Out & About #998 | Downtown Bike Tour, Yu-Gi-Oh X Hello Kitty Collection Completion + The Cups Mississauga Preview

April showers bring May flowers. Yet, this year, the spring scenery that we see beyond the window is an astounding 50/50 mix of overcast and sunshine.

The week passed me by without so much as a warning with regard to the degree of exhaustion it'd generate. Most evenings, I found myself attempting to stretch, but nearly falling asleep on the floor beside the bed instead. My mind and body were fatigued beyond comprehension, in spite of exercise/activity frequency well below my regular expenditure levels. Alas, I could not attain a well-rested state whatsoever. All signs pointed toward the mentally draining nature of my abode, ever persistent in its ability to pressure and diminish those that reside within it.

​Imminent deadlines and meetings hadn't helped the situation either. Balancing my own schedule ought have been at the forefront of my priority list, but, time and time again, am I coerced through the grueling process of nagging and yelling to justify my needs as a human being.

Home has never been my "happy place"; it was simply a space for sleeping, chores, exercising, and taking part in solo hobbies. I thrive not in the absence of appreciation and mutual trust. And maybe that is the reason for soft friends' perpetual presence: they are supportive in ways that those that deplete oxygen from my surroundings are not. 

Snacking at home is usually quite liberating though, for it removes the associated financial and time-based obstacles of undertaking the same venture in the wild. From fresh egg tarts from Akko Cake House to Peanut and Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls in Ginger Yellow Rock Sugar Syrup to the wealth of Costco-sized chips in my makeshift pantry, most cravings could be effectively quenched within a matter of minutes, and a matter of steps.

My afternoon pick-me-ups are often unconventional:

1. Vita Guava Juice + Espresso to mimic my summer go-to of Third Wave's Espresso Lemonade
2. Passionfruit Citron Yuzu Jam + a concentrated shot of Houjicha Obsidian for a zesty (and unfortunately slightly gritty) coffee-free concoction
3. Lazy - and hardly authentic - Mexican Hot Chocolate crafted from Timmie's Hot Chocolate Mix, ginger-infused simple syrup, and a stick of cinnamon

Meals of the week comprised of the unwanted takeout leftovers from other occupants of the house, crumbly white rice, and a braised pork dish devoid of daikon. Upon receipt of incorrect data, I had hurried home, consequently stripped of the opportunity to indulge in better-tasting, albeit pricier, forms of sustenance downtown. This included discount katsu from Kibo, cool Caribbean finds from Roywoods, and a juicy smash burger from Rudy.

In an attempt to nullify feelings of indignance, the gears within began to churn: How could I have my burger without extra labour? Detouring and waiting for a single burger takeout was dismissed immediately, for I was tired enough and wished for no more than to return home for a comprehensive cleanse. BOGO deals on UberEats were contemplated, though the final decision lay with last-minute construction of a faux patty.

Seven Italian-Style Meatballs were baked in the toaster oven for 25 minutes at 375 F, until its juices ran clear and the tops were nicely tinted. These pre-seasoned rounds would form the "patty", while two previously frozen 排包 halves from T&T would form the bun - they were brioche, after all.
Fillings included one vine tomato, cut into slices, a few tablespoons of homemade pickled radish, gai lan, and a tangy spread of Kewpie Mayo and Dijon mustard. Frankly, the combination fared better than expected.

Leftover spread was used as a dipping sauce for toasted tortillas from St. Jacobs Market and consumed alongside alcohol-free Sapporo.

When faced with depressing fridge contents for the second and third time of the week, I took to leftover Pot Roast over Challah, Japanese Sweet Potatoes, undesirable jalapeño-contaning kimchi from Arirang, and Nissin Instant Noodles, sans-msg broth.

The 1.18 kg bag of Japanese sweet potatoes had set me back just over five dollars, and were probably the highlight of the meal. Treatment was ridiculously easy: after washing and patting dry, small pieces could be arranged onto a parchment-lined tray and slid into the toaster oven. For sections with diameters of 1.0 - 1.5 inches, baking at 425 F for 22 minutes was sufficient in rendering them tender with skins that peeled off easily. Larger, stouter morsels could be baked up to 25 minutes to ensure that the centres would be soft and pliable, rather than starchy and stiff.

​Weekdays were primarily spent before my work laptop, with only brief moments of flyer perusal and coin wrapping.

​Office days had commenced less than spectacularly with filthy GO train seats, an even filthier hotel desk, and a supposedly ergonomic desk chair that skinned me when I attempted to rectify the settings imposed by the previous user.

