Out & About #384 | Apple Factory and Bean + Pearl

​Woken to the rambunctious reverberations of my alarm clock, I set out bright and early for Apple Factory, under the complete assumption that the farm would be closed for the Monday of Thanksgiving holiday.

Construction from the previous year persisted - this time with even heavier traffic flows and a PDO to direct drivers around temporary road closures. Needless to say, the parking lot was chaotic. Though, the positive aspect was that many families had taken to carrying about their business swiftly, meaning that parking spots vacated quickly.

​I obtained a 3L jug of apple cider, for my heart was met with utter despair when the quintessential fall beverage had sold out last year. Two Pink Lady apples, a fresh box of warm Apple Pie, a tart slice of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, and a small jar of Apple Butter later, I was on my way to the next stop.

Having recently made its name known on social media, I decided to swing by Bean + Pearl for a quick visit. The spot was a mere six-minute drive from the Apple Factory, yet road detours and a lack of overall signage led me to take several wrong turns, prolonging the journey significantly. Majority of the area was residential and devoid of defining landmarks. Moreover, Brampton's roads were tricky to maneuver and did not intersect between the patches of open field.

​Eventually, I found myself pulling into Northview Plaza, a peculiar little strip with a dentist office and day care centre. At its southeast corner stood Bean + Pearl. Popular drink choices were advertised on the outward-facing side of the cafe's windows, likely to lure in occupants of the private lot before their departure.

​The interior is well-lit with intricate decor details, denoting a suitable spot for casual catch-ups or laptop-equipped afternoons. Visiting in the early hours of the day also ensured a serene environment with access to a speedy, password-secured Wi-Fi network.

Bean + Pearl offered an assortment of popular bubble tea flavours - oddly calling it "boba" instead of bubble tea akin to our southern neighbours - in addition to espresso-based beverages. Most are more costly than your standard franchise; toppings such as tapioca and panna cotta are extra charge, in spite of the implied inclusion in their item descriptions ("Boba Milk Tea"). 

The cafe also presents seasonal choices such as Lavender Lattes (based off of synthetic syrups instead of dried petals of the aromatic flower) and the ever-classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Two-dollar Babyccinos, or steamed milk with vanilla flavouring, is also available for children.

​A regular-sized Lychee Slush with Lychee Jelly set me back $5.10 after tax - the equivalent to one of CoCo's pricier picks. Despite its appearance, including the seamless drink seal, the quality of the beverage was found to be quite lacking. The formula was lacklustre and average at best, with jellies too soft from soaking in simple syrup for extended periods of time. Speaking candidly, the price failed to be justified.

​Service is swift and amiable, but with an air of awkwardness that is difficult to pinpoint.

The white tables and backless chairs are still spotless at this point, though it is predicted that they will deteriorate and darken with time. Even the white outlet-lined walls will one day be subject to accidental scrapes and scratches.

Two individual bathrooms stalls are available for customer use; both are unisex, with the roomier one adopting an accessible layout.
While I have no complaints regarding the larger of the two housing some sort of a cleaning area in one corner, I will comment on the lack of hooks, accumulating dust, and fine cobweb threads (and its occupants) camouflaged behind the door.

​The establishment has witnessed a tremendous amount of success within a mere two months of opening. For the area in which it is situated, it is the only contender combining the cozy working atmosphere of a café with on-trend milk tea/slushie drinks and decadent desserts. In addition, its early operating hours allow for customers to satisfy the need for liquid energy and cure morning bubble tea fixes.
That being said, Bean + Pearl is strictly mediocre in comparison to the plethora of other options in the GTA - especially those located within closer proximity.

All other factors taken into consideration, it's unlikely I'll be venturing out northeast specifically for a second visit. Honestly, it's quite a shame since I did enjoy the vibe of the establishment as well as its availability of outlets, Wi-Fi connection, and mellow music.

​Errand-running concluded with lunch takeout from Sushi Tei.

< Pictured above: Dynamite Maki, Oyako Donburi with kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, miso soup, and spring mix >

​Happy Thanksgiving!!