Out & About #990 | Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area, Koi Claw + Char Siu Manor

Read Part 1 HERE !

The drive to Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area was quicker than expected. In just thirty minutes, we'd exit the 404 and meander our way through residential grounds in search of signage.

When Google Maps had announced our arrival while crossing an overpass, I was utterly perplexed. Pulling over to determine our relative location was not an option, for the installation of on-street cycle tracks had eliminated shoulders on both sides of the street. Taking a quick gander at the route map, I made a U-turn at Mount Albert Road and 2nd Concession Road, heading west on Mount Albert until hitting Yonge Street. At the southeast corner of the intersection would be one of Nokiidaa Trail's asphalt lots.

Frankly, I hadn't recalled when exactly Rogers Reservoir had earned itself a spot on my to-go list. Neither in the neighbourhood of high-desire POIs nor home to stunning views, my bookmark prompted further research the night before. Being situated in a predominantly residential area with little transition in elevation, the trail was comparable to Riverwood Conservancy back home.

​Weather conditions were splendid for the trek. Sunny, blue skies, temperatures hovering between the positive single- and double-digits, and occasional gusts of wind made for the perfect spring saunter.

Tree cover was minimal, unlike that of southwest Sauga trails. Open areas granted an unobscured view of the skies above, though also subject us to beaming UV rays and the will of Mother Nature in an unapologetic manner.

​Generally speaking, the trail was very easy - ideal for families with small children, physically active elderly, and amateur to experienced cyclists. The path featured varying widths of paved and unpaved sections, the latter being gravel, dirt, or boardwalk and bridges. One could enjoy a scenic view of the Holland River on both the north and south sides, and eventually connect to 2nd Concession Road and East Gwillimbury GO station at grade level, if desired.

The downside was that the trail would not loop.

​We commenced our walk on the north side of the Holland River. Continuing eastward, our footsteps were eventually met with a fork in the road. This side of the trail would eventually terminate at street level at 2nd Concession Road. Crossing over the bridge enabled a striking view of the reservoir and former boat entry corridor. The ramp down was also witnessed to comprise of a different aggregate assemblage than modern-day, single-tone asphalt mixes.

View the full album HERE !

​An aesthetically pleasing pedestrian bridge at 2nd Concession Road would lead us to a spacious boardwalk.

To my sheer surprise, the panels were exceptionally well-maintained - not a single uneven plank or pinch points like Rattray Marsh! It even reminded me of Capilano, but could have used info boards for an educational element. Had such installations been incorporated, the space would be great for small kids to frolic and learn.

​The end of the boardwalk connected to the Nokiidaa bike trail, which continued southward between the tracks of the Barrie line and Holland River. Meeting Green Lane at street level, we learned of potential connection points to East Gwillimbury GO station across the street and the start of Newmarket Trail. By some chance, our aimless wandering had led us to the southeast end of the trail, coinciding with the Conservation Area's second parking lot.

Source: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

​Resolving to turn back at this point, an alternate route of the LSRCA recreational trail was taken. Majority of this passage was comprised of dirt, barren trees, wood scraps (not wood chips), and creeks surrounded by muddy patches. The marsh-like conditions encouraged the spawn of aquatic wildlife, enabling us sights of ducks and Canada Geese, and the sounds of a froggy choir.

​Making a sharp turn in the direction of 2nd Concession Road, we found the pedestrian bridge once again. The return trip would be made on the south side of the river, which was comparatively cooler given the greater amount of shade.

​Albeit a tad chilly, Rogers Reservoir made for an easy 2-hour, 8-kilometre trek. Being more of a casual excursion with some interactions at street level than a strenuous uphill hike, the decision to incorporate the destination as a post-pilates activity had been appropriate.

Too full to sample to Salted Bread Roll immediately after acquisition, I'd patiently anticipate an opening in appetite after our nature-filled odyssey.

Preserved in the shade and still warm from its double-bag insulation, the roll hadn't displayed signs of sogginess whatsoever. The essence of salted butter had been sustained, while its smooth surface still slightly moist.

​Biting into the roll, I was elated to discover an impeccably crunchy exterior. The surface shattered ever so satisfyingly, revealing wispy, plush threads within. Gloriously buttery on the outside with tender layers on the inside, the Salted Butter Roll was well worth the wait. I finally understood the cult following it had garnered.

