Category: Shopping - Random Thoughts of a Quirky Blogger

Out & About #627 | A Muddled Adieu

3/27/2020

How does one land oneself in the category of a go-getter?

Oftentimes do those interpreted as such act swiftly to attain their goals or check off their to-do list. Locking in on a single objective, they conjure up a plan with utmost precision, then proceed with execution, more often than not possessing a Plan B at the backs of their minds should the first attempt result unfavourably. It's a pragmatic approach to life, which may not necessarily be appreciated by more contemplative types.

I recently had the luxury to attempt pourovers, in addition to burrowing into an insurmountable cloud of thoughts. Slowly but surely, my harbourfront days adjourned in a hazy hush. Nine months in the South Core has concluded. Truthfully, I hadn't stopped to recount that tales of such an endeavour until the arrival of COVID-19 and all its work-from-home-imposing statutes.
"Life doesn't wait for you" and I've consequently been mindlessly trudging along the treadmill of life until corona pushed pause.

Forever one to periodically reminisce but never to dwell without constructiveness, my time was brief but not without vast amounts of opportunities for development. While a seemingly short stay relative to the prospective length of my career, I remain grateful for such opportunities - such chances to contribute in the limited capacity that I am capable - and, moreover, thankful for those that have shed their expertise for my personal development, both as a colleague and a mere mortal persisting on her own journey.

Skills acquired throughout an arduous process translate into individual gain, however the bonds stemming from interpersonal interactions that empower one to truly thrive as a member of society, co-existing and cooperating.

Surfacing from the abyss of reflection, I continued on with regular day-to-day activities. In light of social distancing measures, many eateries had undergone temporary closures and staff reduction. Juicy Dumpling was one of these destinations.

Out & About #625 | Week #1 Quarantine Update

3/20/2020

I haven't exactly been "out" since my return from the West Coast, but I've definitely been "about" - about the house that is.

As the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and soon Alberta begin to wrap up their first week in Quarantine under the federal government's stringent measures to "flatten the curve" and prevent overloading the health care system, it should come as no surprise that many citizens are struggling, some more others.

There are those unable to request time off work, and may be further increasing work hours in response to surging demand for essential services.
There are those that have been blessed with work-from-home capabilities, though, in turn, suffer from ceaseless conference calls and heavier workloads.
Lastly, there are the tremendously fortunate few: the ones operating front-line in departments deemed "non-essential" that were simply sent home without reduced pay.

Honestly, the past week in Vancity had been blissful. But in under twenty-four hours, the gorgeous weather and sunny skies seemed nothing beyond a lucid dream. COVID-19 was officially declared to be a pandemic, causing the world as I know to collapse into itself. I had found myself squarely in the middle of an apocalypse - an unforeseen social calamity threatening sanity levels and the fragility of human health.

Even upon landing on Ontario soil, the direness of the situation was reflected in plummeting gas prices.

With work-from-home measures being implemented, I commenced email revision from the comfort of my own home whilst adjusting my sleep schedule. It was a terrible tempo to grow accustomed to, for energy levels were unbelievably low, and so was productivity of the mind

Vancity Blitz | DAY 6: (Pt. 2) Gastown + Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba

3/11/2020

Read Part 1 HERE !

At the 4 PM mark, I unloaded my first package of baked goods and bid farewell. My next order of business was to head downtown. First on the to-do list was a Compass card from the Stadium-Chinatown service station. It was an odd request from a certain transit-abhorring prehistoric creature, but nonetheless a manageable task to attain in between social activities.

I dreaded the neighbourhood and all its foulness. Personally deemed to be "Homeless Central", it's not a far cry from the poverty-striken pits of DTLA. Brimming with sleazy, smelly souls hunched from overdose and intoxication, the only elements missing are tents.

Having endured my twenty-minute wait at the service counter, I then maneuvering swiftly to International Village's Oomomo for more cookie cutters. International Village was not far from Jackson Square's odd retail attachment, except not even Hamilton had garbage taking joyrides on coattails of the wind.

Thankfully, there are alternate routes to remove oneself from the heinous hoodlum turf and ease back into the calming confines of Gastown.

A Torontonian-turned-Vancourite met up with me and gladly assumed the role of a tour guide. From within Herschel's West Coast flagship, one could partake in retail therapy in addition to appreciating a panoramic perspective of Canada Place and the Vancouver Cruise Ship Dock.

