North York is a wonderful strip of fusion eateries that happens to be accessible both by public transit and driving. Traversing up (or down) Yonge Street in search of parking can be a nuisance, though the ever-evolving selection of establishments is worth the effort in my opinion.

New to the Yonge-Sheppard area is Tsujiri and Bake Code's recent Thai Iced Tea launch. When they first revealed a sneak peek of their summer drink collection, I had anticipated to have it tried before the commencement of the school season. A similar case with Pablo, I believe three specialty beverages were added to the menu the same weekend I departed for LA.

​While only a mere two weeks of academia have passed, the workload is tremendous and persistently troublesome. In desperate need of a breather, my mind trailed off on the idea of venturing uptown to take part in the things I had missed.

Bake Code was the first stop. The bakery opened early, which made it a suitable waiting/meetup location. A lineup had already formed at the cashier when I entered, so I took a seat and evaluated their assortment of breads and pastries while waiting for the line to dissipate.

Thai Iced Tea was available in two sizes: Regular and Large, with the latter weighing in at $5.00 before tax. The cost was on the hefty side, but, relative to their bakery goods and standard Chatime drinks, still fairly economic.

​The milky orange beverage was slid over the counter after a few minutes, with perhaps a spoonful more ice than I would have liked. The contents of the plastic cup was fragrant, smooth, and, most importantly, flavourful. Strong notes of tea and spices were tasted, along with a certain familiar milkiness that's often found in bubble tea.
Chatime possesses their own rendition of Thai Iced Tea as well, but as a summertime exclusive. Bake Code's version was less rich in milk power, causing it to be more refreshing than satiating. Expectations were fulfilled with great confidence. I'll likely be trying this again.

​Nanashake was my first visit to the developing apartment complex at Yonge and Bogert. While the site remains un-updated on Google Maps, the reality is that many retailers have settled into the structure's lobby. This time, I chanced upon H Cafe (an expansion of Uncle Tetsu in Unionville), Love Me Sweet, and quite a significant number of new food court stalls.

Facing the south side of the building was Poke Eats - the only spot serving up marinated sashimi bowls in the vicinity. The storefront was comprised entirely of glass which simultaneously allowed sufficient illumination to fill the store and passerbys to catch a glimpse of skillful fish-slicing knifework.

​Seats were few and service was speedy; it's quick-service atmosphere did not skimp on customer service though. The girl behind the cashier was more than happy to respond to inquiries in a pleasant, patient manner.

< Pictured above and below: It's Lit, BYOB with Black Sushi Rice, Crab Salad, Seaweed Salad, Maple Sesame Shoyu, Maguro, and Albacore Tuna >

​​Embarking on the public transit network on a weekend poses vast challenges to the efficiency-concerned commuter. Local transit systems almost always experience delays - and extensive ones at that. Had it not been for the arrival of Verse 2, I would not have even contemplated the midtown excursion.

After a solid breakfast of Nutella-Banana Toast (exempt from a flame-torched surface as time was of the essence) and Homemade Matcha Latte, I set off on what would emerge as a three-hour round trip.

​A number of minor changes have morphed Koreatown for the better: updated storefronts, new openings, and an inflatable Taekwondo character were amusing sights to witness en route to Sarah & Tom.

​​For reasons beyond me, the Korean pop culture-centric specialty store already consisted of a medium-sized lineup at my time of entry. No sales were taking place during this period; rather, many of the products that piqued my interest had been subject to inflation.

Soon enough, though, I received my reserved copy of Verse 2 - the Tomorrow Version, since the Today Version is already in possession. It retailed for approximately 1.5 times greater than the standard pricing, but the associated shipping period was lengthy and much too grueling for a dedicated ahgase to endure.

I headed to Put A Cone On It afterwards, since I recalled the jolly staff member mentioning that Montreal-style bagels would soon be added to the menu.

​My all-time favourite Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies in the to-go bag, I requested a Kyoto Smoke (aka Houjicha Latte) and waited in anticipation. Spicy Black Sesame Cookies could not be seen from inside the display cabinet, so I opted for an Oatmeal Chocolate, which was less distinct but equally satisfying.

