By this point in time, many would have resumed their regular workflow for the new year. This is the case for most of my dining pals, but, for me, it's been a period of recapping Atlantic adventures from last fall, as well as the continued job hunt.
A limited budget equates to investing more time at home and deploying coupons whenever possible. Of course, standardized bubble tea sessions cannot be forgoed though.
1) CoCo's Brown Sugar Milk with Pearls
Despite having landed in BC since the summer months, the highly raved-about concoction didn't arrive in the province until January 15th.
A limited budget equates to investing more time at home and deploying coupons whenever possible. Of course, standardized bubble tea sessions cannot be forgoed though.
1) CoCo's Brown Sugar Milk with Pearls
Despite having landed in BC since the summer months, the highly raved-about concoction didn't arrive in the province until January 15th.
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Points could not be redeemed for this promotional item, nor could ice and sugar levels (or size!) be adjusted.
Truthfully, I am far from being brown sugar's greatest supporter. I kept an open mind towards CoCo's rendition, though the absence of tea in only exaggerated the sweetness of the beverage; it was simply too sugary to be consumed in a Large size. There remains the possibility of deliciousness within a hot variation of the drink, however I honestly can't say I'm itching for another cup.
Truthfully, I am far from being brown sugar's greatest supporter. I kept an open mind towards CoCo's rendition, though the absence of tea in only exaggerated the sweetness of the beverage; it was simply too sugary to be consumed in a Large size. There remains the possibility of deliciousness within a hot variation of the drink, however I honestly can't say I'm itching for another cup.
2) A Big Mac with Fries for only two dollars plus tax? Don't mind if I do!
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3) Shuyi Tealicious
New to ever-expanding roster of bubble tea franchises in the GTA is Shuyi Tealicious. Its discovery was actually a pleasant mistake: I had been researching a different establishment when its name surfaced in the sidebar.
The chain hails from China and currently has three locations in Ontario: conspicuous coordinates in Agincourt (Scarborough), a shop on Spadina in Toronto's bustling Chinatown, and a Mississauga outpost in a plaza that also houses a former pet store and tutoring facility. Needless to say, it was most convenient to venture over to the last location.
New to ever-expanding roster of bubble tea franchises in the GTA is Shuyi Tealicious. Its discovery was actually a pleasant mistake: I had been researching a different establishment when its name surfaced in the sidebar.
The chain hails from China and currently has three locations in Ontario: conspicuous coordinates in Agincourt (Scarborough), a shop on Spadina in Toronto's bustling Chinatown, and a Mississauga outpost in a plaza that also houses a former pet store and tutoring facility. Needless to say, it was most convenient to venture over to the last location.
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The interior was quite spacious and mostly free of stickiness. Girls behind the counter understood the fundamentals of the English language, but had difficulty with communicating anything beyond that level.
I took to a Signature Grass Jelly Milk Tea along with a Mango Pomelo Meet Grass Jelly. Neither permitted ice/sugar adjustments; in addition, the latter was only available in a Regular size.
I took to a Signature Grass Jelly Milk Tea along with a Mango Pomelo Meet Grass Jelly. Neither permitted ice/sugar adjustments; in addition, the latter was only available in a Regular size.
Having requested a hot beverage, I anticipated a toasty cup of milk tea to emerge in one of their insulated paper cups. Instead appeared a lukewarm formula sealed in a narrow plastic cup. Grass Jelly floated at its surface, while specks of unidentified toppings had sunk to the bottom. Given its name, I hadn't expected any other toppings besides grass jelly. Moreover, I had also found it odd that the girl behind the cashier hadn't inquired about any possible allergies: the additional toppings consisted of cubed coconut jelly, peanuts, red bean, and a few indiscernible others.
It was true that the drink was less sweet in comparison to its mainstream counterparts at regular sugar levels, but the temperature level and degree of fullness were absolutely unacceptable. With Grass Jelly as the shop's signature topping, it would have also been nice if my particular drink did not consist of the film associated with an uncovered batch of the jelly.
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The Mango Pomelo Meet Grass Jelly was a wonderful hybrid of the classic pulp-laced dessert with the inclusion of mango chunks. A pre-blended, pale orange formula was the main constituent; grapefruit bits and grass jelly were added to for sustenance and depth of flavour. Despite fully knowing that some percentage of the drink is filler, its price was still acceptable.
