Blog Feed: Gourmet Fury - Food, Travel, Vancouver Blog

Restaurant and Cocktail Photography: Swift’s Attic in Austin

Published on 2012-05-17 14:03:02

A week or so ago, I visited Swift’s Attic in Austin, a buzz-filled restaurant that recently opened on Congress St. above The Elephant Room.  This time, I had two missions under my belt for Serious Eats: to taste every cocktail on the bar menu, and to sample their most popular dishes. By the end of [...] > read more

Where to Eat in Shinjuku, Tokyo: Late Night Restaurants

Published on 2012-05-15 15:49:05

If you’re traveling to Tokyo and want to stay near the action, Shinjuku and Shibuya are two districts with plenty of hotel options.  They are both pulsating and vivacious areas that house incredible shopping, entertainment, and of course, eats. I stayed in Shinjuku on my last two visits to Tokyo because: the hotels are a [...] > read more

Texas Grapefruit Negroni Cocktail Recipe

Published on 2012-05-10 09:17:14

Thursday is the new Friday so kick your shoes off and shake up one of my favourite summer gin cocktails. Citrus (typically an orange slice) is essential to the Negroni, a classic Italian gin based cocktail.  Having fallen in love with Texas grapefruits, which are sweeter, juicier, and less fussy to eat than other grapefruits [...] > read more

Insanely Spicy Schezuan Style Ramen at Chomoranma in Tokyo ちょもらんま

Published on 2012-05-08 19:04:42

When in doubt, always ask a local. We relied on the kindness of friends while we planned our trip to Tokyo. Having yet to meet Marc of NoRecipes.com while he lived in NYC, we made it a priority to share a meal in Tokyo where he now resides. He suggested that we meet at Chomoranma [...] > read more

Best Austin Restaurant Dishes in April and a Bunch of Stuff I Cooked

Published on 2012-05-04 15:28:21

Let’s play restaurant or home kitchen.  Here is a series of mobile food photos that I took in April.  Can you guess where they were taken without reading the caption? If you see something I made that you like, feel free to ask me for the recipe.  Happy Friday! > read more

Behind the Scene at Austin Food & Wine Festival

Published on 2012-05-03 10:27:11

My last post showed that Austin Food and Wine Festival kicked off to a great start.  Wow, has it almost been a week already? Below are a couple mobile photos that I snapped of my personal favourite moments.  To read my full recap and see a huge slideshow of photos, head over to my article on [...] > read more

Austin Food & Wine Festival Media Party at Second Bar and Kitchen and New Taste of Texas VIP Kickoff

Published on 2012-05-01 08:50:35

Austin Food & Wine Festival seized the live music capital and transformed it into one epicurean weekend.  While I couldn’t attend every event, I enjoyed much of the festivities with a keen appetite and camera in hand.  (Some stumbling was definitely involved.) Below are photos of my most memorable bites on Friday night, starting at the [...] > read more

Cocktail Writing and Photography: The Oracle Cocktail Recipe from Bar Congress in Austin, Texas

Published on 2012-04-27 09:40:37

One balmy afternoon a few weeks ago, I propped up on the bar stool and braved 11 cocktails at Bar Congress for this Serious Eats article.  I’ve always adored the drinks here, especially when paired with the enticing bar snacks from their sister restaurant, Second Bar + Kitchen. I was excited to sample the new [...] > read more

Food & Wine Issue Release Party for Chef Laura Sawicki of La Condesa at Melverde in Austin, Texas

Published on 2012-04-26 20:18:17

To kick off Austin Food & Wine Festival, I attended the issue launch party at Malverde, La Condesa‘s sister lounge. This was no regular issue launch party. It was a full on celebration for Laura Swaicki, La Condesa’s pastry chef. She’s recently been crowned the “best new pastry chef” title in Food & Wine Magazine. [...] > read more

Daiwa Sushi Restaurant at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan 大和

Published on 2012-04-26 15:28:08

To conclude our morning at Tsukiji Fish Market’s tuna auction, we dodges past vendors that sped on trolleys loaded with boxes  and bee-lined towards the restaurant section of the market. Packed within a small block lines rows of small, traditional Japanese restaurants.  They sure take advantage of their location. The only way the fish and [...] > read more

