Vietnamese in Kitchener: Pho DNK

Rare Beef Pho @Pho DNK

When we got to the Christkindl market in Kitchener, it was way past noon. We were hungry and we didn’t want to line up for sausages in the cold. Across the city hall, we saw a Vietnamese place. It didn’t take much to convince us that enjoying a nice, steaming bowl of Pho while seated in a warm and relatively quiet spot would be the kind of lunch we would rather have.

The girls got their usual rare beef Pho while hubby and I got our fave Satay 
noodle soup. Grandma got some crispy noodles. They were all good and at reasonable prices. They didn't look like much and definitely not a feast for the eyes. However, the broth of the Satay noodle soup was quite good. It had just the right spice and thickness. The noodles were not bad at all. Hubby got the beef while I got the seafood. They didn't skimp on the meat nor the seafood and we were pretty stuffed after. 

Satay noodle soup @ Pho DNK

I also got a taste of Grandma’s noodles and they were quite tasty. 

Crispy noodles @Pho DNK

It was a nice clean spot with good value-for-money food and fast and friendly service. Definitely a good decision for us!

Christmas spirit, German style at the Christkindl Market

Main stage, ice rink and huts @ Christkindl, Kitchener City Hall

The fam and I kicked off our holidays by trekking to Kitchener to check out the 20^th anniversary of the Christkindl Market in Kitchener. Memories of the market in Germany came flooding back as I saw the Gluhwein hut on King St., off of the city hall. 

Gluhwein hut @ Christkindl Market

Warm mulled wine hit the belly and smells of apple fritters and pretzels filled the air 

Apple Fritters @Christkindl Market

Soft pretzels @Christkindl Market

as the carolers sang of cheer. 

Carolers @Christkindl Market

The Haribo mascot handed out gummy bears (such as the ones I hoarded from Aldi years ago). Even the angels of the market’s Christkindle spread greetings (and handed out more gummy bears!!).

Over 90 vendors sold many delightful crafts and goodies.

Christkindl Market

Christmas pyramids and other crafts @Christkindl Market

more vendors outside Kitchener City Hall @Christkindl Market

I would have loved to bring home the beautifully handcrafted Nutcrackers and Christmas Pyramids.  I also would have spent hundreds, if not thousands! So we just admired these. We did buy a lot of treats, of course, like Christmas Stollen (with marzipan!), strudel, and many other German goodies. Of course, we got some smoked sausages!

German goodies from Christkindl Market

And if the holiday treats were not enough to put you in the mood for Christmas, there was a live Nativity scene, puppet show, and dancers.  Choirs, bands, and performers on the main stage serenaded those who were lined up to enjoy some sausages and schnitzels.

Pulled maple taffy @ Christkindl Market

Model trains @Christkindl Market

It was a great event and worthy of being one of the Top Festivals in Ontario. Thousands of other people must think so, too. As it was packed! We didn’t stay for the horse carriages in the evening, but we will be back!

We're not fat, we're curvy! -- getting some Fatburgers in Canada

Fatburger @ Thornhill

DD#1 and I were not really looking for a burger place. We were, however, looking for a place to get a quick lunch so we could get on with our shopping. Up in Thornhill, I discovered that there was a Fatburger branch. As the LA chain’s only location in Ontario, we had to check it out. Fatburger was founded in 1952 and has locations in almost 20 countries.

Fatburger @ Thornhill

There were several sizes of the Fatburger and you can find other fast-food options—fries, onion rings, milk shakes, etc. We both got a small Fatburger with cheese. Upon ordering, you decide what you want added (or removed) from your burger. Only then will they cook the burgers. They had a nice poster up explaining why things might take a little longer than usual—they cook the burgers to order and they don’t microwave the patty.

small Fatburger @ Fatburger Thornhill

Small was a good portion for us, especially since at that time, we just had breakfast a couple of hours prior. The beef was juicy and flavourful and the burger was packed. It was pretty good, though not the best burger I’ve had. It was better, though, and therefore, more expensive than your usual meals at other burger joints. $20 for 2 small Fatburgers with cheese plus a pop was not exactly a value meal. It was a good place to hang out and service was good, so it may be a better option if you are looking for something fancier than the usual.