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You are here: Home / Archives for Giveaway

Blenz Coffee Americano Promotion + GIVEAWAY!

February 15, 2018 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

Blenz Coffee currently has a promotion where their Americanos are the same price as their drip-coffee!  Americanos are great for this time of year as they are calorie-free and affordable with this promotion.  ALSO, today Feb 15 is FREE AMERICANO DAY at Blenz’s Bentall 5 location (550 Burrard Street, Vancouver).  In order to get a free Americano, customers will have first sample of a drip coffee versus an Americano, so that they can ‘taste the difference’.

Blenz Coffee Americano

Thanks to Blenz Coffee, I am giving two winners each win a $20 Blenz gift card.  The giveaway runs on Instagram and ends February 21, 2018 11:59 PST.  Good luck!

Blenz Coffee Americano

[GIVEAWAY] @blenzcoffee ☕ currently has a #SkipTheDrip promotion until March 8 where their Americanos are the same price as their drip-coffee! Americanos are great for this time of year as they are calorie-free and affordable with this promotion. ALSO, tomorrow Feb 15 is FREE AMERICANO DAY at Blenz’s Bentall 5 location (550 Burrard Street, Vancouver). In order to get a free Americano, customers will have first sample of a drip coffee versus an Americano, so that they can ‘taste the difference’. For this giveaway, 2 winners will each win a $20 Blenz gift card. Here’s how to enter: . 1⃣ Follow @blenzcoffee @foodgressing 2⃣ Like this picture and tag a friend (unlimited entries but no duplicates) . Giveaway closes Wednesday, Feb 21 2018 at 23:59 PST. Open to Metro Vancouver residents only . Per Instagram rules, we must mention this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age,release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use. . #foodgressing #dhvanfood #vancouver #blenz #blenzcoffee #explorebc #britishcolumbia #bc #veryvancouver #vancityhype #vancouverfood #vancouverisawesome #dailyhivevan #igersvancouver #yvr #vancouverbc #604now #dishedvan #contestalert #narcityvancouver #giveaway #contest #vancouverfoodie #yvreats #dailyhivevan

A post shared by Food•Travel•Lifestyle Blogger (@foodgressing) on Feb 14, 2018 at 6:44pm PST

Filed Under: Coffee, Giveaway

The Wellness Show 2018 Returns Feb 17 & 18

January 30, 2018 by foodgressing 27 Comments

 The 2018 Wellness Show returns February 17 & 18 at the Vancouver Convention Centre with the goal of helping Vancouverites achieve their healthiest, most holistic selves.  This year’s show includes more than 250 exhibitors, 100+ speakers, cooking and fitness demonstrations.  For more than a quarter of a century, The Wellness Show has been helping residents of the GVRD discover the latest trends in nutrition, fitness, physical and emotional well-being.

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver

The Wellness Show includes exhibitors, speakers and demonstrations on a diverse range of health and wellness topics, including nutrition, exercise, beauty, healthy aging, alternative and holistic therapies, mental well-being, healthy kids and green living, all under one roof, and for one low ticket price.

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver

There are 5 stages including the following:

  • Healthy Families featuring “The Green Mama” talking about healthy pregnancies, as well as workshops on bolstering your family’s immunity, and recipes for a vegan diet.
  • Fitness Demonstrations on meditation, yoga, and how to live your life pain-free
  • Women and Wellness Presentations on hormones, anti-aging, the role of fat in our diets, metabolism and Ayurveda
  • Living Well Seminars on top ways to reduce stress and increase happiness, how to manage joint pain, ADHD and nutrition
  • Celebrity Cooking Stage featuring Chef Phil Scarfone of Nightingale, Robert Clarke of The Arbor, Shelome Bouvette of Chicha, and the one and only Tojo.

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver Tojo

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver Fitness

On Saturday, February 17, join  Tosca Reno (best selling author & health expert), Lori Joyce (CEO at Betterwith Foods) , and Aeryon Bela Ashlie (fitness expert & coach) for the Women Empowering Women Panel sponsored by Fresh Magazine.

Table Tennis is an Olympic sport, and the second most popular racquet sport in the world.  Experience the physical and mental benefits of Table Tennis and try it out for yourself at The Wellness Show.  There will be 4 regular tables, one junior table, and one mini table for the little ones, as well as professional players and coaches to teach you more about the sport!