Tuna Auction Tour at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan

Published on 2012-04-19 12:46:15

We’ve just landed in Tokyo, Japan.  After checking into our hotel and grabbing a bite to eat, our first thought was “what are we going to do tomorrow?” Feeling jet-lagged and knowing we were going to be wide awake at 4AM, there was no better time to take a tour of the tuna auction at [...] > read more

Best Natural Way to Trap and Kill Fruit Flies with Vinegar

Published on 2012-04-10 11:15:46

With fresh fruits and vegetables come the dreaded fruit flies.  These teeny tiny buggers aren’t harmful but they do multiply and are highly irritating.  When the weather turned warm, we noticed more and more flying around in our kitchen.  I used a very simple and all natural method to trap and kill them.  Now, I [...] > read more

Best Restaruant Experiences in Hong Kong: Sevva in Central

Published on 2012-04-09 09:59:05

Our honeymoon was the pinnacle of our culinary adventure together thus far. With shared passions for food and photography, we trekked through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with covetous vigor.  After a whirlwind of indiscriminate face-stuffing, we concluded our trip with further gluttony in Hong Kong. I’m unfolding our journey backwards for a moment by starting [...] > read more

Cocktail Photography: Gin Cocktail Recipes at Pourhouse in Vancouver BC

Published on 2012-04-02 12:31:36

It’s hard to believe how long it has been since I’ve written a post.  The Mr. and I’ve have been away on our honeymoon for 3 whole weeks, travelling and feasting through the ultra cosmopolitans, Japan and Hong Kong. I’m crying inside as I edit photos from our trip, reminiscing every mind blowing bite we [...] > read more

Cocktail Photography: James Beard Awards 2012 Semifinalist, Anvil Bar in Houston

Published on 2012-02-21 23:16:20

I skimmed over James Beard Awards 2012 Semifinalist list after the announcement yesterday.   My gaze darted from one column for another, pausing at names of restaurants and chefs that I recognized.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Anvil Bar & Refuge in Houston listed as a nominee in the Outstanding Bar Program category. I kick my shoes [...] > read more

11 Best Restaurant and Bar Experiences in Vancouver in January 2012

Published on 2012-02-17 10:03:22

In the Best Restaurant Meals series, I curate my most noteworthy nosh from the past week(s) with mobile photos. After spending 2 months in Austin Texas, I was jonesing for proper Asian food so you will see a theme here.  It was nice to be home, despite the gloomy and frigid weather. Good thing the food [...] > read more

Cocktail Writing and Photography: The Union Bar and Pandan Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Published on 2012-02-16 14:04:54

My ears perk up when I heard that Latitude Restaurant opened a sister restaurant and bar in Chinatown.  I became even more intrigued when I found out that their food and cocktail menus are inspired by Southeast Asia.  Will this newcomer rise up to join the growing list of the best cocktail bars in Vancouver? [...] > read more

Valentine’s Day Sentiments: Our Wedding Photos from Austin, TX

Published on 2012-02-14 11:50:56

“So, how’s married life?”, I’ve been asked countless times by friends after our recent wedding on 11.11.11. My usual answer is “it can’t be better”. What I really mean to say, unwilling to risk sounding sappy is “it’s a dream come true”. After meeting in the most unlikely way and jumping through numerous hoops, we [...] > read more

Simple Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dip Recipe

Published on 2012-02-10 10:27:44

After a long day of photographing food in Austin on Wednesday, the last thing I wanted to do was cook.  So I whipped this hearty hummus up in no time, plopped my butt on the couch, and caught up with Top Chef Texas. (What are the chances that Top Chef Texas’ finale was shot in [...] > read more

Cocktail Writing and Photography in Vancouver BC and Austin TX

Published on 2012-02-02 12:20:19

Last year, bartenders in San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland made some of the best cocktails that have touched these lips.  I’m always on the quest to experience the best cocktails that every city I visit has to offer. At the end of the day though, I’m just fortunate to live in two cities with thriving [...] > read more

