Wonderland and I must have some unresolved affairs from the last life.
I hadn't questioned why freezing rain graced not one, but both attempts at Winterfest 2019. I also hadn't questioned why the mid-pandemic visit and Perkopolis Day had proceeded with drizzly dreariness for essentially the entire day.
It was with much self-sustained gratitude that I discovered this year's "inclement weather"-based cancellation before venturing onto the 400.
I hadn't questioned why freezing rain graced not one, but both attempts at Winterfest 2019. I also hadn't questioned why the mid-pandemic visit and Perkopolis Day had proceeded with drizzly dreariness for essentially the entire day.
It was with much self-sustained gratitude that I discovered this year's "inclement weather"-based cancellation before venturing onto the 400.
The website announcement had us caught by surprise, for both my birthday buddy and I had braced ourselves for the external conditions, evident in our decision to don as much weatherproof attire as we had in our possession.
While I had debated a handful of alternate festive events, the majority comprised of outdoor activities, ticketed happenings, or limited-time occurrences expected to cease by early afternoon. After all, it was Sunday.
We commenced in the direction of Toronto Premium Outlets, though quickly diverted towards The Apple Factory instead to save our sanity from holiday shoppers.
The impromptu decision felt fitting, for the farm market was set to close permanently in a few days' time.
While I had debated a handful of alternate festive events, the majority comprised of outdoor activities, ticketed happenings, or limited-time occurrences expected to cease by early afternoon. After all, it was Sunday.
We commenced in the direction of Toronto Premium Outlets, though quickly diverted towards The Apple Factory instead to save our sanity from holiday shoppers.
The impromptu decision felt fitting, for the farm market was set to close permanently in a few days' time.
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Each of us took to a 2L Mulled Cider, with me foraging for an additional 3L jug of regular Apple Cider. By this point in the day, the bakery shelves had been mostly depleted.
Striding past the butter tarts towards the pie section, it dawned upon us that Pecan Pie had sold out completely. Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Lemon Meringue, and more were still stacked high behind the counter, however the absence of our desired creation spoke audibly of Pecan's popularity ranking.
Striding past the butter tarts towards the pie section, it dawned upon us that Pecan Pie had sold out completely. Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Lemon Meringue, and more were still stacked high behind the counter, however the absence of our desired creation spoke audibly of Pecan's popularity ranking.
Grabbing a handful of reindeer-shaped Mint Maltesers and a pack of Frosted Wine Gums, we gradually inched towards the checkout line. A black canvas reusable bag was acquired at a reasonable rate of $1.50, as to allow the legacy of The Apple Factory to live on in our hearts.
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The subsequent order(s) of business were unplanned - unthinkable given my scheduling track record thus far, but I wasn't the teensiest bit angry.
There was, in essence no rush at all. As such we began routing leisurely to Bramalea City Cente amidst the rain.
There was, in essence no rush at all. As such we began routing leisurely to Bramalea City Cente amidst the rain.
I had opted to undertake the scenic route through Downtown Brampton, but was promptly distracted by the Glow Zone 360 sign spotted from the corner of my eye.
Needless to say, a U-turn was made - safely, of course - for the sake of satisfying (my) curiosity.
The interior of the facility was consistent with the expectation of an establishment offering glow-in-the-dark mini golf and laser tag: dimly-lit, colourful, and boisterous.
Needless to say, a U-turn was made - safely, of course - for the sake of satisfying (my) curiosity.
The interior of the facility was consistent with the expectation of an establishment offering glow-in-the-dark mini golf and laser tag: dimly-lit, colourful, and boisterous.
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Admittedly, the size of the space was quite disappointing, especially in comparison to the intricate, two-level playing grounds of Putting Edge in Vaughan. The arcade games were also familiar sights as a regular visitor of The Rec Room. Unlike Dave + Busters, Glow Zone 360 did not offer any exclusives.
For a brief moment, we contemplated investing in one round of mini golf. However, upon closer inspection, a kids birthday party was taking place and the routes were positively brimming with participants. The scene was hardly attractive at this point, thus we returned to the vehicle and continued towards the intersection of Main and Queen.
Beyond a 24-hour closure of the municipal parking garage, we also belatedly learned of construction in the neighbouring, which consequently led to lane closures through the BIA district.