Suppertime crept up slowly, and we proceeded to the pre-determined location of Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba.

Vancity Blitz | DAY 5: Metrotown + Matcha Cafe Maiko

3/10/2020

My former Scarborough suburbanite of an Uber driver had been correct: the city gets a bit grouchier during rainy climate.

I awoke to grey, overcast skies, demonstrating not even so much as a streak of sunlight. There was little incentive to go out, unlike the previous day, where the climate had essentially beckoned me from the other side of the glass.

I took to my partially planned baking endeavours instead. After all, eggs and heavy cream were now in possession (at long last).

First was Sunday Baking's Basque Cheesecake. The concept of the cake was ridiculously straightforward, as are most cheesecakes; obtaining the signature charred surface was the trickiest aspect. Between the "Convection Bake", "Gentle Bake", and "Surround (Bake)" options, I made do with a mixture of the latter settings, then let the cake cool overnight as directed.

Re-attempting smitten kitchen's sugar cookies were another tale altogether. Summarized by an excess of baking powder, insufficient matcha, and a too-tiny oven (that resulted in baking tray burns), the cookies fell short of the brilliant green profile and satisfying bite that I had achieved the last time around. A softer shortbread finish emerged instead.

Vancity Blitz | DAY 4: Granville Island + Revisiting Mister

3/9/2020

Opulent azure skies and beaming rays of sunshine overlooking ceaseless, mellifluent ripples is a honestly sight I could never tire of.

Each morning spawned a different view of the waterfront: some hazy, some cloudy, and some offering a crisp prospect of snow-capped mountains in the remote distance.

The best part of all: I was separated from such breathtaking grandeur by a mere pane of glass, and could easily dive into this scenic dimension at my heart's desire. It essentially beckoned me forth.

"Come enjoy me! You know you won't get the same treatment back home."
And that was an aspect I could not deny.

I suited up for an outdoor run along the river - an act completely out of character. Hiking underneath the shield of forest cover amasses great fondness, though the same can rarely be said, if ever, in regards to sunny sprints. Alas, with such a stunning landscape caressing my vision, the opportunity simply could not be turned down.

Post-shower and post-stretch, I came to the conclusion that weather conditions were too optimal to remain house-ridden for the rest of the day.

A Lyft ride later, and I crossed onto Granville Island, experiencing the breath of the creek and gusts of the dock.

My last trip had entailed only a swing by Steveston. Meanwhile, my most recent memory of the tourist-friendly attraction was so vague I could barely recall the setting, let alone season of visit. Sauntering about the district enabled re-familiarization; the single element that persisted in my mind was the busking area, a space of minimal evolution.

Vancity Blitz | DAY 3: Nature Republic (Aberdeen) + Baker & Table

3/8/2020

"Beautiful British Columbia" - there's tremendous validity behind this description.
Foreshadowing a sunny afternoon was a mysterious blue cloak overlooking the Fraser River. Streaked with a breathtaking glimmer of pink, it very nearly emulated light at the end of the tunnel.

In wait of sunrise, I began to assemble breakfast. But something felt lacking.
I took to another iteration of smitten kitchen's Banana Bread recipe, swapping out vanilla extract for 24 g of honey. Roasted peanuts were also incorporated into the mix, but ultimately discovered to be too big and not as suitable as walnuts.

Observing the oven from a distance, I proceeded with my scheduled blogilates/Zumba program - in bursts, if you will - before munching on some greens and readying myself for some much-coveted katsu.

Dosanko would have been the ideal choice. Alas, the closest outpost in the vicinity was Aberdeen's Saboten.

By no means is Saboten mediocre - since there really isn't "bad food" in this part of the country - however it wasn't a seamless alternative either.

Heavy hankerings for a katsu dish devoid of rice, I earnestly expressed my request to the boy behind the cashier. He turned to evaluate the options on the menu board behind him, then turned back to face my inquisitive gaze. "There isn't one without rice." He went on to suggest one of the sets, for they supposedly "contained the least amount of rice."

Vancity Blitz | DAY 2: Gym, Groceries + Kyabia

3/7/2020

Having somehow sustained the chaos that was a 23-hour period of activity, I expected absolute annihilation by fatigue. Yet, the body was met with a jolt of energy come the next morning.

Weather conditions were unbelievable, in the most wondrous, exercise-encouraging manner. With potential plans in the late morning though, I resorted to heading downstairs to the gym instead.

