Discovering First Markham Place: Mabu Generation and Cups Bingsu

Tiramisu Bingsu @Cups Bingsu

There are many new restaurants popping up all over Markham. Some of the places that we’ve been to just under a year ago have now been replaced. One of the new places we saw was Mabu Generation over at First Markham place. We decided to go there for dinner one Saturday. We still managed to get a table as it was before 6pm. By the time we left, though, there was already a line up. The menu was quite extensive that it felt a bit overwhelming to choose. We ended up getting something from most categories (except dessert and hotpot). We got Deep fried squid balls for appetizers. It was nicely chewy and not greasy. We promptly wolfed those down.

Deep Fried Squid Balls @Mabu Generation

The Deep fried cheese centered pork chop on rice looked really good on the menu so we tried that as well. And it was a good as it looked! Cheese oozed out of the porkchop giving a satisfying gooeyness along with the crunch of the batter.

Japanese-style Deep fried cheese-centered pork chop @Mabu Generation

DD#2 wanted soup and ordered Taiwanese style stewed beef noodle soup. This one was just ok. Nothing extraordinary.

Taiwanese Style Stewed Beef Noodle Soup @Mabu Generation

From the hotplate options, we tried another Japanese style dish--black pepper teriyaki sauce on sliced chicken cutlet. It came with rice and was presented nicely in the hotplate. The black pepper was a tad heavy-handed and I would have liked it to be more balanced with the teriyaki sauce.

Japanese Style Black Pepper Teriyaki Chicken cutlet on hot plate @Mabu Generation

All in all, the food was good with decent serving. The vibe of the place and service were great. We didn’t wait long for the food and the servers were pleasant.

While they had some tempting desserts, I was pretty much set to try the bingsu next door. We headed to Cups Bingsu to try their Tiramisu bingsu.

Bingsu is a traditional and popular Korean shaved ice dessert with toppings. They had many tempting selections which we plan to try next time. For this visit, we shared a large Tiramisu Bingsu. It was beautifully presented in a big bowl with a small slice of cake. The espresso was on the side which we poured into the bowl. The bingsu was so delicious! The ice was finely shaven and the chocolate, coffee, mascarpone were delightful. It was very light and easy to eat. 

Tiramisu Bingsu @Cups Bingsu

I don’t think I will have a problem finishing one by myself! We shall definitely return and try out the other flavours. We’ll add some ice cream and mocha next time as well!

Brunch at PEC: Chef Michael Hoy Culinary

106 Bridge Chef Michael Hoy Culinary @PEC

On our trip to Prince Edward County, we decided to have brunch at the open-only-on-Sunday Chef Michael Hoy Culinary at 106 Bridge. They do caterings and private events mostly so good thing we were there to catch the Sunday brunch.

The ambience was wonderful and the service was friendly. DD#1, Hubby and Grandma all had the delightful Eggs Benny which they generously offered for me to try. The eggs were beautifully cooked with just the hint of lemon from the Hollandaise.

Eggs Benedict @106 Bridge Chef Michael Hoy Culinary

DD#2 had French Toast with fresh fruit and bacon and the maple syrup was infused with orange. 

French toast @ 106 Bridge St Chef Michael Hoy Culinary

Order-envy-inducing, indeed, although I thoroughly enjoyed my Gratineed Cremini Mushroom with eggs on perfectly toasted multi-grain bread. Quite a change from usual breakfast offerings—no pancakes here!

Gratineed Cremini on toast @ 106 Bridge Chef Michael Hoy Culinary

It was such a delightful brunch out in The County with lots of traditional and interesting menu options. Highly recommended and would definitely be back!

A Thornbury lunch: The Mill Café

Hubby took us to lunch at The Mill Café over in Thornbury. The ambiance was nice with rural chic décor. It was too chilly to be in the patio but the views of the river would have been amazing!

Anyway, I got a Caesar while waiting for our meal. It was nice with horseradish.

We each ordered something different. And as was tradition, we all tasted each other’s dish.

Caesar @Mill Café

Hubby got the Mill Café steak and feta salad. The steak was nicely done and still pink in the middle. So I wasn’t sure why it would be on the tough side. It came on a bed of mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. It was just ok, but I felt it was pricey considering it was just mostly a salad.

Steak and Feta Salad @Mill Café

DD#1 got a Gyro Pita of lamb and pork blend. It had mixed greens and chili aioli. Now, as we are used to the gyros from Paramount, this was a bit underwhelming.

Gyro Pita @Mill Café

DD#2 got the Mill Burger with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Again, it was also just ok.

Mill Burger @Mill Café

I got a White Perch Tacos in a flour tortilla with chili aioli, sundried tomato paste, and baby arugula. It was tasty but the portions were a bit small for me. 

White Perch Tacos @ Mill Café

My issue with my dish was the fries—the chef included many tidbits of overcooked fries, which should not really be served anymore.

Fries which should no longer be served @Mill Café

The winning dish according to the fam was Grandma’s Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. The pulled pork and white cheddar on rosemary focaccia was quite delicious!

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese @Mill Café

Service was friendly but it does take a while for the orders to come. Overall, the dishes were good but the portions were small. It is a nice place, though, for Thornbury.