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Mijune Pak

@mijunepak

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📍Vancouver 🇨🇦 📍France 🇫🇷 | Travel | #TopChef #IronChef judge | Michelin Guide Van Host | 📥 [email protected]

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🥹 She won’t remember this, but one day I’ll show her how her gong gong showed up. 💕

While my mom’s been away these past few weeks, my dad has been coming over almost every single day to help me. It started with a little “schedule” I gave him — Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings — and before even doing one shift, he said, “why not every day?” 😅

After day one he was exhausted and joked he needed some “me time,” but honestly, he’s still shown up almost daily (with the occasional day off).

He’ll change a diaper (slowly… so sometimes I jump in 😂), do outfit changes, and take her out for her morning walks where she naps and he ends up sitting on the curb waiting for her to wake up. He’s learned how to set up and pack away the stroller, manage the car seat, and even picked up on her wake windows, sleepy cues, and little rhythms.

He’s always been an amazing dad, but very much an 80s/90s one. He worked hard, provided, and my mom carried the day-to-day.

The other day, completely unprompted, he told me he had no idea how hard this all is, especially for the mom. He said he never really saw it before because he was at work, focused on supporting the family. He didn’t realize what it took to keep everything running while raising babies into kids and then adults… how nothing is "automatic" and just “happens,” and how much women carry, physically and emotionally.

I didn’t ask him to say that. And I don’t expect many men from his generation to even come to that realization.

But in that moment… I felt so seen. 💕 taken in Vancouver, British Columbia by @mijunepak

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6 months ago

🦃 Thankful to call this country my forever home 🇨🇦. I'm continually reminded of its vibrant, passionate, environmentally conscious, locally supportive, and diverse culinary talent when I browse through the Michelin @michelinguide restaurant lists in Vancouver. And yes, there are many also not listed I still see and love.

A heartfelt thank you to @destination_vancouver, @michelinguide and of course, you, for the opportunity to once again be part of your stage, screens, and community.

A huge congratulations to the dedicated individuals, both in the front and back of the house, who tirelessly contribute to this industry. And to our valued customers, sponsors, media, social influencers, community members, supporters, and food lovers, thank you for keeping the culinary world alive with your unwavering enthusiasm and interest. We would not be here without you. Happy Thanksgiving everyone ❤️ taken in Vancouver, British Columbia by @mijunepak

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3 years ago

TAG YOUR BUFFET BESTIES! Mind blowing 🤯 I didn't even know the French did buffets, but if they're going to do it, let it be the one and only @lesgrandsbuffets in Narbonne, France.

French locals (mostly) and international tourists make hard to get reservations months in advance for their chance to indulge in literally hundreds of items.

It's a luxury hotel buffet meets white tablecloth fine dining and a full service rotisserie. It features 30+ plated French classics like Rossini Tournedos, cassoulet, and even a section dedicated to the pressed duck from One Michelin Star La Tour d'Argent in Paris.

Along with hot buffet items, they also offer 9 types of foie gras, caviar, lobster, oysters, jamon, charcuterie galore & much more.

It's one of those bucket list "foodie experiences", and since one can't possibly try everything without wasting a lot, you have to be selective.

At 65% full I decided to zone in on the infamous cheese section which showcases 111 cheeses and is the biggest cheese offering in a restaurant worldwide (Guiness Book of World Records). After all this is France, it's what they're best at and you won't be able to do this anywhere else. 🇫🇷

There is an amazing cheese specialist to assist and I managed to try 67. My tasting was gradual (by power) starting with mild and the most powerful blues last.

Here are some of my favourite cheeses, mind you they will taste different according to the supplier and they don't list all the suppliers. All are from France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. I also included the popular ones that are always good.

PS: This buffet is only 52.90€/person 🤯

Cheese 🧀

Power 1-4 💪
• Brillant savarin
• Cabrissac
• Brebiou Pyrénées
• Mont d'or

Power 5-6 💪💪
• Serra de estrella
• Therondels
• Appenzeller
• Napoleon
• Goustal
• Trou du cru

Power 7-8 💪💪💪
• Tomme au marc
• Cure Nantais
• Breaufort
• Parmagiano 2.5 years
• Tomme Ceronné
• Brie de melun
• Sao jorge
• Comte 30 months
• Mizotte
• Gouda 1000 days old

Power 9-10 💪💪💪💪
• Livarot
• Maroilles
• Langres fermier
• Epoisse
• Cancoillotte

Blues 💙🧀🦾
• Fourme de Montbrison
• Bleu d'Auvergne
• Roquefort Baragnaudes
• Regalis
• Roquefort Abeille taken in Les Grands Buffets by @mijunepak

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4 years ago

🇵🇹 Portuguese food has had very little presence in Vancouver, so it remains unfamiliar to much of the city. @mariaceleste.yvr, the first restaurant from Portuguese brothers Justin @justin_isidro and chef Cristian Isidoro @chefcristian.i, both formerly of Michelin-star Kissa Tanto, offers a very personal introduction.

