When VYbE announced five-dollar classes, I was instantly inclined to make a Markham visit. With that, I figured I might as well make a P-Mall trip to stock up on items I hadn't purchased in the States.
|
|
Dak Lak was my suggestion: a necessary first stop to obtain Thai Milk Tea. orangecane added Pandan Jelly to hers, while I opted for a mix of Tapioca and Pandan Jelly to ensure that the purchase would sum up to five dollars. (Each individual topping was seventy-five cents instead of fifty cents.)
The staff were as pleasant as ever, though the Thai Milk Tea tasted on this visit was merely passable instead of delicious. Tapioca pearls were soggy and potentially amongst the worst I've tried from the Asian shopping centre; pandan jelly was fragrant, but overwhelmed the concoction entirely. The beverage lacked balance. Moreover, the long, green strips were impossible to pick up using the standard bubble tea straw. Both of us resorted to tossing the lid and tipping out the cup's contents after numerous futile attempts.
The staff were as pleasant as ever, though the Thai Milk Tea tasted on this visit was merely passable instead of delicious. Tapioca pearls were soggy and potentially amongst the worst I've tried from the Asian shopping centre; pandan jelly was fragrant, but overwhelmed the concoction entirely. The beverage lacked balance. Moreover, the long, green strips were impossible to pick up using the standard bubble tea straw. Both of us resorted to tossing the lid and tipping out the cup's contents after numerous futile attempts.
This visit to the Korean beauty aisle did not yield much of a haul (thank goodness). For once, I purchased the few items I had set my eyes on and didn't stray any further from the list.
I ought to note that VDL's Expert Color Liquid Eyeshadow is becoming less annoying to employ with acquired experience. The pigmentation is meek and the glitter still transfers, but lasting power is applaudable and its base notes are versatile enough to be paired with a variety of shadow shades. That said, there was minimal reluctance to test out the Expert Metal Cushion Foundation as a replacement Missha's Tension Pact. (Mine unfortunately melted in the 30-degree-plus insulated interior of a vehicle.)
2Seeing as our first class of interest was slated to commence at 5:05 PM, we ate an early dinner of Gyugyuya around 4 PM. The curry house's new location in the Pacific Mall food court was a godsend, for it meant being able to taste the flavours of Japanese curry without having to venture to Midland and Finch (or downtown).
Similar to Papa Chang's stall, a series of bar stools were allocated at the side of the booth to allocate exclusive seating for the eatery's customers.
Similar to Papa Chang's stall, a series of bar stools were allocated at the side of the booth to allocate exclusive seating for the eatery's customers.
|
|
< Pictured above and below: Gyu Curry, Gyu Cheese Curry >
We consumed a heartier portion than needed for a dance class, and spent the remaining one hour leading up to the session feeling groggy and utterly unmotivated. That said, I enjoyed the meal immensely; the curry sauce was a tad spicier than I would have been able to handle, so opting for a takeout setup enabled me to control the precise portion desired.
We consumed a heartier portion than needed for a dance class, and spent the remaining one hour leading up to the session feeling groggy and utterly unmotivated. That said, I enjoyed the meal immensely; the curry sauce was a tad spicier than I would have been able to handle, so opting for a takeout setup enabled me to control the precise portion desired.
Service was swift and amiable. Be warned though, as the food court vendor accepts only cash or debit.
Time was running low, so we rushed to VYbE shortly afterwards. Thankfully, rush hour wasn't as horrendous as I had imagined. Two dance classes (Hip Hop 0 and K-Pop 1-2) and a seriously satisfying 뿜뿜 (Bboom Bboom) choreography later, it was time to fuel up - on desserts, that is.
Frankly, I had yearned for Chinese-style desserts. Alas, there were none near the highway that I found preferable.
Frankly, I had yearned for Chinese-style desserts. Alas, there were none near the highway that I found preferable.
|
|
Several years back, I remember taking to Sweet Note for a set of bottled milk puddings to take home. Come to think of it, the dessert parlour's persistent existence in the Commerce Gate plaza is a formidable feat on its own. Majority of its neighbouring establishments have swapped names several times at this point.
Driftng in towards the lights-out period, we were informed upon entry that the shop would cease operations at 10:30 PM. This was of no issue to us, especially seeing that quality of service did not plummet in spite of the nearing closure.
