With the final days of my Toronto term coming to an end, the month of April passed by alarmingly quickly. The past four weeks comprised of hectic schedules, splurging on food items, and an abundance of early sunrise shots. Enjoy!
1) Gorgeous gradients in the morning sky
1) Gorgeous gradients in the morning sky
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2. Extra-stale, self-proclaimed "Japanese cheesecake" from Papa John's, which has discouraged further visits since.
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3. Trying out a VR driving game and touch-less colouring activities at the Towards Tomorrow by Toyato pop-up in Square One
4. Exploring Port Credit on a lovely Sunday afternoon
4. Exploring Port Credit on a lovely Sunday afternoon
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5. Obtaining a McMorning Wrap for lunch (feat. emoji colouring pages)
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6. Spotting the renowned bench at Fairview's Bench location
7. Brioche Dorée satisfying my morning cravings: London Fog, Spicy Iced Chai, Mocha, and Chocolate Croissant.
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8. My oh-so-lovable, handcrafted baby bird carving from the Birdman!
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11. Visiting the Cacao 70's new Queen West location
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12. Honey Oolong Milk Tea w/ Coffee Jelly from Sharetea
13. Hokkaido Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea from Green Grotto
14. The CN Tower feat. the UP Express Terminal / Skywalk
13. Hokkaido Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea from Green Grotto
14. The CN Tower feat. the UP Express Terminal / Skywalk
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15. Mean Bao
Steamed baos are a type of hype: fluffier than burger buns but relatively easy to make, their lack of flavour provides an ideal base for any odd combination of flavours. (Yes, you read that right - odd.) They're nothing new to those acquainted with the fattiness and meaty juices of Taiwanese gua bao, but are quite the staple snack in Asian fusion cuisine downtown.
Steamed baos are a type of hype: fluffier than burger buns but relatively easy to make, their lack of flavour provides an ideal base for any odd combination of flavours. (Yes, you read that right - odd.) They're nothing new to those acquainted with the fattiness and meaty juices of Taiwanese gua bao, but are quite the staple snack in Asian fusion cuisine downtown.
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Setting out on a hunt for an inexpensive lunch option, I was guided to Mean Bao in the food court of Village by the Grange via Ritual.
"Well this is quite the prime location." I thought. Between OCAD students and nine-to-five-ers in the nearby business complexes, Mean Bao fills the demand for quick, tasty eats at an unbeatable price. There is no need for an extensive menu here either; it's consistency and convenience that prevails in this market.
"Well this is quite the prime location." I thought. Between OCAD students and nine-to-five-ers in the nearby business complexes, Mean Bao fills the demand for quick, tasty eats at an unbeatable price. There is no need for an extensive menu here either; it's consistency and convenience that prevails in this market.
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After consulting Yelp and the popularity ranking on the Ritual app, I decide to try the 2 Baos + 1 Drink combo. My choices were the Sloppy Jones Bao, Tofu & Enoki Mushroom Bao, and a can of iced tea.
Described as a mishmash of ground pork (which I had ordered with mild spice), cucumber, and green onion, the Sloppy Jones Bao was satisfying enough for the small eater that I am. I did, however, have to take breaks in between bites to wash down the spiciness, since it wasn't nearly as mild as I had hoped.
Described as a mishmash of ground pork (which I had ordered with mild spice), cucumber, and green onion, the Sloppy Jones Bao was satisfying enough for the small eater that I am. I did, however, have to take breaks in between bites to wash down the spiciness, since it wasn't nearly as mild as I had hoped.
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The Tofu & Enoki Mushroom Bao, their single vegetarian option, was listed on Ritual as one of their most popular options. The reasoning behind this recognition, though, was wholly unknown. With a minimal portion of sliced carrots and purple cabbage, a stringy bunch of unseasoned enoki mushroom, and a tacky satay sauce, the consolidated result was beyond disappointing. Not even a refreshing gulp of Nestea could rid my mouth of the sticky aftertaste.
Though I do commend their welcoming manners, swiftness of preparation, and simple yet extensive selection of condiments, the $9 meal fell drastically below expectations. Perhaps I should have ordered the Pulled Pork or Pork Belly Bao (ie. the other two most popular items), but at four dollars each, I could likely find better value at the hot food section at T&T during evening hours.
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