There are many that build alliances and relationships over similar interests and common ground - like a certain acquaintance of mine that can never seem to remember my birthday and rules out anyone who doesn't share his love for anime.
I do not necessarily find the same demand for joint perspectives, because, as ochungg pointed out, there hasn't ever been an instance of agreement between us in our fitful discussions (er spam sessions) of K-idols and preferred music styles. Nonetheless, we've bonded over good sustenance and zealous mukbang excursions. (Seriously, I love ochungg, even her not-so-discreet, extra-judgmental eye-rolling.)
I do not necessarily find the same demand for joint perspectives, because, as ochungg pointed out, there hasn't ever been an instance of agreement between us in our fitful discussions (er spam sessions) of K-idols and preferred music styles. Nonetheless, we've bonded over good sustenance and zealous mukbang excursions. (Seriously, I love ochungg, even her not-so-discreet, extra-judgmental eye-rolling.)
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We happened to have chanced by Hibiscus on their single day of inoperation last time, so I suggested missioning to Kensington once more to try out their vegetarian fare. In preparation for the impending thunderstorm, I arrived equipped with boots, an umbrella, and an excess of plastic bags. Alas, the ominous forecast had been replaced with blinding rays of ultraviolet and unbearably muggy conditions.
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Courtesy of TTC's poorly trained staff, I found myself abruptly abandoned on the 510 when the insolent driver decided to park (yes, park) a fully-loaded vehicle of passengers, hop off to chat with another good-for-nothing worker of the corporation, and indulge in a leisurely smoke break. The disgusting actions were of utmost irresponsibility, utter disrespect to the entities on board, and complete disconcern for the safety and individual schedules of the passengers he had vowed to transport in a secure and timely manner.
And of course, the TTC staff in their air-conditioned headquarters could not care less about this situation, merely stating that "breaks were permitted". It wasn't until all patience had been lost that I, along with a few others, disembarked the vehicle I had grudgingly relinquished fare payment towards and walked 600 metres that the vehicle whipped by me without a shred of shame.
Needless to say, I was significantly delayed for my brunch appointment. Oops, I meant to say "lunch", for the turmoil has resulted in a total delay of thirty minutes. What ridicule.
And of course, the TTC staff in their air-conditioned headquarters could not care less about this situation, merely stating that "breaks were permitted". It wasn't until all patience had been lost that I, along with a few others, disembarked the vehicle I had grudgingly relinquished fare payment towards and walked 600 metres that the vehicle whipped by me without a shred of shame.
Needless to say, I was significantly delayed for my brunch appointment. Oops, I meant to say "lunch", for the turmoil has resulted in a total delay of thirty minutes. What ridicule.
At Hibiscus, the patio was open and the umbrellas were erected. Oddly enough, the interior was stuffier than the outside environment, even with the large fans circulating the air above the table.
ochungg had secured a table near the entrance and gladly welcomed me despite my TTC-induced lateness. With less than one minute having passed though, she urged to me to place an order, whispering that the waitstaff had cast glares and nasty looks at her in the time frame she had been seated.
These actions were offensive enough to hear, let alone experience first-hand. The lunch rush had yet to hit anyways. I'll take my time settling in, thank you very much.
ochungg had secured a table near the entrance and gladly welcomed me despite my TTC-induced lateness. With less than one minute having passed though, she urged to me to place an order, whispering that the waitstaff had cast glares and nasty looks at her in the time frame she had been seated.
These actions were offensive enough to hear, let alone experience first-hand. The lunch rush had yet to hit anyways. I'll take my time settling in, thank you very much.
View the full album HERE !
The gluten-free cafe comprised of extremely compact seating: tables were situated within two feet of each other or less, causing noise levels to soar once at full capacity. Tiny were the lacquered wooden tables and rigid were the chairs. Its furnishings displayed years' worth of not-so-tender loving care, so the contrast witnessed in the cleanliness of the bathroom stalls was refreshing. The two unisex stalls were equally cramped, though somehow managed to fit all the necessary toiletries and apparatus within the same space. Facilities weren't as ancient as I expected and dust bunnies were essentially nonexistent. The door was a tad rickety, but this was easily dismissed as the lock was functional.
Shortly after peeling off my raincoat, a unpleasant tone boomed beside my ear. "Do you want anything else besides water?" was heard in sheer monotone. I looked up to see a disheveled bun, an ill-formed granny dress seemingly sourced from Value Village, and a very displeased expression that glasses couldn't even shield.
There was no welcome speech nor introduction of menu items. She simply wished for us to order and depart as soon as possible.
Being first-time customers, we requested more time with the menu. When ready, a chubby man with curly hair took our order. His attitude comprised of the same hurried undertone, though delivery was subtler. Neither appeared genuine, so to speak.
There was no welcome speech nor introduction of menu items. She simply wished for us to order and depart as soon as possible.
Being first-time customers, we requested more time with the menu. When ready, a chubby man with curly hair took our order. His attitude comprised of the same hurried undertone, though delivery was subtler. Neither appeared genuine, so to speak.
Approximately fifteen minutes later, two artfully decorated crepes appeared before us. While both of us had opted for savoury crepes - Vegan Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Spinach and Mushroom for ochungg and Brie Cheese and Pear for myself - presentation wasn't the least bit lacking compared to the syrup-doused sweet variations.
Similarity in garnishes and composition were plentiful: oat flour crepes (which I would have never known about had I not conducted prior research), avocado flowers, sliced raw zucchini, neatly arranged fruit slices, and drizzles of sweet sauce. Where my order included arugula and partially-cooked pear, the vegan selection proffered wilted spinach, pressed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and a few basil leaves. The interiors of the crepes were brushed lightly with a pesto-like dressing.
