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This Week in Food: Dyne, Yuzu, Academy of Spherical Arts, Monster Sham Eating contest, Taco Throwdown

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toronto food eventsThis Week in Food rounds up the week's food news, restaurants openings and closings, chef movements and upcoming food events in Toronto. Find us here every Friday morning.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

  • Dyne is now open at 120 Avenue Road, in the space formerly occupied by Maléna. The new restaurant features a globally inspired menu that pulls from Iberian and Asian influences.
  • Yuzu, a sushi chain with numerous locations in Quebec is opening its first Toronto restaurant soon near King and Sherbourne.
  • Kiva's is slated to open a third location of its popular bagel bar franchise at 2496 Yonge Street. The new bakery cafe is aiming for a February 1st launch.
  • Melt Grilled Cheese will be opening its first downtown Toronto location at 300 Richmond St. next month, to the joy of club hoppers looking for a cheap, greasy snack.
  • The Academy of Spherical Arts quietly closed its doors for good this past New Years Eve.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Shamrock Burgers (6109 Kingston Road) hosts the semi-finals for the World Monster Sham Eating Contest on Saturday, January 12th starting at 1pm. The competitor to eat the most Monster Shams (2 all dressed 10oz burgers) in 10 minutes will be crowned the winner by this Scarborough burger joint.
  • A Kombucha Brewing Workshop from Kathrin Brunner (For the Love of Body) is being held at 6:30 pm on Monday, January 14th. Loft 404 (263 Adelaide West) hosts this instructional session on how to make this popular fermented brew at home.
  • ApéroChic rings in the new year with a taste of France on Thursday, January 17th at Bloke & 4th (401 King Street West). The specialty of this festive evening is glasses of bubbly and slices of French King Cake (Galette des Rois).
  • Room 203 is accepting reservations now via email for a 15 course meal by Geoff Hopgood and Guy Rawlings to be held on Wednesday, January 30th at 7pm
  • Space is limited for the second annual Death Row Meals Taco Throwdown taking place at take place at Rock Lobster Food Co. (110 Ossington Avenue) on Sunday, January 27th. Book your seat now to spend an afternoon sampling beer and food pairings from an impressive roster of competitors.
  • Tickets are on sale now for a Baldwin Village edition of Dishcrawl happening on Tuesday, February 5th. The tour will make stops at four eateries in this hidden gem of a downtown neighbourhood

OTHER NEWS

  • The Depanneur (1033 College Street) hosts a Xoco-Inspired drop-in dinner on Tuesday, January 15th starting at 6pm. Enjoy bowls of caldos (spicy soup) in the ambience of live music by The Rancho Misterio Trio starting at 7pm.
  • Photo from our review of Melt's Etobicoke location.


    Lee's Palace artist hosts outsider art show at brewery

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    Runt Lee's Palace ArtistAs a member of Toronto's underground art and music scenes for over 20 years, artist Alex Currie has accumulated quite the CV. Best known for painting the facade of Lee's Palace, Currie has also created band posters, comic books and even a painted van commissioned for a trip to Burning Man since his ejection from the service industry in the mid-80's.

    For his latest undertaking, Currie (a.k.a. Runt a.k.a. "the Lee's Palace Guy" (apparently unconcerned about being pigeonholed, this is printed on his business cards) has taken on the role of curator, bringing together the work of fellow "Indie Outsiders" John Abrams, Menno Krant, Mike Parsons, and David Irvine at the Steam Whistle Brewery.

    Runt Lee's Palace ArtistIt's a great fit, as the brewery has built a reputation around its often esoterically-themed group shows. Since they don't charge rent or a commission on any work sold, Steam Whistle has shown some fantastically diverse art over the years, and the exposure that they provide to emerging artists is priceless. But frankly, the brewery just isn't a great place to view art. Wall space is limited once you factor in the photo booth and over-sized beer coolers, and attending an opening can be a pretty disorienting experience. But for "Indie Outsiders: Hanna Barberic", this actually works to its benefit.

    Runt Lee's Palace Artist"Indie Outsiders," despite its manic mix of artistic styles, actually feels a lot more unified than the typical Steam Whistle group show, as its participants all seem to share an appreciation for absurdity and pop culture kitsch. And when they're not taking on Ke$ha or internet meme culture, they show the influence of other traditionally "outsider" artists; Krant's frantic, unrefined symbology is pure Basquiat, while Runt's work feels like the lovechild between R. Crumb, Jim Woodring, and Dr. Seuss.

