Mother Nature has been exceedingly unpredictable this season, and a combined wind/rainstorm was the last thing residents of the GTA could have expected. My commute towards North York was once twenty minutes (736), but conditions on the 401 have long evolved since the pandemic days. I had readied myself to depart approximately ten minutes earlier than the week prior, only to be faced with an unexpectedly high number of collisions on the highway. Had I not pre-paid for pilates class, I would have turned around the moment Google Maps recommended a detour via Burnhamthorpe.
Driving conditions were indeed treacherous, wholly warranting the cancellation of outdoor activities. A heavy downpour in conjunction with forceful winds resulted in minimal visibility. Despite departing earlier, I ultimately arrived fifteen minutes later than the previous week - and ten minutes late to the class!
Driving conditions were indeed treacherous, wholly warranting the cancellation of outdoor activities. A heavy downpour in conjunction with forceful winds resulted in minimal visibility. Despite departing earlier, I ultimately arrived fifteen minutes later than the previous week - and ten minutes late to the class!
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Truth be told: I should have left earlier given the external conditions. Attempts to find parking at the rear of the studio were also in vain, for only two of six spaces had been allocated to studio customers and already occupied at the time of my tardy arrival. To make matters worse, the parking access was an impossibly narrow corridor measuring approximately 2.2 m wide (as per the latest aerial). Making a U-turn was out of the question, for even three-point turns constituted a tragic undertaking. Leaving the parking area was another mission in itself since it demanded a 90-degree egress path. This was, of course, assuming an absence of incoming traffic from Sheppard. In any case, I would earnestly advise against using the rear lot for safety reasons.
The sole foolproof solution was looping back to the east side of Beecroft, surrendering the hefty $5.75 hourly rate, and scurrying to the third floor studio.
After hurriedly reloading my Green P account, using the bathroom, and stuffing my belongings into the cubbies with an audibly anxious slam, I quickly darted towards the group class area and laid down on of the Reformers. This time, process of elimination led me to an SPX Max reformer - not that it mattered, for the day's sequence did not include exercises that would pose variances in difficulty based on one's distance from the ground.
I had missed the warm-up by the time I arrived and, by this point, the instructor had moved onto a core warm-up. Using one red spring, we were guided through curl-ups, scissors, and double leg stretches with hands in the tension straps. Form reminders included "curling up and looking at your stomach" to ensure that the head and neck were maintained in the correct positions. Frankly, I surprised myself by successfully executing the sequence with one red spring, given my post-badminton exhaustion levels. A pulse finisher awaited us at the end of the double leg stretches, which caused a knowing smile to creep up along the edges of my mouth and groans to emerge from fellow class participants.
The sole foolproof solution was looping back to the east side of Beecroft, surrendering the hefty $5.75 hourly rate, and scurrying to the third floor studio.
After hurriedly reloading my Green P account, using the bathroom, and stuffing my belongings into the cubbies with an audibly anxious slam, I quickly darted towards the group class area and laid down on of the Reformers. This time, process of elimination led me to an SPX Max reformer - not that it mattered, for the day's sequence did not include exercises that would pose variances in difficulty based on one's distance from the ground.
I had missed the warm-up by the time I arrived and, by this point, the instructor had moved onto a core warm-up. Using one red spring, we were guided through curl-ups, scissors, and double leg stretches with hands in the tension straps. Form reminders included "curling up and looking at your stomach" to ensure that the head and neck were maintained in the correct positions. Frankly, I surprised myself by successfully executing the sequence with one red spring, given my post-badminton exhaustion levels. A pulse finisher awaited us at the end of the double leg stretches, which caused a knowing smile to creep up along the edges of my mouth and groans to emerge from fellow class participants.
We then transitioned to a side-lying position with the head rested on a foam block on the head rest of the Carriage and the tension strap looped over the right foot. Press-backs and leg circles (in both directions, of course) served to engage the gluteus medius muscle. Continuing with the blue spring and the right foot in the strap, we transitioned to an all-fours position. Hands were placed outside of the shoulder rest as we performed a short series of bird dogs. Despite being familiar with the move, the tension-affixed variation was much harder than expected! The instructor reminded me "scoop the belly more" and also shifted my weight back slightly such that the hips were aligned with the knees.
