April showers bring May flowers, but it looks like this year might have tossed that theory in reverse.
With the exception of a few overcast days, the majority of the month comprised of mildness with a slight breeze. Such conditions were favourable for outdoor explorations (I should have debuted my bike ride of the year), namely strolling around the downtown core and midtown attractions.
Behold the second round-up of this month's (primarily gustatory and K-Pop-related) visuals!
1) Homemade Matcha Latte + Kinako Adzuki and Matcha Chiffon Cakes for breakfast
With the exception of a few overcast days, the majority of the month comprised of mildness with a slight breeze. Such conditions were favourable for outdoor explorations (I should have debuted my bike ride of the year), namely strolling around the downtown core and midtown attractions.
Behold the second round-up of this month's (primarily gustatory and K-Pop-related) visuals!
1) Homemade Matcha Latte + Kinako Adzuki and Matcha Chiffon Cakes for breakfast
2) Exploring Koreatown for the first time by means of a less environmentally-friendly option: the household automotive
3) Reunited with my adorable fur babies at the Disney store (Eaton Centre Sulley count: 4)
3) Reunited with my adorable fur babies at the Disney store (Eaton Centre Sulley count: 4)
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4) The best exam pick-me-ups: Bubble Gaga and Three Guys
5) Late afternoon snack involving a seriously sticky Pecan Roll from Panera Bread, which really is more of an inverted cinnamon roll, but with glazed pecans in place of cinnamon
6) CoCo Tea Richmond Hill is as much of a knockoff as the Metro Square location: visible reduction of toppings, no points for promo items, no bathrooms, weak English communication skills, and minimal parking - need I say more?
5) Late afternoon snack involving a seriously sticky Pecan Roll from Panera Bread, which really is more of an inverted cinnamon roll, but with glazed pecans in place of cinnamon
6) CoCo Tea Richmond Hill is as much of a knockoff as the Metro Square location: visible reduction of toppings, no points for promo items, no bathrooms, weak English communication skills, and minimal parking - need I say more?
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7) I never truly recognized the significance of LINE Bubble 2 in my life until my account was accidentally reset and all 600+ stages' worth of game data was relinquished to the black hole of a server. Retrieving lost data did not prove successful, so the one and only solution that remained was to re-tackle the stages in hopes of quickly regaining game stamina. This strategy has been proving tolerable thus far.
Happy 2nd Anniversary, LINE Bubble!
8) Various munching randoms
Happy 2nd Anniversary, LINE Bubble!
8) Various munching randoms
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9) An insufficient egg-to-rice ratio yielded a semi-successful lunch of omurice. (Ketchup decor couldn't be exempted, obviously. Ahem 진영~)
10) Despite the incredulous amount of negative publicity and pre-airing scandals that surfaced, one cannot suppress curiosity regarding the second season of Produce 101. Incredulous talent is harnessed within this year's contenders, and I honestly can't wait for the upcoming group/rap/dance/vocal battles!
Among the 98 trainees (as of Episode 4 anyway), two in particular have caught my attention. Pink-haired Kang Daniel (강다니엘) from Busan is a confident dancer/rapper overflowing with irresistible charm; hailing from Fantagio (ie. ASTRO's company!), Ong Seungwoo (옹성우) is dance prodigy with crazy coordination and an aura of sleek sophistication. The two have captured my heartstrings as the trainee-version of 왕개박개 (Hehehe).
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11) Bukamaranga Bean & Bagel
I should have learned to never trust insauga and their crew of sloppy writers. Information compilation is never complete, nor are entries well-researched and informed. Bukamaranga initially caught my attention for its availability of lox and cream cheese bagels, and, upon closer investigation, its odd name and close proximity to the optometrist's office.
Having yet to consume breakfast and hankering for something similar to my Rosemary Rocksalt experience, I pulled into the parking lot shortly after 10 AM to satisfy this craving.
I should have learned to never trust insauga and their crew of sloppy writers. Information compilation is never complete, nor are entries well-researched and informed. Bukamaranga initially caught my attention for its availability of lox and cream cheese bagels, and, upon closer investigation, its odd name and close proximity to the optometrist's office.
Having yet to consume breakfast and hankering for something similar to my Rosemary Rocksalt experience, I pulled into the parking lot shortly after 10 AM to satisfy this craving.
Bagels were arranged in crates in a similar fashion to Locke St. Bakery, but where the tiny Hamilton venture carried dozens upon dozens of bagel varieties and cream cheese combinations, Bukamaranga did not. Instead, the shop focused on takeout coffee and breakfast sandwiches, likely catered towards the office workers in other quarters of the plaza. Standard baked goods such as muffins and butter tarts were also found near the cashier; bagged bagel crisps were also in abundance.