Price points were higher than CoCo, but less than One Zo. While I cannot speak for its other locations, the Erin Mills spot featured a private parking lot.
No comments can be made towards the bathrooms as a visit was not paid.
Price points were higher than CoCo, but less than One Zo. While I cannot speak for its other locations, the Erin Mills spot featured a private parking lot.
No comments can be made towards the bathrooms as a visit was not paid.
4) Inatei
Situated directly across from a series of commercial complexes and nestled between more of Markham's Chinese eateries was Inatei. Their operating hours are peculiar: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, then 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM. We arrived a few minutes prior to their lunch slot, then wandered into the establishment exactly at the half hour mark.
Situated directly across from a series of commercial complexes and nestled between more of Markham's Chinese eateries was Inatei. Their operating hours are peculiar: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, then 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM. We arrived a few minutes prior to their lunch slot, then wandered into the establishment exactly at the half hour mark.
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The restaurant was primarily empty as this time, yet, one of the two waitresses chose to direct us towards a table instead of providing us the option to choose one on our own. Busy businesspeople entered the premises as it rolled into noon, but the floor remained at under 10% capacity for the entire duration of our stay.
Upon nearing our instructed seating destination, I caught sight of the status of the chairs. Chipped, peeling, and sunken to reveal the frame - one would have thought investments would have been made to replace the dilapidated fixtures.
Each table featured slippery bamboo makisu (ie. a shrunken maki-rolling mat disguised as a placemat) and two menus: one hardcover and another laminated. The latter listed lunch options in both English and Chinese; the nonexistent Japanese version was a straightforward indication of the eatery's authenticity.
Upon nearing our instructed seating destination, I caught sight of the status of the chairs. Chipped, peeling, and sunken to reveal the frame - one would have thought investments would have been made to replace the dilapidated fixtures.
Each table featured slippery bamboo makisu (ie. a shrunken maki-rolling mat disguised as a placemat) and two menus: one hardcover and another laminated. The latter listed lunch options in both English and Chinese; the nonexistent Japanese version was a straightforward indication of the eatery's authenticity.
Working the floor were two Mandarin-speaking waitresses. Their enunciation was poor, though remained decipherable. Thankfully, the menu was self-explanatory and few details were required from them.
Side salad and mediocre miso soup were served as soon as orders were processed. Topping the salad was a variation of the typical ponzu-and-grated-onion emulsion including pepper and gritty, unidentified chunks.
I had only taken two sips of my soup before one of the waitresses whisked away the cup lid without warning. A simple "May I take this away?" would have sufficed.
Side salad and mediocre miso soup were served as soon as orders were processed. Topping the salad was a variation of the typical ponzu-and-grated-onion emulsion including pepper and gritty, unidentified chunks.
I had only taken two sips of my soup before one of the waitresses whisked away the cup lid without warning. A simple "May I take this away?" would have sufficed.
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< Pictured above and below: Chirashi, Sushi & Sashimi Set C >
The Sushi & Sashimi Set C entailed six pieces of sashimi and two choices of hand rolls. Customers could choose from tekka (tuna), sake (salmon), tamago, kappa (cucumber), and avocado at no extra charge; unagi and tempura hand rolls were an additional $1.50 and $3.50 respectively.
Sashimi cuts from the lunch set were identical to that of the Chirashi. The two tekka temaki were informed to be soggy and crafted with rigid (read: low-grade) nori sheets.
The Sushi & Sashimi Set C entailed six pieces of sashimi and two choices of hand rolls. Customers could choose from tekka (tuna), sake (salmon), tamago, kappa (cucumber), and avocado at no extra charge; unagi and tempura hand rolls were an additional $1.50 and $3.50 respectively.
Sashimi cuts from the lunch set were identical to that of the Chirashi. The two tekka temaki were informed to be soggy and crafted with rigid (read: low-grade) nori sheets.
Valued at $18.99 before tax, it was probable that Inatei's Chirashi was the worst compilation I've tasted thus far. Commencing from the foundation of the dish, the rice utilized was not of the Japanese short-grain family. It was a much softer crop more commonly seen in Chinese diners in which the kitchen staff had forcibly mixed in sugar and rice wine vinegar while still warm. The result was a gag-worthy portion of mushy, sour rice. And there was no furikake in place to compensate either.
