Astoundingly warm with only hints of strong drafts here and there, it's now official that the record-breaking temperatures we were lucky enough to experience during January have carried over to the current month.
That being said, the weather was mild enough that outdoor explorations were able to resume.
1) Sunrises/sunsets witnessed along the morning commute
That being said, the weather was mild enough that outdoor explorations were able to resume.
1) Sunrises/sunsets witnessed along the morning commute
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2) London Fog from Timothy's (North American Centre)
At $4.19, my medium London Fog was well worth it: the steamy beverage was creamy and smooth with ever-so-fragrant hits of Earl Grey and vanilla. This location was equipped with enough staff to handle the morning rush (no trainees here! Looking at you, Starbucks.) and prepared drinks speedily and solidly. I suppose a lack of Wi-Fi and one lonely dine-in (or rather, sip-in) table with a much over-loved cracking patent leather seat are the only factors I can complain about.
3. Adorable Valentine's Day-themed plushies on sale
At $4.19, my medium London Fog was well worth it: the steamy beverage was creamy and smooth with ever-so-fragrant hits of Earl Grey and vanilla. This location was equipped with enough staff to handle the morning rush (no trainees here! Looking at you, Starbucks.) and prepared drinks speedily and solidly. I suppose a lack of Wi-Fi and one lonely dine-in (or rather, sip-in) table with a much over-loved cracking patent leather seat are the only factors I can complain about.
3. Adorable Valentine's Day-themed plushies on sale
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4. Quantum Coffee
"How did you even find this place?!" is a question I commonly experience being thrown in my direction in a somewhat unbelieving tone. Frankly speaking, I'm an Instagram addict; 9 times out of 10, my next excursion or cooking inspiration will derive from my feed or Insta-searches.
"How did you even find this place?!" is a question I commonly experience being thrown in my direction in a somewhat unbelieving tone. Frankly speaking, I'm an Instagram addict; 9 times out of 10, my next excursion or cooking inspiration will derive from my feed or Insta-searches.
I recall awkwardly stepping into the glass window-surrounded coffee shop one fall day while they were still in the midst of interior decor, then making my greatest attempt to discreetly retreat back to the busy tempo of King and Spadina. Whizzing by on the 510 some few weeks later, I noticed that their decoration processes had terminated, and that they were now in business.
Nonetheless, it still took me another few months to convince myself to make the ten minute journey. Given this week's lovely warm weather, my previous excuses were no longer validated. My feet carried me in the direction of the Brûlée Cappuccinos I had observed adorning the caffeinated portion of my feed.
Nonetheless, it still took me another few months to convince myself to make the ten minute journey. Given this week's lovely warm weather, my previous excuses were no longer validated. My feet carried me in the direction of the Brûlée Cappuccinos I had observed adorning the caffeinated portion of my feed.
Alas, when we arrived, it was discovered that the Brûlée Cappuccino was nowhere to be found on the menu! The girl behind one of the cashiers cheerily called out to us, suggesting that she could likely be of assistance if we had any inquiries regarding the menu.
We then learned that Quantum offered a (rotating) special item called "Quantum Planck"; the exact item would be vary from time to time, as would the price. Currently, it was a very interesting creation where baristas would dust icing sugar atop a fluffy milk foam and torch the surface to yield the appearance of a crème brûlée.
We then learned that Quantum offered a (rotating) special item called "Quantum Planck"; the exact item would be vary from time to time, as would the price. Currently, it was a very interesting creation where baristas would dust icing sugar atop a fluffy milk foam and torch the surface to yield the appearance of a crème brûlée.
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The coffee shop is actually more well-known for their "perfect" pour-over machine; I haven't tried it, though, as I'm aware I can't handle the strength of pure beans (Oh, insomnia.) Truth be told: I'm far from a coffee purist, and thoroughly enjoy a few subtle shots of caffeine paired with chocolate, skim milk, and a slight injection of sweetener.
That being said, I'm glad I opted for a sweeter treat when I was informed that the Double Shot Macchiato contained enough stimulating potential to render an evening of sleeplessness. The Brûlée Cappuccino was sweet, but not overly so. It was fragrant, emitting a hybrid fragrance of "single-origin" (whatever that means) coffee beans and caramelized sugar, and slowly released its awakening powers to enable the remainder of my afternoon to be bearable. The tiny ginger cookie served on the side was a nice little crunchy addition to the drink.
That being said, I'm glad I opted for a sweeter treat when I was informed that the Double Shot Macchiato contained enough stimulating potential to render an evening of sleeplessness. The Brûlée Cappuccino was sweet, but not overly so. It was fragrant, emitting a hybrid fragrance of "single-origin" (whatever that means) coffee beans and caramelized sugar, and slowly released its awakening powers to enable the remainder of my afternoon to be bearable. The tiny ginger cookie served on the side was a nice little crunchy addition to the drink.
Boasting a spacious area with comfy wooden stools/chairs, aesthetically-pleasing red-orange brick walls, and tall glass windows, Quantum Coffee is a soothing getaway spot for thoughtful discussion, silent people-watching, and an abundance of natural lighting. It probably goes without saying: I'll be back to try more of their offerings in the near future.
5. Revisiting Millie Patisserie & Creamery
Having spotted a new, Chinese New Year-limited addition to their line of mille crepe cakes, it was only natural to drop by to check out the several other changes the small patisserie has undergone in the past little while. Along with sturdier chairs and the almond-flavoured crepe cake in question, Millie had also introduced an interesting selection of hot and cold drinks: Hojicha Latte, Matcha Latte, London Fog, as well as several brewed teas.
5. Revisiting Millie Patisserie & Creamery
Having spotted a new, Chinese New Year-limited addition to their line of mille crepe cakes, it was only natural to drop by to check out the several other changes the small patisserie has undergone in the past little while. Along with sturdier chairs and the almond-flavoured crepe cake in question, Millie had also introduced an interesting selection of hot and cold drinks: Hojicha Latte, Matcha Latte, London Fog, as well as several brewed teas.
We both opted for Black Sesame and Green Tea gelato, which the stylish headband-donning girl scooped up in alternating layers, possibly for the sake of added visual appeal. The flavours were familiar - delightfully decadent without the richness of Italian gelato, yet sturdy enough that they weren't melting instantly.
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To finish up the trip, two slices of cake were picked up before our departure: the Lucky Almond Crepe Cake and Black Sesame Souffle Cheesecake.
Despite the creaminess of the cheesecake, there was much black sesame intensity to be desired. While the airy, indulgent textures of the layers did score some points, it was found that the highlight flavour was a tad lacking.
In contrast, the Lucky Almond Crepe Cake was much more than I anticipated: almond-flavoured pastry cream paired exceptionally well with their Original crepe, especially with lightly crispy toasted almond slices embellishing the surface. Unlike their other crepe cake variations, this one was a real stunner!
Despite the creaminess of the cheesecake, there was much black sesame intensity to be desired. While the airy, indulgent textures of the layers did score some points, it was found that the highlight flavour was a tad lacking.
In contrast, the Lucky Almond Crepe Cake was much more than I anticipated: almond-flavoured pastry cream paired exceptionally well with their Original crepe, especially with lightly crispy toasted almond slices embellishing the surface. Unlike their other crepe cake variations, this one was a real stunner!
7. Taro Smoothie w/ Coffee Jelly from Gong Cha
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Countdown to CNY: 3 days!!
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