Physio appointments are one of the least desirable events possible. On one hand, they provide rapid forms of relief and shed insight and the remedial measures required. Yet, appointments are limited to weekdays between noon and the early afternoon, making for grueling commutes on the 401 in both eastbound and westbound directions.
After over one month of knee discomfort, I finally resolved to book an appointment. Despite the off-peak slot of 12:30 PM on a Friday afternoon, congestion levels were unchanged: The drive totalled a whopping sixty minutes, plus some.
The visit informed me of tendonitis - in my "good" knee nevertheless! - due to extended use and strain. Recommended were quad and hamstring stretches, conducted for 3 reps, each maintained for 15-20 seconds. Calf stretches, quad strengthening with a resistance band, and massaging around the knee area were also suggested for recovery. In essence, both knees were quite tight and needed quad strengthening should I wish to persist with existing levels of physical activity.
After over one month of knee discomfort, I finally resolved to book an appointment. Despite the off-peak slot of 12:30 PM on a Friday afternoon, congestion levels were unchanged: The drive totalled a whopping sixty minutes, plus some.
The visit informed me of tendonitis - in my "good" knee nevertheless! - due to extended use and strain. Recommended were quad and hamstring stretches, conducted for 3 reps, each maintained for 15-20 seconds. Calf stretches, quad strengthening with a resistance band, and massaging around the knee area were also suggested for recovery. In essence, both knees were quite tight and needed quad strengthening should I wish to persist with existing levels of physical activity.
Subsequent agenda stops would not stray from my Markham go-to of LCBO.
 |  |
There, I obtained Hakutsuru Nigori Yuzu Sake, Hakutsuru Awayuki Sparkling Sake, Jack Daniel's Coca-Cola, and a can of Yoho Brewing Sakura Mochi Stout. The stout concoction adopted a pink and green exterior, "SORRY" in all caps, and images of Sakura, Sakura mochi, and a Samurai.
Contrary to the standard European stout, this blend was lighter, fruitier, and less tacky, inciting far greater enjoyment levels than my browsing partner's definitive favourite of Guinness.
Contrary to the standard European stout, this blend was lighter, fruitier, and less tacky, inciting far greater enjoyment levels than my browsing partner's definitive favourite of Guinness.
Refraining from undertaking the return route during the early stages of rush hour, I had decided to continue working from a nearby café. Prior research had led me to Café N One, luring me with the promise of complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of sustenance options, and unlimited seating time.
Locating the eatery was easy as could be. That said, securing parking was far from painless. I had prematurely turned onto Perth Avenue, only to realize that the parking lot of the corner establishment did not connect to the plaza on the south. Thankfully, my browsing partner pointed out that the rear of the facilities were connected, thus enabling access from the asphalt lot at the back.
Locating the eatery was easy as could be. That said, securing parking was far from painless. I had prematurely turned onto Perth Avenue, only to realize that the parking lot of the corner establishment did not connect to the plaza on the south. Thankfully, my browsing partner pointed out that the rear of the facilities were connected, thus enabling access from the asphalt lot at the back.
 |  |
Entering through the vestibule before 2 PM, my eyes fell upon the bustling seating area with astonishment. It was past peak lunch hours, but the interior was brimming with patrons. Each table was thoroughly engrossed in conversation, making for deafening noise levels throughout.
We were acknowledged upon entry, but not gestured towards a table. I momentarily hovered about while in review of our seating options. Having spied outlets under the window-facing bar area, I made my away over. My browsing partner plopped down beside me as I proceeded to inspect the table.
Much to my dismay, the space before us bore coffee stains and sauce smears along the backsplash. Without further hesitation, I summoned a wet wipe for the task. My belonging would not be placed on top until the surface was gleaming.
Outlets had been installed underneath the table, comprising of two outlets and two USB Type A ports. Hooks had also been installed underneath the table, but too close to the window for functional use. They were also observed to be very close to spilled sauce stains along the back of the bar area, causing a wrinkle of disgust to spread across my face.
We were acknowledged upon entry, but not gestured towards a table. I momentarily hovered about while in review of our seating options. Having spied outlets under the window-facing bar area, I made my away over. My browsing partner plopped down beside me as I proceeded to inspect the table.
Much to my dismay, the space before us bore coffee stains and sauce smears along the backsplash. Without further hesitation, I summoned a wet wipe for the task. My belonging would not be placed on top until the surface was gleaming.
Outlets had been installed underneath the table, comprising of two outlets and two USB Type A ports. Hooks had also been installed underneath the table, but too close to the window for functional use. They were also observed to be very close to spilled sauce stains along the back of the bar area, causing a wrinkle of disgust to spread across my face.
