LATE LUNCH AT MOMIJI

It was 5 minutes to 3pm and we haven't had a decent lunch yet. Decided on this Japanese Resto for the second time and I always had a good experience with them. 

Entering the place is so cozy because the place is situated just across Bus Stop along Seymour Parkway in the north, few meters away from Parkgate on the west, near the Parkgate library on the south and if you miss out a meal from a grandiose sight seeing from Deep Cove on the East, you can easily drop by Momiji along the way. 

This is what every customer will get to see as they enter the restaurant. A chef and a waitress greeted us as we entered but we have to find our way to our table on our own, which I find it unusual because most restaurants I've been to have someone lead a customer to their table. 

Since it was a wee hour of day, there's only a couple who's dining in at the corner and the rest of the place was empty. 

On the other corner was a chef having a meeting or might be having late lunch, too. Didn't really check closely.

Then came the waitress, a Japanese who speaks softly as she took our orders. She handed us the menu and asked us first what we want to drink. 

I ordered coke for a drink, with "lots of ice" and was delivered to my table after a minute. I call that service quick!

Then checked on the menu but found a good deal for their lunch that is served til 3pm. Chose from A,B,C and you'll have a meal that costs only CAD9.50.

I ordered the 3-piece fried gyoza from A, odun soup from B and California roll from C. 

My ward ordered miso soup from A, Chicken Odun from B and California roll from C and tea for a drink. 

We made additional half order of prawn tempura (4 pieces) which was served first. It was crunchy and perfect. 

We spend an hour there trying to savor every bite while overlooking at the view outside. 

Overall, I am a satisfied customer. My belly was full and most of all, I had a good time. To rate the place, I give their service 9/10, ambiance 9/10, food 9.5/10 and price 9.5/10. I guess, my picture says it all. I am indeed full and well pleased!

So the next time you consider a Japanese food adventure, try Momiji. There's always a story to tell here. And by the way, they've got a patio, too, for those who prefer outside dining. 

The place is located at 3720 Mount Seymour Parkway, North Vancouver and is open from 9:00 am to 10pm on Weekends and from 9:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays.

Or you can contact 604-929-0990 for orders and pick up. 

LAUGH AFTER A DILEMNA

It was almost 7pm on one Saturday evening and everybody were busy having dinner. It was our annual Corn Roast activity in Church and the chapel ground was full of cars parked on every corner, tables covered with brown paper meant for drawing and cover at the same time and chairs set at the front side of the building; children and their parents, Church leaders, missionaries, friends and investigators came to attend. 

Dinner was, of course corn on the cob, bread, rice, salads of different kind, beans, and all kinds of sweets and fruit platters for dessert. My plate was filled up with corn, vegetable salad and red beans with cheese. 

While having my dessert of watermelon and pineapple chunks sprinkled with salt, I found myself left alone with Virginia on our table. Virginia is not the typical white Canadian woman. She looks gypsy-ish with her locks curled with bi-color black and reddish, her face full of make up and a bit odd but was a good conversationalist. She was with her boyfriend earlier and they told me their love story while grinning with joy. I enjoyed listening to her, laughing in between with their funny moments. Their story was sweet and I've felt an instant connection as she went on. Suddenly, I found myself  sharing my own story. I didn't tell the specifics. I simply told her I've once written a blog about the mishap in my marriage and after few years, I got my annulment notice through the mail. She felt sorry for me but I was laughing as I told her my story. She looked at me in the eye and said, "I guess, that's how we should all be dealing with problems- LEARN TO LAUGH IT OFF!". I replied that it took me years before I ended up laughing at those misfortunes. I see things differently now and I thank God for giving me obstacles along the way. I told her that that's what I want my children to see me- a strong woman who never get defeated with the negativities of life. She smiled with affirmation and said, "I wish I could always laugh at my trials. It takes a lot of faith to do that!". 

Indeed!