Tag Archives: food

North Vancouver’s Twilight Market

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Friday Nights 5-10pm – May to September

Every year, I go to two of Richmond’s night markets. This year for a change, I dragged Sheepie out to North Vancouver’s night market instead. It’s held every Friday nights from 5pm-10pm at the Shipyards in lower Lonsdale (by the seabus terminal). There are over 80 vendors, over 30 food trucks with great music and local artisans. Admission is FREE :)
idearabbit-northvanmarket idearabbit-northvanmarket2 idearabbit-northvanmarket3The atmosphere is different from the Asian flair of Richmond night markets. Here local artists are featured and a spectacular view of the night skyline of downtown Vancouver if you come on a nice evening. The area isn’t big, but there’s lots to enjoy for the entire family.

Parking is easy to find on the streets, though you may have to do some hill walking. Or you can take the seabus.

If you’re looking for something to do on a Friday night, check out Twilight Markets!

Koika

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Ramen Koika Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
A newly opened Ramen-ya on Davie street. The interior is similar to other ramen-yas in town with the wooden interior and open concept where you could see the staff cooking up the noodles. Sheepie and I sat at the table at the back and the area was stacked with pop bottles and boxes.idearabbit-koika1 idearabbit-koika2 idearabbit-koika3idearabbit-koika5I ordered the Shio ramen $8.50. The men (noodle) weren’t the kind I liked, but it wasn’t too bad. The broth was pretty good. Service was satisfactory, a bit tight in terms of space at the back. I’d prefer to site elsewhere away from all the kitchen ‘storage’ and bathroom.

I think I’d like to come back to try their other flavours, though a bit pricey.

 2nd Timeidearabbit-koika20For the second time, they had a new menu called Koika Red Ramen with 3 levels of spiciness. The last level, Level 3 is the Burning in Hell $9.95 and comes with a free soft drink. If you can finish the ramen and soup in 15 minutes, you get the ramen for free! Of course Sheepie could not resist with ‘Oh spice? No problem! Bring it on attitude’.

idearabbit-koika23Burning in Hell $9.95

Maybe we all saw it coming, but it was really spicy!!! No kidding. I had just a sip of the soup and I started coughing…and my lips were burning. Terrible sensation. My other friend was choking too. However, my Taiwanese friend seemed to be ok with it LOL – maybe he should have took on the challenge, but he was satisfied with his Nagasaki Champon with a lot of seafood $12.95 (below)

idearabbit-koika22idearabbit-koika21I ordered the Queens Ramen $9.50 (above) and I thought that was a bit spicy! LOL.

So in the end, no Sheepie couldn’t finish it in time – however, he did manage to finish all the ramen (not the soup). So yay! But his lips seemed red and a bit swollen. It was nice that one of the servers came by and told us that one of the customers got a really bad heartburn or stomach ache and had to go to the hospital…yikes…perhaps you shouldn’t be giving out such ‘haphazardness’ food lol…but looking at the “Hall of Fame” photos of those that managed to finish it in time, (20 people or so) I guess it’s not impossible…

 Taste: carrotcarrotcarrot    Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere:  carrotcarrotcarrot   Service:  carrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrot

Izumiya Sushi

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I love Izumiya’s packaged sushi. Ready-to-go and the cheapest California rolls in town (8 large pieces for $2.95) that I’ve seen so far, it’s a great place to pick up sushi if you’re in a hurry. At the end of the day, they will usually have their sushi for a bargain. But I’ve seen many times that since they are so popular, they are all sold out before they even start the bargain on the last hour. But if they do, you can get them for half off!

idearabbit-izumiya

Despite being packaged, the sushi has been always very good. The staff are all (or mostly) Japanese, so they probably know how to keep the food fresh and properly prepared. There’s a huge variety of boxes to choose from. California rolls (with either white or genmai rice), cucumbers, egg, spicy tuna, avocado rolls, sets of nigiris, appetizers such as gyoza, karaage, and even full Japanese-style bento boxes (with no sushi).

There is a very small eating area by the entrance. It does have a microwave for food that needs to be heated. However, it’s very crammed, and not the most comfortable seating arrangements. I’ve only eaten there once due to time constraints. All other times, I took them home or elsewhere to eat.