There was nothing spectacular about the cuttlefish, octopus, nor imitation crabmeat. When served with onion and grated ginger, the mackerel was passable. Adjacent to it was a rigid, bitter piece of golden herring roe (kazunoko).
Hidden behind the inelastic piece of tako was a plump piece of scallop, roughly measuring a diameter of 2.5 cm. One would anticipate this addition to taste as rewarding as fresh Digby scallops, but of course, such thoughts should be banished after observing the state of the restaurant's seating apparatus. Besides being limp and flavourless, the piece began to disintegrate upon contact. I had initially assumed this to be due to excessive compressive forces being applied to the specimen, but the salmon and tuna slices revealed similar behaviours.
There was nothing spectacular about the cuttlefish, octopus, nor imitation crabmeat. When served with onion and grated ginger, the mackerel was passable. Adjacent to it was a rigid, bitter piece of golden herring roe (kazunoko).
Hidden behind the inelastic piece of tako was a plump piece of scallop, roughly measuring a diameter of 2.5 cm. One would anticipate this addition to taste as rewarding as fresh Digby scallops, but of course, such thoughts should be banished after observing the state of the restaurant's seating apparatus. Besides being limp and flavourless, the piece began to disintegrate upon contact. I had initially assumed this to be due to excessive compressive forces being applied to the specimen, but the salmon and tuna slices revealed similar behaviours.
"Couldn't they have sliced these thinner?" was overheard in regards to the sashimi cuts.
But there were reasons for this thickness, for the sashimi had been defrosted to oblivion, rendering them soft and weak - distastefully so, if I must add. Never in my lifetime had I been able to unintentionally pierce sashimi with plastic/wooden chopsticks. It was unappealing, unpleasant, and entirely unacceptable.
But there were reasons for this thickness, for the sashimi had been defrosted to oblivion, rendering them soft and weak - distastefully so, if I must add. Never in my lifetime had I been able to unintentionally pierce sashimi with plastic/wooden chopsticks. It was unappealing, unpleasant, and entirely unacceptable.
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But the tragedy does not end here. As the topmost components are peeled away, pickled vegetables are revealed. The mushrooms are bland, and the burdock simply present for the sake of attendance. A wrinkled end piece of pickled yellow radish had also wound up in my bowl, in place of the circular moisture-packed slice that should have been.
In what world does a restaurant serve scraps to its customers?!
In what world does a restaurant serve scraps to its customers?!
The woes continue: my final piece of sashimi stares back at me with an alarming dark ring along its perimeter. The maguro, in addition to exhibiting semisolid properties, also boasts a concerning cross-section. Identical are the slices in Set C.
We don't call the waitress over, however, as our foresight says that she'll simply assure us that all is fine and our bodies will not suffer any harm. I skeptically consume the slice, but rapidly conclude lack of freshness and inadequate capacity to handle sashimi for serving.
Lastly, let's not forget the fingerprint smears along the rim of the bowl. Such unseemly strokes ought to have been removed prior to serving.
The sole redeeming aspect of the Chirashi was the dashi tamago: though not as fluffy as desired, it possessed texture and the appropriate dose of sweetness.
We don't call the waitress over, however, as our foresight says that she'll simply assure us that all is fine and our bodies will not suffer any harm. I skeptically consume the slice, but rapidly conclude lack of freshness and inadequate capacity to handle sashimi for serving.
Lastly, let's not forget the fingerprint smears along the rim of the bowl. Such unseemly strokes ought to have been removed prior to serving.
The sole redeeming aspect of the Chirashi was the dashi tamago: though not as fluffy as desired, it possessed texture and the appropriate dose of sweetness.
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Bathrooms were located beyond a frayed, tattered cloth, with the doors awkwardly labelled "Male" and "Female", instead of the generally accepted "Men"/"Women". Two bathroom stalls adopting a nature similar to Congee Queen were spotted upon entry, in addition to two soap dispensers (one dysfunctional but neither containing the nasty, industrial-standard pink formula) and a paper towel dispenser installed too high for majority of the Asian population. Sticky floors, grimy toilet seats, and walls bearing air-dried streaks of who-knows-what were all nostalgic of my fave congee spot in the suburbs; dissimilar was the incredibly ancient apparatus, which lacked sufficient flushing pressure.
