Pupusas from Rinconcito Salavadorean

Posted on August 29, 2010 by vancouversavvy

They are supposed to be famous for their pupusas. Pupusas are a traditional Salvadorean dish that are handmade with a corn flour. There are three filling options: pork, beans & cheese, and mixed for $2.75 each. They are served with a side of pickled cabbage and watery salsa. You are supposed to eat the side accompaniments with the pupusas at the same time. Everyone has their own method, but the side can be put into the pupusas and eaten by hand or with a knife and fork. There was too little cabbage and salsa for 6 pupusas.

The mixed pupusa (above; shredded pork, bean, and cheese) was barely filled and tasted mushy, because there wasn’t enough cheese or shredded pork and the beans were a little watery. The outer shell was nicely made, because it was soft but slight crispy.

The pork filled pupusa were the best of the three that they have. The pork by itself was flavourful and it was filled perfectly. The pupusas from Rinconcito Salvadorean are not recommended because they are a little bland and dry, but the outter shell was made and cooked nicely.

Location: 2062 Commercial Drive, Vancouver (map)

SkyTrain Stop: Commercial Station

Price: $5 – $35

2010 Summer Night Market in Richmond

Posted on August 23, 2010 by vancouversavvy

This year’s summer night market is bigger than ever. The grounds are packed full of food and retail vendors, the biggest the night market has ever been. New additions to the food vendors include:

Rice burgers
Fried Cheesecake
Fried Chocolate bars
Pizza
Rollies
More variety in Korean & Vietnamese food

PICTURES OF THE 2010 SUMMER NIGHT MARKET

Event Dates: May 21st to September 26, 2010; hours

Location: 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, BC (map)

Getting There: From Vancouver, highway 99 to Bridgeport Road or South on Knight Street. Parking is $5 around the event area.

SkyTrain Stop: Bridgeport Station, Bus #407

Price: FREE admission; Food $1.00-$10.00

More Info? http://www.summernightmarket.com

Luxe Beauty Lounge (@luxeyaletown) in Yaletown

Posted on August 18, 2010 by vancouversavvy

Luxe Beauty Lounge is an establishment nestled in Yaletown at Homer and Davie Streets. Their specialties include jetted foot baths, organic facials, body massage, and exclusive sexy & fun products (candles, body oils, and special products). The decor and attention to detail of the store makes you feel like you’ve escaped your everyday environment into a world of luxury. Clients are pampered with a 23 karat gold treatment. For manicures and pedicures, nail files and cuticle sticks are never reused; new disposal ones are used on each and every client. They also have a no-double dipping waxing policy.

I got treated to the Luxe Organic Facial. It is suitable for all skin types, because a regime is tailored to suite your needs from a skin evaluation at the beginning of the facial. Luxe uses a paprika based lotionto open the pores of your skin, which does not dehydrate your skin compared to traditional steam technologies. Organic products are used and every client receives a relaxing hand, arm, shoulder, upper back, and scalp massage during the treatment.

Luxe also offers mobile spa services, which are ideal for wedding parties, birthday parties for kids & teens, and other girlfriend gatherings. Check out their NEW website for more information and packages.

TIP: Purchase a VIP membership and receive 10% off all services and 5% off all products.

Location: 123 – 1208 Homer St, Vancouver (map)

SkyTrain Stop: Yaletown Roundhouse Station

Price: $25+ for services

More Info? www.luxebeautylounge.com

Phnom Penh in Chinatown: Cambodian & Vietnamese Cuisine

Posted on August 11, 2010 by vancouversavvy

Apparently, Phnom Penh has been around for a very, very long time. If you have a large group of people, you should try to beat the lunch and dinner crowds by arriving early because I don’t believe they take reservations. I love Phnom Penh because the restaurant offers many dishes that you do not find in typical Vietnamese restaurants. They are famous for their deep fried chicken wings, which come with a yummy lemon pepper sauce and their butter beef. The only dish that I don’t recommend ordering is their banh xeo, because it was filled with bean sprouts and very little shrimp and pork. If you’d like to stray away from the pho and try some real Vietnamese food, try these dishes:

Deep-fried chicken wings sauteed with chilis and garlic

Bun Beo: steamed rice cakes with a shrimp mixture on top, topped with shredded pork and vermicelli with coconut milk in the middle

Bun Coun: steamed rice rolls with a pork filling, topped with Vietnamese ham and fried onions

Banh Xeo: Vietnamese crepe filled with bean sprouts, ground pork, and the shrimp mixture on the Bun Beo (this is supposed to be filled with slices of pork and shrimp, not recommended)