Out & About #1108 | MeNami, Jinyoung's Photoism + Canergy Pilates

The North York outing with my former colleague was scheduled about two weeks in advance. Lunch at MeNami was somewhat confirmed; meanwhile, I struggled to secure a trial pilates class in the vicinity.

Studio Le Ciel had been on my radar since leaving Dal Pilates, but despite my many attempts to contact them, all efforts were in vain. The online booking system appeared to close bookings 24 hours in advance of the desired slot, making next-day appointments impossible. Reaching out to the business via social media did not earn me a response - they didn't even read the message! - and calls were all sent to voicemail. Eventually, I decided on simply walking up to their studio door.

I had hopped on the highway with my exercise clothes in tow, and suggested my former colleague to do the same. We were both accepting of fluid outing agendas, despite my recent discovery of those that were gravely opposed to the concept.
Turning into a nearby Green P lot, I dashed out of my car towards Studio Le Ciel's 2nd floor location. The light appeared to be on, but the door was locked. Signage on the door notified visitors that the office would be locked unless more than one instructor was on site. Any interested patrons were to send an email inquiry instead. Admittedly, email was the sole method of contact I had not exercised. Regardless, for a business to be consistently unavailable online, via phone, and in person was ridiculous. The single easiest way to lose support is being unreachable to even potential clients. I cannot fathom the frustration I would experience as a paying member.

​A number of pilates studios have popped up around North York, however many were unfortunately closed on Sundays. A quick search and I landed on Canergy Pilates on Spring Garden Avenue. Without a moment's hesitation, I called the posted number and inquired whether a semi-private session was available later in the day, at either 3 or 4 PM. Extremely pleased was I to hear that a 3:50 PM session was open for last-minute booking.
The lady over the phone did not confirm my name, but sent instructions via text shortly after the call. Two numbered guides detailed the entrance to the studio, as well as parking details at the rear of the building.

I then sped over to MeNami for a scheduled tasting experience at 1 PM.

The generous invitation had been extended back in June, when I was contacted as one of the winners of a ten-year anniversary giveaway. While I had declined the offer initially out of fear that I'd be required to make the grueling trek on a weeknight evening, the team graciously accommodated my request for a Sunday afternoon after Summerlicious had concluded.

​It was unclear to me how the tasting experience would unfold, but the waitress was kind enough to explain the list of items we would be entitled to receive:

• 2 appetizers
• 2 mains
• 2 cocktails (!)
• 2 desserts

Naturally, the mention of cocktails caught us by surprise. Alcohol was generally excluded from any and all promotions. However, it was indeed confirmed to assume part of the lineup.

"How did you score this?!" my dining partner leaned over and whispered from across the table.
"I don't even know!" came my equally bewildered reply.

View the full album HERE !

Our cocktail picks were Fairy Tale and Ume no Pooh.
I had been intrigued by the inclusion of osmanthus, which appeared to be an ingredient of rising popularity as of late. Flawless in presentation, refreshing and bubbly in nature, and accentuated with floral undertones, Fairy Tale was indeed the perfect pick.

Ume no Pooh was accompanied an identical slice of dried citrus, but with the addition of a martini glass rimmed with Demarara, or some form of its distant cousin. This concoction was not sampled, though I was informed of its sweet, honeyed nature, as the name had implied.

​Appetizers of Torched Salmon Tataki and MeNami's signature Corn Kakiage were up next. Delighted reactions surrounded the slices of delicately seared slices. Phenomenal in all aspects, we both marvelled at the medley of textures boasted by a single source of protein. Pickled radish and spring mix salad provided a fresh contrast, while acidic and pungent condiments of lemon, balsamic soy, and wasabi further enhanced the salmon's glorious texture. I had mistaken the base to be ponzu at first, but remarked on the atypically viscous consistency. Pairing balsamic and soy was indeed inventive.

​The Corn Kakiage was, admittedly, a bit tacky for our liking. The exterior was crisp and the honey butter mayo splendid, however gumminess was detected at its core. Neither of us could pinpoint the cause: it could have been owed to excess moisture in the batter, utilizing too much batter, using a greater quantity of flour than cornstarch, or other. Inadequacy of fryer temperature was improbable, for the golf ball-sized bulbs were perfectly golden and aromatic, and strikingly devoid of excess grease.

As a lover of cold noodles, the seasonal offering of Cold Soup Soba Noodles was irresistible. In the face of dreadful summer heat, my appetite was piqued by neither steaming hot bowls of udon nor creamy pastas. MeNami's expansion beyond udon was a welcome surprise, for their origins had adhered to the singular variety of homemade flour noodles. Between choices of tonkatsu and assorted tempura, I was inclined to the comparatively iron-rich option.

