November 2023 Eats: Warm and happy despite the cold
November, the month I tried my best to enjoy life, which in my books is eating great food. This month I had some amazingly surprising meals. I also spent a lot of time in the kitchen, trying new recipes and making cookies to get us through rough days at work. I’m excited to spend more days trying and testing new things as we prepare for a holiday season packed with a family that loves food as much as me.
Before we get too far ahead to December, here are some of the things I had this month:
Kitchen Craft Eatery
Rating: 4
For years, we have walked by this place wondering how they stay in business. They are a breakfast place open from 10am-3pm Tues-Sat. The window for us to go was extremely limited but as soon as I had my first bite I knew exactly how they stayed open. The place was full but they weren’t turning people away yet. The people that walked in, knew about the spot. I had the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had in Vancouver. The service was amazing, the menu was simple and you can tell they care about their ingredients. I can’t wait to go back.
My first homemade ricotta
Rating: 1
Making cheese has been on my bucket list for years. Last month Julie gave me a cheese making kit (thank you Julie!). They recommend you start with the easiest recipe, ricotta. I followed the instructions to the dot and it turned out way too salty and dry. I know what to do next time. I should definitely start with better milk, the one we had was too lean.
My first Focaccia
Rating: 4
A month of firsts! In November I started making spice mixes. I have learned a lot in the process and have found 2 of the 3 spice mixes I will keep in my pantry at all times. I needed recipes to test them with so I made my first focaccia. We ate that bread so fast I had to make a second batch the next weekend. I will have more to share about this in the coming year, you will be able to taste this recipe very soon.
Kook Korean BBQ Restaurant
Rating: 4
Another first in the books. I told a fellow coworker and foodie I had never had Korean BBQ and we made sure to plan it. Her family is from Korea so we had an inside scoop on what to order. Everything was delicious. This is definitely a meal you need to do as a group, you order a lot of food. I found that Korean BBQ is not only about the food but also the experience. My favourite part was the sauces you dipped the meat in after you cook them. I can’t wait to go back now that I know what to order.
Five Guys
Rating: 3
I’m not even going to talk about the burger, next time I am ordering hot dog. But the fries were so delicious! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. They all had the crunch and the softness in the middle. I couldn't stop eating them and now I can’t stop thinking about them.
Pizzeria Spacca Napoli
Rating: 5
I have talked about this place way too much, it has created a pizza standard for us. “But is it as good as Spacca?”, is a common phrase we use when we are trying a new pizza place. This time I got to go with the friend that recommended it to me. It’s just the best pizza place there is in BC. I have no doubt. They made the perfect choice to extend their hours of operations, now we don't need to get there at 4pm to grab a table! The one thing I miss is that they change their Fritelles (open fried pizza) but it's okay, their pizza is still amazing. I do need to try their pasta soon. When you have pizza this good, I never want to order their pasta.
Wild Flour Pizza Co.
Rating: 5
Amazing crust, but not worth the commute. If this pizza was close to me I would love this place. The crust held its crunch throughout the meal which was amazing. I do want to go back and try some of their more different flavours like Butter Paneer. Sourdough crust is an amazing idea, they just need a better sauce and cheese and it might compete with Spacca. Who am I kidding, Spacca is unbeatable.
OEB
Rating: 4
A brunch classic but now I went during work for actual lunch. I wanted to try the burger which I rarely crave at the time I usually go. I ended up choosing this crepe and I had no regrets. I don’t know how I went from hating eggs to enjoying them, I feel very adult. The béchamel sauce on top was so tasty! It was the perfect portion for lunch.
Pretty delicious month as you can see. I need to remember to take more photos of the things I make at home. I spent so much time in the kitchen this month but not that many made it to this summary.
I’m very excited to see what I will be making in December. We are hosting a Christmas party so I need to start thinking of themed snacks.
What are you looking forward to having over the holidays?