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Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program, Interior

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Toronto-based Kinton Ramen is set to expand their brand to the West Coast with the opening of a new outpost at UBC. The celebrated ramen chain boasts more than 20 locations around the world in Canada, Japan and the U.S.

Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program
Credit: Kinton Ramen

Located at 6111 University Boulevard, Kinton Ramen UBC will open its doors for a soft opening period starting Monday, July 20, with plans for a larger grand opening in September once students return to campus. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

Kinton Ramen has received numerous industry awards for its signature take on Japanese ramen – including a Platinum award in the ‘Best Asian’ category at the 2019 Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Awards – and has been voted ‘Toronto’s Best Ramen’ by readers of NOW Magazine for six consecutive years. 

Kinton Ramen UBC Grand Opening Special

During its first week of operation, Kinton Ramen UBC will be offering a soft-opening discount of 20% off f all ramen dishes, available for both dine-in and takeout.

Kinton Ramen UBC Menu

The menu, developed by Kinton Ramen Executive Chef Aki Urata, will include a range of hearty ramen bowls prepared with slow-cooked pork or chicken broth in five distinct styles – Original, Shoyu, Miso, Spicy Garlic and Spicy Jalapeño.

Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program
Credit: Kinton Ramen

They also offer four vegetarian bowls featuring a 100% plant-based broth in Original, Veg Shoyu, Veg Miso and Veg Spicy varieties.

Ramen bowls will be served with a choice of thick, thin or shirataki noodles and finished with traditional and modern toppings like bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, Swiss cheese, nori and sweet corn.

The bar program features casual Japanese favourites such as Sapporo beer on tap, house sake (available cold or hot), and Sapporo-infused cocktails made with homemade lemonade or ginger ale.

Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program
Credit: Kinton Ramen

There will also be a selection of Japanese-inspired desserts such as Matcha ice cream and kurogoma cheesecake made with baked black sesame.

Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program
Credit: Kinton Ramen

Kinton Ramen UBC Dining Space

As the only licenced, full-service dining option on campus, Kinton Ramen UBC will have 12 seats in its main dining room, with additional seating added once physical distancing guidelines are lifted.

Kinton Ramen UBC Vancouver: Menu, Bar Program
Credit: Kinton Ramen

While the eatery is usually known for its communal-style seating and energetic atmosphere, seating options have been reduced both indoors and outdoors to allow for physical distancing between diners.

Guests will also be able to enjoy outdoor dining on the 20-seat outdoor courtyard surrounded by landscaped hedges.

Further details about the launch of Kinton Ramen UBC will be revealed in the coming weeks. For more information, visit  www.kintonramen.com.

Kinton Ramen UBC
6111 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC
www.kintonramen.com

ZUBU Park Royal: Ramen, temaki, hand-made gyoza

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ZUBU fourth Metro Vancouver location will be opening at Park Royal next Wednesday, July 15. 50% of sales from ZUBU Park Royal’s grand opening, July 15-19, will go to Canucks for Kids Fund.

CreditL Leila Kowk

Located at 788 Main Street, ZUBU Park Royal offers a casual yet refined space to gather for innovative cuisine.

Diners can expect to discover authentic, traditional Japanese flavours, complemented by local ingredients with a menu featuring ramen, temaki and hand-made gyoza.

ZUBU Park Royal Menu

A forward-thinking team of hospitality professionals led by Executive Chef, Koichi Nishioka present an always innovative experience that delivers the perfect balance old and the new.  

Credit: Leila Kwok

Several ramen options will be available including all the classics and modern renditions such as the brothless Mazesoba.

With each bowl of ramen, diners may choose their spice level from mellow one to fiery five.

Additional highlights include the interactive D.I.Y. Temaki (hand-roll) kits, four varieties of hand-made gyoza (including pan-fried and boiled options) and daily chef specials.

Other unique dishes include three shishito pepper dishes and Takoyaki with Tempura Dip.

