Blog Archives - Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger

Out & About #553 | Collective May Visuals

5/31/2019

This time last year, I felt a lot more accomplished: I had received my Iron Ring and was antsily preparing for Convocation. The same cannot be said this time around, as change is inevitable and we, as mere mortals, must engage in continual development as means of survival.

At such times, I am reminded that one cannot escape hardships, and that to succeed is to persist in a clever manner. Normally, I'd throw a quick reference to my ever-encouraging saviour tune, but let's go for a throwback instead: Keep On, Keeping On.

1) Dollar Days are back!!
2) Evening seminars Feat. Chocolate Chip Cookies

3) Myeongdong Kalguksu (Mississauga)

When the cravings hit, there is no turning back. Itching for traditional Korean dumplings, I headed to Dundas and Hurontario on a whim. For a solo meal, I shamelessly requested about threefold the amount I could stomach, but had no qualms about judgement as all that remained would be taken home for later consumption.

The steamed MD Dumpling (명동 왕만두) were as plush as I recall; the MD Red Pork Set Meal (제육 정식) was an unexplored section of the menu, ultimately proving far spicier than tolerable. Shredded lettuce, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, and mushrooms surrounded the fiery helping of marinated pork; a bowl of white steamed rice accompanied the platter.
One of the two ahjummas on the floor appeared concerned that I wasn't heeding her suggestion of adding rice into the shallow dish and then mixing with gochujang sauce. Dabbing at watery eyes and madly rubbing away sniffles, I meekly replied in protest, for it was obvious that I could not withstand such strength.

4) Strawberry Jam Sencha Soda was a superb sip of summer smoothness.
5) The commencement of comeback season Feat. Ahgabong Ver. 2

Out & About #552 | Cameron's Brewery Tour + 7 Enoteca

5/25/2019

Saturdays are days of errand-running, chore catch-up, and general recovery. Any other Saturday would have been passed with grocery store runs, editing, and badminton, but this was an exception. Cameron's Brewing Company solely held its brewery tours on Saturdays, since other times fell within periods of active operation.

The idea had surfaced over a month ago - shortly after I had been graced with the fresh, clean flavours of the award-winning Captain's Log lager - but it wasn't until Easter weekend when I finally resolved to reach out to implore for further details.
Cameron's Brewing was quick to respond to my message: Three tours were available on Saturday afternoons at 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM, all of which incorporated a guided facility walkthrough and a "predetermined tasting". Prices commenced at ten dollars per person (the "Signature Tour"), then gradually increased with the inclusion of a 4-Pack Brewmaster's Selection (the twenty-dollar "Brewmaster") and souvenir t-shirt (the thirty-dollar "Souvenir").

Most appealing to me was the Brewmaster Tour, for it was guaranteed to enable a taste of the local brewery's 12 Mile IPL - a variety I had struggled to secure at my local Loblaws.

The location was close to home and relatively easy to find. Open doors welcomed us into the establishment, where we were greeted by two friendly staff members, a colourful chalkboard wall, monogrammed merchandise, as well as several stools for the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. A single bathroom stall was also available for customer use; found within it were more chalk-made designs, in addition to a bucket of the limestone instruments such that visitors could append their own contribution.

Leading the tour was the nephew of Cameron's very own brewmaster. A couple joined us on the short excursion, and all guests were provided twelve-ounce cups of either First Light or Captain's Log prior to commencement. It was at this point that I regretted consuming nothing more than a measly bowl of oatmeal.

We navigated around the machinery, all while learning about the various stages of beer production. Our guide also made us aware of the primary constituents of the process: water, barley, yeast, and hops. A handy chart of malt varieties enabled one to make the connection between sight and taste.

View the full album HERE !

Out & About #551 | Red Lobster

5/22/2019

Growing up, there were three primary diners for our weekly family gatherings. Summit Garden was one of them - despite my persistent distaste for lobster e-mien; another was Red Lobster, where we somehow always managed to secure a table in the face of winding weekend evening lineups.

Times have changed, inevitably. No longer is the waiting area filled to the brim during evening hours - at least not on weekdays - and no longer are the Cheddar Bay Biscuits the highlight of the experience. It is unclear to me when the graduation from toastiness caressed within cloth napkins to grease spots in a paper napkin-lined wire basket took place, however I can conclude that this change surely wasn't for the best. More starchy than cheesy, and more stiff than crisp, the original Cheddar Bay starter biscuits are no more.
Furthermore, the waitress didn't bother delivering these carby morsels until after orders had been placed - an aspect of the meal that differed from my distant, yet still prominent, memory.

I also couldn't help but notice a sense of urgency in the server's actions. Although one could have perceived her constant appearances as attentiveness, the manner in which such actions were carried out were sufficiently aggressive to cause annoyance and uneasiness.
My favourite fangirl and I had begun to engage in conversation as we began perusing the menu - which, may I add, had failed to be wiped down after each splatter; our intentions to proceed at a leisurely pace were obvious, yet we were repeatedly asked about order placements at intervals of five minutes or less. Incompetent analytical skills were first detected at this point.