​Grated daikon, cucumber slivers, and an umami-rich soy broth infused with tenkasu and seaweed was a welcome sight. I was less than excited about the hard-boiled egg, but was grateful to observe its lack of a grey border along the solidified (double) yolk. Excitedly raising my chopsticks, I dove into the toothsome noodles and found bliss.

Of course, my stomach capacity rapidly depreciated. I managed about half the bowl before decelerating. The nearby katsu strips were sampled in conjunction with the soba, occasionally dipped into the cold, shoyu-style broth before biting. Amazingly, the exterior did not soften upon contact with liquid. The breading remained intact, supported by the rigidity of the encased flesh. It was a somewhat lean cut of pork, with fat and flesh clearly detectable in its cross-section.

​Meanwhile, the Yaki Niku Soup Udon across me was quite the showstopper. Addictively smoky was the broth; succulent strips of marinated, fatty beef and bouncy udon paired fantastically with the indulgent base. Had it not been exceptionally toasty enough within the restaurant, I would have enjoyed this dish a hundred times more. The first few bites resulted in fogged glasses and instantaneous perspiration. Only by pacing myself did I succeed in depleting my stolen sampling serving without fear of excessive warmth and sweaty treads.

​Although I was far from finishing my requested Cold Soba, we would not be omitting dessert. A duo of Green Tea Japanese Cheesecake and Blueberry Crème Brûlée concluded the meal.

Despite elimination of a graham cracker crust, the depicted "Japanese Cheese Cake" leaned closer to a New York Cheesecake by way of density. Boasting creaminess with a mild hint of green tea, the slice was undeniably substantial and indulgent - a distinguishable deviation from the airiness advocated by soufflé cheesecake.

Fragments of strawberry Peppero served as garnish, while icing sugar and a questionable red syrup supported the plating. I've never been one to enjoy artificial profiles, but the red syrup was, without a doubt, the worst of them all. It mimicked the viscosity, hue, and even general tasting notes of cherry-flavoured cough syrup. My former colleague had been kind enough to scrape off the sticky streaks for my  ̶s̶a̶n̶i̶t̶y̶ benefit, which was a grander gesture than fathomable.
Enjoyment had ceased upon discovery of the cough syrup drizzle; the Cheese Cake was unmistakably tastier in its absence.

Presentation of the Blueberry Crème Brûlée in the menu list had incited recollections of complimentary crème brûlée cups at AYCE J-BBQ, effectively steering me in the opposite direction. I was glad that my dining partner had begged to differ, as it allowed for discovery of a beautifully uniform layer of torched sugar and its corresponding propagations.

​While the custard alone was forgettable, the inclusion of blueberries at the bottom of the shallow dish was an amusing, unexpected twist. The variance in colour and consistency caused a yelp of enthusiasm; the incorporation of real fruit was a pleasant surprise.

Since my last visit two years ago, I had been unsure of future visits. The tasting invitation had bestowed an opportunity to re-familiarize myself with MeNami's offerings, new and old. Over the course of the restaurant's ten-year journey, it suffices to say that many changes have taken place with regard to concept and business model. The interior has altered minimally, save the addition of a wooden screen to delineate between the bar seating and kitchen prep area. The washrooms now feature stickier floors and arguably grimier interiors. That said, the assortment of sustenance remains true to their core identity: Japanese fusion with flair. Also noteworthy are the upgraded cocktails and sake/plum wine flights.

Next up on the agenda was a stopover at photoism. We proceeded separately, as my former colleague decided on relocating towards the TTC commuter lot to avoid parking meter fees.

I happily strolled past H Mart - which now serves bingsoo?? - then crossed over to the west side of Yonge. It dawned on me that Hama Film boasted not one, but two locations in North York. On the other hand, photoism was a standalone booth that operated out of other entertainment establishments. In the case of the Yonge/Finch outpost, the establishment was Claw Me Baby.

​Making the most of my solo venture downtime, I immediately dove behind the curtain in search of Jinyoung's frame.

​K-Pop idol frames were likely intended for individual photos, for users would receive one 4-piece photo strip and one idol-only "photocard". Each of the limited frames rang in at a whopping twenty dollars. Payment was mandated in cash, though visitors had the option of paying by credit card at the Claw Me Baby cashier, subject to HST.
Standard frames were a reasonable ten dollars, just like Hama Film. Unfortunately, I only later learned that the machine was incapable of processing change. Any bill payments greater than the required amount would require the user to send a message to photoism's social media page requesting reimbursement via e-transfer. A hassle it was, but I was grateful for the prompt responses of the social media team.

​I will admit: using a photobooth alone was an incredibly foreign experience. More often than note, the activity is executed in the presence of friends. Contributing a further layer of difficulty was posing with Jinyoung's frame in a natural manner. Visitors were allowed two chances per pose, but one must reposition themselves quickly as a 10-second timer counted down immediately after each photo was taken.