I had observed this during my last visit as well: One of the downsides of Studio Le Ciel's group class area was the absence of mirrors for form checks. Having said that, the instructor was comprehensive in rectifying the form of all students in presence.
Some 8-10 reps of bird dog later, we were instructed to maintain the outstretched position for five seconds, preserving the lengthened arm at shoulder height and lifted leg at hip height. No number of repetitions of Well+Good's Back and Core Strengthening Workout could have prepared me for that moment. Obvious quivers were experienced for the first time in a long time.
Next up in the all-fours sequence were fire hydrants, again with one blue spring. One foot was kept in the tension strap, while the hands were placed on the shoulder rests. Given the hollow point between the shoulder rests, this alignment made for a challenging alternative to mat practice. Leg extensions with the lifted foot in turnout position followed; the sequence concluded with fire hydrant pulses, an exercise that saw many students jerk the knee as opposed to isolating the hip joint to keep the Carriage still.
The side-lying, all-fours, and fire hydrant sequence was then repeated on the other side.
I had observed this during my last visit as well: One of the downsides of Studio Le Ciel's group class area was the absence of mirrors for form checks. Having said that, the instructor was comprehensive in rectifying the form of all students in presence.
Some 8-10 reps of bird dog later, we were instructed to maintain the outstretched position for five seconds, preserving the lengthened arm at shoulder height and lifted leg at hip height. No number of repetitions of Well+Good's Back and Core Strengthening Workout could have prepared me for that moment. Obvious quivers were experienced for the first time in a long time.
Next up in the all-fours sequence were fire hydrants, again with one blue spring. One foot was kept in the tension strap, while the hands were placed on the shoulder rests. Given the hollow point between the shoulder rests, this alignment made for a challenging alternative to mat practice. Leg extensions with the lifted foot in turnout position followed; the sequence concluded with fire hydrant pulses, an exercise that saw many students jerk the knee as opposed to isolating the hip joint to keep the Carriage still.
The side-lying, all-fours, and fire hydrant sequence was then repeated on the other side.
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A few Pigeon stretches were weaved into the class for relief. Then, we obtained the platform extender for plank work. The instructor introduced the series by demonstrating the high plank. We were advised that forearms could be used in the case of aching wrists, I adhered to hands firstly for ease and secondly for improved range for pikes. The plank variations undertaken included:
The four other class participants struggled severely with side planks, likely eliminating a side plank hold to finish.
Upper body work involved switching back to one red spring - a shocking swap, to say in the least. Facing the Tower with knees positioned up against the shoulder rest, the tension straps were crossed to form an "X". We had the option of grasping the rope part of the pulley system or the padded handles, and sitting on one's ankles or in adopting an upright kneeling position. Originally, the instructor had offered us both kneeling options. When I opted to execute the moves in a high kneeling position, the instructor decided for the rest of the class to do the same, noting under her breath that it was a more challenging variation.
Once again, I had doubted my ability to execute the moves given my post-badminton soreness. Yet, I somehow still managed! Certain moves were modified accordingly by adding slack (using straps instead of rope) when the motion was too difficult to maintain at the specified range.
A Reformer version of "thread the needle", arm circles in both directions, and roll-downs assumed the cooldown. The end of class was met with the instructor distributing spray bottles for cleaning the Reformers and reinstating the foam blocks to an equipment trolley. It was during this process that I discovered the presence of Balanced Body reformers in addition to Merrithew's SPX Max and V2 MAX. The semi-private and private studios further housed Merrithew's Trapeze Table, Chair, and Ladder Barrel and Balanced Body's CoreAlign.
In spite of Studio Le Ciel's compact space, it was remarkable that each training area was clearly delineated with plenty of separation and efficient storage of equipment.
