Out & About 954 | Eaton Pre-Black Friday Shopping + The Distillery Winter Village 2023

I was originally under the impression that this year's Distillery Winter Village would be entirely ticketed. This meant that the "free slots" of the previous years had been eliminated entirely, which wouldn't surprise me in the slightest given the recent expense surge across all industries. The website steered visitors towards the admission options, though it was later discovered that off-peak periods still remained admission-free:

• Monday to Thursday before December 17th
• Friday to Sunday before 4 PM, until December 17th
• Monday to Thursday before 4 PM, after December 17th

Actively avoiding the chaos of last year's Tree Lighting Ceremony, I proposed venturing towards the cobblestone corridors following one of my in-office days.

​I slept fitfully, lying conscious in bed for at least two hours before falling and out of restless slumber and awaking nearly once every hour. A somber, all-black ensemble would depict my internal state, while a cozy Christmas vest assuaged feelings of sleep-deprived irritation.

There is also an indescribable influence induced by twinkly holiday décor. Union Station's York Concourse was embellished lavishly with sparkly LED pillars and wreaths nestled between the train departure boards. Meanwhile, Nathan Phillips Square was also observed to be testing their b̶u̶d̶g̶e̶t̶ illuminations in preparation for the Calcavade of Lights.

​Upon arriving at the office, my coworker, a fellow baking enthusiast, entrusted me with a mini loaf of Pumpkin Bread. Her beaming expression told all: the exclusive portion was moist, flavourful, and bore the crunchiest turbinado topping to ever grace mankind. It was unthinkable that she had utilized the exact recipe as before, yet results proved dramatically different with just a few minor adjustments.

I was informed that the pumpkin purée had been cooked with crushed cardamom this time (as opposed to keeping the spices whole), that the topping eliminated cinnamon and swapped out granulated sugar for turbinado, and that the cake had rested at room temperature for one day being before wrapped and delivered to my desk in a ribbon-secured parchment package.

A few slices were devoured on the first day, with the remainder rapidly vanishing with the next thirty-six hours.​

Lunchtime saw continued exploration of office buildings in the vicinity. More sparkly orbs, wreaths, and artificial pines were spotted while en route to the Eaton Centre via the PATH.

Having usually taken to outdoor navigation, there was little familiarity with navigating through Hudson Bay and Pusateri's. Nevertheless, I found my way by adhering signage and taking note of festive installations along the way.

The sighting of my colourful dog print tote bag from Thornbury had me bewildered. Staff from the BIA boutique had marketed the bag as a rare item, however the quantity and design varieties adorning the shelf before me spoke otherwise. Admittedly, I was slightly disappointed at the absence of a price tag for comparison.

Eventually, the overpass to the Eaton Centre was located on the second floor, connecting Saks Fifth Avenue and the Queen Street exit.

The primary purpose of the jacket-less visit was to confirm the scope of Black Friday promotions, whether they be termed "pre-Black Friday" or "Black Friday Week", and invest accordingly in items of desire/necessity.

Miniso was found to be relatively devoid of sales, in spite of their earlier e-newsletter communications. (I did, however, spot a number of Snoopy-themed merchandise and Santa hat-donning Mikes.) The same commentary could be extended towards Läderach, whose staff apologetically relayed that the Swiss chocolate shop did not participate in such events.

Tim Hortons' fervent advertising of their Tims Financial Mastercard has spread beyond GO train platforms into the Eaton Centre. I approached the booth to inquire, "How do I spin the wheel?" but was presented with more information than requested.
"Do you like Tim Hortons?" one of the booth attendees began.
"Sure?" I responded, blandly, before reiterating the request at hand. "How do I spin the wheel?"
"Another member will talk to you." the lady gestured towards a young gentleman, who commenced with the same speech.
"Do you like Tim Hortons? Have you heard of Tims Financial?" He began to delve into the benefits of signing up for the Tims Financial Mastercard
"No, haven't heard of it and not interested. How do I spin the wheel?" I pressed, patience growing thin.
"You need to sign up." I was told.
"Oh okay, thanks." About to turn away, the lady who had handed me off returned to contribute her piece - not once, but twice: "It's free!"
Frankly, I couldn't care less. My time isn't free.

​With what remained of my lunch period, I succeeded in securing five bottles of makeup remover and two cleansers from The Face Shop (at 40% off!), confirming a dismal 10% off innisfree promotion at kiokii and ..., and obtained a grande Iced Blonde Americano to sustain energy levels until the evening hours.

Around 2 PM, friends proposed to reschedule our Distillery adventure for an alternate day, citing weather being the element of concern (pun not intended). Astounded by the last-minute assertion, I argued to retain the scheduled agenda, for alternate times were less compatible for my own calendar. They grudgingly agreed, though cautioned tardiness due to late departure.

In hindsight, I ought have stepped foot outside before appealing my case.

