Out & About #1158 | ROM, ChaTruMue + Yukimi Donburi

Read Part 1 HERE !

​We found clooodles then browsed the Eaton Centre for a while longer, patiently awaiting the arrival of a Lion Dance outside Simons. When neither drums nor lions were observed even thirty minutes past the specified start time, I made the decisive choice to head towards ROM before losing more time.

​Line 1 whisked us towards Museum station in fifteen minutes. Consequently, we stepped foot into the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit by 3:10 PM.

​I was initially perplexed to see that the exhibit had been relocated to the fourth floor from the third. Navigating the corridors in high traffic was arguably easier, though the space did not allow for maximization of the photos on display. Furthermore, the dim environment and lightbox-backed descriptions accompanying each image rendered the text impossibly hard to read.

Albeit the grander display, I found the exhibit less enthralling than past years given the reduction in photo count and higher number of visiting bodies.

​The Crawford Lake exhibit was another POI of mine. While my browsing partner had warned me of its minor scale beforehand, my excitement had not waned.

Its location within the European Rotating Exhibitions space was peculiar and unfitting, for I had believed nature-related installations to best suit the second floor. Spanning no more than one room, the content was indeed found to be forgettable and remarkably commonplace. Stepping foot into the exhibit was less informative than undertaking a hike within the GTA.

We both expressed interest in the upcoming Shokkan exhibit, currently scheduled for opening on April 4, 2026 as per the Royal Ontario Museum's website.

Before departing, I conducted a swift tour about the first floor First Peoples Art & Culture exhibit.

​Our ROM stopover concluded sooner than expected, which paved the way for further exploration west of the downtown core. I led the way to photoism first. Then we retraced our steps towards U of T grounds.

The journey by foot led to a number of personal recollections, none of which were collectively shared. While my browsing partner reminisced about convocation days and boarding the inter-campus shuttle, I recalled sweltering cycling trips and perusal of eateries in the vicinity.

​In due time, we arrived at ChaTruMue. Considering that Thai cuisine has the potential to pose health risks, a dedicated Thai Tea establishment was deemed the safest method of enjoying Thai Tea together.

The Toronto flagship incorporated two ordering kiosks, separated seating areas, and wall-side merchandise display in a narrow space. Mirrors were used to give the illusion of spaciousness.

Originally, I was most curious about the merchandise. After reviewing their on-site prices though, I was discouraged from making any purchases. ChaTruMue had labelled their Green Tea Mix at $8.75, whereas I had obtained an identical bag from T&T for just $6.99! The outpost carried drink mixes and canvas tote bags as well, though none were intriguing enough to spark withdrawal of the wallet.

​The pair of kiosks by the entrance facilitated order placement, however any special requests would require involvement of the cashier. By default, the Original Thai Tea was served iced. Hot variations could be requested at the cashier and automatically rang in as a Regular cup priced at six dollars. The cashier recommended 100% sweetness, noting that 70% was the "absolute lowest" recommendation as the tea was described to be "strong". I adhered accordingly, further adding Brown Sugar Konjac for ninety-five cents more.

Within minutes, my order number was called out. The barista, a middle-aged Caucasian man, warned that the drink was "extremely hot". Neither my browsing partner nor I agreed. I didn't even scald my tongue! If anything, the tea appeared to be oversteeped, causing astringency to prevail. That said, the tea was splendidly smooth and not overly milky.

The Brown Sugar Konjac floated on the drink's surface instead of sinking. In other words, the pieces could be consumed without a straw. The topping did not contribute extra sweetness to the beverage, nor any remarkable impact whatsoever. Although economically reasonable, I'd recommend skipping the topping altogether.

Dusk began to set around 6 PM. Once the Thai Tea had been depleted, a leisurely stroll through Kensington Market would follow.

​To fulfill my browsing partner's longtime desire to explore Chinatown Centre, we continued the saunter along Spadina. I led the way into Dragon City Centre, then Chinatown Centre. Both were impossibly quiet during the early evening hours.