Their intimate 36-seat restaurant draws inspiration from family recipes, but from a contemporary perspective. Homey classics are given a chef-driven approach. The food might feel nostalgic to those who know it, and new to those with no reference point.

The Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) was brothy, rich with tomato and al dente rice. The Bacalhau à Brás was another favourite with salt cod and crispy straw potatoes. They took the national dish of Portugal and transformed it into something elegant, yet traditional in flavour and thought.

There’s an interesting balance throughout; humble dishes are refined and elevated, while premium ingredients like Ibérico pork are treated simply.

With a special Portuguese wine list and select fortified wines, polished service and a cozy atmosphere, Maria Celeste is a welcome addition to Vancouver’s dining scene. It fills a gap and gives a lesser-known cuisine room to grow. I’m happy to see more independent restaurants bringing something distinct to the table.

On the table:
1) Pica-Pau Tartare "woodpecker" bites
2) Rissóis de Camarão - Prawn half-moon turnover
3) King Clam à Bulhão Pato - Rei das ameijoas in white wine, coriander, Carolino rice emulsion
4) Açorda Alentejana - Bread and coriander soup, broad beans, egg
5) Arroz de Marisco - Portuguese seafood rice
6) Bacalhau à Brás - Shredded salt cod, egg & straw potatoes
7) Pluma de Porco Ibérico - Ibérico pork feathers, Alentejana style
8) Vinho d’Alhos - vegetables marinated in wine, garlic and vinegar for days
9) Feijão Verde de Avó - Smoked green beans, Portuguese creamed-style, over a slow-cooked tomato and onion sauce with Madeira, Port, and Portuguese red wine
10) Chocolate mousses - "Dad's recipe"
11) Bolo de Bolacha or Biscuit Cake taken in Fraser Street by @mijunepak

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4 days ago

Life is weird and wonderful. This Thanksgiving long weekend was a real mix of my old and new life, from daycare potlucks to date nights, dressing up and dressing down. Grateful for all the experiences and everything in between. Hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving! 🦃🎃🌽🍂🧡 🤎💛 by @mijunepak

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5 days ago

🥐🎂 Too pretty to smash. These cakes deserve their own post!

I don't know how long I have before I have to start ordering “kid cakes”, but my baby milked me for a year plus, so I'm milking every moment of adult-friendly food at kid birthdays. 😂

Longtime friend and fan of Jamie of @butter.mere, so I was very happy she happened to be in town for this. She's only here for a limited time, so get your cake orders in now!

Her Kyoto Banana cake is inspired by the iconic “Tokyo Banana,” with layers of hojicha sponge, banana salted caramel panna cotta, hojicha pastry cream, brown sugar caramelized banana, hojicha whipped ganache, and roasted hazelnuts. Light, fluffy, “not too sweet,” and absolutely fantastic. 🤎🍌🌰☕

The smash cake... I didn't even know she offered these! But when I found out she could make one baby-friendly (very little sugar) for Amélie's 1st birthday, I couldn't resist. I was originally going to go with a tray of croissants since they're her favourite, but this croissant-themed smash cake in powder blue was way better. More of a mess, but more of a memory. 🫣🥰

Jamie, you are a cake queen and we adore you! 💕 by @mijunepak

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14 days ago

🥟🥐 Happy one, my love. We waited until her jet lag was completely over and everyone was actually in the mood to celebrate.

The catering by @vivianzhang5911 and her team at Shanghai Wonderful was way beyond expectations. When Vivian sadly closed her restaurant last year after a landlord rent increase 😞, I thought that was the end of Shanghai Wonderful. Little did I know (thanks to my mom who told me), they’re still operating out of a commissary in Vancouver, with everything still being made by hand by the same team. She kept all of her chefs 👏🏻 and continues to offer takeout, delivery and catering.

My family has been long-time customers of Shanghai Wonderful through their various locations over the years, and we’re so happy to continue supporting them. I was not expecting this level or presentation and am still in awe and gratitude.

And the cake… I die. 🥐🎂

I knew this was the one part of the birthday I was not holding back on, partly because I, the mother, deserve a cake that I actually want to eat too. 😌 A year of survival mode, and many more to go.

