It had been a long time since I was able to visit one of my favourite places, a true paradise for anyone who loves cooking, beautiful housewares, and everything connected to the kitchen. Today, I wandered through the aisles of Vancouver's Gourmet Warehouse with so much joy, discovering little treasures and finding inspiration around every corner.

Chicken Surprise is a vibrant, flavor-packed layered dish that brings comfort food and fresh Tex-Mex flair in every bite. Oven baked potatoes topped with seasoned Tex-Mex chicken, creamy guacamole and crispy lettuce is a delightful twist on chicken dishes.

Tender, juicy pork chops are glazed in a teriyaki sauce with sweet, vibrant carrots alongside the meat. Served on top of rice this is a comforting, well-balanced dish that is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to feel special.

A bold, rustic paella loaded with savory depth and vibrant color. Tender, juicy chicken mingles with smoky sausage and rich, salty ham, creating layers of hearty, slow-cooked flavor. Rice infused with saffron, spices and pan juices, while a medley of vegetables adds brightness, texture, and balance. It’s a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Italian-inspired turkey burger layered with rich melted cheese; sweet roasted red peppers and a spicy mayo add big flavour. Serve with a simple green salad and you have a complete meal.

I was craving Szechuan peanut rice like I make in Canada but of course I can’t get the sauce in the stores here. Therefore, I created my own Spicy Peanut Sauce, and it complemented this fried rice perfectly.

I wanted to make a peanut fried rice like used to make in Canada using a bought peanut Szechuan sauce. Of course, there isn’t anything like this in Italy therefore I’ve created this recipe to add to my fried rice.

I had leftover of my White Sauce for Perfect Pork sauce and decided to use it for this bacon infused pasta. I added Greek yogurt to the sauce to make it a very light pasta option.

This sheet-pan pork chop, asparagus, and potatoes recipe is a complete meal. It’s easy to make, a breeze to clean up, and topping the pork with my white sauce keeps it juicy and flavourful.

While pork chops are delicious, grilling or baking can cause them to dry out. A flavorful sauce makes all the difference, and this easy recipe pairs perfectly with both grilled and baked pork chops.

Today, I picked up a baguette from the French market in Arona and made a classic Jambon-Beurre sandwich. I paired it with my Bistro Bleu Salad for a complete French-inspired meal!

Crisp endive leaves topped with toasted walnuts and creamy Roquefort cheese, finished with a bright lemon dressing that balances the cheese's rich, tangy character. A refreshing French-inspired salad with layers of crunch, citrus, and bold flavor. I served this with my Jambon-Beurre Sandwich.

I had a pack of two cutlets tucked away in the freezer and turned them into this open-faced panino, topped with a tomato and shallot bruschetta, spices, balsamic vinegar and melted cheese. Paired with a crisp green salad with radishes, it came together as a simple but perfectly satisfying meal.

Piadina Romagnolo are traditional thin Italian flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region. The are typically called Piadina or Piada. It was Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli who Italianized the Romagnolo word “piè” to “piada” and he was so in love with the flatbread of his homeland that he wrote a poem “La Paida”, a tribute describing how the Piada/Piadina are prepared. Today I made a Greek infused version which is delicious.

A hearty hot sandwich built on crisp, golden baguette bread, layers melted cheese and spicy mayonnaise then filled with tender beef sautéed to perfection for rich, savory flavor. Served with a fresh green salad, adding a light, refreshing contrast to the dish.

Gianni wanted a McDonald’s style Egg McMuffin for breakfast; however, I can’t get English muffins here as well as the bacon we use in Canada. Therefore, I made this Italian style Egg McMuffin, which was not 100% the same, but delicious.

This Chicken Caprese Melt is a warm, pressed sandwich layered with fresh mozzarella, chicken, marinated tomatoes and basil. Easy to make and packed with classic Caprese flavors.

Croissant de Boeuf – Juicy, seasoned steak layered on a buttery, flaky croissant with creamy Brie, crisp lettuce, and sweet roasted peppers. The combination of rich beef, velvety cheese, fresh greens, and smoky-sweet peppers creates a perfectly balanced sandwich with irresistible Parisian flair.

A balanced blend of tangy Dijon mustard and smooth golden honey, this dressing delivers the perfect mix of sweet, sharp, and savory flavors. Whisked with sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of seasoning, it’s light, creamy, and versatile — ideal for drizzling over crisp salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or grilled chicken. Fresh, vibrant, and slightly zesty, it adds a bright finish to every bite.

I had a marinara tomato sauce left over in the freezer and made this simple meal out of it. You can use any jarred tomato sauce you like or make your own to make this dinner.