A multitude of bar spaces and small tables surrounded by interesting wall decor and two garage door-like contraptions made up the spacious dining area.
A multitude of bar spaces and small tables surrounded by interesting wall decor and two garage door-like contraptions made up the spacious dining area.
My initial perception of the bagel shop was rather positive, but the experience plummeted steeply once I engaged in interaction with the middle-aged staff members. Aloof and absent-minded, three ladies attempted to compile my single order of Lox and Cream Cheese on Pumpernickel, ultimately providing me with subpar service, an incorrect order, and overcharging me for a basic cream cheese bagel.
These mistakes were entirely avoidable, for customers would select their desired bagel variety with tongs and place them in a plastic basket (think Papa John's style) for preparation. After toasting, customers specified the type(s) of cream cheese and the kitchen staff would slather the spreads on accordingly. There were no other customers at this time, yet confusion ensued in regards to my order, and no one realized that I hadn't paid nor received my order.
Eventually, one of the staff members came to ring up my order, which totalled a whopping $9.03 on the sole basis that I had requested the inclusion of smoked salmon. She explained that the bagel was then counted as a "Smoked Salmon Sandwich", which came to $7.99 plus tax.
I forked over payment, with extreme reluctance if I must add, seeing as the ladies had already taken their sweet time to prepare it. Farewells were not bid as I trekked back to the car to unravel the pricey creation.
These mistakes were entirely avoidable, for customers would select their desired bagel variety with tongs and place them in a plastic basket (think Papa John's style) for preparation. After toasting, customers specified the type(s) of cream cheese and the kitchen staff would slather the spreads on accordingly. There were no other customers at this time, yet confusion ensued in regards to my order, and no one realized that I hadn't paid nor received my order.
Eventually, one of the staff members came to ring up my order, which totalled a whopping $9.03 on the sole basis that I had requested the inclusion of smoked salmon. She explained that the bagel was then counted as a "Smoked Salmon Sandwich", which came to $7.99 plus tax.
I forked over payment, with extreme reluctance if I must add, seeing as the ladies had already taken their sweet time to prepare it. Farewells were not bid as I trekked back to the car to unravel the pricey creation.
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It was at this point that I discovered salmon hadn't been added at all! The atrocity of it all!
I rushed back in to make the kitchen crew aware of their mistakes. A man with a manager-like aura and presumably high authority held out his hands, "We'll add it (the salmon) in!" he hurriedly muttered as he almost snatched the bagel from my hands.
Retreating with the wrapped bagel, I flatly declared that I would like to be repaid the difference instead. At this point, the lady who had assisted me at the cashier questioned whether I had asked for smoked salmon at all, to which I replied that my order was clearly relayed as "lox and cream cheese".
The man heaved a sigh before reaching into the till to provide me with the cash difference. A grumble of an apology followed, but my eyes were not met, indicating a sheer lack of sincerity. Immediate scolding of the middle-aged ladies was overhead as I turned my back to head out.
FYI insauga, custom creations do not qualify for listings, especially if the staff isn't even aware of the item's existence.
I rushed back in to make the kitchen crew aware of their mistakes. A man with a manager-like aura and presumably high authority held out his hands, "We'll add it (the salmon) in!" he hurriedly muttered as he almost snatched the bagel from my hands.
Retreating with the wrapped bagel, I flatly declared that I would like to be repaid the difference instead. At this point, the lady who had assisted me at the cashier questioned whether I had asked for smoked salmon at all, to which I replied that my order was clearly relayed as "lox and cream cheese".
The man heaved a sigh before reaching into the till to provide me with the cash difference. A grumble of an apology followed, but my eyes were not met, indicating a sheer lack of sincerity. Immediate scolding of the middle-aged ladies was overhead as I turned my back to head out.
FYI insauga, custom creations do not qualify for listings, especially if the staff isn't even aware of the item's existence.
12) Combatting sleep deprivation with McDonald's newly launched $1.99 Small Coffee + Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffin dea. (In case you're wondering, the muffin was truly delicious - toasted oats and warm chocolatey bits merely heightened the experience.)
13) Reliving house hippo dreams with Peanut Butter Raisin Toast
13) Reliving house hippo dreams with Peanut Butter Raisin Toast
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14) Speaking of ASTRO, MWave finally shipped the autographed Winter Dream album! (It's honestly quite depressing that I'm finally laying hands upon a three-song, winter-themed CD in the midst of spring though...)
15) Visiting Nohohon Tea Room before they abandon their original Queen/Spadina shop for a roomier, two-story space at Dundas/Bathurst. (Did I mention the trip involved 3 hours of congestion on the Gardiner?)
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Now, bring on the May flowers!
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