ZUBU Park Royal Cocktail Program

Brand Ambassador, AJ Lim is busy mixing up a seriously noteworthy cocktail program lineup that leans heavily on premium locally distilled spirits. The cocktail program is expected to launch at ZUBU Park Royal later this summer.

ZUBU Park Royal Interior 

Inspired by natural elements of the Pacific Northwest, the interior of the new location comprises of earthy elements – expect prominent wood features and refreshing aspects of greenery, all highlighted with a bounty of natural light.

The minimalist in synch with nature design along with Shoji-inspired details are nods to Japanese architecture.

The contemporary yet cozy feeling space features a sleek and modern bar, for those looking to enjoy a quick bowl of ramen.

Intimate booths are ideal for small groups and families to gather over an array of shareable plates.

ZUBU Park Royal Hours

Hours of operation will be 11:00am – 9:00pm daily. Preorder online for pickup or enjoy delivery through Uber Eats. New customers to the online store can receive 25% off.

ZUBU Park Royal
788 Main Street, West Vancouver, BC
www.byzubu.com

Gyusen Japanese Grill Vancouver: Char-Grilled Beef Tongue Menu

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Gyusen Restaurant with a unique focus on Japanese char-grilled beef tongue dishes has just opened up in the West End. Gyusen has taken over the space formerly occupied by Peaceful Restaurant at 1578 Robson Street.

Gyusen Vancouver: Japanese Char-Grilled Beef Tongue
Credit: Gyusen Restaurant

In Japanese, beef tongue is called gyutan which means “gyu” = cow and “tan“= tongue. One way to enjoy beef tongue (which can be sliced thick or thin) is by having it grilled over a charcoal flame or on a teppan skillet surface.

Gyutan is typically seasoned with salt or soy sauce-based tare sauce and served with rice and soup.

Gyusen Menu

Gyusen Set serves a few different beef tongue sets with barley rice or udon, oxtail soup and pickles.

I have complied photos of the menu which you can download below.

Gyusen Robson Vancouver MenuDownload

Thick or thin?

Beef tongue is overall a tough organ and the flavour and texture varies depending how you slice and cook it.

The front half of the tongue meat tends to be more chewy while the back is more tender.

Credit: gurunavi.com

Thicker cuts of gyutan are described as “atsugiri” and have a deep beefy flavor and a much chewier texture. They are typically scored across the surface of the meat before grilling to tenderize the cut, allowing sauces or marinades to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Thin slices of gyutan known as “usugiri” are noted to have a distinctly beefy flavor but are closer in texture to regular beef. You would find thin cuts of gyutan used as part of rice bowls.

Also on the menu are gyutan rice bowl sets, stew sets (“Nimono”) and curry sets.

They also offer gyutan in different preparations as a la carte sharing plates including deep-fried croquette; chopped steak with beef tongue, ground beef and pork; in marinated form; in a salad with crisp greens and pepper; and in an oxtail soup with udon.

For dessert, they have a few options featuring Amazake, a traditional Japanese rice drink. They serve Amazake Au Lait, Amazake Pudding and Amazake Tempura.

Gyusen Japanese Grill
1578 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
gyusen.com

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors

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The Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market has just launched and is located at 2150 Alpha Avenue (on the corner of Dawson Street) in Burnaby.

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market

Offering a variety of local goods from local farmers to community crafters, the market is running Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm until October 25.

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market

The new Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market is just the latest placemaking and community spaces initiative launched by local property developer and investor, Grosvenor, in Greater Vancouver.

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020: Hours, Vendors
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market

The market currently has 20 vendors. Below is a list of some featured vendors.

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market 2020 Feature Vendors

Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
Credit: Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market

Brentwood Artisan Farmers’ Market
When: Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm | June 14 – Oct. 25, 2020
Where: 2150 Alpha Ave. at Dawson St., Burnaby

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

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Pho 555 is the West End’s newest Vietnamese joint specializing in beef pho.

Located at 1114 Denman Street, the new eatery over the space formerly occupied by Amici Miei.

