Category: Friends

Out & About #564 | GOT7 Keep Spinning in Toronto

6/30/2019

I'm not sure whether it's been apparent or not, but I've been teetering on the edge of an ahga-identity crisis.

Too frequent were the instances that I found myself feeling exhausted and utterly unmotivated, so tired to the point where there was not a drop of energy to spare for the other tidbits of joy in my life, namely GOT7.
I fell behind on the PAGE videos, then the sporadic V Lives, and even some of their Twitter posts. There was a sense of foreboding from within, and I questioned whether the thought of retirement from the fandom had been spurred from fatigue, anxiety, or mere moodiness.

D-Day came, and was it ever hectic. After several pre-Canada Day errands, I sped downtown. Though I missed the signing of the Canadian flag and a handful of fansite giveaways, I managed to secure a navy tour t-shirt in time for the show.

A sugary Matcha Latte from McDonald's supplied us with energy to last till dinnertime.

A Junior Chicken later, and we filed through the security gates for floor entry.

Concert commencement was slated for 7:30 PM, but the lights continued to flicker until the forty-minute mark, until, finally, the venue went dark. A stunning VCR began playing on the triple screens before us.

View the full album HERE !

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Out & About #557 | Weekly Roundup: A Week of Feasting

6/15/2019

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Another week concluded is yet another burst of sporadic sun/rainfall segments.
On days representative of June temperatures, the bike was brought out; others witnessed heavy reliance on umbrellas, enclosed vehicles (read: windows up), and indoor parking buildings.

1) Sikgaek

My default destination for Korean food in the city has recently revamped their menu. Back on offer is Spicy Squid - which I wasn't quite bold enough to try this time around - and some minor cost adjustments. Majority of the items remained unchanged in presentation and price, with the exception of a dollar added to both Samgyetang styles.

Nonetheless, all items were absolutely scrumptious! The Hot Stone Beef Bulgogi Dupbap was a new foray for us, and yielded ultimate satisfaction. Cheese GyeRanMale featured an impeccable combination of textures: encased within silky smooth layers of egg were bite-sized chunks of melted stringy cheese. Contrasting nicely was the coarse exterior of the roll. My sole suggestion would be to lighten the portion of ketchup-and-mayo-decked cabbage slaw on the surface, since it did become a tad overbearing.

< Pictured above and below:

Hot Stone Beef Bulgogi Dupbap (돌솥불고기덮밥)
Egg Soup (Mini) (계란탕)
Cheese GyeRanMale (치즈계란말이)
Makgulli (막걸리) >

2) Tim Hortons has taken Starbucks' lead: bottled Iced Capps can now be located at your local grocer.

3) Biking in balmy yet breezy weather
4) A snippet of my Journey to Health: Fibre-heavy All Bran, Corn Flakes, a dash of strawberry jam, and a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds
5) Breakfast consisting of an Iced Latte and Toast à la orangecane/thekitchn

6) Why hello again, old friend.
7) Some all-too-familiar commuting visuals
8) Mos Mos' Fitness Cookie was the next best thing to a steamy bowl of hearty oatmeal first thing in the morning.

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Out & About #556 | Hub Markham Feat. Oomomo + Gyugyuya

6/13/2019

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It's been a while since I've started climbing, albeit not complying with a regular schedule. Admittedly, this could be owed to a lack of climbing buddies - a crew willing to commit to the sport and meet up regularly as a form of social and physical activity. A handful of friends have been persuaded to come with, but single day pass and rental fees are far from a bargain.

About three months into dabbling - or rather, dangling - in the sport, a climbing date was finally arranged with orangecane. Well-versed in the ways of personal protection in bouldering, she accepted my proposal; the condition was that it take place at a facility within closer proximity.

A total of sixty-five minutes on the highway later, I arrived in the northeast end of the GTA, damp and not particularly pleased at my 401 travels. After a brief exchange of morning happenings, we set off to our scheduled first stop: Oomomo.

The First Markham Place location was newer and supposedly larger than the franchise's first foray into the province. Commonly compared to Daiso, the Japanese dollar store retailed a similar array of household items, along with several pieces from its competitor - is this purely an Ontario concept?
Product quality was on par with Miniso, while price points were a bit lower. Similar to Daiso at Aberdeen, majority of the items on the shelves could be obtained at a sheer toonie, and those that failed to fall within this range would be marked otherwise with a sticker.

