Out & About #627 | A Muddled Adieu

​How does one land oneself in the category of a go-getter?

​Oftentimes do those interpreted as such act swiftly to attain their goals or check off their to-do list. Locking in on a single objective, they conjure up a plan with utmost precision, then proceed with execution, more often than not possessing a Plan B at the backs of their minds should the first attempt result unfavourably. It's a pragmatic approach to life, which may not necessarily be appreciated by more contemplative types.

​I recently had the luxury to attempt pourovers, in addition to burrowing into an insurmountable cloud of thoughts. Slowly but surely, my harbourfront days adjourned in a hazy hush. Nine months in the South Core has concluded. Truthfully, I hadn't stopped to recount that tales of such an endeavour until the arrival of COVID-19 and all its work-from-home-imposing statutes.
"Life doesn't wait for you" and I've consequently been mindlessly trudging along the treadmill of life until corona pushed pause.

​Forever one to periodically reminisce but never to dwell without constructiveness, my time was brief but not without vast amounts of opportunities for development. While a seemingly short stay relative to the prospective length of my career, I remain grateful for such opportunities - such chances to contribute in the limited capacity that I am capable - and, moreover, thankful for those that have shed their expertise for my personal development, both as a colleague and a mere mortal persisting on her own journey.

​Skills acquired throughout an arduous process translate into individual gain, however the bonds stemming from interpersonal interactions that empower one to truly thrive as a member of society, co-existing and cooperating.

Surfacing from the abyss of reflection, I continued on with regular day-to-day activities. In light of social distancing measures, many eateries had undergone temporary closures and staff reduction. Juicy Dumpling was one of these destinations.

​​Already in the Chinatown neighbourhood though, I opted for Gou Bu Li (named "BAO" at this location) to satisfy the cravings for steamed dumplings. Situated near the once-operative downtown Pappa Roti, the restaurant served Northern Chinese cuisine - similar to that of Foodie North back home.

With a fresh pair of latex gloves provided by the restaurant, I browsed the laminated menu and noted down the following items for takeout:

• T7 Steamed Dumplings w/ Marinated Ground Pork and Chinese Chive/醬肉蒸餃
• T9 Pan Fried Dumplings w/ Minched Pork and Celery/豬肉芹菜鍋貼
• T11 Scallion Cake/蔥油餅
• F42 Meatballs with Winter Melon in Casserole/砂鍋冬瓜丸子

T7 and T9 were scrumptious, though the tuna-like texture of the marinated ground pork in the former was deemed a tad odd. A Tianjin specialty, the Scallion Cake was crisp, a bit greasy, and overall a budget-friendly find best served with a tangy dipping sauce (a condiment that was not included). Probably the most generous portion for at its given price, F42 was a flavourful broth with simmered wintermelon slices, vermicelli, and satisfying morsels of meat.

With Pilot (619) being closed, Little Pebbles was the next closest stop for a mid-day pick-me-up. Alas, Kensington Market was a mess: social distancing had been condemned without remorse whatsoever and businesses were operating with all-time apathy. Nearly ten minutes of cigarette-accompanied downtime later, I hopped back into the car for an alternate caffeine fix, further reminding myself of the reasons for shunning.

​I sped off to The Night Baker in retaliation, attempting to recover lost time from the lethargic incident.
$2.50 Drip Coffee from a BUNN burner and a box of six deliciously dense cookies served to redeem the unneeded detour. In recap of the shop's new flavours, Birthday Cake can be depicted as a cream cheese-containing rendition of funfetti, while Sans Rival as a nutty cloud of insane sweetness (that was nonetheless yummy).

​More groceries and errands later, we were homebound at long last.