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver

Wellness Show 2018 Vancouver

There’s always lots to see, do and eat at The Wellness Show!  Last year over 20,000 visitors came through our doors, and of those attendees, the vast majority spent a minimum of 4 hours exploring, sampling and learning.

The Wellness Show 2018 Details

Date/Time: Saturday, February 17 , 2018 (10 am – 7 pm); Sunday, February 18, 2018 (10 am – 6 pm)
Location: Vancouver Convention Centre East (Old Convention Centre), 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver in downtown Vancouver.
Tickets: $14.50 General Admission, $12.50 Seniors 65+ / Students with valid ID, $6.00 Children (5 and under free), and $20.00 2 – day, all access pass.  Tickets are available online at thewellnessshow.com, or at the door.

Giveaway

Thanks to the Wellness Show, I am giving one winner two tickets to this year’s show and a swag bag.  Giveaway ends Feb 11, 2018 23:59 PST.  Open to Metro Vancouver residents.

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Related: 2018 Health and Wellness Trends To Follow

Filed Under: Event, Giveaway, What's New

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites Now in Canada

January 9, 2018 by foodgressing 128 Comments

Starting today, Starbucks Canada has a new item to make your breakfast-on-the-go even more healthy.  Meet Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites – perfectly cooked, cage-free eggs prepared using the French “sous vide” technique.  The Sous Vide Egg Bites were introduced to the US market last year (I had seen them myself while visiting Seattle) and just became available in Canada today.  I attended a media tasting this morning to try out these non-bread, breakfast goodies.

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites

Disclosure:  I attended a media tasting.  Opinions are my own.

What is Sous Vide?

Sous-vide (pronounced “soo veed”) means “under vacuum” in French and is a cooking technique where vacuum-sealed food is immersed in water and cooked at a very precise and consistent temperature.  Sous-vide is preferred method because it doesn’t require extra fats and oils.  According to Starbucks, the result of cooking the eggs sous-vide is a creamy, velvety texture with flavour that is rich in flavour.  It’s as if you’re eating something indulgent but you’re not.

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites

Two Savoury Flavours

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites are available in two savoury flavours: Bacon & Gruyere and Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper .

Bacon and Gruyere

This flavour features aged Gruyere and Monterey Jack cheese, and topped with Applewood smoked bacon. Two Bacon and Gruyere bites are $4.75 and have 310 calories and 19 grams of protein.

Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper

This flavour has creamy Monterey Jack cheese, plus spinach and fire-roasted red peppers.  Two Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper bites are $4.75 and have 170 calories and 13 grams of protein.

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites

My Thoughts on Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites

At first bite, I really loved the texture of the sous vide eggs. They’re wonderfully spongy and creamy which is a good kind of addictive.  Of the two flavours, I enjoyed the Bacon and Gruyere because it was more flavourful.  The taste of cheese was quite prominent and the bacon was appropriately smoky and salty.

Those seeking a healthier , vegetarian option would enjoy the Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper.  It’s a lot lighter in taste due to being made with egg whites only.  From a nutritional standpoint, the Egg White and Roasted Red Pepper also has less fat (7 g vs 22 g) and less sodium (500 g vs 600 g) than the Bacon and Gruyere per serving.

All in all, these new items are tasty, low-carb and high-protein on-the-go breakfast options.  I would gladly order these again as well as recommend them to others.

Starbucks Sous Vide Egg Bites

Giveaway

Thanks to Starbucks Canada, I am giving 2 winners each a $20 gift card to try out the Starbucks Sous Vide bites.  Open to all Canadians.  Giveaway ends January 23, 2018 23:59 PST.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Starbucks

Metrin 5-Step Skincare System + GIVEAWAY!

October 23, 2017 by foodgressing 43 Comments

With the number of skincare products on the market and new ones emerging every day, it’s hard to think that there is any product that has been longlasting.  However, one local skincare line has had the same formula for 85 years since it was developed in 1932.  Meet METRIN Skincare System – an independent brand based in Vancouver with products proudly made and distributed in B.C.  Unlike other companies, they don’t typically introduce new products or use trendy ingredients.  In fact, METRIN’s formulation has been largely intact since inception.

