Light Up The Square returned on a rainy Saturday this year. It was slated for a 3pm opening, though setup preparations extended well past 3:40pm - the approximate time of my arrival.
The dull, dreary skies caused a grey haze to hover about Celebration Square. Lights looked relatively lucid against the fog, and an overall dampness was felt with each step around the pavilion.
The dull, dreary skies caused a grey haze to hover about Celebration Square. Lights looked relatively lucid against the fog, and an overall dampness was felt with each step around the pavilion.
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Food trucks and stalls were situated at one end of the venue, and independent shops at the other. The skating rink was also in full operation.
Minimal time was spent here; cold and breezy conditions did not agree with my HEATTECH Warm. I trekked through the Candy Cane Garden, brimming with remorse and empathy for the soaked plushies on display.
Returning to the car provided much relief. As did a quick run through the mall.
Returning to the car provided much relief. As did a quick run through the mall.
Next stop was Snowies Bingsu, which I had been itching to visit since Day 1.
The modern dessert parlour had taken over Fauchon Bakery in the Man Doo Hyang plaza.
The modern dessert parlour had taken over Fauchon Bakery in the Man Doo Hyang plaza.
Replacing dingy yellow setting and dull, amber shelves were muted blush walls, rose gold light fixtures (à la Sorry Coffee), and neon pink LED wall decor.
Seating took the form of lilac and pink booths and marble tables. Laminated menus were placed before us after we had chosen our seat by the cashier. Nearby was a condiment stand that featured napkins, disposable cups, and a water dispenser.
Seating took the form of lilac and pink booths and marble tables. Laminated menus were placed before us after we had chosen our seat by the cashier. Nearby was a condiment stand that featured napkins, disposable cups, and a water dispenser.
Before we had a chance to peruse our options on the single-sided sheet, an all-too-familiar tune began to play.
My eyes widened, while the corners of my mouth lifted into a cheeky grin. "GOT7" I mouthed.
My eyes widened, while the corners of my mouth lifted into a cheeky grin. "GOT7" I mouthed.
The girl behind the cashier caught my awestruck expression. Locking her gaze on me, it was evident that two unsuspecting members of the fandom had crossed paths by sheer fortuity. On a rainy winter afternoon, in an establishment so close to home, I had managed to meet an ahgase.
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Some period of fangirling took place, and then succeeded by the order placement of a small Mango Bingsu and Injeolmi Toast. Payments were processed at the counter and buzzers were distributed for individual items. Upon vibrating, customers would return the buzzer to the counter and retrieve his or her requested item.
Injeolmi Toast was first to emerge from the kitchen, followed by the exceptionally small Mango snow ice. Distinctly different from the thick carby slices I was accustomed to, Snowies' variation caught me by surprise. Its profile was consisted of two thin slices of white bread, wherein chewy bits of mochi were sandwiched. Sweetened condensed milk, soybean flour, almond slivers, and more mochi decorated the top slice. Already sliced into triangular segments, the item was easy to share with minimal mess.
Contrary to its first impression, the Injeolmi Toast was absolutely wonderful and competent in satisfying my relentless cravings. Perhaps it wasn't as buttery - nor as crunchy - as I had fathomed, but it was nonetheless delicious.
Contrary to its first impression, the Injeolmi Toast was absolutely wonderful and competent in satisfying my relentless cravings. Perhaps it wasn't as buttery - nor as crunchy - as I had fathomed, but it was nonetheless delicious.
On the other hand, Mango Bingsu proved to be a mildly disappointing, especially given the price. A small rang in at $8.95 before tax - a rate on par with The Cups and other Korean dessert shops. Given this, one would assume its price be reflected in its portion size; reality was not the case: the bowl's diameter fell slightly more narrow than the length of my hand.
Never one to cave to mango-themed desserts, The Cups was the only exception due to their inclusion of fresh mangoes (or properly defrosted ones anyway). Snowies' rendition casted a slick drizzle of synthetic mango syrup atop a single scoop of vanilla ice cream and fluffy tiers of snow ice. The ice cream emitted a highly familiar profile, which was a pleasant addition to the too-sugary layered dessert. My least favourite aspect was unmistakably the frozen chunks of mango. Consumption speeds were reduced to minimize the impact of brainfreeze.
With that said, I remain optimistic towards Snowies' other bingsoo selections. Green Tea, Injeolmi, and Oreo are three flavours that can rarely veer into dangerous territory; dissolution rate was also acceptable. Next time, I'll also be looking towards plucking a loose leaf tea from the hot drink menu.
The single stall accessible washroom had also been maintained well. Hooks would have been a nice touch though.
The single stall accessible washroom had also been maintained well. Hooks would have been a nice touch though.
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