- all-fours with lifted knees to leg extensions into plank
- plank to pike
- plank hold (no more than 20 seconds)
- side plank crunches ("crunch side body more!")
The four other class participants struggled severely with side planks, likely eliminating a side plank hold to finish.
Upper body work involved switching back to one red spring - a shocking swap, to say in the least. Facing the Tower with knees positioned up against the shoulder rest, the tension straps were crossed to form an "X". We had the option of grasping the rope part of the pulley system or the padded handles, and sitting on one's ankles or in adopting an upright kneeling position. Originally, the instructor had offered us both kneeling options. When I opted to execute the moves in a high kneeling position, the instructor decided for the rest of the class to do the same, noting under her breath that it was a more challenging variation.
Once again, I had doubted my ability to execute the moves given my post-badminton soreness. Yet, I somehow still managed! Certain moves were modified accordingly by adding slack (using straps instead of rope) when the motion was too difficult to maintain at the specified range.
A Reformer version of "thread the needle", arm circles in both directions, and roll-downs assumed the cooldown. The end of class was met with the instructor distributing spray bottles for cleaning the Reformers and reinstating the foam blocks to an equipment trolley. It was during this process that I discovered the presence of Balanced Body reformers in addition to Merrithew's SPX Max and V2 MAX. The semi-private and private studios further housed Merrithew's Trapeze Table, Chair, and Ladder Barrel and Balanced Body's CoreAlign.
In spite of Studio Le Ciel's compact space, it was remarkable that each training area was clearly delineated with plenty of separation and efficient storage of equipment.
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Upon completion of my two Intro sessions, it was evident that I enjoyed the class, the instructor, and the studio facilities. Price aside, the parking situation is dreadful and the commute equally terrible.
Delving into the studio's website afterwards, I realized that each instructor's complete profile was readily accessible online, from education to linked PDFs of certification credentials! This approach was extremely transparent, to a shocking degree, and nearly made up for the owner's delayed response times to customer inquiries. All factors considered, my resolve remain undecided at this point in time.
Delving into the studio's website afterwards, I realized that each instructor's complete profile was readily accessible online, from education to linked PDFs of certification credentials! This approach was extremely transparent, to a shocking degree, and nearly made up for the owner's delayed response times to customer inquiries. All factors considered, my resolve remain undecided at this point in time.
Following my second (and last!) session at Studio Le Ciel, I had the option of heading directly into roaming nearby destinations participating in Doors Open. However, stopping first for lunch was the appropriate approach. I evaluated my options, along with the walking conditions, and decided on the nearby Chillax Eatery.
Routing to the destination via Yonge was ill-advised, for a left turn followed by another immediate left was a surefire way of inciting confusion for unsuspecting drivers behind. I opted instead for a southbound left on Sheppard followed by weaving through residential streets. This eventually emerged as the better alternative, for Chillax's "parking lot" housed no more than six numbered spaces for patrons. The adjacent lot, beyond being in dire need of resurfacing, was maintained by a different property owner and marked with hefty payment rates. And so, I exited through an equally crumbly asphalt lane towards Glendora Avenue. Heading eastward, unsigned street parking was located some 150 m east.
Upon attempting to exit my vehicle, the door slammed in my face: the winds were utterly unforgiving. A second, more forceful attempt succeeded; my trusty umbrella accompanied me on the miserable hike back up Glendora. With gusts ruthlessly whipping in my face, I silently debated whether the venture was worth the effort at all. Alas, sustenance was needed.
Routing to the destination via Yonge was ill-advised, for a left turn followed by another immediate left was a surefire way of inciting confusion for unsuspecting drivers behind. I opted instead for a southbound left on Sheppard followed by weaving through residential streets. This eventually emerged as the better alternative, for Chillax's "parking lot" housed no more than six numbered spaces for patrons. The adjacent lot, beyond being in dire need of resurfacing, was maintained by a different property owner and marked with hefty payment rates. And so, I exited through an equally crumbly asphalt lane towards Glendora Avenue. Heading eastward, unsigned street parking was located some 150 m east.