A sprinkle of fleur de sel contributed a nice, savoury contrast, though it is debatable whether one would be able to differentiate between fleur de sel or coarse sea salt. Maldon flaky salt, the variety readily available for sprinkling atop chocolate chip cookies in my household, may or may not be suitable for this application given its larger shards and more prominent flavour. However, only experimentation will tell if my wariness is warranted.

Wriggling our toes and basking in the sun assumed a comfortable post-walk breather. Though, the day's itinerary had not concluded.

Heading back to civilization saw moderate levels of congestion on the 404. Of course, even greater levels of sluggishness were witnessed nearing Hwy 7.

The subsequent stop of Koi Claw had resulted from user feedback from a former student of mine. Her recap had led me to believe that winning was easy, but, truthfully, it was not. Its location in the perpetually populated Commerce Gate plaza had already caused the corners of my mouth to turn downwards. A vacancy appeared imminently before Donburi, into which I swivelled with speed.

The Koi Claw logo was positioned in the space next to asian legend, however it dawned on me upon venturing near that the claw machine establishment was, in fact, not a standalone business. Located at the basement level at the bottom of an eerie-smelling stairwell, the LED-filled game spot merely assumed a space in the building with two karaoke bars and a restaurant.

While OHYO appeared to be geared towards teens and young adults, Koi Claw felt more suited towards kids. Besides the standard array of claw machines and fraudulent Disney plushies, there were a handful of arcade games available as well. Washrooms were available on site, thankfully, though the design was questionable given that the toilet itself assumed 80% of the stall allocation.

The pricing system was consistent with other similar establishments, adopting a VIP membership and minimum spend of $20 plus tax for 22 tokens. We tried our hands at heart-holding clouds, chickens, and mini Sulley totes, but rapidly depleted four tries' worth of tokens in under five minutes.

Small figurines were priced at 3 tokens per play, thus we resorted to snack machines for a final two-token play. Our trip concluded with a consolation prize of imported Raspberry and Blueberry Oreos that tasted like Kids' Tylenol - absolutely revolting. Our stay was sufficiently disappointing, and we proceeded to peruse the plaza instead of investing further.

Supper options in the area were abundant, but not necessarily appealing. I proposed Vietnamese cuisine first, had it promptly rejected. When a HK café suggestion was regarded with openness, we meandered towards Hai Tang Cafe at 16th Avenue and Woodbine.
​Only upon pulling into the plaza did a feeling of familiarity wash over me. The eatery was the only business open at the early evening hour and was positively bustling. Seeing the lineup nestled in the doorway, we turned back to the car to evaluate other options.

​The nearby T&T plaza housed several candidates, but Char Siu Manor stood out to me as being quick and economic.
"Why not Hana Don?" prompted my unwilling passenger. "I thought you wanted to try it."
"I do, but we had Japanese today." I responded, recalling the subpar trio of inari, hand rolls, and greasy gyoza.
"Ok, but that's hardly Japanese."
And I agreed, but the thought of more shari simply couldn't be shaken. "Next time. I still want to go, but maybe next time when the same cuisine is not being eaten for both meals." Lunch at Upper East Food Club had been a poor choice on my end, admittedly.

Entering into the BBQ restaurant, we confirmed the availability of dine-in. That said, only one of four tables were not occupied by kitchen bins or miscellaneous kitchen items.

Posted behind the hot food counter was an extensive menu spanning rice and noodle dishes, along with standard BBQ items like roast duck, BBQ pork, and soy sauce chicken. In addition to the fixed roster were laminated pages listing Chef's Choice picks, Rice Box Specials, and braised specialty items. A few handwritten signs, exclusively in Chinese, were also posted by the counter. Interpreting the signage for our joint understanding was where my language skills truly shined.

​​The $9.75 meal deals adorning the bulletin board outside the venture was a cash only offer, unsurprisingly. The set would comprise of soup, veggies, rice, and two BBQ items of one's choice. While I took to BBQ Pork and Red Sausage, my partner-in-crime expressed a desire for BBQ Pork and Crispy Roast Pork. When Braised Pork Trotters had sold out, I pointed towards the cubes of tofu instead. One block set me back $1.99, a 100% markup from Magic BBQ back home. Each combo came to $11 after tax, with the bill totalling $24.30. Soy milk and soft drinks were available for purchase at $1.99 and $1.50 respectively, though I naturally opted to route back to the car for my tumbler instead.

