North York is food heaven for the average commuter, where anything ranging from ramen to shaved ice to quick bites from the supermarket can be found within walking distance. That said, Yonge and Finch is an area to avoid even for the most intrepid of automobile users.
And that's precisely where the budding region of Thornhill comes into play. Parking is no longer scarce here, though public transit is made a tad more challenging with TTC/YRT/Viva transfers.
And that's precisely where the budding region of Thornhill comes into play. Parking is no longer scarce here, though public transit is made a tad more challenging with TTC/YRT/Viva transfers.
Initially, it was Kobi that prompted me to make the drive. A mouthwatering ring of melted cheese surrounding a toasty pot of spicy chicken tugged at my heart - or rather, stomach - strings. Alas, the item was sadly not offered in sizes fitting of small parties of two. Nearby in the same plaza was a new opening by the name of Ssangkye Jjimdak. I figured braised chicken would bring about the same degree of joy, minus the blazing aftereffects.
Parking was ample, though the one-way route around was annoying albeit imposed for safety reasons.
Parking was ample, though the one-way route around was annoying albeit imposed for safety reasons.
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Ssangkye Jjimdak was a compact, cozy restaurant overflowing with Christmas melodies. Warm, wooden tones yielded a familiar vibe, while books, star accents, and the ocassional navy wall contributed to a sophisticated contrast.
First provided to us were stout glasses and a Stainless steel water jug. Upon ordering, a substantially-sized salad and small appetizer plates were also delivered.
First provided to us were stout glasses and a Stainless steel water jug. Upon ordering, a substantially-sized salad and small appetizer plates were also delivered.
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The greens were sprinkled with almonds, dried cranberries, indiscernible bits of sharp cheese, and crushed corn flakes before being drizzled with Balsamic dressing. Quite the peculiar combination of accents, I concluded the components to either sprout from innovation, or the concept of a kitchen sink cookie.
Two shallow dishes were used to share the salad. Meanwhile, appetizers in the form of pickled carrots, peppers, and radish were provided individually in small white dishes.
Two shallow dishes were used to share the salad. Meanwhile, appetizers in the form of pickled carrots, peppers, and radish were provided individually in small white dishes.
View the full album HERE !
White Cheese Jjimdak came with choices of red (gochujang/chili) or black sauce (soy). Erring on the side of caution, the latter was selected. It should be noted that though the milder option had been chosen, the braising liquid was not completely spice-free - bits of chopped chili pepper had found themselves within the dish, contributing greater impact over time.
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The two-person order rang in at thirty dollars - quite fair for the portion size and hearty, warmth-serving ingredients. Ssangkye Jjimdak delivered the item in a shallow pan similar to that of ddakgalbi; the difference lay in that a cast iron pan had been used to maintain warmth as opposed to a regular pan and tabletop burner.
Cheesy goodness covered the mass of piping hot deliciousness underneath. The warm dish consisted of about two-three firm rice cakes (tteok), two large slices of softened sweet potato, two chive dumplings (mandu), well-seasoned chunks of tender chicken, and a bounty of sweet, just-softened onions. A thin layer of slick glass noodles (japchae) lined the bottom of the pan.
Cheesy goodness covered the mass of piping hot deliciousness underneath. The warm dish consisted of about two-three firm rice cakes (tteok), two large slices of softened sweet potato, two chive dumplings (mandu), well-seasoned chunks of tender chicken, and a bounty of sweet, just-softened onions. A thin layer of slick glass noodles (japchae) lined the bottom of the pan.
For a trademark item off the menu, the braised chicken was executed wonderfully, expectedly so. Personally, I loved the diversity of the menu, and that I could opt for the milder 간장 instead of fiery 고추장 if I so desired. One can also never go wrong with cheese and chicken, especially when served with sweet, bold onions that still manage to maintain bite after braising.
The omission of chili peppers would have undoubtedly rendered my consumption process significantly less strenuous, for tea was gulped and sweat droplets were patted away constantly throughout the meal. The restaurant did not offer neutralizing elements such as yoghurt or potato salad, and the carby items within the dish had rapidly absorbed the spice in residual heat. For the weaker minority of the population, I'd recommend taking heed to avoid chili peppers - that or swoop by Bake Code for a large Thai Milk Tea first.
The omission of chili peppers would have undoubtedly rendered my consumption process significantly less strenuous, for tea was gulped and sweat droplets were patted away constantly throughout the meal. The restaurant did not offer neutralizing elements such as yoghurt or potato salad, and the carby items within the dish had rapidly absorbed the spice in residual heat. For the weaker minority of the population, I'd recommend taking heed to avoid chili peppers - that or swoop by Bake Code for a large Thai Milk Tea first.
Lastly, I'd like to mention that the single-stall washroom was actually one of the most impressive aspects of the restaurant: teal walls, homey decor, a fully-functional paper towel dispenser, double-ply patterned toilet paper, and overall cleanliness was a joy to witness.
In order to grant ourselves time for digestion prior to further munching, it was necessary to find a spot for casual sauntering. Pacific Mall and its K-Beauty aisle it was!
After perusing Missha (and Debbie Cosmetics directly across), we made our way over to the main corridor, where ARITAUM, The Face Shop, and It's SKIN were situated.
Lo and behold, I found the love(s) of my life.
Lo and behold, I found the love(s) of my life.
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Before my very eyes were the newest versions of GOT7 and It's SKIN Thailand's special edition face masks! Not to mention, they were on sale too!
I did what any diehard IGOT7 would; I plucked one box of each member hauled from the shelf and hauled the towering stack over to the register, much to the disbelief of the shop attendant. I just had to.
Read Part 2 HERE !
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