More often than not, downtown excursions end up transforming into a string of errands from over-zealousness.
It first started with ProFusion taking place on a date where classes were minimal (read: skip-able).
It first started with ProFusion taking place on a date where classes were minimal (read: skip-able).
I cannot fathom the reason behind forcing attendees to loop around the ground floor of the North Building to enter the venue in a retarded, single-file manner. The wait time for entry approximated forty-five minutes, even after the event had fully opened its doors to the public.
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The checkout line was slow-moving, just as previous years, so I found myself investigating the items I had been intrigued by and swiftly moving onto the next destination within an hour of being permitted past the registration desk.
A long-time friend of mine has recently begun a semester of commuting, so I suggested grabbing lunch before my next appointment.
Although I had frequented King and John quite sufficiently prior to my dreaded return to academia, I had never received the opportunity to dine at Pai. Wait times never deviated from fifteen minutes plus, patio seats were forever occupied, and the environment was always atrociously loud.
Although I had frequented King and John quite sufficiently prior to my dreaded return to academia, I had never received the opportunity to dine at Pai. Wait times never deviated from fifteen minutes plus, patio seats were forever occupied, and the environment was always atrociously loud.
Pai was speedily concluded to be suitable for casual business lunches, especially when serving up niche eats - ie. quick Thai curries of varying spice levels - is involved.
Seats are abundant, though tables are arranged uncomfortably close to each other; it's not easy to eavesdrop on the conversation of the neighbouring diners, however, since the noise level renders it nearly impossible to decipher the words spoken uttered from the person before you. The area is very compact, which is fine if one is merely downing a fast meal, but less ideal with purchases or other space-consuming baggage in tow.
Seats are abundant, though tables are arranged uncomfortably close to each other; it's not easy to eavesdrop on the conversation of the neighbouring diners, however, since the noise level renders it nearly impossible to decipher the words spoken uttered from the person before you. The area is very compact, which is fine if one is merely downing a fast meal, but less ideal with purchases or other space-consuming baggage in tow.
The mildest level of Khai Soi is still slightly spicy for my liking. The yellow curry base is less viscous than Khao San Road's version (prior to relocation), and also less aromatic. As opposed to a rich, milky soup of relatively uniform hue, numerous little orange pockets were found afloat on its surface. Chicken breast was of a sufficient portion, though noodles were fewer than expected given its associated price tag. Consistency-wise, Khao Soi was well-balanced with the crunch of fried noodles, soft, flat rice noodles, and textured lean protein.
Beef Massaman Curry had a slightly tart taste, reminiscent of a ketchup sauce-base pasta. Milder than the Khao Soi by approximately two notches and containing a greater proportion of onions, the base was actually the tastier of the two. It should be noted that I did not sample the beef nor potato chunks floating within and therefore cannot comment in that regard.
Beef Massaman Curry had a slightly tart taste, reminiscent of a ketchup sauce-base pasta. Milder than the Khao Soi by approximately two notches and containing a greater proportion of onions, the base was actually the tastier of the two. It should be noted that I did not sample the beef nor potato chunks floating within and therefore cannot comment in that regard.
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Thai Iced Tea was sweet as ever, but definitely soothed the fiery breath that resulted from the Khao Soi. In place of full-sized ice cubes were small shards of crushed ice - a definite improvement from previous renditions as the increase in surface area aided in alleviating the sweetness at a faster pace. I did not appreciate the steep inflation from $4.50 to $5.50 though.
Service was subpar; a half-hearted attitude resonated across all members of serving staff that interacted with us. The gesture that took me back the most was having a pair of disposable chopsticks slid across the table to me whilst mid-stride.
All in all, the visit was a very rushed experience, leaving me unable to inspect the status of the bathrooms. On a more positive note, meals were delivered with exceptional swiftness (within 10 minutes), making it great for office workers on a tight schedule.
All in all, the visit was a very rushed experience, leaving me unable to inspect the status of the bathrooms. On a more positive note, meals were delivered with exceptional swiftness (within 10 minutes), making it great for office workers on a tight schedule.
Next up on the schedule was a trip to Bloor/Yonge.
Planned around the intersection was a visit to NC Salon, followed by a five-minute trek to Toronto's first cream cheese bun retailer.
Both Miss Rushka and ochungg had left positive feedback in regards to the design studio's colouring and cutting services, so the name naturally popped into my head as I contemplated a haircut over the weekend.
