Fighting fatigue, we readied ourselves for the drive into downtown.
After taking a few steps, I realized it was remarkably warmer than it appeared. Icy patches remained on the walkway in spite of the above-zero temperatures. In the upcoming days, we would learn that this was, unfortunately, the norm.
Limping into the eatery, I entered through the second door - this one propped open for customer ease - and scanned the environment. The dining area was illuminated minimally and fully occupied. I hovered about until a member of staff approached me. The hostess inquired whether I had made a reservation; I hadn't. But even so, there were three tables available in the covered patio area.
Water was served prior to the arrival of the sleepy polar bear. Interestingly enough, there was no additional charge for sparkling water.
Not sure of the status of parking acquisition nor the delivery speed of sustenance on a bustling Friday evening, I took to requesting Tempura Ebi, the sole dish the sleepy polar bear was bound to enjoy, and a Hitachino Nest Yuzu Lager. The evening marked my first and only instance on the trip of being asked to provide proof of age for alcohol-affiliated affairs.
The sleepy polar bear's entrance coincided with the arrival of my drink, at which point we discussed - in brief, for one of us was hungrier than the other - the remaining items to be requested. Instead of the hostess this time, a different member of staff approached our table. Shortly afterwards, he delivered a ceramic plate with two steaming hand towels, intended to be used just before the arrival of food.
Brussel Sprouts had conjured up a dismal image in our minds sheerly based on its name. However, after learning of an okonomiyaki component, I was persuaded. Served on top of a tender okonomiyaki were Brussel sprouts that had been unsheathed in layers and rendered thin and extremely crisp. Its innate bitterness had vanished, leaving behind a satisfying wispiness. The sleepy polar bear likened it to nori, though I was quick to note that nori was susceptible to moisture infiltration. Neither the traditional toppings of nori or bonito flakes would have persisted in maintaining this degree of crunch. My sole gripe was of the creation being too saucy, often causing the mayo-and-bbq-sauce mixture to overwhelm both the texture and profile of the Brussel sprouts and okonomiyaki.
The crackers, on the other hand, were a very innovative use of leftover udon dough. They were amusing too: bland at the first taste, yet ending with salty aftertaste.
I pulled my belongings closer towards myself, avoiding the carefree handbag toss of our neighbours.
The udon, supposedly crafted in-house, was springy and sprinkled with a trail of togarashi, presumably for both kick and colour. Flavourful without being sodium-laden, we expressed fondness for the clear, hearty broth. The onsen egg was wonderful as well. Shaved Beef was more to my preference than that of the sleepy polar bear. Their consistency lay between shabu shabu and deli slices, but were puffy as opposed to flat, and offered a sense of substantialness: chewy palpability.
In review of the environment and sustenance, we were quite pleased. Going had been a good choice, albeit our tiredness.
"Yes, but they could have different prizes!" I countered, recalling my experience at the larger, newer facility at Brentwood.
Following a few games of Grand Piano Keys, I headed towards the Trophy Case. The selection was absolutely disappointing, essentially on par with Playdium Brampton, yet devoid of the vibrant branded Pokémon and Pokéball plushies.
On the first floor were arcade games, and on the second a bar and booths for dining. The third floor featured a stage with live music, golf simulation zones with couches, and a few more simulation games. Elevators or a seemingly endless flight of stairs could be used to navigate between the levels.