The fervent forage for fall foliage is largely owed to our province's brief transition seasons. Autumn is short-lived in these parts of the country (and spring is even shorter). Looking back, I don't think a single Thanksgiving has ever been exempt from such hunts - this year inclusive.
|
|
The trek along Mount Nemo's North Loop and the connecting Bruce Trail had been tiring yet fulfilling. The day that followed was more sedentary in comparison, as it involved driving aimlessly in almost-cottage country for more multi-toned leafage sightings.
We drove until hitting Simcoe County, stopping only for lunch upon witnessing the first highway-side McDonald's sign.
It was an interesting McDonald's - for all are, except that this location housed both the old-fashioned children's play area while supporting the newer McCafé additions and mobile order features. There was even a kid-friendly colouring station - spotless from regular upkeep - with a triad of crayons and the newest Peanuts x NASA release. It was by pure coincidence that these shades comprised of my (and orangecane's) top-ranking colour choices.
It was an interesting McDonald's - for all are, except that this location housed both the old-fashioned children's play area while supporting the newer McCafé additions and mobile order features. There was even a kid-friendly colouring station - spotless from regular upkeep - with a triad of crayons and the newest Peanuts x NASA release. It was by pure coincidence that these shades comprised of my (and orangecane's) top-ranking colour choices.
|
|
2-for-$10 McWraps were obtained: both Chicken & Bacon, one Crispy and one Grilled. Monopoly stickers were an unexpected bonus.
Secured separately was one of the ten limited edition "Discover Space" toys.
Secured separately was one of the ten limited edition "Discover Space" toys.
The journey northbound resumed afterwards.
Occasional grey clouds loomed from above, framing Halloween inflatables in a perfectly spooky light.
Again, there hadn't exactly been a detailed plan in place. It was anticipated that we would essentially be roaming about, halting for photo-taking wherever deemed suitable.
This loosely-depicted route was calming and relatively uneventful. However, we did manage to spot some luminous fronds at the beginning of the expedition.
From Craighurst to Phelpston, then across a rusty bridge on Flos Road 4, then southbound past Minesing Wetlands in hopes of chancing across some steady slopes.
View the full album HERE !
|
|
Along the way was Thornton, a cozy community not unlike Coldwater, with a handful of shops.
Amongst them was an ice cream parlour, decked so lavishly in colour that it was impossible not to check it out.
The Parlour was its name, and home to central smith ice cream it was. It was a refreshing change from Kawartha, which seems to have dominance in most dessert boutiques. There was also the added novelty of seasonal flavours such as Dutch Apple Pie and Pumpkin Pie.
Sampling was permitted, hence we determined Dutch Apple Pie to be the superior of the two. Big Foot, a vanilla concoction laced with peanut butter, assumed the second scoop of our mix.
Sampling was permitted, hence we determined Dutch Apple Pie to be the superior of the two. Big Foot, a vanilla concoction laced with peanut butter, assumed the second scoop of our mix.
|
|
Sugar cones were included in their budget-friendly price of four dollars, though homemade waffle cones would incur an additional one dollar charge. Regardless, the Single Scoop remained a splendid deal, especially compared against Sweet Dreams.
Other neat details include the presence of a loyalty card and a train that operated along ceiling-affixed tracks.
We drifted along local roads until eventually reaching Woodbridge, where we would pause again for an early-supper-turned-delayed-dinner.
Prior research had informed me of a Japanese restaurant not far from the 400. Little had I known that it was situated on the ground floor of a commercial building I had previously set foot in.
Prior research had informed me of a Japanese restaurant not far from the 400. Little had I known that it was situated on the ground floor of a commercial building I had previously set foot in.
|
|
Several dedicated parking spots were located in the lot, presumably to ensure that customers would be guaranteed a space. It was with great discomfort that I pulled in between one of these aforementioned yellow markings, for the uniformed ladies within the restaurant scanned us with hawk eyes the entire time. I interpreted this keenness as both a warning and an overbearing desire to engage in work.