One middle-aged lady manned the hot food counter single-handedly. After confirming our orders, a separate member of staff, another middle-aged lady, was summoned for cashier duty. Both of them spoke to us in Cantonese without hesitation, assuming our complete comprehension of the Chinese dialect. Thankfully, we did, and could articulate our orders accordingly.
Meals were placed onto a plastic tray: soups in sizable black bowls and meal combos either on matching black plates or in a takeout container (mine). It was noted that dine-in platters were slightly larger than takeout portions, for the lady before us had requested an identical entrée, only to be presented with comparatively smaller containers to take home.

​Astoundingly generous portions graced the serving vessels before us. The soup of the day was a translucent fluid brimming with carrot chunks, while the veggies stir-fried Napa cabbage (not the bok choy featured on the poster outside).

An act that had proven questionable was the staff's decision to spoon rice into a disposable container and microwave it before serving, for most, if not all, restaurants would retrieve their rice directly from a rice cooker. The motion indicated that the rice was not freshly made, if made on the same day at all.

Excitedly biting into my red sausage, I confirmed that the slices were indeed quite tasty. My initial contemplation towards Roast Duck Noodle Soup had been dismissed when informed that adding red sausage would entail an extra $4 charge, bringing the order total to a hefty $17.99 before tax. Though one of two BBQ specialties proved decent, the signature cha siu was far from boasting the same properties. Impossibly dry and tough, a look of disgust immediately crept across my face. <i> How dare they call themselves Char Siu Manor?! </i> I thought in outrage. Bland was the tofu, in spite of its promising visuals and thin breading.
A piece of Roast Pork was offered in my direction, sans-skin of course. Albeit seasoned with a one-dimensional punch of salt, the piece was passable, unlike the cha siu.

​A Cantonese singing competition/talent show segment aired on the TV near the back of the restaurant. As we munched away at our meals quietly, we were provided free entertainment in the form of live karaoke performed by the lady behind the hot food counter. She gleefully sung along to the show's setlist as we listened with amusement.

Located between the cashier and kitchen area was a single stall bathroom. It was shockingly clean and featured with marble walls with framed images of Tiger Woods.

Heightening the randomness factor, was a Street Fighter machine by the doorway. While free to play, the buttons appeared grimy, and I passed on the opportunity.

The quantity of food was tremendous, and we eventually consolidated remainders to take back. Leftovers revealed themselves worse with each passing day: the cha siu grew dryer, while the rice turned sour in under forty-eight hours! Cha Siu Manor would not be extended a second visit.

​In an attempt to walk off feelings of satiation, we traversed the asphalt lot towards T&T.

The detour hadn't been associated with any particular purchasing objective, yet the discovery of Asahi Dry Free Zero was not about to be overlooked. Undeniable is the recent surge in the assortment of non-alcoholic (or low alcohol/under 1% ABV) beverages in grocery stores. On this same trip, we acquired six-packs of 0.0% Sapporo, 0.5% Asahi Beery, and three canned cocktails that will forever remain burned in my memory. ​Mind you, it is worth noting that the non-alcoholic renditions are not necessarily cheaper than those containing alcohol.

Suntory Umeshu Sour was repulsive, inducing grimaces and "tingly teeth", while the KIRIN x Fancl Lemon Drink fizzy but equally disgusting.

I had already exited the plaza when hit with a wave of indecisiveness. Back into the plaza I maneuvered for a final stop of Baskin Robbins.

​The 31% off Pre-Pack deal would not be taken advantage of given lack of freezer space. That said, I convinced my browsing partner to split a single scoop of Double Dark Mocha with me.

​The concoction could have eliminated the cloying drizzle of artificial chocolate syrup. Nevertheless, it was tasty, and far, far better than the abhorrent 350 ml can of Umeshu Sour.

​After dropping off the night owl, my day finally terminated at midnight. Nearly 17 hours of wake time and 45 steps short of 26,000 steps, I gladly hobbled into the shower for some much-needed R&R.