Out & About #258 | Part 2: HOPO + Metro Square Night Market

To read about kayaking on Lake Simcoe, check out Part 1 HERE !

Following our thrilling kayaking session, we headed down to Markham for dinner. Via my preferred social media platform (aka Instagram), I learned that HOPO had extended their Buy One Get One Free deal for three more days, concluding the deal on the last day of July.

The promotion enabled customers to receive one individual hot pot at no cost with no purchase of another hot pot of equal (or greater) price between the hours of 6 pm and 10 pm. Initially hankering for the Sukiyaki hotpot (priced at $9.99), I eventually chose the Fermented Tofu Soup for the sake of value; the add-ons weren't included in this BOGO deal either. Majority of the other options were spicy, so we opted for the milder of the bunch: Tom Yum Seafood Soup.

Despite only offering ten styles of hot pot, the varieties were unique enough that one wouldn't tire of the flavours if sharing between a large party. Spicy Beef, Malaysia Laksa, and Spicy Fermented Tofu were capable of providing different levels of fiery punches to those who craved a kick, while Original Veggie was made available for vegetarians or those simply looking for a lighter option. The most amusing of the choices would undeniably be the Korean-style hot pot, which consisted of instant noodles, cheese, rice cakes, and a vibrant red spicy soup - all very Mo'Ramyun-esque.

The restaurant itself was fairly small: it occupied a space proportionate to Chatime's shop next door, but seated several more by placing tables in close proximity to each other. A red-black colour scheme filled the dining area as well as the washroom stalls; each individual stall was oddly spacious, and even featured bag hooks and modern Cinta soap dispensers/hand dryers. The sole exception was the sink, which almost seemed to be a last-minute addition as it had been haphazardly installed in a small corner.

Lighting-wise, the bulbs cast several patches of unwanted glare of the shiny black tabletops below. Should we have been seated near the front, however, natural lighting would have been in abundance.

Service was prompt, and both of our pots were delivered in record time. Each arrived in its own respective stainless steel contraption, in which a gas burner provided continuous warmth from underneath.

The appearance of the Fermented Tofu hotpot was accompanied with the heavy stench of stinky tofu, resulting in either largely excited or outwardly negative reactions from the neighbouring guests. Chunks of firm tofu, tomato slices, blanched cabbage, tofu puffs, pickled veggies, intestines floated atop a pile of clear noodles; there was even a double-layered beef ball. None of these elements emitted an overly intense aroma, which I found to be rather pleasant. The intestines, in particular, were seasoned well and extremely tasty. The aspect that I enjoyed most, though, was that the pot left me feeling satisfied, but completely guilt-free due to the high vegetable content.

The Tom Yum hotpot was vastly different from the former: the broth was sour and spicy, but carried the odour of freshly-ground ginger. Enoki mushrooms, artificial crab meat, tofu puffs, tomato slices, and a medley of shrimp and mussels filled the bubbling pot. Perhaps my spice tolerance is a tad lacking, for I could only take several bites before drowning myself in cold water and reverting back to picking at the Fermented Tofu soup. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed the unique combination of spices/flavouring elements in the broth.

With our selected items priced at $13.99 and $12.99, I found portion size, as well amount of ingredients, to be quite generous. That being said, hotpot isn't my usual go-to cuisine. Personally, it's a bit too much.

Most Asian families will have their own hotpot stove tucked away in the pantry, so it's far from difficult to customize one's own hotpot bowl. Self-proclaimed as a Fusion Style Hotpot spot, it's evident that HOPO aims to provide a trendier take of the family-style method of dining by infusing flavours of different cultures at one location. It's ideal for those yearning for a quick, hearty meal, especially when looking to avoid the lengthy clean-up procedure.

The meal concluded just short of 7:30 pm, at which point I suggested dropping by the Metro Square Night Market.

Frankly, I had only been prompted to suggest the idea upon catching a glimpse of the promotional poster outside Chatime on Gibson. It happened to be the last few hours of the last day, so there was nothing to lose. The market was held in the main parking lot of Metro Square, featuring game booths, an impressive array of food vendors, and even a small stage!

Due to a sudden turn of events, I hadn't had the opportunity to attend this year's Night It Up! Instead, I had taken to reliving the annual, three-day celebration of food via social media posts and stories from friends. There had been several items I had had my eye on prior to, so I had been utterly dismayed when I had been left out of the Wagon Wheel and Raindrop Cake extravaganza.

But to my sheer delight, the smaller-scale event had invited a lineup of vendors almost identical to that of Night It Up! Not only was I able to get my hands on the ever-coveted custard- and Oreo-stuffed Wagon Wheels from Formocha, I was also able to snap a photo with the bespetacled I-Migoo character and purchase the Raindrop Cake at a discounted price - all sans lineup!

I was overjoyed!

Did I also mention that Real Fruit Bubble Tea was selling milk teas for only two dollars? Score!
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We also picked up piping hot, battered oysters drizzled in honey mustard.

On a side note, it appears that Serissa Cate has finally closed its doors and will soon be replaced by CoCo.

As the sun gradually made its way over the horizon, we trekked back to the car to make our return home. The day had been extremely eventful, and more fantastic than I had ever imagined.