A while back, I remembering venturing out to Lucullus at 14th Avenue and Kennedy in hopes to securing the then-hyped pineapple-bun-and-ice-cream hybrid, completely unaware that the item was exclusive to the Downtown Markham location.
Re-attempting the excursion once more, I was pleased to discover that Google Maps has since updated the Cantonese bakery's coordinates for improved clarity. In addition, Local Guides had also uploaded images to confirm the shop's precise situation in the large complex.
Re-attempting the excursion once more, I was pleased to discover that Google Maps has since updated the Cantonese bakery's coordinates for improved clarity. In addition, Local Guides had also uploaded images to confirm the shop's precise situation in the large complex.
It suffices to say that the Downtown Markham spot is unquestionably more modern - both in terms of interior design and menu selection. Laptop-friendly lounge-style seating can be found immediately before the entrance, just across from a commercial standard espresso machine - a piece of apparatus not to be witnessed at typical Hong Kong-style bakeries.
Given the humid, dismal conditions, it was a steaming cup of HK Milk Tea that I longed for, not a sugar-laden morning snack. I swooped up two Pineapple Buns, a Chocolate Croissant, and Matcha White Chocolate Croissant before tacking the $2.25 beverage onto the bill.
Beware: the establishment is not a fan of credit, so bring cash or have a debit card handy.
Given the humid, dismal conditions, it was a steaming cup of HK Milk Tea that I longed for, not a sugar-laden morning snack. I swooped up two Pineapple Buns, a Chocolate Croissant, and Matcha White Chocolate Croissant before tacking the $2.25 beverage onto the bill.
Beware: the establishment is not a fan of credit, so bring cash or have a debit card handy.
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The Pineapple Buns were, no doubt, of superb quality; the croissants, on the other hand, were strangely greasy but not particularly fragrant. The consistency of the carby component could utilize some R&D, though the fillings were delightful, albeit scarce.
One of my primary reasons for tagging along on an early weekend morning was to test the bubble waffle waters of First Markham Place's newest contender, Eggette Hut.
Unfortunately, the gates of the ex-juicing stall remained locked even after their declared opening time of 11:30 AM. The interior was dim, and didn't appear as if it would be illuminated any time soon, so I accepted defeat for the day and moved onto a hunt for prospective lunch destinations.
One of my primary reasons for tagging along on an early weekend morning was to test the bubble waffle waters of First Markham Place's newest contender, Eggette Hut.
Unfortunately, the gates of the ex-juicing stall remained locked even after their declared opening time of 11:30 AM. The interior was dim, and didn't appear as if it would be illuminated any time soon, so I accepted defeat for the day and moved onto a hunt for prospective lunch destinations.
Café Bon Bon had emerged on my radar as an uptown spot to try Toronto's most recent fad of Japanese soufflé pancakes, though I was also aware of a limited number of savoury options.
The Times Square restaurant commenced operations at noon. As luck would have it, parking was secured with minimal effort, so we were able to enter the dining hall shortly after 12 PM to choose our desired table.
The Times Square restaurant commenced operations at noon. As luck would have it, parking was secured with minimal effort, so we were able to enter the dining hall shortly after 12 PM to choose our desired table.
Tall ceilings, imitation shrubbery, a glass double door, and a reception desk situated directly by the entrance, the atmosphere appeared cool and lavish. In reality, the dining experience did not differ drastically from a more economic diner. Within minutes, the tables had filled and a nonsensical ruckus filled the area.
Service was tardy in spite of the ordering system: members of waitstaff carried tablets across their chest such that orders could be submitted instantaneously without the need of running back to a central computer. Many were absent-minded, either completely lost in his or her own thoughts, or simply confused by the chaotic scene taking place before them. No explanations were provided regarding the menu, nor was there a great deal of insight on the café's best-sellers.
Service was tardy in spite of the ordering system: members of waitstaff carried tablets across their chest such that orders could be submitted instantaneously without the need of running back to a central computer. Many were absent-minded, either completely lost in his or her own thoughts, or simply confused by the chaotic scene taking place before them. No explanations were provided regarding the menu, nor was there a great deal of insight on the café's best-sellers.