​The light lunch arrived on a white plastic plate, with butter spread on its surface in a relatively nonuniform manner towards the centre. St. Viateur's creation was thinner than the plump styles of Rosemary Rocksalt and classic, spongy variation at What A Bagel. It was this very property that swapped chewiness for sheer crunch.

​With the gradual rise in mercury, the return trip was made more strenuous with each passing second. By the time my new K-Pop acquisition had reached home, I was exhausted, but eager to disclose its contents.

​The biggest attraction about Westdale is convenience. Being easily accessible by HSR and exceptionally close to campus, it's the ideal spot to camp out when a short break surfaces between classes.

Apparently a number of events took place as I was stressing out en route to the airport last month: Pablo finally opened in the Bay/Dundas area, Bake Code subsequently launched their Thai Iced Tea, and My Dog Joe was revamped to become Paisley.

​I had probably only visited My Dog Joe twice prior, as the environment was loud and dim, the singular washroom stall was dusty and depressing, and the selection lacking. Now renovated to include bright bursts of teal, a shelf of potted plants, and decor in the form of local artwork, the establishment looked promising.

​Service, on the other hand, wasn't. From the very moment I entered the premises, a middle-aged lady glared in my direction, specifically towards the small electronic device strapped across my neck. I was interrogated for taking photos of the cafe in the crudest way possible.
Furrowing her brows into a nasty grimace once seemingly wasn't enough, for she continued to press "What are you going to do with them?". And of course, telling her that I simply enjoyed visiting various places and snapping photos along the way didn't sound acceptable enough of an answer.
​

​The attitude of the eldest member of the cafe made me feel very uncomfortable as a customer, and as if my business was appreciated less than any other non-photo-capturing client. It wasn't a positive manner to commence the visit, nor did the tension ease off gradually during my stay. Said middle-aged lady took a break amidst this trip, but I continued to feel her judging glower until her back was turned against me.

​Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery looks significantly more modern than the its previous occupant. The dreary, drab atmosphere of My Dog Joe has been replaced with lighter-hued walls and a shifted kitchen for additional seating. A laptop-specific area was even advertised on their social media page, evidently as a selling factor to students.
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​Though while seating has increased, spatial density has surged, making grand contributions to noise pollution. There is simply not enough space for customers to feel at ease.
Put short, seating seemed scarce - customers were constantly asking others if they minded sharing tables. I also experienced major issues with squeezing onto my stool in the supposed outlet-powered area - a consequence of the inconsiderate actions taken by a mother and her newborn's stroller.

​Back-to-school season always means a monstrous load of new material to struggle with, assignments to finish, and tests to cry over. For the average commuter, it is also synonymous with earlier mornings and heightened stress levels.

​The sole spot capable of providing relief during hectic study periods is the same destination I declare worthy of a visit to Hamilton: Ark + Anchor Espresso Bar

Purposely omitting a cup of coffee prior to arriving on campus, I ventured down streets that are all too familiar at this point, soon arriving at the coordinates of caffeinated paradise.

​I made my way upstairs and settled into my preferred corner of the communal table. A monogrammed ceramic mug containing a dark, aromatic decoction soon arrived. In accompaniment was a microscopic pitcher of milk, which I had requested in case the roast was too acidic for my liking.
The first sip soothed away these woes, for the coffee was bold and rejeuvenating, yet calming at the same time. The title of "Espresso Bar" was well justified.

​A platter of four lengthy bread slices and my two choices of spreads arrived afterwards. Each piece retained an adequate amount of air bubbles to clutch onto the toppings being spread on its surface; underlying was a slightly yeasty taste reminscent of sourdough, complimenting the sweetness of the raspberry jam. The cream cheese was, as expected, of a full-fat storebought variety, but nonetheless satisfying paired with the dish's other components.
The carby slivers, while untoasted, resulted in minimal flour fallout.

