Out & About #1037 | IKEA Hej Days, Red Sail Boat Bakery + Pacific Mall

Even before embarking on the day, I knew a strenuous schedule lay in store for me.

Adorning ahga-attire was mandatory. Of my many merchandise tees on hand, I sought out comfort in my thoroughly worn Eyes on You t-shirt, pairing jeans and sneakers to account for the round of errands that would precede the concert. BamBam's AREA 52 cap, the beaded Jinyoung bracelet from my coworker, and asymmetrical feather earrings would seal the look. I was now ready.

​The Thai ahgase and I had agreed on a 12 PM meet-up at Yorkdale.

While I departed late but arrived sooner than expected, she was not only late but further requested stopping for Starbucks before continuing. Despite my ceaseless concerns of the kiosk being amongst the slowest of all locations, she insisted on coffee. Meanwhile, my plans for us to collectively obtain coffee from IKEA would be delayed/dismissed. Lo and behold: the Starbucks app estimate was wrong and we hovered about the kiosk for an additional seven minutes before gradually descending back to the parking garage

​When the drink was finally delivered, I asked the barista for an empty cup, causing him to glance over at the Thai ahgase's drink, thinking that we'd be sharing the drink. He warily handed me a Tall cup, to which I grimaced but did not pry further on the basis of time. Frankly, the size assumption was not appreciated; other locations would hand you a Grande cup in the case of water requests or ask whether a preferred cup size exists.

Yorkdale was a driving monstrosity for those that do not frequent the area. Departing the garage, I realized that the 401 on ramps had changed location. Detouring about Dufferin, I eventually found my way towards Sheppard and continued to IKEA on local roads.

​September 22nd, which coincided with Jinyoung's birthday, would mark the third and final instance of the Swedish homeware store's Hej Days promotions.

Truth be told: I was none too keen about back-to-back weekend visits. However, I was irritated that the items I had just purchased had gone on sale! Hej Days was, in essence, both an instigator and act of redemption for more Rykta bins.

Outside the store was a spin the wheel activity. I queued immediately, causing the Thai ahgase to respond in surprise: "I thought we were in a rush."
"Well if you knew, why get Starbucks at that location?!" I thought with exasperation. Instead, I inserted with, "Yes, but we can do this. Also, the line is moving quickly." Because time management is not merely about hurrying, but rather gauging and prioritizing tasks based on in-situ circumstances, and adjusting as necessary.

Participants would be required to show staff one's IKEA Family membership to spin the wheel. Prizes would range between IKEA gift cards to wooden hangers to small, reusable totes - the rainbow edition, likely left over from Pride - and other knickknacks that probably didn't sell well. The Thai ahgase received a beige hand towel. Meanwhile, I received a flimsy sign that read "home" in simple, black cursive. Absolutely appalled, I requested a trade and ultimately departed with a duo of thin, flimsy cutting boards that I'd likely use for photo backdrops or as small placemats.

​Naturally, the inside of the store was horrifically chaotic due to the sale. Downloading the IKEA app in advance had constituted a wonderful decision on my part. It enabled my handful of Rykta bins to be scanned in advance such that we could breeze through the self-scan without enduring the tragic queue.

​Besides 15% promotions off most products, food items would also be relishing in an identical promotion. This would translate to a similarly long lineup at the upper level Swedish Restaurant that only grew lengthier with time.

​​By 1 PM, most cakes and ready-to-eat items had vanished from the shelves, along with garlic bread. We waited about twenty minutes to reach the order counter, then departed with two trays in the tiered pushcart. Much to my dismay, we had just missed the refills for Garlic Bread and cake, for those after us were spotted with a variety of add-on items.

The Thai ahgase did not express much interest in sharing food, nor an automatic "divide and conquer" response at seeing the ratio of diners to available seating. Most parties had split up to reserve seating, though we had not, thus resulting in a tedious search for a decent (read: not filthy) seat. Truth be told: the bar seats are ideal as it promises fixed separation distances from the adjacent tables and absolute elimination of children in the vicinity. Going to IKEA had apparently become a family outing that day.

​I was none too keen on egg salad nor meatballs, having sampled them both at home recently. The strictly average Salmon dish had also been tasted just last week.

Haddock and Chips was sought out instead, and surprisingly good for cafeteria-style fare. I thoroughly enjoyed the battered fillets more than McDonald's Filet-O-Fish. The fries were amazingly crunchy on the exterior, though too dry and bland to be eaten without sauce. Creamy and delicious was the tartar sauce, albeit its absence of pickles.