    Runt Lee's Palace ArtistFor me, the show's highlight is definitely David Irvine, whose work best tows the line between low-culture homage and parody. As part of his "Re-Directed" series, the artist repurposed the type of old paintings you'll find cluttering the racks of any average thrift shop. Disney characters, internet memes and rubber ducks are overlaid on top of pastoral landscapes and paintings of clipper ships (often with Irvine's signature painted beneath that of the original artist). Seamlessly combining the kitsch of the past and present, Irvine's work is a giddy ode to the banality of mass-produced culture.

    Runt Lee's Palace ArtistIt is also more provocative than some of the more traditional means of rebellion on display. While Runt is best known for his large-scale works, he had several smaller painted records and canvases for sale during the opening. Consisting of rudimentary cartoons littered with scatological humour and misspelled profanity, these pieces didn't ring as subversive as perhaps intended. I prefer the larger murals, where the vulgar phantasmagoria of his comic scenes can be more fully appreciated.

    Runt Lee's Palace ArtistAs Runt's own bio admits, the work may not be spiritually fulfilling, but hey, its fun to look at. And if you're one of those particular "indie outsiders" who came of age during the golden years of Toronto punk, it'll probably be especially fun.

    "Indie Outsiders: Hanna Barbaric" runs through the end of January at Steam Whistle Brewery.

    Photos by Jesse Milns

    Co-founder of Wrongbar opens loveable Parkdale dive

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    Dive bar parkdaleThe chances are pretty good that Chris Harper has served you a drink at some point. As a longtime bartender at the Communist's Daughter and the co-founder of Wrongbar (not to mention stints at the Beaconsfield, Sweaty Betty's and Red Light), he's a familiar face for west end barflies. Back in the ownership game, Harper has once again set his sights on Parkdale. Situated at the corner of King and Cowan, the question for this new bar is pretty simple: if he builds it, will they come?

    Read my profile of Pharmacy in the bars section.

    The Best New Brunch Restaurants in Toronto, 2012

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    brunch torontoThe best new brunch restaurants in Toronto is a bumper crop of impressive new destinations that are ready to serve the hungry and hungover. Perhaps it was the Olympics or all the naked Royals, but Torontonians woke up this past year with a taste for greasy British breakfasts, turning 2012 into the year where comforting classics reigned supreme. The elevated brunch also saw no signs of slowing down, with many of the below adding luxurious (for the wallet and the waistline) accents to beloved brunch staples.

    Here is the list of the best new brunch restaurants in Toronto in 2012.

    See also:

    The best new brunch restaurants in Toronto, 2011
    The best new brunch restaurants in Toronto, 2010
    The best brunch in Toronto

    Weekend events in Toronto: January 11-13, 2013

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    toronto weekend eventsWeekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this January 11-13, 2013.

    PARTY

    Fucked Up's Long Winter Pt. 3
    Fucked Up hosts the third installment of the four-party Long Winter series, a film/art/rave experience complete with food and music. Buck 65, S.H.I.T. and Picastro will perform with another four acts to follow, while artists such as Katie Stelmanis of Austra, Jonah Falco and Scott Cudmore will premiere 8 art, video and installation works. Katie Mathieu will be providing the eats at this incredible event that will take place throughout The Great Hall with something for all ages. Entrance fee is pay-what-you-can.
    The Great Hall (1087 Queen Street West), January 11, 2013, 8PM PWYC

    Electric Circus
    Remember the Electric Circus? The folks from Worn Journal, She Does the City, and Good Kids sure do, and they're hosting a party inspired by the seminal '90s dance party show. Your best (worst?) '90s costumes are welcome (and there'll be a '90s club fashion costume prize of $200), you can pound back $1 Jello shots, and the party's 19+.
    Annex Wreckroom (794 Bathurst St), January 11, 2013, 10PM, $5 before 12AM ($10 after)

    Beam Me Up
    Digital Needle is a brave DJ duo--they resolutely spin disco at a time when disco's not exactly the genre of choice. Joined by Cyclist, and the live, soulful singing talents of Shelley Hayes, they might just have you breaking out some moves worthy of Travolta.
    The Piston (937 Bloor St. W.) January 12, 2013, doors at 10PM, $5 before 11PM ($10 after)