​Nearing lunchtime, an additional purchase of an Egg Salad Sandwich was made. At $6.50, it was quite pricey for a standard sandwich item. However, these thoughts changed once I caught sight of the final product.
Originally a classic vegetarian cafeteria option, Ark + Anchor's rendition was several notches above the stale specimens from La Piazza.
The lovely inclusion of dill and subtle slivers of pickled veggies was a great way to "level up" a standard egg salad sandwich. Moreover, it eliminated any hints of the creamy, sickly aftertaste other establishments fall victim to as a result of mayo overuse. Superb and satisfying, the item far exceeded my expectations.

​Half of the sandwich had been enough to fill my appetite, so I delivered the remainder back to the counter. Prior to this, I had also drained approximately one third of the drip coffee - this time with the addition of milk. It was discovered that the beverage was delectable both ways.

The unfinished halve was kindly wrapped up for me in tin foil, then placed neatly in a brown paper bag with a small square napkin. The thoughtful packaging ensured that consuming the item later in the day would be hassle- and mess-free.

​Again I re-iterate: one cannot go wrong with Ark + Anchor. As of current, it's the single cafe in Hamilton I openly adore and advocate.

You might not know this, but I'm wiping away both virtual and literal tears as my body prepares for back-to-school season. The mind refuses to surrender wonderful LA memories - namely warm weather and GOT7 interactions at KCON - though, at the same time, there is little that can be done about the inevitable passing of time.

Below is a wrap-up of August, as well as a sorrowful farewell to the summer months.

1) JJ Diary
The Moments was a huge highlight of my August. Waking up to a new release and witnessing Jinyoung's angelic proportions in 1080p never failed to bring joy to my day, regardless of whether I operated on EST or PST.

​2) KCON LA 2017
Half a decade could pass and the details of this three-day event would still leave me awestruck. Put simply: it was a majestical overload of happiness and fangirling.

​3) Post-Red Eye Breakfast
When in doubt, a Happy Meal is the way to go. I originally had my doubts about finishing three hot cakes, but somehow managed to polish off the contents of the plate - er foam container - entirely amidst my extreme fatigue.

4) CoCo is always necessary.

5) JJ Project - 'Verse 2'
JJP's comeback EP finally arrived after my fateful return from the West Coast. I'm still on a hunt for the Tomorrow Version, though, along with Jinyoung cover cards.

6) Showing off my Level 10 difficulty Kang Daniel fanboard, since flaunting it at KCON was too strenuous of a mission.
​7) Second Cup apparently retails select Pinkberry flavours now. And it actually tastes better than the Square One location.
​8) Behold my Breakfast(s) of the Day

9) Japan Festival 2017 has expanded from last year's lineup mayhem to include two days of fun festivities at Celebration Square.

The truth is: most of the time I meet up with ochungg, we're stuffing our faces with nourishment, whether it be sushi or ice cream. If not eating, then we're probably temporarily engaging ourselves in something else until our appetites resurface, namely discussing K-Pop.
Since my return from the West Coast, I had yet to narrate the happenings of my first KCON experience in detail to my mukbang partner. The entire recount took several hours, with the inclusion of an unforeseen delay intertwined within. It wasn't until just before rush hour that we set for late afternoon sustenance.
​
The first stop was One Ten Cafe, for I craved their Cold Brew Kyoho on a significant level. Not a single image was able to be captured though, since parking is non-existent and I was on the constant lookout for reinforcement crews.

Initially, we had settled on bingsoo from The Cups. Snow Time is depressing now, and apparently so is Soul Cafe's original location on Drewry. But The Cups did not offer an Oreo-flavoured rendition of the sweet treat, and I had wanted to check out the availability of JJ Project's Verse 2 at Broadcast. Thus, re-routing took place.

​A peculiarly quiet scene at Pacific Mall welcomed us: there was minimal congestion at the Steeles accessway and an abundance of parking spots. We made a beeline for Soul Cafe, which was, again, suprisingly empty.

​The Regular-sized option had been eliminated from the menu, which meant that all shaved ice cups would be one size only. A large Oreo Bingsoo set us back $6.50.
Unlike my previous visit, the girl at the cashier was speedy with her craft. In under two minutes, she slid a paper container filled to the brim with delicate milk flakes, a heaping scoop of cookies 'n' cream ice cream, and layers of Oreo crumb goodness. Two thin Oreos topped off the concoction in a Mickey Mouse ear format.

