Out & About #893 | Revisiting Cafe de Hong Kong

​More than the broadly advocated sense of fear, I find transitions to be annoying. Tedious yet stressful, like housework with a deadline.

Beyond transferring work responsibilities are arrangements that need to take place in the personal realm. I wouldn't be able to relish in the luxury of COVID carryover vacation days any longer, nor wield my massage and paramedical benefits at will.
In true me nature, I repurposed my limited days off to maximize these pre-existing benefits. The first appointment led me to Markham, which enabled lunch in the vicinity.

Revisiting Cafe de Hong Kong on a weekday morning had its perks. Despite the waitlist informing of a supposed 48 minute-plus wait, we were seated exceptionally quickly. The line that had once filled the waiting area had also dissipated in under twenty minutes.

The same crew from the weekend shift was present, and possibly a few more members of staff. Similar observations were mad as the previous visit: courteous, speedy staff, a constant inward flow of customers, clean menus and tables, and well-kept bathroom facilities. Weekday afternoon crowds comprised mainly of mother-child duos and groups of elderly, supplemented by a few badge-donning office workers on lunch break.

View the full album HERE !

​Looking to revisit the splendid egg scramble from my first visit, I initially decided on 214 Thick Egg Sandwich, requesting for the addition of SPAM due to the order's innately vegetarian properties. The waitress, however, pointed out that the option underneath already included a choice of ham or SPAM, and was merely a loonie more. My only concern was that the egg wouldn't be "thick" and runny. However, the reveal was, ultimately, more than satisfactory.

The Luncheon Meat & Egg Sandwich (#215) was sublime: the eatery's signature runny egg was present, oozing with golden goodness. Three pieces of SPAM, each roughly 1 cm in thickness, were nestled within; the luncheon meat slices were toasted, but not charred. Lightly toasted, crustless white bread served to bind the constituents in a neat package, its undersides thoroughly permeated with the eggy glory.

​I had taken to the Iced HK Milk Tea with Ding Ding Candy once more. Admittedly, it was sweeter than preferred, but nonetheless enjoyable. The beverage comprised of a base of silky, flavourful milk tea, while crunchy honeycomb candy pieces contrasted with a dose of nuttiness. I will declare, however, that the typically caramel-toned notes of dalgona were not observed in the Ding Ding candy. The Korean street candy possesses a near-burnt taste with greater volume, while the HK version is decidedly denser with clearly defined layers.

Across from me was the Signature Hainanese Chicken Rice (#301), a dish of well-seasoned rice, glossy-skinned chicken, and ginger-infused oil for dipping.

Accompanying the spread were two slices of cucumber and a condiment trio of salted turnip, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Instead of the traditionally clear broth was a translucent one; positively brimming with monosodium glutamate - as the Satay Vermicelli broth has also been - it was nowhere near as appealing as Prata Man's had been. In general, I'd declare dismissal Cafe de Hong Kong's broths on the basis of synthetic, sodium-laden enhancers. Their solid features are much better in comparison.

​I wanted to steer clear of fryer grease while still tending to a craving for something crunchy and fragrant. Opting against 204 Fried Chicken Leg with Fries, I took to the image directly above. Even from its name, 210 Salted Egg Yolk Fried Corn in Garlic Salt & Pepper was an unconventional side. Instead of being deep fried, cobs were cut lengthwise, segmented, then either baked or roasted (I couldn't quite tell). Seasonings included a very saturated, orange egg yolk crumble, lightly garlic-y blend, and a gentle dusting of parsley to finish. Frankly, notes of salted egg yolk weren't discernible at first bite, nor were the seasonings distinct enough to be identified individually, but the blend was adequate without unwarranted msg.

​Flavourful, sweet kernels had succeeded in filling the void, granting gratification without excess grease. Given that the half - quarter? - cobs were consumed in conjunction with the Luncheon Meat & Egg Sandwich, I could only handle two pieces before becoming extremely full. The remaining six to seven segments were taken home and enjoyed thoroughly after toaster oven exposure.

An Iced Coffee was appended some short while after arrival of the food items. The contents of glass was characterized with a watery profile, acidic aftertaste, and plenty of ice, in an apparent HK café style. Having expected the eatery's coffee be as potent as their milk tea, I was admittedly taken back. The drink was, personally, too bland and the acidic notes too sour.

​Prior to departing, I requested an Iced HK Milk Tea to go.
"Sure thing!" The balayage bob-donning staff member responded eagerly, "Would you like it less sweet?"
What a great suggestion! I thought, and confirmed immediately. I had never known it was possible to customize beverages in a HK café setting. Furthermore, I was impressed with the reply, for I wondered whether she had overheard my moderate complaints about the Ding Ding Candy version and proposed accordingly. Regardless, the speed and attentiveness we received throughout the meal was impeccable.

The remainder of our northeast GTA trip continued with a stopover at Lucullus. At the Richmond Hill location, there was a greater assortment on display; several were observed to be priced more economically than their North York outpost:

• The Black Sesame Mochi was $3.75 instead of $4.75; though
• The Butter Cream & Marmalade Chiffon Cake was $3.95 (consistent)

​Mini Cupcakes were a hefty $4.75 per package. The bite-sized creations were plush and buttery, yet drier than Akko's had ever been in my recollection.

​A few doors down from the Chinese bakery was One's Better Living, a franchise that oddly accepts all payment forms with the exception of Visa credit (debit and Mastercard credit are fine). A monkey magnet with bendable legs supposedly capable of hanging items of 250 g or less constituted my sole purchase.

​When Google Maps led me along Hwy 7 for the return trip, I missed my left turn for the 427. Continuing into Vaughan, I detoured slightly north to check out Bartholomew Bakery, seeing as a former coworker had constantly advertised their fabulous sourdough loaves.

​Alas, our 2 PM-ish arrival was met with little to no array of freshly baked goods. Neither in the mood for more De Mello or pies to be baked at home, we departed from the teensy plaza empty-handed.

Some forty-plus minutes later, we crossed back into the familiar territory. Back home, I unveiled a never-before-seen jar of brandy-blended umeshu and six cans of Singha, which I had delightfully scooped up at first sight. Six-pack carrier cases of the dark glass bottles had been delisted from LCBO some while back, making me even more appreciative of its return.

The evening concluded with udon, kale, and a buttery fillet of Soy Sauce Steamed Salmon.