Read Part 1 HERE !
Based on my previous attempt to drive along the congested one-way streets of the core, I can affirm that making a quick detour to Little Pebbles is quite the arduous task, and not quick at all for that matter.
That being said, I wasn't about to allow the opportunity to slip away seeing that neither of us were tied to a vehicle and TTC fares had already been surrendered. Once the ongoing precipitation showed signs of subsiding, we grabbed our umbrellas to tackle the slick narrow pathway to Baldwin yet again
Based on my previous attempt to drive along the congested one-way streets of the core, I can affirm that making a quick detour to Little Pebbles is quite the arduous task, and not quick at all for that matter.
That being said, I wasn't about to allow the opportunity to slip away seeing that neither of us were tied to a vehicle and TTC fares had already been surrendered. Once the ongoing precipitation showed signs of subsiding, we grabbed our umbrellas to tackle the slick narrow pathway to Baldwin yet again
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A whiff of fishiness (the fish market was still open despite the weather) and two cases of spray avoidance (Really, you'd think that cars would slow down for the sake of pedestrians) later, we pulled open the doors to the quaint little cafe.
We were greeted warmly by the girl behind the cashier. The small space featured two tables, each capable of seating up two comfortably, or three huddled together. A couple had taken over one of these spots, so we took to setting umbrellas down on the other before marching up to review the menu.
We were greeted warmly by the girl behind the cashier. The small space featured two tables, each capable of seating up two comfortably, or three huddled together. A couple had taken over one of these spots, so we took to setting umbrellas down on the other before marching up to review the menu.
The Strawberry Osaka Roll Cake, an item I hadn't taken notice of on my rushed first visit, was calling for me. It appeared spongy and delectable, as any delicate roll cake should. Given the weather and my sheer lack of appetite though, the idea of takeout simply wasn't appealing. We chose hot beverages instead, but mark my words: I will be back.
Ecstatic to discover a spot that carried Black Sesame Lattes aside from Tandem, I placed my order rather enthusiastically, adding a miniature Matcha Sablé Cookie.
Ecstatic to discover a spot that carried Black Sesame Lattes aside from Tandem, I placed my order rather enthusiastically, adding a miniature Matcha Sablé Cookie.
The latte could be crafted with or without sugar, though I couldn't quite decide on my preference. The bob cut-donning barista suggested the unlisted half-sweet option, though this later went forgotten. She only recalled the omission of sugar syrup partway through pouring the frothed milk, to which she reacted by promptly halting the pour and reaching for a small measuring glass.
As I did not wish to ruin an almost-complete masterpiece, I waived the need for it. She resumed her pour at this point, though the result fell short of my expectations; a tadpole appeared on the surface instead of the standard Rosetta.
The beverage was fragrant and lined with the aroma of roasted black sesame seeds - a nice alternative to a caffeine-free tea latte. Truthfully, I would have preferred the beverage hotter and sweeter, and perhaps with a more prominent taste. For a costly $4.80, it presented a smidge of disappointment. This is not to say that I will be deterred from trying other items, however.
As I did not wish to ruin an almost-complete masterpiece, I waived the need for it. She resumed her pour at this point, though the result fell short of my expectations; a tadpole appeared on the surface instead of the standard Rosetta.
The beverage was fragrant and lined with the aroma of roasted black sesame seeds - a nice alternative to a caffeine-free tea latte. Truthfully, I would have preferred the beverage hotter and sweeter, and perhaps with a more prominent taste. For a costly $4.80, it presented a smidge of disappointment. This is not to say that I will be deterred from trying other items, however.
View the full album HERE !
A tiny Matcha Sablé (aka shortbread) Cookie was an impromptu decision. Stored separately in a glass jar and wrapped individually, it resembled a small bite of happiness at $1.80 before tax. Anatomy-wise, it tasted more of flour than butter; matcha flavour was distinguishable and bold, while the specks of sesame seeds added crunch and gentle bursts of nutty goodness.
The fact that Little Pebbles had taken to pairing matcha with black sesame and kinako with adzuki was genuinely refreshing to me, specifically in regards to how each ingredient's unique properties were not overshadowed by the other in the slightest. Green tea and red bean is a supposedly no-fail combination that has been overdone to the utmost annoyance.
The fact that Little Pebbles had taken to pairing matcha with black sesame and kinako with adzuki was genuinely refreshing to me, specifically in regards to how each ingredient's unique properties were not overshadowed by the other in the slightest. Green tea and red bean is a supposedly no-fail combination that has been overdone to the utmost annoyance.