Beyond a 24-hour closure of the municipal parking garage, we also belatedly learned of construction in the neighbouring, which consequently led to lane closures through the BIA district.
We continued eastward towards Bramalea City Centre on rainy residential streets at a snail-like pace. While my birthday buddy declared a vague recollection towards her last visit to the retail centre, my own experience hadn't dated back too far, being that two separate visits had been undertaken for Activate and skate returns at Decathlon.
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Holiday shoppers had plagued my December mall-perusing intentions. Even without the post-pandemic virtual shift, online shopping had always been preferable to me. That said, I was surprised to find Bramalea auspiciously less chaotic than the likes of Square One and Yorkdale.
Confuse this not with a peaceful underground parking garage, for no mall is exempt from aggressive drivers, a scarcity of parking, honking, and awfully wide turns.
Confuse this not with a peaceful underground parking garage, for no mall is exempt from aggressive drivers, a scarcity of parking, honking, and awfully wide turns.
Our unplanned mall run led us to exploring the lower level shops first. Admittedly, suburban Miniso outposts were a refreshing change from Eaton's microscopic outlet.
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Navigating with ease from one retailer to another, it was almost unthinkable that Square One crowds had obstructed movement altogether.
But alas, in exchange for minimal congestion, the bathrooms were absolutely revolting. Puddles with unknown sources and filthy clumps of hair had pooled at the base of nearly every stall. The scene was awful - nearly on par with Coxwell's 7-Eleven, another washroom that had left quite the negative impression.
But alas, in exchange for minimal congestion, the bathrooms were absolutely revolting. Puddles with unknown sources and filthy clumps of hair had pooled at the base of nearly every stall. The scene was awful - nearly on par with Coxwell's 7-Eleven, another washroom that had left quite the negative impression.
Once festive installations had been observed and hunger had caught up with us, steady footsteps guided us towards the upper level food court. There was a Metro tucked away between the vendor stalls, along with the even odder inclusion of Coles in the corner.
Pricey pretzel bites and $2.33 Hot Dog Buns at Kin-Kin prompted us to take our savoury cravings elsewhere.
Pricey pretzel bites and $2.33 Hot Dog Buns at Kin-Kin prompted us to take our savoury cravings elsewhere.
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The answer lay within Metro's Tim Hortons kiosk.
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Two Bagels with Cream Cheese (and mine with Strawberry Jam) served to tie us over for at least another few hours. Plain Bagels rang in at a budget-friendly $2.19 before tax, with Strawberry Jam and Philadelphia Cream Cheese spread tacking on additional charges of fifty and eighty cents respectively. Suffice to say, the relative stability of Timmies' prices has converted me over from Team McDonald's and their atrociously buggy mobile app.
Tanoshii Claw stood out to us amongst the plethora of commonplace retailers in the mall. As evident in the recent surge of claw machine outposts, Bramalea was no exception to the trend.
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Although boasting fewer machines than the Toronto counterparts of OHYO and The Octo Zone, one in particular caught our eye. The fraudulent Sulleys, Lotsos, and Kuromis were dismissed for bow-tie donning plush frogs.
Twenty dollars (plus tax) would earn us twenty-two tokens. Each claw machine attempt would deplete this amount by four tokens. I was met with three unsuccessful trials, and my birthday buddy two.
Twenty dollars (plus tax) would earn us twenty-two tokens. Each claw machine attempt would deplete this amount by four tokens. I was met with three unsuccessful trials, and my birthday buddy two.
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When we arrived at the final two tokens, it dawned upon us that none of the machines were priced at less than four. A fellow visitor was met with the same dilemma, and kindly offered us his remaining two to make four. One additional chance was earned!
It was, in fact, in this attempt that my birthday buddy succeeded in retrieving one of the frogs by the head.
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With a lack of info boards situated throughout and little else of interest, we opted to depart in the direction of Sherway Gardens.
My primary point of interest was the Holiday Market. Though, upon nearing the wing, it was learned that market hours were not aligned with mall operation hours. On Sundays, the Winterville vendor grounds would shutter at 6 PM.
My primary point of interest was the Holiday Market. Though, upon nearing the wing, it was learned that market hours were not aligned with mall operation hours. On Sundays, the Winterville vendor grounds would shutter at 6 PM.
