Events don't always occur in the manner in which they're intended, which is why the phrase "Expect the unexpected" holds true in many circumstances. Having a contingency plan in place reduces the anxiety associated with dealing with unforeseen circumstances, but every so often, a situation shall arise where not even a Plan C will cut it.
My day got off to a great start: I picked up a smooth, creamy mocha from Pilot Coffee's pop-up shop in Union Station's Great Hall on my way to this year's ProFusion, and then witnessed the busy terminal gradually come to a hush to honour and remember our country's brave veterans during a moment of trumpet-accompanied silence.
My day got off to a great start: I picked up a smooth, creamy mocha from Pilot Coffee's pop-up shop in Union Station's Great Hall on my way to this year's ProFusion, and then witnessed the busy terminal gradually come to a hush to honour and remember our country's brave veterans during a moment of trumpet-accompanied silence.
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Pilot Coffee Roasters, a very fitting name provided that the UP Express station can be found just around the corner, has a physical shop location over on the East End, in Leslieville. And according to reports, their "green" beans are sourced directly from the farmers that produce them, making them true coffee connoisseurs.
For the common commuter, making a trip to the East End is no easy feat; fortunately for me, as well as the many others that frequent Union Station, Pilot is now serving their fragrant, caffeinated creations within a few minutes of the bus/train platforms. By no means an expert, I couldn't quite describe the flavours present, but I can conclude that the Mocha utilized a rich and somewhat chocolate-y bean to compliment the addition of steamed chocolate milk.
For the common commuter, making a trip to the East End is no easy feat; fortunately for me, as well as the many others that frequent Union Station, Pilot is now serving their fragrant, caffeinated creations within a few minutes of the bus/train platforms. By no means an expert, I couldn't quite describe the flavours present, but I can conclude that the Mocha utilized a rich and somewhat chocolate-y bean to compliment the addition of steamed chocolate milk.
The cashier was friendly, and the baristas extremely swift in their actions. Despite the small line that had formed when I first approached the kiosk-like setup, orders were processed with extraordinary speed and accuracy - an element crucial for success in Ontario's largest transit terminal.
It should also be noted that Pilot does not provide coffee sleeves - with insulated paper cups surrounded in a heat-proof, ribbed exterior, the need has been completely eliminated. This distinctive design element is superb in that it drastically lessens the total time required by customers to obtain their order(s), reduces waste, and also eradicates the obligation by the business to provide such tools.
Fairly priced in comparison to other coffee shops and cafes in the Downtown Core, I can guarantee that I will be returning for more of their lovely mochas and speedy service.
Lunch was also an event I had been anticipating. The original idea of afternoon tea in Mississauga was promptly ejected as soon as I was notified of my friend's drastic transit delay. But it was nearing 2:00 PM, and I was famished. And to my dismay, it looked like I'd be continuing to lug my weighty backpack around for the day.
Nearby was Khao San Road, a highly-recommended Thai restaurant that I've been itching to try the entrees of since witnessing the insane level of lunchtime activity on an earlier visit for Thai Iced Tea.
Lunch was also an event I had been anticipating. The original idea of afternoon tea in Mississauga was promptly ejected as soon as I was notified of my friend's drastic transit delay. But it was nearing 2:00 PM, and I was famished. And to my dismay, it looked like I'd be continuing to lug my weighty backpack around for the day.
Nearby was Khao San Road, a highly-recommended Thai restaurant that I've been itching to try the entrees of since witnessing the insane level of lunchtime activity on an earlier visit for Thai Iced Tea.
Even though lunch hour had long past, a few undeterred tables still remained upon entering. Many diners were slowly finishing up, but the number of available seats were still on the lower side. Bar seats were offered by hostess, but I wavered slightly before making my way over as I was contemplating whether the outdoor patio seats would provide more space for my bulky bag.
I decided to deal with my luggage, that is, until she informed me that hidden hooks were actually installed underneath the bar for the exact purpose of hanging personal belongings. Relieved that I wouldn't have to strangle my bag during the entire meal, I gladly hung it up and began to take a look at the menu.
I decided to deal with my luggage, that is, until she informed me that hidden hooks were actually installed underneath the bar for the exact purpose of hanging personal belongings. Relieved that I wouldn't have to strangle my bag during the entire meal, I gladly hung it up and began to take a look at the menu.
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Neither familiar with Thai cuisine nor possessing a high spice tolerance, it was decided that the safest bets would be the restaurants signature dishes: Pad Gra Prao and Khao Soi. Of course, a Thai Iced Tea was also ordered.
The items arrived relatively quickly, which I suppose is to be expected given that Khao San Road caters to working individuals of the downtown area who are generally only permitted one-hour lunch breaks.
Solely based on its description, I expected Pad Gra Prao to resemble some sort of spicy fried rice. But alas, the plate that arrived took on the appearance of minced meat on rice served with a side of precipate-filled, spicy dipping sauce. Instead of the soft, oily properties of Taiwanese Minced Meat on Rice, the dish contained a higher degree of texture, as well as a diverse blend of spices and seasonings. It's a bit difficult to pinpoint the focus of the flavour profile; nonetheless, the dish was satisfying and unique to taste.
Solely based on its description, I expected Pad Gra Prao to resemble some sort of spicy fried rice. But alas, the plate that arrived took on the appearance of minced meat on rice served with a side of precipate-filled, spicy dipping sauce. Instead of the soft, oily properties of Taiwanese Minced Meat on Rice, the dish contained a higher degree of texture, as well as a diverse blend of spices and seasonings. It's a bit difficult to pinpoint the focus of the flavour profile; nonetheless, the dish was satisfying and unique to taste.
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Khao Soi arrived shortly after, featuring egg noodles bathing in "golden curry" and topped with crispy noodles and cilantro. A wedge of lime was also brought to the table in a small dish.
