One often hears that "the world is a small place". An even smaller space is the blogosphere - a similar virtual world that effortlessly draws strangers closer from the illusion of proximity derived from technological interactions.
Albeit these numerous modern improvements, finding other members of the human race on an equally eccentric wavelength as yourself is by no means an easy task.
Unique food bloggers are rare to chance upon on the World Wide Web, and even more challenging to meet "in the flesh". It's odd to ponder the though of two complete strangers becoming friends solely off non-verbal communication, but I can confirm that this is indeed possible.
Albeit these numerous modern improvements, finding other members of the human race on an equally eccentric wavelength as yourself is by no means an easy task.
Unique food bloggers are rare to chance upon on the World Wide Web, and even more challenging to meet "in the flesh". It's odd to ponder the though of two complete strangers becoming friends solely off non-verbal communication, but I can confirm that this is indeed possible.
Orangeccane is someone who I greatly enjoy the company of, so I was overwhelmed with profound excitement when we were finally able to arrange a meet-up date at Alchemy. (I must confess: I came across her Wordpress first and was stunned at the quality of the concise posts she had created.)
For once, Yelpers had been correct: from the nightmare of a parking lot to the wait times to non-Markham-like environment, residents of York region had described the establishment down to the very detail of accuracy.
Alchemy Coffee was situated on the south side of Hwy 7, just west of Main Street Unionville, in a microscopic strip of a plaza. Paved surface area was already scarce, and parking spots few, but a section of spots that had been reserved for Subway customers only contributed to further headache and frustration. Eventually, I managed to secure a spot devoid of signs or markings, directly beside a rusting dumpster.
This didn't automatically equate to a table inside the cafe, however.
Alchemy Coffee was situated on the south side of Hwy 7, just west of Main Street Unionville, in a microscopic strip of a plaza. Paved surface area was already scarce, and parking spots few, but a section of spots that had been reserved for Subway customers only contributed to further headache and frustration. Eventually, I managed to secure a spot devoid of signs or markings, directly beside a rusting dumpster.
This didn't automatically equate to a table inside the cafe, however.
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Avoiding droplets of melting snow and ice along the edge of the plaza roof, I waltzed into the small auburn coffee shop at quarter to two, expecting to find near-empty dining hall. I was rewarded with the sight of an impossibly packed interior instead. Every foot of its perimeter was lined with seating - be it bar spots or proper lacquered tables - yet not a single spot was vacant. Even winter coats had been hung on a wheeled coat rack to reduce crowding.
I couldn't remember the exact duration for which I waited, except that it was torturous and definitely exceeded fifteen minutes. In the meantime, I had visited the bathroom (spacious but average in terms of cleanliness) and inquired about the inventory status of their cookies from one of the members of staff (they had unfortunately sold out by noon).
Around 2:05 PM, I noticed a mother-daughter couple gathering their belongings to make their exit. Locking in on seat, I dove for the two seats immediately after their water glasses were gathered, only to be rudely told off by an older member of staff with a passion for excessively gelled short hair. Apparently a duo of girls had been waiting, cortados in hand, even though neither exercised swift enough actions to swipe the table.
I couldn't remember the exact duration for which I waited, except that it was torturous and definitely exceeded fifteen minutes. In the meantime, I had visited the bathroom (spacious but average in terms of cleanliness) and inquired about the inventory status of their cookies from one of the members of staff (they had unfortunately sold out by noon).
Around 2:05 PM, I noticed a mother-daughter couple gathering their belongings to make their exit. Locking in on seat, I dove for the two seats immediately after their water glasses were gathered, only to be rudely told off by an older member of staff with a passion for excessively gelled short hair. Apparently a duo of girls had been waiting, cortados in hand, even though neither exercised swift enough actions to swipe the table.
Several minutes passed before I was gestured to occupt two empty seats that were part of a group table. I accepted in the meantime, as I was still waiting on my dining buddy anyways, though the raucous conversations of the girls in the immediately adjacent seats had me shaking my head and diving for the next available bar seat.
Ultimately, this turned out in my favour as majority of the stools featured outlets underneath. It was a shame that bag hooks hadn't been installed underneath as well though.
Fresh Chai and Chicken & Waffles were my choices for a late lunch. The former was spicier than anticipated from a Chinese-operated restaurant, proving to irritate the throat more than it soothed. Nonetheless, the strength of flavour and spices was appreciated.
