Admittedly, it's quite unheard of that I create a visuals post before reaching the end of the month. However, a sufficient amount of exploring has been accomplished over this week, and with it emerged a substantial quantity of associated images.
Of course, majority of these shots will be food-based, but I've also included a festive few.
1. The week started off with an ever-so-comforting Oolong Tea Latte (with decent swirled latte art, if I do say so myself!) DAVIDs TEA's Organic The Skinny has got to be the best variety of oolong ever - citrus-y with just the right depth of flavour.
2. A not-so-sharp photo of my Meatless Panini from Union Juice.
Of course, majority of these shots will be food-based, but I've also included a festive few.
1. The week started off with an ever-so-comforting Oolong Tea Latte (with decent swirled latte art, if I do say so myself!) DAVIDs TEA's Organic The Skinny has got to be the best variety of oolong ever - citrus-y with just the right depth of flavour.
2. A not-so-sharp photo of my Meatless Panini from Union Juice.
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3. Carlton Cards was having a sale! Furry monkey cards and Christmas plushies always manage to make me smile.
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4. Michaels has also started offering Christmas- and holiday-themed merchandise, all while lining the shelves of the lineup with small, adorable ty beanie babies.
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5. The weather has recently taken a turn for the better, allowing for crews to film with increased ease.
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6. Am I a local yet?
7. There is a Starbucks located conveniently outside the York West Teamway of Union Station, though there is almost always a lineup. As with the Square One location, orders are handled quickly; the team is friendly, but several aspects are still lacking in comparison. One of these factors was their inability to contain their baked goods at the properly chilled temperatures - my Frosted Snowman Cookie was melting!
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8. Picnic
On some particularly windy or chilly days, moping around in the Financial District portion of the PATH is a regular lunchtime activity. I have strolled past Picnic on more than one occasion, but only made a purchase recently.
Their shelves are lined with an impressive selection of pre-packaged food items, likely to ensure that busy office workers can purchase the items they need during brief breaks.
In addition to refrigerated sandwiches, salads, chia puddings, mousse cups, cookies, and bottled drinks, there is also the option of purchasing freshly-made items such as Greek yogurt parfaits and the typical coffee menu (Americano, cappuccino, latte, etc.).
On some particularly windy or chilly days, moping around in the Financial District portion of the PATH is a regular lunchtime activity. I have strolled past Picnic on more than one occasion, but only made a purchase recently.
Their shelves are lined with an impressive selection of pre-packaged food items, likely to ensure that busy office workers can purchase the items they need during brief breaks.
In addition to refrigerated sandwiches, salads, chia puddings, mousse cups, cookies, and bottled drinks, there is also the option of purchasing freshly-made items such as Greek yogurt parfaits and the typical coffee menu (Americano, cappuccino, latte, etc.).
As a light post-lunch dessert, I decided to try their Chocolate Mousse, whose label informed me had been created with almond milk and contained white chocolate shavings on top. While I had wanted to like this supposedly nutritious dessert, I couldn't really bring myself to do so. Already excessively sweet for my liking, the dessert was lacking in chocolate flavour and also astonishingly rich, exhibiting none of the airiness of other mousses I've tried.
The cashiers were friendly, and the checkout process was quick, but I'll have to re-evaluate whether I mind feeling somewhat nauseous again due to a product's incompatibility with my stomach.
The cashiers were friendly, and the checkout process was quick, but I'll have to re-evaluate whether I mind feeling somewhat nauseous again due to a product's incompatibility with my stomach.
9. Starbucks
The Peppermint Mocha is back, as are the red cups. For the morning rush, the staff have formed an assembly line to deliver customers' beverages to them in a timely manner. (My humble suggestion: Don't try to train a new barista during this rush. It won't end well - just take a glance at my sad pool of whipped cream...)
The Peppermint Mocha is back, as are the red cups. For the morning rush, the staff have formed an assembly line to deliver customers' beverages to them in a timely manner. (My humble suggestion: Don't try to train a new barista during this rush. It won't end well - just take a glance at my sad pool of whipped cream...)
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10. Mi Taco
It's been on my to-try list for a while, though I haven't had the opportunity to taste their $3.75 tacos as of yet.
It's been on my to-try list for a while, though I haven't had the opportunity to taste their $3.75 tacos as of yet.
11. Cinnamon Raisin bread, iceberg lettuce, and roasted chicken is probably the most ideal of sandwich combinations of life.
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12.