A QR code was taped to the surface for ease of ordering, similar to the formats adopted by Petit Potato and Good Luck. The online ordering platform enabled placement of contactless dine-in orders as well as pickup order for takeout. Physical menus were also available at the counter, should one wish to flip through stained paper copies on a clipboard.
My belongings would be dispersed across the table and the backless stool next to me. The corner spot emerged as the favourite for solo diners. Regardless of the man who had arrived before us or the jean jacket-clad lady who arrived within thirty minutes later, they were seemingly content in their allocated space, utterly unbothered by my excessive amount of baggage. She was another obvious work-from-home customer, taking to an order of Iced Osmanthus Americano before continuing to work peacefully in the corner, supported by a Jellycat croissant keychain, white woven leather slippers, and a Holt Renfrew file folder.
My belongings would be dispersed across the table and the backless stool next to me. The corner spot emerged as the favourite for solo diners. Regardless of the man who had arrived before us or the jean jacket-clad lady who arrived within thirty minutes later, they were seemingly content in their allocated space, utterly unbothered by my excessive amount of baggage. She was another obvious work-from-home customer, taking to an order of Iced Osmanthus Americano before continuing to work peacefully in the corner, supported by a Jellycat croissant keychain, white woven leather slippers, and a Holt Renfrew file folder.
Being perched at the bar area within proximity to the combined cashier and kitchen area, we often caught sweet whiffs of mochi waffles instead of greasy fumes. These surroundings played a minor role in our late lunch choices, however.
My browsing partner opted for a Mango Peach Soda and Yuzu Momo Pasta, while I, braving the atrocious prices, pointed in favour of an Iced Osmanthus Matcha Latte with Oat Milk and Pulled Pork Sando and Salad Combo Set. The entrées were priced steeply at $19.50 and $13.50 respectively. Meanwhile, the beverages saw a minimum markup of 300-350%: the Mango Peach Soda $5.50 and the Iced Osmanthus Matcha Latte with Oat Milk at $6.75. Ordering from the Mrs. Digi platform had also proved confusing, for countless items had not been listed under the correct categories.
My browsing partner opted for a Mango Peach Soda and Yuzu Momo Pasta, while I, braving the atrocious prices, pointed in favour of an Iced Osmanthus Matcha Latte with Oat Milk and Pulled Pork Sando and Salad Combo Set. The entrées were priced steeply at $19.50 and $13.50 respectively. Meanwhile, the beverages saw a minimum markup of 300-350%: the Mango Peach Soda $5.50 and the Iced Osmanthus Matcha Latte with Oat Milk at $6.75. Ordering from the Mrs. Digi platform had also proved confusing, for countless items had not been listed under the correct categories.
The Mango Peach Soda arrived in a clear plastic cup with bits of fruit and popping boba residing at the bottom. It tasted awfully synthetic, like canned mango nectar, though was deemed decent by its requestor.
 |  |
The extremely pricey pick of Iced Osmanthus Matcha Latte with Oat Milk featured plenty of osmanthus and unmixed, simple syrup at the bottom of the cup, along with gritty, floral matcha and barely discernible, watery oat milk. Failure to incorporate the sweetener had made for an exceptionally cloying first sip. Prior to settling on its staggering cost, I had sought additional details regarding the café's choice of matcha powder. The response was vague, noting that their matcha was a supposed "blend" of two brands, however cashier personnel declined to confirm the names to me - foreshadowing utilization of poor quality matcha. The drink ultimately emerged an acceptable hue, but lacked the depth and bittersweet, grassy qualities of proper matcha.
Shortly afterwards, our mains would be delivered one at a time. The Yuzu Momo Pasta bore a hue reminiscent of Pad Thai, comprising of orange-tinged noodles that were topped with crispy garlic instead of chopped peanut. A citrusy undertone was detected in each bite, occasionally in an excessive manner, as if to announce inclusion of yuzu. The noodles were thin and well-seasoned, while the onions still crunchy from a gentle sauté. The garlic bread halve, as I was informed, was crunchy but hardly garlicy, if at all.
Served separately was an arugula and cherry tomato salad. The leaves were generously tossed with a Balsamic-like dressing, which was oddly more savoury than acidic, but nevertheless oil-based. The same salad would appear on my Sando platter, to which I scoffed and declared it too slick for my liking.
