rebar :: clean eating in victoria, british columbia

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As highlighted in my most recent outdoor adventure post, I had a blast exploring the wilderness of Victoria and Port Renfrew in Canada. However, one of my favorite discoveries on this trip was in the heart of the city - Rebar - a healthy, veggie-friendly restaurant in Victoria - whose motto "eat really well" resonated with me strongly.

Rebar Salad with Addtl Smoked Salmon

Ever since I changed my diet (started Crossfit) and embraced a more clean eating lifestyle - I've approached that concept of "eating really well" much differently than before. I used to love eating at the rich, gastropubs and trying new restaurants all the time. It was all about the foie gras, black truffles and the most decadent entree. Don't get me wrong - I still LOVE those aspects of fine dining and trying new places, but my love for my body has changed. I respect it on a whole different level, and as such, "eating really well" for me means gaining the necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep me refreshed and feeling energized. Enough about that, let's get to the good stuff - the reasons why I fell in love with Rebar. 

Upon entering the restaurant, my main squeeze and I immediately felt at home. It had the Seattle-like hipster vibe and reminded us of Local 360 since all of their food is fresh and sourced within the local area. One of my favorite things about Rebar is that everything is made in-house, too. All of the dressings, stocks for their soups and hand-cut herbs, as well as freshly grounded spices add an amazing touch to their meals. Learn more about their food philosophy here!

Additionally, I've never seen such an extensive juice menu before at a restaurant! All freshly squeezed and made to order - I was super excited to see more than five different choices for various juicing concoctions and smoothies - options for fruit only, vegetable only, fruit and vegetable, wheatgrass combinations, tonics and even coconut water based juices. 

If you're in Victoria, Canada for a day and a need a quick, healthy bite to eat - I highly recommend giving Rebar a try! A great way to refuel for those who are health-conscious, as well as for the veggie-friendlies and gluten-free folks. 

Rebar | Eating Really Well

50 Bastion Square, Victoria

hours:

monday to thursday 11 - 9 // friday 11 - 10 // saturday 8:30 - 10 // sunday 8:30 - 8

reservations:

250 361 9223

may is for margaritas.

One of my favorite holidays is coming up.... Cinco de drinko...err... I meant Cinco de Mayo!! haha Time to dust off the sombrero, throw on some festive colors and toss a couple back with your amigos.

After this long week at work (I know it's only Wednesday, but really... it's going to be a long week), I believe sangria and tequila with tons and tons of yummy limes are totes deserved. yum.

Paired with some chips, guac, extra-spicy salsa and queso.... Mmmmm.. that is heaven.

I'll be celebrating in true party-style with my best friends of course, and probably donning a pair of white skinnys, the j.rogers, a flouncy coral top and gold bangles. Turquoise nail polish, feathers and raybans are a must... the fiesta begins at noon, which by then, you will probably find me somewhere in Cap Hill, tearin' up the dance floor with my bestie to Selena and Ricky Martin. See y'all there for the partayyy.

that looks delicious... Love me some limesssss

Absolutely stoked. Keeping 'dem fingasss crossed for some sun this Saturday.. because honestly, all I really want are some tacos and sunny rays. Sunshine.. get. at. meh. now. 

In honor of this amazing, day-drinking holiday - I give you some of my favorite Mexican eats:

Mama's Mexican Kitchen :: Seattle's oldest Mexican restaurant, one of my favorite happy hours and they have an Elvis Room... need I say more?

Cactus :: If you're here for happy hour, you must try their blue corn calamari... to die for. If you want a more modern, hip vibe, go to their South Lake Union location, or for a more romantic setting, Madison Park is lovely.

Pesos :: This is a classic, and I'm obsessed with their rock fish and scallop ceviche - absolutely delicious. They also have brunch too, which is great if you're looking for a post-cinco de drinko cure.

The Matador :: To be honest, I have not been to this Ballard location, but the one in Portland is fantastic. Same management, so I'm assuming same great selection of tequila and food. All of my friends have raved about this location, and I don't doubt their tastes.

Hope you get a chance to try some of these places out soon... I know I'll be visiting Mama's this week as I prep for the big fiesta this Saturday.. Ole!

'Til then when I see you on the other side of an extra salt-rimmed margarita.... adios muchachos. 

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i've finally found saigon in seattle.

