Starting yet another series of posts !

There is one thing I enjoy, no matter where I am in the world. And that’s a good cup of coffee ! And if the cafe / coffee house is beautifully decorated, it’s definitely an added benefit.

One place I was introduced to by someone in my past is 49th Parallel. The first (and only) drink I’ve had here is the Venezuelan. It’s described on the menu as “caramelized milk reduction, served with espresso and texturized milk”. I am one of those coffee lovers that like their drinks VERY sweet. Like to the point where my black coffee loving friends will ask me whether I’m having coffee with some sugar, or sugar with some coffee. OOPS !

But that’s why the Venezuelan is right up my alley. It’s a delicious beverage that’s just the right amount of sweet. Enough that I don’t feel the need to add any sugar, but not overly sweet that you can’t taste the espresso. Not to mention the cups that they come in (and the colour of their walls !) are this beautiful turquoise-y, teal colour. It’s such a relaxing colour.

I’ve only ever been to their W4th Ave. location, but I hear their Main st. location is just as beautiful. The W4th Ave. location has this beautiful patio space though… that can be closed off (and have heaters) when it’s cold and dreary out. During the summer, however, they slide the big floor to ceiling windows open and it turns into the brightest little area to hang out.

OH ! And one thing I also keep hearing people talk about are their donuts, so I will definitely try one the next time I go.

I’m absolutely obsessed with this place, and definitely recommend it to any Vancouverites reading this to go check it out ! I transited in the grossest, rainiest weather today just to fetch myself a cup of the Venezuelan, so you can imagine how deep my love runs.

Until next time !

This week’s Foodie Friday feature is Noodle Box ! One of my favourite places to eat in Kitslano, Noodle Box is a great little Southeast Asian noodle bar.

One of the reasons why I love this little gem is because of the vibe. Raw canvas art on the walls, wooden furniture, concrete walls and floors, Noodle Box on W4th Ave, which is the one I usually go to, has this great industrial feel to it. Although it is quite a small store, its’ tall ceilings give it a very spacious feel, and the large windows ensures that the place is beautifully lit all throughout the daytime. Not to mention all the employees seem to have a very chill and friendly personality, which suited the place perfectly.

Noodle Box has a pretty simple menu. There are three categories of foods you can choose from. They have “Bites”, which are small appetizers, “Curry & Soup”, and “Stir-Fry”.

My friend Ryan ordered the Spicy Peanut Noodle Box. On the menu, it is described as so : “It’s absolutely ridiculous how good this dish is. Rich and creamy Indonesian peanut sauce mixed with ribbon noodles, Asian greens and then more roasted peanuts.” Not going to lie, this was pretty much a perfect description. The sauce in this noodle was creamy and absolutely mouthwatering-ly good. I personally think it really captured the Indonesian peanut sauce, while putting it’s own Noodle Box spin to it. The ribbon noodles were also a great match for this dish. It is a slightly softer noodle with more surface area which helps it really soak up the sauce and makes for one damn amazing stir fry. Usually Ryan and I prefer our foods quite spicy, but we both agreed that both our noodles were just the right amount of spicy for it’s flavour; we both decided not to add in more spicy sauce like we typically would.

For myself, I ordered the Black Bean and Garlic noodle box. I got it in medium spiciness, just ’cause I didn’t want to push it for my first meal of the day. Can I just say, this is my favourite noodle dish from Noodle Box. I’ve tried 2 of the other noodles and, as good as they were, I always come back to this one. It. Is. Freakin’. Amazing. If it wasn’t for the slightly-higher-than-normal prices for noodles, I would honestly come here every single day. SO GOOD.

The description for my dish on the menu was : “There’s depth to the flavours in this one. Hokkien noodles, garlic, peppers, Asian greens, sprouts, black bean sauce with just a bit of sesame.” Nailed it. Seriously, Noodle box nailed it. I literally was craving another bowl as soon as I forked the last sprout into my mouth. You should’ve seen our bowls at the end of our meal. Squeaky clean.

I can’t say enough good things about Noodle Box. I pretty much fell in love with every aspect of it after the first time I came here. If you’re in the Kitslano area, and are looking for good grub, I highly recommend this place.

They also have a few other locations as well :