Snow days have been occurring sporadically this winter - some days featuring ruthless, face-ripping blows and others kind enough to offer positive temperatures. This has consequently led to a continuous freeze-thaw cycle (and way much more than the typical amount of salt).
Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to embark on a trip to Yorkdale in the midst of almost-whiteout conditions, though it happened to be the only day where our free schedules overlapped.
Thankfully, traffic was rather light, and despite moving a tad tardier than on dry days, we arrived much quicker than anticipated.
Climbing over the fluffy white foot-high barrier, we pulled into the unplowed, unsalted parking lot just before noon to begin our shopping adventure.
Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to embark on a trip to Yorkdale in the midst of almost-whiteout conditions, though it happened to be the only day where our free schedules overlapped.
Thankfully, traffic was rather light, and despite moving a tad tardier than on dry days, we arrived much quicker than anticipated.
Climbing over the fluffy white foot-high barrier, we pulled into the unplowed, unsalted parking lot just before noon to begin our shopping adventure.
Yorkdale Sulley inventory: 10 plus!!
But seriously, who was the barbaric soul who deemed it alright to toss tiny balls of garbage into the Sulley basket?!?!
But seriously, who was the barbaric soul who deemed it alright to toss tiny balls of garbage into the Sulley basket?!?!
Two hours in, we had successfully completed our UNIQLO and Zara stops and opted to venture upstairs for sustenance.
As mentioned previously, Mii Sandwich's original location does not extend the same deals as the Square One spot. Instead of steamed bao and taco deals, Yorkdale features an $8.99 Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi and Lemonade combination. Both were exceptional, with the former being crispy and flavourful and the latter refreshing and invigorating. The citrusy fizziness was a welcome addition to the subtly sweet beverage.
Service was on a similar level to my previous visit - blunt, impatient, and far from being excessively friendly. For someone who normally requests a to-go option to prevent the wasteage of food, I found it odd that I was interrogated three times for obtaining a plastic tray. One of the ladies at the cashier even forcefully insisted that I return it to its rightful place, and I can't say I appreciated this.
As mentioned previously, Mii Sandwich's original location does not extend the same deals as the Square One spot. Instead of steamed bao and taco deals, Yorkdale features an $8.99 Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi and Lemonade combination. Both were exceptional, with the former being crispy and flavourful and the latter refreshing and invigorating. The citrusy fizziness was a welcome addition to the subtly sweet beverage.
Service was on a similar level to my previous visit - blunt, impatient, and far from being excessively friendly. For someone who normally requests a to-go option to prevent the wasteage of food, I found it odd that I was interrogated three times for obtaining a plastic tray. One of the ladies at the cashier even forcefully insisted that I return it to its rightful place, and I can't say I appreciated this.
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We resumed our expedition shortly after, and a few more hours later, it was discovered that we had wandered through every section of the mall. With soreness seeping from our soles to toes and no more shops of interest to us, it was time to progress to the next stops of the day.
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Ideally, the North York extension of the trip involved looping to Canaan for hodo kwaja, then The Cups' Yonge St. location for dessert, and lastly Bake Code to pick up their new Honey Lava Castella Cakes.
Unfortunately, the first two destinations on this list were closed for the day. It hadn't occurred to me that I should have confirmed operating hours for weekends before setting out, so two stops were skipped as a result of my sheer forgetfulness.
Instead, we settled for hodo kwaja from Galleria, followed by bingsoo at Cafe Bene.
Unfortunately, the first two destinations on this list were closed for the day. It hadn't occurred to me that I should have confirmed operating hours for weekends before setting out, so two stops were skipped as a result of my sheer forgetfulness.
Instead, we settled for hodo kwaja from Galleria, followed by bingsoo at Cafe Bene.
Honestly speaking, I had high doubts about revisiting Cafe Bene in spite of the various positive remarks I received from Don Mills and Scarborough residents. I had concluded that my initial visit would also be my final one - and having tasted a terrifying compilation of green tea, bananas, tapioca, along with an unflavoured block of ice, can you blame me?
The 설빙 sign resting at the exterior of the cafe has been present for some time now, though it wasn't until my friend had made her decision that a second trial session was conducted.
The 설빙 sign resting at the exterior of the cafe has been present for some time now, though it wasn't until my friend had made her decision that a second trial session was conducted.
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Parking was far from fun, especially since majority of Yonge Street was now covered in murky slush while residential side streets were still shrouded by at least 30 cm of snow.
