Out & About #330 | Downtown Errands Feat. Cherry Blossoms at Eaton

"You've probably gained a good amount of arm muscle from carrying so many bags all the time - HARD CARRYing."

While this was uttered in a much more casual manner, I can't deny occhung's skillful incorporation of my all-time favourite title track into our conversation. Her interpretation of my muscle-straining, errand-running adventure through the core and onto a ridiculously overloaded streetcar during rush hour provided some relief to my claustrophobia-inducing torture.

As a person who is minimalist in nature, it probably comes as a surprise that a completely contradicting theory is exercised when assembling a day trip carryall, regardless if it's a hiking excursion spanning several hours or a shopping trip with my favourite fangirl.

I dragged the fangirl in question, unintentionally so, throughout Eaton for the sake of checking out a few things I've had my eyes on. Prior to this, though, was a quick meal at Pizzeria Bosco within the Richtree Market.

​Orange-yellow lighting, grease-filled fumes, and sticky tables made up the bulk of the dining area. Richtree adopted an Urban Eatery style of dining by means of providing various cuisine options within the same area and by replacing garbage bins with clean-up areas and constantly revolving staff members; the differences lay in that the area offered much less illumination than generic mall food courts and that majority of the bar seats offered outlets.

My Hawaiian Chef's Slice emerged quickly from the stone oven after a brief re-heating, but the made-to-order Proscuitto Arugula Pizza required significantly lengthier preparation time. Although I didn't taste the 10-inch personal pizza, it was observed that the toppings, while standard, were fresh.
The Hawaiian single slice, which came to six dollars after tax, was equivalent to two regular slices from pizza pizza; a combo option (canned soft drink) was available for an extra toonie. It featured tacky tomato sauce, stubby, firm bits of pineapple, and even firmer edges of crust. In short, it definitely wasn't my cup of tea, but speedy enough for satisfying pre-retail therapy emptiness. Time permitted, banh mi would have been a far tastier and economic option (DineSafe measures aside).

​We then embarked on a stroll through the shopping centre, stopping first outside Nordstrom's south entrance to snap some shots of the artifical cherry blossoms (ahem High Park) as well as the not-so-syntethic yellow tulips.

​The Korean beauty pop-up shop within the department store has now evolved into a colourful clothing and accessory booth with a smaller selection of sheet masks. In its stead are vivid pink shelves and futuristic-looking ensembles more suited to the runway than the sidewalk.
Interesting finds were a "SJYP" sweater - team SM or JYP?? - and a plush taco with a furry side profile reminiscent of ground beef.

​Dineen Coffee was the immediate stop following Uniqlo. An extremely fashion-conscious friend of mine had consistently raved about the cafe's espressos and cortados to the point where the name (and address) had been embedded in my brain.

​My anticipations were high, which only meant my disappointment in the selection of baked goods after 4 pm was greater. With regular office hours concluded, the interior was filled to capacity with businesspeople clad in sleek button-down blouses and black heels. Two middle-aged men seemed so engrossed in discussion that the inclining noise level seemed irrelevant to them. At least the patio was open for peace and quiet.

​Ultimately, I departed the establishment without making a purchase, though an Iced Almond Chai was grabbed from the bar before the fangirl made her return to the suburbs.

​Making my final rounds of the day at Tsujiri, Uncle Tetsu, and Hodo Kwaja, I also made my slovenly return as twilight hit and the winds regained dominance.

Note to self: Bring a tote bag next time to reduce pain and avoid painfully congested situations. Or better yet, an automotive.

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