It suffices to say that sudden developments can cause strategically scheduled activities to come to a screeching halt. Baking has been postponed on the bases of fatigue and comparatively higher-priority issues. My ingredients are observed to wither with time, as does my soul and once non-exhaustible source of energy.
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Collapsing into bed after a late Friday night, I resurrected some nine hours later and commenced chores. About the mid-day mark, I took to constructing an Espresso Martini as a pick-me-up. Equal parts vodka, cold brew, and Kahlua were instructed, prompting 1 oz. of each component to be poured into my go-to pint glass.
The resulting concentrate was obnoxiously sweet - likely intended for sipping as a post-supper dessert, but surely not for the average weekend afternoon. Not even a copious amount of ice, a greater proportion of cold brew (my own, of course), nor water could salvage the formula. A fellow coffee fiend recommended a shot of espresso, which I mentally slotted away for testing on the next opportunity.
The resulting concentrate was obnoxiously sweet - likely intended for sipping as a post-supper dessert, but surely not for the average weekend afternoon. Not even a copious amount of ice, a greater proportion of cold brew (my own, of course), nor water could salvage the formula. A fellow coffee fiend recommended a shot of espresso, which I mentally slotted away for testing on the next opportunity.
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The following day came errands. Over the span of one week, I'd make my third Walmart visit.
Broken storage bins had led me to the department store's outpost in Oakville, the nicer area of Uptown Core. Customer service had been friendly and reasonable, albeit not particularly efficient. Upon concluding my mission, I retreated back to the parking lot, where an altercation over a stolen bicycle was witnessed. A middle-aged man and sweats-donning teenager tugged away at the red frame, eventually taking the brawl beyond the store entrance and onto the asphalt access path. Walmart security followed closely behind the duo. One of the teenager's two backpacks hit the ground with an audible clang, yet he batted not an eyelash and sped off with the bike.
Broken storage bins had led me to the department store's outpost in Oakville, the nicer area of Uptown Core. Customer service had been friendly and reasonable, albeit not particularly efficient. Upon concluding my mission, I retreated back to the parking lot, where an altercation over a stolen bicycle was witnessed. A middle-aged man and sweats-donning teenager tugged away at the red frame, eventually taking the brawl beyond the store entrance and onto the asphalt access path. Walmart security followed closely behind the duo. One of the teenager's two backpacks hit the ground with an audible clang, yet he batted not an eyelash and sped off with the bike.
It was an admittedly shocking scene to witness given the time of day, and even more so the neighbourhood reputation. The scene led me to recall the woes of a long-time, low-income resident: continual development of the GTA meant a gradual transition from the calm suburbs to the clamour of an urban city.
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Departing the area, I continued with errands at BTrust and, upon confirmation of cash on hand, Akko Cake House.
The early hour ensured a wide assortment of buns for my plucking, in addition to fresh trays of egg tarts emerging during my brief stay. I emerged with a decent-sized haul, all for just $11.30.
Take note: Any paper boxes now incur additional charges. For commuters or careless consumers, one may wish to bring along a reusable container to ensure structural integrity, or risk dented buns and smashed egg tarts.
The early hour ensured a wide assortment of buns for my plucking, in addition to fresh trays of egg tarts emerging during my brief stay. I emerged with a decent-sized haul, all for just $11.30.
Take note: Any paper boxes now incur additional charges. For commuters or careless consumers, one may wish to bring along a reusable container to ensure structural integrity, or risk dented buns and smashed egg tarts.
My picks included the following:
- Pineapple Bun
- Hot Dog Bun
- Butter Egg Tart
- Flaky Egg Tart
- Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun
- BBQ Pork Bun
- Pineapple Pastry (Fenglisu)
Devoured over the next few hours were the Butter Egg Tart, half of the Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun, and half of the Pineapple Pastry. The Egg Tart was silky, scrumptious, and gratifying, as expected of Akko. The Pineapple BBQ Pork Bun would earn similar commentary, surpassing the low bar set forth by Hong Kong Island Bakery's miserable oniony concoction and replacing the gustatory experience with delight.
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