    FOOD

    ExpeRAWment in Rhea's Kitchen
    Toxicologist Dr. Rhea Mehta invites those interested in learning about raw cooking into her personal kitchen for a two-hour demo and dine workshop this Sunday. With a pre-planned, all vegan menu in place, Mehta will walk participants through proper raw cooking techniques while teaching the benefits of such a specific diet. Exact time and location will be released once tickets are purchased through Uniiverse.com.
    81 Navy Wharf Court, January 13, 2013, $50

    Shamrock Burgers' World Monster Sham Eating Contest
    A Scarborough landmark that has been serving some of the GTA's best burgers for over 40 years, Shamrock Burgers plays host to a massive eating contest this Saturday afternoon. The Monster Sham Challenge will see semi-finalists compete to eat as many double-stacked 10oz burgers with all the toppings as they can in 10 minutes. Watch champion eaters put these doubles down to win the finalist title of the World Monster Sham Eating Contest. Finals take place on February 2nd.
    Shamrock Burgers (6109 Kingston Road), January 12, 2013, 1PM Free

    For more food listings, check out our This Week in Food post.

    THEATRE

    Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy
    Robin Hood and the Merry Men get cheeky in Hart House Theatre's musical comedy rendition of the famous story about the poor man's thief. Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy features the light-hearted music and lyrics by Kieren MacMillan and Jeremy Hutton while offering social and political criticism. This Canadian-made show premieres Friday night and runs until January 26th.
    Hart House Theatre (7 Hart House Circle), January 11-26, 2013 8PM $25 general, $15 student/senior

    Wait Until Dark
    Toronto's newest theatre company opens its doors for its inaugural production this Friday night with the Benjamin Blais-directed Wait Until Dark. Starring Dayle McLeod, Tyrone Savage, David Tompa and Jonathan Widdifield, Frederick Knott's thriller follows a young woman coping with her newfound blindness when three con men begin to pursue her. Tickets to the opening gala show are available through secureaseat.com.
    The Storefront Theatre (955 Bloor Street West), January 11, 2013, 8PM $25

    For more theatre listings, check out our This Week in Theatre post.

    FILM

    L'Altra Italia Italian Movie Series
    L'Altra Italian showcases Italian contemporary cinema for Canadian audiences and this Friday evening, this will include a screening of La Vita Facile (The Easy Life). Playing in Italian with English subtitles, this Lucio Pelligrini comedy is the story of a successful Italian doctor who agrees to volunteer in Africa only to be caught up in a bribery scandal. Tickets will be sold the day of the screening from 6:30-8:45PM at Maison Mercer (15 Mercer Street). The ticket price covers the preceding reception and the screening.
    TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West), January 11, 2013, 7PM $40

    For more film listings, check out our This Week in Film post.

    toronto weekend eventsBURLESQUE

    Blood Ballet Cabaret presents: Illuminatease
    The Blood Ballet Cabaret's 2013 tour is bringing them to the Junction tonight for one night only (they're based in Montreal), with a "titillating" cabaret show that promises to explore conspiracy theories like celebrity assassinations and the moon landing. The show habitually uses circus, musical and burlesque performers, so it's sure to be a feast for the senses.
    3030 Dundas West (3030 Dundas St. W.), January 11, 2013, doors at 8PM, $10

    FASHION

    CAFTCAD Presents: An Evening with Costume Designer April Ferry
    Award-winning costume designer April Ferry has worked in film and television for over 30 years, and will sit down with The Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design to discuss her career milestones. Sharing her creative approach from a lengthy career that has seen her working on films like Donnie Darko, Robocop and Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Ferry will impart wisdom on young students and lovers of costume design. A wine and cheese reception will follow.
    Camera (1028 Queen Street West), January 12, 2013, 8PM $40 general, $28 student/member

    For more fashion listings, check out our This Week In Fashion post.