​Chinatown Centre, in particular, was deserted. A handful of vendors were present, either offering haircutting services or retailing pajamas at 2010 prices.

Slowly but surely, we arrived at my supper suggestion at 7 PM.

Yukimi Donburi had replaced Midori Ramen's short-lived stint at Queen and Spadina. Its earliest Google reviews date back to three months ago, confirming the establishment to be a recent addition to the neighbourhood. 

​Alongside donburi, the double-sided menu also indicated availability of share-able small plates, udon, and curry. Orders were placed directly on the restaurant's online ordering platform via a QR code.

I hesitated not in pointing towards the Yukidon with Scallion & Onsen Egg, tacking on hot sake as well. My browsing partner sought out a Yuki Udon instead. Yuki Chicken, the eatery's homier rendition of karaage, sealed off the order.

A 150 ml portion of house sake set us (me) back $7.99. The name of the house sake was not revealed until the inquiry was posed to a member of staff. Instead of relaying the name to me though, she simply showed a photo of the box. I nodded in response to the name and thanked her for checking. 
Sho Chiku Bai's Kasen Gokai was delivered in a bamboo- and bonsai-decorated flask. Unlike Yuzuki, the flask was barely warm and did not require handling via a wooden crate. ​Regardless of its temperature, the transparent distilled liquor granted immediate gratification, soothing the depths of my soul. My browsing partner, notably less avid of a drinker, expressed positivity towards its easy drinking profile, an element that hadn't crossed my mind. In my eyes, sake was a beverage choice that simply paired well.

​Brimming with tender strips of simmered beef, the Yukidon with Scallion & Onsen Egg was quite possibly the most comforting meal I've tasted in ages. The generous portion of meat was unbelievable! Although the rice appeared dry at first, it quickly turned supple after mixing with the succulent beef strips and fresh, thinly sliced negi. The Onsen Egg was marvelous: a perfeclty set white encasing a gooey, golden yolk. It is worth noting that the yolk did not run, but exuded a soft-boiled consistency while preserving structural integrity.

Yuki Udon was an exemplary dish to showcase the essence of home-cooked meals. Featuring a blend of soy and dashi, the broth was spotless and could be described as "clean-tasting" yet simultaneously flavourful. The udon noodles were a bit soft (read: nearing mushiness) for my liking, though the sweet slivers of onion were tremendously enjoyable.

​Assuming a three-piece arrangement, Yuki Chicken offered the crunch of karaage with the fleshiness of roasted chicken thighs. The pieces were seasoned adequately with salt and pepper, then battered lightly to maintain extreme juiciness and tenderness. A few fatty bits were found within; nevertheless, the non-uniform chunks mainly comprised of flesh.

​The platter was served with a slice of lemon instead of a citrus wedge, as karaage often is, and liberal squeeze of mayo. Despite only constituting three pieces, Yuki Chicken was absolutely satisfying and plentiful in protein content.

​My browsing partner was quick to deplete the Yuki Udon, then subsequently the remaining 70% of my scrumptious Yukidon, sans Onsen Egg. I marveled at the sheer ability to consume 1.5 meals, for I had anticipated leftovers for the next day.

​Washrooms were located at the rear of the eatery, atop two steps and facing a welcoming bonsai- and stone-lined corridor. The two unisex stalls were clean to start, but gradually plummeted in terms of hygiene due to customer usage.

​Bidding Yukimi and its cozy setting farewell, we trekked back to Yonge/Dundas while braving the sudden drop in mercury levels.

Given the early start, our return to the mall was made before its 9 PM closure. A stopover at Simon's third-floor bathrooms was made before heading back home.

​A sudden snowfall accompanied our drive back.

​By the time I had concluded the day's adventure, the clock read 11 PM.

​The streets were a Christmas-y white once again.