Served separately was an arugula and cherry tomato salad. The leaves were generously tossed with a Balsamic-like dressing, which was oddly more savoury than acidic, but nevertheless oil-based. The same salad would appear on my Sando platter, to which I scoffed and declared it too slick for my liking.
 |  |
The Pulled Pork Sando was a trio of toasted milk bread sandwiches with red cabbage slaw, mayo, cucumber, and a compacted layer of pulled pork. Slightly spiced was the stringy layer, with a peculiar profile that was neither smoky like a barbecue restaurant nor tropical like Hawaiian eateries. Generally speaking, the dish was strictly average, as was every other item constituting our whopping fifty-dollar bill.
A self-serve water station was positioned around the corner, where the cashier egress point intersected the dining area. Sporadically distributed were plastic caddies for room temperature water and insulated pitchers for warm water. Every single water jug had black rings around the spout, a strong indicator of trapped moisture and neglected cleaning.
Hygiene levels were evidently consistent throughout the eatery, from the smeared tables, greasy floors (with a stray fried noodle!), and grimy, eerie-smelling corridors. These wholly unclean conditions sparked concern, for table cleanup had taken place regularly due to the need to enable consistent turnover prompted by the constant inflow of customers.
Navigating from the dining area to the gender-separated single stalls, one would chance across a shelf of forgotten equipment boxes (Nutribullet, KitchenAid pasta attachment, waffle maker, and more) and bulk ingredients. Spotted in the refrigerator were loaves of sliced white bread stored upright in clear, plastic loaf bags and cartons of heavy cream (likely for the sweet portion of the menu).
Hygiene levels were evidently consistent throughout the eatery, from the smeared tables, greasy floors (with a stray fried noodle!), and grimy, eerie-smelling corridors. These wholly unclean conditions sparked concern, for table cleanup had taken place regularly due to the need to enable consistent turnover prompted by the constant inflow of customers.
Navigating from the dining area to the gender-separated single stalls, one would chance across a shelf of forgotten equipment boxes (Nutribullet, KitchenAid pasta attachment, waffle maker, and more) and bulk ingredients. Spotted in the refrigerator were loaves of sliced white bread stored upright in clear, plastic loaf bags and cartons of heavy cream (likely for the sweet portion of the menu).
 |  |
Impressively, the washrooms were maintained better than the dining area. I had braced myself for the worst, but found the stall to be free of undesirable odours, splashes, and stains. Around the 4 PM mark, the washroom was cleaned once and its overflowing wastebin emptied.
Staff members were also seen enacting meal time during low periods, namely between 3:30 - 4:00 PM.
True to the claims set forth in Google reviews, one can sit and work with a stable password-secured network without fear of a seating limit being imposed. Regardless of seating coordinates, Café N One was thoroughly equipped outlets. That said, the persistently loud environment are far from the ideal settings for meetings or focus time.
Staff members were also seen enacting meal time during low periods, namely between 3:30 - 4:00 PM.
True to the claims set forth in Google reviews, one can sit and work with a stable password-secured network without fear of a seating limit being imposed. Regardless of seating coordinates, Café N One was thoroughly equipped outlets. That said, the persistently loud environment are far from the ideal settings for meetings or focus time.
For the average café hopper, food is strictly mediocre and the filthy facilities abysmal. A fellow escape room enthusiast (925) could not agree more.
At the 4 PM mark, my browsing partner began to grow antsy: "It's 4 PM. Why aren't we leaving?"
I quickly assembled my belongings, mentally planning upcoming stops during the process.
At the 4 PM mark, my browsing partner began to grow antsy: "It's 4 PM. Why aren't we leaving?"
I quickly assembled my belongings, mentally planning upcoming stops during the process.
 |  |
We'd make a brief stopover at Princess Auto first. Akin to Canadian Tire, the warehouse offered auto supplies and tools, high-vis clothing, and an extensive selection of disposable gloves (either M or L), in addition to unexpected finds in their Surplus section. My short stay was finalized with purchase of a bike phone mount; whole bean Blue Truck Coffee bags had also piqued my curiosity, though I ultimately decided against the purchase given the considerable amount of dust adorning the packaging.
 |  |
Oomomo would be up next, where time constraints had limited our purchases to just 2-3 items per person.
 |  |
I'd then zip off to LA Fitness' Woodbine location for a 5:45 PM Zumba class. Similar to the Yonge Street location, the instructor had brought along her own speakers. As opposed to a singular mini one at the front of the classroom, she had used a trolley to transport two bulky amplifiers fitting of a night market stage performance.
Arriving fifteen minutes before the start of class usually guarantees a spot in the first row, however this studio had already reached capacity in the first two rows at my time of arrival. I suppose I ought not be surprised, for Markham was indeed the land of (often unemployed/part-timer) aunties.