Bubo Pasteleria and Chocolatier in Barcelona, Spain

Published on 2011-07-04 01:23:20

It was a dreary day in Barcelona, Spain. The drizzly, grey, and chilly weather dampened my mood just like the Pacific Northwest’s. Insistent on exploring solely by foot, I walked alone from my hostel near MACBA to the Museu Picasso. Recalling h > read more

Summer Mango Salsa and How to Choose and Carve a Pineapple

Published on 2011-06-29 02:43:50

Gracing tables at picnics, potlucks, or barbeques, this sunny summer salsa is always a hit.  This non-recipe is effortlessly simple too. Save slaving away in the kitchen for Thanksgiving. After all, it’s summer summer summer time. Combine dice > read more

Unique Birthday Brunch for Papa Fury at Market by Jean-Georges

Published on 2011-06-27 13:03:54

I racked my brain on where to take Papa Fury for his birthday brunch this year. We wanted somewhere with more zest than plain ol’ eggs benedicts. One night, while enjoying some cocktails at The Market‘s bar at the Shangri-La, I noticed fu > read more

Farm to Fork Travel on BC’s Circle Farm Tour

Published on 2011-06-22 15:20:44

Sure, we talk about farm-to-fork dining but do we ever walk the walk?  I’ll be first to admit that I’ve never done any farm work in my life. Try to contain your shock.  I am, however, a firm believe that meeting the people behind my foo > read more

The Vancouver (Canucks) Cocktail

Published on 2011-06-15 02:29:16

The last time our boys were in the Stanley Cup finals was in 1994 so it’s no surprise that the city is beyond hyped. Add to the equation the fact that we’ve reached game 7 and you can imagine the dense anticipation that fills the air. Can > read more

Win 2 Seats to Opening Reception of Canadian Culinary Federation’s 2011 National Conference

Published on 2011-06-06 21:12:01

Not too long ago, I had the privilege of joining a judging panel for the Canadian Culinary Federation’s 2011 Healthy Chef Competition. With clip boards in hand, I tagged along 10 other veteran chefs from one competitor’s station to the ne > read more

Suck the Head, Freeze the Body – BC Spot Prawns Reminder

Published on 2011-06-04 15:33:54

Maine cracks their lobsters, Alaska crowns their king crab, and the South boil their crawfish. In B.C., our seasonal, sustainable seafood sweetheart is the spot prawn. You may recall them appearing in this festival, video, and recipe. Personally, I e > read more

When a Food Trailer Grows Up: Barley Swine in Austin, Texas

Published on 2011-05-30 20:30:00

Mobile food vending (in the form of food trailers, trucks or carts) is a cut throat industry and entrepreneurs fight to stay afloat. House-brined olives (wow), fried brussel sprouts with capers – 5 Beyond food quality, food trailers must have s > read more

Breaking Down the Celebrity Chef Restaurant Paradigm

Published on 2011-05-27 14:23:10

It’s rare for me to criticize a restaurant in writing for various reasons. For example, the restaurant might have had an “off” night, the article might be irrelevant to readers in other cities, or it’s plainly not worth my whi > read more

Odd Duck Farm to Trailer in Austin, Texas [Video]

Published on 2011-05-24 23:00:33

I can’t help but compare my hometown with my newly crowned second home, Austin. While the variety and quality of cuisines in Vancouver is a force to reckon with, it simply can’t have everything. Luckily for me, what Vancouver is missing i > read more

Watermelon Salad with Grilled Corn, Olives, and Goat Cheese Recipe

Published on 2011-05-16 11:33:47

Juicy, sugary, and dribbly, watermelon is the ultimate fruit to feed a crowd with during summer parties. As lovable as they are when simply sliced up at a picnic or barbecue, this versatile fruit can be easily transformed into vibrant salads, frozen > read more

Watermelon Jalapeño Cocktail Cooler Recipe for Summer

Published on 2011-05-11 10:07:39

Sure, I adore my classic craft cocktails but I won’t turn down large-batched, fruity cocktails either. No, I don’t mean the syrupy concoctions swirling around in frozen margarita machines. There are ideal times for hydrating, natural frui > read more