Upon attempting to exit my vehicle, the door slammed in my face: the winds were utterly unforgiving. A second, more forceful attempt succeeded; my trusty umbrella accompanied me on the miserable hike back up Glendora. With gusts ruthlessly whipping in my face, I silently debated whether the venture was worth the effort at all. Alas, sustenance was needed.
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The rear entry of Chillax led to wooden platform. Stairs heading down to the basement level were marked for restrooms, while stairs leading up connected to Chillax Mart on the ground floor. Located on the second floor after more stairs was the eatery, a dining space with staggeringly large booths (even for parties of one or two). The hostess role was replaced by a sign-in tablet.
At 12:21 PM, there was one party waiting to be seated. I enrolled in the virtual waitlist as the second guest, then made my way back downstairs to browse the Mart. The assortment was comparable to the beauty and gifts section at supermarkets: imported (overpriced) houseware and cosmetic items, Japanese Kit Kats and bottled beverages, branded collaboration items from Sanrio, Miffy, etc., and various pre-packaged goods. There was even a small section for (the now-defunct) Teddy House (Teddy Story?) items.
At 12:21 PM, there was one party waiting to be seated. I enrolled in the virtual waitlist as the second guest, then made my way back downstairs to browse the Mart. The assortment was comparable to the beauty and gifts section at supermarkets: imported (overpriced) houseware and cosmetic items, Japanese Kit Kats and bottled beverages, branded collaboration items from Sanrio, Miffy, etc., and various pre-packaged goods. There was even a small section for (the now-defunct) Teddy House (Teddy Story?) items.
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Being the impatient soul that I am, it didn't take much to steer away from a dine-in experience in favour of a swifter sustenance source: A few glances at the $7.99 Crabstick Sandwich and I was convinced of its ability to cater towards my primary goals of time and cost efficiency. "No need to tip!" I silently quipped.
Along with the sandwich, I took advantage of Daigyo's Grand Opening Celebration promo for two soft serves. Inclement weather conditions enabled me to fall within the first 100 customers category without even trying! The BOGO offer applied to identical items only: either two Matcha Lattes or two Soft Serves. Naturally, I sought out one each of the Matcha Soft Serve and White Peach Jasmine Soft Serve.
Note that, at the time of order placement, I had not been informed that the White Peach Jasmine was priced fifty cents higher than the Matcha. An unexpected $1.45 surcharge was incurred as well, though I was unsure whether the fee was associated with a request for water or for the paper takeout bag. In any case, the customer should be made aware of any charges not listed on the menu. The cashier had not relayed these details with the transparency and integrity that a business ought to possess!
Along with the sandwich, I took advantage of Daigyo's Grand Opening Celebration promo for two soft serves. Inclement weather conditions enabled me to fall within the first 100 customers category without even trying! The BOGO offer applied to identical items only: either two Matcha Lattes or two Soft Serves. Naturally, I sought out one each of the Matcha Soft Serve and White Peach Jasmine Soft Serve.
Note that, at the time of order placement, I had not been informed that the White Peach Jasmine was priced fifty cents higher than the Matcha. An unexpected $1.45 surcharge was incurred as well, though I was unsure whether the fee was associated with a request for water or for the paper takeout bag. In any case, the customer should be made aware of any charges not listed on the menu. The cashier had not relayed these details with the transparency and integrity that a business ought to possess!
I had decidedly low expectations for the Crabstick Sandwich - described more enticingly as the "Kanikama Carbonated Sando" on the business' social media page - for rarely has crab meat managed to impress me. Upon unveiling the box's contents though, I discovered two nearly sliced halves wrapped tightly in parchment for ease of consumption. Each portion was brimming with fillings, yet remained easy to eat. Three slices of fluffy matcha bread bound together a scrumptious wasabi mayo crabmeat salad, thinly-sliced hard boiled egg, sliced cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The components were incredibly balanced, featuring depth of flavour without being excessively saucy (my biggest gripe). In addition, the matcha bread had astounded me with its plush properties and sheer absence of bitterness. I wasn't particularly fond of the three pieces of bread in the cross-section, for it contributed to satiation, though must admit that the creation would be far messier to eat without the extra carb layer. Nevertheless, the sandwich was delicious and worthy of a repurchase.