Find Out How METRIN Skincare System can help you clean, protect, and nourish your skin #MetrinForall #MetrinSkincare

METRIN 5-Step Skincare System

METRIN’s Skincare System is designed to be safe and effective for people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.  Their products are formulated without fragrances, dyes, or gluten, and not test tested on animals and contain certified organic ingredients.  The Hers skincare system has 5 steps whereas His system differs slightly with 4 steps.  For best results, it is recommended that the 5-step Women’s skincare system be used twice daily (once in the morning and once at night).

Find Out How METRIN Skincare System can help you clean, protect, and nourish your skin #MetrinForall #MetrinSkincare

The system consists of 5 steps:

  1. Deep Cleanser
  2. Lathering Cleanser
  3. Vita Conditioner
  4. Protective Lotion
  5. Enriched Vita Conditioner

A full-size skincare system typically lasts 6 months depending on usage.  Most users start to show signs of clearer, healthier skin after 6-8 weeks of use.

How Your Skin Changes with Age

METRIN’s formula is designed to work with your skin’s natural renewal process to help it be at its best.  This is particularly important as skin changes with age due to a decrease in estrogen levels.  Because of that, it’s important to have a skincare system rich in nutrients and essential fatty acids.

Find Out How Skin Care Changes with Age #Infographic #MetrinForall #MetrinSkincare

My Thoughts on the METRIN Skincare System

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary METRIN skincare system for the purposes of this review.  All opinions are my own.

After trying out the METRIN skincare system, I discovered several things I liked about them.  First of all, I enjoyed that the system comes with all that you need which is rather convenient.  The price point for a Women’s system at $152 CAD which includes 5 bottles is quite affordable compared to what is sold at cosmetics stores.  I thought that my skin felt nicely cleansed without feeling too dry and that the conditioners and lotion rehydrated the skin well.  I’m interested to see what the results will be like long term.

Where to buy METRIN?

METRIN products can be purchased online at Metrin.com. They ship products around the world including Canada, United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to METRIN, I am giving away one skincare system valued at $152 (Women’s) or $136 (Men’s).  The giveaway is open to US & Canada and closes November 13, 2017 23:59 PST.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Reviews

Cookbook Review: Portland Cooks + GIVEAWAY!

October 15, 2017 by foodgressing 21 Comments

Last month’s visit to Portland was full of fun-filled foodie-licious adventures.  I was able to immerse myself into Portland’s amazing food culture through Feast! Portland – their annual food festival presented by Bon Appetit – and through visits to restaurants around town.  It was at an event that I had the chance to meet Danielle Centoni, a James Beard Award-winning food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author.  Prior to meeting her in person, I had read one of her articles in Bon Appetit entitled, “The Best Healthy Restaurants in Portland.”  So when I ran into her, it was nice because I had read some of her fantastic work already.

portland cooks

Danielle recently published Portland Cooks – a book that celebrates the talented culinary community in Portland.  The book features 80 recipes from 40 of the city’s favorite restaurants, cafes, and cocktail bars.  Some of the mouthwatering recipes include Troy MacLarty’s (Bollywood Theater) Roasted Beets with Coconut Milk, Curry Leaves and Indian Spices as well as Alex Yoder’s (Olympia Provisions) Pan-Roasted Halibut with Shrimp, Clam and Andouille Stew.

Most recipes are weeknight friendly while others are weekend adventures; they’re all designed with the home cook in mind.  It’s the kind of book which appealed to me as a person who loved dining out in Portland and can now recreate some of those experiences and style of cuisine at home.

Goat Cheese Ice Cream with Marionberry-Habanero Swirl

A recipe by Tyler Malek of Salt & Straw and Wiz Bang Bar |  Copyright 2017 by Danielle Centoni. Republished with permission from Figure 1 Publishing Inc.

Goat Chesse Ice Cream with Marionberry-Habanero Ribbons

Serves 4 to 6

Tyler says that of the hundreds of ice cream flavors he’s made, this is one of his absolute favorites. He stirs tangy, creamy, ultrafresh Portland Creamery goat cheese into the base and ribbons the ice cream with a sweet, yet fiery, marionberry jam. The more seeds you leave in the habaneros, the hotter the jam will be, though it mellows quite a bit when frozen.