Pho 555 Menu

The restaurant posted their menu photos in their Instagram Highlights.

For appetizers, you can find spring rolls (like pork and vegetable), salad rolls (like grilled pork and shrimp), chicken wings and more.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

Beef pho options include rare beef, beef shank, beef balls.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

Pho 555 serves vermicelli bowl options like stir-fry beef with fried onion; grilled pork and grilled meat balls; and grilled pork, meat balls and spring rolls.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

They have a simple viet subs menu which includes pate, ham, pork roll and fried pork roll; and grilled pork.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

Other special dishes options include deep fried squid ring with potato wedges; deep fried fish with potato wedges; deep fried chicken breast with potato wedges and more.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

They also have a wine list, Vietnamese coffee, espresso-based drinks and more.

Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman
Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman
Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman
Pho 555: New Vietnamese Beef Pho Eatery on Denman

Pho 555 Hours

Monday – Thursday 11 am – 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday 11 am – 10 pm

Pho 555
1114 Denman Street, Vancouver BC
www.instagram.com/pho.555

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

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Newly opened in Richmond is T-Fresh 嚐仙, a Taiwanese brand that specializes in handmade taro balls and mashed taro.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

T-Fresh has taken over the space formerly occupied by Chatime at 160-8351 Alexandra Road.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond Menu

The T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond menu is divided into a Taro Duet Series, Mashed Sweet Potato Series, Shaved Ice Series, Super Cool Series, Handmade Fresh Milk Drink Series, and Taiwan Tea Series.

Click here to download a high-res menu photo.Download
T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

For the Taro Duet and Mashed Sweet Potato Series, you can choose from different bases including grass jelly, tofu pudding, egg pudding, and brown sugar jelly. The toppings would be mashed taro or mashed sweet potato, taro balls, pearls and red beans.

For the Shaved Ice Series, you choose from either a milk or brown sugar base along with five individual toppings like mashed taro, taro balls, egg pudding, brown sugar pudding, peanuts, kidney bean and so forth.

You can also enjoy mashed taro shaved ice with milk which is a popular option.

The Super Cool Series features simple dessert offerings including Chinese Pearl Barley in Red Bean Soup or Mung Bean Soup, Red Bean Soup, or Mung Bean Soup.

Their Handmade Fresh Milk Drink Series include Brown Sugar Fresh Milk (with Grass Jelly and/or Pearls), Fresh Milk with Mashed Taro and Red Bean, Fresh Milk with Mung Bean and so forth.

The Taiwan Tea Series include Pineapple Rose Oolong Tea; Fresh Milk Tea with Pearls; Sun Moon Lake Red Tea and more.

The prices seem relatively reasonable as the Taro Duet Series is $11 and the Shaved Ice Series is $12.50.

Minimalist Interior

T-Fresh 嚐仙 spacious interior with minimalist design accomodates social distancing well.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro
T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro
T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

What I Tried at T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond

I visited T-Fresh 嚐仙 on the first day of their soft opening and ordered A1 Taro Duet on Grass Jelly ($11) and E4 Fresh Milk with Mashed Taro and Red Bean ($7). They have a soft opening offer which is BOGO drink so I got E2 Brown Sugar Fresh Milk with Grass Jelly.

Taro Duet on Grass Jelly

The mashed taro was pretty smooth and I thought the taro balls, sweet potato balls and pearls were nicely chewy. There is also a layer of shaved iced on the bottom. The cream and milk mix is offered on the side.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

E4 Fresh Milk with Mashed Taro and Red Bean

A pretty refreshing drink with smooth mashed taro and tender red beans.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

E2 Brown Sugar Fresh Milk with Grass Jelly

Pretty good though nothing too special as there are places to get brown sugar fresh milk drinks in Vancouver.

