Spud Shack - Round Two

My first time at Spud Shack was back in August 2014; I got the royal chance to be invited to Spud Shack Fry Co. in Downtown New Westminster. Dan, the head chef / owner / master poutine-guy, allowed me to sample some of the best items on his menu. I had the Effin' Good Burger, the Night Market Poutine, and some great craft beers in a food + beer pairing post.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Spud Shack with some co-workers and got a few snapshots of our poutines before we wolfed them down.

My co-worker Robyn got the Night Market Poutine (as per my "skilled" recommendation). She said she loves Kimchi, and probably stopped listening after I mentioned it. As far as I can tell, it looks just as delicious as it did in 2014.

Night Market Poutine @ Spud Shack Fry Co.
New Westminster, BC
Photo: Brewji

As for myself, I got the Butter Chicken Poutine. Now, I've had the version from New York Fries, which I was moderately impressed with, and on the same level sickened with. However, this medium at Spud Shack had my foodie-senses tingling. I could smell the sauce, and the presentation was just beautiful.

Butter Chicken Poutine @ Spud Shack Fry Co.
New Westminster, BC
Photo: Brewji

On first bite, I'm immediately struck with a *real* butter chicken sauce. This seems like it was actually made from scratch. Heck, it's better than half the Indian restaurants' butter chicken sauces in the city! It's got such a rich, vibrant taste, with an albeit humble appearance. Dan, you rocked it again.

I give Spud Shack Fry Co. a poutine-revolution 9.0 / 10

Bump 'n' Grind Cafe

During this never-ending search for the best cup of coffee in Vancouver, we stumbled upon a little cafe tucked into the wall near Commercial Drive and Venables Street. After already making ourselves a pot of Kicking Horse in the morning, we shuffled our way up the drive and turned into this little slice of caffeine.

Menu and atmosphere @ Bump 'n' Grind Cafe
Vancouver, BC
Photo: Brewji, Totally Tammy

On entry, the place seemed cozy and comforting. It was lightly populated with what appeared to be students "working hard" on their laptops, along with a family with children. Not to mention some sensual smells of brain-boosting caffeine.


They had a decent selection of baked goods and edibles, but it seemed a little pricey so Tammy and I just opted for some coffee.

Baked Goods @ Bump 'n' Grind Cafe
Vancouver, BC
Photo: Brewji, Totally Tammy

Of course, we decided to drink our coffee black to see what it actually tastes like. It smelled delicious, as our barista ground the beans fresh for each cup.

When sipping this roasted, scalding concoction, many flavours flashed into the front of my mind. There were fruity notes, and nutty undertones with some acidic flavours. Best of all, this was a coffee with many characteristics but it all just worked together and simply tasted amazing!

My Coffee! @ Bump 'n' Grind Cafe
Vancouver, BC
Photo: Brewji, Totally Tammy

As the coffee cooled down, its flavours grew slightly more prominent. This is one of the many gems in our city!

I give the Bump 'n' Grind cafe a will-slow-dance-for-coffee 9.5 / 10

Tammy gives the Bump 'n' Grind cafe a next-time-I'll-try-the-peanut-butter-cups 9.0 / 10