Both of us ultimately opted for the 4-Course Feast, a weekday special that included appetizers, a single entrée, and dessert to finish for $22.99. While in the midst of deciding, the waitress did not hesitate to steer us in the direction of add-ons. Her tone of voice remained unchanged, but her words were misleading.
The first course was Soup, entitling customers to the standard Clam Chowder, or Lobster Bisque at an additional $2.99; the final element was Dessert, which included a Triple-Chocolate Brownie a la Mode or, at $2.99 extra, an alternative from their Dessert Book. Not only did the server breeze through the fee-laced swaps without a single mention of the supplementary costs, one could perceive a tinge of passive aggressiveness to select the pricier menu options.

Truly, I was not a fan of this sly "strategy".

< Pictured above and below:

Triple Berry Sangria
4-Course Feast: Clam Chowder, Fresh Garden Salad (no dressing), Shrimp Linguini Alfredo, Triple Chocolate à la Mode
4-Course Feast: Clam Chowder, Fresh Caesar Salad, Fire-Grilled Tilapia, Triple Chocolate à la Mode >

The Clam Chowder was utterly depressing, to the extent where I found myself nibbling only on the scarce bits of clam and avoiding the starch-thickened white paste altogether.

Out & About #550 | K-Town, Kinton + ThirsTEA Revisited

5/16/2019

This weekday trip spurred from simple fangirl desires. There was one - and only one - motive behind this trip: to see NCT 127 before they hit the streets of Toronto.

A Thai ahgase - who is no longer an unfamiliar name on this space - and I had been monitoring our feeds all morning, hoping to catch glimpses of the members departing LAX so we could make the necessary arrangements for the remainder of the day.
By the time the necessary information had been acquired, we were already easing into the latter half of the day. As opposed to meeting up at the airport, then continue east for Korean BBQ near Christie, the plan was altered drastically.

I headed to Koreatown first. A last-minute hair appointment had been made while en route.
Having arrived earlier than the scheduled slot, my first order of business resided with Hodo Kwaja: a five-pack of brown sugar hoddeok was purchased to go, along with a tasty afternoon snack of walnut cakes and iced coffee. The family-operated establishment offered an expectedly potent three-dollar variation of the caffeinated beverage; four large chunks of ice assisted in maintaining its frosty temperature.

Ms. Faith was till a bit behind schedule, so I settled for exploring the area (yet again). In doing so, I discovered that Mississauga's ThirsTEA was soon to launch immediately next to CoCo. Meanwhile, I also caught sight of a limited edition Hello Kitty x h.naoto notepad that I had purchased some ten years ago in Harajuku.

Restricted in terms of time (and anxious over the reliability of public transit systems during rush hour), I set out to Kinton first to secure a table. Less than thirty minutes remained for feasting, rendering ramen a more suitable alternative to meat grilling.

< Pictured above and below: Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen, Pork Miso Ramen with Thick Noodles, Hot Yuzu Sake >

Come to think of it, I don't think I've stepped foot into Kinton since my less-than-spectacular experience at the chain's original Baldwin Village spot. The Koreatown outpost carried an exclusive Cabbage Miso Ramen as well as a monthly special of Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen.
The former was informed to be a somewhat spicy concoction, which ultimately led to swapping for the Pork Miso Ramen. Comprising of soybean paste, torched pork slices, corn kernels, scallions, and few dollops of garlic oil, my fellow idol-chaser devoured this in a matter of minutes. (We were on a time crunch after all.)

The Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen boasted a far richer broth - evident in its darker hue and thicker consistency. A heavy handful of bean sprouts, two wide strips of torched pork belly, and a soft-boiled egg were substantial elements of the bowl. A dusting of charred seasoning - type unspecified - added depth and nuttiness, reducing feelings of satiation from the rich broth.

Both of these options paired well with the Hot Yuzu Sake, a warm glass of sweet citrus. It arrived in a stout glass, with bits of sugary yuzu jam lining the bottom. A single lemon slice drifted afloat.
Several rounds of prodding were required to obtain the precise species of house sake utilized in the drink. I rephrased my question three different ways before finally hearing the response I was searching for: Hot Yuzu Sake contained 5 oz. of Sho Chiki Bai.

Out & About #549 | Fiorentina, mon k + Allan Gardens Conservatory

5/15/2019

Every once and a while, I'll agree to take on a downtown drive. As all informed citizens are aware, there are times when public transit is incapable of providing a viable solution.

We headed to the Danforth, a district that I've graced only once and coincidentally amidst the worst snowstorm of the year.

Street parking was less of a headache than expected for a weekday afternoon, and we made to Fiorentina for our slated belated Mother's Day celebration only a few minutes behind schedule. (I know, I know - there was the potential to be punctual.)

The family-owned restaurant seated no more than thirty at most, however it was cramped at all. Booths were found along one wall, while a café/bakery/cashier area and four-person tables were situated further towards the back, just before the kitchen. Bathrooms were on the basement level.