Weather was absolutely miserable. As I trekked towards King and Bay to catch the 504 streetcar, I was melted with rain and wind. The lens before my eyes filled with more droplets than I could wipe away, obscuring my vision significantly.
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I hopped on the first streetcar to come my way, which happened to be the 504A. Settling into the vehicle, vision and warmth were restored. While intending to disembark at King and Trinity, the streetcar continued eastward after passing Parliament. Quickly Googling the route map, it was learned that certain variations of the 504 would terminate at the Distillery Loop, leading right to the Cherry Street access of the market.

It was likely the worst time of the day (and week!) to visit. Ruthless winds and persistent rainfall had rendered the cobblestone lanes barren, with the exception of a few miserable-looking entrance greeters/ticket checkers.

​The entirety of my being would see soddenness within seconds. Due to glasses getting splattered with droplets, I couldn't see my path very well either. Puddles had formed throughout, a result of uneven brick interfaces.

View the full album HERE !

At the very least, it was easier to navigate around these hazards with fewer visitors in proximity.

I was joined by one of two fellow explorers shortly. Most of the installations were observed consistent with previous years. The Christmas Tree, again sponsored by Dior, featured similar embellishments but included a merry-go-round fixture at the base. This addition served as both decorative and protective, preventing visitors from drawing too close or snapping photos underneath the tree.

Case Goods Lane, which had been partially inaccessible last year due to construction fencing, had reopened fully to include a handful more vendors.

Jellycat was a quintessential stop for me - for obvious reasons.

While we reminisced about the good ol' days of Turkey Legs and Mulled Wine under ten dollars, it was also concluded that those price points would never again be seen in the City. The Naughty & Nice signage had been replaced with comparatively more compact signage, in a font style reminiscent of a bar on King West.

​A greater number of string lights were observed this time around. That said, ornament quality and design thoughtfulness had diminished in consideration of those in past years. For starters, the tunnel next to Cluny Bistro was deserted, devoid of luminance, pop-ups, or special corners. The snowmen figures often positioned before the retail spaces on Tank House Lane were merely arranged in a row along Gristmill Lane instead. Some decorations had even been recycled, such as the gingerbread from last year's scavenger hunt.

New to the cabin vendor lineup were animal- and character-shaped cotton candy, mini pancakes (similar concept to Mr. Puffs), and crepes. Savoury sustenance such as Grilled Cheese, Raclette, and Poutine made re-appearances along Pure Spirits Mews.

Having sampled the former two on earlier occasions, I leaned towards the Mac N' Cheese stall instead. The Smoked Chicken & Chorizo Mac N' Cheese would set me back a whopping $16.38 after tax and Visa surcharge. My appalled demeanour would then be shrouded with additional disgust for having to lean over a ginormous puddle for payment, the puny portion of pasta received, and, worst of all, its presentation in a biodegradable container.

​In spite of rushing indoors immediately, heat dissipated from the container quickly. The bottom had also been subject to some degree of deterioration due to contact with precipitation. Thankfully, the fork was relatively sturdy, which assisted in combatting the feebleness of the container.

In stark contrast to its name, there was neither chicken nor chorizo to be found within. If not for the bread crumb topping, the dish would essentially embrace no textural variance whatsoever. There was adequate cheesiness, though failed to preserve (present?) melty, stringy properties due to frigid external conditions.

Our final member of the trio found us taking cover within. After maximizing the emptiness of The Sweet Escape's seating area and availability of indoor plumbing facilities, we intrepidly made our way back outside once more.

​But, before long, we chanced across Sweetie Pie.

A Steak & Ale Pie was procured for shared, while a 12 oz. Belgian Hot Chocolate - sans whipped cream but with mini marshmallows - for my personal enjoyment.

​Prices were admittedly reasonable within the shop, with tea and coffee ringing in at just two dollars!

The savoury pie set us back $10.99 plus tax, concluding itself to be an extremely affordable snack featuring a flaky exterior and brimming with chunks of tender beef and soft potato. Also scrumptious was the Belgian Hot Chocolate; as chocolatey as it was creamy, the drink instilled warmth, though tasted somewhat cloying after consumption of the mini meat pie.

​We spent most of the visit hiding out within shops, but had a brief moment of serenity (no wind!) at the end of our 2.5 hour-ish stay.

The miserable weather subsided around 7 PM, and photos could be taken without gloves once more.

​Notable was the decrease in visitor traffic on this evening. In exchange for braving the brutal conditions, we were collectively rewarded with unobstructed photos and minimal lineups.

​Our last stop of the evening was an igloo-like contraption at the Mill Street entrance of the market.

​The low-ceiling dome acted as an interactive promotional exhibit for Aero's new Truffle Chocolate Bar lineup.

A QR code outside the musty-smelling igloo would allow visitors to enter a draw for a chance to win Truffle Bars or gift cards. Once inside, a member of staff would randomly draw a ball from a black bucket; the number on the ball would correspond the quantity of complimentary Truffle Bars one would receive for participating.

​​Personally, the confectionery was found too sugary, slightly evocative of baking soda, and not very appealing for those unfond of dessicated coconut.

​Our departure would be made around the 7:40 PM mark. One third of the trio had graciously agreed to undertake several detours along her journey home. Consequently, I was granted a seamless, door-to-door voyage - relieved of the rain and blessed with effortlessly adept driving!