Out & About #776 | Wonders of Winter + Waterloo Trip

An itch began to form from the moment I laid eyes on a promotional infographic for the KW region. Over a year had passed since my last visit - far longer than I expected given the relatively similar travel time as North York and Markham.

The post had included few details beyond the promise of an exhilarating weekend with both paid and free events. I took to conducting my own research as the party settled on an appropriate date. Some events had ended, while others appeared too dull to justify the additional mileage. Eventually, I settled on the Wonders of Winter exhibit in Waterloo, tacking on stops before and after as my heart desired.

Our first stop was Waterloo Brewing. Situated conveniently off Conestoga Parkway, it seemed only fitting to pay a visit to the home of the boar given that our proximity. I succeeded in obtaining four cans of the seasonal Festbier (offered only in LCBO locations in Kitchener and Guelph) and restocking some old favourites.

​The Maple Spiced Pecan Old Ale was a fall exclusive, or so I was told, and had indeed made its comeback to the brewery earlier in the year. Its notes were supposedly akin to the Signature Collection, a stout series incorporating more sweetness than preferred.

​The Taproom was shuttered in response to the new provincial guidelines. "We don't make enough." admitted the member of staff. In-store shopping was still permitted, though restricted to a maximum capacity of three patrons.

Our brief stay was welcomed with samples of a Gingerbread Warmer, a small batch creation concocted in-house for enjoyment on tap. The plastic cup contained no more than three tablespoons, yet introduced a slow, steady embers to form from within, radiating to the edges of the ribcage. Bonus cans of Waterloo IPA and Dark were gifted due to dented can conditions (and failure to pass QC for retail).

Smile Tiger was up next.
A placeholder for a local coffee shop had been inserted into the itinerary for a mid-afternoon refuel, and in review of its lasting impression from last time and a Buy 2 Get 1 Free Boxing Dale offer, the stop was too difficult to resist.

We took to a small Drip Coffee, Peppermint White Mocha, Pretzel, and Pecan Tart, along with 12 oz. bags of Sunday Sun, Heaven Hammer, and the coveted Thunder Peel. Muffins would have been my first choice, though the abundance of fruit flies entrapped within the display case were definite grounds for swerving. The Pretzel was on the thinner side, with a crunchy, slightly glazed exterior and overall savoury profile that paired well with the subtle sweetness of the mocha.

​With a bit more time before utter darkness prevailed across the city, I proposed a drive through uptown Waterloo. Passing by the colourful lights in the BIA, we landed at the Waterloo Public Square. Street parking was found nearby, then I grabbed my skates and neared the tiny rink.

Blade imprints were already quite deep within minutes of resurfacing, but probably not more than the narrowest section of Harbourfront's. A few trips were executed before retreating into the Shops At Waterloo Town Square for washroom facilities.

​To our dismay, the only stalls had been locked. The janitor informed of the plaza's impending closing hours, while a security officer suggested Tim Hortons or City Hall as alternatives.

​We took our business to T&T, quite literally. While more compact, the Waterloo outpost was undeniably pricier, but also cleaner than its west GTA location.

​At long last, we made our way to Waterloo Park. Nestled between the Laurier-Waterloo Park ION/GRT station and Silver Lake was the Wonders of Winter venue. Majority of the town had been eerily quiet, however the sight of lights had attracted crowds. The parking lot was busy, yet not brimming beyond capacity like the downtown scene.

View the full album HERE !

​The event offered free admission and parking, displaying different LED light fixtures sponsored by the local community. Along the Laurel Trail were fixed configurations, while beyond the LRT tracks was looping presentation of a man, a star, and an illuminated tree.

Dimmer parts of the park proved tricky to navigate, especially in the presence of fogged lenses and melting ice on dirt paths. I slipped not, for I caught myself immediately, though caution ought be used when visiting in damper climate.

Some of my favourites included colourful dinosaurs, tumbling gingerbread, and elves busily working away in their workshops. Most noteworthy was an illuminaated frame, positioned precisely before a stump at higher elevation for the perfect photo opportunity.

Children also had the chance to snap a picture with Santa in a cutout format. (Older kids may abuse this privilege for comedic purposes - ahem, me.)

​The entire trek totalled just over one hour. Returning to the car with jittery fingers, the next order of business involved confirming a supper destination. As luck would have it, many establishments were closed for the Statutory Holiday (and the rest of the year).
Attempts to try several nearby eateries were in vain; we pulled up to dark windows and deserted plazas. It would appear that, with the absence of students on campus during the holidays, restaurants would temporarily cease operations in response.

​Eventually, I retraced the route to the Public Square, back to one of the few viable choices in the BIA district. With street parking spots occupied, we resorted to a municipal lot by the Willis Way station, then made our way over.

Upon our arrival, Jinzakaya informed us of their AYCE-only format for dine-in customers. At a whopping $39.99 per person, our petite appetites denied the need for this splurge. Takeout orders could be requested à la carte, thus we undertook this path.
​
​The front desk staff had demonstrated incredible patience with our indecisiveness, responding to inquiries as they were raised and suggesting orders for item variety and ease of consumption. Bento boxes and maki courses included miso soup and salad, ensuring adequate sustenance for a small group. Karaage, as she pointed out, was a more reasonable sharing option than grilled flatfish.

The Premium Box, Maki Set, and Karaage was promised in fifteen minutes and arrived in under ten.

In the biting cold, the article were unveiled one by one.
The bento comprised of airy tempura, six California rolls, three pieces of salmon sashimi, and two buttery fillets of Salmon Teriyaki over rice. Sauces were kept in their original containers, unused for the duration of our meal, since wielding chopsticks with numb digits was tragic enough.

Three varieties occupied the Maki Set: Mango Salmon, Tuna, and Cheese Eel (charged at a $2 premium). Karaage with mayo dipping sauce rested atop.

​Minimal words were exchanged over the meal. Amidst the subzero mercury levels, we rummaged for disposable plates in the trunk, grabbed any items of interest, then proceeded to devour the buffet-style platter in a battle against the elements.

Dining conditions were less than enjoyable, yet there were no complaints to be extended towards the izakaya in terms of quality, value, or service. All of the items were scrumptious! From the charred skin of the sweet-and-savoury Salmon Teriyaki to the supple Karaage bites to the fresh slices of sashimi to the plump grains of sticky, short-grain rice, contentment was experienced all around.

​Following the chilly calamity, we decided against a detour through a drive-through attraction in Cambridge in favour of home. While traversing through Milton, elaborate flickering was spotted from the 401, as if to compensate our choice.

Steaming mugs of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows served to thaw our rigidity. And, once mobile again, my acquisitions of the day were admired - partially for their hue, mainly for their regional exclusivity.