13. I spot a new coffee shop at King and Spadina!
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14. Mini emoji keychains spotted at one of Toronto's Top DIY Places, Mindzai, Feat. THE RUDEST SHOP OWNER TO EVER ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION WITH
I'll overlook the fact that I was given no more than a groan of a "Hello" upon climbing the steps into the shop, especially seeing as I was the only one in the other empty space. Half of tiny shop was lined with spray paint bottles, or at least I assumed they were as they assumed an aerosol-like appearance; another section displayed tokidoki figurines and t-shirts.
The shop owner continued to type away at his laptop, not even bothering to cast a glance in my direction, or utter a simple "Can I help you with anything?".
I'll overlook the fact that I was given no more than a groan of a "Hello" upon climbing the steps into the shop, especially seeing as I was the only one in the other empty space. Half of tiny shop was lined with spray paint bottles, or at least I assumed they were as they assumed an aerosol-like appearance; another section displayed tokidoki figurines and t-shirts.
The shop owner continued to type away at his laptop, not even bothering to cast a glance in my direction, or utter a simple "Can I help you with anything?".
The counter carried some smaller tokidoki plushies as well as smartphone emoji keychains. I powered up my camera at this point, as one particular emoji was simply too cute to not snap a photo of. The shop owner got up from his seat to inspect his paint inventory, jolting me slightly when he threw a surly "Did you ask to take a photo?" in my direction.
"I'm sorry?" I turned around.
"Did you ASK before taking a photo?"
"..am I not allowed to?" I had not seen any signs banning the capturing of photos within the shop.
"You are. But you have to ASK first."
I glanced back at the plush keychains, before returning a puzzled frown at him. "Then, can I?"
"Yes. But you should ask first."
It became exceedingly difficult to comprehend this sequence of events, and I resisted to roll my eyes all the way to the back of my head.
"..ok." I said, before turning back to the plushies.
Before I could even focus my handheld electronic device to snap second shot, his voice was hear again.
"That's what you should do before taking photos. You ASK." He turned back to inspecting the tubes of paint, shaking his head to a discernible degree.
This was the last straw. I marched out, stat.
I can disregard a crude "Hello." and the lack of customer appreciation, but to lecture a customer is beyond my tolerance level. Having had the concept of "the customer is always right" being firmly embedded in my head from past customer service industry experience, it is my expectation that I will be treated with the same benevolent attitude I have shown towards others. Clearly this is not the case here. And clearly, I will not be walking by, purchasing, or recommending any of the items this shop owner feels the need to rudely lecture paying customers about. Know your place in this industry and get back to it.
"I'm sorry?" I turned around.
"Did you ASK before taking a photo?"
"..am I not allowed to?" I had not seen any signs banning the capturing of photos within the shop.
"You are. But you have to ASK first."
I glanced back at the plush keychains, before returning a puzzled frown at him. "Then, can I?"
"Yes. But you should ask first."
It became exceedingly difficult to comprehend this sequence of events, and I resisted to roll my eyes all the way to the back of my head.
"..ok." I said, before turning back to the plushies.
Before I could even focus my handheld electronic device to snap second shot, his voice was hear again.
"That's what you should do before taking photos. You ASK." He turned back to inspecting the tubes of paint, shaking his head to a discernible degree.
This was the last straw. I marched out, stat.
I can disregard a crude "Hello." and the lack of customer appreciation, but to lecture a customer is beyond my tolerance level. Having had the concept of "the customer is always right" being firmly embedded in my head from past customer service industry experience, it is my expectation that I will be treated with the same benevolent attitude I have shown towards others. Clearly this is not the case here. And clearly, I will not be walking by, purchasing, or recommending any of the items this shop owner feels the need to rudely lecture paying customers about. Know your place in this industry and get back to it.
15. Mom's Homemade Bulgogi with Veggies and Pickled Radish
16. Urban Outfitters + MUJI Exhibit
Urban Outfitters has finally opened shop in Square One, occupying the previous shop spaces of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company and an overpriced toy shop I used to enjoy window shopping in. The store was equally, and if not even more, pleasing that its downtown counterparts: all products were laid out in a straightforward, organized manner, allowing customers to easily maneuver to their section(s) of interest. The interior was well-kept for the most part, and the layouts exhibited a TOPSHOP-before-clearance-time-like tidiness. They even carried an abundant amount of fall/autumn sale items, which were located towards the back of the store with subtle red stickers placed on the tags.
The prices were, as expected, no different from their Eastern neighbours, but that's a factor determined by corporate authorities. Service, surprisingly enough, was just as poor as well. With the exception of the one sales rep situated at the entrance, the remaining other employees possessed expressionless demeanours and exhibited no signs of wishing to provide aid.
