Have you ever wondered about the science behind "opposites attract"? Proven matches include: yin and yang; black and white; maximal and minimal.
For those familiar with this space, one may be aware of my far-from-minimal tendencies. In contrast, a select few friends, revolve around the basic necessities of life. And that may perhaps be the exact element resulting in harmony.
For those familiar with this space, one may be aware of my far-from-minimal tendencies. In contrast, a select few friends, revolve around the basic necessities of life. And that may perhaps be the exact element resulting in harmony.
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A weekend visit to Hub marked my first bouldering session. Aside from one of the facility members chiding my use of dishwashing gloves (Hey, calluses are painful, you know!), it was an all-around enjoyable duration of exercise.
We distributed our time between the beginner bouldering wall, the auto-belay Learner's Area, and the Augmented Reality room. Once fatigue began to creep in, we retired from bouldering (in fear of falling in an ghastly position and resorted to belaying - significantly more controlled alternative.
We distributed our time between the beginner bouldering wall, the auto-belay Learner's Area, and the Augmented Reality room. Once fatigue began to creep in, we retired from bouldering (in fear of falling in an ghastly position and resorted to belaying - significantly more controlled alternative.
The next item on the itinerary was picking up bubble tea for two members of the group who had voluntarily skipped out on the day's physical activity. While I did succumb to purchasing a set of five discount Coconut Buns, willpower had been embraced in the form of a Kale Banana Soy Smoothie. Hub had been kind enough to provide refrigerator (via a staff member) and outlet access, which made the entire process easier.
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Several rounds of Super Smash Bros. later, we bid farewell yet again and headed to the city's own Koreatown for sustenance - Man Doo Hyang, as per my not-so-humble suggestion.
My dining partner took to a hearty bowl of Kimchi Jjigae, while my eyes darted back and forth across the menu. Eventually, I settled on the Mandu Hot Pot for two. The enormous portion comprised of six housemade dumplings, flat rice cakes (sliced garaeddeok), chopped vegetables, bits of beef, and heaps of kalguksu simmering away in a kimchi-based broth. Delectable was this, for it filled the void for fluffy dumplings; the craving that had been triggered from my previous visit was satisfied at long last.
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The remnants were taken home, of course, but not without a few dubious glances from one of the ahjusshis on the floor. Curiosity had prompted occasional peeks over my shoulder, according to my friend. We concluded this to be rather amusing, and couldn't help but stifle a giggle behind an exchange of knowing smiles.
Five fateful years since my last encounter with makgeolli, I decided to give it another try. Gustatory preferences are known to evolve over time, usually resulting in greater appreciation for refined flavours.
In the depths of my mind is a vivid recollection of a nasty milky white liquid. However, this time around, the fluid tasted akin to milk mixed with beer, but less hoppy and with lower quatities of carbonation. Its opaque appearance was owed to rice grains, though it contributed a neutralizing effect similar to that of dairy: the spice content of the Hot Pot was reduced as a consequence.
A teacup-sized portion was shared amongst the two of us, for we were both operators of a vehicle that evening.
In the depths of my mind is a vivid recollection of a nasty milky white liquid. However, this time around, the fluid tasted akin to milk mixed with beer, but less hoppy and with lower quatities of carbonation. Its opaque appearance was owed to rice grains, though it contributed a neutralizing effect similar to that of dairy: the spice content of the Hot Pot was reduced as a consequence.
A teacup-sized portion was shared amongst the two of us, for we were both operators of a vehicle that evening.
After a week of renovations, BNC Bakery reopened with an expanded seating area and steeper prices.
An Iced Americano rang in at $2.95 before tax, while the Brownie Cookies were a pricey (but justifiable) $4.99. They were enjoyed thoroughly: the potency of the beverage complemented the dessicated chocolate profile seamlessly.
Upon hearing news of The Rec Room landing in Square One on time (!!!), it would have been impossible to resist making a trip immediately.
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There were no lingering impressions of its predecessor - one wouldn't haven known it to be Target before. The interior had been completely renovated to yield a sleek, sophisticated finish.
On its upper level was coat check, The Void (an immersive VR game area) Axe Throwing, pinball/foosball machines, prize redemption area balance checkers, dining with table service, and an after-mall-hours exit with bus terminal access.
The lower level featured games (!!!!!) as well as a bar area equipped with cocktails, various styles of poutine and donuts, and beer on tap. The counter was suitable for quick bites, though it was far from being healthy.
On its upper level was coat check, The Void (an immersive VR game area) Axe Throwing, pinball/foosball machines, prize redemption area balance checkers, dining with table service, and an after-mall-hours exit with bus terminal access.
The lower level featured games (!!!!!) as well as a bar area equipped with cocktails, various styles of poutine and donuts, and beer on tap. The counter was suitable for quick bites, though it was far from being healthy.
In terms of current operation hourse, The Rec Room remains open later than Playdium, but is still kid-friendly between the hours of 3-11 PM. ID checks were conducted around 10 PM, as it was to alert attendees that minors were not permitted in the area starting at 11 PM.
The game selection similar to The Rec Room's first Ontario location (417) at Roundhouse Park, but distributed more uniformly. Occasional tables were placed throughout the play area; there was sufficient space to traverse the floor without feeling cramped and uneasy. Without a doubt, the assortment was newer than that of Playdium: there were a handul of comparable units, however the floor boasted upgraded point-and-aim (shooting) games, Speed of Light (my favourite from the downtown location), upgraded simulation games, and, of course, DDR supporting 2018 K-Pop tunes.
The game selection similar to The Rec Room's first Ontario location (417) at Roundhouse Park, but distributed more uniformly. Occasional tables were placed throughout the play area; there was sufficient space to traverse the floor without feeling cramped and uneasy. Without a doubt, the assortment was newer than that of Playdium: there were a handul of comparable units, however the floor boasted upgraded point-and-aim (shooting) games, Speed of Light (my favourite from the downtown location), upgraded simulation games, and, of course, DDR supporting 2018 K-Pop tunes.
Other features included Axe Throwing and bowling, which were charged separately from the Tag bracelet. The former appeared extremely intimidating, as axes can slip from one's grip during the overhead swing and also reflect off the wooden boards if it does not pierce its surface.
Very frequent appearances of security were observed. Younger members of staff working coat check and bar, while older, seemingly more experienced members donning different uniforms and badges tend to security. These members enforced the rule of no outside beverages, mainly due to liability reasons. All tumblers and reusable drink containers were required to be emptied upon entry; customers can request warm and cold water from the bar.
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Our local The Void was discovered to support a rotating selection of games, unlike the one and only Ghostbusters module downtown. The dimensions change on a daily basis with an online schedule keeping visitors up to date. The present selection consists of four modules: Ralph Breaks VR, Star Wars, Ghostbusters Dimenson and Nicodemus (a horror-themed adventure that I will likely never ever attempt). Each module varies in duration; the experience is not included in the Tag bracelet and incurs a fee of $34.95 per person.
Overall we had a blast!
Honestly, who could possibly say no to DDR?
Honestly, who could possibly say no to DDR?
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