Nine months into the coronavirus pandemic, it is likely for the population to have entered countless phases of highs and lows, with higher highs and lower lows in between: turmoil, followed by acceptance, adjustment, and compliance, then optimism, and ultimately the current phase of restlessness.
Even in the face of these fluid circumstances, perhaps you've registered one new skill (or even more!) onto your roster of capabilities. Perhaps you learned that technology is an enabler of equal opportunity, rather than an unspoken barrier buried within the generation gap. Perhaps you thank your local grocery store cashier now, for it's dawned upon you that their societal role is fraught with danger. And perhaps you've grown more modest, more humble, and more respectable.
Even in the face of these fluid circumstances, perhaps you've registered one new skill (or even more!) onto your roster of capabilities. Perhaps you learned that technology is an enabler of equal opportunity, rather than an unspoken barrier buried within the generation gap. Perhaps you thank your local grocery store cashier now, for it's dawned upon you that their societal role is fraught with danger. And perhaps you've grown more modest, more humble, and more respectable.
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Speaking from a personal note, I've conquered my fear of bread-kneading and raw meat-handling. I've explored a larger quantity of cookie recipes than I've ever had the luxury to in the past. I've established an effective method of communication with coworkers, where misunderstandings can be kept to a minimum even without facial expressions in play.
Without a doubt, I've learned more than enough about my own poor posture, all whilst conjuring innovative workarounds to technical travesties.
Without a doubt, I've learned more than enough about my own poor posture, all whilst conjuring innovative workarounds to technical travesties.
Creations of the week were few, given the looming work deadline ahead. For the most part, I resorted to simple snacks to refuel. Allocating a portion of dough from the Everything Bagel attempt and incorporating roughly chopped semisweet chocolate yielded a ready-to-bake batch of chocolate chip cookies. I've also grown particularly fond of Lindt's seasonal Peppermint Cookie truffles and Chocolate Mousse cups, which are constructed from two ingredients and nothing more.
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My Black Friday order of couvertures included callets from Callebaut and hexagonal Lindt Piccoli plates. While I have yet to determine superiority, it can be concluded that both varieties are delicious and diverse, suitable for suitable for an assortment of applications.
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Callebaut's Velcro-esque bag closure was an added bonus feature.
Alas, I have yet to confirm a foolproof formula for chocolate mousse. Stay tuned as I modify the ratios with each iteration.
Long, grueling hours on the laptop oddly spurred a desire for granola. Yet, with none available, I settled for a standard slice of toast then proceeded with its creation, haphazardly if I may add. The ceaseless vibrations and meeting alerts had me frazzled and led to the omission of a binder. In my haste, egg white had been forgotten; the result was crumbly and ridiculously greasy, with bitter, charred raisins to boot. Nonetheless, it was a crunchy batch - even passable, dare I say, when paired with vanilla yogurt.
Long, grueling hours on the laptop oddly spurred a desire for granola. Yet, with none available, I settled for a standard slice of toast then proceeded with its creation, haphazardly if I may add. The ceaseless vibrations and meeting alerts had me frazzled and led to the omission of a binder. In my haste, egg white had been forgotten; the result was crumbly and ridiculously greasy, with bitter, charred raisins to boot. Nonetheless, it was a crunchy batch - even passable, dare I say, when paired with vanilla yogurt.
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To commend myself for yet another torturous period of report-compilation, I bestowed upon myself the opportunity for fresh air.
The trip constituted my first step outside the house in eight (yes, eight!) days, characterized by the long-awaited taste of an Eggnog Scone from COBS Bread (it was, regrettably, very dry) and a Gong Cha duo identical to that of the past Sunday. Other accompanying purchases consisted of a Banana Chocolate Chip Scone, Country Grain Loaf, and Cheese Pullapart Loaf. Loblaws went unvisited, for its snaking lineup turned me away before I could even find parking.
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More packages arrived: first my Rocanini beans, then a Winter in Hokkaido Bokksu (again, not mine) bearing two variations of Shiroi Kobito, Royal Milk Tea, and steam train-shaped Totteppo Chocolate & Berry Sable Cookies.
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Due to a progressively severe need for airtight containers, a trip to Oakville Place was deemed necessary.
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The closure of in-store retail experiences were banished in Peel and Toronto, thus prompting the trip to the neighbouring Halton region, where I was able to find the next closest Miniso location.
Previously, it hadn't occured to me that witnessing the bustle of the Christmas spirit from within a shopping centre was a privilege - a luxury, even - to residents of the adjacent GTA community. For years, I had dashed in and out of malls in fear of being obstructed by holiday shoppers, barely bothering to bat an eye at the twinkly décor that surrounded me.
Things were different this time. My surroundings had been altered, and so had my perspective.
Things were different this time. My surroundings had been altered, and so had my perspective.
A late lunch was sourced from In A Bowl, a poke and ramen bar in the densely-populated Dundas and Trafalgar area.
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Without delay, a reasonably priced selection of Unagi Don, Gyudon, Beef Yaki Ramen, and Takoyaki were chosen. Preparation time was minimal: within ten minutes, we had retreated back to the vehicle with all four items and two bowls of miso soup.
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There are few things more comforting than the pitter patter of precipitation in stereo and unveiling piping hot, hearty bowls of sustenance. Each bowl was absolutely scrumptious, albeit heavy on the rice component and even heavier on the MSG. Most shocking was the substantial size of unagi, left intact and served alongside shredded omelette strands and savoury beni shōga. The Gyudon also boasted great flavour with luscious egg, sweet onions, and supple strips of shabu shabu-style beef.
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With speedy service, competitive prices, and convenient coordinates, I wouldn't hesitate to revisit should I ever find myself in the area. Poke, though, shall have to wait for a post-COVID opportunity.
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