Out & About #795 | Revisiting Jatujak + Shops at Don Mills

As my Sundays often start, I prepared for my weekly drive to York Mills for pilates. The only difference was that, this time, I would be joined by the sleepy polar bear, whom I had convinced to join with the promise of enhanced body awareness and improved alignment. Traffic was incredibly light once again, leading us to arrive at the 37-minute mark despite leaving later than I would have liked.

I maneuvered to the class floor at the clock neared 11 AM, while the sleepy polar bear completed preparations for a private introductory session. Joining me was a familiar face known for both a strong physique and persona. In combination with weight training, my neighbour had adopted pilates into her workout regime. It hadn't taken long to observe her push-pull tendencies nor to establish a sense of respect for dabbling in and committing to more than one form of exercise. To my right was a participant I had seen only a handful of times, whose minimal appearances garnered additional form reminders from the instructor.

​We commenced with the Cardio-Tramp once again, though the series was adjusted to include heel taps (x3) in a turnout position and flutters (x2). Incorporating the flexed position of the pilates stance (with a foam roller placed horizontally behind the shoulder blades) into the warm-up contributed another level of difficulty. The stopper and gear bar were adjusted several times during the session, with a different configuration for the bodybuilder-in-the-making.
Once the trampoline contraption had been removed from the Reformer and the footbar reinstated to the highest position, core activation would be commanded. Toe dips in tabletop position were executed while switching between the imprint and neutral positions. Throughout the series, the conscious decision would be made to keep the ribs tucked and pressed into the Carriage "mat" while maintaining a slight curve in the low back via an anterior pelvic tilt. Single leg toe dips evolved into double leg toe dips; eventually, we graduated to a double leg lift. With straight legs and pointed toes, the legs would be lowered down "as far as we could hold" before returning to the starting position. In order to sustain proper form, I opted to reduce my range of motion, only to have the instructor bring my legs further down with the remark of "I think you can go lower since you are strong.". I winced and responded with chuckle, giddy at the compliment but fearful of the unspoken rep count. Oblique-targeting moves were omitted this time around.

​Proceeding onto the upper body with the Reformer Box in the Long Box position, we executed a number of pullbacks and tricep extensions with the hands woven through the hand straps. The final pullback involved crossing the hand straps to form an X, operating in a nearly identical fashion to the rehab pullbacks I often engage in while in mindless spectator mode. "Your back got stronger!" I was told. Admittedly, the exercises had felt less daunting than before. My movements were, dare I say, more fluid than before, but instability and weakness can be seen in the left shoulder nonetheless.

I was spared from resistance band-ed glute bridges this time around. Instead, the gluteus medius would be targeted by standing atop the Reformer and platform extender in a hinge position. Pushing the Carriage out while keeping the standing leg centred on the platform extender was intended to work both hips. Regardless of which leg assumed the fixed position, tension was experienced on the right side only. These concerns were vocalized to the instructor, who then proceeded to inform me of noticeable weakness in the left hip and glute, and that I ought be conducting these exercises on the left side only to build symmetry.

I've learned a significant amount about my body since starting pilates, yet it remains astounding how much more I am discovering with each visit to the studio. Over the past few classes, insight has been shed on:

• Trunk rotation to the right (combat by twisting to the left slightly)
• Forward rotation of the right pelvis
• Noticeable weakness and poor activation of the left hip/glute, consequently contributing to a visually smaller left hip
• Tendency for hyperextension of wrists

Lunch took the form of Thai cuisine, an unfortunate rarity in our neighbourhood despite Mississauga's multiculturalism. I proposed revisiting Jatujak, for it was close and, frankly, I missed it.

​Standing strong for over four years, the interior was just as I had remembered it. The same would apply to its tiny parking, which was just as narrow and chaotic, though thankfully easier to secure a spot this time around.

View the full album HERE !