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After much discussion amongst ourselves, we opted to share an appetizer and main. A four-dollar Americano was also added to the roster.
Perhaps our expectations of caffeinated beverages were too idealistic, for the Americano proved inferior for the price being charged. The surface of the dark liquid was not only devoid of crema, but boasted a peculiar, cloudy film suggestive of foreign matter. In comparison, Kerr Street Cafe's rendition had been severely more enjoyable.
Perhaps our expectations of caffeinated beverages were too idealistic, for the Americano proved inferior for the price being charged. The surface of the dark liquid was not only devoid of crema, but boasted a peculiar, cloudy film suggestive of foreign matter. In comparison, Kerr Street Cafe's rendition had been severely more enjoyable.
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Drunken Fried Chicken, which incurred a charge of eleven dollars, was offered with choices of Sweet & Sour or Spicy seasoning. The former consisted of several lean pieces of chicken thigh coated in puffed rice, then sprinkled with sour plum powder. The appetizer was served alongside a few thin slices of pickled radish and green onion threads.
Crispy as it was, I was not fond of its dry properties and synthetic flavour profile. The glamourous description failed to sway me, as a consumer, to believe that the dish was worth any more than fried chicken with preserved, man-made umeboshi powder. Points for visual appeal were allocated separately, for the combination of turquoise with purple is a solid match. Personally, the inclusion of puffed rice is viewed more as a distinct downgrade than intuitive fusion cuisine.
Crispy as it was, I was not fond of its dry properties and synthetic flavour profile. The glamourous description failed to sway me, as a consumer, to believe that the dish was worth any more than fried chicken with preserved, man-made umeboshi powder. Points for visual appeal were allocated separately, for the combination of turquoise with purple is a solid match. Personally, the inclusion of puffed rice is viewed more as a distinct downgrade than intuitive fusion cuisine.
The more satisfying pick of the two savoury dishes was the 48 Hour Short Rib Donburi. Temporarily disregarding the hefty $19 price tag, the contents of the bowl were confirmed to evoke feelings of content. (Homograph alert!) Noticeably tender strips of short rib adorned a bed of short grain rice - some were fatty bits in entirety, though over half were edible and fleshy. Underneath was a comforting portion of sauce-decked grains, where short rib jus and fatty oils had trickled through to prevent dryness and provide a boost of flavour. Quality beni shoga, softened enoki mushrooms, and chopped scallions were nice accents as well.
It should be noted that this bowl would be insufficient in satisfying diners with large appetites, for the ceramic container held far less than the standard size.
It should be noted that this bowl would be insufficient in satisfying diners with large appetites, for the ceramic container held far less than the standard size.
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Soufflé Pancakes was the last item we tacked on. Advertised as a signature specialty offered in limited quantities with an estimated 20-minute wait time, one would expect only the finest product to be bestowed before them.
Our wait time averaged twenty-five minutes, with potentially the most observant server coming around to apologize for the delay at the 20-minute mark. He further explained that there was an influx of pancake orders, and that only two orders could be cooked at once.
Our wait time averaged twenty-five minutes, with potentially the most observant server coming around to apologize for the delay at the 20-minute mark. He further explained that there was an influx of pancake orders, and that only two orders could be cooked at once.
By the time the platter of Iron Goddess soft serve and pancake trio had reached us at the window spot, we were more than ready to dig in.
Fluffy and airy as the rounds were, the bright yellow hue (with bits of white chunks) was slightly offputting. Its texture was not exactly uniform, which may have contributed to variances in consistency after cooking. The exterior had browned evenly, though this was merely a sign of monitored slow cooking on a smooth griddle.
Fluffy and airy as the rounds were, the bright yellow hue (with bits of white chunks) was slightly offputting. Its texture was not exactly uniform, which may have contributed to variances in consistency after cooking. The exterior had browned evenly, though this was merely a sign of monitored slow cooking on a smooth griddle.
"This tastes like foam." was the first thought that popped up in my mind. "Eggy foam, to be specific."
"It tastes like uncooked sponge cake." remarked my dining partner, as the knife punctured the mound but refused to leave a clean cut.