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Given this news, we proceeded with exploring other shops and attractions.
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New to my knowledge was the presence of Solmaz, a beautiful navy-and-gold store retailing baklava and Turkish delight, and the first A-OK Café spotted beyond the downtown core.
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In the centre court were kiosks enabling the sampling of VQA wines and Vodkow. The wine selection comprised of six local specialties, encompassing the main families of from Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Cabernet Ice Wine, Pinot Grigio Chardonnay, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Rosé. After verification of age, we were permitted near the sampling table, where we could choose four varieties from the spread. As the booth attendant poured our first picks, she commenced a standard briefing about the meaning of VQA and a glorified overview about the standardization procedure. Frankly, she did not provided any additional information beyond the brief context available online. Neither did she respond to my direct inquiry of the contents of the Ice Wine bottle appearing oxidized on the surface.
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Of the available assortment, there wasn't a single that stood out to me. The Cabernet Ice Wine, while interesting, was too sugary, in spite of not being a dessert wine. Meanwhile, the Riesling was dry and unmemorable, and the Rosé was too fizzy.
Adjacent was Vodkow, which adopted a comparatively less sophisticated appearance with a larger-than-life-sized inflatable Vodkow bottle, signage with bold lettering (instead of black curtains) and logo-bearing silicon serving mats.
Adjacent was Vodkow, which adopted a comparatively less sophisticated appearance with a larger-than-life-sized inflatable Vodkow bottle, signage with bold lettering (instead of black curtains) and logo-bearing silicon serving mats.
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Branded as a lactose-free cream liquor possessing the same proof as vodka, Vodkow was likely intended to appeal to those lusting for a luxurious, velvety rendition of vodka. Its Maple, London Fog, and Eggnog flavours were sampled in shot format, setting our throats ablaze as we swallowed. Once again, the profiles weren't very impressive, thus failing to leave a lasting impression.
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After a tad more roaming, we arrived at the doors of EATALY.
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The three-course Prix Fixe menus lured us within.
Upon entering, one could immediately perceive the size difference versus the two-storey Yorkville location. Merchandise was limited given the space constraints. Similar commentary could be extended towards the seating areas of the in-house eateries, whose tables infringed on the corridor of the retail floor.
Upon entering, one could immediately perceive the size difference versus the two-storey Yorkville location. Merchandise was limited given the space constraints. Similar commentary could be extended towards the seating areas of the in-house eateries, whose tables infringed on the corridor of the retail floor.
Strategically weaving through the crowds, I expressed my desire to dine in at the hostess counter for La Pizza & La Pasta. When acknowledged at long last, I was informed of a forty-five minute wait. Exchanging a dismayed glance at my dining partner-in-crime, I turned back to the hostess, "Could you put my name down?". The unspoken plan was to wait for a short while and observe the situation before heading elsewhere, if need be.
Contact via text message was the department store's selected method of queue management. We proceeded with browsing the merchandise floor in the meantime, only to be contacted twelve minutes later for table availability.
Contact via text message was the department store's selected method of queue management. We proceeded with browsing the merchandise floor in the meantime, only to be contacted twelve minutes later for table availability.
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The seating area was, in fact, larger than it appeared from beyond the restaurant. That said, tables were nestled within uncomfortably close proximity to each other - similar to Yorkville, but with heavier noise levels, grimier seats and menus, and a dimmer ambience.
Upon settling in, both the standard and Prix Fixe menus were provided to us. Unfortunately, not even five minutes would pass until our server would alert us of the absence of Agnolotti del Plin al Tartufo, the sole meat-containing entrée that had captivated our eyes and stomach. With veggie-based Antipasti such as Bruschetta and a single Dolci option of Panettone comprising of the remainder of the listings, the selection would fail to justify the thirty-five dollar price tag.
Turning to the standard menu, an equally filthy, sauce-splattered printout, we evaluated the notably broader selection of pasta, pizza, salads, and mains. Alcohol was omitted on the basis of economics and the upcoming season of spending.
Turning to the standard menu, an equally filthy, sauce-splattered printout, we evaluated the notably broader selection of pasta, pizza, salads, and mains. Alcohol was omitted on the basis of economics and the upcoming season of spending.
