LUXOMME

We began our morning with a quick shopping trip down Bloor and then headed over to explore the University of Toronto Campus.

I say explore, but really, it was on our way to our main destination, Momofuku. Knowing that we had a big meal ahead, compounded with the fact that none of us really knew how to find the nearest subway station, we decided to make a 30 minute trek over. Of course, we ran across this fellow and HAD to take a picture.

How can you not?


We mused about how we had all considered UT at one point but decided the campus was way too big for us to ever navigate. You'd have to be seriously directionally talented to be able to survive here, or a human GPS. Really in shape too.




When we finally arrived at our destination, resounding sounds of relief were heard all around. We had gotten there just before the lunch rush had started and were promptly seated and given the option of tap, sparkling or bottle water.




The seats began to fill up as we still struggled with our decision. All the options looked so tempting and it was their 10th noodle anniversary, so we wanted to take advantage of all the choices available.


The three of us finally made an order after 30 minutes of deliberating. Momofuku ramen for Angie, Ginger Scallion Noodle for Sherv, Chilled Spicy Noodle for me, and of course, okonomiyaki to share.


We got so restless while waiting for our food that a round of "usies" were taken, because #asiangirlproblems.




When I lived at Queen's with my housemates, okonomiyaki was our go to midnight study snack. Because I had lived across from a 24/7 Metro, we would all pop out of our rooms randomly and decide that a late night grocery trip was needed to whip this delicious pancake up.

Momofuku took it one level up and slathered it with sauces and tiny pickled vegetables which were light and tangy, a nice contrast with the savoriness of the pancake. You guys have to try this.





I have this soft spot for Ippudo Ramen in Hong Kong for various reasons, the noodles being one of them. Until Momofuku, I had yet to find the perfect balance between softness and the "bounce" that I like in my ramen noodles. Sherv's ginger scallion noodle had a very light and delicate taste while mine had a subtle oil dressing but very intensely flavored pork and candied cashews. I would definitely ask for less oil for mine next time, and the bowls are massive. It looked small in all the pictures I looked at online, but the portions are enough for 2 people since the bowl is so deep.


The Momofuku "empire" actually consists of three floors, each housing a different restaurant catering to different tastes and price ranges. We started at the noodle bar on the bottom and worked our way up to the milk bar on the second level. Located there is a very cold room where they house tons of sweets, creating the perfect finish to your meal.

Also, it was there that we discovered that we weren't the only ones to obsessively take pictures of ourselves. I swear I didn't purposely take a picture of him taking a picture of himself though.






In retrospect, we probably could have just shared one of these, but we decided to spring for cereal milk's. To be honest, this was the most disappointing and overpriced part of the meal. Don't get me wrong, it still tasted great, but like horlick ice cream, nothing special. The cups were also small and the ice cream not fully frozen. For almost 6 dollars, it wasn't worth it.

For further reviews and pictures check out this link ! 




Very satisfied, the three of us hung out at Eaton's Center for an hour or so fooditising. We were going to shop but ended up sitting on my not so top secret bench on the top floor. If I'm in downtown and just want a place to rest, you'll probably find me there since no one really goes up to the top floor and I get the bench to myself.


Because we all had dinner plans, we decided to end the day off with a brisk stroll around Eaton's, running smack dab into Busker Fest which none of us even knew was going on.


Toronto definitely does things on an entirely new level. Last time I walked into the Pride Parade and now this. There was barely any room to move because there is something new going on on every block that everyone wants to be a part of.


Angie and I eventually decided to give up trying to get through the crowed and the two of us retired to a coffee bar where we people watched and chatted until both of us had to head home.



Highlight of our brief stroll through Busker Fest? Hollowed out pineapples filled with slush (which looked absolutely fantastic), a girl wearing a dress made of balloons, and the dragon which I managed to get half of shot of. But food in general. So much food.



One last crowd picture to end this post because it ain't Toronto without the people.

naomi

For me, I start yearning for fall towards the end of August, when I've tired of the summer heat, the breezy dresses, and bright colors that are often associated with that season. I find myself craving warm mugs of steaming apple cider, scarves and leather boots, and the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin streaming through the air - though not necessarily together.

Fall is also a great time for a switch up in my normal routine to richer and more intense products, and I've rounded up quite a few of my favorites for this season.


Pretty much butter in a bottle, for your hair.



This mascara combo is extremely lengthening, if you want that dramatic smoky eye. Seriously, look at those crazy fibers!




The longest lasting, ultra-shine gloss you've been looking for.

Black sugar to exfoliate all that summer sun dryness away. Try not to eat it.



And of course, what is fall without some chunky jewelry. Necklace is from Zara here and even comes in blue.


Two books currently on my bedside table, perfect for a warm night of reading. Snuggled in the bed with a warm cup of tea.


This year, fall feels like what Gymnopédie No. 1 elicits, and it seems to have come early for us. The weather is perpetually gloomy and the temperature just a tad bit above zero. It's definitely an excuse for me to break out all my cardigans and head over to Sbux for a pumpkin spice latte.

So stereotypical I know.

I hope you are all having a lovely start to the season :)

naomi

 To re-create that wonderful meal, I cheated a bit. Twice actually.

I'm a bit of a snooze when it comes to baking and cooking sometimes. I have a (really) soft spot for pre-mixed ingredients. Takoyaki mix happens to be one of them. Unfortunately, I had ran out earlier this month and only had okonomiyaki mix on hand, practically the same and good enough for me.


The instructions told me to add 100g of flour mix with 120cc water and 1 large egg. I don't have a kitchen scale, so I eyed the ingredients.

You want to make sure the batter has a runny consistency so that it can properly fill the pan.

The type of water you use probably won't make that much of a difference. I prefer using carbonated water when I'm baking just because the carbon dioxide gives my baked goods a fluffier texture.


When the batter is beginning to come together, I start heating up my takoyaki pan. You can get a similar one here.


Make sure your pan is well oiled so that the takoyaki balls don't stick to it.



Fill the holes halfway before dropping in your ingredients. I did my own version of takoyaki and stuffed the middle with minced garlic, minced shrimp, octopus, panko bread crumbs, and benishoga (pickled red ginger). The more filling the better.

Once your ingredients have been evenly distributed, top the pan off with the remainder of the batter.


Using two skewers or metal forks, turn the takoyaki so that they cook evenly on all sides.



Assembling all my condiments, I grabbed kewpie mayo, okonomi sauce (cheating again), sesame seeds and aonori.



I let the takoyaki balls cook for 3 more minutes on low heat before plating them and smothering them with my sauces. Topped off with bonito flakes for that smoky flavor and because it's rather amusing to watch them move around.






I passed this plate around and they disappeared so quickly that I barely finished my first one before they were all gone. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, little japan mama  has a wonderful recipe for these from scratch.

Light pillows of warmth on those chilly rainy days to share with a friend or devour all by yourself.

naomi