When we finally made it to the doorstep of the cafe, another challenge awaited us: the steep flight of stairs was slick from the puddles of disintegrating snow left behind by other diners. Thank goodness for railings. (No thanks to the lack of snow-clearing and absence of an accessible entrance.
When we finally made it to the doorstep of the cafe, another challenge awaited us: the steep flight of stairs was slick from the puddles of disintegrating snow left behind by other diners. Thank goodness for railings. (No thanks to the lack of snow-clearing and absence of an accessible entrance.
Cafe Bene had almost reached full capacity when we strode through onto the rickety wooden planks of the second floor. Noise level was kept at a minimum with numerous two-person parties dispersed throughout every inch of the dining area. Mellow new releases played in the background as project-tackling students and cringe-worthy couples surrounded us.
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Perhaps I am not in the best position to comment on the apparent changes of the dining environment, but from what I can recall, Cafe Bene is now slightly brighter (did they invest in better bulbs?), added cushions to their seats, and invested in an abundance of outlets. The menu, still laminated and accompanied by low-res images, now focuses on Strawberry, Mango, and Injeolmi flavours. A Song Joong Ki-themed sweet potato bingsoo and Song Hye Kyo-themed peach bingsoo were also spotted, though the correlation between these distinctly different entities remains unknown.
We opt for an Soybean Powder Bingsoo, followed by a Green Tea Latte for myself. The steaming latte arrives first in an insulated styrofoam cup (though I did not place such a request) with a sprinkle of dark olive clumps on the surface. I had prepared for an extra-sweet, frothy drink mix formula, but the hue of the beverage prompted skeptism towards their selection of green tea powder altogether.
One quick sip informed me that my hypothesis had, indeed, been correct. A chunky, powder-trailing substance of medium viscosity flowed gradually from the cup and into my central digestive tract, causing gentle winces along the way. It was $4.49 worth of poor decision-making.
One quick sip informed me that my hypothesis had, indeed, been correct. A chunky, powder-trailing substance of medium viscosity flowed gradually from the cup and into my central digestive tract, causing gentle winces along the way. It was $4.49 worth of poor decision-making.
In contrast, the Soybean Powder Bingsoo was significantly better in terms of quality, value, and overall flavour profile. Sporting a generous portion of healthy-tasting soybean flour, chewy rice cakes, crispy rice, and occassional almond pieces. Brown sugar syrup - or something with an absurdly strong resemblance to it - was then drizzled on top of the dessert, followed by a light dusting of icing sugar.
Things were much more enjoyable this time around: proper flaky shreds coated with decent portions of injeolmi powder and mochi bits are always welcome in my diet.
Things were much more enjoyable this time around: proper flaky shreds coated with decent portions of injeolmi powder and mochi bits are always welcome in my diet.
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I do have some complaints regarding the establishment itself though. The single bathroom stall is evidently dusty and requires upkeeping; in place of the adorable wall sticker details are advertisements promoting concerts or studying abroad, most of them written in Hangul. Let's not forget that the pathway leading towards the bathroom was not adequately mopped either.
The house Wi-Fi network was present and ever so resilient - so stubborn to the point where it refused to connect no matter the number of attempts. The unexpected component of this story is that the male server assisting me didn't exhibit any signs of remorse or take initiative to help me upon hearing my concern. He simply stated "Oh. Maybe it's just not working." before turning away.
The house Wi-Fi network was present and ever so resilient - so stubborn to the point where it refused to connect no matter the number of attempts. The unexpected component of this story is that the male server assisting me didn't exhibit any signs of remorse or take initiative to help me upon hearing my concern. He simply stated "Oh. Maybe it's just not working." before turning away.
Generally speaking, Cafe Bene showed drastic improvements since the green tea catastrophe. However, this is not to say that no further developments are required. The establishment is aging, and while the bingsoo had taken a turn for the better, the beverages are still in dire need of work. I cannot justify the prices just yet, but I'll probably be more willing to try their other flavours should a fellow food enthusiast suggest it.
As the final stop of the day, we didn't exactly reach Bake Code until well after dusk. By this time, the sidewalk had become a disgusting, squelching mess. And yet again, the roads still hadn't been salted, nor the plaza entrances or side street accesses shoveled.
I proceeded to dash in and obtain two of the (overpriced) European-Asian bakery's new products: the Honey Lava Castella Cake and Matcha Honey Lava Castella Cake. Being the first of any Canadian bakery to hop onto the trend, Bake Code caught my eye immediately.