Urban Outfitters has finally opened shop in Square One, occupying the previous shop spaces of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company and an overpriced toy shop I used to enjoy window shopping in. The store was equally, and if not even more, pleasing that its downtown counterparts: all products were laid out in a straightforward, organized manner, allowing customers to easily maneuver to their section(s) of interest. The interior was well-kept for the most part, and the layouts exhibited a TOPSHOP-before-clearance-time-like tidiness. They even carried an abundant amount of fall/autumn sale items, which were located towards the back of the store with subtle red stickers placed on the tags.
The prices were, as expected, no different from their Eastern neighbours, but that's a factor determined by corporate authorities. Service, surprisingly enough, was just as poor as well. With the exception of the one sales rep situated at the entrance, the remaining other employees possessed expressionless demeanours and exhibited no signs of wishing to provide aid.
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I also paid a brief visit to the MUJI exhibit, whose new shop has taken over Sephora's previous spot across from FOSSIL.
It was extremely low-key, as many Instagram users had noted: there was almost no advertising whatsoever. Half of the exhibit had been dedicated to "new" inventions with the potential to improve quality of life, while the other half was comprised of simplistic illustrations and photographs.
17. Minced Meat on Rice + Salt & Pepper Chicken Takeout from Green Grotto
View my past experiences here (1, 2, 3) and the full album HERE !
View my past experiences here (1, 2, 3) and the full album HERE !
Oh, and did I mention that I was also able to grab a Tiramisu slice? I've visited on numerous ooccasions, but this particular variety has always been sold out. With this being my fourth (or possibly fifth) attempt, I have finally learned of the complex tastes and textures behind La Rocca's popular cake choice.
18. Miffy, is that you?! Behold: a sad attempt at creating a bunny from microfoam.
18. Miffy, is that you?! Behold: a sad attempt at creating a bunny from microfoam.
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20. Vanilla-Green Tea Swirl Soft Serve from Ninki
Ninki is located in a very chaotic section of the Scotia Plaza, connected to the PATH. Along with the typical Japanese bento box options, they also have soft serve dessert options (not included on their menu) available.
The Vanilla Soft Serve was a tad cheaper than the Green Tea flavour, which was priced at $2.99; choosing to have it served in a cone was an additional dollar. Prior to a short walk through the Eaton Centre, I picked up a Vanilla-Green Tea swirl in a cup.
Ninki is located in a very chaotic section of the Scotia Plaza, connected to the PATH. Along with the typical Japanese bento box options, they also have soft serve dessert options (not included on their menu) available.
The Vanilla Soft Serve was a tad cheaper than the Green Tea flavour, which was priced at $2.99; choosing to have it served in a cone was an additional dollar. Prior to a short walk through the Eaton Centre, I picked up a Vanilla-Green Tea swirl in a cup.
The Vanilla was milky and just sweet enough for my liking, whereas the Green Tea had a much more subtle flavour. I enjoyed how the soft serve did not melt nearly as quickly as Uncle Tetsu's and that specks of tea leaves were visible on the Green Tea side of the swirl, but the downside was that cash was their sole acceptable form of payment. Also, Vicinity points could only be collected on purchases of fifteen dollars or greater.
Tsums!!
21. Han Ba Tang
After two weeks of working around equally hectic schedules, I was finally able to meet up with a friend at the end of the week at Han Ba Tang.
After two weeks of working around equally hectic schedules, I was finally able to meet up with a friend at the end of the week at Han Ba Tang.
We each ordered two dishes; in approximately fifteen minutes, atop our small table rested the Korean Sweet Potato Chips, Tuna Tartare, WAOW Bun, and Pan Bulgogi with Rice.
The first to arrive were the Korean Sweet Potato Chips, which was served with a creamy, cheesy sauce heated in a small fondue boiler. While I didn't try too many, I did find them to be largely tasteless if not dipped in the sauce and on the greasy side despite being sliced so thinly. They were crisp like apple chips, but didn't exhibit even a hint of sweet potato flavour
Once again, the full album can be viewed HERE !
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Next was the Tuna Tartare, whose appearance both shocked and appalled. Contrary to the anticipated circular mound of chopped tuna mixed with other diced ingredients and served with a side of lightly-seasoned chips, the dish took the form of four, depressing sweet potato chips (identical to the ones from the previous dish) with only a dollop of tuna tartare spooned on top. The garlic seasonings that had been so vividly described on the menu probably only made up 20% of the dish's overall flavour profile; the perilla leaves appeared to be merely decorative components to render the dish a tad more acceptable for restaurant presentation.