​Thankfully, my coworkers provided the troubleshooting assistance needed to continue with my morning. Coffee, a breakfast of burnt Pineapple Bun, and plan reviews would keep me engaged until lunchtime.

We strode northbound along Yonge Street, verifying the Happy Meal toy stock at each McDonald's along the way. Next came a stopover at Hitotoki, my coworker's main mission.

​While I was more invested in the limited spring selection of Matcha/Sakura Mont Blanc Tarts and Sakura Shokupan, my fellow home cook of a coworker took to four signature tarts for curiosity sake. Our verdict was similar: the tart shell was flaky and enjoyable, though the essence of chestnut was modest at best. Nata were concluded to be better sought at Portuguese bakeries for both value and composition.

Admittedly, I had been slightly curious about the Sakura Shokupan. That said, the scanty portion and steep nine-dollar price tag deterred me from the purchase. With the blocks being more compact than my palm, I resolved to construct the item in my own kitchen, once the opportunity arises.

​My subsequent in-office day was quieter than the last. In sharp contrast to the nominal number of desk bookings were ridership volumes on the GO train. Commuters seemed to exude a preference for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

​Breakfast needs were satisfied with a toasted - and not burnt! - Hot Dog Bun from Akko Cake House. The specimen was scrumptious, unlike the complimentary almond flour bars from Union Station and soggy caramel corn of the office kitchen.

​Come lunchtime, my coworker would join me in the office in preparation for a downtown bike tour. Accompanying her was one of the last three toys needed to complete my Yu-Gi-Oh x Hello and Friends collection: Badtz-Maru as Red-Eyes Black Dragon.

​We'd then gear up accordingly, coincidentally matching New Balance runners and a fitted black toque.

In spite of the morning's dreary, damp onset, the early afternoon hours rewarded us with an abundance of sunshine and blue skies. Temperatures hovered about the seven-degree mark, yet we were adequately cozy if steering clear from the shade.

​Participation in the Downtown Bike Tour was free of charge. However, each participant would be responsible for bringing their own bike or obtaining a bike-share rental for the day. My supervisor, a downtown native, had been kind enough to lend me an account for use. Using the mobile app, bikes could be easily unlocked from their station within seconds, then adjusted to meet one's height needs. At the front of each bike was a plastic basket fitted with a thick elastic cord for security.

The standard annual Bike-Share membership would enable unlimited 30-minute rides throughout the City at a fixed fare. Should the borrowing period exceed thirty minutes, overage charges would incur at a rate of $0.12 per minute. Realistically, thirty minutes was sufficient in traversing across the downtown area. Bike-Share stations could also found with ease at nearly every major intersection or development, facilitating docking and undocking demands.

​My coworker and I were amongst the first to arrive. The remainder of the group did not assemble until well after the 2 PM mark. It would be at least another thirty minutes of waiting until the distribution of granola bars, verification of waivers, and documentation of attendance would be completed. Initial reactions ranged from restlessness to confusion, for the organizers could have surely chosen a docking station location away from the sidewalk to prevent obstructing the clearway and wasting travel time.

Moreover, any announcements simply dissolved into the wind. Departure time and directions would not be heard clearly if standing at the back of the group. This led me to quickly fall behind. Designated volunteers would round up those at the back, ensuring that assistance (and possibly first aid) could be provided if necessary).

​We made our first stop at Victoria Square, where one member of the Cycling group discussed the Wellington cycle track and issues encountered during planning and construction. It was beyond me why the presentation was held outdoors, in a barely audible setting, then followed by a Q&A session. Nearly thirty minutes of a seemingly endless socialization, we finally hopped back onto our bikes and continued along the planned route.

Not even ten minutes of riding would pass until we paused again. At the very least, we had found our way to a Bike-Share station.

Several more of these stop-go sessions would ensue over the next ninety minutes. By the 4 PM mark, we hadn't even neared the halfway mark!

​Sudden turns combined with uphill routes and general unfamiliarity with the neighbourhood caused some confusion on my end. Regaining control of the bike was relatively easy given its bottom-heavy frame and pedal design, but definitely required practice - and not hardly perceptible directions!

The QR code scanner revealed itself faulty at one instance along the route. As the other members of the group passed through the intersection, I found myself panicking at the docking station on the other side.
​"Take your time." one of the spotters considerately hovered about, present in case of inquiry and taking note of the direction of travel for the remainder of the group.

