This weekday trip spurred from simple fangirl desires. There was one - and only one - motive behind this trip: to see NCT 127 before they hit the streets of Toronto.
A Thai ahgase - who is no longer an unfamiliar name on this space - and I had been monitoring our feeds all morning, hoping to catch glimpses of the members departing LAX so we could make the necessary arrangements for the remainder of the day.
By the time the necessary information had been acquired, we were already easing into the latter half of the day. As opposed to meeting up at the airport, then continue east for Korean BBQ near Christie, the plan was altered drastically.
A Thai ahgase - who is no longer an unfamiliar name on this space - and I had been monitoring our feeds all morning, hoping to catch glimpses of the members departing LAX so we could make the necessary arrangements for the remainder of the day.
By the time the necessary information had been acquired, we were already easing into the latter half of the day. As opposed to meeting up at the airport, then continue east for Korean BBQ near Christie, the plan was altered drastically.
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I headed to Koreatown first. A last-minute hair appointment had been made while en route.
Having arrived earlier than the scheduled slot, my first order of business resided with Hodo Kwaja: a five-pack of brown sugar hoddeok was purchased to go, along with a tasty afternoon snack of walnut cakes and iced coffee. The family-operated establishment offered an expectedly potent three-dollar variation of the caffeinated beverage; four large chunks of ice assisted in maintaining its frosty temperature.
Having arrived earlier than the scheduled slot, my first order of business resided with Hodo Kwaja: a five-pack of brown sugar hoddeok was purchased to go, along with a tasty afternoon snack of walnut cakes and iced coffee. The family-operated establishment offered an expectedly potent three-dollar variation of the caffeinated beverage; four large chunks of ice assisted in maintaining its frosty temperature.
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Ms. Faith was till a bit behind schedule, so I settled for exploring the area (yet again). In doing so, I discovered that Mississauga's ThirsTEA was soon to launch immediately next to CoCo. Meanwhile, I also caught sight of a limited edition Hello Kitty x h.naoto notepad that I had purchased some ten years ago in Harajuku.
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Restricted in terms of time (and anxious over the reliability of public transit systems during rush hour), I set out to Kinton first to secure a table. Less than thirty minutes remained for feasting, rendering ramen a more suitable alternative to meat grilling.
< Pictured above and below: Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen, Pork Miso Ramen with Thick Noodles, Hot Yuzu Sake >
Come to think of it, I don't think I've stepped foot into Kinton since my less-than-spectacular experience at the chain's original Baldwin Village spot. The Koreatown outpost carried an exclusive Cabbage Miso Ramen as well as a monthly special of Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen.
The former was informed to be a somewhat spicy concoction, which ultimately led to swapping for the Pork Miso Ramen. Comprising of soybean paste, torched pork slices, corn kernels, scallions, and few dollops of garlic oil, my fellow idol-chaser devoured this in a matter of minutes. (We were on a time crunch after all.)
Come to think of it, I don't think I've stepped foot into Kinton since my less-than-spectacular experience at the chain's original Baldwin Village spot. The Koreatown outpost carried an exclusive Cabbage Miso Ramen as well as a monthly special of Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen.
The former was informed to be a somewhat spicy concoction, which ultimately led to swapping for the Pork Miso Ramen. Comprising of soybean paste, torched pork slices, corn kernels, scallions, and few dollops of garlic oil, my fellow idol-chaser devoured this in a matter of minutes. (We were on a time crunch after all.)
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The Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen boasted a far richer broth - evident in its darker hue and thicker consistency. A heavy handful of bean sprouts, two wide strips of torched pork belly, and a soft-boiled egg were substantial elements of the bowl. A dusting of charred seasoning - type unspecified - added depth and nuttiness, reducing feelings of satiation from the rich broth.
Both of these options paired well with the Hot Yuzu Sake, a warm glass of sweet citrus. It arrived in a stout glass, with bits of sugary yuzu jam lining the bottom. A single lemon slice drifted afloat.
Several rounds of prodding were required to obtain the precise species of house sake utilized in the drink. I rephrased my question three different ways before finally hearing the response I was searching for: Hot Yuzu Sake contained 5 oz. of Sho Chiki Bai.
Several rounds of prodding were required to obtain the precise species of house sake utilized in the drink. I rephrased my question three different ways before finally hearing the response I was searching for: Hot Yuzu Sake contained 5 oz. of Sho Chiki Bai.
It burned the throat upon initial contact, but the sensation faded with time. In its place was a tacky sweetness that I personally found a bit overpowering. Having said that, it paired exceptionally with the equally boldly flavoured hot broths.
Washrooms were located the bottom of a flight of dark-toned stairs, much like Kinton 1.
Around 6 pm, we slowly began our Journey to the West.
Pearson was quite crowded with green balloons and fellow fans. NCT 127's flight from Los Angeles had arrived without delays, but not a single member was to be spotted even an hour past their landing time.
Soon enough, it dawned on a few of the girls around us that they had already exited the premises via a secluded egress and promptly hopped onto their van. Dejected, we shared a brief moment of frustration with the surrounding DSLR-wielders before heading home.
Soon enough, it dawned on a few of the girls around us that they had already exited the premises via a secluded egress and promptly hopped onto their van. Dejected, we shared a brief moment of frustration with the surrounding DSLR-wielders before heading home.
"This was my first time failing to achieve an airport mission!" exclaimed a girl passing by us.
We opted to drown our sorrows in bubble tea, as there is nothing quite as comforting as a smooth, milky creation tinged with a subtle sweetness, then laced with gratifying bits of chewiness.
We opted to drown our sorrows in bubble tea, as there is nothing quite as comforting as a smooth, milky creation tinged with a subtle sweetness, then laced with gratifying bits of chewiness.
< Pictured above and below: Roasted Milk Oolong w/ Taro Balls, Grass Jelly Milk Tea >
ThirsTEA had been my suggestion, for lack of a nearby boba parlour offering taro balls as toppings. The beverage hit all the right notes, despite being a tad cloudy for one with a "Light Milk Taste". Nonetheless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was also pleased to discover that service levels had remained as friendly as several months prior.
ThirsTEA had been my suggestion, for lack of a nearby boba parlour offering taro balls as toppings. The beverage hit all the right notes, despite being a tad cloudy for one with a "Light Milk Taste". Nonetheless, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I was also pleased to discover that service levels had remained as friendly as several months prior.
My last visit had taken place during the late afternoon hours, when the skies remained illuminated. Visitng past the 9 PM mark meant that the sun had long set. And with minimal lighting within the plaza, the parking conditions were made even eerier. Candidly speaking, I couldn't say I was surprised to be asked for spare change yet again.
A final round at Man Doo Hyang to satisfy my partner-in-crime's raging appetite concluded the evening.
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