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond: Handmade Taro Balls, Mashed Taro

Overall Impression

If you are a taro lover, T-Fresh seems to be a good place to get desserts with handmade taro. I’d be interested to try the Mashed Sweet Potato Series and the Shaved Ice Series. The drinks didn’t seem too remarkable except the taro-focused ones. Rating: 4/5

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond
160-8351 Alexandra Road, Richmond, BC
www.t-fresh.ca

T-Fresh 嚐仙 Richmond Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Juewei 绝味鸭脖 Robson Street in Vancouver: Mala Braised Duck Snacks

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Coming soon to Downtown Vancouver at 1280 Robson Street is Juewei 绝味鸭脖.

Juewei 绝味 Aberdeen Centre in Richmond: Mala Braised Duck Snacks

Headquartered in Changsha, Hunan, China, Juewei has more than 9,000 outlets worldwide. The company is also opening another outpost in Richmond at Aberdeen Centre.

Juewei is a Chinese retail snack brand that specializes in braised duck parts and vegetables with specialty flavours such as mala, sweet and spicy, dark soy sauce and five spices.

While there is no information on what Juewei RobsonJuewei 绝味鸭脖 Robson Street in Vancouver: Mala Braised Duck Snacks in Vancouver will be offering, customers can likely expect their signature mala duck snacks, seafood and vegetables. Below is a menu from their Singapore outlet for reference.

The brand is a take away concept where customers can enjoy their snacks chilled or heated.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available on Juewei in Vancouver.

Juewei 绝味鸭脖 Vancouver
1280 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC

Juewei 绝味 Aberdeen Centre in Richmond: Mala Braised Duck Snacks

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Signage has gone up at Aberdeen Centre in Richmond for the upcoming opening of Juewei 绝味.

Juewei 绝味 Aberdeen Centre in Richmond: Mala Braised Duck Snacks

Headquartered in Changsha, Hunan, China, Juewei has more than 9,000 outlets worldwide. The company is also opening another outpost in Downtown Vancouver at 1280 Robson Street.

The Richmond outpost of Juewei will be on Ground Level of the mall in the Central Atrium by the fountains.

Juewei is a Chinese retail snack brand that specializes in braised duck parts and vegetables with specialty flavours such as mala, sweet and spicy, dark soy sauce and five spices.

While there is no information on what Juewei Aberdeen in Richmond will be offering, customers can likely expect their signature mala duck snacks, seafood and vegetables. Below is a menu from their Singapore outlet for reference.

The brand is a take away concept where customers can enjoy their snacks chilled or heated.

Stay tuned as more information becomes available on Juewei in Richmond.

Juewei Aberdeen Richmond
Unit 1200 – 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC

Nook Pasta Room: Fresh Pastas, Sauces, Burrata

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Newly opened in Kitsilano is Nook Restaurant’s retail operation, Nook Pasta Room.

Nook Pasta Room: Fresh Pastas, Sauces, Burrata

There you will find fresh pastas, sauces, burrata, spreads, olives, chilli oil and other products that you can find in their restaurants.

I stumbled upon their retail location and took a few photos of what they are offering.

Nook Pasta Room: Fresh Pastas, Sauces, Burrata

They have Dinner for 2 kits which include a pasta, sauce and parmesan cheese for $20.

Other fun stuff include focaccia, whipped ricotta spread, chili oil, calabrian veggie spread, tuna in oil and more.

Nook Pasta Room: Fresh Pastas, Sauces, Burrata

Their retail space looks well-organized and it looks like you might find quite a few products to create the perfect pasta meal at home.

Nook Pasta Room: Fresh Pastas, Sauces, Burrata

Here are a few other places where you can find fresh pasta in Vancouver.

Nook Pasta Room
1867 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
nookrestaurant.ca/the-pasta-room

Kouign Café: Modern Neighbourhood Bakery in Vancouver Chinatown

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Coming soon to Chinatown is Kouign Café – a modern neighbourhood bakery offering classic European and Asian treats, beverages, and light savoury fare.

kouign cafe vancouver chinatown 2020
Credit: Kouign Café

The cafe is chef-owned and operated by Chef Andrew Han who formerly worked as a pastry chef at La Quercia, Cadeaux Bakery and Chau Veggie Express.