My First Crawfish Boil in Austin, Texas

Published on 2011-05-03 15:06:16

Creepy, crawly, and pinchy. I faced my first crawfish boil in Austin, Texas on one breezy spring afternoon. “Don’t wear white”, the Texan warned me. As soon as I entered our friend’s backyard, the whiff of Cajun spices hit me. > read more

Happy Pills in Barcelona, Spain

Published on 2011-04-26 15:33:53

Barcelona is renown for its futuristic designs and ultra-modern art scene. Needless to say, this innovative spirit dominates their food culture as well. While I wandered down the city streets on a quiet evening, I spotted a father and daughter purcha > read more

Bake for the Quake’s Fundraising Results for Japan Earthquake Relief

Published on 2011-04-26 01:57:39

With over 650 attendees, it’s safe to say that Bake for the Quake was the biggest bake sale in Vancouver’s history. Joy (Gourmeted.com) and I spent 3 sleepless weeks organizing the event. What we initially thought would be a little bake s > read more

Moroccan Orange Blossom Yogurt Mousse Recipe

Published on 2011-04-23 18:01:12

When was the last time you were so smitten by a dish at a restaurant that you unabashedly asked the chef for the recipe?  That’s exactly what happened last week when I experienced the pop-up Moroccan menu at Bistro Pastis.  Among great compan > read more

Give Fusion Cuisine Another Chance: Guacamole Borscht Recipe

Published on 2011-04-05 18:20:25

Fusion cuisine. I said it. If you groaned or turned your nose up, read on. Fusion food has a bad reputation, largely due to its alarming soar in the 90′s and early 2000. However, incorporating various cultures’ ingredients, flavours, and > read more

Bake for the Quake: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fundraiser

Published on 2011-03-28 18:45:51

In light of the series of disasters that recently occurred in Japan, the food blogging community is teaming up to do our part. Joy of Gourmeted and I announce Bake for the Quake, a collective bake sale to raise funds for Japanese earthquake and tsuna > read more

Best Guacamole Recipe to Celebrate National Chips and Dip Day

Published on 2011-03-23 15:23:14

Call me biased but the best guacamole I’ve ever devoured was whipped up by The Cowboy in a flash. Hailing from the heart of Texas where Mexican food and Tex Mex abounds, it made good sense for me to pick up some cooking tips from him. In celebr > read more

Top 10 social media tips to avoid being a hack

Published on 2011-03-11 22:29:39

As related in the Fugees’ wax lyrics, there are simply “too many MCs not enough mics”, even in the social media sphere. Everyone is spittin’, but not everyone is heard.  Why? Chances are, the silenced ones either need to step > read more

Top 10 social media tips to avoid being a hack

Published on 2011-03-11 22:29:39

In the wax poetics of Fugees, there are “too many MCs not enough mics”. Social Media is a broad term that may have left a sour taste in your mouth because of how it’s misused and misrepresented. Since you’re here, let me clear > read more

Sous Vide Rib Eye Steak in Homemade Insulated Immersion Circulator Container

Published on 2011-02-26 19:11:32

Make friends with chefs. Better yet, make friends with “retired” chefs that are tired of the long hours and the dissatisfying pay. Get especially tight with those that have recovered from jadedness and are now expressing their culinary cr > read more

National Food Holidays and Months Calendar

Published on 2011-02-25 13:19:10

It feels like everyday is a National [Insert Food Here] Day. I wondered what underground cult invents these random food holidays and shoots them at us without notice. After some investigating, I discovered that there is a huge number of Food Holidays > read more

Mexican Martini Recipe to Celebrate National Margarita Day

Published on 2011-02-22 17:00:31

I love a proper margarita but living in the Pacific Northwest has initially soured the drink for me. Firstly, being so far from the Mexican border, it’s dreadfully difficult to get a premium tequila without paying top shelf prices. Secondly, th > read more

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart afternoon tea gets juices flowing

Published on 2011-02-11 15:41:04

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Love it or loathe it, you simply cannot avoid it. Ever since my recent engagement, my outlook on Cupid’s day has changed. I look back at last year’s post “An Unromantic’s Guide to Valentine’s Food̶ > read more

Roasted fennel and kabocha vegetable salad in balsamic mustard vinaigrette recipe

