Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger
  • ~ Home ~
  • ~ What I Think ~
  • ~ What I See ~
    • Events
    • Food
    • People
    • Places
  • ~ What I Make ~
  • Blog Series
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer

Out & About #666 | Platform Espresso Bar + John's Chinese BBQ Restaurant

9/27/2020

0 Comments

 
​Drinking black coffee probably doesn't mean you're a "purist". Having said that, one's preferences are not entirely nonindicative of their attitudes towards life happenings in general, pandemic-biased or not.

​​I possess great hatred towards the incorporation of milk and sugar in hot brews; it strips character from the silky solution, be it a sparkling light roast or thoughtful dark. Moreover, it is additional sugar in one's diet - sweetness that ought be obtained in a solid state, like cookies or cakes.
​​And while there are a select few that may engage in debate over the concept of milk tea, I'd like to retort that prior to the popularization of global bubble tea franchises was the introduction of dairy as a cooling agent in the steeping-and-sipping culture of the British. In that regard, the condiments pay homage to tradition, as opposed to intolerance towards astringency.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Already declared previously, Platform is northeast GTA's java gem. Comprising of a team fluent in the language of beans and roasts, the cafe never fails to impress with their seasonal rotations. (Mind you, I am referring to the caffeine menu free from synthetic sweeteners and gimmicky additives.)
Picture
​My uptown tarriance had not been without purpose: starting the day off with an unfussy cup of coffee soothes the soul in profound ways, and Platform is the only way to go should I be in the area.
Picture
Picture
The menus remained affixed to their signature clipboards, albeit laminated to improve ease of sanitation. A listing of drink offerings had also been secured by the entrance for a contactless ordering process. Within the establishment, every other table was made available for dine-in, while two 2-person tables had been arranged outside as part of a makeshift, asphalt lot patio.
A shaky tent resulted from windy external conditions, however, in observation of concrete blocks used as footings, I rested easy knowing that there would be no threat to its structural integrity. Flying napkins and uneven table legs, though, were another issue altogether.​
Picture
Picture
We took to two pourovers. The first was a 12 oz. Midnight Express, recommended by the owner herself upon the relaying a need for "room" at the top. The medium roast of Commuter (as a Pour-Over) was warned to be too watery with extra liquid. I conjured up the image of blandness in my mind, then quickly adhered to her suggestion. Midnight Express was indeed dark when consumed on its own, yet it wasn't as bitter as Nicaraguan Dark. It could be interpreted as the equivalent of a dark ale, adroitly accommodating additions of milk and sugar.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #665 | Week #28 Quarantine Feat. Overnight Oats + Danish Pastry House

9/25/2020

0 Comments

 
Breakfast of late has been overnight oats, which is neither a new invention nor revolutionary discovery in the world of meal preparation. (It even gave purpose to cupboard-ridden chia seeds!) Simply put, it was one of those items that never crossed my mind with a communal microwave available. But since coronavirus thrives off unassuming surface contact, alternate methods were sought out.
Picture
My first batch comprised of roughly the same quantities of oats and liquid utilized in standard microwave preparation, which ran soupy in the absence of heat. Consulting the Internet's countless formulas, I quickly learned that a 1:1 ratio would eliminate this issue. The next step is to convert US cup measurements to scale-friendly metric.
The morning meal is most often ingested in a daze while fueling with cold brew, crafted from whichever roast is currently on rotation.
Picture
​More caffeine is usually demanded in the early afternoon hours, be it an Iced Americano or Nitro Cold Brew (though Salted Honey Cold Foam is really not the way to go). The inclusion of sugar assists in energy supply such that one can endure past the 5PM mark.
Picture
Picture
​Recalling feedthebear's heavy preference for chewy ginger cookies, I became inclined to request one as a pick-me-up. Frankly speaking, by my metrics, warmed specimen was too soft, too chewy, and not quite gingery enough.
Picture
Picture
​On a particularly late day - in hindsight, nearly the entirety of all my working days - where the idea of cooking after ten hours of mental exhaustion was the last activity of interest, I decided to take advantage of a few UberEats offers, utilizing their new Pickup function.
Picture
Picture
Picture
An assortment of items was requested from Oakville's Danish Pastry House on Cornwall, then obtained through a simple, swift retrieval process.