My birthday buddy took to the Salumiere Pizza, a thin crust variation comprehensively dotted with mozzarella and Italian sausage.
I snuck a narrow triangle from her pre-sliced round, admitting it to be rather delicious. Spicy salami contributed a faint kick, San Marzano tomato a sweet acidity, and scorched basil an undeniably delightful herbiness. Fine bits of fragrant mushrooms were another pleasant touch, one that contrasted against the one large segment topping my own dish.
That said, the previous evening had just seen a supper of Pizzaville, so I wasn't extremely intrigued by more pizza, even if presented in a more upscale fashion.
I snuck a narrow triangle from her pre-sliced round, admitting it to be rather delicious. Spicy salami contributed a faint kick, San Marzano tomato a sweet acidity, and scorched basil an undeniably delightful herbiness. Fine bits of fragrant mushrooms were another pleasant touch, one that contrasted against the one large segment topping my own dish.
That said, the previous evening had just seen a supper of Pizzaville, so I wasn't extremely intrigued by more pizza, even if presented in a more upscale fashion.
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Brasata al Barolo and a side of Rapini constituted my picks of the evening. The former was priced at forty-four dollars, far steeper than my birthday buddy's twenty-eight dollar pizza, while the latter at eleven.
Atop a base of jus-immersed Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes was a sizable chunk of braised short rib. Possessing adequate fat and plenty of flesh, the meaty mass was incredibly tender and a spectacle to slice into. Shards of softness would detach from the fist-sized serving upon contact - a stark disparity from the grainy brisket forming BOKU's Beef Udon. It should be noted that, while impeccable in its consistency, the block had been salted to excess, causing me to reach for water every two sips. (No destination has out-salted Heart's yet, however.)
Atop a base of jus-immersed Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes was a sizable chunk of braised short rib. Possessing adequate fat and plenty of flesh, the meaty mass was incredibly tender and a spectacle to slice into. Shards of softness would detach from the fist-sized serving upon contact - a stark disparity from the grainy brisket forming BOKU's Beef Udon. It should be noted that, while impeccable in its consistency, the block had been salted to excess, causing me to reach for water every two sips. (No destination has out-salted Heart's yet, however.)
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Positively luxurious were the mashed potatoes: silky, creamy, addicting, and not at all satiating. Topping the creation was a single King Oyster mushroom, halved lengthwise, subject to cross-hatch incisions, then subject to high heat for an unthinkably crispy exterior and sumptuous, supple interior. Flavours of the accompanying pesto-like condiment were barely discernible when paired alongside the funghi.
Interestingly, the beef jus would seep into the mashed potatoes gradually over the course of our stay, rendering the plate completely devoid of liquid by the end of the meal.
Interestingly, the beef jus would seep into the mashed potatoes gradually over the course of our stay, rendering the plate completely devoid of liquid by the end of the meal.
The side of Rapini assisted in alleviating some of the sodium-laden properties of the short rib. Since it had been prepared in advance, the strands could not be served separately from the olive oil and lemon zest, as I had initially requested. However, the server did offer to present the platter without the addition of more olive oil, which was met with an eager response. The result was a gratifying palate cleanser that was neither too greasy nor too bitter, as rapini can sometimes reveal itself. The vegetable's innately sharp bitterness had been mellowed with the inclusion of citrus - an ingenious ingredient inclusion, should you ask me!
Our surroundings would vacate slowly as we approached 9 PM. The disappearance of neighbouring diners allowed for easier conversation and recovery of personal space.
Bathrooms were located in a corridor bridging the restaurant and retail aisles, just as with the Yorkville location. As anticipated, the stalls were far cleaner than Bramalea's grotesque display, yet a few notches short of objectively pristine.
With the Market portion of EATALY slated to cease operations by the 10 PM mark, I hurried commenced my quest for a reasonably priced olive oil. It was no easy feat, for, besides fewer product options at the Sherway outlet, sales were also nonexistent.
Eventually, a sticky bottle of $11.90 Balsamic vinegar and greasy-lidded 1L bottle of olive oil were brought to the self-checkout. The latter had been rang in at $29.90, a cost deemed acceptable in consideration of the recent spikes in Gallo across my regular grocery stores.
