Banana Leaf Vancouver

What a lovely weekend thus far! Blustery and snowy...the weather has carried on over from the island to Vancouver. I was so tired when I got back home from my business trip, but pleasantly thrilled to arrive into a spotless home, a full fridge and fruit basket and dinner about to be prepared by my amazing husband. I am such a lucky gal. I laid on the couch in my work clothes, like a slug and watched my hubby prepare a wonderful salad and pasta using a jar of my homemade tomato basil pasta sauce, but jazzed it up by adding mushrooms, peppers and bacon. MMMMM bacon.....I really wish it was a health food, because it just makes everything taste so dang good! We had a wonderful little evening, and watched the classic Napoleon Dynamite which is always good for a giggle.

Friday rolled around quickly, and we both had busy work days, but were happy to be done with that so we could enjoy our evening. Fridays is kind of our "date night" we usually do movie and make a pizza together...or order in Chinese or something easy and fun. But Ivan suggested we go out! What a treat, as we are trying to save up our bucks after blowing much of them on our South American adventure. But he was in the mood to take me out and I am so happy he did!

We walked down the street to Banana Leaf which is Malaysian food and has been in Vancouver for a long time with three different locations. We haven't been in ages as we weren't that impressed last time we went, but this time renewed our faith in this charming neighbourhood resto. It always smells amazing when you walk in, and we were seated quickly in a cozy back corner table. I ordered the roti (just get 1 order per two or four people as its lots) and we hungrily ate these tender little crepe like pillows drenched in their amazing curry sauce. What a way to start the meal. We also ordered the sweet and sour pork chop, the mixed veg with shallot and garlic and the Seafood Char Kuey Teow, a delicious smoky rice noodle dish. A small side of steamed rice and what a feast. Everything was amazing...I thought we ordered too much, but we only had a small package to take home at the end of the night.

Banana Leaf is also amazing for a quick and flavourful lunch, but if you are going at prime dining times then do make a reso. The prices are super reasonable and the ambiance is exotic, dimly lit and a great place to eat great food and simply enjoy!

Organic Lives Restaurant

I have recently been feeling the need for community and connection...being a part of something. It's a little more difficult to find such things as an adult, than it was when you were a kid. When I was young, I was involved in almost every single sport the school had to offer, and many other peer groups....I have always loved being a part of a group and feeling like one of the team.

So, working from home most of the time, doesn't really fulfill that need for me. I enjoy routine....my husband makes fun of me every time I say "I am going to start doing this every Monday night" or "every second Tuesday I am going to...." perhaps he makes fun of me, because I don't actually do it...not sure really.

But I love that Tuesdays and Thursday mornings there is a 6:30am yoga class....and I go, every chance I get. I used to love Sunday Family dinners...and I miss them dearly being so far away from my family. There is something comforting about routine to me...knowing, anticipating, committing...it just feels good. And it's a great way to begin a good habit. No one would ever get better at their craft or sport if they didn't have the discipline to practice every week, or every morning....so I am in search of a weekly community activity.

Tonight I went to this little weekly community event called One of a Kind Stories, which is held every Monday night at a wee restaurant called Organic Lives on Quebec St. It was a nice evening, whereby they have someone playing live music for the first 30 mins, and then introduce a speaker...who isn't famous, who hasn't found the cure for cancer, who is just a normal person living a normal life in the community. The creator of this weekly event is called Brock Tully and he is quite a wonderful human....you can't help but smile at his white hair and huge mustache...he always has a twinkle in his eye. He also hosts the World Kindness Concert every November, which I have gone to before and it is a lovely uplifting event to bring you into the Christmas Holiday spirit.

He believes that "community is created by sharing our stories from our heart." And that is exactly what this woman spoke about...her story, from her heart. Makes you realize that we truly are all on the same ride.

The restaurant was a delight! All raw, organic foods prepared fresh and lovingly. I didn't realize this when I ordered, as I advised that I am taking a break from gluten, wheat and dairy...the lady at the front said..oh good, because we don't have any of that in our foods! Perfect! They had a list of smoothies and juices which looked delicious, as did the dinner menu. I opted for the Spaghetti Primivera....she said it was gluten free...and it was! The plate that was placed in front of me, didn't look all that appealing, when I realized the food was not cooked and the "spaghetti" was actually long strands of zucchini....but one bite and I was shocked. It was delicious! The fresh tomato and basil sauce had more flavour than I think I have ever had! I only wish it had been a bit bigger. The portion sizes are a little small...however, if you pair it with a shake or a juice, it would be perfect! The lasagna and sushi looked awesome and I look forward to going back to try them out. Imagine...lasagna with no pasta or cheese.....sushi with no rice...my goodness, you should try this place out. The prices are fair..as the atmosphere is lacking...so think more of grabbing a bite and bringing along your favorite book.

While I did enjoy the One of a Kind Stories Series this evening...I don't think it will be my Monday evening ritual, but I am happy I went and I look forward to trying other things within my community to see what I really Enjoy!