October has generally consisted of inconsistent weather patterns, admiring the changing colours of leaves, and overdosing on caffeine to remain alert. Check out the shots below to find out more about this month's happenings!
1. Starbucks (THE PATH)
With winter almost upon us (it's Canada after all), my need for coffee and fall-inspired baked goods has never been stronger. This particular Starbucks location features small pieces of framed landscape/nature photographs in addition to this interesting slogan situated above the one of the condiment bars.
I must confess though: the Pumpkin Loaf wasn't quite as pumpkin-y as I would have enjoyed.
1. Starbucks (THE PATH)
With winter almost upon us (it's Canada after all), my need for coffee and fall-inspired baked goods has never been stronger. This particular Starbucks location features small pieces of framed landscape/nature photographs in addition to this interesting slogan situated above the one of the condiment bars.
I must confess though: the Pumpkin Loaf wasn't quite as pumpkin-y as I would have enjoyed.
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2. T& T (Langham Place)
This is the sole T&T location in Ontario that I've seen offer up as many packaged food, beauty, and Chinese literature books options as the ones in Vancouver. The biggest advantage of purchasing the store would have to be that they occasionally offer new products at lower prices than other ones, such as select My Beauty Diary masks. Their adorably festive sponge cakes are pretty interesting to gaze upon as well.
This is the sole T&T location in Ontario that I've seen offer up as many packaged food, beauty, and Chinese literature books options as the ones in Vancouver. The biggest advantage of purchasing the store would have to be that they occasionally offer new products at lower prices than other ones, such as select My Beauty Diary masks. Their adorably festive sponge cakes are pretty interesting to gaze upon as well.
3. zenQ (Markham)
Consisting of more than just waffles and snow ice, the franchise's expanded menu also consists of several meal items. I cannot recall the names of the dishes that we ordered for takeout, but all three were considerably satisfying. (The reusable takeout containers were, of course, a bonus.)
Consisting of more than just waffles and snow ice, the franchise's expanded menu also consists of several meal items. I cannot recall the names of the dishes that we ordered for takeout, but all three were considerably satisfying. (The reusable takeout containers were, of course, a bonus.)
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4. Toasted Sesame Waffle from Kevin's Taiyaki + Creamed Spinach and Furikake
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5. Homemade Milk Foam Matcha
Needless to say, this handcrafted concoction was confirmed to be one billion times better than Bake Code's nasty Iced Sea Salt Coffee. (UGH. Just thinking about it is inducing gagging symptoms...)
6. My depressing-looking lunch comprised of rice, canned corn kernels, and baby spinach
Needless to say, this handcrafted concoction was confirmed to be one billion times better than Bake Code's nasty Iced Sea Salt Coffee. (UGH. Just thinking about it is inducing gagging symptoms...)
6. My depressing-looking lunch comprised of rice, canned corn kernels, and baby spinach
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7. A mini red convertible was spotted parked beside the CBC building
8. Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks
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9. The unlikely combination of steamed sweet potato with vanilla frozen yogurt (topped with chocolate mocha sauce) is surprisingly delectable
10. Snaps from my Thanksgiving adventure in Barrie, including a superb brunch from The Farmhouse
10. Snaps from my Thanksgiving adventure in Barrie, including a superb brunch from The Farmhouse
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11. Gong Cha
I must admit: afternoon pick-me-ups from Gong Cha go pretty well with mahjong, even if their service is horrendous.
I must admit: afternoon pick-me-ups from Gong Cha go pretty well with mahjong, even if their service is horrendous.
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12. Pho 88 for dinner
13. Homemade Mixed Berry and Durian Crème Brûlée - recipe to be posted once perfected!
14. McDonald's
Never has a Blueberry Muffin as breakfast been so appealing on a chilly October morning.
14. McDonald's
Never has a Blueberry Muffin as breakfast been so appealing on a chilly October morning.
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15. Longos
A large berry-topped salad was brought home from Longos for lunch one day.
A large berry-topped salad was brought home from Longos for lunch one day.