By golly, this was heaven-like. The mild yellow curry was creamy, exuding an ever-so-fragrant coconut-y aroma; the crispy noodles added a lovely crunch, and were tasted even better when partially submerged. As for the egg noodles (that largely resembled Chinese flat rice noodles), they proved the carbs required to stay satisfied.
To call the dish delightful would be misleading - it was a masterpiece. With three varying textures and intense depth of flavour, I continued to munch on even after curbing my hunger. And adding in the juice of a lime wedge heightened the taste even more! Had I been able to withstand an even spicier curry, I may not have had to sip on my Thai Iced Tea (its icy sweetness allowed for another perfect pairing!) after every few bites to cool my tongue. Regardless, Khao Soi is a dish I can undoubtedly guarantee I shall be ordering again.
By golly, this was heaven-like. The mild yellow curry was creamy, exuding an ever-so-fragrant coconut-y aroma; the crispy noodles added a lovely crunch, and were tasted even better when partially submerged. As for the egg noodles (that largely resembled Chinese flat rice noodles), they proved the carbs required to stay satisfied.
To call the dish delightful would be misleading - it was a masterpiece. With three varying textures and intense depth of flavour, I continued to munch on even after curbing my hunger. And adding in the juice of a lime wedge heightened the taste even more! Had I been able to withstand an even spicier curry, I may not have had to sip on my Thai Iced Tea (its icy sweetness allowed for another perfect pairing!) after every few bites to cool my tongue. Regardless, Khao Soi is a dish I can undoubtedly guarantee I shall be ordering again.
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View the full album HERE !
After foraging for sustenance, I finally met up with said delayed friend in Chinatown.
Both still stuffed from lunch, we spontaneously decided to stop by Echo for a quick hour of karaoke. While Happy Hour had indeed started, we weren't exactly able to get our money's worth given that we were both commuters whose schedules revolved around the availability of public transit.
Echo employs the same song selection system as ten23, just in a less pleasant environment. The sofas were rather cramped together, the screen was on the grimy side, and an peculiar odour oozed out from certain areas of the room. The germaphobe in me also prickled at the fact that they did not have mic covers available.
Echo employs the same song selection system as ten23, just in a less pleasant environment. The sofas were rather cramped together, the screen was on the grimy side, and an peculiar odour oozed out from certain areas of the room. The germaphobe in me also prickled at the fact that they did not have mic covers available.
Happy Hour takes place between 3:00 to 8:30 PM, with a flat rate of $10.00 per person.
Our bill came to a total of $12.50 each, which meant that tax and a gratuity fee of 10% had already been included. Little did we realize this until afterwards, as we both tipped an extra dollar. (Oops! Well, in our defence, the young man managing the karaoke box was very friendly.)
Having digested our late lunches, we headed to STAY Cafeteria afterwards for dessert.
Our bill came to a total of $12.50 each, which meant that tax and a gratuity fee of 10% had already been included. Little did we realize this until afterwards, as we both tipped an extra dollar. (Oops! Well, in our defence, the young man managing the karaoke box was very friendly.)
Having digested our late lunches, we headed to STAY Cafeteria afterwards for dessert.
With only one four-person table located directly beside the glass window, majority of the restaurant was shrouded in darkness with the exception of a few incandescent light bulbs. One of the waitresses informed us that smaller parties were not permitted to be seated at the larger tables, meaning that we would be cramped at a tiny, hook-less one towards the back instead.
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I must admit that it was busier than I had expected for a weekday evening - half of the tables were completely occupied - which is likely the reason why service was on the slower side.
We decided to share a Mango Shaved Ice, which turned out to be a small bowl of snow ice drizzled with concentrated mango syrup, sweetened condensed milk, lychee popping boba, and topped with a few mushy chunks of mango plus a handful of toasted rice. The mint leaf was purely inputted as a garnish, but was an oddly irrelevant addition in my opinion. The overall appearance resembled tropical mango sticky rice - far from the extravagant towers of layers I was used to seeing at zenQ and Cha Me. Cha.
We decided to share a Mango Shaved Ice, which turned out to be a small bowl of snow ice drizzled with concentrated mango syrup, sweetened condensed milk, lychee popping boba, and topped with a few mushy chunks of mango plus a handful of toasted rice. The mint leaf was purely inputted as a garnish, but was an oddly irrelevant addition in my opinion. The overall appearance resembled tropical mango sticky rice - far from the extravagant towers of layers I was used to seeing at zenQ and Cha Me. Cha.
The dessert was distinctively lacking fluffiness; we both agreed that it was much creamier and sweeter than expected. In my books, $6.99 should be have more than enough to obtain a sky-high mound of airy iciness, along with toppings that provide a sense of cohesiveness. All in all, I found the Mango Shaved Ice to be an incorrectly described product (it was snow ice, not shaved ice) that lacked in diversity of flavour as well as presentation.
Service and environment were mediocre for the most part, though I would have probably enjoyed the brick walls, Brandy Melville signs, and lettered light fixtures if the interior was filled with a larger amount of natural light.
Based on social media - namely Instagram - it seems that their savoury noodle dishes and Oreo Mochi Toast (carbs on carbs on carbs) are the next two popular items on the menu. STAY isn't situated in a particularly convenient location for someone who frequents the Entertainment and Financial Districts, but may be worth giving a second chance with a commuting schedule that's a little less restricting.
Based on social media - namely Instagram - it seems that their savoury noodle dishes and Oreo Mochi Toast (carbs on carbs on carbs) are the next two popular items on the menu. STAY isn't situated in a particularly convenient location for someone who frequents the Entertainment and Financial Districts, but may be worth giving a second chance with a commuting schedule that's a little less restricting.
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