Ice cream base ingredients

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp xanthan gum (see Note)
1 1/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup canned evaporated milk
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1 3/4 cups heavy cream

Marionberry-habanero jam ingredients

1 cup marionberries
1/2 habanero pepper, ribs and seeds removed if desired, chopped
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp plus 1 1/2 tsp powdered pectin
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Assembly ingredients

1 cup (8 oz) goat cheese, softened
1 tsp kosher salt
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2/3 cup marionberry-habanero jam (see here)

Ice cream base method

Combine the sugar and xanthan gum in a small bowl. Combine the milk, evaporated milk, and corn syrup in a medium pot (off the heat). Whisking vigorously, slowly mix the sugar mixture into the milk. Don’t worry if the xanthan gum causes a few lumps, but try to whisk hard enough to get the sugar and gum mixed evenly.

Set the pot over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, just until the mixture is hot and the sugar is completely dissolved. (Try to avoid simmering—you’re just trying to melt the sugar and give the xanthan a head start in activating.) Allow the milk mixture to cool to room temperature. Stir in the cream and refrigerate until well chilled, at least overnight but preferably 24 to 48 hours for a better texture and milkier flavor.

Marionberry-habanero jam method

Combine the berries, habanero, lemon juice, and pectin in a pot, smashing the berries to release some juices. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to simmer. Stir in the sugar, bring the berries back to a simmer, and cook for another minute.

Remove from heat and puree with a hand blender, food processor, or regular blender with the lid ajar, or just mash thoroughly with a whisk. While still hot, strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Refrigerate overnight.

Assembly

Mix the ice cream base with goat cheese and salt, mashing as needed to break the cheese up into the cream. Add lemon juice to the ice cream base and immediately transfer to the ice cream maker. Churn the ice cream base according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it’s the texture of soft-serve.

Using a spoon or ice cream spade, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, half a scoop at a time, layering it with a generous spoonful of cold marionberry-habanero jam as you go (work quickly so the ice cream doesn’t melt). This is where a lot of the artistry of ice cream making comes into play, as you try to achieve the perfect ratio of ice cream to jam for each scoop. (You might not use all the jam. You can refrigerate the remainder for several weeks.)

Flip the container upside down and store in the coldest part of your freezer for at least 12 hours to harden before serving. (We flip the container so that it’ll create an airtight seal on the top, keeping the ice cream super-fresh.) When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit out at room temperature for about 5 minutes until scoopable.

Note: Xanthan gum helps keep ice cream from forming ice crystals, which would ruin its smooth and creamy texture. It’s often used in gluten-free baking, so look for it in the baking aisle or near gluten-free products. Bob’s Red Mill is a common brand.

Giveaway

Thanks to Figure1 Publishing, I am giving away one copy of Portland Cooks.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada and ends Oct 31, 2017 23:59 PST.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Reviews

Cookbook Review: Lure by Ned Bell + GIVEAWAY!

October 14, 2017 by foodgressing 23 Comments

Ocean Wise executive chef Ned Bell has embarked on his most ambitious, inspiring project to date – a new cookbook, Lure, that profiles the bounty of seafood along the Pacific coast.  This bright and bold cookbook is the definitive guide to selective, preparing, and cooking simple and delicious fish.

lure ned bell

Eating sustainable seafood is about opening your mind (and fridge) to a vast array of fish and shellfish that you might not have considered before—and the Pacific Coast is blessed with an abundance of wild species.  With Lure, readers embark on a wild Pacific adventure and discover the benefits of healthy oils and rich nutrients that seafood delivers.

Lure by Ned Bell will lure you in with 80 delicious recipes to make at home including appetizers like Albacore Tuna Crudo to the Best Tuna Melt Ever.  Celebrate the bounties of the Pacific with Pacific Cod with Broccoli Three Ways and Pacific Paella.  And for some dessert, how about some sea(weed) brownies?

Lure: Healthy, Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast, is currently available at Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.

Mini Dungeness Crab Tacos

Mini Dungeness Crab Tacos

Photo Credit: Kevin Clark

Copyright 2017 Chefs for Oceans. Republished with permission from Figure 1 Publishing Inc. 

Makes 12

Quick, simple, and bursting with flavor, these mini crab tacos are serious crowd-pleasers. They can go from game-day snack to cocktail party nibble with ease. The light and crispy shells are made with deep-fried wonton wrappers, which perfectly showcase the tender flesh of Dungeness crab. The average crab yields about half a pound of meat (about 1 1/2 cups), so you’ll just need one crab for this dish. It’s far cheaper to cook and pick your own crab. But if time is of the essence, and your budget doesn’t allow for already picked crabmeat, try substituting shrimp, wild salmon, albacore, lingcod, or really any fish you like.

