Ever since I finally conducted a comprehensive review of my pantry, the list of ingredients pending expiry have been on my mind. Among the assortment are various bags of nuts from Costco and graham crackers. While I've been tackling dry roasted, salted hazelnuts through granola and pecans through pecan pie, graham crackers have been used towards no-bake desserts. The most common application is a graham cracker crust.

​Chocolate Pudding Bars with Matcha Glaze

A) Graham Cracker Base

Ingredients:

• 400 g Honey Maid graham crackers
• 190 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For an 8-9 in cake or 8 in x 8 in square pan, I typically turn to my small but mighty 3-cup food processor - which has now doubled (!!!) in price due to inflation! It takes about two rounds to blitz 250 g worth of biscuits. This time, I opted for a larger food processor, as I was practically doubling the amount for a 9 in x 13 in pan.

Melted butter was then drizzled into the food processor and mixed until combined. The crumbs were transferred to a parchment-lined pan, pressed towards the edges, and transferred to the refrigerator to harden as I prepared the Chocolate Pudding base.

In theory, matcha-topped pudding bars seemed like a splendid idea. However, the custard recipe on the exterior of the Bird's Custard Powder can was not only bland and tacky, but lacking in sweetness as well. Sweetened chocolate whipped cream enabled a soft, mousse-like consistency and drastically improved complexity.
The glaze also adopted the yielding consistency and vivid, grassy hue that I had sought out. Unfortunately, due to my matcha being expired, grassy depth had been compromised in the output.

​My patience was rewarded the next morning: I could achieve crisp lines and neat squares. The only caveat: the bars needed to be stored in the freezer and thawed only before eating.

With insufficient thawing time, the graham cracker base would persist impossibly rigid. On the other hand, the top two layers were still tasty and even slightly reminiscent of an ice cream bar.

Due to deviations from regularly scheduled weekend programming that endangered my workout routine, I decided that booking a fitness class for the earlier hours of the day was the only guaranteed way to maintain activity levels. After all, who would want to lug themselves out of bed after a late night without reason?

While I would have preferred a drop-in dance class, options were incredibly limited before 5 PM. Sunday slots were even rarer for pilates studios, which tend to offer early morning weekend sessions or close for business altogether. Panda Pilates emerged as the only establishment operating on Sunday, thus persuading a 2-class intro pack for $60 plus tax. While skepticism was prominent, I convinced myself that this was a good opportunity to try a new studio.

​Traffic conditions along the restricted segments of Dundas Street are abysmal during weekday evenings, but weekend mornings were surprisingly smooth. Despite a delayed departure, the unbelievably swift 8-minute commute led to an early arrival.

The studio was located off a residential road with a sharp turn off Dundas. Had I not known of the studio location prior, I'd have easily missed the turn with impatient weekend drivers tailing behind me. Parking spaces were limited, but adequate for the limited commercial GFA on site.
​
After climbing the concrete steps towards the entrance, I was met with a reception desk, series of cubbies, coat rack with fabric hangers covered with hair, and the odd installation of a coffee bar, known as Panda Café. Outdoor shoes were to be removed and placed by the entrance. 
This landing area was the dirtiest I had ever seen and, unlike the boutique studios, the staff did not maintain the studio between class sessions, allowing debris and hair follicles to fall to the ground and remain as is. I grimaced while stepping over the dirt- and salt-speckled floor mat towards a basket of equally questionable slippers. Unlike other studios though, the edges of the slippers appeared fairly clean and free of grey borders.
Two dimly-lite bathrooms were found past the studio space. The design was minimal and serene, though its cleanliness merely passable. I did, however, enjoy the smart mirror and conveniently located hook against the wall instead of behind the door.

An unspoken reality, the social aspect of one's life suffers tremendously as one progresses in their career and goes on to pursue family life. Last year's employer swap brought about more physical, emotional, and mental detriment than I could have put into words. While tensions in the working environment have eased slightly with diminishing involvement of an incompetent "people leader" - oh, how I scoff at this term! - my weekends remain hectic. There is simply not enough time to complete chores, engage with those around me, and live life.

