Let's be real: There's really only one region where everyone can collectively agree on and acknowledge as "downtown". And that, my fellow readers, would be Downtown Toronto - otherwise known as the "Downtown Core" to locals.
That being said, this does not automatically signify that the supposed "downtown" sections of suburban areas aren't a force to be reckoned with. Although it is impossible to compare the amount of action, food and retail options, and traffic flow to the metropolis that is Toronto, I find that several up-and-coming sections of suburbia are gradually adding elements to add vibrancy and variety to their surroundings.
That being said, this does not automatically signify that the supposed "downtown" sections of suburban areas aren't a force to be reckoned with. Although it is impossible to compare the amount of action, food and retail options, and traffic flow to the metropolis that is Toronto, I find that several up-and-coming sections of suburbia are gradually adding elements to add vibrancy and variety to their surroundings.
Munching in Markham is a continuously growing series on this space, yet it's surprising that a trip to Downtown Markham hasn't been included until today. I had been aware of its existence since pestering a group of friends on an evening drive to Cha Me. Cha, but few retailers had been present at the time.
My last visit via the VIVA BRT had involved weaving through the area, as well as grazing the entrance of Unionville GO station; it was at that moment that I realized there was now much more to explore than just Cineplex.
My last visit via the VIVA BRT had involved weaving through the area, as well as grazing the entrance of Unionville GO station; it was at that moment that I realized there was now much more to explore than just Cineplex.
As a destination capable of being easily accessed by public transit, it was deemed an appropriate meet-up location for a much-deserved catch-up session. Late lunch was also in the cards, so we agreed on Go For Tea.
The tea house's newest uptown location proved to be extremely grand, not only featuring an outdoor patio, but an expansive seating area with an impressive collection of wood-themed decor elements.
The tea house's newest uptown location proved to be extremely grand, not only featuring an outdoor patio, but an expansive seating area with an impressive collection of wood-themed decor elements.
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The dining area seemed endless: brightly-lit booths with outlets provided a spacious, creative environment for inspiration-seekers, small, cozy tables with a slight ambience for intimate gatherings, and simplistic, rectangular tables for group discussions and/or meetings. Soft instrumentals reminiscent of classical tunes played in fine dining establishments played gently in the background.
Requesting a table for two, I was led towards the outer corner of the tea house, to a comfy orange-and-tweed booth. Besides the ever-convenient four port outlet - they had two traditional outlets and two USB outlets! - and newly-placed furniture, it was also observed that an assistance bell had been placed between every two booths. Needless to say, the setting was greatly appreciated and kilometres past anything we had imagined for a mere eatery.
Requesting a table for two, I was led towards the outer corner of the tea house, to a comfy orange-and-tweed booth. Besides the ever-convenient four port outlet - they had two traditional outlets and two USB outlets! - and newly-placed furniture, it was also observed that an assistance bell had been placed between every two booths. Needless to say, the setting was greatly appreciated and kilometres past anything we had imagined for a mere eatery.
Service, on the other hand, was a very different story. We were served by two members of staff during our stay, one evidently older than the other. The older server had a mature aura about him, and took heed in leading customers to tables and completing transactions; the younger was clearly incapable of cracking even the slightest smile or adjusting his attitude to suit his working conditions. Both of us expressed great frustration in calling him over to take our orders - the bell didn't seem to work that efficiently in this circumstance - and noticed that a heaving sigh would trail at the end of each of his sentences. The cherry on top was definitely the fact that he barely even cast a glance in our direction when noting down our menu choice. What a rude rascal.
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Neither particularly famished nor cravings sated, we settled on sharing the tea room's renowned Paper Hot Pot dish. The set arrived on a black tray, alongside a small garden salad and two sickly-looking spring rolls. An extremely thick and durable sheet of white paper was propped into a mesh strainer-like piece of equipment; flickering blue flames from below maintained the temperature of the sesame-ginger broth.
Braised Chicken w/ Sesame Oil was the name of the dish, but the final conclusion was that any hints of sesame oil were essentially non-existent due to the unnecessarily high number of ginger slices inserted in the dish. The braised bits of chicken meat were decent, but not especially succulent that they deserved being mentioned twice. Speaking from the perspective of one hailing from a family possessing a hot pot stove, Paper Hot Pots are a trend definitely worth skipping over.
Braised Chicken w/ Sesame Oil was the name of the dish, but the final conclusion was that any hints of sesame oil were essentially non-existent due to the unnecessarily high number of ginger slices inserted in the dish. The braised bits of chicken meat were decent, but not especially succulent that they deserved being mentioned twice. Speaking from the perspective of one hailing from a family possessing a hot pot stove, Paper Hot Pots are a trend definitely worth skipping over.
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Side dishes were mediocre at best with an utmost ordinary appearance.
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A small Peach Green Tea and large Very Mango Mango Slush were ordered, exempt from any combo deals. The Peach Green Tea was discovered to be rather average in taste; the Very Mango Mango Slush was much larger than expected and consisted of a bottom layer of mango jellies and an icy, syrupy blend of mango concentrate topped with more mango syrup and real chunks of the fruit. The lofty beer glass probably contained over two cups worth of the beverage. Large upsizes were priced at an additional one dollar, so I had upgraded the drink without a second thought. This was far from being justified though, since the drink itself totalled a whopping $8.99. (And Chatime was just next door...)
