Out & About #649 | Week #18 Quarantine Update Feat. Korea House

Everything in moderation.
Wise words they are, for the previous week's unsound intake was anything but, and I thereupon reaped the consequences of such actions.

​Clear broths, congee with furikake, plenty of fluids, and even the rare mid-day recharging session ensured a rapid recovery. And to appease a returning appetite was Wonton Chai, in all its Dace Fish Ball and Fried Fish Skin glory.

​By mid-week, my body had expressed the green light for caffeine again. Henceforth, a St. Lawrence detour was added to the itinerary.

Since my previous visit, Third Wave had added two housemade soft serves to the menu: Pistachio Cardamom and Saffron Hazelnut Black Tea. It was obvious that I had been itching to try the duo since laying eyes on their Insta-update, not forgoing the ever-essential Espresso Lemonade.

​The cashier was extremely kind in accommodating my request for samples, an asking that majority of establishments have denied out of fear of contact. We would have easily accepted wooden spoons, though were provided minute metal paddles (read: reusable/washable) for the tasting process. Albeit an anomalous amalgamation, Saffron Hazelnut Black Tea was less to our liking, potentially due to its sweetness and peculiar aftertaste. Pistachio Cardamom, on the other hand, was well received. I proceeded towards a full-sized cup of the creamy, nutty swirl, only later realizing its frightful eight-dollar price tag.
​It was a fitting portion with richness best divvied amongst two for optimal enjoyment, but nonetheless steep given the average cost of ice cream.

​Ensuing was a frantic forage for washroom facilities, leading us to further appreciate the luxury that is the public bathroom.
In spite of this, we somehow managed a punctual arrival at Hair Bank. Grooming appointments were in high demand, as expected, and we hadn't succeeded in obtaining a slot until three weeks following the Stage 2 opening.

​Patrons were restricted to individual entry, meaning that those accompanying would be required to wait outside the salon, with the sole exception of guests hailing from the same household, sharing the same house.
New installations included hanging Plexiglass sheets - malleable, like the ones at Hodo Kwaja - at the cashier and between salon chairs. A bottle of sanitizer was also situated by the entrance for easy access. Blinds were drawn at the cubby area; personal belongings were directed towards the series of plastic high chairs instead.

Prior to each appointment, customers were also required to complete a COVID questionnaire. Offered in both English and Korean in consideration of the demographic, the sheet inquired basic health questions (ie. 'Have you travelled in the last 14 days?', 'Have you shown symptoms of...?') prompting responses in yes/no checkboxes. Only one questionnaire was required per household, which I assume is due to shared circumstances. Patron name, phone number, and time/date of entry were also required. Points collection had been paused for the time being, though it was assured that the system would resume after evaluation of all questionnaires.

​​After trimming off a whopping three inches each, we crossed the street to Hodo Kwaja, where a familiar face greeted us with a gigantic grin.

​I pointed towards the a box of thirty walnut cakes without hesitation, to which the lady immediately responded with a knowing "Mixed, right?". Madeleines and an Iced Coffee were also taken to go. 

Hunger began to creep up on us, thus we commenced the hunt for sustenance. Lim Ga Ne offered no jjajangmyeon for our contentment, yet stomping along the stretch allowed us to eventually arrive at Korea House. The interior was compact yet admittedly adorable, with its hanging artificial grapes and cozy decor. As customers were limited to movement in the entryway though, we settled for flipping through the menu while members of staff called out to one another in Mandarin, "有人來!" (literally "people have come!" and less literally "There are guests at the door." with an implied "Go tend to them!").

< Pictured above and below:

• No. 13 짜장면 / Jjajang myun
• No. 15 물냉면 / Cold Noodle
• No. 23 고등어 구이 / Roasted Mackerel w/ Rice >

​I won't lie that I had my reservations about the authenticity of their offerings, since many Japanese restaurants in the suburbs succumb to the same fate. It is with abounding astonishment that I declare Korea House to not only provide an astounding array of food items, but surpass expectations entirely.

​From the secure packaging to the impressive quality, the three-piece combination made our in-car dining experience far more thrilling. Deserving special mention was the Roasted Mackerel, a plentiful portion of crispiness that included lemon wedges, purple rice, and a phenomenal soy-garlic dipping sauce. Also delicious was the Jjajang myun, neither skimping on noodle quantity nor omitting meaty morsels. Mul naengmyeon was as tangy and refreshing as could be, with extra points being rewarded for 85% egg doneness, since nothing is quite as repulsive as fully hard-boiled eggs and the corresponding grey film of nastiness.

​​I shall warn that, while the cabbage kimchi was of tolerable heat, the radish kimchi is not for the faint of heart. Do handle the chewy strips with caution.

​Unveiled later on was Third Wave's - or should I say Hadrien Verrier Patisserie's - Chocolate Croissant.

​I must profess that few gustatory items are as gratifying as a pain au chocolat of innumerous wispy layers and sublime, oozing chocolate. It is, dare I say, de la terre's posh French cousin.

​Creations of the week were limited, given my overall state of wellness - er, lack thereof. Nearing the end of the week was a disastrous breadmaker loaf that was quickly repurposed into garlic croutons, complete with a dash of olive oil and sprinkle of parsley.

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