    MUSIC

    Ginuwine and Bobby V Live
    R&B wonder Ginuwine is coming to Toronto to play Sound Academy with opener and fellow R&B artist Bobby V this Saturday night. Ginuwine may be best known for his 1996 hit song "Pony," but the artist has released six follow-up albums since his breakout debut. Bobby V, a frequent collaborator with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, will open the show. Comedian Jay Martin will host the evening. To prepare for Saturday night's show, it might also be worth your while to check out this gem.
    Sound Academy (11 Polson Street), January 12, 2013, 10PM

    The Neil Young'uns Live
    A Neil Young tribute band with an unbelievable arsenal of songs to cover, The Neil Young'uns perform live at the Danforth's Linsmore Tavern this Saturday night. Covering not only the music of Neil but also Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, their impressive song list covers the entire span of Young's career. Tickets are available in advance by calling 416-466-5130 or at the door.
    Linsmore Tavern (1298 Danforth Avenue), January 12, 2013, 9:30PM $5 advance, $10 door

    For more music listings, check out our Hot Ticket and January Concerts posts.

    PHOTOGRAPHY

    Chris Shepherd: Wandering
    To Chris Shepherd, wandering means found objects, nature and hiking, the city, formalism and minimalism. In the opening of his photography show, Wandering, Shepherd presents a series in a city setting that observes the manipulation of the urban context. Opening Saturday afternoon, Shepherd's colourful photographs that cross nature and industry will be on display at Bau-Xi Photo on Dundas West. The photographer will be in attendance if you feel like wandering with him.
    Bau-Xi Photo (324 Dundas Street West), January 12-26, 2013, 2PM Free

    ART

    The Right Mistake
    Artist Chris Walsh explores geometric shapes through oil on canvas in The Right Mistake, his latest solo exhibition opening at Walnut Contemporary this Saturday afternoon. The local painter observes cities as examples of a civilization layer cake and his grid-like pieces exemplify this view. His latest series of paintings comes on the heels of the success of his last show, Gesture & Geometry. The artist will be in attendance at the show, which closes January 31st.
    Walnut Contemporary (201 Niagara Street), January 12, 2013, 2PM Free

    Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.

    Lead photo from F+cked Up's Long Winter Part I, second photo courtesy of the Blood Ballet Cabaret

    January fog

    This Week In Comedy: ALTdot Comedy Lounge, John Tole, Ian Stuart, Jackie Kashian, Tequila Comedyworm

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    toronto comedy eventsFrom a Girl Scout Cookie Enthusiast (wait 'til you hear this one), to the Lead Ranger of the Dork Forest, allow me to introduce you to our wonderful guests in This Week In Comedy.

    MON JAN 14 / ALTdot COMEDY LOUNGE / RIVOLI / 332 QUEEN W / 9PM / $5

    ALTdot knocks it out of the park again with a stellar line-up. Pay special attention to Rebecca Kohler, who was thoroughly impressive when she opened for Tom Segura and Brendon Walsh at JFL42. Nick Reynoldson is quickly becoming one of my favourite acts to watch because I don't know what's going to happen when he's up there. Heck, neither does he. Finally, Adam Christie deserves a mention because he's one of the only comedians I've ever seen slowly turn his back to the audience, regard the wall, and somehow keep the crowd with him and laughing all the while.

    TUES JAN 15 / JOHN TOLE & IAN STUART / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM & 930PM / $10

    John has worked with Jim Norton, Joe Rogan, Ari Shaffir, and Howard Stern, which should give you a good idea about where his head's at. The clip above made me sacrifice an applause break without laughing, which is magical in and of itself. I almost want to quote the punchline to you right now, but I don't want to spoil it. In the same spirit of doing your own thing, Ian Stuart's hard work on the road less travelled is paying off, which is probably why these guys are touring together: there's strength in unity.

    THURS JAN 17 / TEQUILA COMEDYWORM / 512 QUEEN W / 830PM / $5

    Mark Little headlining? I'm there. I caught some of his new stuff at Rush Zilla's Laughter Luau at Hawaii Bar (every Friday at 9pm standard comedy time), and it was gold. It's intimidating, wonderful, and awe-inspiring all at the same time when I see Mark on stage. But then I remember he's been in the game for over 10 years, has a Masters in Theatre, and is a voracious writer and performer. Many of his fans will congratulate him for being hilarious, but I thank him for the dedication and hard work that he's put in to making it all seem so effortless.