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With the exception of stable Wi-Fi and a clean, comfortable atmosphere (including sufficiently-equipped bathrooms), Go For Tea leaves little to be desired for the average consumer. I suppose I did appreciate their impartiality towards all forms of payment, but their customer service crew was beyond lacking. The franchise doesn't fare especially well in any particular dish or beverage either, so I'd advise trying out a different eatery in the same complex instead.
Following our light meal, we strolled around the remainder the shops in Downtown Markham.
Following our light meal, we strolled around the remainder the shops in Downtown Markham.
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We eventually found ourselves at the Pride of Canada carousel that had been appearing on my feed for the past several days. Situated directly adjacent to the shallow fountain in a partially-enclosed glass covering, this merry-go-round proved itself to be anything but boring upon closer inspection.
Each individual component was constructed entirely of recycled materials. In addition, every piece was found to embody some sort of significance to Canadian history and/or pay tribute to a renowned landmark/entity/invention. Some were dedicated to specific provinces, while others were merely interesting-looking pieces to ride.
We paid our $2 admission fee and hopped on.
We paid our $2 admission fee and hopped on.
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The area actually possesses a great deal of potential for hosting future community events: in addition to having easy access to public transit, it seems as if there is a large parking lot currently in the works. The ever-adorably decorated bike racks are another quirky addition to the vicinity.
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Following our surprisingly amusing carousel ride, we braved the humidity and embarked on a trek towards Tendou at Hwy 7 and Town Centre Boulevard.
My first visit had been brief, and supplied only enough gustatory information to determine whether a second trip would be upheld. This time around, an extensive list of desserts was was added to the menu via a whiteboard scribbles.
To our dismay, majority of the items had already been sold out by early evening. (It was a weekday too!) I requested a sample of their Matcha and Black Sesame Soft Serve prior to re-evaluating their selection.
To our dismay, majority of the items had already been sold out by early evening. (It was a weekday too!) I requested a sample of their Matcha and Black Sesame Soft Serve prior to re-evaluating their selection.
The Instagram-popular Matcha and Black Sesame Swirl Soft Serve and Hokkaido Milk Creme Brulee were ordered after much discussion.
We - or rather, I - took to indulging in drool-worth dessert photography before finally collapsing into one of the black patent leather chairs and observing the application process of their wall art.
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View the full album HERE !
Authentic matcha powder is difficult to come by in North America, and extremely overpriced if used in food and drink items. The Matcha and Black Sesame Soft Serve came to $5.50 when ordered with a waffle cone. Personally, I found the price to be a tad high for the portion size and the speed at which the swirls deformed. When directly compared to Toronto standards though, it seemed acceptable, but still relatively high for my standards.
Unlike other users, I wasn't able to perceive the prominent specks of green that had been shown in numerous Yelp photos. Regardless, the green tea flavour had been incorporated very well, yielding a flavourful, seamless result. Nowhere nearly as milky nor as firm as Woofles, Tendou's soft serve was subtly bitter but void of the standard grassiness. Its contents allowed it to have a stronger green hue; it melted within several minutes of residing in A/C, which was an indication of either a notably low fat content or a sparse amount of stabilizer.
Either way, the soft serve was thoroughly enjoyed. Fragrant black sesame and silky smooth matcha are a match made in heaven; though, we could have definitely done without the inexplicably soggy waffle cone.
Unlike other users, I wasn't able to perceive the prominent specks of green that had been shown in numerous Yelp photos. Regardless, the green tea flavour had been incorporated very well, yielding a flavourful, seamless result. Nowhere nearly as milky nor as firm as Woofles, Tendou's soft serve was subtly bitter but void of the standard grassiness. Its contents allowed it to have a stronger green hue; it melted within several minutes of residing in A/C, which was an indication of either a notably low fat content or a sparse amount of stabilizer.
Either way, the soft serve was thoroughly enjoyed. Fragrant black sesame and silky smooth matcha are a match made in heaven; though, we could have definitely done without the inexplicably soggy waffle cone.
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The Hokkaido Milk Creme Brulee boasted an impressive appearance, but bore too strong of a resemblance to the steamed milk custard dishes commonly witnessed at dim sum sessions. Albeit a bit overdone, the uniform layer of torched sugar was satisfying to crack; the "hokkaido" aspect was definitely missing though.
I had initially wanted to try their Opera Cake and Tofu Cheesecake, but alas, they had been sold out. Tendou has left a positive enough impression that a third visit will be prompted. (As a final word of note: washrooms are located outside of the shop on the basement floor and credit cards aren't accepted.)
I had initially wanted to try their Opera Cake and Tofu Cheesecake, but alas, they had been sold out. Tendou has left a positive enough impression that a third visit will be prompted. (As a final word of note: washrooms are located outside of the shop on the basement floor and credit cards aren't accepted.)
Casual banter consumed approximately 1.5 hours following the acquisition of our desserts. Seeing as we couldn't end the day without a proper meal, we then ventured over to Dessert Kitchen for dinner.
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< Pictured above: Instant Noodles w/ Red Sausage and Cheese Sauce, Minced Pork Rice >
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