On a personal preference, I'd take Daiso over Oomomo any day given its current performance. Our journey did not commence easily, as parking is known to be scarce in the FMP plaza to start. Aisles were narrow and bore absolutely no labels whatsoever, making it a challenge to maneuver between the middle-aged aunties and elderly locals while in search of specific items.
Staff members on the floor were friendly and helpful, though the checkout line was absolutely chaotic. Oomomo operated on one story, with only two members of staff situated behind the cashier. A seemingly more senior attendant assisted here and there, but took no steps to provide relief to the lineup by opening his own register.

Another aspect I cannot ever grow accustomed to is the additional charge for plastic bags. (Perhaps even Daiso in Vancouver has implemented this change, however five to twenty-five cents for a flimsy carrying device can never be warranted in my books.)

Several pairs of slippers, two canvas pouches, and a few other knickknacks later, we returned to the car, meticulously dodging puddles in the pavement on our way back.

Hub Markham opened at noon - a whopping three hours before the Mississauga location. While I was in favour of this earlier operating time, I could only frown at the parking situation before me. The gym was situated in a commercial area and shared its lot with a handful of other businesses during work hours, which limited the total number of spots to forty or less. Trudging along the perimeter of the building in search of its only access in heavy downpour was far from enjoyable either.

Once inside, it was immediately obvious that the original outpost was bouldering-centric. Routes were interesting, well distributed throughout the facility, and, most importantly, diverse in nature. On an overall note, there was more padding underneath the routes, eliminating the fear of falling and rolling onto the concrete floor.

In contrast, the belay section was incredibly small, assuming just under 25% of the wall space. It consisted of twenty auto-belay sections and only five toprope routes, which were slated to be removed and replaced wit auto-belays shortly. The walls were essentially the same height as the Learner's Area back home, with majority of the routes extending past the pulley at their peak. Triangular volumes were added in an attempt to create grading along the wall, as inward/outward sloping was very minimal. With the exception of the "racing route", an average of two courses were arranged beneath each pulley.

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Out & About #553 | Collective May Visuals

5/31/2019

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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

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Out & About #551 | Red Lobster

5/22/2019

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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.

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

5/16/2019

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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.

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Out & About #548 | Partial May Visuals

5/14/2019

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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 !

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Out & About #547 | Kariya Park Picnic

5/8/2019

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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.

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

5/7/2019

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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.

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Out & About #545 | Collective April Visuals

4/30/2019

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The first quarter is now behind us, in the most agitating form of part-time happenings and the endless job search. As for whoever said "April showers bring May flowers", they didn't quite take into consideration the duplexity of Mother Nature.

1) Sandwiched between consistent periods of gloomy, grey skies was an unforeseen sunny day, which meant taking to the tranquil - albeit terribly sodden - trails for the first cycle of the year.

2) The type of person to take present-plucking very earnestly, I decided to take matters into my own hands this year for my favourite fangirl's date of birth. A tri-layer Brûléed S'Mores Cheesecake endeavour assumed the majority of my Easter Sunday, though the results weren't optimal, in my eyes anyway.

The miniature dessert consisted of four layers: Chocolate Sponge Cake, Nutella Cheesecake, Marshmallow Cheesecake, and a thinly caramelized surface. Despite my intense research and meticulous scaling procedures, the sponge was a bit drier than desired. There was also an absence of marshmallow flavour in the topmost section.

Remnants of this cake were preserved and re-purposed for a different usage: CoCo's 22nd Anniversary Contest.
Coating the bottom two layers with a generous portion of Thai tea-infused whipped cream yielded a rectangular specimen - later deemed by the "(Knockoff) CoCo Cake" by an analytical taste-tester.

I shall not lie: the whipped cream was positively heavenly, and the perky, light orange hue was absolutely divine. Moreover, the fine specks of tea leaves contributed an additional degree of visual and gustatory texture. And amusingly, the chocolate sponge did not prove dry at all; the frosting had combatted this issue altogether.

Let me win the Switch please!!!

3) Tomo Sushi
A Chirashi bowl from Sushi Tei 2.0 was our ridiculously rushed pre-climbing dinner. Proper feedback shall be provided once a regular visit has been made.

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<<Previous

Out & About #564 | GOT7 Keep Spinning in Toronto

Out & About #557 | Weekly Roundup: A Week of Feasting

Out & About #556 | Hub Markham Feat. Oomomo + Gyugyuya

Out & About #553 | Collective May Visuals

Out & About #551 | Red Lobster

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

Out & About #548 | Partial May Visuals

Out & About #547 | Kariya Park Picnic

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

Out & About #545 | Collective April Visuals

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