Out & About #839 | ROM After Dark + P1Harmony

Long ago did I request my 48-hour mid-week leave. Emails were monitored occasionally during this period, with Thursday evening revealing a 9:30 AM meeting for discussions that would likely bleed into lunchtime.

I slept fitfully the night prior, following a relatively early return from Junny's marvelous performance. An early awakening enabled construction of Marbled Banana Bread. 

For once, I had executed the recipe perfectly, inclusive of the confusing and particular flour-folding procedure! Immediate worries were extended to the repetitive mixing process, for gluten formation was the last element I would hope for.

​The loaf emerged delicious, sturdier than the six (or seven) banana edition with distinctive, cozy spices and irrefutable chocolatey-ness.

​Quarrels over banana consumption and storage delayed final inputs into a work writeup, therefore also impacting my scheduled departure. The sleepy polar bear was advised to acquire a Vietnamese Ice Coffee (V2) from Yum's Kitchen in the interim. At 2:20 PM, we made our way downtown, energized by the potency of the drink.

The last trip to the ROM, beyond school field trips, had been undertaken in 2016 while maximizing a student discount.

Having verified the museum's operating hours in advance, we made a quick round through the gift shop first, as it would be the first attraction, if I may denote it as such, to shutter at 4 PM.

​A queue had already begun to form outside the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal at this point. We paid it little attention, for the objective of the trip had been to maximize our ROM After Dark tickets for exploration of the first and second floors along with admission to the event.

As we approached the front counter, however, we were informed by staff that ROM After Dark tickets would only be valid starting at 5:30 PM. At that point, they had confirmed, we would be permitted to enter the premises to view the exhibits.

​Acknowledging the information, we proceeded to explore Yorkville instead.

Leading the way, I naturally adopted the role of a tour guide. Strolling through different sections of the neighbourhood, I pointed towards the former space of Kit and Ace and persisting coordinates of Sorry Coffee, where I vividly recalled dallying before a hazy Kinka dinner at the bar.

​The interlock along Yorkville Avenue remains in sound condition. Unfamiliar retail and restaurant names came into view. Lured by free people's mannequin display, I suggested venturing within to explore. Trends depicting Western vibes (overalls, fringe jackets, Sherpa leather bomber, off-white crochet tops) were spotted, along with mid-2000s - 2006 to be specific!- trends of micro pleated skirts and thin scarves worn as belts, scarves, or hair accessories. (Mind you, I held onto one warm-toned and one cool-toned scarf from Stitches before eventually placing them into the donation pile.)

Nearing 5 PM, we decided on sustenance. Soliciting input from the cashier at free people, we were told: "Whole Foods is my go-to", eliciting a skeptical chuckle from us both. Seeing our lacklustre response, she followed up with "Sushi is never a bad option."

One of Kibo's fancier options resided in the area, which we began to investigate further on Google Maps. The upper floor was named "Secret Garden", while the lower level dedicated to Omakase.

​We were seated within without a wait, which was expected given the early hour. Interior furnishings emitted a modern, sophisticated aura, though closer inspection would reveal stickiness and stained menus. The dining floor was rather compact, with several booths positioned just behind the hostess counter and bar seating before an open sushi/sashimi preparation space. Bathrooms were located at the back in the form of individual stalls, similar to JaBistro. They were spotless, much to my relief, and boasted robust facilities (read: no garbage lid inconveniences or flushing issues).

​Shared amongst us were the Squid Karaage and the Secret Sushi set. Frankly, it took quite a bit of effort to obtain recommendations from our waitress. From differentiating the standard Kibo selection from the Secret Garden outpost to ranking sake profiles, she proceeded to dodge inquiries requesting her personal feedback, and instead structured her answers to reflect the opinions of other diners.

​Single portions of Miso Soup and Salad were included as part of the Secret Sushi set. Extremely savoury was the Miso Soup, though fragrant with its addition of shaved scallions and toothsome with bits of fried tofu. The salad bore an excessive amount of dressing, so much that even the sleepy polar bear was appalled at the sight. The gritty ponzu formula was smeared away to the best of my abilities such that the underlying greens could be sampled. Efforts were essentially in vain, however, for each layer of salad had been dressed far too thoroughly.

​The Squid Karaage was deemed passable, with a batter of tempura thickness but KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) texture. Two wedges of lemon, sliced radish, an oil-dressed salad, and a tartart sauce-like condiment accompanied the appetizer. The rings were crunchy, albeit greasy, and not exactly memorable.

​I earnestly proposed the Flavoured Sake Flight, but was denied on the basis that its price could supply an additional platter of maki rolls. Shifting towards the Tsukasabotan Yuzu instead, I flagged the waitress once more to request the 3 oz. glass, against the desires of the sleepy polar bear. "It'll be on my tab." I declared, unwillingly to forego the opportunity.

The specimen emerged a pale, translucent yellow. Refreshing and sweet I had perceived it, though "sanitizer-like" was the commentary received from the non-drinker (non-alcohol appreciator).