Yet I hesitated not in agreeing to weekend hangouts when the invites were extended.

The first was a dinner-and-darts gathering downtown. Pecan Pie was prepared in advance, though the box and celebratory accessories were not obtained until the day of.

​While I scrambled to ready myself for the long day ahead, my browsing partner assisted in procuring a pie box from bulk barn and a numbered sparkler candle from Dollarama. Alas, the hunt for the second numbered sparkler candle would continue as we chanced across more Dollarama outposts.

A stopover in Etobicoke allowed me to peruse the nearest Dollarama. In the absence of sparkler candles, I hurriedly took to a rhinestone-studded Happy Birthday topper. We then detoured through Walmart for indoor plumbing facilities and a lunch of Junior Chicken and, dare I say, awfully dismal Poutine. The cheese curds weren't squeaky; the gravy was tacky and extraordinarily salty. Even the franchise's signature fries had lost their appeal being slathered in unwarranted extras.

​I resolved to park at The Well, for majority of the day's activities would take place in the vicinity.

Since my last visit, a handful of new retailers have eased their way into the mixed-use complex. Amongst them were makers-type spaces for local artists, the REFORMD studio by Lagree in partnership with Sweat & Tonic, Muji, Mr. Surprise and its Catchawee photobooths (two present, but only one functioning), and, most notably, new additions to the Wellington Market.

​Kao Kang by Koh Lipe boasted an impressive selection of Southeast Asian-inspired ice cream flavours and treats. Meanwhile, the expanded section of Wellington Market welcomed an extremely compact photobooth, The Carvery's meat roast sandwiches, and even a THC consumables retailer. East Tea Can was unfortunately no more, as the storefront had been reinstated to a blank canvas ready for the next leasee.

Swift footsteps enabled us to cover almost all three levels in under an hour. I pointed out Japadog's West Coast/East Coast menu deviations to my browsing partner, and offhandedly mentioned my interest in multicoloured offerings from The Samosarie, though dismissed the eye-catching specimens on the basis of spice.

Regardless of my health status, I had planned to make the Monday before Christmas a sick day. Over the weekend, a sore throat and sinus pain had crept up, then gradually subsided with diligent nasal rinsing. Meanwhile, the remainder of the household was engulfed with severe flu symptoms, ranging from fever to nausea and vomiting, and a persistent cough.
My once peaceful morning was consequently repurposed for doctor appointment drop-off, medication pick-up, and groceries.

​In spite of an early awakening, my eventual departure for the northeast end of the GTA was delayed.

I arrived at my first stop of Oomomo around 1:15 PM - approximately 1.25h behind schedule. Locating parking in the FMP plaza is perpetually a nightmare; thankful was I to have chanced across two vacancies during my second loop about the space.
The intent had been to purchase a holiday card and envelope set prior to seeing Sunday Baking at her pop-up. Alas, all Christmas-themed items had sold out. I resorted to the next best alternative of a wintry dove letter kit.

The pickup process was as swift as could be - it was my commentary that was not! Having been presented with the rare opportunity to relay my appreciation in the flesh, I couldn't help but excitedly express my gratitude and admiration for her creative masterpieces! The honour was truly mine. Sunday Baking was easily my baking role model, in addition to my mentor and teacher. She had, albeit unknowingly, enabled me to create by providing free, valuable content via her YouTube videos and remarkable troubleshooting. I was ecstatic, for since the end of the stay sweet phase, I hadn't been certain that I would see her again.

​When ROYCE's Nama Chocolate had first risen to fame, I committed to a box at their Richmond Centre kiosk. After bringing the costly specimen back home though, I quickly discovered my aversion towards the dimensionless squares and their excessive dusting of cocoa powder.
But Sunday Baking's creations are different. Despite having reservations about certain treats, I've learned to trust in her formulas. The same theory was applied to the quad of Nama Chocolate on offer at the holiday pop-up.

Read Part 1 HERE !