The quarter-sized pinch of tuna was great in terms of taste, but the amount received was an outstanding disappointment.
I did the math (if any at all): there were four pieces of the greasy sweet potato chip-tuna creation, and the entire plate was priced at an extremely hefty twelve dollars. This meant that each microscopic morsel was THREE DOLLARS EACH.
"What a grab for my money!" I had thought, "For the price tag, it shouldn't have been outrageous to expect more, right?!". But I could only shake my head in dismay at the unjustified value of my poor menu choice.
The quarter-sized pinch of tuna was great in terms of taste, but the amount received was an outstanding disappointment.
I did the math (if any at all): there were four pieces of the greasy sweet potato chip-tuna creation, and the entire plate was priced at an extremely hefty twelve dollars. This meant that each microscopic morsel was THREE DOLLARS EACH.
"What a grab for my money!" I had thought, "For the price tag, it shouldn't have been outrageous to expect more, right?!". But I could only shake my head in dismay at the unjustified value of my poor menu choice.
Third was the WAOW bun, which I presume to be Han Ba Tang's take on Banh Mi Boyz renowned Pulled Pork Steamed Bao. The steamed bun was slightly smaller than BMB's, but had been stuffed profusely with bits of tangled, heavily spiced pulled pork, slivers of carrot and pickled radish, and crushed tortilla chips.
I initially requested for the Habanero sauce to be placed on the side, but was informed by the waitress that it was believed the meat had already been marinated in the sauce. She added that she would verify this for me, so I had expected her to ask and let me know before I confirm the order. Needless to say, she did not, and simply placed the order.
The bun arrived still intact, but split in half the moment it was removed from the steamer. This wasn't too much of an issue, but just took away from enjoying the bun as it should have been: in one piece. The meat was a tad tougher than I would have preferred, but the textures and flavours soon became lost in an elevated whirlwind of spice; it was much more than my tastebuds could withstand. Flames had risen inside my mouth, and I was coughing and reaching for water before I knew it. That being said, I couldn't enjoy, nor distinguish for that matter, and of the flavours of the individual components.
I initially requested for the Habanero sauce to be placed on the side, but was informed by the waitress that it was believed the meat had already been marinated in the sauce. She added that she would verify this for me, so I had expected her to ask and let me know before I confirm the order. Needless to say, she did not, and simply placed the order.
The bun arrived still intact, but split in half the moment it was removed from the steamer. This wasn't too much of an issue, but just took away from enjoying the bun as it should have been: in one piece. The meat was a tad tougher than I would have preferred, but the textures and flavours soon became lost in an elevated whirlwind of spice; it was much more than my tastebuds could withstand. Flames had risen inside my mouth, and I was coughing and reaching for water before I knew it. That being said, I couldn't enjoy, nor distinguish for that matter, and of the flavours of the individual components.
The most traditional dish of them all, the Pan Bulgogi arrived last, accompanied with two small containers of kimchi and a bowl of multi-grain rice.
"Would you like rice?" we were asked when placing the order. It turns out that an additional charge of $2.00 had been placed for this previously unspecified "extra" item.
"Would you like rice?" we were asked when placing the order. It turns out that an additional charge of $2.00 had been placed for this previously unspecified "extra" item.
The base of the dish was a slippery vermicelli - the type used for Japchae - and on top were layers of tender, marinated beef, stir-fried sweet onion, and a mountain of thinly-sliced green onion. It was unexpectedly basic for Han Ba Tang, but also proved to be the safest choice of the evening. Undoubtedly, it was much pricier than casual diners such The Owl of Minerva a few doors down, yet the components were relatively the same. It was your typical Korean home-cooked meal, just served in a smaller pan and in circumstances with dimmer lighting.
Perhaps we chose the wrong items this time around, or perhaps we came on a day where neither the kitchen nor waitstaff was performing optimally. The orders weren't spectacular by any means, and service was seriously lacking. For a quiet Friday night, it would have been appreciated if the waitresses remembered our water, to double-check menu items, or even cracked a single smile. This is very saddening for me to write, as I've had great experiences here as well. Maybe I'll just wait till they get back on their game.
Perhaps we chose the wrong items this time around, or perhaps we came on a day where neither the kitchen nor waitstaff was performing optimally. The orders weren't spectacular by any means, and service was seriously lacking. For a quiet Friday night, it would have been appreciated if the waitresses remembered our water, to double-check menu items, or even cracked a single smile. This is very saddening for me to write, as I've had great experiences here as well. Maybe I'll just wait till they get back on their game.
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