Supplementing my meal was a small salad, from which I removed the rings of raw red onion, and a single Vegetable Medallion. While I had hoped my offer to share would assist to exhaust my spread, the Thai ahgase took a teensy forkful before concluding distaste for its supposed garlic seasoning. I've never thought much about the Medallion's seasonings, save that it was usually too salty when reheated at home. In the end, I succeeded in depleting half the platter and was forced to discard the rest in the absence of containers on hand.

The Thai ahgase would remain parked at her seat while I made several trips between our table and the condiment/drink station. Meandering about a wealth of spills, I summoned my Starbucks cup to make iced coffee to fuel the rest of the afternoon. Unfortunately, it was a tad milky for my liking.
By the time of our departure around 2 PM, the lineup for the Swedish Restaurant extended past the entryway into the Showroom. Slippery bathroom floors were also not uncommon given the incredulous number of visitors in a single hour.

​Next up would be Red Sail Boat Bakery. Situated in a relatively unassuming plaza at Finch and Warden, I hadn't anticipated much from the Reddit-recommended destination. Reviews had rendered the establishment to seem dingy like Fragrant. 
In reality, it was several notches more visually appealing. The plaza looed to have undergone a major facelift, with vibrant shop signage and even a recently paved asphalt lot.
Red Sail Boat Bakery boasted an array of classic Chinese buns and pastries within, along with a handful of tables for dine-in. 

​Items with pink signs were priced at 6 for $11, simultaneously meeting the usual criteria of Buy 6, No Tax. Between the two of us, we managed to fill the plastic tray with buns and egg tarts. Many of the buns were piping hot, and not sealed within their plastic packaging as a consequence. This was an interesting observation, for Chinese bakeries rarely continue baking into the afternoon. (By 2 PM, Akko is usually devoid of their best sellers!)

The staff were fairly young, friendly, and spoke English to majority of the patrons. 

​Egg tarts were placed in paper bags, while buns in soft plastic sleeves - unsealed for as per the earlier explanation. Complimentary plastic bags were provided, much to my delight.

​By the cashier was a price list for birthday cakes of various sizes, which were found quite reasonable
Spotted by the cashier were loaded fruit tarts in a refrigerated display case and a price list index for birthday cakes - very reasonable given T&T prices as of late. 

There had been only one Pineapple Bun residing on the shelf at our time of visit. Three buns were observed set aside for another customer's 3 PM pickup.
Taking note that the 6 for $11 deal was limited to 2 Pineapple BBQ Pork Buns, we wondered whether the item was the best seller, or whether it was due to its higher price ($2.40 vs. $2.20).

​The verdict would later align with gustatory supremacy, albeit susceptibility to surface char when reheating.

​Overall, Red Sail Boat Bakery was much brighter and cleaner than expected. One could argue that the buns are priced rather steeply at over $2 per bun, though the 6 for $11 deal is an exceptional deal. A drink menu is also available, though we did not sample the selection.

​Subsequent plans involved continuing north towards Pacific Mall. By this point, I could no longer stomach the too-milky coffee, promptly discarding it in the mall.

Stops were made at  M Brand and Ichiban Living on the basement level. Since my last visit, the retailer raised their prices to $2.89 per item! OOMOMO was now cheaper in contrast, and further offered the benefits of payment by card and a nationwide loyalty program.
In the end, I could not find my items of interest, save a twist lock cylindrical container for beading. Let it be known that quality of such goods have plummeted over the years: now they squeak!

After returning the haul to the car, we headed up to the second floor.

I had my heart set on the Pandan Egg Waffles at Tung Tung. Meanwhile, the Thai ahgase sought out takoyaki from a tiny stall with an impossibly long order pickup line. I handed her twelve dollars, then conducted a lap around the food court. As expected, the bathrooms were cramped, revolting, and warm. In hindsight, I could have headed down to the basement level and returned without remorse, for the Thai ahgase's order took a century. Frustratingly, there was also no inclination whatsoever to improve efficiency by allowing me to obtain a Watermelon Slush for her while she waited.

​My own snack stopover at Tung Tung was brief, as it usually is. In spite of the $5 Pandan Egg Waffles being made to order, the wait barely spanned more than a few minutes. The eggettes had emerged bearing a prominent shade of green, though minimal pandan essence could be discerned. I did, however, enjoy the phenomenal crispy exterior and chewy hints of coconut shreds.

With about 90 minutes till the start of SVIP entry, I proposed stopping at a nearby park first. Heading early had been the wise decision, for a missed turn onto Ellesmere led to a grueling loop about Kennedy and its single lane congestion travesty.

​​​Confederation Park offered plenty of parking in addition to picnic tables for the Thai ahgase to wrap up takoyaki consumption and impromptu letter-binding activities. Meanwhile, I sat across, observing the scene and ranting away (as I often do). Centennial Recreation Centre served to provide clean bathrooms for public use. Then we set off.

Read Part 2 HERE !