16. Finally had the chance of seeing Honest Ed's in person!
17. Mel Lastman Square
17. Mel Lastman Square
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18. Delysees
This French bakery is really out there - and by "out there", I am referring to its specific coordinates. Located just west of King and Bathurst, at King and Tecumseth, the bakery managed to clearly distinguish itself from other surrounding businesses. The name of their shop was boldly displayed in white, sans-Serif text with a mahogany outline, and rested upon an off-white, tiled background.
This French bakery is really out there - and by "out there", I am referring to its specific coordinates. Located just west of King and Bathurst, at King and Tecumseth, the bakery managed to clearly distinguish itself from other surrounding businesses. The name of their shop was boldly displayed in white, sans-Serif text with a mahogany outline, and rested upon an off-white, tiled background.
I've had my fair share of complaining about the lack of accessibility in Toronto, primarily in North York (here and here). Before entering the bakery, though, I took a step back to admire their (currently unoccupied) outdoor patio and something caught my interest: a gentle ramp was spotted leading up to door. Well, I'll be! It was a ramp!
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The interior was extremely spacious, with a tall, white ceiling that was also tiled, but with ribbed edges. Small potlights were embedded at the centre of alternating tiles for illumination. Though minimalist in nature, the varying textures (smooth walls, textured ceiling, and shiny chairs) found throughout provided the dining area with a sophisticated exuberance. I especially enjoyed that there were accessible points of natural lighting at every two or three tables; in addition to aiding in the ambiance of photos, it also allows for the mind to think more creatively. Thinking outside the box isn't always easy when one feels like they're contained within one.
The menu was simple enough: a wooden board mounted on the wall behind the counter displayed the bakery's drink options in white, sans-Serif font, but this time a tad bit more cursive-like and without the outline.
An extravagant selection of elaborately-decorated pastries, sweet and savoury croissant rolls, and mini sandwiches could be found in display cases that spanned nearly the entire length of the counter.
An extravagant selection of elaborately-decorated pastries, sweet and savoury croissant rolls, and mini sandwiches could be found in display cases that spanned nearly the entire length of the counter.
And as with any shop offering goods with a French influence, Delysees also had a stunning variety of macarons for sale. By no means do I consider myself skilled in the ways of rating macarons, but the ones that I caught sight of were stunningly flawless - there wasn't a single chip or crack in the shells.
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As I had found my way to the bakery just a few minutes short of lunchtime, I decided to try their savoury mini sandwiches. With choices ranging from Feta-Black Olive-Red Pepper to Mozzarella and Arugula, they sold for $3.95 individually, or $7.50 for 2 and $10.00 for 3.
Carefully crafted using small white baguettes, rye baguettes, and white baguettes with sesame seeds, each seemed to consist of a fair number of carbohydrates to satisfy the calorie-deficient. Though I knew that two sandwiches would probably suffice as lunch, I ultimately chose three due to their colourfully attractive appearance, and the fact that the bakery's location was much further west than I would normally travel.
Carefully crafted using small white baguettes, rye baguettes, and white baguettes with sesame seeds, each seemed to consist of a fair number of carbohydrates to satisfy the calorie-deficient. Though I knew that two sandwiches would probably suffice as lunch, I ultimately chose three due to their colourfully attractive appearance, and the fact that the bakery's location was much further west than I would normally travel.
My three sandwiches of choice were as follows: Caveau Cheese-Butter-Fig, Chicken-Avocado-Red Pepper, and the ever-so-popular Smoked Salmon-Cream Cheese-Dijon Mustard-Capers. As I was taking my food items to-go, I requested a box for improved portability; they were then delicately packaged in a slim, elegant white box with pastel-hued rings.
I munched on the Chicken-Avocado-Red Pepper first; it was tasty, with a mild hint of Dijon mustard. The pieces of chicken had been cooked, yet not overdone to result in toughness; the avocado slice was ripe, but hadn't yet started to show any signs of browning. The aforementioned are issues that I commonly encounter when eating out, and I genuinely appreciated that Delysees committed neither of these mistakes.