Ultimately, this turned out in my favour as majority of the stools featured outlets underneath. It was a shame that bag hooks hadn't been installed underneath as well though.
Fresh Chai and Chicken & Waffles were my choices for a late lunch. The former was spicier than anticipated from a Chinese-operated restaurant, proving to irritate the throat more than it soothed. Nonetheless, the strength of flavour and spices was appreciated.
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Chicken & Waffles placed highest on Alchemy's price list and relatively high on customer popularity rankings. Many of my neighbours had opted for the renowned Green Tea Latte and Eggs Benedict combo, but neither of these seemed particularly difficult to recreate in a more economimc manner. A plate of dressing-doused greens, three pieces of chocolate brown chicken wings, and quartered waffle lay neatly arranged about a tiny jar of sweet and sour dressing.
Frankly, I could have done without the salad dressing, for the oil-based sauce possessed greater wilting powers than taste potential. The hollow crunch and plastic-like sheen of the waffles informed of the unnecessary usage of constarch in the batter.
Remaining aspects of the dish were more enjoyable: spice-enhanced breading lent a fragrant and unthinkably crisp exterior to the standard-sized drumsticks, while the sweet and sour dressing cut through the greasy aftertaste caused by deep-frying (and not draining). It should be noted that maintaining a moist, tender interior is extremely difficult to achieve, but Alchemy had managed to succeed at the feat.
Frankly, I could have done without the salad dressing, for the oil-based sauce possessed greater wilting powers than taste potential. The hollow crunch and plastic-like sheen of the waffles informed of the unnecessary usage of constarch in the batter.
Remaining aspects of the dish were more enjoyable: spice-enhanced breading lent a fragrant and unthinkably crisp exterior to the standard-sized drumsticks, while the sweet and sour dressing cut through the greasy aftertaste caused by deep-frying (and not draining). It should be noted that maintaining a moist, tender interior is extremely difficult to achieve, but Alchemy had managed to succeed at the feat.
A while later, orangeccane made her appearance and followed up with a Peaches & Cream Latte. The beverage was presented simply and described as being sweeter than expected. Personally, the scent was very similar to that of freshly-made Peaches & Cream Quaker Oatmeal.
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The two members of front-line staff participated in diminutive levels of interaction with customers, only coming around to clear and roughly wipe down tables after customers lifted themselves up to leave. Perhaps more staff were concealed inside the kitchen.
It wasn't explictly stated, but Alchemy operated as a cafe with "Seat Yourself" and "Pay Up Front" properties Interestingly enough though, this information had been obtained from Yelp instead of the cafe itself.
To conclude my findings, the cafe is great for a one-time experience (in which not a single member of one's party needs to adhere to a strict schedule). One ought to make Alchemy Coffee his/her destination of choice if neither wait times nor parking availability are of critical importance. Space is scarce, meaning that noise levels are generally high even during off-peak hours. A password-secured Wi-Fi network and plentiful outlets are greatly appreciated, as with the fact that customers are not rushed out of their seats for the sake of turning over tables. I found it surprising that tips hadn't been expected either.
It wasn't explictly stated, but Alchemy operated as a cafe with "Seat Yourself" and "Pay Up Front" properties Interestingly enough though, this information had been obtained from Yelp instead of the cafe itself.
To conclude my findings, the cafe is great for a one-time experience (in which not a single member of one's party needs to adhere to a strict schedule). One ought to make Alchemy Coffee his/her destination of choice if neither wait times nor parking availability are of critical importance. Space is scarce, meaning that noise levels are generally high even during off-peak hours. A password-secured Wi-Fi network and plentiful outlets are greatly appreciated, as with the fact that customers are not rushed out of their seats for the sake of turning over tables. I found it surprising that tips hadn't been expected either.
Main St. Unionville was my suggestion; I had hoped that the lineup at Uncle Tetsu had dissolved with time. As we inched closer to the white building, it was apparent that this was not the case, even if it had greatly reduced in length compared to their Grand Opening day.
I grabbed a Black Sesame Angel Hat Cake - supposedly a Markham exclusive - before riding off to Langham Square for dessert.
I grabbed a Black Sesame Angel Hat Cake - supposedly a Markham exclusive - before riding off to Langham Square for dessert.