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A separate tea menu was situated in front of the espresso machine. The selection of eight teas ranged from summer-appropriate herbal to toasty-sounding chai and spiced black, all of which were very rainy day- appropriate and exclusive to the cafe (ie. not for sale).
Moose Track, an intruiging blend of "coconut, cofee bean, almond, hazelnut, chocolate, and Sri Lankan black tea", would have likely been my first choice had I not been set on Black Sesame. A seriously sweet, luscious fragrance oozed from the piping hot cup.
Moose Track, an intruiging blend of "coconut, cofee bean, almond, hazelnut, chocolate, and Sri Lankan black tea", would have likely been my first choice had I not been set on Black Sesame. A seriously sweet, luscious fragrance oozed from the piping hot cup.
Little Pebbles offers minimal seating, adorable takeout cups, and a plethora of delicate Japanese desserts. In addition to the previously discussed chiffon and roll cakes, meringue-based sweets such as macarons and dacquoises are available while supplies last.
The location is far from convenient, and the prices are a bit lofty considering other establishments in the vicinity. To combat this, there are a few aspects that enhance the convenience of the purchasing process: a loyalty program (stamp card) for drink purchases and permission of payment through credit and debit.
Personally speaking, the tradeoff is small for offerings that boast both quality and distinctness.
The location is far from convenient, and the prices are a bit lofty considering other establishments in the vicinity. To combat this, there are a few aspects that enhance the convenience of the purchasing process: a loyalty program (stamp card) for drink purchases and permission of payment through credit and debit.
Personally speaking, the tradeoff is small for offerings that boast both quality and distinctness.
Red-capped cups in hand, we then set off towards our next destination. Climbing on Line 2 just before rush hour, we were whisked to the Scarborough RT in less than forty minutes.
Of course, I had to document this adventure. (This was my first time exploring the city east of Donlands station!) The cars were similar in size to the Expo Line, albeit operating at noisier frequencies and less visually appealing with soiled fabric seats.
Of course, I had to document this adventure. (This was my first time exploring the city east of Donlands station!) The cars were similar in size to the Expo Line, albeit operating at noisier frequencies and less visually appealing with soiled fabric seats.
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We sang our K-pop-loving hearts out at Mix2 (NEVER EVERRRRRR) before scouring Thornhill for a dinner recommendation from a local.
"You've been everywhere already, so try Hub Sushi. I highly recommend it!" she had relayed her opinion to me. "It's at Yonge and Clark."
So we turned west onto Clark from Yonge. It wasn't there.
Street lights were few and dim, cloaking the road in a veil of dark navy. Eventually we managed to navigate into the correct plaza and secure a spot immediately outside the restaurant.
So we turned west onto Clark from Yonge. It wasn't there.
Street lights were few and dim, cloaking the road in a veil of dark navy. Eventually we managed to navigate into the correct plaza and secure a spot immediately outside the restaurant.
The interior was unlike majority of the sushi restaurants I had stepped foot in, Chinese- or Korean-operated. A pleasant atmosphere resonated throughout the dining area and its dark wood tables; an artificial cherry blossom stood near the centre for added pizzazz, while an abstract floral painting hung on the wall next to us.
Our waitress wore a calm, almost blank expression. She spoke minimally and was efficient in her actions. Lemon-topped mason jars of water were provided as we began reviewing our options.
Utensils and paper placemats were standard, as was the soy sauce bottle and laminated menu. The details lay within the menu selection itself, as well as its accompanying lime green photobook. Showcased within this album were rare inclusions such as layered sushi tarts, spicy chirashi bowls, and exclusive roll combinations.
Our waitress wore a calm, almost blank expression. She spoke minimally and was efficient in her actions. Lemon-topped mason jars of water were provided as we began reviewing our options.
Utensils and paper placemats were standard, as was the soy sauce bottle and laminated menu. The details lay within the menu selection itself, as well as its accompanying lime green photobook. Showcased within this album were rare inclusions such as layered sushi tarts, spicy chirashi bowls, and exclusive roll combinations.
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Salmon and Tuna Pressed Sushi caught our attention immediately. We proceeded with the order, with ochungg adding a Philadelphia Roll for good measure.
Given that we had walked in with only one hour left before closing time, it wasn't a surprise that few customers remained. A vociferous duo conversed in Konglish next to us; a party of three dined peacefully at the other end of the restaurant.
Given that we had walked in with only one hour left before closing time, it wasn't a surprise that few customers remained. A vociferous duo conversed in Konglish next to us; a party of three dined peacefully at the other end of the restaurant.
