SNAPSHOTS | YVR 2013 | DAY 3

Steamed Pork Dumplings with Shrimp    蟠龍燒賣皇   ($4.95)

Richmond is often described as a mini Hong Kong. Tons of Asian people, tons of Asian restaurants. On this particular morning, we decided to partake in an age-old Asian morning tradition: dim sum! 

Our original plan was to go to Empire Seafood Restaurant because I've read good things about them online. But FOR SOME REASON, people in Richmond don't work on weekday mornings and the wait to get a table was way too long. The hostess actually recommended us to try their sister restaurant instead, which was located just steps away in the same complex. So off we headed to Parklane Chinese Restaurant, where we were seated right away. 

Fun fact: I read a ton of food blogs. Like a ton. And it's funny that a lot of the blog posts about Parklane also mention the fact that they intended to eat at Empire. It's kind of a smart business strategy, open a second restaurant next door to handle the overflow. 

We ordered a lot more dishes than shown, but I thought a small sampling was sufficient. 

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings   帝苑鮮蝦餃   ($4.95)

Steamed Spareribs with Squash   南瓜豉汁蒸排骨   ($4.75)

Baked BBQ Pork Pastry    蜜汁义燒酥    ($4.45)

Steamed Rice Rolls with Prawn    野生鮮蝦腸粉    ($5.45)

After brunch, we walked to Izumi-Ya Japanese Marketplace because I had heard of a chocolate shop that was located inside. Their storefront is called La Chocolaterie, but their website operates under the name Coconama? It's confusing, but whatever their name is, they have the BEST CHOCOLATE EVER. 

The store is run by a Japanese husband and wife team, who were both running the storefront. They were so incredibly nice, handing us samples, being patient when we were so indecisive, and even giving us ice packs to help keep our chocolates from melting.

They are well known for their ganache chocolates, which are as colorful and inventive as their flavours. They are sold individually in portions of two, in cups of ten, or as tarts. I believe they had a promotion of 4 cups for $20, and so the flavours I chose were: milky white, passion fruit, mango and black sesame. I highly recommend the last two, but honestly, whichever flavours you choose, you won't be disappointed.

We also wandered around the marketplace, where I found some limited edition Pocky. Turns out, they weren't that special because Edmonton was also selling them too at the same time...

I think we headed to the hotel afterwards to chill for a bit, but I couldn't help but sneak in a little trip to Daiso again. I mean, I won't have the opportunity for a while. Gotta stock up while I can!

At dinnertime, we regrouped and headed to Ninkazu Japanese Restaurant for some all-you-can-eat gorging. I don't know what it is about AYCE but you always, most definitely leave with regret. Yet we keep on going back. Can anyone explain?

Salmon and tuna sashimi

In terms of Ninkazu, it's one of the better options in Richmond. It's located on the second floor of a small complex right in between Parker Place and Aberdeen Centre. Their website currently advertises $25.95/adult for the deluxe dinner and $22.95/adult for the lite dinner. But honestly, you're already at AYCE. Might as well pay an extra $3 and go all out.

Prawn tempura

Assorted nigiri

Agedashi tofu

Kaki pon

After stuffing ourselves to the brim, we decided to catch a late night movie all the way in Steveston (why?!). Since we were still a couple of hours early for the screening, we went to the bowling alley across the street. I can proudly say I didn't get last place, but uhh.. I'm sorry if I broke your floors bowling alley.

- CT