Allow me to first address the elephant in the index: Week 33 of life amidst COVID-19 was consolidated into the past weekend's Halloween-centric entry. Now, moving on.
In response to progressively worsening pains in the wrist and fingers (that later began propagating from the tendons to large muscle groups), creations of the week were kept to an absolute minimum, with majority of the items of consumption outsourced.
In response to progressively worsening pains in the wrist and fingers (that later began propagating from the tendons to large muscle groups), creations of the week were kept to an absolute minimum, with majority of the items of consumption outsourced.
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Once the morning of November 1st rolled in, I set out on a(n online) quest for Halloween clearance merchandise. Contrary to my expectations, minimal stock graced the shelves of both online and in-store retail shops. Decor and baking tools were oddly difficult to track down this time around, yet holiday furnishings were already in abundance.
I skipped over the microscopic section of tea towels and spooky garlands; secured instead was a thin, satin-y vampire cape fringed with fraying threads, aimed to incorporated into the following year's unpredicted festive ensemble.
I skipped over the microscopic section of tea towels and spooky garlands; secured instead was a thin, satin-y vampire cape fringed with fraying threads, aimed to incorporated into the following year's unpredicted festive ensemble.
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Nearby was Timmies - the same location from which I had previously secured a Smile Cookie after a tedious ten-minute wait. I summoned forth a Small Mocha and Raisin Bran Muffin for afternoon snacking, the latter proving excessively sugary with minimal cragginess. The Mocha, on the other hand, was admittedly delicious; its 1:1 ratio of hot chocolate and brewed coffee was superior to the likes of both Starbucks and McDonald's, establishments reliant on tacky-tasting chocolate syrup.
Shedding the spotlight on the very few creations of the week: Egg Salad and Chocolate Mousse were the prominent ones; baking off cookies from the freezer and pour-over crafting are contenders less likely to fall within this category, though shall be mentioned nonetheless.
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More Timmies was secured on a trip to the east end, following physio and before errands.
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Forgiving weather enabled an outdoor dining experience just beyond the Drive-Thru corridor. Chicken Wraps and a piping container of chilli were enjoyed in gloriously sunny conditions uncharacteristic of pre-snowfall periods.
During this visit, we learned about the franchise's removal of the Chicken Salad Sandwich, otherwise known as my coveted childhood favourite, from the menu. Additionally, it was concluded that altering the 1:1 ratio in the Mocha(s) did not necessarily yield better results.
During this visit, we learned about the franchise's removal of the Chicken Salad Sandwich, otherwise known as my coveted childhood favourite, from the menu. Additionally, it was concluded that altering the 1:1 ratio in the Mocha(s) did not necessarily yield better results.
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We concluded the early afternoon with an OOMOMO round, CoCo fix, and gas refill.
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The newly-opened Takumi BBQ and Ramen supplied dinner for the evening: three bento boxes that were accompanied by miso soup, a tiny side salad, and soda (that largely went unnoticed in our household).
< Pictured above and below: Pork Belly Bento, Marinated Beef Short Ribs Bento, Boneless Beef Short Rib Bento >
Each of the container's contents assumed a similar - if not identical - layout of rice, enoki mushrooms, kimchi, and lightly buttered (oiled?) sweet corn kernels. The selected protein would then be laid on top of the plump, sauce-friendly grains and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
Each of the container's contents assumed a similar - if not identical - layout of rice, enoki mushrooms, kimchi, and lightly buttered (oiled?) sweet corn kernels. The selected protein would then be laid on top of the plump, sauce-friendly grains and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
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Besides the meager salad portions, I retained no complaints towards the meal. The kimchi and furikake-dusted shrooms were delicious, as were the finely diced onions in the soup. The meat had been sliced into bite-size pieces for ease of consumption, each boasting adequate seasoning and a gentle char. The pickup process was also incredibly straightforward.
Had the restaurant not been offering a discount however, I probably wouldn't have considered the trip. Prior to being discounted, each box averaged about twenty dollars before tax.
More takeout items filled the latter half of the week, including a Junior Chicken Meal from McD's (unpictured) and doughy Onion Rings from Harvey's that bore absolutely zero resemblance to the wispy thin, crisp fritters that had been embedded in my memory.
On one of my errand runs, I finally managed to score a six-pack of Singha and the rare Kokuto Choya.
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Preceding weekend grocery shopping was the long-awaited Hotcake Happy Meal, paired with not one, but several Hash Browns. There were a total of eleven, to be exact.
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Frankly speaking, I am more fond of McDonald's winter edition cups than Starbucks'. In general, the colour scheme is more varied, and the designs more inclusive of different forms of celebration.
Behold: my Hash Brown Wreath!!
Gorgeous, above-seasonal temperatures prompted a post-grocery outing to the mall. There, I suggested popping into Yang Tea Shop to reap the last of their BOGO offer.
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As the promotion was restricted to their Top 5 list though, we ultimately departed in search of an alternative. A Ham & Cheese Cro-Tai was purchased in its place; at long last, I can ascertain the quality of Stuffies' savoury selection! They aren't quite at Snowy Village level, but decent enough for a shopping snack.
Before departing came the acquisition of The Alley's carbonated Lemongrass with Plum drink. Pineapple jelly was opted for in the absence of Coconut Jelly. (And no, Rainbow Jelly is absolutely not the same.) We deemed the Peach variation far more delectable, with the Plum being excessively syrupy and 話梅-like, as opposed to the anticipated zestiness of 매실.
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Finally, in honour of Small Business Saturdays, we took to the Mississauga Chinese Centre.
It was first time setting foot in the plaza, or at least the first time I recognized it as so. (There had, apparently, been a point in history where I had visited - a point of which I had no recollection.)
It was first time setting foot in the plaza, or at least the first time I recognized it as so. (There had, apparently, been a point in history where I had visited - a point of which I had no recollection.)
Luen Hing BBQ had emerged on my radar since searching for Chinese BBQ alternatives to Sam Woo's successor of Magic. Situated inconspicuously at the corner of the Sino Mall Food Court, the storefront is minimal and much like that of any other Asian-dominant food court stall (think New Kennedy Square and First Marham Place). Operating the cashier was a relatively young member of society, who thankfully revealed complete comprehension of the English language. With the exception of UberEats (and possibly other delivery services), the stall operated strictly on the bases of cash and debit only.
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< Pictured above and below: BBQ Pork/Char Siu (1 lb), Roast Pork (1 lb), BBQ Duck and Chicken Leg Noodle Soup w/ Egg Noodles >
Our bundle of Styrofoam containers included a reasonable quantity of cha siu and rigid roast pork, along with two condiments. The smaller of the two was a sweet, oyster sauce-like blend, while the other was less viscous and distinctly savoury. Neither option was particularly memorable, in my opinion, though the soy Chicken Leg of the noodle set was scrumptious. Admittedly, I had been expecting a flatter noodle paired with a milkier broth. Nonetheless, it was a satisfactory supper.
Perusing the remainder of the plaza, it was discovered that various traditional Vietnamese items were being offered. In fact, the general demographic appeared more Vietnamese than Chinese, which translated into signage of the corresponding language being implemented throughout.
Sunset was witnessed just before 6 PM, our return journey illuminated only by a pink-orange gradient.
That is, until the streetlights turned on.
That is, until the streetlights turned on.
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