Images circulating the World Wide Web had been promising; the same can be said regarding the general layout of the restaurant upon entry and the first impressions of the Chirashi. Upon closer inspection though, one will observe an absolute lack of care or effort. The facilities are poorly maintained, while the food quality repugnant - especially given its price and location!
Allow me to provide a parallel: Inatei is one's first impression to a lady donning glamorous attire and gorgeous makeup. At first glance, she appears flawless. Closer examination exposes poorly-maintained skin and mothballs on every millimetre of her ensemble. The lady photographs stunningly, as she knows the specific angles to evade criticism. However, such is all surface-level nonsense. The superficiality fails to camouflage the underlying nature of her true being.
Our tablemate suggested trying Zen next. Is it really better though?
Inatei has hit an all-time new low for me. I'd choose food court maki rolls in a heartbeat if given the option. Good chirashi is a rarity in the east end.
Allow me to provide a parallel: Inatei is one's first impression to a lady donning glamorous attire and gorgeous makeup. At first glance, she appears flawless. Closer examination exposes poorly-maintained skin and mothballs on every millimetre of her ensemble. The lady photographs stunningly, as she knows the specific angles to evade criticism. However, such is all surface-level nonsense. The superficiality fails to camouflage the underlying nature of her true being.
Our tablemate suggested trying Zen next. Is it really better though?
Inatei has hit an all-time new low for me. I'd choose food court maki rolls in a heartbeat if given the option. Good chirashi is a rarity in the east end.
5) Eggette Hut
A Cheese Explosion Egglet and Hot HK Milk Tea combo was secured from Eggette Hut. The crispy cheddar shards were great; the cream cheese overload, on the other hand, wasn't so pleasant. The milk tea, which was only two dollars extra, was robust in profile, compensating for its coffee-with-Coffeemate appearance.
A Cheese Explosion Egglet and Hot HK Milk Tea combo was secured from Eggette Hut. The crispy cheddar shards were great; the cream cheese overload, on the other hand, wasn't so pleasant. The milk tea, which was only two dollars extra, was robust in profile, compensating for its coffee-with-Coffeemate appearance.
Paper bags with perforated holes were intended to keep the waffle crispy, but the frequency of the holes meant crumb danger since plastic bags were not provided with purchase. It may be wise to restrict the number of holes towards the bottom of the bag to prevent messy occurrences.
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6) A complimentary, yet extremely pitiful cold Walmart croissant
7) Late supper of 감자탕 (Pork Bone Soup wtih potatoes) and 계란탕 (Steamed Egg Soup) from Sikgaek.
7) Late supper of 감자탕 (Pork Bone Soup wtih potatoes) and 계란탕 (Steamed Egg Soup) from Sikgaek.
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"Which dish comes out the fastest?" I inquired, ravenous and jittery.
"Pork bone soup!" replied the male server.
"But is it spicy?" An evident look of concern came across my face.
"A little..." He admitted, but then quickly added, "We can make it less spicy though!"
"Alright."
"Pork bone soup!" replied the male server.
"But is it spicy?" An evident look of concern came across my face.
"A little..." He admitted, but then quickly added, "We can make it less spicy though!"
"Alright."
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The milder version of their gamjatang remained fairly spicy for my preferences, though the broth's seasonings had not been masked entirely by the pepper flakes. Its flavours gradually grew on me, and, before I realized, I was going back for more spoonfuls while furiously battling a runny nose (aka the side effects of consuming spice).
Gyeran tang was a phenomenal source of comfort - simultaneously tongue-scalding and soul-soothing.
(Bonus points for spill-proof storage of leftovers!)
Gyeran tang was a phenomenal source of comfort - simultaneously tongue-scalding and soul-soothing.
(Bonus points for spill-proof storage of leftovers!)
8) Filet-O-Fish and Hash Browns are two of many guilty pleasures available at McDonald's.