The Secret Sushi set was the last to arrive. Amongst the Chef's Choice selection were:

• Sea Bass
• Albacore Tuna
• Amberjack
• Salmon
• Red Seabream
• Yellowtail
• Bluefin Tuna
• Black Seabream

not arranged in order in fattiness. The pieces had been garnished beautifully, though exhibited vastly similar properties. Beyond the Salmon and Bluefin Tuna, most resided on the lean side of the spectrum. Across from me, the sleepy polar bear waited patiently for me to gnaw away half of each nigiri before comedically taking to the leftover portion with a mild look of disdain, understandably. (Should we have asked for a knife? Would it have been a disgrace to slice?)

​The Salmon Avo Rolls displayed non-uniform distribution of avocado and salmon. Throughout the eight pieces, there was consistency maintained in the outer layer of rice. Portioning of its consistuents were less standardized, with the sleepy polar bear complaining about an overpowering sensation of avocado. In contrast, I quite enjoyed the buttery, just-ripe chunks, in which I don't frequently find much pleasure as they tend to be spotted, brown, and mushy.

​Nearing 5:30 PM, we began to hurry out of the establishment. Amidst the rush, I didn't end up relinquishing funds for my alcoholic purchase.

​Back at the ROM, the doors remained closed. The lineup had extended to the edge of the building, nearing the intersection of Bloor and Queens Park. There were no attendants available for information by the door. The scene had differed from the 5:30 PM re-entry we had been promised. Calling the help desk did provide assistance either, for attendants had ceased responses after the museum's standard operating hours.

We were left to continue waiting outside, until the 7:30 PM mark, when security commenced verification of age (as ROM After Dark was a 19+ event) and bag screening.

Within this period, fellow fans exchanged concert recaps. The Thai ahgase had joined us around the 6PM, after receiving notification of a complimentary ticket from one of my KCON and Kpop North connections.

​At long last, we were permitted within. Countless fans rushed towards the stage to secure a spot for viewing P1Harmony's performance. Our group maneuvered slower in contrast, scanning the Chung Chun Rice Dog stall and visiting the bathrooms before eventually making it back to the crowd.

Three dance performances preceded P1Harmony's entry onto the stage. In this time, I, slowly but surely, found my way up against the barrier, securing my view for their short-lived show.

​Between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM, P1Harmony performed a total of four songs: Black Hole, Do It Like This, If You Call Me, and 둠두둠 (Doom Du Doom).

View the full album HERE !

​The atmosphere was quite uncharacteristic of the ROM's normal vibe, which once again prompted the question: "Why didn't they just hold a proper concert?"

Be it vocals, dance, or rap, the boys lived up to every ounce of expectation I had garnered from their online presence. And yes, Intak is still my favourite. (Even the Thai ahgase acknowledged his resemblance to Jinyoung!)

​At 9 PM, following a brief fantalk, the boys retreated backstage. It was at their departure that we learned of a second set of songs would take place one hour later. With aching feet and lack of patience for the shortie elbowing my ribs, I surrendered my spot in front row.

We proceeded up towards the second floor, where a pajeon stand was positioned before the fossil exhibit. The small trays could be acquired with "ROM Bucks", the event's exclusive credits. Inching closer, we found a karaoke booth. Nearby was a temporary station for alcohol distribution, and beside a series of backless stools. The Thai ahgase and I found solace here, while the sleepy polar commenced solo explorations, albeit grudgingly.

​Dawn of Life had been the singular exhibit piquing my interest. A recent addition to the second floor, we found displays of sea creatures and their past within this room. By its entrance was another temporary food station, this one retailing tacos and attracting another lineup. Across was another group of attendees, queued for the donning of hanbok and photobooth services. It was odd to find the non-food installations directly before the exhibit's contents, but even stranger to observe visitors sitting, dining, and walking about with unsealed drinks.

​Off-putting was the presence of food stalls before the museum displays. The event-specific additions distracted from the overall exhibit, permeating the setting with night market smells, the presence of alcohol (and potential spillage), and random crowds/lineups. It felt as if the carefully curated educational content was being used as a backdrop for a social event, downgrading the integrity of the museum.

​Paths were crossed with another familiar face while halfway through Dawn of Life. Shortly afterwards, we proceeded back downstairs for the second half of performances.

This time, we found ourselves towards the back, barely able to catch a glimpse behind the wall of raised phones.

​Pyramid, Follow Me, and Reset were performed in the second half. 

​Ending ments were delivered, and the boys exited the stage, thanking the Toronto audience for their energy. (But really, they should just hold a proper concert.)

​Back up the stairs we traversed. The sleepy polar bear and the Thai ahgase rested on nearby seating, while I continued to walk the rest of the exhibit, now empty due to the conclusion of the mini concert.

​At the late hour of 10:39 PM, most eateries of interest had completed operations for the day. Owl of Minerva and WVRST were hardly my idea of a good time, thus were met with looks of aversion. As fatigue and aching feet caught up to me, I refused further perusal of the exhibits.

​We retreated to the vehicle, then slowly navigated out of the underground lot. Parking for the day totalled $24, which was still mroe economic than two GO Train fares.