I found the dessert incredibly delectable, while ochungg noted that the P-Mall outpost also resisted dissolution better than the original spot.

​The Korean beauty aisle was browsed without much intention to spend, though time passed quicker than expected. We were then propelled into a situation where Mix2 time was insufficient, yet suppertime was still 1.5 to 2 hours away. As I had failed to obtain both Love Me Sweet's Coffee Cheesecake (their coffee machine was machine) and Tung Tung's crispy egg rolls (they had sold out at Market Village too!), we joined the Uncle Tetsu lineup as a way of passing time.

Forty minutes later, we finally departed with freshly-baked cakes in hand. They were a little less cheesy than the ones found downtown, though exhibited a cleaner, more uniform finish.

We pulled into the parking lot of Hibiki as the sky began to dim, only to find the entirety of the tiny piece of asphalt completely occupied. Some daring drivers had even taken to parking in the spots of the adjacent businesses - keep in mind that each was marked with "PRIVATE PROPERTY" signage above - and angling themselves to fit in the buffered areas.
The situation was as troublesome as Alchemy's across the street, though perhaps slightly milder given that I hadn't needed to beware of snow on the ground.

View the full album HERE !

​It was nearing 8:15 PM, though there remained an astounding number of diners in the restaurant. Much to our delight, a couple decided to make their exit after we had traversed L-shaped lot for a few minutes.

​Automatically deeming Pablo as the "new Uncle Tetsu" is premature, and also rather ignorant, if you ask me. The Japanese franchise made its long-awaited debut in the Bay/Dundas area just a few hours after my departure to LA. I would have been interested in overseeing its first day of operations, but then again, lineups and extensive wait times really aren't my cup of tea. I was also informed by a friend that staggering my visit wasn't a bad idea at all, since waiting was bound to happen.

​As the saying goes, "the early bird gets the worm". While Uncle Tetsu a few doors down begins their days bright and early at 8 AM, Pablo is a little more lenient with his morning schedule. After making a few errands at Eaton, I headed over, praying that I would not encounter the infamous out-the-door lineups on a weekday morning.

​The storefront seemed safe. Pulling open the doors, I was welcomed by wave of scorching heat and approximately nine unamused office workers standing in single file. There were nine patrons ahead of me, all over the age of thirty and most with an ID pass clipped to his or her belt loop. My assumption was that those who worked nearby took an extended coffee break to try Toronto's new dessert hype.
Suprisingly, - and thankfully, since we were hovering immediately beside the ovens/baking area - the line moved fairly quickly. I was provided sufficient time to review the items on offer, then narrow down the most fitting pre-lunch treat. In under ten minutes, an order was placed for a full-sized Original "Freshly-Baked" Cheese Tart and single slice of the Premium Cheese Tart. The Matcha Cheese Tart required an approximate forty-minute wait, which was lengthier a time period that I anticipated on staying.

​There was also a Chocolate variation of the Cheese Tart as well, though it only seemed right to taste the Original prior to venturing into questionable territory. Coffee and Cheese Tart Smoothies were also available. The only thing yet to make its way to Pablo's menu were the Mini Cheese Tarts.

​An Original Cheese Tart was wrapped up for me in a monogrammed paper bag, while the Premium Cheese Tart Slice was garnished and later delivered to my chosen table at the back of the bakery/cafe.
Comprised of several small tables, two sofas, and an elevated communal table, the seating area was dim and isolated from the rest of the shop. Many customers had opted to take their items to go, so plentiful spots remained for me to enjoy my purchase while charging my ancient smartphone.

​The Premium Cheese Tart Slice arrived on a small wooden tray shortly after I rearranged my belongings around the yellow cushions. Surrounding it were several squirts of caramel (?) sauce; adjacent were utensils and a stark white, monogrammed napkin.
As an avid lover of crème brûlée, I gleefully peeled away the parchment paper lining to reveal a substantial layer of caramelized sugar. The surface was sturdy and exhibited a rich copper hue; it was toffee-like in taste yet crispy like cheese shards.

​Underneath was a luscious cheesecake layer consisting of both creaminess and bold cheesy flavour. The bottom-most layer was a thin crust of almost indiscernible thickness.