9) Devouring the last of my Japanese Cheesecake for breakfast (with a side of homemade strawberry jam)
9) Devouring the last of my Japanese Cheesecake for breakfast (with a side of homemade strawberry jam)
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10) Shuyi (Spadina)
On a delayed course of downtown errands, I paid Chinatown's Shuyi location a visit. It was partially for the purpose of comparison between its suburban outpost, and partially because of the bolded "Washrooms only for customers" sign pasted near the entrance.
On a delayed course of downtown errands, I paid Chinatown's Shuyi location a visit. It was partially for the purpose of comparison between its suburban outpost, and partially because of the bolded "Washrooms only for customers" sign pasted near the entrance.
There was only person before me in line, and he was fairly decisive. I swiftly strolled up to the counter afterwards and placed an order for the Pineapple/Passionfruit ("tea" had been omitted from its name). The girl behind the counter permitted sugar and ice level adjustments to this drink.
Again, it was far from being economic at $5.95 plus tax. Taste-wise, the pineapple syrup was on the bland side, but passionfruit seeds and clear jelly had been great inclusions to enhance texture. I hadn't been made aware of the presence of clear tapioca, so I had allowed the drink to site for a while. The result was soggy but bearable cassava pearls.
Again, it was far from being economic at $5.95 plus tax. Taste-wise, the pineapple syrup was on the bland side, but passionfruit seeds and clear jelly had been great inclusions to enhance texture. I hadn't been made aware of the presence of clear tapioca, so I had allowed the drink to site for a while. The result was soggy but bearable cassava pearls.
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Gender-separated single stalls were found towards the depths of the bubble tea parlour. A communal sink with a meditating frog decor was found outside of the stall doors. In between the stalls and the sink was a bulky ATM machine, as, once again, Shuyi was restricted to payments of cash or debit.
A wash of relief passed over me upon discovering the cleanliness of the stalls. Horrid experiences at the likes of Icha and Tika had me braced for the most despicable bathroom situations possible. Thankfully, I was rewarded with glistening white walls and non-existent dust bunnies. Modern flushing facilities and well-stocked toiletries were also appreciated. My only complaint would be the lack of hooks on the back of the door. As there are two locks though, the rigid door handle can double as low-floor hook for light bags.
A wash of relief passed over me upon discovering the cleanliness of the stalls. Horrid experiences at the likes of Icha and Tika had me braced for the most despicable bathroom situations possible. Thankfully, I was rewarded with glistening white walls and non-existent dust bunnies. Modern flushing facilities and well-stocked toiletries were also appreciated. My only complaint would be the lack of hooks on the back of the door. As there are two locks though, the rigid door handle can double as low-floor hook for light bags.
11) Momo Tea at Little Pebbles
Those keeping up with this space will know that I have fallen out of love with Little Pebbles since their move. Friendliness of service has hit an all-time low while prices have surged. Had it not been made aware to me that they carried matcha from Momo Tea, I would not have bothered at all.
That said, I probably won't be visiting again regardless. Matsu is marked up to $20 from Momo's original $18; Usucha was subject to a 40% markup - a whopping $35 from the original $25!! Such ridiculous prices, along with lackadaisical, inefficient service do not validate the total transit trip. I'll gladly pay the ten dollar shipping fee and purchase from the source (once Momo's inventory has been replenished, that is).
Those keeping up with this space will know that I have fallen out of love with Little Pebbles since their move. Friendliness of service has hit an all-time low while prices have surged. Had it not been made aware to me that they carried matcha from Momo Tea, I would not have bothered at all.
That said, I probably won't be visiting again regardless. Matsu is marked up to $20 from Momo's original $18; Usucha was subject to a 40% markup - a whopping $35 from the original $25!! Such ridiculous prices, along with lackadaisical, inefficient service do not validate the total transit trip. I'll gladly pay the ten dollar shipping fee and purchase from the source (once Momo's inventory has been replenished, that is).
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12) Put A Cone On It is now officially closed until the first of March (cue the silent trickle of tears)
13) Custard Taiyaki from P.A.T. swoops in to save the day!
13) Custard Taiyaki from P.A.T. swoops in to save the day!
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The arrival of next week marks a pivotal (and extremely nerve-wracking) event in my post-graduation career. Please wish me luck!!
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