​Hello Nori was my belated birthday dinner destination of choice - not that this was made known to my browsing partner beforehand. When the original plan of routing through the 100 Queen St W garage fell through due to City Hall's 6 PM closure, I descended down an alternative access to the PATH.
The stairwell and landing area did reveal any differences from when I had last commuted, however the internal corridors of the below-grade connections had undergone a dramatic facelift. The grungy environment was made brilliant with white tiling and marble walls. Seating had also been revamped with grey lounge chairs to appear more appealing and welcoming.

The section between Nathan Phillips and Hudson Bay went ultimately unexplored, for we turned into the Sheraton for lavatory facilities before continuing southbound towards York/Wellington.

Reservations were not supported by Hello Nori, thus we joined the queue and alerted the hostess upon arrival. She approximated a twenty-minute wait in consideration of the two parties ahead of us. While waiting, it dawned on me that eatery strictly utilized bar seating, without any private tables in the vicinity. Bags could be placed underneath the dining counter on one of the many double hooks installed underneath. Jackets could also be hung in the same location, though I took to the wonky, wobbly coat rack to prevent my sleeves from grazing my shoes and the floor.

Approximately fifteen minutes later, we were gestured towards two seats at the end of the U-shaped seating area closest to the waiting area. The hostess made certain to note the bar chair's swivel capabilities, as well as the height adjustment lever. I appreciated the ability to tailor the seating configuration to fit one's physical requirements, but appreciated the stool's built-in foot rest even more. Too often does a metal rod affixed to the bottom of the counter serve as a communal foot rest, and rarely does it accommodate my leg length.

​With Takeout and Dine In order slips placed along the length of the queue, we had plenty of time to review the restaurant's offerings prior to ordering. The menu was extremely compact, comprising of shareable portions of oshizushi and temaki (hand rolls) without a single side of greens in sight. Miso soup and edamame could be requested at four dollars each, though hearty options such as donburis were not to be found.
Hello Nori's signature selection of hand rolls could be requested in sets of 4 pieces, 5 pieces, and 6 pieces. Meanwhile, Aburi Oshi Sushi and Sashimi could be used to supplement the carb-heavy assortment.

​The hostess advised against ordering the 6-piece set, for most patrons find that they are unable to deplete it in its entirety. My browsing partner express dubiousness towards this suggestion, noting a decent appetite. We awaited for the waitress's rundown of the fixed menu and seasonal specials before placing our order.

View the full album HERE !

In the latter half of the week, I was feeling undeniably hoarse. I continued to screech through calls beyond the morning hours, then experienced ominous throat pain. There was also nausea, a mild cough, and loss of appetite - all of which pointed to a potential contraction of flu.

Weekend plans with my browsing partner became subject to review. The original itinerary was evaluated against my physical ability to execute the stops. Foregoing the last weekend of holiday festivities wasn't in the plans, so I was determined to power through a downtown day regardless.

​​​Departure was delayed as I scrambled to ready myself in nice attire for the rare outing. Contrasting against my preppy ensemble, my browsing partner arrived donning the usual casual pieces, which later proved to be insufficient in terms of providing warmth.

Signifying our arrival in the downtown core was none other than the sights of residents of the street. Little had changed since my transition away from Toronto, for the regulars remained perched in their usual spots, either sheltered under overpasses or huddled over air vents. Amusingly, one even had a tree, inclusive of ornaments and a single gift of Ensure.

​I was familiar with the Green P lot directly underneath City Hall from the perspective of a commuter, but never as a driver. Rates were reasonable, but only if not intending to stay past the 6 PM mark. Impark's Bell Trinity Square lot was the better option was all-day stays.

​Returning to Nathan Phillips Square instilled a sense of nostalgia. Suddenly, the lofty tree outside City Hall transformed into a photo-worthy attraction. The weekend had also summoned a different crowd (those without laptops) onto the premises.

We headed towards Eaton Centre via the Bay Street mid-block crossing. Candy Cane Lane assumed a popular photo stop for many visitors; while I'd normally stride past on my former lunch walks, I paused this time around to partake in photos and help others looking to capture the scene.