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Fitted into a half-drink holder were unsealed cups of White Peach Jasmine Soft Serve and Matcha Soft Serve. Potent yet perfectly balanced in profile, velvety in consistency, and indulgent as always, the Matcha was devoured in record time.
On the other hand, the White Peach Jasmine simply did not align with my palate preferences. Odd and unnecessary was the crunchy topping, and off-putting was the decidedly floral sweetness. I reckon it would fare better in the form of an affogato to combat these undesirable qualities. Ultimately, I ended up discarding the remaining half cup - a painful loss when the product was valued at $7.50 plus tax.
On the other hand, the White Peach Jasmine simply did not align with my palate preferences. Odd and unnecessary was the crunchy topping, and off-putting was the decidedly floral sweetness. I reckon it would fare better in the form of an affogato to combat these undesirable qualities. Ultimately, I ended up discarding the remaining half cup - a painful loss when the product was valued at $7.50 plus tax.
Exiting from the rear of the establishment allowed me to discreetly slip into the restrooms on the way out. Dingy were the facilities, but free and functional they were! Since returning from the land of paid bathrooms, North America's not-so-clean-but-spacious-and-available stalls (with hooks on the back of the door) posed a tremendous relief. I'd no longer need to juggle a bag or umbrella in a compact space while using the bathroom, and could instead comfortably hang them on the hook.
The next item on the itinerary was visiting nearby sites participating in Doors Open. And so, I braved the gusty expedition back to the car and navigated towards the John McKenzie House.
The next item on the itinerary was visiting nearby sites participating in Doors Open. And so, I braved the gusty expedition back to the car and navigated towards the John McKenzie House.
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Originally the home of an English immigrant, the building was acquired by the Ontario Historical Society for preservation and re-purposed use as a library and program space.
Photographs with captions filled the room closest to the entrance, while galleries and art vendor spaces the remainder of the ground floor and partial basement. Heading upstairs, one would come face to face with an extremely toasty reference library with a low, trapezoid-shaped ceiling. Needless to say, the building was not accessible as it had preserved the original stairwells.
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Upon completion of my first Door Open stop (ever!), I slowly ventured towards Yonge Street, attempting my hardest to prevent inversion of my umbrella. A raucous group of protestors clustered about Yonge/Empress, shouting political propaganda into a megaphone. I weaved through the flag wielders and made a beeline into Empress Walk for the bathroom.
It was saddening to see that the iconic Loblaws was no more. However, a T&T will soon be reviving the space under the entrepreneurial mindset of Tina Lee.
It was saddening to see that the iconic Loblaws was no more. However, a T&T will soon be reviving the space under the entrepreneurial mindset of Tina Lee.
Other North York observations included a panda-themed TeaBy Do replacing ITS TEA, OT7 ENHYPEN posters outside H Mart, and $1.99 fruit cups. My wallet whimpered having repeatedly relinquished daily payments of $6-8 for fruit at Albert Heijn.
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From Empress Walk, I avoided the elements by taking the TTC underpass to North York Central Library and connecting through the Novotel Hotel retail concourse to Park Home Ave. From there, the Gibson House Museum was a windy, five-minute walk away
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The Gibson House Museum made for an experience reminiscent of Black Creek Pioneer Village (1060 P1) combined with a heritage home configuration like the Bradley House. Near the reception area was a cozy room filled with kid-friendly, interactive activities, including a tabletop version of the Textile Museum's weaving station.
Navigating through the house, I confirmed the source of a peculiar, smoky odour: an active fireplace had caused its surroundings to rapidly acquire the scent of firewood. Although bonfires are a Canadian camping staple, indoor fires tend to produce unwanted smells that linger in one's olfactory memory, clothes, and hair, prompting laundry immediately afterwards.
