Credit ought to be given where due - the theory applies both to group projects, which often include more than one dysfunctional member of society, and cafes that permit lengthy hours of quality customer service.
Hazel, as noted in my previous posts (1,2) has officially become my study spot of choice. The germaphobe within me resists library tables bearing inch-thick grey tints and high amounts of noise pollution, while the creative food enthusiast alter ego thrives in cozy cafes with unique offerings.
Hazel, as noted in my previous posts (1,2) has officially become my study spot of choice. The germaphobe within me resists library tables bearing inch-thick grey tints and high amounts of noise pollution, while the creative food enthusiast alter ego thrives in cozy cafes with unique offerings.
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For a late-night midterm, I looked towards a Hong Kong Coffee Milk Tea for a quick dose of caffeine. Upon requesting a hot version of the beverage, I was delighted to discover that Hazel provides "warm" and "hot" variations of their milk teas. "Warm" was denoted by its apparent lack of ice and permittance of topping additions; the option was offered in both Regular and Large sizes. "Hot" referred to a drink of tongue-scalding temperature, in which was only available in one size and forbid any toppings for the sake of customer safety (sipping steaming drink with straws is not a good idea).
The tea itself was slightly above room temperature, which was ideal considering the shiver-inducing breezes outside. Tapioca portions were on the less generous side and, admittedly, a tad bit more soggy than chewy. Nonetheless, it surpassed my expectations flavour-wise for a beverage concocted of synthetic milk powder. Brewed coffee definitely elevated the experience.
The tea itself was slightly above room temperature, which was ideal considering the shiver-inducing breezes outside. Tapioca portions were on the less generous side and, admittedly, a tad bit more soggy than chewy. Nonetheless, it surpassed my expectations flavour-wise for a beverage concocted of synthetic milk powder. Brewed coffee definitely elevated the experience.
Nearing the end of my study session, my stomach began to lurch. Instead of heading next door to Sana Grill or making the painstaking journey to Westdale, I opted for one of their Buttermilk Waffles.
The decision had been concluded out of convenience and pure laziness, though the results proved surprisingly satisfactory. All waffles allowed for modifications and substitutions of equal value or less, so I requested a not-so-sweet rendition of Forever Rocher.
The decision had been concluded out of convenience and pure laziness, though the results proved surprisingly satisfactory. All waffles allowed for modifications and substitutions of equal value or less, so I requested a not-so-sweet rendition of Forever Rocher.
Truthfully, what I desired was cheese, or anything savoury for that matter. It was likely the reason that prompted me to declare that the resulting product was "a bit too sweet for my liking" when the girl at the cashier asked for feedback.
In actuality, though, Forever Rocher was delicious. The bananas had just ripened, meaning that they would not contribute any additional sweetness but instead succeeded a slightly tacky but satisfying element to the creation. A heaping scoop of indulgent Dutch Chocolate ice cream topped the icing sugar-dusted speciment, followed by a generous drizzle of Nutella sauce.
The waffle was delicious, but definitely more fitting of an afternoon snack than a supper item.
In actuality, though, Forever Rocher was delicious. The bananas had just ripened, meaning that they would not contribute any additional sweetness but instead succeeded a slightly tacky but satisfying element to the creation. A heaping scoop of indulgent Dutch Chocolate ice cream topped the icing sugar-dusted speciment, followed by a generous drizzle of Nutella sauce.
The waffle was delicious, but definitely more fitting of an afternoon snack than a supper item.
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I would also like to take this opportunity to revoke my previous statement regarding their prices. A fellow food fanatic brought up spin (now called "bliss"), at which point I was reminded that their waffles were associated with a whopping price tag of $12.25. In comparison, Hazel's Buttermilk Waffles were undeniably tastier and significantly more economical.
Very Matcha hadn't lived up to my green tea expectations, but I'm glad I had taken the plunge to try their other flavours, else I'd have ended up completely overlooking their in-house dessert selection.
Very Matcha hadn't lived up to my green tea expectations, but I'm glad I had taken the plunge to try their other flavours, else I'd have ended up completely overlooking their in-house dessert selection.
View the full album HERE !
Two days later, I returned with a friend for a quick bubble tea run following a full day of back-to-back classes. At this point, I'm convinced that the staff recognize me for my frequent four-hour duration visits and routine habit of questioning the ingredient content in each beverage.
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Their newest shop addition included a small selection of cakes and pastries. Upon clarification, it was discovered that the items were obtained from an unknown supplier and, in fact, not made in house. Thankfully, though, the only item emitting a much overused La Rocca vibe was the Tiramisu.
My friend opted for a Mango Mille Crepe Slice to test the waters.
My friend opted for a Mango Mille Crepe Slice to test the waters.
< Pictured above and below: Genmaicha Milk Tea w/ Grass Jelly and Roasted Oolong Milk Tea w/ Tapioca >
The Mango Mille Crepe slice emerged on a tiny plastic plate, dusted with icing sugar and accompanied by a familiar squiggle of Nutella sauce. It was unexpected small and comprised of little to no mango flavouring; the sole exception was the orange, gelatin-heavy slab in the middle.
I'm sorry, but Waterlookcakeshop does it better.
The Mango Mille Crepe slice emerged on a tiny plastic plate, dusted with icing sugar and accompanied by a familiar squiggle of Nutella sauce. It was unexpected small and comprised of little to no mango flavouring; the sole exception was the orange, gelatin-heavy slab in the middle.
I'm sorry, but Waterlookcakeshop does it better.
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Both the Genmaicha and Roasted Oolong Milk Teas resulted in excessively positive feedback. While I was initially dubious of my order, immediate satisfaction was instilled when the Genmaicha Milk Tea exhibited a robust roasted aroma.
I was also particularly fond of their grass jelly, which was light enough in terms of density to resist subsiding to the bottom of the cup.
I was also particularly fond of their grass jelly, which was light enough in terms of density to resist subsiding to the bottom of the cup.
We later stopped at Foodie North (1, 2) for dinner. Despite the chaotic atmosphere of the evening rush, service remained courteous and efficient. Our orders of Xiao Long Bao, an Egg and Chive Pancake, and Pea Sprouts in Broth arrived in record time.
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