Crowds gathered along King St. for Day 2 of TIFF, taking photos of/with the iconic logo and pondering the various international movie options as indicated by the showtimes calendar.
Businesses in the area - open patio restaurants and food trucks alike - were observed to flourish with heavier pedestrian flow.
The time had finally come for me to examine what the independent shops in the area had to offer, starting with an unusually eye-catching soft serve/coffee venue by the name of Sweet Jesus.
Directly towards the left of Union Juice, an unfathomably overpriced juice and smoothie bar (that also serves equally unethically-priced salads), Sweet Jesus offers up three varieties of products: coffee, icy treats, and select baked goods.
Within a very small space, the recently-opened shop sells original espresso-based drinks, exclusive blends of hot and iced teas, scones, churros, paletas (Spanish ice pops), and mindblowing soft serve creations.
Within a very small space, the recently-opened shop sells original espresso-based drinks, exclusive blends of hot and iced teas, scones, churros, paletas (Spanish ice pops), and mindblowing soft serve creations.
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<Pictured above: Cookies Cookies Cookies & Cream Specialty Soft Serve >
I had been in more of an "iced tea" mood as opposed to a "let's-go-all-out-for-ice-cream" mood, so I decided to save their Specialty Soft Serves for an empty stomach visit and opted for an iced Strawberry Fields tea instead. I was informed that all teas were unsweetened upon delivery, and that customers could adjust drinks to their desired sweetness level using the three types of liquid sugars (brown, white, and agave) available at the condiment bar. This was a great idea in my opinion, as it allows for the ultimate level of customization while not hindering operational efficiency.
I had been in more of an "iced tea" mood as opposed to a "let's-go-all-out-for-ice-cream" mood, so I decided to save their Specialty Soft Serves for an empty stomach visit and opted for an iced Strawberry Fields tea instead. I was informed that all teas were unsweetened upon delivery, and that customers could adjust drinks to their desired sweetness level using the three types of liquid sugars (brown, white, and agave) available at the condiment bar. This was a great idea in my opinion, as it allows for the ultimate level of customization while not hindering operational efficiency.
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Later, I discovered that Sweet Jesus was a spin-off of an existing Spanish restaurant (La Carnita) that had been looking for to debut a location dedicated solely to their less savoury items. According to my feed, the hype was, in fact, quite astounding.
One of the vendors that I hadn't had the opportunity to visit during the T&T Waterfront Night Market was N9. Claiming to serve the best mille crepe cakes in Toronto, it was decided that a visit would be made for a late afternoon snack.
View the full album HERE !
One of the vendors that I hadn't had the opportunity to visit during the T&T Waterfront Night Market was N9. Claiming to serve the best mille crepe cakes in Toronto, it was decided that a visit would be made for a late afternoon snack.
View the full album HERE !
The first thing I noticed after strolling into the cafe was that I had missed the 12 PM - 3 PM Lunch Special.
No, that's a lie. That was the second thing I noticed.
Despite its apparent size as viewed from outside, the cafe was much more spacious that expected. With high ceilings, dainty light fixtures, comfortable cushion-y chairs, and a dark constellation-esque table, I could not have enjoyed the view any more. The large glass windows at the front also provided an acceptable amount of natural lighting to nearby tables.
No, that's a lie. That was the second thing I noticed.
Despite its apparent size as viewed from outside, the cafe was much more spacious that expected. With high ceilings, dainty light fixtures, comfortable cushion-y chairs, and a dark constellation-esque table, I could not have enjoyed the view any more. The large glass windows at the front also provided an acceptable amount of natural lighting to nearby tables.
I suppose the only things I would take points off for would be their less-than-fabulous single washroom (located at the very back of the cafe) and lack of attention to specific details. Power outlets could be found throughout the cafe, though many were stained and dusty, showing extreme signs of use. The decorations and card game/board game lineup situated atop shelves near the entrance were also on the dusty side.
That being said, though, I had an overwhelmingly immense appreciation for their attention towards presentation. Void were smears, drips, or failed decorating attempts.
That being said, though, I had an overwhelmingly immense appreciation for their attention towards presentation. Void were smears, drips, or failed decorating attempts.
With only two tables occupied, the noise level was fairly low, however I'm uncertain of whether the atmosphere would still remain calm at later hours.
The Rainbow Vanilla and Chocolate Mille Crepe Cake slices were ordered, along with a Rose Latte and Caramel Macchiato.
(Side note: Chocolate was chosen once we had been informed that Oreo was sold out. I haven't seen many Oreo Mille Crepe cakes pop up on my feed, so I'm unsure if this a popular flavour, or if they've simply run out of the chocolate wafer cookies.)
The Rainbow Vanilla and Chocolate Mille Crepe Cake slices were ordered, along with a Rose Latte and Caramel Macchiato.
(Side note: Chocolate was chosen once we had been informed that Oreo was sold out. I haven't seen many Oreo Mille Crepe cakes pop up on my feed, so I'm unsure if this a popular flavour, or if they've simply run out of the chocolate wafer cookies.)
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All items arrived within an appropriate time frame, with desserts emerging first.
The crepe cake slices were amazing! From personal experience, I have arrived at the conclusion that creating uniformly thin crepes with wispy edges is not an easy feat. Compiling the layers together in an elegant, orderly manner while spreading equitably thin layers of cream filling is even more challenging.
Both crepe cakes were composed of shockingly thin layers of crepe and cream, something that I've never had the chance of witnessing before. Another element that I greatly appreciated was how the layers remained intact even when subjected to pressure at particular points (ie. when a fork was pressed onto the corners of the cake).