Navigating through the house, I confirmed the source of a peculiar, smoky odour: an active fireplace had caused its surroundings to rapidly acquire the scent of firewood. Although bonfires are a Canadian camping staple, indoor fires tend to produce unwanted smells that linger in one's olfactory memory, clothes, and hair, prompting laundry immediately afterwards.
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The ground floor featured an office, curated to mimic the working space of David Gibson, a Scottish immigrant and land surveyor. On the upper level were bedrooms for the couple, their children, and a guest space as well.
Despite being a heritage facility, the establishment was fitted with an accessible lift and accessible bathroom on the basement level. The standard bathrooms strongly reflected a school environment, wherein plastic stall doors, brown paper towels, and tacky-looking, opaque painted walls were the norm. These observations led me to believe that the Gibson House likely hosted school events, similar to Cold Creek Conservation Area.
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Before departing the area, I reckoned that I had enough time to make a Mister Wheel detour. Hovering in the entry vestibule at the Gibson House, I took to placing my order on Snappy as each wheel cake required about 15 mins for preparation. The option of a Single Person Set comprising of two wheel cakes and one drink eliminated any indecisiveness resulting from a la carte selections. I swiftly took to two Black Sesame Wheel Cakes and a (18 號紅玉) No. 18 Black Tea.
Braving the treacherous winds, I trekked up Yonge, avoiding the protestors standing and shouting on the clearway, towards Upper East Food Club. My order was ready upon arrival, with the individually bagged wheel cakes and a sealed bottle of (presumably) cold brew black tea slipped into a plastic bag. The carrying apparatus, unfortunately, did not protect its contents fully from the rain due to winds blowing raindrops in all directions.
Braving the treacherous winds, I trekked up Yonge, avoiding the protestors standing and shouting on the clearway, towards Upper East Food Club. My order was ready upon arrival, with the individually bagged wheel cakes and a sealed bottle of (presumably) cold brew black tea slipped into a plastic bag. The carrying apparatus, unfortunately, did not protect its contents fully from the rain due to winds blowing raindrops in all directions.
I sampled the cake some 40 mins later in the PAN AM parking lot. It was still warm and brimming with black sesame goodness! The casing was chewy and fragrant, while the interior delightfully gritty and subtly sweet. The treat paired exceptionally with the No. 18 Black Tea, which was complex, robust, and invigorating, whisking me back to moments in Taiwan.
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After braving the extremities once more for a bathroom break at the Markham PAN AM Centre, it was time to head to GMA Clinic. Due to the clinic's bathroom being out of service, all patrons were redirected outside towards the unit shared by all commercial tenants in the building. Although the pink lighting caught me off guard, the interior was arguably cleaner than GMA's own lavatory.
The appointment concluded just before 6 PM, leaving with an ambiguous time slot for eating. As I meandered towards the 404, a last-minute detour was inputted for FMP.
Parking is perpetually lamentable in this plaza. Locating a spot required a minimum of ten minutes; walking towards the main entrance would demand another seven.
My destination of interest was none other than Eggette Hut for a sweet-savoury snack. It seemed only appropriate to obtain egg waffles before retreating to the west side of the GTA.
Parking is perpetually lamentable in this plaza. Locating a spot required a minimum of ten minutes; walking towards the main entrance would demand another seven.
My destination of interest was none other than Eggette Hut for a sweet-savoury snack. It seemed only appropriate to obtain egg waffles before retreating to the west side of the GTA.
A Salted Egg Yolk (流心鹹蛋黃) Egg Waffle set me back a whopping $7.75 in cash! Furthermore, it wasn't even 流心! - not that I minded, though, since burning my tongue isn't an activity I'm keen on.
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The concoction was delightfully less satiating than expected: the small batch featured crisp edges and soft, plush shells - the very qualities that had once allowed Tung Tung to rank above all. (Now, they are rigid with an excess of stabilizer - likely starch, custard powder, or both.)
Tasty was Eggette Hut's creation, but it was priced far too steep for what it was.
Tasty was Eggette Hut's creation, but it was priced far too steep for what it was.
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