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The cake itself was as airy as their Chocolate- and Matcha-flavoured counterparts, though their bottommost layer was determined to be more chiffon-like and spongy than the rounded upper section. It lacked the coarseness of ground sesame crumbs, but compensated by means of an aromatic, powerful black sesame flavour.
Millie Cafe is the most recent outpost of the beloved Kensington crepe house. Viewed as an expansion of the Patisserie & Creamery at King and Charlotte, the venture is more spacious and delicate-looking than the downtown location (1, 2, 3, 4) featuring chandelier-type lighting in both the general area and beautifully-decorated bathroom.
We were warmly greeted upon entering and patiently waited upon for our minds to be made up.
Between gelato cookie sandwiches, Sloane teas, and a plethora of delectable desserts, the items that caught my attention were, in fact, the Candy Cane Chocolate Mint and Rainbow Mille Crepe Cakes. My past experiences with the layered specimens weren't mindblowing by any means, so I kept my standards low while choosing the candy cane-topped creation over the N9 style specimen.
Between gelato cookie sandwiches, Sloane teas, and a plethora of delectable desserts, the items that caught my attention were, in fact, the Candy Cane Chocolate Mint and Rainbow Mille Crepe Cakes. My past experiences with the layered specimens weren't mindblowing by any means, so I kept my standards low while choosing the candy cane-topped creation over the N9 style specimen.
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< Pictured above and below: Candy Cane Chocolate Mint Mille Crepe Cake, Matcha Mille Crepe Cake, Grand Genmaicha tea, and Blood Orange Oolong tea >
The two of us took hostage of the remaining marble table and accompanying clear plastic chairs, rising only when the numbers on our order slips rang out.
The two of us took hostage of the remaining marble table and accompanying clear plastic chairs, rising only when the numbers on our order slips rang out.
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To my delight, the cakes were prepared much more to my liking than the other previously tasted crepe cakes. In place of whopping layers of sickenly rich cream was a meticulously determined cream to crepe ratio; the modification enhanced both texture and taste appeal immensely.
Brewed teas paired exceptionally well with the sweets. I might opt to stick with DAVIDsTEA for genmaicha next time though.
Brewed teas paired exceptionally well with the sweets. I might opt to stick with DAVIDsTEA for genmaicha next time though.
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As for the cafe itself, I'm quite proud of Millie's expansion into such a chaotic plaza. The spot was undoubtedly difficult to secure, but well worth the traffic. Its very presence in the square means that vehicle-equipped citizens can now curb cravings without having to make the painstaking, time-consuming journey to Toronto.
Upon parting ways, I hurriedly sped off to my last destination of the day: Pacific Mall. The sudden arrival of subzero temperatures had wrecked havoc on my skin, prompting an immediate trip to acquire various hand and foot masks from the K-Beauty aisle.
A familial request for crispy egg rolls catapulted me onto the second floor, where I encountered Dak Lak's familiar storefront. It occured to me that the ideal opportunity to try their Hong Kong Milk Tea had finally arrived.
A familial request for crispy egg rolls catapulted me onto the second floor, where I encountered Dak Lak's familiar storefront. It occured to me that the ideal opportunity to try their Hong Kong Milk Tea had finally arrived.
I took to ordering a HK Milk Tea with Coffee Jelly and an extra-strong Vietnamese Coffee, both chilled, for the journey back to the less Chinese-dominant suburbs. My beverage was prepared promptly, but with a great deal of care.
The milk tea was creamy and contained a little less sweetness than the typical Hong Kong cafe creation. Bitter coffee jelly adopting the texture of grass jelly was a well-informed addition to the drink, as it injected variance of flavour and texture to enhance its overall gustatory appeal.
Vietnamese Coffee, as experienced previously, packed an incredulous amount of caffeine, but was nonetheless enjoyable. (Personal tip: one should gladly welcome copious amounts of ice in this specific beverage, as it allows the astringent yet aromatic qualities to be savoured; there is also extra charge for reducing ice levels.)
Vietnamese Coffee, as experienced previously, packed an incredulous amount of caffeine, but was nonetheless enjoyable. (Personal tip: one should gladly welcome copious amounts of ice in this specific beverage, as it allows the astringent yet aromatic qualities to be savoured; there is also extra charge for reducing ice levels.)
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Such concludes another dining adventure in Markham!
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