Similarity in garnishes and composition were plentiful: oat flour crepes (which I would have never known about had I not conducted prior research), avocado flowers, sliced raw zucchini, neatly arranged fruit slices, and drizzles of sweet sauce. Where my order included arugula and partially-cooked pear, the vegan selection proffered wilted spinach, pressed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, and a few basil leaves. The interiors of the crepes were brushed lightly with a pesto-like dressing.
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Brie Cheese and Pear was a lovely combination that blended melty, stringy cheese with textured bites of refreshing Bosc pear. A dash of honey further elevated the silky, sodium-packed properties of the Brie. Undressed arugula added a dose of healthy green-ness, while just-ripe avocado finished off the dish with a mild portion of nourishing fats. The crepe itself was chewy without exhibiting signs of sogginess. It wasn't crisp, which was actually a positive aspect: crispiness would not have complimented its constituents.
The Vegan Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Spinach and Mushroom was a lighter pick with Italian flare. I had initially had my doubts about vegan cheese, but the dairy-free mozzarella proved tasty in solid form. (The same may not have applied in a solid-liquid phase.)
The Vegan Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil, Spinach and Mushroom was a lighter pick with Italian flare. I had initially had my doubts about vegan cheese, but the dairy-free mozzarella proved tasty in solid form. (The same may not have applied in a solid-liquid phase.)
Having been positioned near the entrance established an inevitable relationship with the gusts of wind that accompanied the opening/closing of the door. These said gusts whisked the napkin originally placed atop my lap to the feet of the customers at the table adjacent. The granny dress-donning waitress completely ignored this sight as it took place before her eyes, promptly turning away before I could request a new napkin from her.
The second time she faced our direction, I caught her and requested my replacement. She obliged without expression, but once again spun on her heel at my outstretched hand gripping the fallen napkin. This would not have been much of a deal if garbage bins were found near the entrance, but there weren't any. I sauntered up to the counter, as table space was limited and I wasn't about to continue consumption with a napkin ball clenched in my palm, to inquire about a garbage can.
She could have easily pointed me in the direction of disposal equipment, but she chose to mutter bitterly, "My hands are clean...". Ultimately, she grabbed the item from me and tossed it somewhere behind the counter.
But lady, I didn't ask for you to touch my trash with your godly unstained fingers. I asked the coordinates of a garbage bin.
The second time she faced our direction, I caught her and requested my replacement. She obliged without expression, but once again spun on her heel at my outstretched hand gripping the fallen napkin. This would not have been much of a deal if garbage bins were found near the entrance, but there weren't any. I sauntered up to the counter, as table space was limited and I wasn't about to continue consumption with a napkin ball clenched in my palm, to inquire about a garbage can.
She could have easily pointed me in the direction of disposal equipment, but she chose to mutter bitterly, "My hands are clean...". Ultimately, she grabbed the item from me and tossed it somewhere behind the counter.
But lady, I didn't ask for you to touch my trash with your godly unstained fingers. I asked the coordinates of a garbage bin.
In all fairness, there was one member of waitstaff that made the visit worthwhile service-wise. Smiles all around, she was the one bright strand in a barn of dull, grey haystacks. The remaining other two front-liners ought to have taken a lesson from her - not only in terms of customer service but overall interpersonal interactions.
The entire meal lasted about one hour, although effective waiting time was likely under forty minutes. Other diners did not have the same luck as us, as large families entered the premises shortly after noon and caused up to thirty minutes of delay for crepe orders. An elderly couple seated beside us weren't too impressed at the lengthy wait of their single sweet crepe.
The entire meal lasted about one hour, although effective waiting time was likely under forty minutes. Other diners did not have the same luck as us, as large families entered the premises shortly after noon and caused up to thirty minutes of delay for crepe orders. An elderly couple seated beside us weren't too impressed at the lengthy wait of their single sweet crepe.
In summary, Hibiscus is a spot worth venturing out for their generous portions and delicious crepes. Atmosphere-wise, the establishment could use brushing up; service-wise, the entire front-line crew is in dire need of attitude re-training. A round of applause should be granted to members of the kitchen staff for continually creating such high quality vegetarian fare and putting up with these imbeciles.
Next up for the day's itinerary wasLittle Pebbles. I had missed out on the opportunity to purchase their Sakura House Blend prior, and also could not be devoid of caffeine for any longer.
Two spots caught our attention on the walk along Baldwin. High Mountain Tea Shop was a sleek spot retailing ceramic brewing equipment and loose leaf blends from East Asia; Kiss The Tiramisu appeared to be an up-and-coming dessert spot for tiramisu sundaes.
Two spots caught our attention on the walk along Baldwin. High Mountain Tea Shop was a sleek spot retailing ceramic brewing equipment and loose leaf blends from East Asia; Kiss The Tiramisu appeared to be an up-and-coming dessert spot for tiramisu sundaes.
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Ice Cream Tacos, Iced Black Sesame Lattes, Panna Cotta, Daifuku, and Sakura Cold Brew were amongst Little Pebbles' most recent additions. I was intrigued, of course, but adhered to my original plan of action.
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< Pictured above and below: Sakura House Blend, Iced Latte, and Vegan Kinako Cookie >
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The cafe's Iced Lattes, as relayed by the peppy bespectacled barista, was crafted with Dancing Goats instead of Sakura. The result was a dark and nutty flavour with minimal aroma.
Having tried the Matcha Sablé Cookie previously, high hopes were retained for the kinako-containing specimen. The butter-less creation was, regrettably, far less desirable. Besides the unmistakable presence of soybean flour, the majority of the cookie slice was dry and honestly quite bland. Priced at $1.50, it wasn't exactly economic either.
Continue reading Part 2 HERE !
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