​< Pictured above and below:
  • Gateau Marcel
  • Ham & Cheese Smorhorn
  • Chokolade Smorhorn
  • Vaniljekranse (6-pack)
  • Nougat Medalje (3-pack)
  • Chokolade Roulade
  • Æblesnitte/Aeblestang (Apple Stick - Slice) >
Picture
Picture
First to be sampled was the Gateau Marcel, an ample slice of chocolatey-ness (or "Belgian chocolate mousse cake") with a whimsical dusting of shimmery gold specks., an ample slice of chocolatey-ness with a whimsical dusting of shimmery gold specks. The gluten-free cake was as luscious as a brownie yet airier in consistency, akin to a comforting, cocoa-dusted embrace.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #664 | Week #27 Quarantine Update Feat. Smile Cookies

9/20/2020

0 Comments

 
​Another blur of a week has passed us by, and with it another assemblage of kitchen creations.
Picture
Picture
Picture
1) Crackle-Top Brownies courtesy of Sunday Baking
​
The rice flour layer had been excluded due to lack of time, which yielded a drier finish. It was nonetheless delicious, though perhaps a tad sugary in the absence of chewy mochi.
Picture
2) Coconut Brown Butter Cookies

Another amazing compilation from the ever-formidable SK, these cookies were nutty, crisp, and impeccably delicious - a harmonious assembly of seemingly inconspicuous, common pantry items. While comparatively labour-intensive in comparison to no-chill doughs, the addition of brown butter is a quintessential element that truly shines in this formula. Chewiness is heightened by the presence of brown sugar, though the texture of coconut flakes, as recommended in the original recipe, is conceptually more superb.
Do beware that the dough spreads significantly and preserve several inches between each for good measure.
Picture
Picture
Do beware that the dough spreads significantly and preserve several inches between each for good measure.
Picture
3) Roast Chicken w/ Charred Carrots and Cherry Tomatoes
​

Did I mention charred? Some of my carrots had blackened thoroughly, so do keep an eye on the ones residing outside the impact area of dissipating chicken juices.
Picture
​Countless attempts later, it was concluded that thorough defrosting was critical for success. The three-pounder was cooked in a manner akin to previous iterations, along with a quick brining method inspired by a buttermilk roast recipe.
Picture
Picture
4) Pork Chop w/ Pear-Grape Compôte and Caramelized Onions
​

Drawing inspiration from Mama Cheung's take on a HK Café staple, I set out for a method that involved little to no frying. The result was a two-step cooking process that commenced on the stove and finished in a preheated oven.
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #663 | Week #26 Quarantine Update Feat. Manitoulin Souvenirs

9/13/2020

0 Comments

 
There are 52 weeks in a year.
"...why yes, there are." may be your initial response. But the reason behind my utterance of the blatant obvious to draw attention to its midway point. With the conclusion of the current, we have officially spent half of those fifty-two weeks amidst a global pandemic - whether thriving or surviving, I shall reserve that for individual judgement.
Picture
Picture
The short week began with yet another Meet Fresh run, subsequently succeeded by a McChicken (that had been purchased in the absence of hot dog buns at the nearby grocer). Even at 50% sugar, the Wintermelon Tea with Taro Balls was excessively sugary, though the Dalgona Grass Jelly - also requested at 50% sugar - hit all the right notes of milky and sweet.
Picture
​I shall profess that returning (or arriving, rather) to a physical workplace outside my non-ergonomic, at-home workspace for the first time in six months (!!!) did not come without tremendous tremors. My duties remained consistent, though the routine had shifted. The very fact that the outcome of the visit(s) would be unpredictable had induced extreme anxiety.
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Though, such emotions are more often manageable than not. Brisk walks about the asphalt lot - it's not downtown after all - and pick-me-ups in the form of an espresso-harbouring Green Tea Frappuccino and warm, crumbly Oatmeal Cookie.
Picture
The first of many non-work-from-home days was particularly lengthy, despite the reduced commute. Creations of the week were essentially nonexistent, and suppers had largely been sourced from leftovers and the rare takeout order.

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #662 | Revisiting Shunoko + Balzac's Powerhouse

9/12/2020

0 Comments

 
​When I had first been introduced to Shunoko, I had never anticipated it to be situated in the predominantly Italian neighbourhood of Earlscourt. Fascinatingly enough, this familiarization already dates back to two years prior, when COVID has yet to emerge on a global scale and time seemed to pass at seemingly more gradual pace.
Picture
Picture
​Construction and economic reboot-induced congestion had rendered us late for our 12:30 PM reservation. As opposed to the nearby municipal lot, I opted for street parking, for it was in closer proximity to the restaurant, albeit demanded swift maneuvers amidst oncoming traffic.

