Ajay Martin

A Baked Good Oasis – Bjornbar Bakery

Croissants are one of those pastries that just get me every time. Frequenting the bakery and indulging in a croissant is almost an automatic reflex for me. Enter Bjornbar Bakery. With two locations in North Vancouver and Burquitlam, Bjornbar is cranking out some seriously levelled up croissants. I mean just look at these layers ofContinue reading “A Baked Good Oasis – Bjornbar Bakery”

Game Changing Cinnamon Rolls

What’s the difference between “cinnamon buns” and “cinnamon rolls”? As far as I can tell, according to Difference Between, the difference boils down to nuts, the inclusion of icing, and a greater propensity to be “breadish” (more bread-ey?). They have a fantastic article on their website, which I would highly suggest if you’re interested. TheyContinue reading “Game Changing Cinnamon Rolls”

Quick and Easy “In-and-Out” Style Animal Fries

Before we begin, let me just say: I’m not American. Now, I don’t mean anything derogatory by that, I simply mean to say, that I’m not as opinionated nor versed in the legendary flavours of the In-and-Out franchise. Though I can probably count on one hand the amount of times that I’ve had animal fries,Continue reading “Quick and Easy “In-and-Out” Style Animal Fries”

Simple BBQ Burger

It’s important to note, before you get all in a huff and a puff, that this bbq burger in fact is not barbecued. I know, very sad. That being said, it does harness the delicious bbq flavour without the need to break out the charcoal. Ingredients lean ground beef burger buns of your choice* 1Continue reading “Simple BBQ Burger”

Foolproof Split Pea Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

Now it’s true. Split Pea Soup isn’t the prettiest in the soup family, but in my humble opinion, it is the tastiest. While this recipe isn’t “the grail” of split pea soup recipes, it more than makes up for in its easy, straightforward, low-fuss preparation and simple but robust flavour profile. If there’s one thingContinue reading “Foolproof Split Pea Soup: A Comfort Food Classic”

The Elephant Garden Creamery – An Innovative Approach to Ice Cream

There are definitely a lot of ice cream(eries?) opening up in the Lower Mainland. And time and time again, they come out with what seem to be better and better ice creams. Yet despite a seemingly unending milieu of new ice creameries, the Elephant Garden Creamery really separates itself from the competition by their refreshingContinue reading “The Elephant Garden Creamery – An Innovative Approach to Ice Cream”

Steveston Coffee Roasting Company: The Best Blended Coffee in the GVC?

This is going to be a real quick one. I love blended coffee drinks. I think my obsession began in high school when I discovered that I could go to Starbucks (like an adult) and not have coffee. Instead I could opt for what looked like a milkshake – but for adults. Fast forward toContinue reading “Steveston Coffee Roasting Company: The Best Blended Coffee in the GVC?”

Japanese Milk Bread: The Better Brioche

Yes, you read that right. In my humble opinion, Japanese Milk Bread results in a fluffier, softer, more texturally enjoyable bread than its superstar relative, brioche. Sure, you may think this is crazy talk, but honestly, just try it out! I had never actually made Milk Bread before, but this recipe from Caroline’s Cooking seemedContinue reading “Japanese Milk Bread: The Better Brioche”

Easy Garlic Mussels and the Reason Why I’ll Never Buy Them in a Restaurant Again

For the longest time, mussels seemed like an impossible entree to tackle. Where do you source the mussels? What if you overcook them? Aren’t they expensive? Since I had never actually had them in anyone else’s home, I assumed that mussels were a “special occasion” type meal, on the same level as prime rib, tomahawkContinue reading “Easy Garlic Mussels and the Reason Why I’ll Never Buy Them in a Restaurant Again”

Longaniza Carbonara: Fusion At Its Best

Now, I’ll be the first to admit – I am not Italian. But I do love Italian food. I’ve also watched enough Genaldo Contaldo, Mario Batali, and Lydia Bastianich to earn an honorary Italian residency. Also, if you don’t know who those people are – shame on you. Shame. Now while my Italian street credContinue reading “Longaniza Carbonara: Fusion At Its Best”