Our Eaton Centre objective was none other than the Holiday Light Show. Meandering towards the centre court, I caught sight of a cluster of police personnel huddled about a man outside Indigo. Passerbys were unable to view the man's face due from beyond the huddle, merely catching glimpses of disheveled hair and grunts. What a warm welcome to downtown!

Returning annually, the mall's Holiday Light & Snow Show had been elevated from previous years with the addition of Canadiana-themed projections and comparatively elaborate light configurations. Instead of operating at designated times on weekdays and weekends, the show had been rescheduled to illuminate hourly between mid-November and January 2nd, facilitating attendance accordingly.

​​With about four minutes to go, we hurriedly took our positions. Hovering by the third floor railings would provide unobstructed views and maintain ergonomic position of the neck, though I was keen on being enveloped in the artificial snow that would conclude the arrangement.

The sequence was undeniably better than past years, and rightfully crowned an attraction worth travelling for. Beyond its signature all-red appearance, the tree also transitioned between blue and purple! We were caught off guard by the abundance of fake snow, which clung to our hair and spectacles with no intention of detaching even with aggressive wiping.

When the need to visit the Downsview area crept up once more, I found myself contemplating lunch options in North York before heading back. Also imminent was the expiry of my Mister Wheel coupon, so I began to review eateries around the Yonge and Church/Churchill intersection.

Uninspired by ramen and abura soba (mazesoba's heavier, more satiating cousin) and eager to redeem a missed opportunity to try a culinary specialty, 555 Boat Noodles was the obvious choice.

The casual eatery had been closed during the Thanksgiving holiday, subjecting me to the grief of unbearably fiery kimchi bibimyeon at Nakwon Kisa Restaurant. While it was nonetheless a fun time reminiscing with a former colleague, the quality of the sustenance hardly justified its price.

It was just after 12 PM when we pulled into the North York area. Strolling south on Yonge, it was discovered that The Poke Box had replaced Sugar Marmalade's dingy, dim storefront with a fresh coat of vibrant, exotic pink paint. In addition, a blind box and keychain store by the name of Toys Collection had taken over the space left vacant by The Printing House.

​Different eating times can lead to disagreement, possibly even stronger conflict than with those without a strict eating schedule (or the need to eat at all!). When opinions conflict, the easiest resolution is to go your separate ways - an option that my browsing partner refuses to execute, thus causing all parties to grudgingly be dragged along for the sake of togetherness. (But that's a separate complaint.)

Priority for reviewing Taiwan photos led to a late lunch secured via UberEats. Consistent with previous remarks, ordering food delivery in Vancouver remains superior to the GTA. Beyond the plethora of options and $0 Delivery Fee, delivery is always swift (usually 15-30 minutes) and portions are exceptionally generous at their given price points. Any outing for sustenance usually spans a minimum of 90 minutes, as travelling between eateries is painfully slow even with a vehicle within reach. Locals can also confirm that travelling short stretches (4 km or less) along No. 3 Road can require twenty minutes or more, though they are unlikely to gripe about the distance travelled per hour unlike frequent highway users. As a small eater, one of the best things about order UberEats is the "benefit" of takeout containers and plastic/paper bags being provided without the excruciating eco fees tacked onto the bill. For at least half a decade, the cost of containers have been passed onto the consumer, now at a whopping fifty cents per unit!

​And so, ordering the item of my cravings via the platform was the informed decision. In spite of the excessive $5.70 "Service & BC Courier Fee", the bill remained well under $50 even after tip!

From JOHN 3:16 Malaysian Delights, I requested Hainanese Chicken Rice, Satay Chicken, and a Hot Teh Tarik, otherwise known as Malaysian milk tea.

Four lengthy skewers of Satay Chicken set me back $12.05, plus another $0.60 with the addition of peanut sauce. Admittedly, not having to fret over potential peanut intake was liberating! Unveiling the box, I was incredibly surprised to find two containers of the condiment. Had the request been tacked onto an Uber order back home, the portion would be puny and unjustified.
The sauce paired delightfully with the tasty and tender chicken. The skewers were flavourful: seasoned comprehensively and glazed/charred to perfection. To combat greasiness from gradual loss of temperature, I dunked the fresh cucumber chunks into the peanut sauce. Raw red onion pieces were, of course, discarded. 