It was strange to me that the cakes weren't released until 4:00 pm each day, though given that my day's adventures had extended into the early evening hours, this was not a primary concern for a weekend hangout.
A rather delectable-looking cheese tart was situated near the cashier, so I proceeded to add one of the $5.50 specimens to my order.
As the final stop of the day, we didn't exactly reach Bake Code until well after dusk. By this time, the sidewalk had become a disgusting, squelching mess. And yet again, the roads still hadn't been salted, nor the plaza entrances or side street accesses shoveled.
I proceeded to dash in and obtain two of the (overpriced) European-Asian bakery's new products: the Honey Lava Castella Cake and Matcha Honey Lava Castella Cake. Being the first of any Canadian bakery to hop onto the trend, Bake Code caught my eye immediately.
It was strange to me that the cakes weren't released until 4:00 pm each day, though given that my day's adventures had extended into the early evening hours, this was not a primary concern for a weekend hangout.
A rather delectable-looking cheese tart was situated near the cashier, so I proceeded to add one of the $5.50 specimens to my order.
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The Twice Baked Rare Cheese Tart eventually succeeded as the single bakery item to be unveiled as part of dinner.
It was larger than fugo's, taller than T&T's, and roughly the same diameter as Love Me Sweet's. The tart shell was crunchy and carby, and its contents fluid and creamy.
Composition-wise, it gained the highest ranking amongst all the previous types tried. With a smooth and creamy interior and unbeatable cheesiness, it was easily polished off within a matter of minutes. The specks of sweet vanilla bean further enhanced depth and body. (Although, I would prefer a steaming mug of tea to combat richness and revert feelings of guilt for munching on such an indulgent snack.)
It was larger than fugo's, taller than T&T's, and roughly the same diameter as Love Me Sweet's. The tart shell was crunchy and carby, and its contents fluid and creamy.
Composition-wise, it gained the highest ranking amongst all the previous types tried. With a smooth and creamy interior and unbeatable cheesiness, it was easily polished off within a matter of minutes. The specks of sweet vanilla bean further enhanced depth and body. (Although, I would prefer a steaming mug of tea to combat richness and revert feelings of guilt for munching on such an indulgent snack.)
Each Honey Lava Castella cake arrived in a crinkled ring of parchment paper and singed batter drips. Resembling sunken chiffon in appearance, the cakes were delicate like freshly-picked flowers and fragrant like Sunday mornings in a bakery. Extra care was taken in order to prevent accidental leakage of the warm, oozing formula inside.
The Original flavour was spongy and undeniably fluffier than the standard castella. It managed to maintain relatively similar degrees of sweetness in the sponge and boasted a silky, bubbly, substance on the inside.
For the optimal consumption process, I took to pairing eggy, lava-soaked segments of the sponge-chiffon with an Iced Americano.
Due to its frail nature, majority of the cake tended to split even with gentle tears of the paper lining. As such, a substantial amount was lost in the unravelling process itself.
For the optimal consumption process, I took to pairing eggy, lava-soaked segments of the sponge-chiffon with an Iced Americano.
Due to its frail nature, majority of the cake tended to split even with gentle tears of the paper lining. As such, a substantial amount was lost in the unravelling process itself.
The green tea variation proved to be more rigid than the original (and also a bit taller), though I can't confirm whether this was due to a prolonged chilling process. The roughly folded parchment paper was easier to remove this time around - likely the result of a stiffer formula.
Its rich grassy hue was deceiving: green tea flavour was strongly masked by honey overdose. While I was able to distinguish matcha flavour, the excessive sweetness turned me off. Brewing a cup of oolong-rose tea was an acceptable method of coping with the unsuspecting matcha-to-honey ratio, though sugar attack still hit me with each bite.
I would also strongly recommend reheating the cake should it require more than one sitting to consume. The chilled version is not only unnecessarily firm, it also boasts staleness and a centre that runs with reluctance.
The Original Honey Lava Castella is priced at ten dollars, and the Matcha version at one dollar more. While the latter is a definite no-no, the former will likely have castella-lovers rejoicing. Personally, I have avoided castella cakes altogether since my childhood days, so I can't say the dessert is quite my cup of tea.
By all means, though, try a piece for the lava-ness. It's difficult to find such a product in Canada, after all.
By all means, though, try a piece for the lava-ness. It's difficult to find such a product in Canada, after all.
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