Taco shell

12 round gyoza or wonton wrappers
Canola oil, for deep-frying

Heat several inches of oil in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, Dutch oven, or deep-fryer to 340°F. Place a wrapper in a taco shell maker and gently lower it into the oil. Cook for 30 seconds or until golden. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. (Alternatively, shape a piece of aluminum foil into a thick rectangle and drape the wrapper over it. Use tongs to hold the wrapper onto the foil as you lower it into the oil. Continue holding it in place until it’s done.)

Tacos

1/2 lb (about 1 1/2 cups) crabmeat, from 1 (2 to 3 lb) Dungeness or snow crab
1 ripe avocado
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tsp olive oil
Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
About 1/4 cup Miso Maple Lime Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
3 radishes, thinly sliced, for garnish
3/4 cup radish sprouts, for garnish
Shichimi Togarashi, to sprinkle (see Note)
Lime wedges, to serve

To steam the crab and extract the meat from the legs and main shell, follow the instructions on page XX [30].
Cut each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Using a fork, coarsely mash the avocado with the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put spoonfuls onto serving plates.

Stuff about 2 tablespoons of the crabmeat into each taco shell, and set them into the mashed avocado, which will help hold them upright. Top with a little vinaigrette and garnish with the radishes and radish sprouts. Add dots of vinaigrette around the plate. Sprinkle with a pinch of Shichimi Togarashi. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side, and instruct guests to scoop up a little of the avocado with every taco.

Miso maple lime vinaigrette

Zest and juice of 1/2 lime
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp miso paste
1 1/2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp sambal oelek or Sriracha (optional)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup canola oil

In a small bowl, combine the lime zest and juice, mustard, miso, maple syrup, sambal oelek, and salt. While whisking, slowly drizzle the oil in a thin steady stream until incorporated and the mixture is emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste. (Alternatively, you can do this with an immersion blender or in a blender or small food processor.) Can be made ahead of time; will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks (although the lime flavor will start to weaken after a few days).

Chef’s note: Shichimi Togarashi is a popular Japanese spice blend and table condiment that is made of coarse ground red chili, sansho (a type of Japanese pepper), roasted orange peel, black
and white sesame seeds, hemp seed, ground ginger, and nori. It is available at Asian markets.

Giveaway

Thanks to Figure1 Publishing, I am giving away one copy of Lure: Healthy, Sustainable Seafood Recipes from the West Coast.  Giveaway is open to US and Canada. ends Oct 31, 2017 23:59 PST.

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Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Reviews

New Ube & Coconut at Amato Gelato + GIVEAWAY!

September 24, 2017 by foodgressing Leave a Comment

If you had a dream flavour of gelato, what would that be?  The team at Mario’s Gelati reached out to me several months ago with that question.  For 2017, purple was a big food trend not only because of its eye-catching colour but a colour of food which often indicates nutrient density and antioxidants.  And in 2016, Filipino staple ube (or purple yam) had gone from relative obscurity to a global foodie favourite.  At the time of our discussions, ube wasn’t really a big flavour in Vancouver.  I had visited Platito in Toronto for ube waffles and milkshakes and to Hood’s Bakeshop in Seattle for ube desserts.  With all my out-of-town ube-licious foodie experiences, it was time to bring ube into more mainstream in Vancouver.  I proposed to Mario’s Gelati an ube and coconut gelato combination and so the journey began to find quality ingredients for production.

Amato Gelato

The journey to producing this flavour was not without obstacles.  Mario’s Gelati had encountered challenges in finding a reliable and quality source of ube.  Many suppliers had told them to use taro instead.  But after months of searching, Chris – the chief gelato crafter – at Mario’s Gelati was able to find a quality source.  And this week, Ube & Coconut was produced and brought on as a new marbled flavour at Mario’s Gelati cafe, Amato Gelato at 78 East 1st Avenue in Vancouver.

ube coconut vancouver bc amato foodgressing

This refreshing flavour crafted by the talented team at Mario’s Gelati has a beautiful balance of ube and coconut.  And for those who grew up in Southeast Asia, the flavours might even take you back to your childhood.  The flavour is available for a limited time only until it runs out.

ube coconut vancouver bc amato foodgressing

ube coconut vancouver bc amato foodgressing

Thanks to the folks at Mario’s Gelati/Amato Gelato, I am giving away a gift card to a follower on Instagram to celebrate this new flavour!  Check my Instagram post for details.  Giveaway closes Monday, Oct 2, 2017 at 23:59 PST.

