Keung's Delight

on
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dinner with Shawn and Edward tonight: beef brisket noodle soup from Keung's Delight. So satisfying when it's cold and rainy outside. And I think their version is my favourite so far.

Hipstamatic

on
Lens: John S
Flash: Dreampop
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Dreampop
Film: Ina's 1969

Taken with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone.

St. Louis Bar & Grill

on
Monday, November 29, 2010

I met up with Dom, Hannan, and Edward at St. Louis for wings tonight. We got their Monday special, which includes three pounds of wings (about 30 pieces), fries with dill sauce, and a pitcher of beer for $29.99. We got half of our wings in sweet Asian BBQ and the other half in cajun dust, and they were just so super delicious. And I actually like that they only have like, 12 different flavours of wings. Because you go to All-Star Wings, who has over 180 flavours, and it's way too overwhelming and it takes about a year to decide which flavour to get (because what if you picked the wrong one?!). I've yet to have a bad experience at St. Louis, though. It's always good. And their dill sauce is like crack. For real.

Kaze

on

Shawn wanted sushi for dinner, so we went to Kaze. It was my first time going there and I had heard mixed reviews about the place, but I actually really enjoyed the food there. I think it's more known for it's all-you-can-eat menu, but we just ordered a la carte:

Salmon roses (rice wrapped in salmon sashimi and topped with crab salad, salmon roe, and wasabi sauce)

"Rainbow Boat"

Rainbow roll (California rolls wrapped in thin slices of avocado and different types of sashimi) and Kaze roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber roll topped with spicy crab salad)

Sashimi (salmon, tuna, albacore tuna, swordfish, and shrimp)

The bill came to just over $60 after tax and tip, so it would've been more economical to get the all-you-can-eat option (which is $19.99 for dinner on weekdays), but what I don't like about all-you-can-eat buffets is that I get way too full and feel really sick afterward. This was just the right amount of food that we were at a good full, but not bloated at all (a.k.a. no food babies). I can't really judge whether or not the service was that great, only because we went for a (really) late lunch around 4:30 and thusly were the only customers there. So while the waitress was attentive and efficient, it could've just been because there was no one else for her to serve. Regardless, the food was good, the fish was fresh, the presentation was nice, and the restaurant was clean. Overall, an enjoyable experience, and I would go there again.

Hipstamatic

on
Lens: Jimmy
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: Jimmy
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: Jimmy
Flash: Dreampop
Film: Ina's 1969

Taken with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone.

Mr. Greek

on
Sunday, November 28, 2010

Shawn and I went for dinner at Mr. Greek, 'cause we were craving Mediterranean food. I ordered gyros with rice, potatoes, and Greek salad. It was... okay. I've definitely had gyros that tasted better for a cheaper price (one place I love is Falafel House, who has some awesome gyros pita wraps). And I don't need my food to be piping hot but, you know, I like it at least warm to hot. But the meat was lukewarm at best. I think next time I will stick to souvlaki.

Murale: November Haul

on
Shoppers had their staff discount + 20x Optimum points event last weekend, so I racked up a ton of points after buying my mom all of her cosmetics and household items, and thusly had $170 to redeem on myself. So, obviously, I went over to Murale and hauled:

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #10 Provocative Pink and #18 Red Taboo

Nars Lip Gloss in Bougainville, Strawberry Fields, and Easy Lover

Nars Blush in Super Orgasm and Desire

Nars Highlighting Blush Duo in Hungry Heart

Deborah Lippmann Nail Colour in Happy Birthday and Ruby Red Slippers

Other purchases include a new tube of Chanel Mousse Exfoliante Purete Rinse-Off Exfoliating Cleansing Foam, a bottle of Chanel Hydramax+ Active Serum Active Moisture Boost, two bottles of Barefoot Venus Lemon Freckle Body Lotion, and a new tube of Lancome Artliner Precision Point Liquid Eyeliner.

Also, I painted my toes in Chanel's Nouvelle Vague Nail Lacquer and it makes me happy.

Ferrero Prestige

on

For whatever reason, I always equate Ferrero Rocher chocolates with the winter holidays. Maybe it's because that's when all the assorted gift boxes start rolling out in stores, like how Kinder Schoko-Bons come out for Easter. (Or maybe because I was at work tonight and saw all the pretty boxes of chocolates in the seasonal aisle...) Regardless, Ferrero Rocher currently owns my gluttonous soul.

Hipstamatic

on
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Taken with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone.