Both Miss Rushka and ochungg had left positive feedback in regards to the design studio's colouring and cutting services, so the name naturally popped into my head as I contemplated a haircut over the weekend.
The second floor salon was completely empty during my time of visit, which made me feel a little less guilty about my sheer lack of punctuality.
A Senior Stylist with a friendly, cheerful demeanour welcomed me and gestured towards a series of 5-6 full-sized lockers for the storage of belongings. A key with elastic wristband attachment was then handed over to clients such that each could manage their own personal items; the manner was similar to Aritzia with the exception of NC's lockers being substantially more spacious.
A Senior Stylist with a friendly, cheerful demeanour welcomed me and gestured towards a series of 5-6 full-sized lockers for the storage of belongings. A key with elastic wristband attachment was then handed over to clients such that each could manage their own personal items; the manner was similar to Aritzia with the exception of NC's lockers being substantially more spacious.
As soon as I was seated, the girl who had been managing reception duties immediately followed up with two magazines and a white cup-and-saucer set. A red-toned herbal tea was found underneath the silicon lid.
My stylist first asked about my request for the day, clarifying length and style specifics along the way. Upon confirmation of my objective, I was whisked away to a quaint hair-washing room for the same receptionist/styling assistant to take over. This separate member of staff also assisted the senior stylist with blowdrying later on. Out of the corner of eye, I observed a security camera in the hair-washing room - an interesting safety feature that would come in handy should unassuming handbags be shifted from their spots outside.
The girl was careful to prevent water from entering my ears during the hair-washing procedure, as well as checking water temperature. My only word of criticism would be the unyielding pressure applied during the shampooing process. At times, it came off a bit strong, but that may be due to the fact that I bumped my head a few days ago.
My stylist first asked about my request for the day, clarifying length and style specifics along the way. Upon confirmation of my objective, I was whisked away to a quaint hair-washing room for the same receptionist/styling assistant to take over. This separate member of staff also assisted the senior stylist with blowdrying later on. Out of the corner of eye, I observed a security camera in the hair-washing room - an interesting safety feature that would come in handy should unassuming handbags be shifted from their spots outside.
The girl was careful to prevent water from entering my ears during the hair-washing procedure, as well as checking water temperature. My only word of criticism would be the unyielding pressure applied during the shampooing process. At times, it came off a bit strong, but that may be due to the fact that I bumped my head a few days ago.
The stylist set to work snipping silently afterwards, as I giddily connected to the password-secured Wi-Fi network.
Outlets were also present near the ground. I took the opportunity to recharge my battery. The stylist actually paused her snipping to source an adapter and charging cable when she noticed that my own was too short for me to comfortably continue using my phone during the service. This was well above my expectations, and I could not appreciate this gesture enough.
Outlets were also present near the ground. I took the opportunity to recharge my battery. The stylist actually paused her snipping to source an adapter and charging cable when she noticed that my own was too short for me to comfortably continue using my phone during the service. This was well above my expectations, and I could not appreciate this gesture enough.
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My stylist worked with precision and care, even stopping to ask if thinning out a specific section was permitted. She also showed utmost eagerness at guiding me through the establishment when I asked to capture a few photos. I honestly could find not a single flaw in attitude nor skill.
In line with Yelp reviews, the reception staff do tend to promote the salon membership and hair products. Though, they will not force it on customers to make a purchase should they refuse. I was kindly given a sample to try out though I had declined all aforementioned offers.
The single stall washroom is sufficiently illuminated and features a hook on the back of the door. Generally clean and well-stocked, it comprised of the necessary toiletries in convenient locations. A paper towel roll held upright by a roating wire stand; a fragrance diffuser was spotted on the floor at the corner of the stall - the status of its functionality remains unknown though. In addition, the salon's choice of soap surprisingly did not deprive parched hands of moisture any further - a huge bonus. Muji cotton swabs could also be found on the counter, presumably to polish away any stray hairs should the powder brush have missed any specks.
The single stall washroom is sufficiently illuminated and features a hook on the back of the door. Generally clean and well-stocked, it comprised of the necessary toiletries in convenient locations. A paper towel roll held upright by a roating wire stand; a fragrance diffuser was spotted on the floor at the corner of the stall - the status of its functionality remains unknown though. In addition, the salon's choice of soap surprisingly did not deprive parched hands of moisture any further - a huge bonus. Muji cotton swabs could also be found on the counter, presumably to polish away any stray hairs should the powder brush have missed any specks.
