Entering "downtown mode" means scouting the nearby neighbourhoods for amusement whenever possible, whether that be in the form of aimless treks in The PATH, or missioning to new spots with a purpose in mind.
1) Matcha Mondays call for Matcha Lattes from McD's and Matcha Cheesecake from Uncle Tetsu.
Compared to the denser (read: damper) 2015 edition, this variation fares boasts prominence in both cheesiness and grassiness; the exemption of red beans is another welcome approach.
Compared to the denser (read: damper) 2015 edition, this variation fares boasts prominence in both cheesiness and grassiness; the exemption of red beans is another welcome approach.
Meanwhile, Thursdays are reserved for the sales of Chocolate Cheesecakes, which I don't think I've tried in my multitude of visits to the now shuttered Angel Cafe. The item is new - well, at least to me - and noticeably fluffier than the Original and Matcha. The prominent presence of meringue, in conjunction with cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips dispersed throughout, causes the cake to lean towards an airy chocolate sponge than a soufflé cheesecake.
The Matcha rendition is more to my liking, however chocolate lovers will easily gobble this up.
The Matcha rendition is more to my liking, however chocolate lovers will easily gobble this up.
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2) Waterfront Runs
I've never been too much of a marathon enthusiast, though never once not commended those that train endlessly to complete one. Constantly being near the waterfront has prompted me to give the sport a go; co-workers that have undertaken marathon challenges are also generating a positive effect on my overall health.
In fact, I completed the dreaded five-kilometre battle without them one day. My time was significantly better than the first attempt.
I've never been too much of a marathon enthusiast, though never once not commended those that train endlessly to complete one. Constantly being near the waterfront has prompted me to give the sport a go; co-workers that have undertaken marathon challenges are also generating a positive effect on my overall health.
In fact, I completed the dreaded five-kilometre battle without them one day. My time was significantly better than the first attempt.
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Continuing the trend (and the inevitable thigh/hamstring spasms), I took to another run the following day. Timing improved yet again!
3) Due to engaging in such strenuous exercise, I decided to reward myself. Amongst CoCo's July specials are the Pearl Milk Tea Smoothie and Passion Fruit Mango Slush, to which I requested additions of grass jelly and coconut jelly respectively.
4) Katsuya
The third anniversary of the popular katsu chain introduced four days' worth of 50% off Pork Loin Katsu promotions at their North York, Downtown, Mississauga, and Scarborough locations.
The third anniversary of the popular katsu chain introduced four days' worth of 50% off Pork Loin Katsu promotions at their North York, Downtown, Mississauga, and Scarborough locations.
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After a twenty-minute wait, we took to the tried-and-true Katsuya Original, along with the highly pungent Tako Wasabi and ultimate crowdpleaser of Cheese Crabmeat Croquette. Service was oddly speedier and more attentive than most visits - not even six minutes had passed when we received our entrées!
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5) Ice Q (Round 2) involved a Mango Bingsu and Thai Milk Tea.
Would you believe me if I confessed that the Mango had been my suggestion? Frankly speaking, the Strawberry had impressed me enough that I was willing to opt for another one of the cafe's fruit-based creations.
Would you believe me if I confessed that the Mango had been my suggestion? Frankly speaking, the Strawberry had impressed me enough that I was willing to opt for another one of the cafe's fruit-based creations.
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And disappoint it did not. Fresh mangoes chopped into bite-sized pieces were abundant throughout; the elimination of whipped cream and synthetic mango syrup from concentrate would have paved the way for even greater levels of enjoyment.
The Thai Milk Tea was a stunner - even tastier and flavourful than the bingsoo rendition. It might just be, dare I say, the best cup I've had in all of the city.
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Since their Original Milk Tea promotion hadn't ended yet, I picked up a cup for my birthday buddy, who took her sweet time in swinging by to drop off my matcha order. Unlike mine, hers was only lightly sweetened.
6) City Views Feat. "Ford is a(n absurd) Turd"
7) Percy Pig gummies from the UK
7) Percy Pig gummies from the UK
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8) LEGOLAND x GO Transit promotions at Union Station
Hello GO Bear!
9) Revisiting Hestia for an Iced Matcha Espresso with skim milk; a large one free of alternative milks set me back a mere five dollars!
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10) Sukoshi Mart has eased its way into the PATH, specifically in the Royal Bank Plaza, not too far from Shoppers.
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11) Because the Thai Tea from Ice Q is just too good.
I was served by two noticeably younger members of staff on this visit. They were friendly as ever, just as the lady who had informed us of the Milk Tea promo the first time. Grand Opening was slated for mid-August - supposedly - and the 10% off Soft Opening discount would continue until then.
It was observed that crepe and drink pairings were now available. The option was dine-in only, so I proceeded to order a Thai Tea - with a $1.50 shot of espresso for a caffeine boost - and a hot Americano. Pricier than most destinations, the bill totalled just under ten dollars for the aforementioned beverages. That said, I probably wouldn't mind purchasing the Thai Tea again, on the very bases of low ice content, robust flavour, and adequate sweetness.
It was observed that crepe and drink pairings were now available. The option was dine-in only, so I proceeded to order a Thai Tea - with a $1.50 shot of espresso for a caffeine boost - and a hot Americano. Pricier than most destinations, the bill totalled just under ten dollars for the aforementioned beverages. That said, I probably wouldn't mind purchasing the Thai Tea again, on the very bases of low ice content, robust flavour, and adequate sweetness.
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12) The birthday buddy succeeded in securing a small portion of Matcha Matsu in my favour. It is anticipated that this will suffice until Ms. Yoshida makes her majestic appearance at this year's Japan Fest.
13) Redeeming the last of my birthday benefits before the end of the month.
13) Redeeming the last of my birthday benefits before the end of the month.
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An update to my previous status, I am no longer a toad, involuntarily croaking syllables with an inflamed throat. However, karaoke-ready vocal cords have not yet been regained as of yet. The voice cracks are less frequent, but an unexpected change of pitch will escape from time to time.
Might I add that it makes car covers of "FACE" a lot easier? Hehe. On a general note, the entire EP is fantastic, musically. Lyrics are easy to comprehend (read: words are enunciated clearly) yet delivered alongside creative, unpredicted melodies. The concept of the MV was too liberal for my liking, with shots of Woosung himself being far and few between. Kang Daniel's solo debut was a more traditional approach in comparison, bridging his sleek, signature choreography with self-composed, easy listening tracks. I'll likely find myself repeating the WOLF album more often while on the go, but then catching up on live performances of 뭐해 .
Might I add that it makes car covers of "FACE" a lot easier? Hehe. On a general note, the entire EP is fantastic, musically. Lyrics are easy to comprehend (read: words are enunciated clearly) yet delivered alongside creative, unpredicted melodies. The concept of the MV was too liberal for my liking, with shots of Woosung himself being far and few between. Kang Daniel's solo debut was a more traditional approach in comparison, bridging his sleek, signature choreography with self-composed, easy listening tracks. I'll likely find myself repeating the WOLF album more often while on the go, but then catching up on live performances of 뭐해 .
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