As an experienced commuter, there are several things I constantly keep in mind when on-the-go: in addition to bringing a bag with sufficient capacity to store all my daily essentials and being mindful of my surroundings (especially in unfamiliar circumstances), refraining from high levels of fluid intake before a trip is also imperative.
Besides the above declarations, it also important to remember that commuters don't always have a choice when choosing a trip or route to take. Consistent punctuality usually means sacrificing glorious snooze time to catch an earlier bus, while long breaks in between classes means camping out in a comfortable spot - preferably one with Wi-Fi - for several hours. Hazel Tea fit the bill in this case.
Besides the above declarations, it also important to remember that commuters don't always have a choice when choosing a trip or route to take. Consistent punctuality usually means sacrificing glorious snooze time to catch an earlier bus, while long breaks in between classes means camping out in a comfortable spot - preferably one with Wi-Fi - for several hours. Hazel Tea fit the bill in this case.
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It was by pure coincidence that the tea shop began operations just before I began my extended break; it was also quite fortunate that it was easily accessible via public transit.
With its storefront facing the Main Street, Hazel Tea & Dessert was extremely easy to locate. Much to my delight, I walked into a completely empty shop. It was quiet, well air-conditioned, and brimming with power outlets in convenient locations around each table and booth. Mellow music played in the background.
With its storefront facing the Main Street, Hazel Tea & Dessert was extremely easy to locate. Much to my delight, I walked into a completely empty shop. It was quiet, well air-conditioned, and brimming with power outlets in convenient locations around each table and booth. Mellow music played in the background.
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I was acknowledged immediately upon entry. The cashier was situated close to the door, allowing both dine-in and takeout orders to be placed easily. A small waiting area ensured that takeout customers wouldn't be packed tightly together during evening rush hours, and that the tables and bar seats lining the perimeter would be granted the space they required.
Spotting the tray of empty cups by the menu, I inquired about the shop's availability of samples. Hearing this, the man at the cashier grabbed a pitcher of light beige liquid and poured a small amount into one of the cups. "This is our Jasmine Milk Green Tea." he uttered briefly; no further descriptions nor promotional content were given.
I inquired whether their milk teas were crafted with milk powder, to which he answered "Yes." It seemed as if the only beverages that didn't contain the dreaded synthetic substance was their selection of brewed teas (ie. herbal, etc.)
To be fair, their drink lineup also comprised of smoothies and specialty drinks, but I was seriously craving milk tea and, as a result, succumbed to my unhealthy desires. I requested their top-seller, Hazel's Jasmine Milk Green Tea, at 50% sweetness and less ice. (Yes, you can adjust these!). I'm rather unsure of why I chose Red Bean instead of Tapioca as my topping, but I didn't regret the decision at all.
Spotting the tray of empty cups by the menu, I inquired about the shop's availability of samples. Hearing this, the man at the cashier grabbed a pitcher of light beige liquid and poured a small amount into one of the cups. "This is our Jasmine Milk Green Tea." he uttered briefly; no further descriptions nor promotional content were given.
I inquired whether their milk teas were crafted with milk powder, to which he answered "Yes." It seemed as if the only beverages that didn't contain the dreaded synthetic substance was their selection of brewed teas (ie. herbal, etc.)
To be fair, their drink lineup also comprised of smoothies and specialty drinks, but I was seriously craving milk tea and, as a result, succumbed to my unhealthy desires. I requested their top-seller, Hazel's Jasmine Milk Green Tea, at 50% sweetness and less ice. (Yes, you can adjust these!). I'm rather unsure of why I chose Red Bean instead of Tapioca as my topping, but I didn't regret the decision at all.
Payment was accepted in the form of credit (in addition to cash and debit, I'm assuming) and processed using the same sleek tablets seen at Front Street Foods vendors and milano. Prices were on par with Chatime, though specialty drinks were a tad more costly.
The open bar allowed me to catch a glimpse of their various flavour powders, crepe grill, and waffle griddle. To the right of the drink menu on the LED screen, I learned that Hazel also offered dessert in the form of elaborately-decorated waffles. Each was a hefty $8.75 before tax, so I opted to try those on a later date, after I find someone to split the costs with.
A single member of staff assumed responsibilities of taking orders, crafting drinks, maintaining cleanliness, cooking tapioca pearls, and providing customer service overall. I was almost certain that there would be at least one other person working the kitchen equipment, though I suppose an extra set of hands wouldn't have been particularly useful during off-peak hours.
I headed over dimly-lit corner table and began to spread my belongings on the table. Shortly after plugging my phone cable into one of their many charging ports, a plastic cup with a sticker of their logo was brought to the side of the cashier and the name of my drink was called out.
