I can count on one hand the number of times I've slept well in a hotel bed. In the past five years, it's been a maximum of once. Prince of Wales altered that record.
The room was cool and well-ventilated, unlike the one in Niagara Falls, though the thermostat was rather finnicky, and temperature/fan settings didn't seem to click. Being situated directly beneath the fan meant strong gusts throughout the night. That said, I didn't mind it one bit. After all, it's always better being colder than warmer. Moreover, the sheets were smooth and cottony - and surprisingly insulating!
I awoke just twice throughout the night, but fell back into slumber shortly afterwards. All was peace and quiet until around 6 AM, when the sleepy polar bear began shifting and exuding congestion-induced noises. The disruptions soon disappeared into the bathroom, then vanished altogether, reinstating the tranquil environment with which I was most acquainted.
The room was cool and well-ventilated, unlike the one in Niagara Falls, though the thermostat was rather finnicky, and temperature/fan settings didn't seem to click. Being situated directly beneath the fan meant strong gusts throughout the night. That said, I didn't mind it one bit. After all, it's always better being colder than warmer. Moreover, the sheets were smooth and cottony - and surprisingly insulating!
I awoke just twice throughout the night, but fell back into slumber shortly afterwards. All was peace and quiet until around 6 AM, when the sleepy polar bear began shifting and exuding congestion-induced noises. The disruptions soon disappeared into the bathroom, then vanished altogether, reinstating the tranquil environment with which I was most acquainted.
Around 8:30 AM, my alarm signified the need to rise. We would be required to assemble any belongings before the 11 AM check out time.
Excitedly making use of alone time in the suite, I zipped throughout the space without restraint. Also eager to try the Chromecast function the TV, I retrieved my breakfast from the mini fridge, powered on the machine, and navigated to channel 8, as the sleepy polar bear had noted. Alas, I was unable to connect, and settled for flipping through the shows while munching on Coffee Cake from Balzac's and Nitro Cold Brew from 416 Coffee Co. An incredulous amount of grease had seeped out from the slice onto the white paper bag it had been presented with, leading me to believe that it was excessively moist. <i> But it wasn't. </i> It was despicably dry and crumbly, with a friable glaze (identical to their Chocolate Banana Bread topping) instead of streusel. Frankly, the loaf had no place in our suite, nor my stomach. I depleted it nevertheless alongside a Nitro Cold Brew that fell inferior to their Americano sample.
Excitedly making use of alone time in the suite, I zipped throughout the space without restraint. Also eager to try the Chromecast function the TV, I retrieved my breakfast from the mini fridge, powered on the machine, and navigated to channel 8, as the sleepy polar bear had noted. Alas, I was unable to connect, and settled for flipping through the shows while munching on Coffee Cake from Balzac's and Nitro Cold Brew from 416 Coffee Co. An incredulous amount of grease had seeped out from the slice onto the white paper bag it had been presented with, leading me to believe that it was excessively moist. <i> But it wasn't. </i> It was despicably dry and crumbly, with a friable glaze (identical to their Chocolate Banana Bread topping) instead of streusel. Frankly, the loaf had no place in our suite, nor my stomach. I depleted it nevertheless alongside a Nitro Cold Brew that fell inferior to their Americano sample.
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The sleepy polar bear retuned upon receiving confirmation of my wakening. While I was unenthusiastic to truncate my limited alone time, the inevitable invasion assisted in clarifying the Chromecast channel - 80, instead of 8 - thus enabling me to continue packing procedures in the splendid accompaniment of GOT7.
Naturally, I couldn't resist slipping into one of the complimentary robes before departing. The floor-length getup was toasty, cozy, and astoundingly plush.
Naturally, I couldn't resist slipping into one of the complimentary robes before departing. The floor-length getup was toasty, cozy, and astoundingly plush.
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A bellboy was summoned for transport of o̶u̶r̶ my many bags, against the sleepy polar bear's mingy wishes. Charges were due upon checkout. Having not requested a breakdown of the costs, the sleepy polar bear only later realized overcharge of our Noble meal. Thankfully, a speedy email turnaround ensured rectification of the costs in less than one business day.
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I insisted on capturing series of photos from the hotel's side and rear entrances. The former featured a a fountain and distinctly yellow pedestrian covering to the adjacent building, while the latter an unobstructed view of British Canadian timelessness.
And then we were off, driving along serene pathways of slick asphalt towards Jordan.
Ever since our previous unplanned visit to Inn on the Twenty, I had proposed a subsequent trip at a later point in time. The pre-hiking meal had prevented me from indulging in a wine flight, as the surrounding diners had. Moreover, the chosen ensemble had been unseemly for the occasion: while I had dressed in Dri-Fit gear and muddy hiking shoes, others donned blazers and floral blouses for leisurely Sunday brunch.
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This time around, the dining floor was essentially empty. We were guided to the same table by the window, for outdoor seating was unavailable amidst the dreary climate conditions.
