Upon the mention of Hub, I can summon forth only memories of definitive quality. And while it's been brought to my attention, on several occasions, actually, that across from platform emerged their sister location, I had yet to find a chance to visit.
Immediately before MiKi's doors was a similar parking situation to Daldongnae - an access permitting entry via right turns only - and a scarcity of spots much like Katsuya's original uptown location. The interior was, in fact, a tad tinier than the famed cutlet eatery, though adopted a similar format to Hub. With a maximum capacity of thirty seats in the forms of four- and six-seaters, raised communal tables were in absence.
Immediately before MiKi's doors was a similar parking situation to Daldongnae - an access permitting entry via right turns only - and a scarcity of spots much like Katsuya's original uptown location. The interior was, in fact, a tad tinier than the famed cutlet eatery, though adopted a similar format to Hub. With a maximum capacity of thirty seats in the forms of four- and six-seaters, raised communal tables were in absence.
The floor layout was compact with a sushi bar that faced the dining area and washroom stalls at the back of the restaurant. Spotted within one of the two individual, gender-separated stalls was a multi-tier shelf, complete with air freshener, just like Hub.
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A reservation was originally made for their opening time of 11:30 AM, however was later postponed due to collective tardiness amongst the group. Finding parking was my initial concern, but thankfully all three personal vehicles under consideration were able to be accommodated without issues.
Despite being geographically furthest, I was first to arrive and nabbed the table just short of the clock striking noon.
Despite being geographically furthest, I was first to arrive and nabbed the table just short of the clock striking noon.
As I awaited the arrival of the others, FANCY played overhead; videos of orangecane's favourite septet cycled through on a small screen above, remaining consistent for the entire duration of our visit. The playlist blaring above, annoyingly persisted with more behind-the-scenes tunes, in the same manner, interrupted only by a few bursts of BLACKPINK and (G)I-DLE.
< Pictured above and below: Salmon Pressed Sushi, Tuna Pressed Sushi, Unagi Kimchi Donburi, Over the Rainbow, and Legend Dynamite >
The group was guided through the menu, with emphasis on their tried-and-true offerings. Aburi pressed sushi and wacky Special Rolls possess unwavering appeal to first-time diners, as did the positively irresistible Unagi Kimchi Donburi (well, to the vast majority at the table anyway).
Both salmon and tuna varieties were selected, but neither proved particularly delightful. Crumbling upon touch, the pieces lacked a distinctive layer of protein despite adequately seasoned rice grains. Slathered atop the rice-heavy rectangles was a hefty portion of spicy mayo, resulting in saucy, carby mouthfuls. The individual attributes of the fish species were masked without question.
Over the Rainbow and Legend Dynamite were two platters of Raw rolls that garnered decent praise. Similar by means of composition (shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko), these substantially-sized rolls served as solid fillers prior to the star of the show being delivered.
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Classified as a rice bowl as opposed to an item within the Dolsot Bibimbap category, the Unagi Kimchi Donburi was not as fragrant as Hub's original but still a fan favourite with generous amounts of nori, seaweed, and unagi. Members of the party noted that they would never have ordered the dish in my absence, to which I responded the same had tips not been received.
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Our visit was characterized by a noticeable amount of rice. As such, it was suggested that we take to ordering sashimi for balance. Alas, as we turned to flag down one of the staff members, we were warned of a pending reservation, and that we would be ousted promptly at 1:15 PM. The fifteen-minute heads-up had us scrambling to finish and evacuate.
The group then trekked over to Alchemy for their first cup(s) of joe of the day. Having had my fill of cold brew, I was more than happy to wait outside the chaotic brunch spot, removing myself from the crowds and greasy fumes.
Next on the agenda was skating!
It was also my first time visiting Markham Civic Centre grounds outside of Night It Up!. The ample parking and lack of access closures had me taken back.
Similar to Celebration Square, skates were available for rent. Additional features included indoor changerooms and the availability of learning aids, otherwise known as "skate trainers".
Similar to Celebration Square, skates were available for rent. Additional features included indoor changerooms and the availability of learning aids, otherwise known as "skate trainers".
Leading the pond-turned-rink were two possible paths: a flight of stairs not subject to winter maintenance (that was hence closed off) and a winding, accessible asphalt path. The intrepid ones chose to climb over the caution tape, into a potential hazard zone; the rest of us settled for traversing along the longer route.
The group suited up just as the zamboni was finishing its maintenance round, then we hit the ice, inching bit by bit at first and gradually working up to a smooth glide.
The group suited up just as the zamboni was finishing its maintenance round, then we hit the ice, inching bit by bit at first and gradually working up to a smooth glide.
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The civic centre grounds was a family-friendly environment - far more spacious than Celebration Square. Due to our time of visit, though, it was also devoid of music and lights for ambience. During the early afternoon hours, most participants were families with small children and bands of adolescents. More experienced skaters rolled in around the 3 PM mark, at which point we began to feel fatigue and retire in favour of warm beverages.
Toasty treats and skating go hand-in-hand, and venturing over to a spot (583, 594) that filled that void possessed enough allure to stray from my original plan to attending a Hip Hop drop-in.