Published on 2011-02-07 11:44:50

This is a potluck recipe request from an auntie that I love dearly. The salad’s colours really pop! Potluck is a funny thing because it’s essentially playing food roulette. What ends up on the table is just luck of the draw. On a fortunat > read more

Cocktail Ninja’s photoshoot at Peché, Austin’s first absinthe bar

Published on 2011-02-03 20:24:35

Take a sneak peek at the Cocktail Ninja’s engagement photo session with The Cowboy in Austin, Texas. One of our photo locations was at Peché, my favourite craft cocktail and absinthe bar in Austin. I was immediately drawn to their bibliothèqu > read more

Ultimate Chinese New Year menu by a Chinese Restaurant Awards judge

Published on 2011-01-31 19:08:13

This year just wizzed by me. It feels like only months ago that I compared Mama Fury’s Chinese home cooking to dining out for New Year celebrations. In the year of the tiger, I dashed full speed ahead and founded Vancouver Food Tour – the > read more

Melody Fury Spits: the shocking truth behind Taco Bell and Froot Loops + food news round-up

Published on 2011-01-31 04:41:55

The biggest (underwhelming) food news story of the week was the hyper-publicized lawsuit against Taco Bell by Beasley Allen. I’m sure you know by now that the Alabamans are suing the fast-food monster by accusing their taco meat filling of cont > read more

Chinese New Year snack foods demystified + laughing sesame ball cookies recipe 笑口棗

Published on 2011-01-30 03:30:08

Chinese (or Lunar) New Year is the most important festival in China that’s also celebrated throughout many Asian countries. It’s a time for family reunion, which also means indulging in a lot of scrumptious food. It’s customary to v > read more

Date night with the winner at Vancouver Aquarium’s The Inside Taste event

Published on 2011-01-27 18:03:59

Giveaways excite me, especially if it means I get to take my readers out on a night of fine food and wines! Kevin (604foodtography) was my winner (and date) for the Sustainable Plate & Pairing Challenge event at the Vancouver Aquarium. We spent > read more

5 best restaurant meals in Austin, Texas

Published on 2011-01-26 13:15:07

I spent the past two weeks in Austin, Texas with The Cowboy finalizing some wedding details. One perk of traveling to and fro is getting to dine in new and exciting restaurants. Side note: The Cowboy now has twitter @TheRealMrFury, not to be confused > read more

Melody Fury Spits: breakfast makes you fat, Wendy’s dumps Arby’s, Mark Bittman quits boring me, bite me Bon Appétit!

Published on 2011-01-24 20:07:48

Help me decide if you prefer to read me or watch me by comparing these back to back posts. Read my appeal and watch the video here. You’ve been told that eating breakfast in the morning will help you eat a smaller lunch and dinner, thus resulti > read more

Melody Fury Spits: sushi mastery for foreigners, Kraft scans your face, alcohol’s nutritional value

Published on 2011-01-24 15:23:16

Melody Fury Spits has been on the back-burner for a while and I want to revive it. However, I can’t figure out whether you prefer to watch me in video or to read the post. Some admit to being too lazy to read or finding me more animated in pers > read more

Yuzu Chawanmushi recipe (savory Japanese egg custard with citrus)

Published on 2011-01-19 02:10:36

Speaking of eggs, I don’t know about you but I enjoy my eggs creamy, drippy, slurppy, velvety, and custardy as opposed to powdery and hard – yuck! If you like your eggs soft like I do, then chawanmushi will be your go-to comfort food too > read more

Cook perfect soft boiled eggs in an electric kettle

Published on 2011-01-11 14:44:57

After some heart-thumping news, let’s tone it down a bit, shall we? Here’s a simple trick that The Cowboy taught me on how to boil the perfect eggs without the stove or a pot. One morning, I was really craving soft boiled eggs. I was abou > read more

My huge news (and an epic Chinese banquet celebration)

Published on 2011-01-07 14:41:51

It appears that I’ve been slacking on the blogging front. The recent dead-air makes me feel a bit unworthy of receiving 2 Canadian Weblog Awards in the food and travel categories. (thank you thank you woohooo!!) But hear me out. This past holid > read more