Filters could be added to the photos afterwards. Though I refrained from such edits, their application may have neutralized the exposure levels of the photobooth flash.

My former colleague and I also tried our hand at a series of head accessory-adorned poses afterwards. In observing the interaction, the Claw Me Baby staff provided us with complimentary plastic casings to preserve the strips.

Then, at the 3:35 PM mark, we were due to head towards Canergy Pilates.

Instructions provided via text assisted tremendously in locating the parking area and studio entrance. A significant portion of the rear lot was obstructed by construction fencing, leaving just one spot available for use. I hastily backed into the spot before we rushed to locate the entrance on Spring Garden.

Upon our arrival on the second floor, the studio operator confirmed the booking and advised us to complete the waiver, gesturing to a printed piece of paper taped to the wall. Amidst our population of the waiver fields, the lady guided us down the hallway towards a second room. It would appear that Canergy operated similarly to Star Dance, wherein businesses had procured several units to operate as individual classrooms. One unit assumed the check-in area and group class area, while another room enabled semi-private and private classes.

​No shoes were allowed within studio. Clients could store shoes in the cubbies outside and use the provided slippers, or opt to go barefoot.
The semi-private and private room housed an equipment storage room that doubled as a change room. For bathroom facilities, all customers were redirected to the gender-separated single stalls shared by all users of the commercial building. As there was no key provided, the door was propped open using a container of unlabelled cleaning agent (WHMIS!!) to prevent automatically locking upon closure.
I resorted to changing in the communal stall while my former colleague used the changeroom, but referring to the facility was merely "dirty" was a tragic understatement. Revolting was the toilet and the spray of feces on the lid. Thick clumps of dust accumulated in the corners, the sink was spotty, and the garbage bin creaky and overflowing. A sturdy hook on the back of the door and an abundance of toilet paper/brown paper towels were the sole silver linings.

Our instructor Atousa was very friendly and gentle, and made sure to check in with us and encouraged us to rest whenever necessary. She was soft-spoken but clear in her directions; a K-pop/pop playlist quietly played in the background throughout our session - a remarkable deviation from the silence of Korean-operated studios.

Unlike in my Dal Pilates trial, she refrained from using complex terminology, such as "imprint" or "tabletop", however did use "neutral spine" and assist with imagery-inducing prompts ("lengthen", "crown of the head drawing towards the ceiling", "hip pulling back", etc.). Another deviation from the Korean studios was the absence of an initial analysis. Rather than seating us down for a comprehensive review of past injuries, body alignment, and fitness goals, our verbal response was sufficient in getting her started. Without a notebook in hand, it would appear that the first session proceeded in an omakase manner, with the instructor adjusting as necessary using the Chair and Reformer accordingly. Of course, I could be mistaken and the entire routine had been meticulously planned out and etched in her mind for execution. Regardless, the class proceeded in a seamless flow state.

Exercises performed included:

1) Core engagement using the Chair
The starting sequence involved sitting on the Chair with both feet placed on pedals. The spine was kept straight while the legs were extended to push down on the pedals, to which light springs were affixed. Arms were outstretched but maintained a small bend in the elbow; hands gently pressed against the padded sections of a Flex Lite ring to ensure upright posture.

Next was rotating the ring such that the padded part would be pressed against our diaphragm area. We would continue pressing the pedal down with the feet in both "first position" (turnout) and parallel.

Then, the ring was held in the hands once more and only one foot would push down on the pedal while the other leg was lifted, foot pointed for quad engagement. Trunk rotations would follow.

2) Standing lower body using the Chair
We would then transition to standing exercises using the Chair. Warm-ups involved pressing down on the pedal with one foot while the other remained planted on the ground. As those possessing flat feet, we were instructed to press down not only through the heel of the foot but the outer edge as well.
The exercise transitioned to incorporating a greater range of motion and lifting the body up onto the Chair for elevated lunges. At this point, the instructor made a number of pelvis and hip corrections - the very crucial element I missed from guided sessions!

3) Fundamental core on the Reformer
The height of Canergy's Reformer was interestingly lower than that of other studios. It also omitted the tower portion.
With the hands fed through the tension straps, we proceeded through a beginner core series comprising of curl ups, tricep press downs, hundreds, and tabletop twist crunches, where the opposite hand would reach between the legs as one curled to the side. Ie. Left hand between the legs while twisting to the right. The right hand would reach to the outside of the right thigh.

4) Back and posture exercises on the Chair
Returning to the Chair, I was intrigued when the Long Box exercises with which I had been acquainted were adapted using the shorter platform. Lying stomach down on the Chair platform, hands pressed against pedals while the upper body was lifted. Due to the smaller platform, it was pivotal that the pelvis pressed down to support movement of the upper body and lifted quads ("energy through the legs and feet".)

The intense upper body sequence took my former colleague by surprise, so we added a standing cat cow before continuing with the other side. The instructor advised not to strain the neck during articulation, but allow the neck to follow movement of the spine.