The Rainbow Vanilla crepe cake took on a standard vanilla flavour - the varying hues hadn't actually altered the individual flavours, but did provide an aesthetically stunning piece of dessert. Small black specks were visible on the cream layers, however, the vanilla flavour was comparatively light to other desserts that utilize real vanilla pods. The cake was essentially light in all aspects (flavour, texture, and degree of colour saturation).
Chocolate crepe cake tasted, well, chocolatey; the layers was creamy with a hint of cocoa flavour, and incorporated just the right amount of sweetness. It was reminiscent of velvety hot chocolate, just without the heat and settled lumps of cocoa powder.
Both cakes were served at just below room temperature, so neither melted while being devoured.
The crepe cake slices were amazing! From personal experience, I have arrived at the conclusion that creating uniformly thin crepes with wispy edges is not an easy feat. Compiling the layers together in an elegant, orderly manner while spreading equitably thin layers of cream filling is even more challenging.
Both crepe cakes were composed of shockingly thin layers of crepe and cream, something that I've never had the chance of witnessing before. Another element that I greatly appreciated was how the layers remained intact even when subjected to pressure at particular points (ie. when a fork was pressed onto the corners of the cake).
The Rainbow Vanilla crepe cake took on a standard vanilla flavour - the varying hues hadn't actually altered the individual flavours, but did provide an aesthetically stunning piece of dessert. Small black specks were visible on the cream layers, however, the vanilla flavour was comparatively light to other desserts that utilize real vanilla pods. The cake was essentially light in all aspects (flavour, texture, and degree of colour saturation).
Chocolate crepe cake tasted, well, chocolatey; the layers was creamy with a hint of cocoa flavour, and incorporated just the right amount of sweetness. It was reminiscent of velvety hot chocolate, just without the heat and settled lumps of cocoa powder.
Both cakes were served at just below room temperature, so neither melted while being devoured.
At this point, I would also like to mention that the cafe used authentic coffee machines to produce their caffeinated drinks. While this normally shouldn't come as a surprise, it is to my knowledge that majority of small, independent Asian-owned cafes do not do this as machinery requires maintenance. This is the case with many Wi-Fi-providing locations in Mississauga, however I cannot confirm that this is always the scenario for other regions.
Both the Rose Latte and Caramel Macchiato were served at "drinkable" temperatures; by this, I am referring to a degree of warmth incapable of scalding one's tongue (looking at you, Starbucks!). The Rose Latte wasn't overly milky and included a refreshing floral note - ideal for accompanying dessert. The on-point latte art on the Caramel Macchiato was also worth noting.
Prior to leaving, I also decided to order a Lavender Latte to go - iced, as I was curious to see what differences would surface between their hot and cold drinks.
Both the Rose Latte and Caramel Macchiato were served at "drinkable" temperatures; by this, I am referring to a degree of warmth incapable of scalding one's tongue (looking at you, Starbucks!). The Rose Latte wasn't overly milky and included a refreshing floral note - ideal for accompanying dessert. The on-point latte art on the Caramel Macchiato was also worth noting.
Prior to leaving, I also decided to order a Lavender Latte to go - iced, as I was curious to see what differences would surface between their hot and cold drinks.
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They only had large takeout cups in stock, thus I was given an awkward-looking iced latte and a flimsy plastic straw. There weren't any prominent hints of lavender in the drink, but the drink itself tasted pretty satisfactory. I also greatly appreciated how the drink was thoroughly chilled without the need to add copious amounts of ice to the cup.
N9 Cafe offered a great, casual atmosphere with surprisingly indulgent mille crepe cakes. Next on my list are the Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake and savoury lunch combo!
For my last stop of the day, I went on a mission to obtain Creamy Rice Cakes from Han Ba Tang.
N9 Cafe offered a great, casual atmosphere with surprisingly indulgent mille crepe cakes. Next on my list are the Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake and savoury lunch combo!
For my last stop of the day, I went on a mission to obtain Creamy Rice Cakes from Han Ba Tang.
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The plan wasn't exactly executed as planned, as I had hoped to purchase the item for takeout before hopping on the bus back home. With only a mere six minutes until the bus would arrive, I was told that it would require at least ten minutes prepare the rice cakes.
I ultimately decided to order the Creamy Rice Cakes to eat in-store, while adding Chicken Wings with Curry Powder to my takeout list. Both the hostess and waitress were extremely helpful and accommodating - a drastic improvement from the service I received during my last two visits (1, 2). The Creamy Rice Cakes proved to be worth catching the next bus for - they were soft, yet still firm pieces of Korean ddeokbokki slathered in a creamy alfredo-like sauce with bits of stringy cheese. A side of sweet pickled cabbage, magenta in hue, was served to cut through the lovely richness of the dish.
The uber-fragrant wings were unveiled upon arriving home. While the wings were no longer than three inches, each only contained one small bone. Crispy and seasoned very well, they packed a slight punch of curry without being too overwhelming for the mild spice-preferring crew. I can honestly say that I will definitely be returning for more of these!
Once again, the full Han Ba Tang album can be viewed HERE !
I ultimately decided to order the Creamy Rice Cakes to eat in-store, while adding Chicken Wings with Curry Powder to my takeout list. Both the hostess and waitress were extremely helpful and accommodating - a drastic improvement from the service I received during my last two visits (1, 2). The Creamy Rice Cakes proved to be worth catching the next bus for - they were soft, yet still firm pieces of Korean ddeokbokki slathered in a creamy alfredo-like sauce with bits of stringy cheese. A side of sweet pickled cabbage, magenta in hue, was served to cut through the lovely richness of the dish.
The uber-fragrant wings were unveiled upon arriving home. While the wings were no longer than three inches, each only contained one small bone. Crispy and seasoned very well, they packed a slight punch of curry without being too overwhelming for the mild spice-preferring crew. I can honestly say that I will definitely be returning for more of these!
Once again, the full Han Ba Tang album can be viewed HERE !
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