​I had secured the booking via telephone a few days prior, and had been informed that the well-illuminated pocket of the eatery had been converted to a permanent "Grab & Go" area. Patrons would be seated in the dining room (or along the bar) instead, with two metres allocated between each table. Given the size of the eatery, this would restrict capacity to 50% - equating to roughly fifteen guests at most. Having observed the seating areas of several other establishments, the interior was admittedly more spacious than pictured. 
Picture
Picture
​Once seated, we were provided cork-cover menus and a standalone sheet of lunch specials. Guests were supplied the restaurant's regular supply of dinnerware and cloth napkins by default, though I'm fairly certain that disposable alternatives could be made available upon request.

​Four members of staff were spotted during our stay: one member adopting hostess and waitress responsibilities, two sushi chefs, and one member of the kitchen. This head count appeared reasonable, for few tables were occupied at the time - there was a grand total of six diners, inclusive of ourselves.
Picture
View the full album HERE !
Picture

Read More
0 Comments

Out & About #661 | Week #25 Quarantine Update Feat. DDR, Ars x Coco, and Rosé Pasta

9/7/2020

0 Comments

 
​"Everything in moderation" - that is the saying as it goes. But the fact remains that overindulgence is a common mishap in our community. Imagine all the accidents that humanity could avoid had folks adhered to common protocols.

​As I learn time and time again, there is such a case of "too much of a good thing", where the physical limitations of the body cease to synchronize with the rampant sparks within the mind.
Picture
Arcade calluses are both a curse and blessing, for it was likely the first (and only!) sighting of a consistently vacant DDR/Pump It Up machine at The Rec Room since its arrival at Square One.
Picture
Picture
Alas, without further ado, let us proceed to review the creations of the week!

1) Blueberry Greek Yogurt Muffins

Having initiated a reboot of the Journey to Health, the intent had been to produce a baked good as suitable for midday munching as breakfast with coffee, all while summoning the last of my soon-to-expire tub of Liberté. The recipe was adapted from none other than the trusty SK, whose grapefruit yogurt cake formula was tweaked for individually-portioned pieces, the incorporation of blueberry jam, and the swap of oil for butter.
Picture
2) Easy Pan Pizza
​

The first 12-hour edition of my go-to dough recipe, this variation utilized dolloped tomato paste as opposed to a thorough buttering to keep dampness at bay.
Picture
​3) Roasted Sugar Peas
Initially dubious about the turnout, I was in absolute awe when I unveiled perfectly charred sugar peas from the oven - just like the recipe! Crisp yet mild in flavour, these definitely disappeared sooner than I would have preferred.

4) Stir Fried Eggplant, Garlic Hearts, and Bean Sprouts
Picture
Picture
Picture
5) Rosé Penne
With a luscious base of white wine reduction, heavy cream, and tomato paste, and sweet niblets of corn kernels, this dish was likely as close to restaurant-level pasta as could be!

6) Braised Beef with homemade tomato sauce
Picture
Picture

Read More
0 Comments
    Picture

    Who Am I?

    Formerly an avid owner of several interest-based portals, Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger presents precisely the elements expected. From experiments in the kitchen to miscellaneous musings, from IGOT7 reflections to developments in transportation infrastructure, it's all consolidated here. Welcome to the raw, unfiltered side of Quirky Aesthetics.



    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013


    Categories

    All
    Ahgabond Adventures
    Ahgase
    Arctic Aquarium
    Atlantic Canada 2018
    Barrie
    Beauty
    Birthday Buddy
    Calgary 2023
    Chinese New Year
    Conquering COVID 19
    Daily Randoms
    Eyes On You World Tour 2018
    Food
    Friends
    Hallyucon
    Hamilton
    Hong Kong
    Iron Ring
    J Movie
    K Drama
    K-Drama
    Korean Beauty
    K Pop
    Los Angeles 2017
    Macau
    New York 2018
    Ottawa 2019
    Pilates
    Random Rant
    Restaurant Review
    Seoul
    Shopping
    SSMC
    Taiwan
    Vacation
    Vancouver 2013
    Vancouver 2014
    Vancouver 2015
    Vancouver 2016
    Vancouver 2020
    Vancouver 2022


    trazy.com

    RSS Feed


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.

Contact ME

​Subscribe

Join our mailing list today!
Join Now
© Quirky Aesthetics. All rights reserved. Last modified: August 10, 2015.