Arriving fifteen minutes before the start of class usually guarantees a spot in the first row, however this studio had already reached capacity in the first two rows at my time of arrival. I suppose I ought not be surprised, for Markham was indeed the land of (often unemployed/part-timer) aunties.
The sheer number of attendees was both alarming and appalling. Many were seemingly regulars, even dancing within their group during the class. However, not a single person appeared to take fitness seriously - not even the instructor! For starters, the choreography was horribly repetitive and included awkward movements that did not match the mood nor tempo of the chosen songs whatsoever. The instructor herself took numerous breaks, opting to observe the class with a haggard expression instead of dancing along for guidance. She was evidently not in any better shape than the rest of the class.
Poor rhythm and coordination aren't uncommon observations in any dance or Zumba class, however almost all participants can improve with time and diligence. Of the locations visited thus far, the North York crowd possessed the best beat awareness. Mississauga was passable on average, but the Markham group was downright atrocious. In a group of at least fifty, not a single person was on beat, and not a single move was clearly distinguishable. When the instructor gestured for the left and right sides of the class to face each other, only further chaos ensued: No one could see themselves in the mirror.
Perhaps there were a handful of regulars that weren't musically inept. Unfortunately, the middle-aged ladies in the row before me did not fall within that category. Flailing arms that nearly brushed my face (How??), steps backwards instead of forward, and inconsistent travel distances puzzled me tremendously.
With the exception of a warmup of K-Pop classics from the 2009-2010 era, the session was officially declared the worst Zumba class in history. To make matters worse, the instructor swapped a cooldown and stretching session for an additional dance track, as per class request. Although I took matters into my own hands and conducted a comprehensive stretch before departing for the changeroom, the others evacuated instantly. Zumba was no more than a social club for them.
Poor rhythm and coordination aren't uncommon observations in any dance or Zumba class, however almost all participants can improve with time and diligence. Of the locations visited thus far, the North York crowd possessed the best beat awareness. Mississauga was passable on average, but the Markham group was downright atrocious. In a group of at least fifty, not a single person was on beat, and not a single move was clearly distinguishable. When the instructor gestured for the left and right sides of the class to face each other, only further chaos ensued: No one could see themselves in the mirror.
Perhaps there were a handful of regulars that weren't musically inept. Unfortunately, the middle-aged ladies in the row before me did not fall within that category. Flailing arms that nearly brushed my face (How??), steps backwards instead of forward, and inconsistent travel distances puzzled me tremendously.
With the exception of a warmup of K-Pop classics from the 2009-2010 era, the session was officially declared the worst Zumba class in history. To make matters worse, the instructor swapped a cooldown and stretching session for an additional dance track, as per class request. Although I took matters into my own hands and conducted a comprehensive stretch before departing for the changeroom, the others evacuated instantly. Zumba was no more than a social club for them.
 |  |
By the time I was stretched and ready to face the outside world once again, a handful of establishments were already nearing closing. Between Uniqlo at Markville and Phoenix Restaurant, we were only able to choose one of the two, given their 9 PM closing time. While en route, I deduced that, while Phoenix was unique to Markham, Uniqlo was not. I'd have the option of visiting the Japanese apparel shop at Square One or Eaton on a different day, but Phoenix would be geographically exclusive to the neighbourhood.
However, this decision would not be final. Should Phoenix see tremendous customer volumes, we'd likely need to pivot to another destination. And should this second choice eatery see later closing times, we'd be able to incorporate the Uniqlo stop after all.
However, this decision would not be final. Should Phoenix see tremendous customer volumes, we'd likely need to pivot to another destination. And should this second choice eatery see later closing times, we'd be able to incorporate the Uniqlo stop after all.
Our arrival confirmed plenty of available seating at the HK Café's Raymerville/McCowan location. As such, I'd lead my browsing partner around the corner of the plaza to assist in filming a dance cover. The process required scoping out an appropriate backdrop, along with a few practice takes to confirm appropriate angle and camera maneuvers.
We entered into the restaurant some 10-15 minutes later, sliding into a well-illuminated booth by the window. Similar to Café N One, the table saw several stains, albeit faint ones. In addition, the patent leather seats bore a telling sheen of grease. These grievances were nothing that a wet wipe could not amend, however.
We entered into the restaurant some 10-15 minutes later, sliding into a well-illuminated booth by the window. Similar to Café N One, the table saw several stains, albeit faint ones. In addition, the patent leather seats bore a telling sheen of grease. These grievances were nothing that a wet wipe could not amend, however.
 |  |
View the full album HERE !