The second half of the route proceeded without friction, for the route was mostly downhill through transit- and pedestrian-oriented districts. A large part of me yearned to continue riding, to continue exploring without the incessant pauses and presentation content, but nearing the 5 PM mark meant that rush hour was looming. Vehicles moved at a slower pace than in the suburbs, except rushing through turns. My primary safety concern was, surprisingly, not the vehicles traversing parallel to the cycle track, but rather fellow users on motorized bikes: foreign delivery drivers that weaved through traffic and speeded along dedicated and undedicated pathways, sometimes in the wrong direction.

My greatest takeway was the convenience of Bike-Share as a method of transportation around the City. One needed not to invest in a bike and all its maintenance costs and theft prevention measures, but merely enroll in a program that enabled bikes to be used then returned without commitment.
When riding in the suburbs, I often plan my route to accommodate bathroom stops along the way and search for bike racks in advance of stopping. The availability of Bike-Share stations ensures that the equipment can be parked safely and without fear of theft. It also promotes flexibility in travel modes: Should the day can commence with a sunny start and conclude with a dismal downpour, commuters have the option of riding a bike for the first part of the journey and returning via TTC or Uber.

​Trips around downtown proved fruitless in locating the final two members of the Yu-Gi-Oh x Hello Kitty collection. Thus, when a local tip was received, I hesitated not in venturing thirty minutes (!) to Lakeshore and Cawthra.

​Surely enough, Chococat as the Winged Dragon of Ra and Keroppi as Kuriboh had landed in the GTA.

​Both toys could be purchased without a Happy Meal, leading to procurement of a Surf N Turf Burger and Chicken Cheeseburger before the franchise's Remix Menu was phased out.

​The burgers offered stellar value for their price, for each comprised of at least one Beef Patty as well as a second source of protein. The Surf N Turf was an extremely satiating parcel of one Filet-O-Fish patty and two Beef Patties. In place of tartar sauce were the common Hamburger elements of ketchup and pickles. Also containing a slice of melty cheese, ketchup, and pickles, the Chicken Cheeseburger boasted the addition of a peppery McChicken patty for textural variance.

​We expressed preference for the Chicken Cheeseburger, for the Surf N Turf was simply excessive. Our only gripe was the incredulous amount of pepper utilized in its seasoning blend.

The unassuming location was one of the nicer outposts I'd chanced across, featuring a spacious, colourful dining area, clean washroom facilities, and friendly, prompt service.

​With ten of ten Happy Meal Toys acquired, it suffices to say that my McDonald's trips will be less frequent going forward.

​After all, scouring twenty-seven locations over the course of sixteen days is no easy feat.

​My last stop of the day was The Cups's newest location in Mississauga Chinese Centre.

The interior could comfortably seat about twenty-eight patrons. At the front of the café was a photobooth zone, an area I pledged to revisit on an occasion where fitted with proper attire. Hosted above the cashier on two LED screens was a comprehensive menu of sweet and savoury options. The bingsoo would be made to order, as would the Egg Bread and certain styles of Taiyaki. All items were available on the first day of operations, though availability of certain articles were dependent on the supply received from "head office".

I observed a handful of familiar installations about the space: the same IKEA utility cart that resided in my foyer (but in both black and white), a flimsy corner shelf in the photobooth, and a tall Takeya pitcher used as a water dispenser. (Personally, my own Takeya Cold Brew Pitcher had been moved into storage due to the body being non-uniform - oval instead of circular - and the resulting plastic aftertaste in my coffee.)

​The staff behind the cashier informed us that soft opening promotions had commenced as of April 26th, though the 10% off discount would remain in effect until the grand opening date of May 7th.

Provision of a Google review would earn customers a free taiyaki. Still full from McDonald's and with the recollection that three styles of bungeoppang still occupied the freezer, we opted to reserve the chance for a future date.

​A Small/Cup size Mango Bingsoo and Iced Caramel Macchiato with Oat Milk were taken to go.

The first day is often met with kinks in the POS system, uncertainty in the drink-making process, and general processing delays. That said, our orders were presented in well under five minutes - a greatly appreciated effort.

​Delectably creamy and not too sweet, admiration was expressed towards the Caramel Macchiato, despite its hefty quantity of ice. The supplied paper straw grew meek within minutes, eventually calling upon a plastic substitute.

The Mango Bingsoo, on the other hand, was outright disappointing. In-season mango was a pleasant touch, though the ice was not at all airy and even a bit clumpy. Every other spoonful would be mixed with a few firm bits, while the overall composition seemed too cold, resulting in a painful brain freeze.

​Of course, I won't be so quick to deny a second trip to the establishment. For starters, the cake bingsoo had captivated my attention. Secondly, I'm eager to enjoy the facility while it is still new and, more importantly, clean!