The aftertaste was tacky, as with any milk tea crafted from milk powder, but the flavour itself was decent. Despite using a base of Jasmine Green Tea, the tea wasn't as fragrant as I had expected. While it didn't contain the deep orange depth of black tea, it wasn't lighter in hue or more subtle in body either. The sweet pieces of red bean lent a nice chewiness to the beverage, even if only a limited portion had been scooped into the cup.
The open bar allowed me to catch a glimpse of their various flavour powders, crepe grill, and waffle griddle. To the right of the drink menu on the LED screen, I learned that Hazel also offered dessert in the form of elaborately-decorated waffles. Each was a hefty $8.75 before tax, so I opted to try those on a later date, after I find someone to split the costs with.
A single member of staff assumed responsibilities of taking orders, crafting drinks, maintaining cleanliness, cooking tapioca pearls, and providing customer service overall. I was almost certain that there would be at least one other person working the kitchen equipment, though I suppose an extra set of hands wouldn't have been particularly useful during off-peak hours.
I headed over dimly-lit corner table and began to spread my belongings on the table. Shortly after plugging my phone cable into one of their many charging ports, a plastic cup with a sticker of their logo was brought to the side of the cashier and the name of my drink was called out.
The aftertaste was tacky, as with any milk tea crafted from milk powder, but the flavour itself was decent. Despite using a base of Jasmine Green Tea, the tea wasn't as fragrant as I had expected. While it didn't contain the deep orange depth of black tea, it wasn't lighter in hue or more subtle in body either. The sweet pieces of red bean lent a nice chewiness to the beverage, even if only a limited portion had been scooped into the cup.
I resided at Hazel for approximately four hours, which was enough to turn me into an icicle had I not brought along a light fleece hoodie. Cold air was being blasted down onto my booth for most of the duration, though the staff hadn't noticed it enough to ask whether I'd like it to turned down. (It's unlikely that I would have told him, given that I was incredibly absorbed in "W" at the time, but I'm convinced my shuddering body was a dead giveaway.
During this time, several customers walked into the shop to purchase takeout orders, and then sauntered right back out once they had obtained their object(s) of desire. Towards the end of my stay, a duo of talkative girls with wavy hair entered and proceeded to set up their workstation two tables down from me. Thankfully, Wi-Fi remained speedy and stable for all of us to enjoy.
During this time, several customers walked into the shop to purchase takeout orders, and then sauntered right back out once they had obtained their object(s) of desire. Towards the end of my stay, a duo of talkative girls with wavy hair entered and proceeded to set up their workstation two tables down from me. Thankfully, Wi-Fi remained speedy and stable for all of us to enjoy.
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It's highly probable that I'll be revisiting to try the rest of their Top 10, as well as their dessert selection. Hazel is, undeniably, priced on the higher end. But then again, Hamilton has little to no competition, so it's understandable.
On a concluding note, I wanted to add that the environment was in accordance to AODA standards. A ramp was provided to access the entrance, and both washrooms inside the establishment were spacious handicap stalls. This was startlingly unexpected for a bubble tea shop; I can only hope that the trend continues such that more dining spots become more accessible to customers of all ages and sizes.
As the sun began its gradual descent, I tucked my drama-watching kit back into my bag and headed next door (or next next door, to be specific) to pick up a quick dinner of Chicken Shawarma.
As the sun began its gradual descent, I tucked my drama-watching kit back into my bag and headed next door (or next next door, to be specific) to pick up a quick dinner of Chicken Shawarma.
According to Yelp, Sana Grill is "great". In actuality though, it's just alright. The interior is simple: plastic chairs and tables are the main furnishings, as with any other shawarma joint.
Gyros wasn't an option at this location, so I simply chose a Chicken Shawarma. The item was priced at $5.31 before tax, and came to exactly six dollars. Cash was the most welcomed variety of payment, though MasterCard and Visa were also accepted.
Gyros wasn't an option at this location, so I simply chose a Chicken Shawarma. The item was priced at $5.31 before tax, and came to exactly six dollars. Cash was the most welcomed variety of payment, though MasterCard and Visa were also accepted.
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Despite the friendly, courteous service, it brings me displeasure to say that the wrap fell below expectations and emerged as a profound challenge to consume. The bits of chicken, while well-seasoned, were not prepared from the grill but rather from picked from a Stainless steel bin and stuffed into the pita. Other ingredients such as lettuce, cucumber, and tomato were slightly lacking; in contrast, sauce was in abundance but messy to eat since it had squirted all over the inside of the aluminum foil.
Should I find tastier, more economic options in the area, I would reconsider Sana Grill for future grab-and-go meals. By no means is it mindblowingly delicious, nor is it extremely affordable either.
Should I find tastier, more economic options in the area, I would reconsider Sana Grill for future grab-and-go meals. By no means is it mindblowingly delicious, nor is it extremely affordable either.
More Hamilton adventures to come!
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