Swiss Chalet

on
Friday, November 26, 2010

Shawn and I totally celebrated American Thanksgiving tonight at Swiss Chalet. Except instead of turkey, we had chicken. And instead of homemade stuffing, we had instant stuffing. And instead of pumpkin pie, we had lemon meringue pie. And instead of celebrating on the 25th, we celebrated on the 26th. And instead of an actual Thanksgiving dinner, we had the "Festive Special" that Swiss Chalet has every year for Christmas (that comes with a box of Lindt chocolates!). And we sort of forgot to give thanks.

Yeah, so I'm a Thanksgiving fraud. At least our meal was delicious! (I've never actually had a real Thanksgiving and/or Christmas dinner to compare it to, so while some people might find it super crap, I found it quite tasty.) And I don't know what they put in that "Chalet sauce," but it is damn addictive. Apparently, people either love it or hate it, but I'm totally apart of the former category.

Instagram

on
Thursday, November 25, 2010

Testing out the Instagram app for iPhone. These were taken from the December issue of Marie Claire, using the Nashville filter. It's one of the few instances where I actually like the graininess.

Also, I think Emma Watson looks beautiful with her new pixie haircut. I think it suits her face shape and delicate features. She's received a lot of slack for it, apparently, but she reminds me of Mia Farrow circa Rosemary's Baby, whose haircut was also controversial at first and became iconic. Gorgeous.

Hipstamatic

on
Lens: John S
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Taken with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone.

Burlesque

on

Shawn and I went to watch Burlesque tonight. Yes, I knew what I was getting into, and I totally dragged Shawn into it, too (who went with me without question or complaint because he's a nice boy like that). Burlesque is one of those concepts that would be amazing live, but not so great in a film. There were parts that felt slow and dragged out, and ultimately, it was extremely predictable. It's definitely a movie to watch for the singing and dancing talent, not the storyline (like Center Stage).

Christina Aguilera is an incredible singer and dancer but a pretty terrible actress. And I couldn't help thinking that Cher was a drag queen with hair issues, which was totally distracting. Most of the supporting actors were great, though, including Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Eric Dane (McSteamy!), and Cam Gigandet. Mostly, though, I was watching it for the make-up and costumes, both of which were really well done. Nevertheless, it's a guilty pleasure at best, and probably only worth watching on Cheap Movie Tuesday, and that's only if you really felt inclined to watch it (which is doubtful).

Rating: 1.5/5

Caffe Demetre

on
Wednesday, November 24, 2010

I was totally craving pie tonight, so Shawn took me to Caffe Demetre. They only had apple or pecan pie available, so we ultimately decided on the pecan. And it was there that I had the most awesome pecan pie I've ever tasted. Don't get me wrong, I don't normally order pecan pie, but the one there was just... phenomenal. A perfect filling-to-crust ratio, and warmed so that the innards were nice and gooey and the crust was still buttery and flaky. I will totally have dreams about that pie.

Hipstamatic

on
Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Taken with the Hipstamatic app for iPhone.

Congee Queen

on
Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Shawn, for whatever reason, wanted congee (the only non-Asian I know who ever gets congee cravings), so we went to Congee Queen for dinner. I had the Japanese-style seafood fried udon noodles, and they were pretty damn delicious. The portion's way too big for one person so I couldn't finish it, but it was thoroughly enjoyable and had a good seafood-to-noodle ratio. And the Thornhill location is really nice - not quite cozy, but very clean-looking (for a Chinese restaurant) with modern decor. It almost doesn't look Asian until you see the roast ducks hanging at the back.

Sephora: November Haul

on
Sephora sent me a V.I.B. weekend savings pass last week that allowed me to get 20% off on any purchase. I was like, "Sweet, happy birthday to me!" So, my final haul includes:


A new bottle of Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum (I like to keep the 30 ml bottle in my purse so I don't have to lug around the full-size bottle), a tube of Fresh Supernova Mascara (I love this mascara but rarely ever buy it because you can only get it at Sephora and I never get a discount on it and, for whatever reason, I can't justify a $34 tube of mascara), and two packs of Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens.


Three tubes of Nars Lip Gloss in Oasis (mauvey plum with gold shimmer), Angelika (brightened cool-toned pink with subtle silver shimmer), and Super Orgasm (peachy-pink with gold shimmer). These glosses (along with two others) are limited edition and exclusive to Sephora, and are meant to match with their best-selling blushes (of the same names). If you like any of the shades, snatch them up now, 'cause they'll be rolling out of stores soon.