    FRI JAN 18 / JACKIE KASHIAN / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 8PM & 930PM / $20

    In keeping with my reverence for hard work and dedication, Jackie Kashian has been at it for 15 years and still spends over half of the calendar year touring internationally. Her comedy album It's Never Going To Be Bread was named one of the best by Amazon in 2010. What's most impressive, though, is that her podcast fans have self-identified themselves as, "Rangers of the Dork Forest." Wowzers. When your internationally-dispersed fan base bands together to form a cohesive unit and starts interacting without your supervision, that's when you know you've made it.

    About the Author: This is Michael Jagdeo, and I refuse to write about myself in the third-person. My blog, Diary of a Stand-up Comedian, walks you through the up's and down's (they're mostly down's, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.

    Stefan Sagmeister's Happy Show will make you smile

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    the happy show torontoA stack of sugar cubes spell out "Step Up To It, inviting Design Exchange visitors to literally step up to "it"--a frame suspended from the ceiling--and smile. This smile-activated art piece is an interactive installation piece at The Happy Show, a traveling exhibit that has found a home until March 3rd at the DX. Step Up To It lights up from white to pink each time a new visitor smiles. Some achieve a greater brightness than others, but the result is always the same: the individual walks away with a natural smile.

    Artist, filmmaker and award-winning graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister has nailed it--this piece makes people happy.

    At the opening of his first Canadian exhibit, the Austrian designer circled the third floor, where The Happy Show has settled into its yellow-walled home, with a calm smile and an open demeanor, inviting all media and guests to approach him about his ten-year project that seeks to qualify happiness.

    the happy show torontoThe project began back in 2000, when Sagmeister put his graphic design career on hiatus (or so he thought) after great success working with brands like LEVI'S and designing Grammy Award-winning album covers for Talking Heads and David Byrne. Seeking artistic experimentation, the projects Sagmeister began working on ended up creating the bulk of The Happy Show.

    Arriving in Toronto four days prior to the exhibit opening, Sagmeister immediately went to work piecing together the show. Handwritten social observations (mistakes and all) and hand-drawn infographics based on the data of psychologists like Daniel Gilbert and Jonathan Haidt stand out in bold, sharp lettering on the freshly-painted sunflower-hued walls. Sagmeister uses the findings of these psychologists to determine that we live in happier times, but also does his fair share of data-gathering.

    the happy show torontoThe fun begins at the entrance, where 10 plastic tubes of yellow gumballs make up the "Gumball personal happiness survey." Sagmeister's instructions direct visitors to take from the number that corresponds with how they would rate their own happiness out of 10. As opening night draws on, tube #9 proves to be popular. However, it is difficult to measure the degree of accuracy. As one guest remarks, "Anyone whose happiness is at a 2 would be too embarrassed to admit it."

    Little details fill the exhibit with quirky messages painted above thermostats ("I like to move it, move it"), sound life advice at the push of a button (literally), and large-scale interactive pieces that make guests feel like they are on an adult school trip to the Ontario Science Centre.

    the happy show torontoBeyond a projection of the 14-minute preview of Having Guts, Sagmeister's documentary about teaching the self to be happy, is the show's main piece. "Actually Doing the Things I Set Out to Do Increases My Overall Level of Satisfaction" is a bicycle-powered installation that allows the rider to assume control of a neon-lit message that sprawls across the east wall of the gallery.

    A difficult ride, the cyclist must engage in physical activity to unveil the message of the piece. The installation provides a maxim to live by: ambition and goal completion create happiness. Not surprisingly, next to the bicycle is a wall of extended plaster hands offering Sagmeister's favourite ginger candies with another hint to happiness: reward.

    the happy show torontoBut, Sagmeister does not assert that he has the answer to happiness or that it can be achieved by visiting The Happy Show. He juxtaposes silly moments, like "Happiness symbol survey," with stories of personal struggle--such as overcoming his cigarette addiction in "Drugs Are Fun in the Beginning but Become a Drag Later On."

    Sagmeister presents his audience ideas on how to train their mind to be happy, much like they would train their body: smile, be ambitious, complete goals, reward yourself, reflect, socialize. The exhibit doesn't have the answer to happiness because overall, the underlying narrative of The Happy Show is a personal one. And truly, Stefan Sagmeister is a really happy fellow.

    The Happy Show is on now until March 3, 2013, and you can purchase tickets online.

