Oh, Sophies'.

Most Vancouverites' have been to Sophie's Cosmic Cafe on 4th, today, M, B, and I went for a late lunch. It was (to say the least) Cosmic.
B, very much intrigued by the toys, littered all over the walls, and most other surfaces. He was entertaining himself quite nicely.
I ordered the Ruben with the house Salad. It was everything I craved. House made Corned Beef and Sauerkraut....need I say more?
M had the 7 oz Beef Burger and Fries. B had the Cinnamon Pancakes, with Whip and Berries.
A couple of Caesar's later, with full bellies, we left with 3 bottles of their house-made Hot Sauce (which is amazing, and, could easily accompany anything).

Miksa's Mentha Garden.

I just finished planting 5 varieties of Mint outside of Miksa. (I know it's quarter to Midnight, but, I was so very excited to get them in the ground). The main purpose for the Mint is, of course, for Mojitos!!! Fresh, Minty, Limy Goodness!

Types of Mint I've Planted:

Chocolate Mint: 'Mentha piperita species' (this herb actually smells like Chocolate Mint and tastes even better).

Apple Mint: 'Mentha suaveolens' (The leaves of this plant can be used to make Apple mint jelly, as well as a flavoring in dishes such as Apple mint couscous. It is also often used to make a mint tea, as a garnish, or in salads).

Pineapple Mint: 'Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata' (which has beautiful variegated white leaves).

Garden Peppermint: 'Mentha sachalinensis'

Sprouted, Raw, and Fermented.

Mmmmm.... This evening I had the treat of tasting some true Russian fare. I indulged on some 'Kislaya Kaputsa' - or Raw Russian Sauerkraut. It was absolutely mouth-watering. Cabbage, Ginger, Apples, Cumin, Cranberries, Carrots, Kosher Salt & Sugar. Delicious and extremely healthy. The fermentation process apparently can take up to 4-5 days (so I don't think this recipe is for the faint of heart's). It is an excellent source of vitamin C, lactobacilli, and other nutrients. Studies suggest that fermented cabbage may be even more healthy than the raw vegetable, with increased levels of anti-cancer agents such as isothiocyanates. It also provides various cancer-fighting compounds including isothiocyanate and sulphoraphane.

I also got to enjoy....

Some Raw-Sprouted Onion Bread! Amazingly delish. It is prepared in a food dehydrator, and it's ingredients are all raw, and sprouted. Flax seeds, sunflower-seeds, julienne onions, salt and more...

Miksa Made - Seared Tuna Burger with Wasabi Mayo & Pickled Ginger.

Colourful Goodness.

New Pendant Lights for Miksa. Are you an electrician?

Miksa Made - Perogies stuffed with Potatoes and Onions served with Lemon Creme Fraiche.

just some press...click to page '4'.

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Hon's Noodle House - An oldie' but a goodie'

We love Hon's. Every thing about it. M has been going there since he was little and it holds a soft spot for both of us. It's something about the vast, cafeteria-like atmosphere, the four different open kitchens, the overly-friendly & attendant Chinese servers, and last, but not least, the amazing dishes.

Our Favs:

- Steamed Prawn and Bok Choy Pockets
- Vegetarian Potstickers (on our menu at Miksa)
- Fried Rice "Yeung Chow" Style
- BBQ'd Pork on Rice
- Deep Fried Chicken in a Black Pepper Sauce (dangerously delicious)

All that goodness, and at a very good price.

T & Some Crispy Miksa Salad.

Beautiful Friend's, Beautiful Bikini Cake.

Every Cone Counts.

I recently joined the Board of Directors at Bowen Island's Non-Profit Association, Family Place - (http://www.bowenislandfamilyplace.com/).

Being a board member initially made me think...oh no! Loads of responsibilities and a hefty time commitment. I was wrong. We meet once a month to discuss the details, brain-storm ideas, and, keep current with the coordinator.

Why am I sharing this on our food blog?

Well, we've decided that our Restaurant, Mik·sa, located on the island, is a great starting point for raising some funds to put directly back in the roots of Bowen - the children and their families.

When you purchase a Soft-Serve Vanilla Ice-Cream Cone (between May-September) at Mik·sa, the total proceeds will be donated directly to Family Place.

One Good Deed at a time.

www.mik-sarestaurant.ca