Little research had been executed beforehand, simply because the restaurant's menu was ever-changing. Sourcing ingredients from local vendors enabled their list of offerings to fluctuate constantly with the availability of fresh produce and meat. It was an interesting concept that ensured customers would be served dishes employing in-season items.

A narrow white sheet was bestowed upon us shortly after being seated.

We kicked off the meal with Rutabaga Soup topped with green apple, microgreens, and a sprinkling of black pepper. The starter boasted a good consistency: neither too runny nor too thick. The addition of fresh fruit also contributed an inkling of sweet acidity, neutralizing the palate before entrée sampling. Speckled stone bowls were a nice, unexpected touch.

Duck Broth Stracciatella had actually been the first choice of all members of the party. However, the dish was exclusive to a particular chef - a chef that would not be arriving until noon. Consequently, we looked towards alternatives.

Out & About #548 | Partial May Visuals

5/14/2019

Summer construction season is in full swing, yet it seems that neither Mother Nature - nor the spirits of employment - got the memo. The search for a position providing societal benefit ensues, as do sporadic periods of frigidity and heavy downpours.
As one jacket is returned to the closet, another must be summoned to accommodate the ever-indecisive climatic conditions.

1) Kung Fu Tea opened at Pacific Mall, and on the counter was a fake Brown.

2) The prominent sakura theme resurfaces every spring.
3) Dak Lak is a necessary (caffeinated) evil during P-Mall runs

4) Katsuya
It's been a "hot minute" since my last visit, for the post-paintball excursion in December is recalled with winter coats in tow.

Since then, the Brick Cheese Katsu - a fusion formula employing a thick, stringy slab of mozzarella - had been added to the roster of non-spicy katsu dishes. A Rosé Katsu is also anticipated in the upcoming months.

The restaurant's policies have seemingly also undergone some changes: unlimited rice refills no longer exist, and 5% discounts are now offered with cash payments.

View the full album HERE !

Out & About #547 | Kariya Park Picnic

5/8/2019

We're about one week late to the spring bloom. Though, I can't say I'm surprised given the on-and-off downpours and abnormally (read: below seasonal) winds we've been receiving as of late.

My favourite fangirl and I had originally made plans for the latter half of the week, but one look at the forecast and I was convinced that an earlier point in time would make for a more enjoyable hangout session.

I was not wrong, for the skies were a subdued, clear blue; the sun peaked out from between a handful of clouds, then gradually revealed itself in its entirety in the early afternoon hours.

That said, it was undoubtedly on the chillier side - for May, especially.

The ground beneath us remained a bit squelchy, thus we sought out higher ground with a balanced ratio of sun and shade. To our left was a flock of hyper-sensitive ducks, to our right were retired citizens eager to snap a photo of the sole sakura tree in the entire park.

We had whipped up a few shareable items at the last minute for a picnic in the park: Egg Salad Sandwiches and Watermelon Cucumber Cubes from me; a super scrumptious Chicken and Avocado Salad and crunchy munchables from her. Also included in the meal was a refreshing concoction of orange juice, club soda, and fresh mint, as well as a shockingly pink strawberry vinaigrette. And some Easter chocolates.

Sustenance depleted, the mat was inched slightly downhill, just enough to catch some modest yet potent UV rays. The scene could not depicted by a more fitting soundtrack than Talk Love - which, mind you, I heard for the very first time. K.will's melodic voice, paired with soft strums of acoustic guitar, was a seamless complement to the leafy rustle and chirping presence we had found ourselves engulfed within.

Some duration of time passed before a sharp breeze prompted us to pack up our containers and held elsewhere, namely in search of a warm beverage. Retreating back to the car with two Vanilla Chais restored warmth to our fingertips.

Out & About #546 | Stackt Market, Raku + Trinity Bellwoods

5/7/2019

Working odd hours means never really being able to spend time with the 9-to-5-ers in my life. Or, it leads to super-compact meetups, followed by immediately speeding off to mid-afternoon appointments.

Upon being notified by a friend's weekday availability - and desire for a downtown excursion - I was quick to suggest lunch at one of Queen West's newest eateries.

Prior to assembling in the core, I opted for a brisk detour through the city's first outdoor container market. Known as Stackt, it consisted of black containers with glass windows, with impenetrable ones stacked on top of each other for design purposes.

Each container, or portion that of, was allocated to an individual vendor. Some of these included: Donut Monster from Hamilton, Bean + Pearl from Brampton, and Toronto's very own Reunion Island Coffee Roasters.

At the west end of the market was the Belgian Moon Brewery, along with seating in the form of picnic benches. Plants in milk crates and loose rocks secured in wired blocks (retaining rock walls?) decorated the area.

WHAT DOES "QUIRKY AESTHETICS" MEAN?

Quirky = a term that commonly refers to something/someone distinctly different and unique
Aesthetics = the visual aspect of things

Together, Quirky Aesthetics refers to the things, events, and happenings seen and perceived by this blog's creator - quirky perspectives in a visual form.

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