[GIVEAWAY] There’s a new Bae 💜 in town: UBE + COCONUT @amatogelato. This is a limited collaborative flavour between myself and @amatogelato! Enter to win a $25 GC to @amatogelatovan (2 winners will be chosen). . 1️⃣ Follow @amatogelatovan and @foodgressing 2️⃣ Like this picture and tag a friend! (unlimited entries but no duplicates) 3️⃣ Contest is open to all Greater Vancouver Residents. . Giveaway closes Monday, October 2, 2017 at 23:59 PST. Find out more: https://foodgressing.com/ube-coconut-gelato-foodgressing-marios-gelati/ . As per Instagram rules, we must mention this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use. . #foodgressing #dhvanfood #vancouver #explorebc #beautifulbc #hellobc #britishcolumbia #bc #gelato #veryvancouver #vancityhype #vancouverisawesome #dailyhivevan #igersvancouver #yvr #vancouverbc #604now #richmondbc #burnaby #dishedvan #vancityfeature #ube #narcityvancouver #giveaway #contest #teamchomp #hellovancity #vancouverfoodie #yvreats #dailyhivevan

A post shared by FOODGRESSING.COM | Areta (@foodgressing) on Sep 25, 2017 at 5:38pm PDT

Amato Gelato Cafe
Address: 78 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
Website: www.amatogelato.com‎

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Giveaway, What's New

Quizno’s New Pulled Pork Sandwiches + GIVEAWAY!

August 21, 2017 by foodgressing 68 Comments

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday this year and people across the country have been celebrating with iconic Canadian foods like maple syrup, poutine and Beaver Tails.  But one company is making sure BBQ roasted pork is among this iconic Canadian food list.  As the pioneer of the toasted sandwich, Quiznos is making the months of August and September a party for Canadian BBQ roasted pork lovers with two Canadian-inspired sandwiches.

quiznos pulled pork sandwiches 2017

Available until the end of September, the two Canadian-inspired pulled pork sandwiches are:

  • Southern Style saluting traditional backyard BBQ pits with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese and tangy pickles.
  • Spicy Chipotle a fusion of pulled pork, ham, smoky bacon, melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, pickles, sautéed onions and tomatoes

quiznos pulled pork sandwiches 2017

Both toasted signature sandwiches are offered on a variety of artisan breads and include Quiznos’ Zesty Grill Sauce and chipotle mayo.  I found the pulled pork to be very tender and flavourful being sweet and tangy.  The Southern Style is the more cheesy of the two while the Spicy Chipotle incorporates other types of pork (ham and smoky bacon) for a more fusion flavour.

Did you know that Canada is the world’s third-largest pork exporter, sending more than $2.6 billion worth of pork products to over 100 countries around the globe every year?  Quiznos sources its pork from Lou’s Barbecue Company in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Starting with a quality pork shoulder, it is seasoned with simple ingredients to allow the natural flavours to shine through. The next step adds flavour and tenderness that is all about patience.  Lou’s Barbecue smokes the pork for almost two hours to create a rich smoky flavour in Canada’s largest open rack smokehouse. Low temperatures and slow roasting on open racks retains moisture and increases the tenderness of the meat creating a truly mouthwatering experience. Tenderness is enhanced by further slow cooking the pork for nine hours leading to classic, pull-apart pork.

quiznos pulled pork sandwiches 2017

Thanks to Quiznos, I am giving 4 readers each a $25 gift card to try these new pulled pork sandwiches.  Two winners will each be chosen from Instagram and from this blog post. Giveaway ends Monday, September 4 23:59 PST.  Open to Canadians.