Thank you, Jamie of @butter.mere, for bringing your vision to the table. Your cakes are as fantastic as you are. Light, fluffy, elegant, creative, never “too sweet,” and absolutely perfect for this occasion… and many more to come. 💞 by @mijunepak

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17 days ago

I can genuinely say this went by fast! Nine years!! How have I been doing his show for NINE years?! I am super stoked to not be pregnant this season 🔥

#TopChefCanada is back for Season 13, and it's starting with some huge surprises! Don't miss the premiere Tuesday, October 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on @Flavour.Network and @STACKTV! 🔪 by @mijunepak

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24 days ago

Happy Birthday my baby! Happy One Year plus one day because I'll forever have "no time". We survived 💕

They said not to blink and I really didn’t. They said it would go by fast, and some days and months really didn’t. I think the process and being so sleep deprived makes me forget, or at least makes it blurry, but I remember. I remember trying to enjoy it, but sometimes it felt like I was forcing myself to love something that just wasn’t that fun yet.

Motherhood is relentless, raw, unforgiving and precious all at the same time. She can make me laugh and cry within seconds, and feel the most love and guilt at once. She asks no questions, and makes me question everything, and somehow seems to have answers that I don’t know. How can this tiny little human hold so much power? She held my heart before she knew how to grasp, and now I’m forever wrapped around her little finger.

One year down. I can believe it. My body, back, shoulders and wrist tell me so. One year of learning, or trying to mom. One year of exclusive breastfeeding (weaning starts today) because you won’t take a bottle. One year of “why would anyone do this?” and one year of “I can’t describe this feeling.” One year of “I want out” and one year of “I want nothing more.” One year of getting to know each other, and one year of getting to know myself. One year and a lifetime to go.

Thank you, my baby, for your patience with me as we navigate this world together. You have taught me so much in one year. I love you more than you know, and honestly, probably more than I even know.

One day I’ll look back and say, “Wow, that went by fast.” Because it always does. But for now, let’s take it slow.

Year two… I’m as ready as I’ll ever be for you.

Happy One Year to you, to me, and to us. 💕🎂 by @mijunepak

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a month ago

I didn't expect the view to be so captivating.

I could’ve done this all night and still would’ve missed a bunch of people, but as a “plus one,” I can only give off so much of a creeper vibe.

It was my first time meeting most of the guests as well, and no, I did not ask for consent before recording or posting.

Congratulations newlyweds! You win at life! Not only is the couple hot/super smart, so was the guest list! 🔥 taken in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France by @mijunepak

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a month ago

How cool is it to be the flower girl for the first time at your grandparents’ wedding? 🥹💕🇫🇷

Two years ago, I got married at this very fountain in the small medieval village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, my now-husband’s hometown in France.

This trip back was for a very special occasion. After 42 years of love, two kids and three grandchildren, my in-laws decided to make it official.

In a small and intimate ceremony, their grandsons were the ring bearers, their granddaughter was the flower girl, their sons were best man and man of honour, and their daughters-in-law were maid of honour and “best woman” (my first time being one!). And right before us, they said “I do.”

They really did figure it out and continue figuring it out, and that unwavering commitment and unconditional love is nothing but admirable.

Every couple is different, but what I really see in them is that they’ve built a true life together while still pursuing their own goals and interests. At the same time, their family is at the core of everything, and so much of what they do is for the people they love. And really, what more could you want in life?

Félicitations maman et papa!

👗Bébé's outfit details - my mother handmade her a 5 piece outfit featuring bloomer shorts, a dress, a bolero jacket, headpiece (she unfortunately refused to wear), and shoes (not featured because they were too slippery on the stones). And yes, she is absolutely taking orders 😆 taken in Tourrettes-sur-Loup by @mijunepak

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a month ago

It’s a restaurant that took a risk, and it’s winning. Kavita @restaurant.kavita by chef-owner @chefttushar is more or less a destination restaurant given its location and ambitious concept. I’ve been here a handful of times now, and I’m still charmed.

Located in Olympic Village in Vancouver, but in a part of the neighbourhood that doesn’t have much walk-by traffic, Kavita serves modern regional Indian cuisine in an elevated setting. We rarely see regional Indian cuisine in Vancouver, so to see it presented this way is refreshingly different.

Even better, it’s actually good, too, and the menu and ideas make sense. I tried both the à la carte and tasting menus, and the flavours don’t feel repetitive. Each dish has its own story, using local ingredients alongside spices from India. There’s an unpretentious sense of education, with diners invited to discover.

Less than a year in, Kavita is already #96 on Canada’s 100 Best and has earned Gold for Best Indian Restaurant and Silver for Best New Restaurant from Vancouver Magazine.

Kavita means “poetry” in Marathi and is also the name of Chef Tushar’s late mother. And that’s what I also love about it: there’s something incredibly personal about this journey. There’s no big corporate restaurant group behind it, just a team taking a risk and showcasing their culture on their own terms. For a restaurant that isn’t even a year old, it’s already had an incredible start, and I’m cheering for this little engine that could. 🇮🇳✨ taken in Vancouver, British Columbia by @mijunepak

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2 months ago