NC Salon is undeniably on the pricier side, though the atmosphere and quality of service was reflective of its cost. I can't commit to investing in a four hundred-dollar deposit at this point in time, but returning for a second trim is highly probable.
Given the perfect excuse to try the trending, but ever-so-slightly overrated Guschlbauer, I marched over with lighter, bouncier locks.
The shop is no larger than Uncle Tetsu Bake, but with a larger section allocated the baking quarters than waiting area. Two girls worked the storefront and cashier, while a middle-aged man and elderly uncle squatted in front of the ovens on the other side of the pillar, engaged in grunt-laced conversation.
The shop is no larger than Uncle Tetsu Bake, but with a larger section allocated the baking quarters than waiting area. Two girls worked the storefront and cashier, while a middle-aged man and elderly uncle squatted in front of the ovens on the other side of the pillar, engaged in grunt-laced conversation.
I specified a Signature Austrian Cheese Bun, Austrian Chocolate Cheese Bun, and three Cream Puffs, only to be told that a purchase of six items would be tax-free. Readily agreeing to add one more Chocolate Puff to the order, I asked for a paper box to make the return commute easier. This is the point at which both girls became confused, and the purchase processing slowed to a complete stop.
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Cheese Buns were pre-packaged (paper tray and plastic bag) and merely retrieved from underneath the cashier upon request, while Cream Puffs earned themselves vulnerable-looking paper slips. For some reason, it didn't come across either of their brains that I would only need a box for the Cream Puffs. Neither understood what to do when my items failed to fit in one box.
Eventually, I just told them to place whatever could fit in the box; I could carry either Cheese Bun separately if needed. Time was ticking and inefficieny was at its peak.
I didn't even realize that they had forgotten my additional Chocolate Puff until reaching home.
Eventually, I just told them to place whatever could fit in the box; I could carry either Cheese Bun separately if needed. Time was ticking and inefficieny was at its peak.
I didn't even realize that they had forgotten my additional Chocolate Puff until reaching home.
By this point, the Chocolate version had partially disintegrated: cream cheese filling had become fluid and oozed out from between the carby layers, and chocolate chip toppings were slowly slipping off. The Signature flavour proved greater resilience and appeared relatively unchanged in appearance.
Austrian Chocolate tasted more of a bread roll slathered with chocolate buttercream than a cohesive cream cheese bun. The combination seemed forced: the chocolate was milky and unsubstantial as opposed to luscious and rich in depth, while the base was dry and unimpressive. Moreover, I could perceive no distint differences between the rounded quarter and a standard Coconut Bun set from my local Chinese bakery.
Austrian Chocolate tasted more of a bread roll slathered with chocolate buttercream than a cohesive cream cheese bun. The combination seemed forced: the chocolate was milky and unsubstantial as opposed to luscious and rich in depth, while the base was dry and unimpressive. Moreover, I could perceive no distint differences between the rounded quarter and a standard Coconut Bun set from my local Chinese bakery.
On the other hand, the Signature Austrian Cheese Bun was significantly more enjoyable. The bread was moist and subtly sweet, which paired wonderfully with its fragrant, silky cream cheese filling. Perhaps it wasn't the most unique combination of ingredients, as Waterloocakeshop had created one previously, but it was delectably in small portions without being over-satiating.
The Signature had rang in at $5.90, and the Chocolate at $6.50. Neither cheese bun justified its price tag.
The Signature had rang in at $5.90, and the Chocolate at $6.50. Neither cheese bun justified its price tag.
Cream Puffs were offered in four flavours (Original, Chocolate, Matcha, and Lychee) and priced individually at $1.90. Unlike Uncle Tetsu, no combo options were present.
The Matcha and Chocolate were extremely similar in both taste and texture. Blindfolded, one would not be able to distinguish between the two at all: a thin layer of cookie puff topped the choux pastry and ridiculously rich cream cheese filling filled the interior. Guschlbauer's creations possessed the fundamental characteristics of a cream puff, however was less enjoyable due to the startling copiousness of the filling. It was merely satiating, and neither fragrant nor complex in flavour. Beyond a heavy chunk of full-fat cream cheese, there was essentially no depth whatsoever.
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Guschlbauer can now officially be rid from the list. I bid it Guschl-bye-r!
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