​After hunger-related qualms were solved independently, a snack time outing could be facilitated with ease. We headed to Lansdowne Mall in search Bubble Waffle Café. While there are numerous outposts of the egg waffle hotspot, each location is priced differently. Based on the demographic, I reckoned that the Lansdowne location would not only be most economic, but involve the shortest wait time.

Strolling towards the food court, I passed by a baby boutique stocked with Jellycats as well as Van Cheong's familiar storefront. 

Fresh Elements has been a longstanding occupant of Richmond food courts. Since their 2014 days in Yaohan Centre, the BOGO deal price has been steadily climbing from $3.99. At present, eleven years since the summer that changed everything, a basic milk tea with pearls rings in at $7.49 before tax.

Bubble Waffle Café was situated in one of the corners of the food court. We took to an Original, now costing $4.95. Payment was settled in cash, at which point we were instructed to return in fifteen minutes to retrieve our order.

It isn't uncommon for West Coast winter mornings to be dreary and overcast. That said, when paired alongside dusty construction sites and constant drizzles, the sight quickly grew depressing - sickening, even.

I was hesitant to set foot into the outside world, until the skies began to clear around lunchtime. We deemed it fitting to venture out for a mid-day meal, gleefully soaking in the rare sunny blue skies.

​McArthur Glen Outlet featured some of the best - and perhaps only! - Christmas décor in the vicinity. The installations ranged from nutcracker figures to poinsettia orbs to garlands edged with shiny, scarlet spheres identical to those adorning the strangely symmetrical tree.

Parking was also less troublesome than I had envisioned; the expansive asphalt lot offered plenty of options in the proximity of the main entrance as well as the Templeton SkyTrain station.

On my fifth day, I was determined to break the trend of greasy Chinese food loaded with sodium. When provided the privilege of cuisine choice, I hesitated not in proposing Japanese, or some form of it, at least.

In the past year, the Richmond-Brighouse area had welcomed an abundance of new mixed-use residential complexes, complete with at-grade retail establishments. At the base of one of the new buildings was Sushi Lovers, a colourful eatery with budget finds and basic offerings.

Striding in, we were welcomed by a strong whiff of cooking fumes. The waitress gestured to a table immediately next to the door. While I wouldn't have minded the location normally, its proximity to the open concept kitchen and corresponding cooking odours had me silently wrinkling my nose in disgust. We requested for one of the booths along the windows, only to receive the grumpy response of "There are only two of us working today. I can sit you there." The waitressed shoved us back towards the original table assignment in utter disregard. Her complaint towards waitstaff scheduling also took me by surprise: Why should I care that there are only two people?

"We can wait." I told her, pointing towards a table with stacked dirty dishes.
"Alright" she replied, grudgingly.

​I cast quick glances around the room. For a Monday afternoon, the dining floor was quite busy, but not unmanageable. Each booth included a minimum of one soiled furry friend, likely to fulfill the role of companionship. We were gestured towards a window seat some few minutes later. Yet another onigiri occupied the seat - this one slightly less tarnished.

​Scanning the laminated menus, Sushi Lovers was discovered to be extremely affordable. I raised an eyebrow at the Wagyu, O-Toro, and Chirashi mentions, doubting their authenticity given the establishment's overall aura. Between three people, we opted to share a Salmon Goma-ae ($11.00), Oyako-don ($13.95), and Chirashi Don ($22.95). In being informed that the spinach-based appetizer was unavailable, the waitress redirected our attention towards the pricier $12.95 Sashimi Salad.

​Having entered the premises with high hopes, I must admit that the presentation of the requested items incited disappointment. Components of the Chirashi Don were practically identical to that of the Sashimi Salad: sliced instead of finely chopped, muted instead of vibrant and visually attractive, and utterly devoid of decorative garnishes besides a single shrivelled shiso leaf.