    Photos by Morris Lum


    Where to learn to sew like a pro in Toronto

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    the make den torontoLooking to get your craft on, to alter your great vintage finds, or to make it big at Toronto Fashion Week? This studio offers sewing and design classes for budding DIYers and aspiring high-fashion designers alike. It was previously tucked away within 69 Vintage Collective, but moved to its own location in Bloordale last fall.

    Read my profile of The Make Den in the fashion section.

    The nautical adventures of the Trillium ferry in Toronto

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    toronto trillium ferryIn the 103 years since it first splashed into Lake Ontario at the foot of Sherbourne Street, Trillium, the side-wheeled paddle ferry, has had an eventful life carrying day-tripping passengers from Toronto to the city's idyllic islands, occasionally saving lives and sinking inferior boats.

    Named for the white plant that would later become the province's official flower, the Trillium's steel hull was riveted together by Polson Iron Works, the shipbuilding company responsible for many other important vessels in Toronto's history, including the Ontario 2 passenger ferry and the utterly bizarre roller boat. However, none of the shipyard's creations would have anything like the longevity of the of this particular florally named vessel.

    toronto trillium ferryJust after noon on June 18, 1910, the Trillium, christened by the eight-year-old daughter of the president of the Toronto Ferry Company, made an ungraceful sideways entrance into the shallow water. At 150 feet long and 45 feet wide, the Trillium was a substantial vessel that would have been difficult to maneuver were it not for a special type of power assistance which the Toronto Star said allowed the vessel to be "steered by the little finger."

    Roughly two weeks later, its engines and wooden deck finished, the partially-painted ferry was given its first shakedown by the thousands of Dominion Day travelers that crowded to Hanlan's Point for a special one-day carnival featuring Mike the Bucking Mule ("more fun than an army of clowns!"), a dog and pony circus, and a thrilling Viennese high-wire unicycle act, the DePhil Brothers.

    With its sister ferry "Bluebell," the Trillium worked the short hop between the city and the Hanlan's Point amusements while larger lake-going vessels brought revelers from Buffalo and Niagara to see the two baseball games that were scheduled that day.toronto lawrence solmanLater that summer, the side-wheeler was pressed into service during a fire at the foot of Scott Street, then a waterfront address, that threatened to destroy several wooden boat sheds and a pier. From a position on top of the boat, Toronto Ferry Co. manager Lawrence "Lol" Solman doused the roaring flames with a pressurized hose.

    A second fire boat, the Nellie Bly, presumably named after the American journalist famous for her round-the-world trip and exposé piece of US mental health practices, was also involved. "Their combined efforts prevented the fire from spreading," noted the Star.

    A year later, manager Solman was involved in more heroics aboard the Trillium. A canoeist making a late-night crossing of the harbour had discovered a floundering young couple whose sail boat had capsized. Hauling the exhausted pair aboard his tiny ship, the man risked sinking his own craft and his own personal safety.

    The canoeist hailed the passing Trillium, and Solman, on board once again, helped the trio aboard using the ferry's life raft. Strangely, all three of those rescued refused to give their names. "I would certainly like to know his name," said Solman of the mystery paddler, who disappeared into the night shortly after. "If there are any medals going for brave acts he certainly deserves one."

    Solman (pictured above) had a close connection to the Toronto Islands and Hanlan's Point in particular. He was the son-in-law of John Hanlan, the hotelier for whom the area is named, and brother-in-law of Ned Hanlan, the world-champion rower and alderman. His business interests in the area included ownership of the Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team and managing director positions at Hanlan's Point Hotel and Amusement Park, to name a few.toronto hanlan's pointHis own company, Toronto Ferry Co., held a monopoly on passenger traffic to and from the Islands until it was absorbed by the TTC in the 1920s. Despite his dominance, Solman's actions suggest a kind heart. During a blistering heatwave in the summer of 1921, he offered the Trillium and a bottomless supply of cold milk to the mothers and children of the city so that they might enjoy the cool off-shore breezes.

    The TTC took over ferry operations from the city in 1927, bringing the Trillium and its sister ships the Bluebell, Mayflower, Primrose, Jasmine, John Hanlan, Clark Bros., and Luella into the company that operated busses and streetcars in the city.