Accompanying elements of chocolate sauce and fresh berries were on the typical side, but the Iron Goddess Soft Serve is worth mentioning. Dissolution speed was slower than expected, though nonetheless annoying. That said, we appreciated its bold, refreshing qualities: it was neither too slick nor too runny, and served as a highlight for the dessert conclusively.
"It tastes like uncooked sponge cake." remarked my dining partner, as the knife punctured the mound but refused to leave a clean cut.
Accompanying elements of chocolate sauce and fresh berries were on the typical side, but the Iron Goddess Soft Serve is worth mentioning. Dissolution speed was slower than expected, though nonetheless annoying. That said, we appreciated its bold, refreshing qualities: it was neither too slick nor too runny, and served as a highlight for the dessert conclusively.
Washroom stalls were found towards the back of the restaurant, just after passing by the open preparation area. The single unisex stall was cramped and impossible to maneuver comfortably within. The door essentially opened into the sick, where a combination of an unsuitable faucet lengths and poor slope allowances had caused flooding on the sink, then onto the ground.
A more spacious accessible stall was later discovered; it exhibited signficant improvement in the degree of cleanliness and convenience of use.
Meals ingested over Cafe Bon Bon's soft opening period were subject to a 10% discount off the entire bill. Oddly enough though, tax is calculated based on the original amount - a sneaky Shoppers-esque tactic indeed.
A more spacious accessible stall was later discovered; it exhibited signficant improvement in the degree of cleanliness and convenience of use.
Meals ingested over Cafe Bon Bon's soft opening period were subject to a 10% discount off the entire bill. Oddly enough though, tax is calculated based on the original amount - a sneaky Shoppers-esque tactic indeed.
Regardless, it is highly dubious that I'll be returning to this establishment. Parking in the Times Square plaza is a nightmare to begin with, and the food is mediocre at an eyebrow-raising cost. Moreover, I have never witnessed reception staff walk away from his post instead of bidding customers a cheery farewell.
The impromptu decision to attend Toronto Kpop Con 2018 had been made while nonchalantly munching away.
The impromptu decision to attend Toronto Kpop Con 2018 had been made while nonchalantly munching away.
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My primary focus was the Laneige booth, but a large range of BTS items had prompted a call to orangecane for her own merch needs.
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The dealer's room has not seen an expansion at all since their first year. On the bright side, official goods were found in addition to the common selection of fanmade items.
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How adorable is this Two-Tone Lipstick?!
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Wooffles & Cream's Jin Deui Wooffle hit the spot perfectly with an enticing mix of aromatic sesame seeds, chewy mochi bites, and modest red bean paste.
Good Taste Casserole Rice is an unsuspecting destination to make it to Instagram fame. With more than a few images of their rice bowls floating about my feed, I was intrigued to delve into the bowls on offer.
< Pictured above and below: No.5 四寶飯 Four Treasures Rice and No. 26 鹹蛋肉餅飯 Minced Pork and Salted Egg on Rice >
< Pictured above and below: No.5 四寶飯 Four Treasures Rice and No. 26 鹹蛋肉餅飯 Minced Pork and Salted Egg on Rice >
The restaurant itself is quite compact, with only several booths for dining in and a communal table for preparing takeout orders. Items were listed in both English and (Simplified) Chinese; each order included a side order of blanched greens and container of daily soup.
Preserved meat, preserved duck, eel, and BBQ Pork were the constituents of the Four Treasures Rice. With the exception of the marinated eel, these elements were far too salty for my liking.
The heartier Minced Pork and Salted Egg on Rice was much easier on the teeth and digestive system.
Preserved meat, preserved duck, eel, and BBQ Pork were the constituents of the Four Treasures Rice. With the exception of the marinated eel, these elements were far too salty for my liking.
The heartier Minced Pork and Salted Egg on Rice was much easier on the teeth and digestive system.
Priced at $10.99 and $9.99 respectively - and inclusive of healthy side dishes - one can truly never go wrong with steaming bowls of casserole rice. Even the bottom-most grains in the takeout containers were cooked to a delightful crisp! Sweetened soy sauce is also provided for an additional punch of gusto.
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