Out & About #495 | Partial October Visuals

​I'm tired.
I'm exhausted.
I want this to stop.
These three phrases have been on constant replay in my mind for the past three weeks. An unfamiliar work location, in conjunction with unfavourable management and toxic surroundings, have been acting as a frictional force in my day-to-day activities, gradually eroding the remnants of my sanity and spirit.

It's one thing to be completely engrossed in one's work to the point where sleep deprivation and nonexistent personal space can be neglected. That would depict the lifestyle of a workaholic - a title that I could never adorn myself with.

So with the bits and bobs of hard-earned leisure time throughout the week, I've resorted to food for relief. And GOT7 too, of course.

​1) Congee Queen
A recent discovery has been made: not only does the Heartland restaurant serve incredible congee and flavourful Chinese dishes, they also offer a heavenly Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodle in Soup. Wonton Chai has been our go-to destination for such comfort food for months, yet Congee Queen proved itself a worthy contender with supple, braised beef and generous chunks of buttery collagen. The broth is probably a tad slicker than preferred, though one cannot deny that its depth.

Custom noodle bowls à la Deer Garden Signatures are also available, and drinks such as HK Milk Tea can also be requested for an additional $1.25.

​2) Biscotteria Forno Cultura Union Station
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​A compact outpost of the King West bakery, this smaller rendition retails bite-sized biscotti and carby Italian delicacies - at prices fit for a local souvenir shop. Service levels are also reflective of the aura: two French-speaking attendants sprang forth at the entry of any customer, gushing with detailed explanations of the products on display.

​​On a chilly fall morning, I took to purchasing an Italian croissant stuffed with prosciutto and Swiss cheese as breakfast. It rang in at $4.50 prior to taxes, which wasn't too extreme given the quality of the product. Italian croissants, where in butter was replaced with olive oil, were equally as addicting as their French counterpart; the substitution ensured moistness, flakiness, and minimal crumb production. Adjacent sweet and savoury variations were also available at the same cost.​

3) Downtown exploration randoms Feat. Phoenix Cafe's obscure location on Edward St.

​4) Regular Sulley inventory checks were conducted at the Eaton Centre.
5) A medium Strawberry Bingsoo from Wafflian was a bargain at $6.99 plus tax. Known to stray from synthetic strawberry works whenever possible, there is significance to my approval towards the item.

6) After many morning visits, the green-purple combination was finally spotted adorning the Toronto Sign. (It was orangecane who had first made me aware of the duo's importance.)
7) McD's Monopoly has officially begun!!

8) More Sulleys were spotted at Square One!

9) Pappa Roti Square One

Pappa Roti's Square One location has finally opened its doors to the public. Despite being delayed by approximately 2.5 months, the Ontario flagship shop did not disappoint. The Signature Coffee Bun (and dine-in ice cream sets) had primarily circulated the Spadina shop, whereas the Mississauga outpost carried a vast selection of pastries was vast, ranging from chocolate croissants to savoury egg viennoiseries.

Closer to home were Coffee Buns that not only emitted a stronger, bolder aroma, but baked goods that were are indulgent as they appeared. It is, however, necessary to note that these breads are associated with a cost not dissimilar to an independent downtown pâtisserie. That said, the interior design was less ostentatious and, in reality, more Manzano-like. Homey seating was available on the premises, but I did find the dense concentration of greasy fumes and utter lack of ventilation in dire need of being eradicated before the area could be considered a comforting hangout destination.

10) McDonald's crunchy, cream cheese-slathered bagels may be my new favourite morning pick-me-up. Their Caramel Pumpkin Spice Latte isn't shabby either.

McCafé at Union had rid their kiosks of the Apple Crumble Sundae several days after my initial purchase. Thankfully, I was able to locate the item without issues at a franchise closer to home.

​11) Advent calendars have been surfacing long before Halloween has even taken place.

​12) Monkeys with teddy bear-esque physiques were spotted at Canadian Tire
13) Spooky skeleton Cheetos are a sodium-laden yet tasty treat.

14) GOT7 - Present You, Ahgabong 2018 Version​

​After several weeks of back-and-forth messages with Ktown4U, my three copies of Present: You finally arrived at my doorstep, along with the 2018 version of the official lightstick (that was on back order for over 5 months).

​I had ordered three copies in hopes of receiving at least one Jinyoung edition. Lo and behold: all three were identical copies of JB (with Youngjae album sleeves).

​Thankfully, the CD cover design and photocards had been randomized. I received a decent number of Jinyoung cards!

As the individual member versions focus solely on the specified member, I have yet to read the Thank You messages of anyone else besides JB and Youngjae. It was interesting to be able to make out the blocks of text within a much shorter period than when Flight Log: Arrival had dropped. I recall struggling for upwards of five minutes on each paragraph.

​The hunt remains ongoing for a Jinyoung-centric Present: You. It's clear that his popularity has surged in recent years, for many users are trading for/purchasing his specific photocards.

​The new Ahgabong was observed to be significantly lighter than the first release, which was synonymous with improved portability and reduced durability. Its bird-shaped form has been elongated, while the "7" logo within has been modified to be clear instead of green.
A few hours passed before I was able to locate the accompanying smartphone app to garner the spectrum effect. (This was a grave display of my fangirl efforts being restricted by outdated phone software.)

​Now onto those Atlantic vacation photos...