CXV: Maenam's the Word

Today was a gorgeous and sunny Vancouver day, the perfect day to spend jogging/walking in the annual Sun Run (my first ever!). I went with a few friends, among them Nicky and RaeRae, and it was great to be reminded what foodies we are. On almost each main road, we commented on potential meals, i.e. ramen, bagels, ice cream, waffles... Boy do I love food.

After a couple of hours (1:36 to be specific!), we headed over to Sciué for panini and a ciambella, which we enjoyed while sitting on the steps at Marinaside. I felt like I was on vacation. I could have stayed there in the sun all day and I was so happy to be in the company of friends again! Who would've thought that a week (actually a few since I saw these two) could take such a toll on me? It was like waking up from a deep sleep in a soundless, isolated room on a long-forgotten island...

For dinner, I took my parents and family friends out for Mother's Day dinner at Maenam. It was a bit pricey for Asian food but I would definitely recommend giving this place a try once. My favourite dishes were the green papaya salad (I know, wha?! Me? Salad? PAPAYA?!) and the pad thai. We also had:

• Steamed mussels with lemongrass and thai basil
• Crispy fermented pork (also yummy)
• Jungle curry of sablefish (strongly recommended!)
• Green curry of coconut braised beef
• Aromatic curry of chicken thighs
• Roti
• Steamed jasmine rice

The portions were quite small but in a way that's a good thing because you can order more dishes to share with friends, so it's more like a sampling session than a huge dinner. But the six of us were full (or at least I was) from the dishes above, and I was glad to have tried out a new place. Pricewise, what I paid for the six of us was a bit less than what I paid for just my parents and I at Campagnolo a month ago--so not bad at all. The service was really good too and I never had to ask for more water.

Now to continue down my list of must-try Vancouver restaurants...