Post-activity stretching took place while overlooking the beauty of the Fraser River.

Pangs of hunger began to externalize soon after, so instead of gearing up for the arrival of the next bus, foodora's services were summoned.

Out & About #623 | Collective February Visuals

2/29/2020

When posed with the question "Why do we have leap years?", I frankly wasn't sure how to respond.
"It's a part of the calendar." I had answered matter-of-factly. Though, in reality, I hadn't ever pondered this topic, but merely accepted it as a recurring event that would rear its head every four years.

The second month of 2020 had flown by amidst my seemingly endless duration of sickness. It concluded with a bang in the form of Eric Nam's second opening act-accompanied concert, and third ever visit to "Canadia".

Superseding the unexpectedly long evening was a gloomy work-from-home instance, that later unfolded into an unavoidable round of errands.

The opportunity for indulgence lay before my eyes, and a trip to Wonton Chai simply that could not be refused.
I opted to swap my regular order of egg noodles for flat, rice noodles instead this time. The short strands were plump and spongy - an indication of being overcooked. Other elements, such as tender cubes of beef brisket and springy fish dace balls, remained consistent.

Fried Fish Skin was then taken to go, along with the remnants of my midday meal and an order of Plain Wontons.

Heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures welcomed me back to the South Core. Oh, and did I mention loathsome transit delays?

Lunch walks were contained within the warmth of the indoors, which, while comfortable at first, were ultimately deemed too toasty for maneuvering within at a speedy pace.

Out & About #620 | Cookies Galore + Valentine's Day Visuals

2/17/2020

The group had departed Zakkushi amidst zero-visibility snowfall, just to witness the absurdity of it to diminish overnight. Blue skies and amiable walking conditions greeted me in the downtown core the next day.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, retailers were eager to take advantage of the situation, offering up quick, accessible solutions to fuel the occasion's flushing festivities.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, retailers were eager to take advantage of the situation, offering up quick, accessible solutions to fuel the occasion's flushing festivities. From Union Station's two-day exclusive Hershey's Kisses pop-up to Enchanted Rose-inspired compositions in our very own lobby, it was nearly impossible to forget the looming lovers' holiday.

My week was more or less unvaried, with the exceptions of Cinnamon Toast Crunch (not a fan, by the way) and Maple Syrup French Toast Crunch (this was scrumptious!) "samples" from a certain prehistoric creature.

A Vanilla Latte from Dineen's Commerce Court location provided a wonderfully fragrant boost to the Mon(dane)day. Additional features such as Ritual ordering, prompt, cordial service, and a password-secured Wi-Fi network further elevated the experience.

Out & About #619 | The Night Baker + Winter Light Exhibition (Ontario Place)

2/9/2020

Following a frenzy of holiday pop-ups, The Night Baker disappeared for a short vacation. Their recent return did not go unannounced - four new flavours were introduced to the roster, likely in preparation for the upcoming lovers' holiday.

Pink Lady: The first blush-coloured cookie I had ever laid eyes on, Pink Lady packed a sweet, milky filling within a polished pink package. Notes of almond and rose were faint at my time of consumption, so it didn't necessarily succeed in astounding me. That said, it was nonetheless delicious and par with the bakery's other imaginative pieces.
Red Wedding: Indeed the flourishing marriage of luscious berry jam and white chocolate chunks, I couldn't resist releasing suppressed "oohs" and "aahs" in response to this innovative-yet-no-brainer pairing.

Red Velvet: Known as America's tried-and-true party piece, this one delighted me more than expected with its savoury cream cheese interior. Did I mention it was a gooey cream cheese interior?!
Black Forest: Chocolatey conceptions are a hit or miss for me, personally speaking. However, The Night Baker is the clear exception. Harnessing the denseness of a brownie in its triple chocolate cookie base, then projecting a gentle tartness through maraschino cherries, Black Forest was the distinctive winner of the transient quad.

View the full album HERE !

It remains a fact that the independent dessert shop upholds its reputation for churning out consistently heavenly handiworks.

Pilot was not far. Between a cold glass of milk for dunking freshly acquired cookies and the Beetroot Latte that had left such a strong impression, it was tough to waive an opportunity to re-experience the latter.

Having been mesmerized by the extensive crafting counter and bevelled wall decor last time, I hadn't craned my neck upwards to take in the triangular ceiling design: a ceaseless collection of white paper airplane-like fixtures, likely to emulate the roastery's own logo.

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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