Eventually, a sticky bottle of $11.90 Balsamic vinegar and greasy-lidded 1L bottle of olive oil were brought to the self-checkout. The latter had been rang in at $29.90, a cost deemed acceptable in consideration of the recent spikes in Gallo across my regular grocery stores.
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Now equipped with a personal vehicle, transport of goods home was no longer tedious. Consequently, I drifted over towards the pastry section to assess the array of take-home treats.
These mini pastries were referred to as Pasticcini, and could be purchased in multiples of four:
These mini pastries were referred to as Pasticcini, and could be purchased in multiples of four:
- Box of 4 - $8.90
- Box of 8 - $16.90
- Box of 16 - $32.90
- Box of 24 - $46.90
I opted for a Box of 8; the compact collection would be unique, save the Quadratino al Cioccolato.
Quadratino al Pistachhio e Lampone
Description: Pistachio Sponge layered with White Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Gelee
A concotion oozing with the freshness of tart raspberries and emanating a fragrant pistachio base. My sole gripe was the whole pistachio presenting itself a bit soggy the following morning.
Quadratino al Cioccolato
Description: Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Cream
Delicious, as expected, and ideally served in small bites, as a whole piece may render satiation by virtue of decadence
Babà al Rum
Description: Rum-Soaked Babà Cake
Thoroughly saturated, yet not overly strong in terms of rum content. The Babà exhibited straightforward flavours without many components: a simplistic treat that did not require tremendous dimension to be enjoyable.
Quadratino al Pistachhio e Lampone
Description: Pistachio Sponge layered with White Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry Gelee
A concotion oozing with the freshness of tart raspberries and emanating a fragrant pistachio base. My sole gripe was the whole pistachio presenting itself a bit soggy the following morning.
Quadratino al Cioccolato
Description: Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Cream
Delicious, as expected, and ideally served in small bites, as a whole piece may render satiation by virtue of decadence
Babà al Rum
Description: Rum-Soaked Babà Cake
Thoroughly saturated, yet not overly strong in terms of rum content. The Babà exhibited straightforward flavours without many components: a simplistic treat that did not require tremendous dimension to be enjoyable.
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Bignola alla Gianduja
Description: Chocolate Hazelnut Cream-Filled Bignè
A choux varation that was surprisingly light beyond its chocolate topping; not particularly memorable
Fruittino al Lampone
Description: Raspberry Tart
I enjoyed the whole raspberry topping, though, once again, the miniscule delicacy was not very memorable overall.
Tartina al Limone
Description: Lemon Cream Tart with Toasted Meringue
The meringue was a tad soft the following day, though decently stable for moisture did not seep into tart base. The mini pastry format made for odd proportions, as there was evidently more tart than lemon and meringue.
Tiramichoux
Description: Mascarpone Cream and Coffee-Filled Bignè
Dusted liberally with cocoa powder, a choux bite was fitted with a humorous name, but little else beyond that. It was not very sweet, nor as aromatic, creamy, or indulgent as classic Tiramisu.
Description: Chocolate Hazelnut Cream-Filled Bignè
A choux varation that was surprisingly light beyond its chocolate topping; not particularly memorable
Fruittino al Lampone
Description: Raspberry Tart
I enjoyed the whole raspberry topping, though, once again, the miniscule delicacy was not very memorable overall.
Tartina al Limone
Description: Lemon Cream Tart with Toasted Meringue
The meringue was a tad soft the following day, though decently stable for moisture did not seep into tart base. The mini pastry format made for odd proportions, as there was evidently more tart than lemon and meringue.
Tiramichoux
Description: Mascarpone Cream and Coffee-Filled Bignè
Dusted liberally with cocoa powder, a choux bite was fitted with a humorous name, but little else beyond that. It was not very sweet, nor as aromatic, creamy, or indulgent as classic Tiramisu.
EATALY's gelato earned itself greater favours than its Pasticcini. Samples of the Pistachio and Coffee flavours had been provided to us amidst the decision-making process. The former was luscious and potent, featuring slightly salted pistachios folded within. The Coffee was similarly concentrated, disintegrating rapidly after scooping.
A small cup of the Coffee set me back $5.90 plus tax, an equitable sweet finish to the day's rainy endeavours.
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