    The Trillium began to lose its way when Lawrence Solman died in 1931. Over the next two decades the vessel continued to make the trip from the foot of Bay Street to Hanlan's Point but was slowly becoming surplus to the TTC's requirements. It, along with the Bluebell, was purchased for $4,500 by the Metro Toronto Works Department who planned to strip both for use as garbage floats.

    toronto trillium ferryAs historian Mike Filey notes in his excellent book about the Trillium, available in part via Google Books, a timely intervention halted work on both ships but not before the Bluebell had been gutted. Both were towed to a lagoon at the Toronto Islands and left to rust and capsize instead.

    Almost twenty years in the water without maintenance took its toll on the Trillium. When Filey and others at the Toronto Historical Board persuaded Metro Council to pay $95,000 to restore the ferry in 1973, the boat hadn't moved in 16 years, causing much of the woodwork to be unusable. The Bluebell wasn't as lucky - it was towed to the tip of the Leslie Street Spit and discarded.

    The newly-fixed ferry re-entered service in November 1975 under the control of Metro Toronto Parks and Culture. The TTC exited the boat business in 1961, shortly after the Trillium was abandoned to focus on its subway and surface transit operations.

    toronto ms normacThe last of the Trillium's famous acts arrived with a crunch in 1981 when a sudden mechanical failure on approach to the ferry terminal prevented the vessel slowing as it approached the dock. Out of control, the Trillium's momentum carried it west into the side of the packed MS Normac, then the home of Captain John's restaurant.

    "The lights went out and there were sparks flying and I thought it has to be a bomb," Bill Bolton breathlessly told the Toronto Star that night. "The whole ship rocked when she crashed," recalled Gary Farbish, a honeymooning Florida resident enjoying a meal with his wife. "It knocked the dishes and everything off the table."

    Luckily, the accident only caused minor injuries. The Normac, however, developed a slow leak and capsized at its permanent mooring two weeks later. John Letnik would later sub in the Jadran, the Normac's neighbour on the Yonge Street slip, to take over the restaurant business until its closure this year over unpaid bills. The Normac now resides in Port Dalhousie, Ontario.

    toronto trillium ferryWith the hardiness of its namesake, the Trillium, not for the first time in its history, was patched up and put back into regular service where it has remained ever since. On your next trip to Hanlan's Point be sure to take a moment to appreciate Toronto's oldest working public vehicle. It could easily have wound up on garbage duty.

    Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

    Photos: City of Toronto Archives, public domain, Toronto Star; June 17, 1981, P1, and Stephen Gardinerfrom the blogTO Flickr pool.

    Off-season

    This Week in Theatre: Wait Until Dark, Help Yourself, The Amorous Adventures Of Anatol, Cafe Daughter, Body 13

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    Toronto theatre This week in theatre rounds up the most noteworthy live theatre playing right now in Toronto. It includes just-opened shows as well as productions that are about to close.

    Wait Until Dark / The Storefront Theatre / 8:00pm/2:00pm / $20
    StoreFront Theatre, located at 955 Bloor Street, has chosen Wait Until Dark as the production to launch their new theatre company. Frederick Knott's play is a suspenseful thriller involving three con men who pray on a blind housewife in Greenwich Village. The theatre company has recruited a collection of strong actors for the roles: Dayle McLeod, Tyrone Savage, David Tompa, Brenhan McKibbon, Claire Armstrong, and Jonathan Widdifield.

    Help Yourself / Red Sandcastle Theatre / 8:00pm/3:00pm / $10-$20
    The Toronto Fringe Festival's 2012 New Play Winner, and one of the standouts from last year's festival, Help Yourself introduces us to a man with an unusual profession: justifying our most immoral acts. Kat Sandler's play is a high-octane thriller with a dark comedic style that explores our hyper-modern preoccupations. Tim Walker gives an enthralling performance as the new client and the play features a slow and steady burn towards a memorable climax.

    The Amorous Adventures Of Anatol / Tarragon Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $27-$53
    Alongside Hannah Moscovitch's This Is War, Tarragon Theatre brings Arthur Schnitzler's The Amorous Adventures Of Anatol to Toronto stages this winter. Morris Panych has penned a new adaptation about the Viennese Casanova Anatol who strikes up relationships with a host of women. The play was certainly a bit cheeky when first staged in 1895. It's not the only Schnitzler play this year — Soulpepper will mount La Ronde later this season.