​Personally speaking, the Premium Slice hit all the right notes: it was satisfying, possessed a unique trio of textures of tastes, and of adequate serving size. When evaluated by its size, the $5.99 slice appeared a tad pricey at first. However, one would later discover that any more of the formula would be satiating.

​Frankly, it would have been preferred if the caramel sauce had been swapped for a refreshing citrus instead, since the slice was sufficiently sweet on its own. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the remainder of the dessert whilst listening to an endless loop of Pablo's Japanese themesong.

A plain croissant and Cold Brew later, I was on my way to 7th Street/Metro Centre.
​
Office workers dressed in freshly-ironed slacks and tall red heels flooded into the Financial District. It was only then that I came to the realization of time: it was Monday morning after all. The scene was similar to weekdays in Toronto’s downtown core, though the vibe I perceived from the West Coast was primmer and slightly more intimidating.

​My second time on the Metro platform was met with a mother of two, all clearly tourists like myself, inquiring about whether the train pulling in traversed on the Red Line.
“This is the Purple Line.” I confidently replied with a smile. The first car of the train had displayed so, as did the LCD display hovering above. It was odd to think that someone who had barely explored the city had been asked for directions on her day of departure.

​Arriving at Wilshire/Western station, I made Madang Plaza my first stop. During evening hours, traffic flows were heavy and shop details had become faint. Daylight allowed for a better view of the shopping centre and its enclosed retail points; it also provided me with sufficient time to locate (and explore) H Mart – a spot I hadn’t had enough patience to hunt down on my day of arrival.

The top level consisted of a theatre, several eateries, a bookstore of substantial size and product range. Across a turquoise-hued bridge was Book Monster, an establishment that retailed anything from Korean novels to manhwa to select K-Pop merchandise.
​
Majority of the GOT7 Just Right USBs could be found, with the exception of Jinyoung (and JB I believe?). Kakao colouring books and exam prep guides were also available.

​Half of the second level had been allocated to a fitness centre; the remaining space was consumed by Sul & Beans, SomiSomi, and Bento Bae.

​Retreating to the first floor (ground level), I circulated the area again in search of the pedestrian entrance to H Mart. None could be found, so I took to asking one of the taiyaki soft serve shop owners for directions.

Read Part 1 HERE !

The original anticipation for Los Angeles’ Koreatown varied not too vastly from that of our own – you know, that tiny stretch between Christie and Bathurst? (Don’t get me wrong, I love it nonetheless.)

Imagine my surprise at discovering the expansiveness – not to mention grandeur -  of California’s only from the brief trek between Western and Normandie. Regardless of whether I strayed north or south from the major streets, I continued to encounter endless strips of independent shops, restaurants, plazas, and more.​

​Copious commercial buildings lined Wilshire Blvd, with the most prominent one being that of The Korea Times. The curved buildings loomed above me, leaving me to gaze in awe at the size difference between the lush shrubbery and series of fountains centred between them. 

​Weather was wonderful and the path free was of society’s outcasts. The only downsides were the steep surges in temperature and lack of cloud cover causing the walk to be more draining than relaxing.

I debuted a sticky forehead upon finally arriving at the doors of CoCo Curry. 

​Officially referred to as “Curry House CoCo Ichibanya”, the chain of Japanese curry restaurants has locations throughout Asia as well as several in California and Hawaii. The idea of journeying to the spot for lunch had been proposed by yours truly after a memory jog from a grueling hunt for bubble tea in Taipei a few years back.

While en route, I had called (long distance, mind you) to ensure that there would be seating available for the entire party amidst the lunch peak. The male that answered the phone could have adhered to a more pleasant tone of voice, though the point was that we would not arrive and need to wait for a table.
​
Frankly speaking, I could have omitted this step since over half of the restaurant had vacated by the time of our arrival.

​CoCo Curry’s Koreatown location was a typical casual diner serving up Japanese-style curry plates in a no-frills environment. Cooking fumes were strong, the environment was loud, and laminated menus were placed directly at the table. Choices were plenty, encompassing anything from salads to udon to omurice.