Cake Beauty's You Deserve This gift set, which includes a tube of their Milk Made Velveteen Hand Creme and a tube of their Cake Walk Triplemint Foot Creme. They leave skin super soft but they absorb fast, and they smell good. The Milk Made hand cream smells very slightly of vanilla and marshmallows with a touch of raspberry but it's not overwhelmingly sweet, and the Triplemint foot creme smells vaguely like a mint candy. And getting the set equals to about 20% off getting them individually.


Cake Beauty's Holiday Handful gift set, which includes three of their Velveteen Hand Cremes in Vanilla Snow (vanilla cake), It's A Slice (orange creamsicle), and Desserted Island (coconut cream pie). These ones are definitely way stronger in scent and much, much sweeter, but that's not to say they don't smell good, 'cause they do. You just have to be careful about how much you put on. And the set is a really good price - it's like getting one tube of hand cream for free. But, if you want to try one of Cake's hand creams, I'd start with the Milk Made one, 'cause the scent is not as overwhelming or sweet.


OPI for Sephora Nail Color in Read My Palm, Ocean Love Potion, Domestic Goddess, What a Broad, It's Bouquet with Me, and Metro Chic. OPI for Sephora's polishes come in some great shades and they go on smoothly and opaque but, ultimately, I like OPI's original polishes more (I like the brush better, and they have more shades). And these ones retail for $12, whereas most OPI polishes retail for about $10. I snatched these up 'cause I got a discount on them, but I think I'll stick with regular OPI next time.

Hipstamatic

on
I bought the Hipstamatic app for my iPhone this afternoon. I've been taking photos of random things in my house, and I gotta say, it is strangely addictive.

Lens: John S
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Off
Film: Ina's 1969

Lens: John S
Flash: Standard
Film: Ina's 1969

Go For Tea

on

Wynnie and I went out for a late dinner tonight. We originally wanted to try this new Vietnamese place that just opened up at Midland and McNicoll, but alas, they close at 10:00, and we arrived there at 9:52. So we decided to go to Go For Tea because it's right next door, and they have decent food despite the shitty service we get every time we go there (this is not location-specific - it's both locations). I ordered the satay beef with rice, and it was actually pretty damn tasty and came in a good portion. The only thing that I might complain about is the ratio of the ingredients, which is about 30% beef and 70% onions. And also that this dish gives you the ultimate in super-stink breath, because there's about six cloves of garlic in there, along with the onions. Seriously, I can still taste it. And this is after three mints, a piece of gum, brushing my teeth, and using mouth wash. Out of control.

On another note, the service tonight was actually not that bad. We actually got a waiter that could speak fluent English! And was friendly! And had the ability to smile! I mean, seriously, we're not asking for award-winning service here. But a little hospitality goes a long way, no?

Also, I totally just spent an hour playing Fruit Ninja on my iPhone. Holy, addictive.

KFC Double Down

on
Monday, November 22, 2010

I finally did it: I ate KFC's Double Down, a.k.a. a heart attack waiting to happen. For those who don't know what this is, it's a sandwich that consists of bacon, pepper jack cheese, and "Colonel's sauce" in between two pieces of fried chicken fillets. It was supposedly discontinued in Canada last week, but as far as I know, it's still available at most KFC locations in the city. When I first heard of this sandwich, I was like, "It is far too disgusting for me not to try." It apparently has less calories than some other fried chicken burgers, but a full day's worth of sodium. These facts, however, wouldn't deter me from eating it. After all, I've eaten deep-fried Oreos. Hell, I've eaten deep-fried butter.

The verdict? Surprisingly not that bad. I'd even give it a 7/10. It was definitely on the saltier side, but actually pretty enjoyable for the most part. I could've had more sauce (there was barely any, but it could've just been because of the location I was at), but the pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick to it. I was kind of bloated afterward but I didn't feel sick (like I do sometimes after eating McDonald's). I probably wouldn't order it again just because it's kind of expensive for what it is (about $7 per sandwich, and $9 for a combo) and it's not exactly substantial as a meal, but I'm glad I tried it!

Willie Stouts

on
Sunday, November 21, 2010

Went to Willie Stouts for a late dinner (me)/bar run (Shawn and Vito). I wasn't hungry enough for the prime rib sliders, so I got my second favourite item on the menu: grilled cheese with bacon. So. Damn. Good. (Not as good as the one from Markham Station, but a noble effort.)