The Fig and Cheese was next: the firm, creamy cheese paired exceptionally well with the slightly mushy sweetness of the figs. A slab of butter of medium thickness had also been sandwiched in, though I honestly could have done without it. Choosing to combine the items in a sesame seed-topped baguette was also an ingenious idea, as the seeds added subtle pops of crunchiness to every bite.
The Smoked Salmon and Caper sandwich was noted to earn the highest ranking among social media users, and was chosen as the third sandwich to purchase. With a mix of buffet-style smoked salmon slices, sodium-packed capers, and a generous amount of not-quite-as-mild Dijon mustard, the rye baguette was unarguably the best choice to balance out the saltiness of the sandwich. I personally found this particular item to contain less of a "wow factor" than the Fig and Cheese, but then again, I'm not the biggest seafood fanatic either.
The experience was undoubtedly positive: Delysees provided high-quality food items despite placing a strong emphasis on their more decadent products such as pastries and macarons. While pricier than others of equivalent size, these mini sandwiches were a total treat! Had I not been more eager to devour them elsewhere, I would have enjoyed residing in the bakery to complete some creative writing pieces.
The Fig and Cheese was next: the firm, creamy cheese paired exceptionally well with the slightly mushy sweetness of the figs. A slab of butter of medium thickness had also been sandwiched in, though I honestly could have done without it. Choosing to combine the items in a sesame seed-topped baguette was also an ingenious idea, as the seeds added subtle pops of crunchiness to every bite.
The Smoked Salmon and Caper sandwich was noted to earn the highest ranking among social media users, and was chosen as the third sandwich to purchase. With a mix of buffet-style smoked salmon slices, sodium-packed capers, and a generous amount of not-quite-as-mild Dijon mustard, the rye baguette was unarguably the best choice to balance out the saltiness of the sandwich. I personally found this particular item to contain less of a "wow factor" than the Fig and Cheese, but then again, I'm not the biggest seafood fanatic either.
The experience was undoubtedly positive: Delysees provided high-quality food items despite placing a strong emphasis on their more decadent products such as pastries and macarons. While pricier than others of equivalent size, these mini sandwiches were a total treat! Had I not been more eager to devour them elsewhere, I would have enjoyed residing in the bakery to complete some creative writing pieces.
19. Why, this is a convenient addition! It would also be helpful to have a route map present on every local bus as well. But first things first - let's get PRESTO.
20. McDonald's
Unfortunately, the location didn't offer hot chocolate, but I was able to curb fatigue with a homemade iced coffee and a carrot oat muffin.
21. Happy Birthday Cakes
Revisiting the small bakery some few months later, I learned that their Halo Halo was no longer being offered due to the change of seasons. I picked up this sweet Mamon Loaf instead.
Unfortunately, the location didn't offer hot chocolate, but I was able to curb fatigue with a homemade iced coffee and a carrot oat muffin.
21. Happy Birthday Cakes
Revisiting the small bakery some few months later, I learned that their Halo Halo was no longer being offered due to the change of seasons. I picked up this sweet Mamon Loaf instead.
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22. While the leaves had already began their fall transition at higher altitudes, we were finally able to catch sight of the changing colours closer to the second half of the month.
23. My homemade rendition of the french toast and latte brunch combo from The Farmhouse
24. Hot tea and a Wild Blueberry Muffin from Tim Hortons
24. Hot tea and a Wild Blueberry Muffin from Tim Hortons
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25. Revisiting Cafe Crepe to try out their Nutella Hot Chocolate
26. Matcha Latte from milano espresso bar
While its appearance was superb, the latte unfortunately lacked the bittersweet, grassy flavour of Japanese green tea that I have become accustomed to. Instead, I found the beverage to be a tad lacking in flavour, and also on the colder side.
What can I say - some things are a hit or miss; my previous post still holds true though!
26. Matcha Latte from milano espresso bar
While its appearance was superb, the latte unfortunately lacked the bittersweet, grassy flavour of Japanese green tea that I have become accustomed to. Instead, I found the beverage to be a tad lacking in flavour, and also on the colder side.
