Category: - Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger

Out & About #567 | Weekly Roundup: Afternoon Snacking + Night It Up! 2019

7/13/2019

The humidity has officially hit.
Personal catch-up time has suffered a dramatic drop.
Weekly visuals shall proceed until further notice.

1) The Vancouver haul Feat. Daiso and Nature Republic

2) The Seunie Bingsu from Snowies

The GOT7-themed bingsoo series continues! Following BamBam's Thai Milk Tea was Jackson's Hong Kong Milk Tea, which, in comparison to the first item of the collection, exhibited more prominent flavour. The limited edition selection was served in a similar fashion: curated toppings and condensed milk on the side, and an absence of layering.
Tapioca pearls made another appearance, but instead of grass jelly was an oddly orange egg pudding. It had been set directly and served in a ramekin - a sharp contrast to the abstract shards of yellow utilized by most bubble tea vendors. Its consistency was also a tad more rigid, indicating either a higher percentage of stabilizer, whether it be egg yolk, gelatin, or some derivative of starch. A pizelle cookie - broken and inserted in the shape of wings? - was intended to add crunch, though I cannot produce any comments towards this addition. Admittedly, it is not my fondest type of cracker, so I did steer clear of it.

Sampling the bingsoo on its own, familiar notes of Hong Kong milk tea were made discernible. Frankly, it lacked the astringency and 金味 (an attribute I can only depict as a distinctly unique lingering aftertaste) associated with the tea blend, however its profile remained recognizable. I was informed that the first few batches of the dessert had proved "far too bitter", thus the formula was altered to fit the dessert niche.

Egg pudding, tapioca, and a condensed milk drizzle with the consistency of evaporated milk enabled greater enjoyment of the bowl's contents, albeit resulting in a somewhat messy eating experience. As mentioned previously (561), Snowies' ice flakes have been observed to contain the lowest moisture levels by far; a direct runoff of loosened condensed milk was owed to this precise property. On that note, it is worth mentioning that the taste of tea diminished with the subsequent addition of toppings.

We also took the opportunity to try the Honey Butter Toast, a seemingly new addition to their menu, along with the Black Sesame Bingsu. The item arrived looking near identical to the Injeolmi Toast, and it was only afterwards that I learned honey butter had been incorporated into the soybean-centric creation. It was not an entirely different entity after all. A poor pick on my part, it was far too sugary in the absence of java; the mochi bits were tasty as always, though the combination of sticky slickness and friable injeolmi powder made for a throat-clogging occurrence.

The striking gold knives are a wonderful touch, might I say.

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 !

Out & About #555 | Weekly Roundup: Summer Visuals

6/8/2019

The start of summer is finally upon us! Nothing announces the season's arrival more than ample amounts of sunshine, balmy evenings, and outdoor excursions accompanied by refreshing glasses of iced tea. Our surroundings are vibrant and colourful - a striking contrast to the drab winter months. (Now if only the other stars would align in my favour...)

1) Halal Guys

The infamous New York street cart had successfully infiltrated north of the border just prior to my excursion to the States last summer. Nevertheless, I was in no rush and simply incorporated a visit into my Never Again, New York travels. Upon my return, news circulated that Heartland would welcome the second Canadian location of the franchise.

I never made my way out there, but seeing as Foodora had a no delivery charge special, it felt fitting that I finally try our local translation.

The tracking page had estimated a 50- to 60-minute wait time, and the company remained true to their words. My Chicken & Gyro Platter was lukewarm upon receipt, but that didn't bother me too tremendously. It was as satisfying as ever, and possibly featuring a lighter hand in terms of seasoning/spice content, which was fine by me.

2) Sunny skies are a pre-determining aspect of impromptu bike rides. With the sporadic downpours we've been experiencing as of late, the shaded portions of the trails remain muddy and squelchy.

3) Dangly plushie feet always make for an amusing Miniso trip.
4) Summer is defined by barbecues, picnics, and Grapefruit Radlers. Waterloo Brewing's edition is as robust as its IPA.

5) Tomo Sushi

Takeout in the form of an Unagi Donburi and Regular Chirashi Don totalled fifty dollars even. Steeply priced as it was, the Chirashi was far less spectacular than the dine-in version that prompted the purchase. It also brought me great sadness that, while the marinade and price had me going back for seconds, the eel strips adorning the Unagi bowl were flimsy and rigid, almost to synthetic degree.

6) Sampling the Brewmaster's Selection 4 Pack brings about a joyous, cooling sensation to heated, humid evenings.

Out & About #554 | GOT7 Spinning Top: Between Security & Insecurity

6/1/2019

I am a being that values words, but even more so actions - specifically, acting upon those words.