Dilapidated paper booklets were placed before us, along with a laminated menu special: a Two Can Dine meal combo for $25.88. The sole caveat was that the offer required cash payment. Neither of us had carried sufficient physical funds for the east end outing. My desired Ox Tongue Spaghetti did not fall within the combo lineup, although my browsing partner's go-to choice of Baked Beef Bolognese Spaghetti did. Thinking quickly, I resolved to zip off to the nearest bank. Traffic volumes were atypically forgiving, enabling an extremely speedy, ten-minute round trip.
 |  |
Our beverage picks of Red Bean Ice (紅豆冰) had already arrived by this point. Layered within the two plastic cups were a barely sweetened, chunky red bean paste, evaporated milk, and a bountiful portion of ice. Interestingly, each cup saw drastically dissimilar ratios of red bean paste and ice. While my cup consisted of finer shards of ice and a greater quantity of evaporated milk than red bean, my browsing partner's cup featured a sizable mass of ice, minimal evaporated milk, and nearly a half cup's worth of red bean.
The Baked Beef Bolognese with Spaghetti (焗肉醬意粉) was a gargantuan portion of tangy minced meat sauce over predominantly soft - and intensely yellow - spaghetti noodles. The surface was charred slightly, contributing textural variance to the otherwise wholly uniform composition.
My choice of the Pork Chop Cutlet & Egg on Rice (吉列豬排滑蛋蓋飯) arrived in stone pot, rather than the ceramic dish I had been expecting. Though I hadn't been hankering for katsu, the decision had arose from my preference for scrambled eggs over fried eggs. The dish appeared to draw inspiration from Japanese home cooking, adopting Oyakodon elements as plenty of soft, sweet egg, sautéed onions, and an abundance of shredded nori and sesame seeds to top. Unfortunately, the katsu was downright disappointing: the panko layer was oddly thick, while the meat was rigid and tough, as if deep-fried from frozen.
The stone pot preserved the temperature of the dish over the course of the meal. With the first bite, I had already scalded the roof of my mouth. Heat retention hardly dissipated as I dug deeper into the underlying layers, causing me to steal forkfuls of Beef Bolognese Spaghetti for the time being.
The stone pot preserved the temperature of the dish over the course of the meal. With the first bite, I had already scalded the roof of my mouth. Heat retention hardly dissipated as I dug deeper into the underlying layers, causing me to steal forkfuls of Beef Bolognese Spaghetti for the time being.
 |  |
Around the 8:45 PM mark, one of the waitresses carefully slid the bill towards us, noting their closing time of 9 PM. From that moment onwards, we hurried to either deplete our meals or transfer them to takeout containers for the trip home. Spoons were removed from the Red Bean Ice, and lid provided. Service had been friendly for the most part, though not particularly diligent. The wet wipe I had used to clean the table and booth remained in the same position for the entire meal; napkins used to mop up spilled evaporated milk would later join the wipe in a pile on the table - unattended instead of being removed.
Bathrooms were clean, as I visited the stall just as the restaurant was closing. That said, it posed a tragic design flaw, with the toilets being awfully close to the door. One could barely close the door without shifting oneself against the wastebin, stall wall, or toilet paper dispenser.
Bathrooms were clean, as I visited the stall just as the restaurant was closing. That said, it posed a tragic design flaw, with the toilets being awfully close to the door. One could barely close the door without shifting oneself against the wastebin, stall wall, or toilet paper dispenser.
In an attempt to walk off feelings of fullness, we proceeded to T&T. Once my browsing partner voiced interest in perusing the Langham Square outpost, I immediately routed south along Kennedy.
We found parking easily within the underground garage, then proceeded up to the retail floors. The building was evidently still recovering from its ghastly leak some few weeks ago. Most of the first floor had been covered with cardboard, while wooden panels had been erected about areas of damage.
We found parking easily within the underground garage, then proceeded up to the retail floors. The building was evidently still recovering from its ghastly leak some few weeks ago. Most of the first floor had been covered with cardboard, while wooden panels had been erected about areas of damage.
 |  |
Browsing every aisle in existence is the typical route of my browsing partner. This trip was surely no exception.
 |  |
 |  |
Of course, the trip would not be complete without thorough investigation of the upper level as well.
Personally, the second floor held absolutely no roaming value. Between art classes for children, games and hobbies stores, and surprisingly clean bathroom facilities, there was simply a shortage of POIs.
 |  |
At half past midnight, I finally dropped off my browsing partner and returned to my humble abode. Interactions with Larry (& co.) had been missed direly.
RSS Feed