavy.
• Both original and mango flavours are sour, but I really like that sourness. They also go well together.
• As I've mentioned, the blueberries are frozen and they are hard. Sad enough, the raspberries are even harder! They were so icy!
• The granola goes well with the soft fro-yo. But there is some dried fruits in the granola which are too hard for me to chew.

(Images from a little sweet treat for Eu)

Country Vanilla Frozen Yoghurt (with 4 toppings)-n/a (again I only tried a few spoons)

• $3 ($2.86 before tax)
• Toppings: Mochi, strawberry mochi, melon mochi, granola
• Country vanilla flavour is unique. It does taste like vanilla, but it is strange for my liking.
• EU finds it special and she likes the vanilla taste.

This IS the deal. We will definitely come back for more self-designed frozen yoghurts! It's fun and is totally worth it. Next time when you are around Metrotown, make sure you come and check this out!

Twinkle 2-A Little Star...Jelly

Twinkle 2
#125-8291 Alexandra Rd, Richmond BC

Ratings
1:Yucks! 2:Improvement needed 3:So-So~ 4:Good 5:Very good 6:Heavenly

Food: 3.5 (haven't tried their snacks)
Price: 5
Servces: 4.5
Ambiance: 5
Overall: 4.5

• Used to be a division of Twinkle 1 (also in Richmond Alexandra Rd), but I think they have separated now
• Large variety of drinks
• Popular and suitable for teenagers
• Suitable for a large crowd
• Group-games and magazines (mainly Chinese) available
• Suitable for all ages
• Taiwanese restaurant
• Have different special drinks
• Twinkle's special star-shaped jelly
• Snacks available
• Late night

Passion Fruit Green Tea Slush w/ Star Jelly and Oreo Cookie Slush w/ Star Jelly-5/6 (for Passion Fruit Slush), n/a (for Oreo Cookie Slush)

• I forgot the price but I remember Twinkle 2's drinks are more expensive than other regular bubble tea places
• Passion Fruit Green Tea Slush is so good! Its sweetness is suitable for me
• The star jellies are really chewy. They have several flavours for you to choose on the menu, such as grape, apple, peach, etc.
• I didn't try the Oreo Cookie Slush
• The cups are bigger than I thought. Are they bigger than other regular bubble teas?

Chicken Teppanyaki With Rice-n/a

• I didn't try this and sorry for not-so-appealing photo
• I don't remember the exact price but I think it's about $7-8
• It comes with some side veggies

Three Spice Chicken With Rice-3.5/6

• It is also about $7-8
• Their three spice chicken are acceptable but I have had better ones
• The dish was served warm; I wish it could come hotter
• Talking about presentation, to be honest, I don't like restaurants putting all sides, mains and rice/noodles together on a plate (maybe that's just me)

I know Twinkle 2 has snacks too. But I hope they can expand their food menu a bit. On the other hand, I was walking pass Twinkle 1 the other day and saw their food menu is richer than Twinkle 2! They actually have some Japanese style hotdogs as well! (Don't know what I mean? Think the famous Japadog in Vancouver downtown. AHA!)

I will sure come back for their drinks...but I will rather go to the nearby Well Tea for a quick Taiwanese snack/meal.

Healthee-Go Green Go Healthy! #2

I woke up in a warm saturday morning and was craving for edamame for no reason. Since EU wants to start her day with a light lunch, we opted for Healthee in Kerrisdale.

This is my second visit to Healthee. To read my first review, click here.

Healthee

#2277 West 41st Avenue (Kerrisdale), Vancouver BC

Ratings

1:Yucks! 2:Improvement needed 3:So-So~ 4:Good 5:Very good 6:Heavenly

Food: 6 (based on the custom made wraps we had)

Price: 5

Services: 6
Ambiance: 5.5
Overall: 5.5

• Salads, wraps, soups, chilis, and bagels available
• Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm
• Breakfast available
• Healthy sweet treats (cookies, chocolate covered frozen bananas) available
• Salads, wraps, and bagels can be custom made
• Owner Joe and the staffs are very friendly
• Kids-friendly, comfy atmosphere
• XOXOLAT choclates available
• Dine in/Take out
• Joe makes sure the customers enjoy and satisfy with their food
• Despite their small location, I saw many families this time
• Smoothies, coffee, other regular drinks available
• Large variety of ingredients available
• There are other proteins available for customers who need meat (e.g. salmon, chicken)

Custom Made Wrap and Smoothie-6/6 (for wrap), 5.5/6 (for smoothie)

• Again I forgot the prices but the wrap is about $7
• The steps to make a salad/wrap is in my first review
• Choose 3 fruits from: raspberry, banana, blueberry, strawberry, pineapple for the smoothie
• They only add the three fruits you've chosen with 2%/skimmed milk for the smoothies; they do not blend in any ice cubes. You can see how they make it on the side near the cashier.
• I chose raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry. It was really smooth and creamy. You can actually taste every fruit you've chosen.