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[GIVEAWAY] Celebrate Canada’s 150th 🇨🇦 birthday with Quizno’s new Southern Style and Spicy Chipotle pulled pork sandwiches. Available now until the end of September! 2 random winners on Instagram will each win a $25 gift card to try these new sandwiches. 2 more winners will be selected from entries at www.foodgressing.com/quiznos-pulled- pork-sandwiches. #Quiznos150 . RULES: 1 LIKE this post 2 FOLLOW @quiznoscanada + @foodgressing 3 TAG a friend (unlimited entries but must tag different friends each time) . Giveaway closes Monday, September 4 at 23:59 PST. Open to Canadian residents. . #quiznos #pulledpork #canada150 #bbq #igersvancouver #toronto #torontofoodie #vancouvereats #contest #giveaway #torontofood #torontoeats #yvr #yvreats #explorecanada #yyc #yeg #vancouverfoodie #tofoodies #yyz #sandwich #canadian #montrealfoodie #richmondbc #gastropost #yyzeats #hellobc #explorebc #foodgressing

A post shared by FOODGRESSING.COM | Areta (@foodgressing) on Aug 21, 2017 at 3:51pm PDT

Filed Under: Giveaway

Celebrate #Canada150 with Mary Macleod + GIVEAWAY

August 20, 2017 by foodgressing 59 Comments

With this year being Canada’s 150th anniversary, Mary Macleod has the perfect cookie flavour to help celebrate.  Mary Macleod’s Maple Crunch shortbread cookies are made with pure Canadian maple syrup and maple candy pieces.  In fact, the cookies are made right at their store in Toronto; it doesn’t get more Canadian than that!  The Maple Crunch flavour comes in a regular cookie shape or a special Maple Leaf shape!

mary macleod cookies

In partnership with Mary Macleod, I am giving away a tin of Maple Crunch shortbread cookies to 3 winners.  See Rafflecopter entry form at the end of this post.  Giveaway ends September 3, 2017 23:59 PST.  Open to Canadians.

mary macleod cookies

mary macleod cookies

mary macleod cookies

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Giveaway, What's New

White Spot Pirate Pak Day 2017 returns August 9

August 3, 2017 by foodgressing 50 Comments

Ahoy mateys!  On Wednesday, August 9, adults can feel like a kid again when they enjoy an Adult Pirate Pak to support White Spot’s eighth annual charity initiative.  For each Pirate Pak sold that day, White Spot will donate $2.00 to Zajac Ranch for Children – an established B.C. charity that provides a once-in-a-lifetime summer camp experience to kids and young adults with life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities.  Pirate Pak Day is being celebrated at 62 White Spot locations across BC and 4 in Alberta.  To date, $550,748 has been raised for Zajac Ranch for Children and sent more than 370 kids to camp.  White Spot Week at Zajac Ranch runs from August 14 to 18 and includes activities ranging from kayaking and climbing to swimming and horseback riding.

Adult Pirate Pak Menu 2017

On August 9 only, Adult Pirate Pak menu is available for both dine-in and take-out.  All Adult Pirate Paks include creamy coleslaw & ‘endless’ fries plus a soft drink, our famous chocolate coin and a scoop of our premium rich ice cream.  Full menu and details available online.

• Legendary Burger – a classic!
• BC Chicken Burger
• Bacon Cheddar Burger
• Sriracha Portobello Veggie Burger
• Dippin’ Chicken
• The White Spot Club
• The Spot’s Fish & Chips
• Nat’s Original Beef Dip

In addition to the traditional Burger Pirate Paks, White Spot will also be donating $2 from entrees and sandwiches from our Pirate Pak Day menu.  White Spot burgers are proudly made with 100% fresh Canadian beef, fresh BC chicken breast and secret Triple “O” sauce, and come on our specially baked artisan-style bun.  Each burger option comes in the nostalgic Pirate Pak boat, with a bounty of fresh-cut ‘endless’ fries, creamy coleslaw, soft drink, premium rich ice cream and of course, the treasured chocolate ‘gold’ coin.

New Ways to help the kids

Helping to raise even more money this year, White Spot partners will donate $0.25 for every sleeve or pint from the BC craft beer list or glass from the 100% BC VQA wine list ordered to Zajac ranch.  Also new this year, guests who can’t make it to a White Spot location on August 9, will have the option of donating right from their mobile device.  Guests can text PIRATE to 20222 to donate $10 to Zajac Ranch.

White Spot Pirate Pak Day 2017

Giveaway

Thanks to White Spot, I am giving away a $25 White Spot gift card to one lucky follower.  Giveaway ends August 9, 2017 at 23:59 PST.  Open to Canadian residents.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information on Pirate Pak Day 2017, visit White Spot and follow on social media with #WhiteSpot #PiratePakDay #BeAKidAgain.

Filed Under: Giveaway, What's New

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Foodgressing is a blog that highlights the food adventures of one hungry Vancouverite. Read More…

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