But in a world where time is limited and desires are vast, and restrictions of three utterances per member is imposed during ten-second hi-touches, many of these thoughts are reluctantly suppressed. These unfulfilled objectives reverberate within the sheath of one's body, deflecting off the organs as would a 90s-inspired pinball machine, ultimately becoming words that carry on in one's mind. Mere words that may mean less than a grain of sand to anyone outside the fandom, but hold colossal connotation amongst the like-minded. I am referring to none other than the meaning of being an ahgase.

To each their own, and to each their respective fandom. The IGOT7 referrence is as significant to me as my name and occupational title. For not only is it an indispensible part of my lifestyle, it assumes a portion of my identity - something accrued with experience, something that has withstood the test of time, and something that manifests continually with the passing of each and every day.

Us, as "baby birds", were granted the ability to fly,
To be liberal in this expansive, indeterminate world.
To soar, as high as our wings will enable us and as far as our dreams extend.
To flutter and possibly falter, because hindrances are inevitable.
And to glide, once adequate strength has been mustered to rule out the negativities in our immediate vision.

We were bestowed a nest - a home to call our own
With entry unbound by season, economy, nor country.
It was nest that extended far and wide, wherever GOT7's music had penetrated.
Home Sweet Home
The spot where one commences the early stages of his or her life,
The place that encourages when spirits have been devastated,
And, lastly, the destination providing ultimate comfort when one wishes for nothing more than consolation.

An ahgase never betrays this bond -
Defined by family, integrity, and strength.

GOT7 taught us that there is no stronger force than a unified promise.

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 #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 #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 #545 | Collective April Visuals

4/30/2019

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.

Out & About #544 | BLACKPINK 2019 World Tour in Hamilton

4/27/2019

Who would have predicted the day that global K-Pop acts would choose Hamilton as their performance location of choice?
Not me, that's for sure.

Of all the neighbourhoods within the GTHA, downtown Hamilton does not rank high in terms of (my own list of) explore-able neighbourhoods. Campus life had been quite mundane a few years back, though I do admit that quite a handful of coffee shops have emerged since my era.

The Thai ahgase and I arrived at the early hour of noon, which coincided with the commencement of concert merch sales. Grey skies above our heads, we proceeded to affix ourselves to the winding lineup, jittering for the entire duration. Amidst this wait, we observed the Sound Check ticketholders: they were arranged about the venue a similar fashion, patiently awaiting their turn to file into the exclusive event. A few even had blankets wrapped about their bodies.

Each squeaky pink hammer lightstick rang in at a whopping sixty dollars, and yet, somehow, the bulk of the attendees had no issues mindlessly relinquishing this amount. This statement may come across a tad hypocritical, given its origin from one of the most dedicated Canadian ahgases, but I've never been to drop hard-earned funds before window shopping elsewhere.

Once the ordeal had finished, we sauntered over to the Hamilton Farmer's Market for lunch. Majority of the vendors remained familiar to me - an indication that they had survived the test of evolving demand. pokeh had shifted to a larger location (for reasons beyond me), and the ramen bar had acquired the adjacent next stall in its expansion.

We first took to Thai Tea from Nam Nom. The plastic cups contained less than the standard 12 oz./16 oz. serving, but the orange beverages could be depicted as nothing less than exquisite. Common gripes of the variations found throughout Toronto included heavy quantities of ice, excessive sugariness, lack of authenticity, and disproportionate milkiness. The undernotes of Nam Nom's version were unmistakably legitimate - not far from the result of brewing my own blend at home. Moreover, the slickness wasn't overpowering.

Hamilton isn't known for competitive prices, though I'd proclaim four dollars to be a fair deal.

The Slow-Cooked Pulled Chicken sandwich, on the other hand, did not deserve the same amount of commendation. At $8.50, the modern banh mi-style sub was not only pricier than Subway around the corner, but also far more compact in comparison. Personally, the combination of pickled veggies, crisp baguette, and fresh herbs never fail to impress. That said, large chunks of scallions, minimal dressing, a painfully lengthy wait time, and cash-only requirements are enough to encourage taking my business elsewhere for better value.
Slurp Ramen's customizable Miso bowl was tasty according to the tester, however one cannot dismiss elements such as chopped cabbage and charred sweet potato being ungenuine ramen components. The lumpy egg, in spite of its runny interior, was a deduction in terms of visual appearance for me.

We tossed our Thai Tea cups - now depleted of liquid - into the bins next to Cake & Loaf, where I secured a Chocoate Peanut Butter Cookie sample, and then proceeded with a walking tour of the one-kilometre radius. By this time, the drabness had cleared to reveal blue skies and warm rays of sunshine.

James Street proved to have undergone drastic developments in my period of absence. Added to the roster were new cafés, street art, and kitschy independent shops. The small stretch had been reformed in such a manner that it near emulated the crafty character of Trinity Bellwoods.

A hybrid motorcycle gear/coffee shop - with a lounge to boot! - was quite the striking combination.

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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