Our server was believed to be the same: an older lady who wasn't quite accustomed to constant photo-taking and radiated an attitude conjuring feelings of awkwardness and uneasiness in the guests before her. Perhaps the second observation had confirmed the likeliness, for it was the exact feeling I had experienced before.
Our server was believed to be the same: an older lady who wasn't quite accustomed to constant photo-taking and radiated an attitude conjuring feelings of awkwardness and uneasiness in the guests before her. Perhaps the second observation had confirmed the likeliness, for it was the exact feeling I had experienced before.
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The most memorable aspect of last year's visit had been the restaurant's starter bread, namely the focaccia. Two slices each of housemade sourdough and the coveted focaccia were delivered to our table after placing our orders. In contrast to Noble, the butter was merely served as a knob - visual appeal had been reduced, though it served its purpose either way.
Unfortunately, I was informed that these delicacies were not for retail and could only be sampled if dining in.
Unfortunately, I was informed that these delicacies were not for retail and could only be sampled if dining in.
At seeing the omission of a wine flight from the drink menu, I posed my brimming query to our waitress. She responded with a look of surprise, then explained that the image in mind may have been sourced from Cave Spring Winery's Tasting Room next door. Connected but merely separated by a partition, the neighbouring space was apparently associated with the winery and offered a different menu altogether.
To appease my disappointment, the waitress headed towards the back, communicating that she "would see what can be done". She returned to deliver splendid news: a faux flight could be assembled for my sampling. A customized selection of four could be obtained for the customary price of one full glass. She warned that the glasses wouldn't be presented on a wooden plate, but in individual, full-sized drinking devices instead. Nodding my head excitedly, the option was accepted with glee.
To appease my disappointment, the waitress headed towards the back, communicating that she "would see what can be done". She returned to deliver splendid news: a faux flight could be assembled for my sampling. A customized selection of four could be obtained for the customary price of one full glass. She warned that the glasses wouldn't be presented on a wooden plate, but in individual, full-sized drinking devices instead. Nodding my head excitedly, the option was accepted with glee.
The following picks were plucked off the wine list, totalling just fourteen dollars for the entire spread:
As with chef's choice nigiri platters, it was recommend to commence tasting from the mildest option. The Dolomite Brut wasn't as sparkling as I had anticipated, neither the Rosé as potent as desired. The Pinot Gris was also relatively bland. Despite being relatively red wine-averse, I declared the Cabernet Franc my prime choice of the day, for it was but the only variation bearing a nuanced profile.
- Cave Spring - Dolomite Brut (Sparkling)
- Cave Spring - Rosé
- Cave Spring - Pinot Gris (White)
- Cave Spring - Cabernet Franc (Red)
As with chef's choice nigiri platters, it was recommend to commence tasting from the mildest option. The Dolomite Brut wasn't as sparkling as I had anticipated, neither the Rosé as potent as desired. The Pinot Gris was also relatively bland. Despite being relatively red wine-averse, I declared the Cabernet Franc my prime choice of the day, for it was but the only variation bearing a nuanced profile.
In review of the menu, the sleepy polar bear, while partially reminiscing about the previous night's supper and partially complaining (as sleepy polar bears frequently do), pointed out that the implied scarcity of the portion sizes. The Duck Prosciutto emerged as an item of interest, though was advised by our waitress to be an appetizer. I voted in favour of the dish's unique elements, despite the skepticism received from across the table.
The dish would emerge on a speckled ceramic plate in a manner suggesting minimalism. Six slices of duck prosciutto were arranged at the centre, with a swipe of creamy mascarpone, sliced radishes, and heaping mound of baby arugula arranged on its sides. Salad dressing, as per my request, had been placed on the side in a small beaker.
Although nicely cured, the maroon-tinted slices did not taste remotely duck-ish. Orange zest-infused mascarpone contributed a contrasting zesty touch to the savoury slivers, proving itself superior to crème fraîche due to its more solid nature, but milder than cream cheese with a boost in silkiness. Plenty of arugula ensured proper intake of greens. Oil-based was the dressing, consequently making it too greasy for my liking.
The dish would emerge on a speckled ceramic plate in a manner suggesting minimalism. Six slices of duck prosciutto were arranged at the centre, with a swipe of creamy mascarpone, sliced radishes, and heaping mound of baby arugula arranged on its sides. Salad dressing, as per my request, had been placed on the side in a small beaker.
Although nicely cured, the maroon-tinted slices did not taste remotely duck-ish. Orange zest-infused mascarpone contributed a contrasting zesty touch to the savoury slivers, proving itself superior to crème fraîche due to its more solid nature, but milder than cream cheese with a boost in silkiness. Plenty of arugula ensured proper intake of greens. Oil-based was the dressing, consequently making it too greasy for my liking.
Naturally, the sleepy polar bear would be filled with gripes and grunts, even accusing the kitchen of plucking leaves from the shrubbery beyond our window for guest consumption. I could only chuckle at the declaration, for there was some correlation between the price paid and quantity/quality received.
