Thus far MY best sushi experience at Hanako in Surrey, BC

We accidentally met a gracious host and best of all, a person who seeks the best eats in Vancouver and beyond who also happens to be my cousin's girlfriend. In my other Vancouver-related posts I mention her, Kimbo, a few times because she took us around for sight-seeing and restaurant hopping. We immediately clicked when we talked about food and the places she visited in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Europe. It is evident she has good taste.

After much discussion about all types of food. I mentioned that since we were in Vancouver it was imperative to eat fresh fish which means sushi, which also turns out to be Kimbo's favorite type of cuisine. She excitedly talked about her favorite spot -- Hanako in Surrey. And it was because of her I had my best sushi experience, thus far.

A little background: Kimbo and her sister have been around the block like Samantha from Sex and City eating at sushi joints around Greater Vancouver and Los Angeles. They both highly endorse Hanako as their favorite.

Crab Salad

Vancouver's Lookout, dinner at Italian Kitchen and dessert at La Casa Gelato, Vancouver

Vancouver's Lookout

Stand-up paddle was the scheduled activity of the day. The nice sunny weather turned gloomy and windy the next day so we had to find last minute activities. We decided to visit Vancouver's lookout since I felt like I needed to do something very touristy. After visiting other various "lookout" destinations like Empire State Building, Space Needle, and Sear's Tower; the best time to visit is right before sunset. After spending a good hour watching the sky turn from purple to orange to black with city lights we were hungry.

Kimbo (our cousin's girlfriend) told us when she entertains people from out of town she brings them to Guu, Italian Kitchen, and Hanako. She warns us to only order the bone marrow and the Kobe meatball dish. Again, Kimbo sternly told us those two dishes are enough to eat including leftovers!

Cafe Medina for Brunch, Biking along the Seawall then Snacking at JapaDog, Vancouver

The previous night we went out with my cousin (lets call him Tone Dog) and his girlfriend (lets call her Kimbo) for drinks on Granville Street. A very energetic, neon lights reflecting off windows, and young people of every fashion sense having fun in a bar, concert or club. We discussed what to do in Vancouver while sipping blueberry vodka cocktails and then sake bombs at Guu with Garlic, Kimbo volunteered to be our tour guide.

We wanted to dine at Cafe Medina for brunch because of their highly regarded reputation and Kimbo confirmed it was indeed a fantastic place. We arrived slightly before noon and there was about a 30 min wait. Medina is known for their Belgium waffles and the unique assortments of dipping sauce. There is a take-out counter for people to come and pick up a waffle quickly. Tone Dog was finishing a waffle while we were waiting because he had an appointment.

Lavender Latte

McNoodle House, Cattle Cafe and Kam Do Bakery. Richmond, BC

Shrimp Roe Noodles 蝦子麵

When McNoodle House first opened it was named Mak's Noodles without any relation to the famous Mak's Noodle in Hong Kong. I don't know if they changed the name because of new owners or because they were forced by Mak's in Hong Kong. Mak's is so famous they have their own Wikipedia page (a quote taken from the Wikipedia page) and since a child I've heard about their wonton noodle soup. I haven't been to Hong Kong and hopefully make it there in 2013. Trying not to stray off topic, McNoodle was highly praise by my Dad when he dined there over 7 years old.

7 years later, he returns to curve his craving for Mak's which has been building exponentially over the years. Like Mak's in Hong Kong, McNoodle is known for their wonton noodles and there is a constant (albeit short) wait for a table no matter what time of day.

Aberdeen Centre and Park Place Mall Eats, Richmond, BC

A few years ago when my aunt moved to Richmond. She told us Richmond is the place for Asian food. Of course it is, majority of the population are immigrants from Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. The city reflects the population with Chinese road signs, some businesses don't even have an English name.