I have mentioned previously that I am not a big of desserts: If I am by myself, chances are I will skip it. However, when I am with others and they want it, I might as well tag along. Out of all forms of sweet treats, pies falls in sort of an in-between. Of course, I like the savoury applications: pot pies, pocket pies (empanadas, et al) and so on. Sweet versions? Well, I have made blueberry pie myself, so I would certainly eat it. But, a recent experience gave me the most bitter sweet one of all: a slice of humble pie.
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Random
Originally, I had scheduled a rant about my perspective of the state of Vancouver food blogs, specially due to some things that have happened lately. However, the content itself was proving a bit too… Incensive and provoking (confirmed by some people whom I have sent a draft version). As a result, I have put that post on hold until further consideration. However, I do have an announcement…
(Update (20110314): This post has been made “sticky”. For the most recent post, please, scroll down or click on next post at the very bottom left of the page).
I have mentioned that I am un-Chinese Chinese. What does that mean? That, while I was raised with the culture, there are a lot of things, specially traditions, didn’t really “stick” with me. Of course, growing in another part of the world (read: Panama) meant I had to balance things: local vs. background? Of course, moving to Canada wasn’t even in remote parts of my mind back when I was growing… Oh, how things have changed. But, what has not changed is that desire to celebrate the major Chinese holidays. Chinese New Year, Autumn Festival, et al. And with that it means… Food!
A bit over a year ago, when Tim Horton’s announced their English muffins, I jumped into the opportunity of comparing their sandwich against McDonald’s. In a funny reversal on things that have happened, recently, McDonald’s announced the return of my once-upon-a-time favourite: their buttermilk biscuits (OK, not really, more details in a moment). So, now that McD’s are back into this game, why not a second heads up battle? And, repeating what I wrote on that post over a year ago… (And borrowing that line from Iron Chef:) Whose cuisine reigns supreme?
It is almost Christmas already and, with it, end of the calendar year. I will have to admit that this year have has its oddities and challenges but, regardless, it has been a good year. Or, as I tell people, it is what you make out of it.
One thing people say about me is that I am opinionated and, at times, I don’t hold back. While I do admit I always have my $0.02 cents worth (which might eventually be a nickel considering there are plans to scrap pennies), at the same time people have noticed I have toned down since I first started blogging. I guess time changes people. Anyway, for this random post, I wanted to look back at this year in perspective and some random thoughts about 2011!
KFC
Hundred of locations around the world
1147 Davie Street 
Vancouver, BC
In the past, I made reference to things that we wish and long for just due to the fact it is at a somewhat arms reach but it is too troublesome to go and get it/them. Wait, what’s that again? OK, let me put a really simple example: When the original iPhone came, it wasn’t launched in Canada but people went to extreme to find unlocked versions in the US. In the case of food, Krispy Kreme was almost a commodity… Until a store was opened here. The list goes and goes. When KFC released their Double Down sandwich, aside from the hype it generated as being one of the most unhealthy sandwiches (there are worst), it was done as a US only item. But, thanks to some ingenuity, some people made their own version, including a Canadian version. In my case, living in Vancouver, with border crossing at a relatively short drive, it was a matter of if I *really* wanted to do it. For the most part the answer was no; until, that is, I was in the US for business trip and, well, why not, get not one but two of such sandwiches! You can check my post here.
Fast forward to the present: In a case of demand (or hype or success, which ever you think is true), KFC in Canada was to release this “sandwich” on October 18th and available until mid November. While I already had the “original” version down in the US, well, why not try the local version as well!
State of Vancouver Food Blogs 2011 – The actual post…
by KimHo on April 8, 2011 · 84 comments under: British Columbia,Comments,Random
(Note: A month ago, I wrote this post but, upon further consideration and some external feedback, I chose not to publish it. Instead, I just hinted I had something to say. However, looking at how things have “evolved” in the last month or so… Well, let’s just say it ended up being a case of “I might as well”… Leaving with a bang??? Anyway, please keep in mind this was written over a month ago. Some dates might no longer be applicable…)
It has been a while since I have written a post of this type and I wonder if it is due. In the last couple of months, there has been quite a buzz in terms of popularity of Vancouver blogs, specially if we consider that major sites like Urbanspoon has targetted Vancouver itself as one of the places with the greates activity. But, what does that mean? Better restaurants? More food bloggers? Everybody has anything to say? So, in reference to Canadian’s government thoughts of removing the pennies, here are my $0.05′s worth… But, first an announcement as well…
Read more…!
Tagged as: Announcements, Random