What can I say - some things are a hit or miss; my previous post still holds true though!
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27. Spotted several adorable plushies decked out in Halloween gear at Carlton Cards
28. After purchasing a milk frother, I've been gradually leaning towards tea lattes to jazz up lazy weekend mornings
29. Voting Day
29. Voting Day
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30. Furama
Did you know that furama in the PATH has a self-serve tea and coffee station? Their system is quite efficient, actually. Paying for an empty cup, then proceeding to fill it with the desired amount of tea or coffee (or both for a Yuan Yang) at the bar and adjusting the levels of sugar and evaporate milk to one's own preference takes the guessing out of creating a beverage that manages to satisfy each and every customer. Over the years, I've come to find that many drink and condiment bars are largely under-stocked, thus dysfunctional, however I was glad to discover that there was an abundance of napkins, lids, sugar packets, etc. at furama.
In addition, their buns are an incredible steal, especially during their evening sales where $1.40 buns are marked down to $1.00!
Rarely have I found a bakery that lives up to Akko's old standards, but I'm glad to say that furama is it! Service can be a bit lacking during the lunch rush, but I've never witnessed bad attitude during late afternoon hours.
Did you know that furama in the PATH has a self-serve tea and coffee station? Their system is quite efficient, actually. Paying for an empty cup, then proceeding to fill it with the desired amount of tea or coffee (or both for a Yuan Yang) at the bar and adjusting the levels of sugar and evaporate milk to one's own preference takes the guessing out of creating a beverage that manages to satisfy each and every customer. Over the years, I've come to find that many drink and condiment bars are largely under-stocked, thus dysfunctional, however I was glad to discover that there was an abundance of napkins, lids, sugar packets, etc. at furama.
In addition, their buns are an incredible steal, especially during their evening sales where $1.40 buns are marked down to $1.00!
Rarely have I found a bakery that lives up to Akko's old standards, but I'm glad to say that furama is it! Service can be a bit lacking during the lunch rush, but I've never witnessed bad attitude during late afternoon hours.
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31. A shot of Metro Hall from David Pecaut Square
32. Apparently, very few people ride the streetcars to the terminal station. This PRESTO-equipped Bathurst streetcar was essentially empty by the time it reached Exhibition.
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33. Cute handmade sock monkeys and banana chip / rum cake samples are always great additions to a slow, dreary morning
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34. A double-pretzel was located!
35. Witty slogans are the only things capable of catching my eye when I'm trying to made a brisk commute
35. Witty slogans are the only things capable of catching my eye when I'm trying to made a brisk commute
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36. Homemade Green Tea - Lychee Mojito feat. the trademark Starbucks straw
37. One can never go wrong with Korean food
37. One can never go wrong with Korean food
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38. After SOMA's "Thai Stick" placed in the International Chocolate Awards, it was pretty difficult to stop myself from making a trip to taste its complex flavours.
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39. Components of a homemade dinner include blanched veggies, grilled fish, and scrambled eggs with two types of onions
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40. Stopping over at Yorkdale station for a transfer is a somewhat comforting sensation during off-peak hours due to its abundance of natural light
41. Oatmeal bowls (with alternating layers of wholesome oats, fresh raspberries, raisins, and bananas) topped a sprig of mint are absolutely necessary when Greek yogurt fails to provide enough energy for the morning commute
41. Oatmeal bowls (with alternating layers of wholesome oats, fresh raspberries, raisins, and bananas) topped a sprig of mint are absolutely necessary when Greek yogurt fails to provide enough energy for the morning commute
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42. Neighbourhood shots featuring clear blue skies and fall leaves
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43. New winter gear has been acquired! (Along with a Halloween shot glass)
44. Attempts at re-creating a cappuccino and matcha latte - recipes still in the midst of tweaking.
45. Extremely adorable Halloween decorations were spotted, in addition to a basket generously filled with sugar-laden treats
And so concludes this month's set of visuals! Stay tuned for more winter-themed shots as the mercury drops next month!
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