Pressed sushi arrived in record time, plated atop sophisticated slate-like serving boards. Both varieties sported extra-thin scallion coils, red tobiko, and a dollop of spicy sauce; a drizzle of Teriyaki sauce was added to the Salmon, while a spoonful of vinegar-based salad dressing to Tuna. Sandwiched in between the mounds was a generous slice of buttery smooth avocado.
ochungg compared the dish to JaBistro's Aburi, which I found myself in partial agreement of. The fish-to-rice ratio was similar, but JaBistro's Aburi oshizushi possessed melt-in-your-mouth qualities. Aburi is generally consumed sauce-less, since the charring of high quality sashimi would prompt natural oils to seep into the underlying rice layers.
Hub Sushi's rendition featured supple, luscious pieces of fish that could rival the modern Downtown bistro, however, the rice did not absorb any trace of the omega-3 oils. It was short grain rice that had been tossed in sugar and vinegar and would crumble in fragments when removed from its platter.
Put simply, it was exactly as it was advertised: pressed sushi, and a superb six-piece selection at that.
Another factor worth noting was that the jalapeno slice generally found on top of Aburi had been swapped for a more economical spicy sauce. The middle layer, which sometimes consists of an additional chunk of fish (Miku), contained avocado instead. As mentioned earlier, Aburi is generally served without any type of sauce, but garnishes and drizzles had found their way onto our dishes.
Hub Sushi's rendition featured supple, luscious pieces of fish that could rival the modern Downtown bistro, however, the rice did not absorb any trace of the omega-3 oils. It was short grain rice that had been tossed in sugar and vinegar and would crumble in fragments when removed from its platter.
Put simply, it was exactly as it was advertised: pressed sushi, and a superb six-piece selection at that.
Another factor worth noting was that the jalapeno slice generally found on top of Aburi had been swapped for a more economical spicy sauce. The middle layer, which sometimes consists of an additional chunk of fish (Miku), contained avocado instead. As mentioned earlier, Aburi is generally served without any type of sauce, but garnishes and drizzles had found their way onto our dishes.
At this point, it is crucial to clarify that I am not belittling pressed sushi for it's more elaborate Aburi cousin. Only by outlining the contrasting elements between the two styles can one comprehensively grasp the wonder of Hub's creations.
For a fraction of the price, one can obtain high quality oshizushi with minor substitutions. It was a mindblowing concept that required some time to grow accustomed to.
The private lot also contributes to the added convenience of parking, something essentially impossible to obtain at renowned downtown spots unless after sundown.
For a fraction of the price, one can obtain high quality oshizushi with minor substitutions. It was a mindblowing concept that required some time to grow accustomed to.
The private lot also contributes to the added convenience of parking, something essentially impossible to obtain at renowned downtown spots unless after sundown.
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Eight pieces of Philadelphia Roll arrived shortly after on a small wooden (pizza) platter. A cluster of spiralized beet topped the smoked salmon and cream cheese roll for added colour.
Within each maki roll was deliciously crisp shrimp tempura, crunchy cucumber, smooth Philadelphia cream cheese, and ripe avocado enveloped with sturdy bits of sushi rice. Savoury smoked salmon made for an unexpected finishing touch.
Though its contents were a tad reminscent of the Pressed Sushi order, the Philadelphia had been crafted via a method that ensured total diversity. There wasn't a single element I did not find thorough enjoyment in consuming.
Within each maki roll was deliciously crisp shrimp tempura, crunchy cucumber, smooth Philadelphia cream cheese, and ripe avocado enveloped with sturdy bits of sushi rice. Savoury smoked salmon made for an unexpected finishing touch.
Though its contents were a tad reminscent of the Pressed Sushi order, the Philadelphia had been crafted via a method that ensured total diversity. There wasn't a single element I did not find thorough enjoyment in consuming.
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The single stall bathroom was unthinkably pristine and spacious. Hooks and a small cushioned stool provided space for bags and personal belongings; diffusers, cleaning supplies, and basic toiletries were arranged neatly on a shelf. The warm-toned walls appeared freshly-painted, as they were free from chips and scratches (though this claim has yet to be verified.)
Grabbing a takeout menu on my way out, I couldn't help but want to relive the experience once more (or twice, or thrice...) in the near future.
Hub's expansive menu and outstanding quality leaves little to be desired - it's merely a matter of trying it all.
Hub's expansive menu and outstanding quality leaves little to be desired - it's merely a matter of trying it all.
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