We waltzed onto their territory (after re-positioning ourselves in a different spot) and were seated at a booth by the window. CP24 played from the screen across.
The team comprised of Chinese-speaking - specifically Cantonese - staff, all middle-aged and all overly watchful of their guests, to the point of being anxiety-inducing. Even a short stroll to the other end of the restaurant prompted two members of staff to pipe up, "Washrooms? They're on the other side."
While some could argue that this was helpfulness done ineptly, I simply took it as a form of micro-serving (if micromanaging could be applied to customer service standards).
The team comprised of Chinese-speaking - specifically Cantonese - staff, all middle-aged and all overly watchful of their guests, to the point of being anxiety-inducing. Even a short stroll to the other end of the restaurant prompted two members of staff to pipe up, "Washrooms? They're on the other side."
While some could argue that this was helpfulness done ineptly, I simply took it as a form of micro-serving (if micromanaging could be applied to customer service standards).
Menu offerings were expansive, so quite a while passed before we came to an agreement. A minimum of three different members of staff interrupted us over this duration to question our readiness to order. We turned them away one by one, growing slightly more irritated each time.
Eventually, we settled SC-8, a set which included eighteen pieces of assorted sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls. The original intent was to share the platter, but its size quickly proved it inadequate. In other words, it was a rip-off.
Thin cuts of warm sashimi is a tremendous pet peeve of mine. Another are fish proteins in midst of disintegrating. The six microscopic units of California Rolls did not contain uniform quantities of filling; some had meager amounts of cucumber and that was the end of it. To top it off, poor compaction procedures had resulted in rice falling apart in both the nigiri and California rolls. Overall, it was a disappointing selection for $25.95.
Eventually, we settled SC-8, a set which included eighteen pieces of assorted sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls. The original intent was to share the platter, but its size quickly proved it inadequate. In other words, it was a rip-off.
Thin cuts of warm sashimi is a tremendous pet peeve of mine. Another are fish proteins in midst of disintegrating. The six microscopic units of California Rolls did not contain uniform quantities of filling; some had meager amounts of cucumber and that was the end of it. To top it off, poor compaction procedures had resulted in rice falling apart in both the nigiri and California rolls. Overall, it was a disappointing selection for $25.95.
|
|
The latter hours of the evening introduced a wave of new diners. Attentiveness levels remained consistent with prompt responses to requests for pickled ginger and tea refills, however the arrival of our Cashback Roll was unmistakably stunted.
Taste-wise, I did not have any complaints. The charred surface, "mild" spicy mayo, and texture diversity were sufficient in filling the void left behind from SC-8. At the same time though, its price tag of $19.99 was unwarranted. A more appetizing rendition could likely be sourced from Hub at a reduced cost.
Taste-wise, I did not have any complaints. The charred surface, "mild" spicy mayo, and texture diversity were sufficient in filling the void left behind from SC-8. At the same time though, its price tag of $19.99 was unwarranted. A more appetizing rendition could likely be sourced from Hub at a reduced cost.
Gender-separated washrooms were situated at opposite ends of the restaurant: Men's by the party room and women's by the entrance. They were similar status to other bathrooms in the building and had been maintained at the minimum level with non-perceivable technological upgrades.
Other aspects of note:
Other aspects of note:
- The restaurant has a cashback program, wherein customers could retrieve a percentage of their spendings by ordering specific menu items. This option was not evaluated further however, as there was no intent to return for subsequent visits.
- The soy sauce was not concentrated enough and the wasabi was very mild, which is saying a lot given my spice intolerance.
- Genmaicha is the tea of choice; while gritty, it was served at ideal drinking temperatures and persisted in robustness throughout the meal. It was, dare I say, the highlight of our meal.
- Sake, beer, and soft drink are also offered as drink options.
Oyako Don (DO-2) was taken to go for lunch the next day. At $10.99, it was reasonable. But unveiling the box's contents again displayed their frugality towards fillings and toppings. The short-grain rice, even after reheating, was stiff as well.
Koganei? More like Koga-NAY. No more little gold nuggets for you.
RSS Feed