Out & About #512 | Paintball, Snowies (Round 2) + Katsuya

It all started with a set of paintball passes that were set to expire within a span of four weeks. The group was formed relatively smoothly, with only a small setback that increased the participant count from seven to eight.

Paintball Nation Mississauga was the chosen venue, for it offered an indoor playing field, availability of a private parking lot, and was located within acceptable distance to eateries of interest. Moreover, it was the more accessible in comparison to the franchise's other outposts in Brampton and Burlington.
Planning the event was straightforward, as majority of the details had either been laid out with clarity on their website or communicated via phone. The process of finding the establishment was a separate matter.

Adjoined to the Dixie Flea Market, its entrance on Aimco wasn't particularly easy to spot when traversing on the arterials. The parking lot was packed and, honestly speaking, quite chaotic with drop-offs taking place in every other laneway. I figured that valuables were best carried on oneself than left in my vehicle for all passersby to peer.

The discount pass supplied each participant with park entry, a paintball gun and mask, and an air tank with a minimum purchase of 50 paintballs, which equated to exactly ten dollars after tax. Air tanks could be refilled at the front desk at no extra charge. Disposable coveralls involved an additional $6.50 plus tax, so I heeded all attendees to bring a change of clothing and footwear instead.

Masks and guns equipped with air tanks were provided once the entire party had gathered and waivers were submitted. One member of staff - the referee - then took us aside for a brief safety orientation and review of the rules. He noted the importance of maintaining a secured mask on the playing field, the safety lock on the gun, adequate air tank pressure (2000 psi or above), and safe shooting distances. With that said, we were then escorted onto the field to begin our series of matches.

Shooting with low-impact paintballs meant "reduced" speeds and less painful encounters with bullets. Though, the range of the paintballs' projectile was very impressive. Without the presence of a pressured air tank, many of the tiny, coloured spheres would have failed to even travel half the playing field.
For the first game, many of us took to hiding behind barriers to prevent being taken out. It was during this period that I discovered the perils of remaining still: being promptly shot in the behind by a more senior player.

The consequent games were increasingly aggressive, with players running left and right in an attempt to annihilate their enemy. It ought to be noted that ammo can be drained rather quickly, so one must choose his or her shots wisely before opening fire. (Alternatively, there is the less economic strategy of purchasing paintballs in bulk to fire away at one's desire.)

Sandy shoes and mirror-less bathrooms aside, I greatly enjoyed the entire experience and would happily go again. (Be mindful that sporting a garbage bag and sanitary gloves will simultaneously aid in the laundering process while rendering you a rustling target.)

Once cleaned up, we headed over to Snowies for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Or, in some of the guys' perspective, a sugar-laden "pre-dinner".

I had been meaning to revisit the quaint dessert parlour since my initial drop-in. With a larger group in tow, we had the consumption capacity to pluck several items off the menu to share, concurrently lowering their individual costs.

Between the group, we ordered three Regular-sized bingsoo: Injeolmi, Oreo, and Strawberry Cheesecake. My suggestion for tea pots was also accepted without dispute.

Injeolmi was easily the crowd favourite. The soybean flour was nutty and fragrant, and had been layered generously between the fluffy shards of snow ice. Housemade mochi bits, sweetened condensed milk, almond slivers, vanilla ice cream, and a dollop of red bean paste adorned the surface. Personally known to steer clear of chunky red bean paste whenever possible, Snowies' version of the condiment took me by complete surprise: it was smooth as could be and devoid of overpowering slickness.
A few expressed their loyalty towards The Cups, though both are exceptional in my eyes.

Oreo was the winner of the afternoon for me. Bold, chocolately flavour radiated with each spoonful; not only had Oreo dust been distributed evenly between the layers, noticeably chunks of Oreo Things were also observed within the dessert and affixed to its peak, Mickey Mouse-style.

View the full album HERE !

Last in the rankings was Strawberry Cheesecake. Cheesecake bits were few and strawberry syrup was aplenty. The overall profile of the dessert was a tad sweet for my preferences, though others admitted to finding it tart. It had been chosen on the basis of one member craving for a dose of fruitiness. Ultimately, that same member resorted to polishing off the Injeolmi instead.

Spring Oolong and Verbena Blues were the chosen two amongst the list of tea-tenders. The former retained the rustic appeal of classic Oolong without unnecessary floral additions; the latter was of a herbal variety bearing little flavour and no caffeine, but proved itself a strong component by means of visual appeal. With prolonged brewing periods, its tranquil turquoise hue then intensified to a striking teal.

Naturally, my next visit(s) will comprise of the Green Tea and Mixed Fruit/Grape Bingsu.

We then vamoosed to High Zone to catch the remainder of their Happy Hour special. This was utterly unplanned, yet suggested by yours truly on a whim.

Dinner took place at Katsuya - a destination familiar to majority of our shrunken party.
The restaurant refused reservations between Friday and Sunday, which left us with no other option than waiting wistfully by the entrance for our name to be called out. Approximately thirty minutes passed before we were escorted to a rather cramped five-person table towards the back of the restaurant.

< Pictured above and below: White Snow Spicy Pork Loin Katsu, Garlic Chili Double Cheese Katsu, Terri Mayo Pork Tender, Sweet Chili Pork Tender Katsu, Original Japanese Cheese Katsu >

In spite of the dreadfully high volumes, the two waitresses working the floor remained patient and prompt. Smiles did not disappear with time, and our meals were delivered with speed and accuracy. English skills have also improved substantially since my last appearance.

Revisited was the ever-adored Cheese Crabmeat Croquette (in two orders!) and the timeless Original Japanese Katsu. The spicy dishes were overbearing for my nonexistent tolerance. Terri Mayo, on the other hand, was totally mild and bridged Korean/Japanese fusion with an okonomiyaki-like palette.

All in all, the day was wholly fulfilling and festive!