There are 52 weeks in a year.
"...why yes, there are." may be your initial response. But the reason behind my utterance of the blatant obvious to draw attention to its midway point. With the conclusion of the current, we have officially spent half of those fifty-two weeks amidst a global pandemic - whether thriving or surviving, I shall reserve that for individual judgement.
"...why yes, there are." may be your initial response. But the reason behind my utterance of the blatant obvious to draw attention to its midway point. With the conclusion of the current, we have officially spent half of those fifty-two weeks amidst a global pandemic - whether thriving or surviving, I shall reserve that for individual judgement.
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The short week began with yet another Meet Fresh run, subsequently succeeded by a McChicken (that had been purchased in the absence of hot dog buns at the nearby grocer). Even at 50% sugar, the Wintermelon Tea with Taro Balls was excessively sugary, though the Dalgona Grass Jelly - also requested at 50% sugar - hit all the right notes of milky and sweet.
I shall profess that returning (or arriving, rather) to a physical workplace outside my non-ergonomic, at-home workspace for the first time in six months (!!!) did not come without tremendous tremors. My duties remained consistent, though the routine had shifted. The very fact that the outcome of the visit(s) would be unpredictable had induced extreme anxiety.
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Though, such emotions are more often manageable than not. Brisk walks about the asphalt lot - it's not downtown after all - and pick-me-ups in the form of an espresso-harbouring Green Tea Frappuccino and warm, crumbly Oatmeal Cookie.
The first of many non-work-from-home days was particularly lengthy, despite the reduced commute. Creations of the week were essentially nonexistent, and suppers had largely been sourced from leftovers and the rare takeout order.
In hopes of attaining a similar experience to Rainbow in Kitchener, I opted to test the offerings of a local eatery. Situated within walking distance to Clarkson GO, Mckoy's Carribean Fusion housed a similar menu with prices quite similar to their UberEats selection.
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< Pictured above and below: Oxtail (Large) w/ Peas & Rice, Boneless Chicken Curry (Large) w/ Peas & Rice, Ginger Beer >
Both meals were requested with Peas & Rice, having learned of their superiority to the drier alternative of Steamed White Rice; coleslaw assumed a small portion of the Styrofoam box set.
Both meals were requested with Peas & Rice, having learned of their superiority to the drier alternative of Steamed White Rice; coleslaw assumed a small portion of the Styrofoam box set.
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In my haste, the mildness assurance measure had been forgotten: Boneless Chicken Curry was spicy without moderation, much to the displeasure of our meek tolerances. The Oxtail was, thankfully, spice-free in contrast; its marinade was delicious, however we found the pieces puny and largely devoid of flesh and/or gelatinous components.
Truthfully, the base of Peas & Rice was probably the highlight of the entire endeavour. The Ginger Beer had not originated from the same brand as Shandra's, boasting a fiery punch deemed unfit alongside the consumption of already fiery sustenance. My second choice of a "Sparking Grapefruit Ting" was soothing in comparison, albeit sugary, as sodas are known to be.
Truthfully, the base of Peas & Rice was probably the highlight of the entire endeavour. The Ginger Beer had not originated from the same brand as Shandra's, boasting a fiery punch deemed unfit alongside the consumption of already fiery sustenance. My second choice of a "Sparking Grapefruit Ting" was soothing in comparison, albeit sugary, as sodas are known to be.
"How was it?" an inquisitive eater reacted to my social media-circulated collage.
"I've had better." came my response - for it was true, especially at its given price point. And with that, the hunt shall continue for noteworthy Caribbean cuisine.
"I've had better." came my response - for it was true, especially at its given price point. And with that, the hunt shall continue for noteworthy Caribbean cuisine.
The end of the week greeted me with sunny, blue skies and a breath of fresh air, both figuratively and literally.
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A lunchtime stroll led me to the first Farm Boy ever witnessed in the GTA.
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Within it was a gorilla swinging from the ceiling - mask-equipped, of course.
Overly stiff chocolate chip cookies - er, mounds - and a horrendous honey-houjicha latte were the sole kitchen experiments of the week.
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Note(s) to self: Don't be lazy and chop your chocolate. Also, don't attempt to pulverize the wonderful leaves orangecane had secured for you; they'll only result in dust and a tedious clean-up procedure.
Souvenirs from up north swam their way down, and by the end of week, six beautifully decorated specimens were laid before me.
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Caressing the cans excitedly, I proceeded to inspect the selection. Hailing from the Manitoulin Brewing Company were:
- Endless Summer Pineapple Sour
- Lemon Weiss
- Killarney Cream Ale
- Cup & Saucer English Ale
- Bridal Veil Pale Ale
- Swing Bridge Blonde
According to their website, the fixed lineup seems to consist of the final three, while the top two are evident summer exclusives. Colourful and ornate, yet acutely legible, each design was intended to showcase a different landmark of the Northern Ontario region.
The Killarney Cream Ale, in particular, piqued my interest intensely. Sightings of lighthouses are infrequent in the GTA, if at all, and normally associated with memories of our Atlantic travels. The honey-hued formula was creamy, just as advertised: subtly sweet and smooth, with aromas made prominent upon oxidation. Past aversions of cream ale were reset with this delightful creation.
The rest of the squad has yet to be sampled at this point of writing, however it would be an understatement to declare sheer elation towards a taste of Manitoulin (without the grueling six-hour road trip).
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