Having somehow sustained the chaos that was a 23-hour period of activity, I expected absolute annihilation by fatigue. Yet, the body was met with a jolt of energy come the next morning.
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Weather conditions were unbelievable, in the most wondrous, exercise-encouraging manner. With potential plans in the late morning though, I resorted to heading downstairs to the gym instead.
Post-activity stretching took place while overlooking the beauty of the Fraser River.
Pangs of hunger began to externalize soon after, so instead of gearing up for the arrival of the next bus, foodora's services were summoned.
A Pacific Bowl from Richmond's Westcoast Poké arrived at my doorstep some forty minutes later, just as muscle re-elongation was wrapping up. The single serving comprised of a base of brown rice and organic greens, green coconut-topped albacore tuna (masago), fried garlic, pea shoots, fine strips of nori, and a delicate dusting of tobiko.
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Clean packaging is a factor that never goes unappreciated. The bowl was tasty whilst steering clear of sauce overdose. Portion-wise though, it was less abundant than I had pictured at its given price.
Towards the latter half of the day, a grocery run was deemed crucial. Since, one struggles to remain sane in an establishment devoid of fruit, devoid of eggs, and, most importantly, devoid of veggies.
First stop was T&T - a mere four-minute walk from Richmond Oval. The reliability of my canvas tote appeared questionable in supporting the weight of oranges, choy sum, and a banana bunch, however, I proceeded with the task at hand.
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No. 3's Real Canadian Superstore marked the death of my shoulders. I turned back after securing majority of the baking items needed for the one-week stay.
It wasn't until later that I re-emerged into the outside world to embark on a secondary trek. This time, I headed in the direction of Aberdeen.
It wasn't until later that I re-emerged into the outside world to embark on a secondary trek. This time, I headed in the direction of Aberdeen.
Daiso had, regrettably, shuttered its second-level doors to transform into Oomomo, a familiar name to GTA east-enders.
The store's entire assortment of products had been compressed into a random mishmash on the lower floor, proving a challenge to navigate within my restricted, pre-dinner time frame. Before I realized, the sun had disappeared; no longer accompanying my walk to Kyabia were warmth and organic brilliance.
More or less an izakaya operated by Chinese members of the local community, the menu included shareable Japanese plates ranging from skewers to nabe, along with properly executed Aburi-style nigiri.
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Our table of ten was seated without any issues whatsoever. In light of COVID-19 concerns, many residents had opted out of social gatherings, including dining out. Service throughout the night was also prompt, which, again, may or may not have been owed to stagnant economic times.
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I nibbled away at the various dishes here and there, but failed to narrow down the orders to one that protruded the rest.
Gomae was a great starter - as leafy greens are rare in this neck of the woods - and the Sukiyaki Beef Hotpot wasn't bad either.
Gomae was a great starter - as leafy greens are rare in this neck of the woods - and the Sukiyaki Beef Hotpot wasn't bad either.
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The rolls, California and Negi O-Toro Maki, were average at best. I was also informed of the Salmon Tobiko Chahan's excessive greasiness.
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Personal preference lay with the Saba Shioyaki: its exquisite crispiness made even more memorable with a drizzle of lemon and chopstick-full of grated daikon.
The Aburi Sushi Set and Aburi Salmon Battera weren't far behind either, though a wooden staircase (instead of finnicky plastic) would have easily elevated the heptet's visual appeal.
The Aburi Sushi Set and Aburi Salmon Battera weren't far behind either, though a wooden staircase (instead of finnicky plastic) would have easily elevated the heptet's visual appeal.
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A decent-sized drink menu also remained on the table, both figuratively and literally. Alas, my party consisted of non-drinkers, thus ume shu cravings were compromised with a carbonated, sugary Ume Soda.
Bathrooms were located towards the back of the restaurant, past the sushi bar and a series of two-seaters. My recollection of the space is hazy; should my memory serve me correctly, it was maintained at a temperature and hygiene level not far from your standard Cantonese diner - acceptable and not obnoxious in either regard.
The total averaged twenty-five dollars per person, which wasn't extravagant by any means. That said, it was warranted by neither quality nor quantity of offerings. Moreover, it wasn't Raisu, the destination I had initially pitched.
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A CoCo run followed suit, VIP-less since Vancity locations operated on a disparate loyalty program.
< Pictured above (L to R): Brown Sugar Fresh Milk w/ Pearls, Pearl Milk Tea, Peach Yogurt, Taro Sago Milk Tea >
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