5) Inner thigh work on the Chair
Standing on the side of the chair, legs were placed in turnout position for elevated, concentrated pliés squats. The instructor corrected my hip alignment, allowing me to shift weight back onto the standing leg and work with proper alignment. Legs were maintained in a turnout position, with form notes of knees tracking over the middle toes.

6) Upper body/posture work on the Reformer
Sitting atop the Short Box with hands fed through the tension straps or holding onto the corded portion of the straps, we proceeded with bicep curls, pull-backs, and rolldowns. The instructor opted to use a lighter spring for me for the last exercise, as the lack of tension would prove more challenging. We received very good reminders to "squeeze the back, like cracking a walnut", but also release after each rep. The release portion, executed in conjunction with pilates breathing, is an aspect that ought be incorporated into my own at-home practice to effectively train mobility of the upper back muscles and prevent cramping.
Admittedly, I was slightly surprised when pulses were not commanded, but the instructor chuckled and affirmed us that she "wouldn't be 'mean' on the first class". Ha!

7) Glutes and thighs on Reformer
Standing parallel to the Reformer with one foot in turnout position and the other pressed against the shoulder rest, we furthered inner thigh engagement by bending the knee of the standing leg to push the Carriage out, then returning to the starting position by extending the standing leg. The aim was to keep the foot on the Carriage relatively light while shifting majority of the weight onto the standing leg. A variation of this move involved keeping the knee of the standing leg bent and merely bending and extending the leg on the Reformer. We were told that allowing the knees to bend slightly (not keeping a 90 deg angle) was fine and actually a natural movement, but knees passing over toes was not acceptable. Even with light springs, the exercise was incredibly effective in targeting the inner and outer thighs.

Bridges on the Reformer were up next. With the middle of the foot ("ball of the foot") placed against the footbar in the highest position and feet flexed, a series of bridges with articulation were conducted. There was emphasis on tucking the tailbone to engage glutes and prevent all work constituting hamstring fatigue. Both of us were reminded of mind-body connection as we maintained the elevated glute position to: i) alternate dropping of the hips while maintaining the position of the ribs ii) extending the legs to push the Carriage out and return.

The class concluded with mermaids and lunge stretches, with noticeable inner thigh tenderness when ascending and descending stairs. Our reserved slot commenced at 3:50 PM, but we ultimately finished at 5PM. This observation came as a surprise to me, since lessons in Korean studios always end sharply on time, regardless of clients starting late due to check-in and changing processes.

I recognized improved muscle engagement in the moments after the class. Major takeaways for me included:

• Ensuring that the standing leg bore majority of the weight during exercises that involved keeping the other leg mobile.
• This could be achieved by minimizing hip hike wherever applicable: lift right hip slightly when stabilizing on the left leg OR lower right hip when stabilizing on right leg. The proper alignment rendered quivers and, consequently, improved engagement of the correct muscle.
• Pressing down the outer edge of the foot as much as the inner edge to combat flat feet. While this was not done during the class, a light resistance band around the ankles could serve as a reminder to provide a similar effect.
• Working the upper and mid back comprehensively when executing pullbacks or chest expansions, but remembering to relax after each rep. Too often do the muscles become tense and lose mobility when maintained in the contracted position.
• Allowing the head and neck to follow the articulation of the spine during cat cows, rather than leading with the head or curving the upper body excessively.

At the end of our session, I bid farewell to a "sunbleached" Sulley and proposed late afternoon snacking rounds.

Don't Yell At Me was the first stop.

The proposal was entirely mine, of course. A Green Grape Coconut Bloom wound its way into my hands. Although the peculiar tangy-creamy nature of the concoction had initially caught me off guard, the formula was oddly intriguing, eventually prompting a second sampling.

Coconut Milk Coffee Latte was the choice of my former colleague. Needless to say, there wasn't a sigh of disappointment in the air - except, maybe mine when I learned that the branded cap could no longer be purchased.

The Night Baker has long been dismissed from my roster of covetable POIs. We stopped by their uptown outpost, though I refrained from their ultra sugary creations.

Salt Bread from LUNA was the last stop. By the early evening hour though, majority of the café's offerings had sold out. While I climbed towards the second floor bathroom, my former colleague procured a Gorgonzola Rice Scone for pre-supper munching.

The specimen was offered for my evaluation: While cheesy within, the coarse sugar topping was horribly off-putting - just like the caramelized sugar surface of Tous Les Jours' Shrimp Omelette Toast. ​The consensus was that savoury pastries ought remain in their lane.

We parted ways just short of 7 PM, each with our own evening routines to tend to. Traffic volumes were forgiving at the late hour, though humidity persisted until sundown. The late Sunday return undoubtedly made for an exhausting start to the ceaselessly depressing work week.