Albeit minimal seating, the group was quite fond of their picks, which ranged from the shop's signature Almond Cream Cold Brew, a lusciously sweet Mocha, silky Almond Vienna Coffee, creamy Chocolate Latte, and warmth-conducting Ginger Milk Tea - made less sweet than last time, thankfully.
Toasty treats and skating go hand-in-hand, and venturing over to a spot (583, 594) that filled that void possessed enough allure to stray from my original plan to attending a Hip Hop drop-in.
Albeit minimal seating, the group was quite fond of their picks, which ranged from the shop's signature Almond Cream Cold Brew, a lusciously sweet Mocha, silky Almond Vienna Coffee, creamy Chocolate Latte, and warmth-conducting Ginger Milk Tea - made less sweet than last time, thankfully.
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I parted ways at the 4 PM mark to make my way over to VYbE, where stenoodie and I had planned to attend the late afternoon Beginner Sexy Urban Pop class. Frankly, K-Pop Originals have been on our radar for a while, but schedule conflicts have eradicated this opportunity time and time again.
The choreography was unthinkably fluid, but also entailed a great deal of floorwork and sharp bursts ("isolations" in the instructor's terms). Knees growing more and more bruised with each practice run, my grasp of the sequences plummeted over the final ten minutes. That said, I amassed tremendous respect for Kasey and her disciplined approach to teaching and training.
Flurries on their way, we sped off to Sam's Congee Delight (my pick!) before their anticipated closure of 7:30 PM.
Few items have the capacity to soothe the soul as steaming bowls of congee do. Chicken Noodle Soup may be the top choice of broth-lovers, however my comfort food has never deviated from plain congee.
Where Congee Queen supports individual bowls and share-able pots, Sam's offered a medium size only. It was a portion suited for two, with the potential to feed a small child as well.
Stenoodie voted in favour of the Minced Beef Congee, while I was unable to resist the heartwarming combination of pig's blood - referred to as "Pork's Pudding" at the establishment - and century egg. We also opted for rice rolls, a crispy cruller, and steamed veggies to supplement.
Stenoodie voted in favour of the Minced Beef Congee, while I was unable to resist the heartwarming combination of pig's blood - referred to as "Pork's Pudding" at the establishment - and century egg. We also opted for rice rolls, a crispy cruller, and steamed veggies to supplement.
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Rice rolls were made in-house, stenoodie noted, just like their original location in Market Village. She gestured to the window behind us, where patrons could observe the cooking process from the comfort of their seat. It was a Din Tai Fung-esque touch, but with an added degree of homey-ness, knowing that the items being prepared were dishes that had accompanied our childhood.
< Pictured above and below:
- Minced Beef Congee (碎牛粥)
- Century Egg and Pork's Pudding Congee (豬紅皮蛋粥)
- Shrimp Rice Roll (蝦米腸)
- Veggies (時菜 - 菜心)
- Sweet cruller (牛脷酥) >
The Century Egg and Pork's Pudding Congee succeeded in bringing about profound enjoyment. The duo was a rare combination to find in many restaurants, thus its presence on the menu was greatly embraced. The Minced Beef Congee, on the other hand, excelled in a different department: its consistency was a tad chunkier, with partially emulsified rice grains to enhance texture. Known not to be a fan of minced beef, this one took me by surprise. Both bowls were unique and extremely gratifying in their own respects.
Sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce are commonly included with rice rolls and blanched choy sum, however Sam's Congee Delight had taken heed to prevent saturating their offerings in condiments - a consideration I acknowledged and thoroughly welcomed. The Sweet Cruller was tasty as well, and not nearly as greasy as that of other diners. Albeit dry on its own, the bite-sized pieces were instantly elevated once submerged in congee.
Sweet soy sauce and oyster sauce are commonly included with rice rolls and blanched choy sum, however Sam's Congee Delight had taken heed to prevent saturating their offerings in condiments - a consideration I acknowledged and thoroughly welcomed. The Sweet Cruller was tasty as well, and not nearly as greasy as that of other diners. Albeit dry on its own, the bite-sized pieces were instantly elevated once submerged in congee.
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Decor elements were far more sophisticated than anticipated: marble tabletops, vibrant pink and turquoise stools, and narrow light fixtures nestled between sleek ceiling embellishments. Functional elements were, of course, not to be overlooked; the tri-fold menu was laminated for longevity and condiments were conveniently positioned at each table in a clear, portable case of their own.
The traditional diner was slowly winding down operations at our time of arrival, for their slated closure of 7:30 PM was approaching. Individual bathroom stalls were, admittedly, neglected more than I'd like to witness, however the staff remained as personable as ever.
The traditional diner was slowly winding down operations at our time of arrival, for their slated closure of 7:30 PM was approaching. Individual bathroom stalls were, admittedly, neglected more than I'd like to witness, however the staff remained as personable as ever.
It is with minor regrets that hot desserts were no longer being offered at the conclusion of our meal. Having said that, this merely serves as validation to return for another round of satisfaction.
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Welcomed back into the outside world With heavy flurries, we bid farewell and commenced the snow-clearing process. I was then highway-bound, home-bound.
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