Last year, Han held successful pop-ups under his brand Ca Phe Vietnamese Coffee House featuring Vietnamese Coffee and house-made treats.

His White Rabbit Cookie featuring mochiko, wheat flour, 55% dark chocolate chips, White Rabbit Candy bits and Maldon salted caramel quickly became a social media sensation.

View this post on Instagram

Never in a million years could I have ever imagined the response we got for the White Rabbit Cookie last year.. 🐇🍪 Such a simple concept from a humble childhood memory, who knew it would have created such a ripple and a commotion in the Vancouver food scene just one year ago?? Your response is genuinely the reason Kouign Café is becoming a reality VERY SOON.. The truth is, I’ve had tons and tons of ideas I’ve wanted to share over my career that never made their way onto a menu because I never truly believed in myself.. But this one cookie proved to me that no matter where you come from, no matter how small your situation might seem, you can turn the tiniest amount of an idea or hope into your dreams come true.. 🥰🙌🏼 This project would have never began without your love and support, and I can’t wait to give back to you the love and appreciation you’ve given to me throughout my career.. Let's make some real magic happen, kouigns.. xoxo 💗💗🍪👑

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Ca Phe recently opened up a small brix and mortar location inside The Network Hub at 160-422 Richards Street serving a small, focused menu of Vietnamese Coffee.

View this post on Instagram

Vietnamese coffee unassembled.

A post shared by Cà Phê (@caphecoffeehouse) on

For Han, it has always been his dream to have his own cafe. The cafe was named “Kouign” after one of his favourite pastries, Kouign Amann. There is also an urban interpretation of Kouign which describes someone who has their life together and is the best form of themselves.

View this post on Instagram

For those of you wondering, the Kouign Amann has always been one of my favourite pastries. Kouign means cake, or pastry, and Amann means butter. Buttery, flaky, and the perfect amount of sweetness from its caramelized sugar crust, it’s just my kinda sweet and sophistication. 😋👑 I like to imagine the types of sweets and treats that I would create for the Mad Hatter’s tea party if Wonderland was in Chinatown. That’s essentially the soul of this menu; Taking my favourite childhood memories and my favourite foods from Chinatown and my mother’s cooking (SHE is the real Kouign), and reimagining all of those things in a way that’s both familiar, and a little out of this world. Soon you’ll all be able to experience this Chinatown Wonderland of a menu. I’m excited. Are you? 💗👑

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Food items planned for the menu include White Rabbit Cookie; Brown Butter Black Sesame Banana Bread; Coconut Brioche Roll; Brown Butter Ube Cookie; Chrysanthemum Honey Kouign Amann; Banh Mi; and Tea Egg Salad Sandwich. As for drinks, you can expect coffee-based drinks as well as iced teas.

View this post on Instagram

If you came to the popup last year you’ll recognize these delicious little creatures.. 1) The infamous White Rabbit Cookies – Mochiko and wheat flour blend for texture, lightly studded with 55% dark chocolate chips, White Rabbit Candy bits, and a kiss of Maldon salted caramel.. 2) The Spicy Pork Floss, Chinese Sausage, and Nori Peanut Butter Cookies – Just the right amount of sweet and savoury – they’re pretty self explanatory.. 😉 3) The Ube and Almond Cookies with Toffee – Reminiscent of the classic almond cookies of the old Chinatown bakeries with an added twist.. Each one a significant memory of growing up as a Chinatown kid.. Which one was your favourite? And which ones do you want to see make a comeback at k o u i g n | café?? Comment down below NOW! 🥳😏🍪🍪🍪💜

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Kouign Cafe is expected to open this summer and will be located at 18 East Pender Street.

Follow Kouign Cafe on social media as Chef Han documents the behind-the-scenes making of the cafe.

Kouign Cafe
18 East Pender Street
facebook.com/kouigncafeyvr

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