Absolutely elated to display my newly-acquired UNIQLO cooler bag, I headed into the office the following day feeling a tad lightheaded - can you blame me? - yet nonetheless eager to share slices of Houjicha Tiramisu Cake.
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The bag would maintain an impressive coolness throughout the entire day, even without transferring the ice pack to a chilled environment.
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I was not alone in my sharing of homemade baked goods, for my coworker, another fellow baking enthusiast, had compiled a fresh loaf SK's Pumpkin Bread.
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Sprinkled with a cinnamon-sugar topping ensured a light crunchiness, while the body of the cake airy and crumb moist. The essence of pumpkin - or, butternut squash, rather - was muted in comparison to the included spice blend. That said, I enjoyed its fragrant, fluffy qualities alongside my morning java, and another in afternoon. Suffice to say, I couldn't resist taking three more pieces home for later munching.
As promised, I returned to Union Station for the second day of Next Stop: Japan.
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The primary purpose of the visit was to replenish my stash of Matsu Matcha, though I didn't hesitate to roam the grounds once more for any new vendors of interest. Gushi made a one-day appearance in the stall occupied by Zen previously. Meanwhile, my cooler bag was noted vanished from the UNIQLO merchandise table.
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Inspecting the signage placed throughout the space, I was informed that sake tasting at LCBO continued - but with a different selection of drinks in each slot!
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Excitedly heading down to the concourse level, I was graced with samples of Homare Aladdin Junmai and Homare Lychee Nigori. The former had earned itself quite a loyal following for its unique bottle design and hue, despite its hefty price tag. It was regrettable that, under the ̶e̶x̶c̶u̶s̶e̶ claim that supply was "running out" swiftly, only a meager portion had been supplied for sampling. Aladdin was smooth, exceptionally so, and deeply memorable.
I hesitated not in requesting a bit more of the Lychee Nigori from the younger member of staff, who echoed the older ladies' words regarding sake stock. This milkier rendition was too sweet for my liking, and further conjured unpleasant memories of their chunky Chocolate version.
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With the remaining half of lunch, I strode towards CIBC Square for a second look at the sparkly new extension.
With the remaining half of lunch, I strode towards CIBC Square for a second look at the sparkly new extension.
Contrary to my initial belief that the bus terminal had been decommissioned entirely, the incoming views of LED screens, clean tiling, and a spacious waiting area rectified these assumptions.
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I also learned of the facilities' new style of ATMs, which are slimmer and equipped with tap capabilities.
With new awareness that sake samples would continue after 4 PM, I hurriedly returned for a third round before boarding my train.
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The stall had been confronted with a short queue for Tamanohikari Omachi Junmai Daiginjo Sake, a noticeably potent concoction that instilled instant warmth in my body, and Mio, a beloved, refreshing classic likely constituting my favourite sparkling sake thus far.
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Time was limited, which meant I could no longer savour the aromas of sake leisurely. Downing the serving quickly, my throat was met with a sharp, burning sensation. Then, I grabbed a Mio pen and ran for the train, alcohol resounding through my veins.
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