With endless wails in opposition of any activity bearing even vaguest association with exercise, I promised a "safe" itinerary for the lover of stars and pigs.
We would engage not in boxing nor hiking, and instead be given a rare opportunity to dress nicely for the occasion.
We would engage not in boxing nor hiking, and instead be given a rare opportunity to dress nicely for the occasion.
 |  |
Extensive amounts of walking would not take place, nor would perspiration-inducing pursuits. The date served not only as a breather for my partner-in-crime, but a chance for me to formulate an ostentatious and utterly impractical ensemble. It would pair alongside my new contact prescription trial and the very last pair of falsies in my possession - box coated with neglect, lash glue firmed beyond salvage.
The additional effort furthered my lack of punctuality, leading to a departure delayed just under sixty minutes. By the time I had arrived at her humble abode, it was nearing early afternoon. Lunch at Hub would take place around the 2:30 PM mark, in an essentially deserted dining hall.
The additional effort furthered my lack of punctuality, leading to a departure delayed just under sixty minutes. By the time I had arrived at her humble abode, it was nearing early afternoon. Lunch at Hub would take place around the 2:30 PM mark, in an essentially deserted dining hall.
Having stepped foot into the establishment for the first time in months (no, years!), the revised layout was taken note of immediately. My go-to seating by the window had been expropriated for preparation for takeout orders. The sole member of waitstaff was spotted sitting at one of the large tables preparing wasabi in to-go containers.
We were guided towards a lengthy table at the north end of the restaurant. Laminated menus soon followed; eliminated were the hardcover scrapbook-style booklets.
Our request for hot water was responded to with lidless paper cups, while utensils adopting unanimously disposable format. I had no issues with this approach, though it would have been appreciated if a separate dish was provided for emptied soy sauce packets. For the duration of our meal, they either remained on the edge of our plastic plates or laid atop our only napkin on the table.
We were guided towards a lengthy table at the north end of the restaurant. Laminated menus soon followed; eliminated were the hardcover scrapbook-style booklets.
Our request for hot water was responded to with lidless paper cups, while utensils adopting unanimously disposable format. I had no issues with this approach, though it would have been appreciated if a separate dish was provided for emptied soy sauce packets. For the duration of our meal, they either remained on the edge of our plastic plates or laid atop our only napkin on the table.
 |  |
I was quick to suggest revisiting of my longtime favourites.
First to arrive was the Hub Tower. While the lover of stars and pigs found it typically average, my impressions did not align. The combination of fresh mango, salmon, and tuna was splendid; ripe avocado could also be enjoyed in small quantities, just as I prefer. It was admittedly more watery than previous iterations, yet nonetheless delicious.
First to arrive was the Hub Tower. While the lover of stars and pigs found it typically average, my impressions did not align. The combination of fresh mango, salmon, and tuna was splendid; ripe avocado could also be enjoyed in small quantities, just as I prefer. It was admittedly more watery than previous iterations, yet nonetheless delicious.
View the full album HERE !
The Unagi Kimchi Donburi and Salmon Pressed Sushi followed shortly afterwards. There were minor griefs expressed towards the stone pot donburi, namely due to excess moisture preventing formation of scorched rice. The Salmon Pressed Sushi contained a greater carb-to-protein ratio that desired for my dining partner; despite being in agreement, my affection was unwavering. Each piece offered a supple, flavourful profile not to be tasted anywhere else.
Lavatory infrastructure remained consistent with my memory: a heavy door, fully furnished set of toiletries, and frustratingly inadequate flushing capacities.
"Can we have cake?" the lover of stars and pigs had inquired.
"Not cake." I had answered, "But I can promise dessert of some sort."
In attempt to alleviate the feelings of satiation, I suggested a trek about Centerpoint Mall.
"Can we have cake?" the lover of stars and pigs had inquired.
"Not cake." I had answered, "But I can promise dessert of some sort."
In attempt to alleviate the feelings of satiation, I suggested a trek about Centerpoint Mall.
 |  |
Truthfully, it was less of a mall and more of plaza with wings that did not connect.
Purchases spanning household helpers at One's Better Living to festive packaging from Dollarama were completed before returning to the great outdoors and its ruthless gusts.
Purchases spanning household helpers at One's Better Living to festive packaging from Dollarama were completed before returning to the great outdoors and its ruthless gusts.
 |  |
At last, we navigated to the destination for desserts.
Cafe Login has assumed a ranking on my POI list for years, however its inconvenient location (and scarcity of suitable dining partners in the area) infinitely postponed any visits. We entered through the double doors to find a full house. Staff members behind the counter urged for us to verify the availability of tables prior to placement of orders.
Cafe Login has assumed a ranking on my POI list for years, however its inconvenient location (and scarcity of suitable dining partners in the area) infinitely postponed any visits. We entered through the double doors to find a full house. Staff members behind the counter urged for us to verify the availability of tables prior to placement of orders.
A two-seater tucked away from view saved the day. We nabbed the spot, then proceeded to evaluate their assortment of baked goods. Macarons, dacquoise, and financiers were found individually sealed in plastic packaging, though could be made available for consumption in-house. I gestured towards a Pistachio Raspberry Dacquoise, Churro Financier, and a slice of Basque Cheesecake. London Fog was the beverage of choice for the lover of stars and pigs, while a steaming Americano compensated sugar spikes in my diet. The Shakerato, a sweetened Americano with an extra boost of espresso, had also been considered in the early stages, though feedback from the man behind the counter led me back to my original pick.