Robert... so hipster.. on our way to Ba Bar

After months of "Oh my gosh, Amanda and Robert.. you two must try Ba Bar." from a dear friend, Jerry and then most recently, a fellow blogger-friend, Mollie, raved about it being her favorite pho place... Robert and I finally set a dinner date for this little gem. This past Sunday, we made our way to Ba Bar, located right behind Seattle U on 12th and Barclay. It's far from the hustle and bustle of Cap Hill's main street Broadway and rowdy bars; further down the road where it's a bit more quiet and calm - just the way I like it.

love the stamp seal on the napkins - adds an extra personal touch

Upon arrival, I noticed three things: (1) The cute older man at the front of the restaurant making homemade banh cuon just like how my grandma used to make them at home. Also, he was using a wooden steamer similar to those that I had seen in Saigon when I visited five years ago. (2) I could smell a strong aroma of pho at the door (obvi, a good sign) (3) the hipster-chic vibe and ambience of the restaurant - loved the wood decor.

soo many choices.. how were we supposed to decide?

I wanted to eat everything on the menu. the end. 

But obviously, that was not possible nor could my tummy handle all of that yummy... All of the dishes reminded me of comfort foods that my mother cooked when I was at home. Some of you may know this already, but for those who don't, I was raised "very Asian" aka I was raised in a traditional Vietnamese household. I spoke Vietnamese as my first language (learned English while watching Sesame Street), and grew up on pho, rice and goi cuon. My roots are very strong, and I hold my heritage very close and dear to my heart. As a result, to go to a Vietnamese restaurant and to have a bowl of pho means so much more to me than a meal. It's an experience - reminding me of where my family comes from, who I am and my culture. That's why I'm so picky when it comes to pho places... it has to be just right... Not going to lie, I was a bit nervous to try Ba Bar... but believe me.. not disappointed at all. It hit home for me.

Ba Bar is officially my new favorite Seattle pho place!

            

typical... Robert's on his phone tweeting.. same as me, and then he instagram's me...

So what did we order? Well, I couldn't resist the banh cuon... I mean they were made fresh to order. My tummy said "must eat." So we ordered a plate of Bánh Cuốn for our appetizer (delicately wrapped steamed rice batter filled with Carlton Farms ground pork, wood ear mushrooms and minced shallots; fried onions sprinkled on top; served with cha lau thinly sliced Vietnamese sausage, bean sprouts, basil, cucumber and nuoc mam fish sauce). Our waitress informed us that these were a weekend special, since the older man out front (Mr. Chau -  Bánh cuốn Master) only visits on Saturdays and Sundays to make them. What a treat for us first-timers!!

banh cuon, $9 per plate - 4 rolls

For the main course, we each ordered a bowl of Phở Tai Oxtail, made with Painted Hills Farm oxtail, eye round and vermicelli rice noodles. Served with bean sprouts, lime, a jalapeno slice and a dipping dish of hoisin and siracha sauce. Robert got his pho with a side of mushrooms (health freak, haha) and of course, I went for the beef tendon (so Asian).

On the website, Ba Bar says "life's too short for five dollar pho." They pride themselves for serving fresh oxtail, eye of round and brisket from Painted Hills Farm. "Sure it costs twice as much, but it tastes five times as good." Yes, the broth and the quality of the pho is healthy, good-for-you and does not leave your mouth dry and starchy like other pho restaurants that use MSG in their cooking. It's worth the extra buck or two.. you're definitely getting more bang for what you pay here.

Oh and almost forgot, one of the best highlights of this meal was the round of Ricky Rickys from Ricky, himself -- thanks for the drinkies!! (Ricky Rickys, $10 - Cachaca lime, coconut juice and ginger beer)

Look at how yummy it is! Oh and it's a big bowl, too. Just an FYI - this is one large serving of pho.
Phở Tai Oxtail, $12 - add mushrooms, beef ball or tendon for $2 

I can't tell whether he was mad or happy that I took this picture.. but what I do know is that he really enjoyed his pho.

For dessert, there was an array of traditional Vietnamese specialities, French-fusion inspired dishes and of course simple palette-cleansers. The coconut flan piqued my interest, but unfortunately, I was too stuffed. That will be on my to-do list for next time. Robert settled on a salted caramel macarone. I stole a bite, and it was absolutely delicious. A slight crunch on the outside and a chewy center - just the way they're supposed to be. 

Macarones for dessert. YUM. 

Best part of the night? Meeting this guy right here... He is awesome, reminds me of my grandpa and is just so sweet. Didn't even mind getting his picture taken and posed for an "in action" snapshot. 

Look at Mr. Chau go.. making awesome banh cuon.

There he is holding the delicate steamed rice wrapper!

Also, I totes chatted with him in Vietnamese to show my deep appreciation for the awesomeness that he was serving. His laugh, our small exchange of words in our native tongue and the true authentic meal I shared with one of my best friends -- made. my. whole. day.

Cảm ơn thanks Ba Bar for a great evening - I'll be visiting again, very soon.