Driftng in towards the lights-out period, we were informed upon entry that the shop would cease operations at 10:30 PM. This was of no issue to us, especially seeing that quality of service did not plummet in spite of the nearing closure.
A minimum of one order per guest was strictly enforced for dine-in customers. This was an aspect that I had yet to witness for years, so one can imagine my surprise at seeing the rule emblazed on the second page of the menu.
With a new member to our party, we plucked three items from the narrow, laminated pages. This was done with quite a bit of difficulty, as the options weren't particularly distinct nor visually appealing. In addition, they were priced on par with more upscale restaurants elsewhere.
Eventually, we settled on the Baked Alaska with Baileys Ice Cream, Matcha Mochi Souffle Pancake (Single), and Matcha Lava Cake.
Eventually, we settled on the Baked Alaska with Baileys Ice Cream, Matcha Mochi Souffle Pancake (Single), and Matcha Lava Cake.
|
|
The Baked Alaska arrived first, smelling distinctly of burnt matter. Its fragrance wasn't nearly as sweet as typical torched meringue, but rather dark and smoky - akin to charred protein. Rounded raindrops had been piped uniformly over ice cream/sponge cake base, with more than sufficient thickness to maintain the temperature of the ice cream.
Fluffy was the first spoonful, and indulgent were the subsequent bites. Baileys made a prominent appearance in the dessert and paired well with the dense, cakey foundation. The meringue was airy, but less substantial than preferred; it wasn't exactly raw, though it wasn't entirely seared either.
Fluffy was the first spoonful, and indulgent were the subsequent bites. Baileys made a prominent appearance in the dessert and paired well with the dense, cakey foundation. The meringue was airy, but less substantial than preferred; it wasn't exactly raw, though it wasn't entirely seared either.
|
|
Contrary to the trendy jiggly Japanese Pancakes, Sweet Note offered Japanese Souffle Pancakes in the more traditional style of slow-cooked, stout cylinders, with a discernible layer of mochi sandwiched in the central quadrants. This item fared the poorest of all three: the pancake was stiff, the taro sauce did not contribute depth nor boldness, and the mochi was tacky and bland. Most noticeable of all was the sheer absence of ground Japanese tea.
Accompanying the dessert was a small scoop of French Vanilla ice cream - heavenly if I must say - atop a colourful crumble of macaron dust (not Fruity Pebbles), as I had believed). The ice cream was comparable to REDS' housemade Bourbon Vanilla rendition.
Accompanying the dessert was a small scoop of French Vanilla ice cream - heavenly if I must say - atop a colourful crumble of macaron dust (not Fruity Pebbles), as I had believed). The ice cream was comparable to REDS' housemade Bourbon Vanilla rendition.
The Matcha Lava Cake was last to be delivered. Its exterior was primarily dark green with yellow undertones; its edges had been browned slightly. A silky, forest green substance oozed from the top of the compact cake. Runny and lightly sweetened, the interior compartments fit the textbook definition of a lava cake, though failed to heighten the impact of the dish. Grassy as it was, it wasn't very gratifying. Fresh blackberries and lemon sorbet were wonderful though.
Our selected desserts ranged from $8.95 to $10.75 individually before tax. The Baked Alaska was probably the highlight of our visit, but even then, the small specimen did not justify its $9.25 price tag.
|
|
A password-secured Wi-Fi network, outlets, and a variety of seating (small tables and two large communal tables) made for a comfortable uptown hangout spot. The single stall bathroom was spacious and equipped with modern facilities (orange Cintas soap dispensers made frequent appearances throughout the store); hygeine levels were also maintained.
With all factors taken into consideration, Sweet Note isn't a bad choice for a late-night weekday hangout. Service was great as well, until the man behind the cashier cut off "Look" mid-song. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to take my business elsewhere should there be a larger assortment of atypical treats within a reasonable price range. Parking is another issue that would surface on weekend afternoons.
With all factors taken into consideration, Sweet Note isn't a bad choice for a late-night weekday hangout. Service was great as well, until the man behind the cashier cut off "Look" mid-song. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to take my business elsewhere should there be a larger assortment of atypical treats within a reasonable price range. Parking is another issue that would surface on weekend afternoons.
RSS Feed