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My entrée decision would lie with the Scotch Egg for its constituents of pork sausage and soft-boiled egg. The selection was formidably crunchy with gratifying breading and supple, juicy pork sausage. The yolk, perfectly golden and gooey, had been cooked to delectable lusciousness - an exemplary soft-boiled egg neither runny like sunny side-up, yet neither completely solidified. The accompanying dressing was tangy and quite delicious. Also adorning the platter was softened fennel and grain mustard for a satisfying texture.
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A subsequent order of the Twenty Valley Burger was inputted following depletion of the Duck Prosciutto. The burger was decent, but likely earning fewer compliments than Prime Angus Beef Fire Grilled Burger from Buchanans. I appreciated the inclusion of butter lettuce, a more tender take than the standard iceberg style.
The fries were great when fresh and dipped in ketchup, its skin-on edges supplying a toothsome texture. (Sadly, they could not be revived when retoasting for later consumption.) Onion rings topping the patty were too thick. Its batter than did not seem to cling. The puffy specimens led me to recall preference for Harvey's budget edition, though the fast food chain's were greasier with less volume.
The fries were great when fresh and dipped in ketchup, its skin-on edges supplying a toothsome texture. (Sadly, they could not be revived when retoasting for later consumption.) Onion rings topping the patty were too thick. Its batter than did not seem to cling. The puffy specimens led me to recall preference for Harvey's budget edition, though the fast food chain's were greasier with less volume.
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The dessert menu failed to inspire any curiosity, with the sleepy polar bear's inclinations differing drastically from my own. We decided against procurement of sweet treats and took to exploring Cave Spring Winery next door instead.
Fitted with communal tables and many flight trays, we'd now know where the magic happens for any prospective future trips.
Fitted with communal tables and many flight trays, we'd now know where the magic happens for any prospective future trips.
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Greyness had been overtaken by sunny, blue skies when we exited back onto Main Street.
Before departing the area, I trekked over to Inn on the Twenty, the destination that had assumed my first choice for accommodations. A gravel porch and tranquil spa area welcomed us inward. The facilities appeared to be the ideal overnight retreat for wellness and recovery, however paled in comparison to NOTL and Price of Wales for entertainment and walkability elements. My once-second choice was viewed in a distinctly different light.
Before departing the area, I trekked over to Inn on the Twenty, the destination that had assumed my first choice for accommodations. A gravel porch and tranquil spa area welcomed us inward. The facilities appeared to be the ideal overnight retreat for wellness and recovery, however paled in comparison to NOTL and Price of Wales for entertainment and walkability elements. My once-second choice was viewed in a distinctly different light.
We paid a visit to RPM Bakehouse, which had been shuttered on short notice during our winter stay.
Within the establishment was beer, wine, coffee, a limited assortment of baked goods, and a handful of café meal items - two of which had already sold out for the day.
Admittedly, the scene was less attractive than anticipated. Its bustling interior had also steered us away from the order counter. RPM's individual washroom stalls were visited, then we set off once again.
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Concluding the day was a visit to Gong Cha - my proposal, clearly.
Along the way back, we discussed lessons learned and goals for future trips. First and foremost was the importance of maintaining one's health, for the instability translates to lowered energy levels and inconveniences posed towards others. We also concluded Prince of Wales to be a truly exceptional experience, whether in terms of staying, dining, or exploring. Service and sustenance had been spectacular - flawless even!
Along the way back, we discussed lessons learned and goals for future trips. First and foremost was the importance of maintaining one's health, for the instability translates to lowered energy levels and inconveniences posed towards others. We also concluded Prince of Wales to be a truly exceptional experience, whether in terms of staying, dining, or exploring. Service and sustenance had been spectacular - flawless even!
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A Dolce Coffee Smoothie with Grass Jelly and Mango Jewellery Smoothie were obtained. The latter was presented in a paper cup, its contents too sweet and milky for my liking.
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Back home, I would hurriedly undertake a round of laundry operations. Then, a distorted Chocolate Cherry Tart would be devoured after dinner. Against my better decision, the takeout boxes had been stored in the passenger compartment of a vehicle for at least two hours in the sun. Alas, the vegan properties of the dessert gave me peace of mind.
The Summer Lovin' package had entailed a bottle of Jack Rabbit for my enjoyment. At first, the wine wasn't received very well. It was stronger than Strawberry Fields, but was very much an acquired taste for its reduction of sweetness.
That said, its clean, refined taste grew addictive with successive sips. The formula was neither excessively dry nor juicy, and paired well with food that wasn't overly flavourful. Stepping foot into the wondrous realm of wine enabled me to see why white wine paired best with delicate profiles and seafood: the elements would be complementary, rather than becoming overwhelmed.
That said, its clean, refined taste grew addictive with successive sips. The formula was neither excessively dry nor juicy, and paired well with food that wasn't overly flavourful. Stepping foot into the wondrous realm of wine enabled me to see why white wine paired best with delicate profiles and seafood: the elements would be complementary, rather than becoming overwhelmed.
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