The meal would welcome a locktop glass bottle of water, white ceramic sharing bowls and a vibrant Thai Iced Tea. A few ice cubes resided at its surface; its post-mixing profile offered a soothing sweetness that would pair well with curries and spicy-savoury dishes.

I suggested my go-to of Tom Kha with Chicken and an order of Coconut Rice in accompaniment. The broth was slightly tangy and velvety with inclusion with coconut milk. Its base was savoury, yet remained refreshing with prominent accents of lemongrass and crunchy strips of half-cooked onion.

​The Gaeng masaman with Beef was also chosen for sharing. Similar to Isaan Der, the potatoes had been sliced to reveal scalloped ridges on the outer edge. That said, there were comparatively larager than the sweet potato chunks observed in the Yonge-Eglinton eatery. Spice levels could not be adjusted, and even the mildest level of curry (one chili pepper icon) proved too fiery for my tastebuds. My preference lay with Isaan Der's entirely mild variation, along with their impeccably tender braised beef. Jatujak's edition had included a larger quantity of meat, though the chunks were comparatively tougher, emitting an unnerving "蘇味" - the unpleasant meaty smell associated with cuts of old cattle.

​All curries were noted to come with complimentary steamed rice, yet our bill informed otherwise when the period of payment befell on me. A four-dollar substitution fee for swapping Steamed Rice for Coconut Rice and additional four dollars for a standalone Steamed Rice had been tacked on. Shocked, I inquired the reason behind this charge, when I had specifically requested a side order of Coconut Rice. Thus, the bill was revised to exclude the Steamed Rice as part of the Gaeng masaman and include a standalone Coconut Rice for $4.25. 

​The stairwell to basement-level washroom facilities was steep, with the corridor reeking intensely of sewer. Interestingly, I did not cross paths with anyone in the women's stall, in spite of the ground-level diner volume. The facility offered a total of two stalls and a distinct eerieness.

Our next stop was OOMOMO. Introduced as an elevated rendition of Dollarama under Japanese influence, I excitedly perused the aisles for new baking gear, foldable slippers, and other household items while the sleepy polar silently prodded about the snacks aisle. I joined later, staring at the unexcepted assortment of matcha and instant coffee mixes. Mind you, I bought none, as a recent lack of matcha creations has left me with more than sufficient T&T stock in inventory.

Towards the mid-afternoon, we found ourselves braving biting gusts and wintry flurries at Shops at Don Mills. The outdoor retail experience was admittedly less enjoyable in consideration of the unfavourable forecast, though we managed to slip in and out of any stores of interest without much damage to the extremities.

Bracelet options were perused at Pandora (my first time in the store!) and Swarovski. Then ensued brief trips through Aritzia and Lindt, the latter potentially being the most well-stocked location witnessed in recent excursions. ​The truffle selection spanned the classic assortment of Milk and Dark and also introduced feature flavours of  Mango & Cream, Salted Caramel, and Dulce de Leche. Furthermore, it was home to the broadest array of couverture by far!
Also seen were hot chocolate and coffee machines for brewed-to-order drinks and a soft serve station that was presumably functional in the warmer months.

​Concluding the day's activities was a stopover at the Starbucks Reserve Bar.

Seating within was nonexistent - long occupied by shoppers looking to escape the chilly climate in favour of cozy cups of coffee. We - or rather, I - took to a Hazelnut Bianco Latte through the franchise's mobile ordering system. Orders were called out by name and distributed across two silicon mats upon completion. A closer look revealed the orders to be categorized by name: A to M on the left, and N to Z on the right.

A second trip was made for the acquisition of banana bread - a sudden, severe yearning for a comforting slice of sustenance. As I forked my way through the four-dollar specimen, I was reminded of my own creations. Starbucks' version was honestly quite decent, but depth was blurred between the edges and centre. While I pondered about SK's ultimate banana bread and the crunchy surface and plush interior of my past projects, the desire to craft again became all too clear.

​We then ventured back to the west side of the GTA, warming up to a supper of shredded chicken, broccoli, and pan-fried boneless chicken cutlet.