• Spinach, edamame, banana peppers, red onions, mandarins with ginger & sesame dressing
• I like the strong flavour of the red onions and the banana peppers!
• The mandarins go well with the dressing
• They gave me the equal amount of all ingredients
• The wrap was tightly wrapped this time
• The sesame flavour in the dressing is stronger than the ginger flavour, but overall it's still good
• All ingredients (except the mandarins which are the canned ones) are fresh
• Served with two slices of freshly cut apples on the side
• Even though the wrap is wrapped tightly, the dressing is still managed to come out

Custom Made Wrap-n/a

• About $7
• Romaine, tomatoes, green onions, mandarins, black beans with ginger & sesame dressing
• I can't rate this because it is EU's wrap and I didn't taste it
• Unlike last time, Eu's wrap was wrapped perfectly tight this time
• Despite Eu had a hard time eating the wrap due to the dressing problem, she did enjoy her wrap
• As you can see, there are two slices of apples on the tray

Even though they are just veggie wraps, they are surprisingly filling. Eu and I were again satisfied with Healthee's services and offers. I'm sure we will come back for their salads! :)

Healthee-Go Green Go Healthy! #1

The day I visited Healthee was a sunny saturday, so EU and I decided to go to Kerrisdale to enjoy the welcome of spring ;)

Speaking of Kerrisdale, EU is definitely more familiar than I do because she passes by every day on her way to and from school. My impression to Kerrisdale? It is such a lovely place! I always enjoy spending time there.

Ok, let's move back to the food!

Healthee

2277 West 41st Avenue (Kerrisdale), Vancouver BC

Ratings

1:Yucks! 2:Improvement needed 3:So-So~ 4:Good 5: Very Good 6:Heavenly

Food: 5.5

Price: 5

Services: 6

Ambiance: 5.5

Overall: 5.5

• salads, wraps, soups, chilis, and bagels available
• Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm Sat-Sun 9:30am-6pm
• breakfast available
• healthy sweet treats (cookies, chocolate covered frozen bananas) available
• salads, wraps, and bagels can be custom made
• owner Joe and the staffs are very friendly
• kids-friendly, comfy atmosphere
• XOXOLAT choclates available
• Dine in/Take out

The interior is simple, designed with mainly green and white colours. Despite its small location, you will sure feel comfortable having a simple and delicious brunch/lunch/snack here.

I normally order their custom chopped salad/wrap. You first choose a bowl/whole wheat wrap, then choose the greens (spinach/romaine/mixed greens) you want. After that, you can choose 4 regular toppings (0.75 per additional toppings). Healthee has a large variety of toppings: veggies, fruits, nuts, proteins (e.g. beans, eggs). If you want to add some cheese for extra flavour, you can +$1 for each cheese topping.

Too much veggie? You can add a premium protein topping; the price depends on which topping you want. Last but not least, to give your salad a moist flavour, you need to pick a Healthee-Made dressing from their menu.

Too complicated? You can opt for thier feature salads and wraps.

Custom Made Wrap-n/a

• I don't really remember the price but I think it's about $7
• romaine, beets, black beans, tomatoes, red peppers with raspberry vinaigrette
• sorry for the blurry photo, I hope you can see how the wrap looks inside
• I can't rate this wrap because I didn't try it
• it was not wrapped tightly, so EU had a hard time eating it
• since it wasn't wrapped well, the dressing kept dripping from the wrap
• each wrap comes with two slices of apples

Custom Made Wrap-6/6

• same as the above wrap, it is about $7
• spinach, beets, craisins, edamame, banana peppers with yoghurt & dill dressing
• luckily, mine was wrapped tightly so I enjoyed it a lot!
• every ingredient is fresh and they gave me an equal amount of everything
• this was my first time trying craisins. The texture is like dry cranberries+dry raisins. But it's a bit hard for me, not really chewy.
• yoghurt & dill dressing is not really strong
• I like how Healthee serves the wrap to us with two slices of apples on the tray. Neat!