Read Part 1 HERE !
"Notice how there are no lights here?" I pointed out to the sleepy polar bear when we had first began heading west.
There were no light poles in sight, and surely nothing even closely reminiscent of the chaotic cable network in downtown Toronto. Reception was, as I noted previously, nonexistent along the trail, though would grow stronger as we neared the Town of Banff.
There were no light poles in sight, and surely nothing even closely reminiscent of the chaotic cable network in downtown Toronto. Reception was, as I noted previously, nonexistent along the trail, though would grow stronger as we neared the Town of Banff.
The glorious view of mountains furnished our drive back towards the tourist district, with sunlight receding ever so gradually along the way.
By the time we had settled a one-dollar parking fee at the Beaver Street Parking Lot 300 Block, a dreary indigo fell upon the Banff Avenue Square.
Embracing temperatures far balmier than back home, we leisurely navigated towards COWS.
My memories of Banff are hazy, given their generation nearly two decades ago. Beyond the meticulous selection of amethyst and magenta slices at Rocks and Gems, I recall only sparse segments from the guided bus tour: my uncle running towards the bus with my finger puppet affixed to his zipper, a family friend's incredibly minimal luggage, and the phenomenally clear waters of Lake Louise.
COWS' Banff outpost was an unexpected surprise to behold, yet decidedly different from how I remembered the Whistler location to be. The store was divided into two sections: ice cream to the north and merchandise to the south.
I persuaded the sleepy polar bear into purchasing a medium-sized box of Cow Chips - the dark chocolate version to avoid sweetness overload. The cow-patterned scrunchies also caught my eye, being a mere $1.99 each.
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Given the limited assortment of location-specific apparel, we ultimately forgoed matching Banff shirts in favour of hot chocolate and ice cream. Messie Bessie was my pick; Brownie Explosion assumed the choice of the sleepy polar bear, who had unashamedly self-declared as being "basic" (for the base was vanilla ice cream) with a penchant for brownie bites.
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Initially, we weren't certain whether the Hot Chocolate had revealed itself less chocolatey than expected due to our concurrent intake of chocolate-based ice cream flavours. However, its milkiness was later deemed conclusive as we continued to consume the beverage while browsing the vicinity. The hot chocolate tin was definitely not justifiable.
Before routing back to the car, a handful of stops were made. First was Mary's Popcorn Shop for the sleepy polar bear's snacking needs.
A small bag of Sea Salt Caramel Almond would be paired alongside airplane movies within the next twenty-four hours.
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Second came an overpriced souvenir shop, where we each acquired mementos reflective of the neighbourhood's name.
After a final stop at Starbucks, back we went to Calgary.
Cafe 100% YYC had constituted our original vote. Upon nearing Harvest Hills though, we learned of the café's slated 8 PM closure. We rerouted to Cafe H.K instead, which Google Maps had informed to close one hour later at 9 PM.
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It hadn't dawned on us that T.Pot and Cafe H.K shared the same space, and the same bathrooms. And, naturally, the same kitchen too. Although the choice was arguably counteractive in terms of dining versatility, I supported the decision given the proximity of the establishment. (After all, ̶w̶e̶ I hadn't even started packing yet!)
In spite of my concerns over greasy fumes, the sleepy polar bear made a beeline for the American Mixed Grill on Hot Plate. Being the most extravagant of the Sizzling Dish selection, the plate rang in at $26.99 for a trio of chicken, pork, and beef accompanied by mini blistered sausages and fries.
Standing at a distance, I garnered the attention of other diners whilst observing a viscous peppercorn sauce be drizzled over the meaty mountain.
Standing at a distance, I garnered the attention of other diners whilst observing a viscous peppercorn sauce be drizzled over the meaty mountain.
All Sizzling Dishes included toast (subbed with rice), HK café-style Russian borscht soup, and one's choice of coffee or milk tea. The latter two were offered for my utilization, to which, of course, I did not deny.
Russian borscht soups originating from a cha chaan teng setting are often mild in profile, obtaining acidity from tomatoes and sweetness from granulated sugar. Cabbage and carrot chunks are common components of the soup, but plump pieces of beef are sometimes seen as well. Pleasantly surprised was I to find exceptionally tender beef within the sizable bowl.
Russian borscht soups originating from a cha chaan teng setting are often mild in profile, obtaining acidity from tomatoes and sweetness from granulated sugar. Cabbage and carrot chunks are common components of the soup, but plump pieces of beef are sometimes seen as well. Pleasantly surprised was I to find exceptionally tender beef within the sizable bowl.
In the absence of ox tongue, a Pork Chop in Tomato Sauce with Spaghetti was ordered from the mix-and-match All Day Special Bake Combinations.
Fatty, boneless pieces of pork were distributed across the top, while pockets of stringy cheese were nestled in unoccupied sections. It was a very different format than the bony bunch I had warily been anticipating. This presentation was much more preferable, really, for it facilitated the consumption significantly.
Fatty, boneless pieces of pork were distributed across the top, while pockets of stringy cheese were nestled in unoccupied sections. It was a very different format than the bony bunch I had warily been anticipating. This presentation was much more preferable, really, for it facilitated the consumption significantly.
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The spaghetti noodles had been cooked to a slightly springy doneness, earning positive remarks from yours truly. It goes without saying that I was unable to deplete the entire portion, thus matter-of-factly took it to go.
Witnessing the same fate was the cup of unsweetened milk tea; I transferred it to a paper cup with full intention to incorporate brewed coffee upon returning to the hotel lobby.
Witnessing the same fate was the cup of unsweetened milk tea; I transferred it to a paper cup with full intention to incorporate brewed coffee upon returning to the hotel lobby.
While the sleepy polar bear continued to tackle the sizzling feast, I quickly strode over to T&T for one last grocery run. A singular orange and the freshest, juiciest green grapes I'd ever laid eyes on returned with me, along with a newly redeemed eco-bag.
Assuming the final purchase of the day, an Osmanthus Lychee Jelly was procured for dessert upon arriving back in Toronto.
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We - or rather, I - then spent the remainder of the evening packing. Ol' Beautiful Brewing's Okami Kasu and spectacularly sweet slices of orange kept me company.
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