"I'm not a fan of sweet things." had come the hesitant response.
"Me neither." I thought, acknowledging the recommendation.
"I'm not a fan of sweet things." had come the hesitant response.
"Me neither." I thought, acknowledging the recommendation.
 |  |
Our assortment was subject to unravelling and zealous photo-taking, then consumed enthusiastically and analytically (me).
The Pistachio Raspberry Dacquoise presented itself as a palm-sized production in a soft, chewy shell. This lack of structural integrity was not preferred, but aromatic properties and noticeable shards of pistachio compensated the unfavourable texture. At its centre was creaminess: silky and not overbearing, with a small amount of raspberry jam for a fresh twist. Dacquoise rang in at unit prices of four dollars, just fifty cents more than macarons positioned on the shelf underneath. Personally though, Tokyo Cheesecake Café still takes the cake.
Unsatisfied churro cravings were fulfilled via the lovely Churro Financier. Albeit thinner than the standard financier, it was also denser, making it more enjoyable in a smaller portion.
The Pistachio Raspberry Dacquoise presented itself as a palm-sized production in a soft, chewy shell. This lack of structural integrity was not preferred, but aromatic properties and noticeable shards of pistachio compensated the unfavourable texture. At its centre was creaminess: silky and not overbearing, with a small amount of raspberry jam for a fresh twist. Dacquoise rang in at unit prices of four dollars, just fifty cents more than macarons positioned on the shelf underneath. Personally though, Tokyo Cheesecake Café still takes the cake.
Unsatisfied churro cravings were fulfilled via the lovely Churro Financier. Albeit thinner than the standard financier, it was also denser, making it more enjoyable in a smaller portion.
 |  |
My dining partner remarked of a banana-like starting bite for the Basque Cheesecake. I struggled to identify similarities, though did perceive some undertones reminiscent of the plush, sugary texture of ripe bananas. Creaminess appeared to owed to high fat percentage though, rather than naturally existing fruit starches. The $6.50 slice was exceptionally smooth with a muted cream cheese profile; it did not boast the charred edges or anticipated bitter surface, moderately to my dismay.
Drinks were served in large cups and priced reasonably given their contents. The London Fog was available hot only for $4.95, while the middle-sized option of the Americano came to a ridiculously affordable $3.65.
Drinks were served in large cups and priced reasonably given their contents. The London Fog was available hot only for $4.95, while the middle-sized option of the Americano came to a ridiculously affordable $3.65.
 |  |
For later consumption were the Cheeseburger Macaron and Apple Caramel Cake.
Although macarons remain in the bottom tier of my dessert preferences, I greatly enjoyed this sweet-savoury variation. Cheesiness could be tasted upon contact with the tongue; the sensation would then invite delicious, cheddary essences. A single RITZ cracker was included in the middle, but proved crunchy no more. Nonetheless, the addition was appreciated, for it made the filling less satiating.
I wasn't a fan of the food colouring-enhanced embellishments, but the sesame seeds and coloured squiggles were inarguably adorable.
Although macarons remain in the bottom tier of my dessert preferences, I greatly enjoyed this sweet-savoury variation. Cheesiness could be tasted upon contact with the tongue; the sensation would then invite delicious, cheddary essences. A single RITZ cracker was included in the middle, but proved crunchy no more. Nonetheless, the addition was appreciated, for it made the filling less satiating.
I wasn't a fan of the food colouring-enhanced embellishments, but the sesame seeds and coloured squiggles were inarguably adorable.
The Apple Caramel Cake was another dense slice that, while hefty by itself, paired fantastically with unsweetened coffee. The tip was relatively empty of apple, though concentrated at its edge was tangy, caramel goodness and soft, chewy bits of apple. Its surface was adorned with sugar pearls; unlike that of my own, they were indiscernible during consumption. At $6.50 per slice, I was quick to conclude reluctance in repurchasing, yet was willing to investigate further for its recreation come next harvest season.
The café offered a password-secured Wi-Fi network, which could be utilized over the course of a two-hour seating limit. A quick glance at our warm-toned surroundings informed us of the demographic: beneath the record-studded ceiling were laptop users, small groups of friends, and even an instructor-student duo.
The café offered a password-secured Wi-Fi network, which could be utilized over the course of a two-hour seating limit. A quick glance at our warm-toned surroundings informed us of the demographic: beneath the record-studded ceiling were laptop users, small groups of friends, and even an instructor-student duo.
 |  |
The café offered a password-secured Wi-Fi network, which could be utilized over the course of a two-hour seating limit. A quick glance at our warm-toned surroundings informed us of the demographic: beneath the record-studded ceiling were laptop users, small groups of friends, and even an instructor-student duo.
Washrooms were situated between the dining floor and bar. Patrons were limited to two gender-separated stalls, which were surprisingly clean despite customer traffic.
Washrooms were situated between the dining floor and bar. Patrons were limited to two gender-separated stalls, which were surprisingly clean despite customer traffic.
With the sun making its descent, I suggested a quick wrap-up to maximize the remainder of the day's natural illumination.
A final stop at Red Bean Waffle House would conclude the journey, at which point I would be left to navigate home amidst excruciating lens flare.
RSS Feed