    Cafe Daughter / Aki Studio Theatre / 8:00pm/2:30pm / $10-$20
    Yvette Nolan directs this one woman show about Canadian Senator Dr. Lillian E. Quan Dyck, a Chinese Canadian Cree woman who grew up in rural Saskatchewan. The story follows young Yvette Wong who overcame her time at residential schools and pursued a career in the sciences, eventually realizing her dream of becoming a doctor. PJ Prudat performs twelve different characters in this inspiring Canadian success story.

    Body 13 / Theatre Passe Muraille / 7:30pm/2:00pm / $25-$35
    MT Space (Multicultural Theatre Space), who previously produced The Last 15 Seconds at Theatre Passe Muraille, presents Body 13, a story about characters pursuing love across cultural borders. Directed by Majdi Bou-Matar, the play considers three love stories that unfold on a Canadian beach set before the backdrop of a wedding and a funeral. The play was collectively created by actors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

    Photo from Wait Until Dark

    Sunday Supplement: How Toronto renames its streets, weighing adverts on city ferries, and Osgoode Hall facts

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    toronto king streetIt would be practically impossible to count all the Toronto streets named in honour of a local do-gooder or titled to butter up some colonial leader in the hope of currying personal favour. So when city leaders decide to rename a street, as was proposed this week with Jack Layton Way, there are strict protocols that ensure history is preserved an no-one gets away with anything iffy. Some of the highlights of Toronto's naming procedure are featured in this week's post.

    Also, ad creep, the encroachment of advertising in public spaces, is a constant concern for those interested in maintaining the quality of Toronto's streets. A possible resurrection of ad wraps on city ferries raises important questions about where we draw the line with advertisers and whether money should ever be a deciding factor in these sorts of decisions. Below is a brief primer on the issue.

    REMEMBERING JACKtoronto jack laytonThis week, officials at Bridgepoint Health, the health centre at Broadview and Gerrard currently undergoing major renovations, revealed they are considering naming a new street on the complex after late NDP leader Jack Layton. The road, which could form part of the old Don Jail Roadway, will likely be named Jack Layton Way.

    Because it's partially on private property, it isn't clear if the road will be subject to the same naming conventions as regular city streets that receive honourific names for local worthies. The city is actually pretty strict about how its roads are named and there are a short collection of rules any name changes must abide by. Here are some highlights:

    • "Honourific names shall normally be awarded posthumously to those individuals who have been deceased for at least two years, with exceptions to be approved by City Council."
    • "Named parties are prohibited from implying that their products, services or ideas are sanctioned by the City."
    • "In line with current practice, for the naming of ward-specific properties and streets, division staff shall only recommend names that .... do not lend themselves to inappropriate abbreviations or acronyms;"
    • "Only a person's last name should be used as a street name unless additional identification is necessary to prevent a duplication with an existing street name in Toronto and surrounding municipalities."
    • "Corrupted or modified names, or names which are discriminatory or derogatory from the point of view of race, sex, colour, creed, political affiliation or other social factors shall not be considered."
    • "Similar sounding names such as Beach Avenue and Peach Avenue, or Apple Hill Road and Apple Road shall be avoided."

    WRAPPING THE FERRIEStoronto island ferryThe perennially cash-strapped TTC has long offered a variety of advertising solutions, including subway station panels, vehicle interior signage, and most noticeably, full wraps of its streetcars. This week, plans to coat the city-owned ferry fleet in adverts made headlines.

    Back in 1999, the city briefly covered the Sam McBride in a red-and-blue Kool-Aid livery only for Heritage Toronto to cancel the pilot scheme over fears pasting Toronto's stately fleet with promotions for soft drinks would make the city look sort of dumb.

    Coating a vehicle in an ad doesn't come cheap if the TTC's pricing policy is anything to go by. In 2010, a full double streetcar wrap cost in the region of $46,000 for a period of four weeks. Single streetcars cost $31,500 and busses $21,500.

    That sort of revenue is nothing to sneeze at. Using those figures as a very rough guide, the city could net in the region $100,000 a month, minus the cost of installing the advert. Back in 1999, the city received $60,000 for both sides of the Sam McBride.

    In fact, it made something of a media event out of the whole thing. A press release ahead of the Victoria Day weekend that year read "The Sam McBride, newly decked-out with wacky, colourful Kool-Aid smile banners, will be christened with Kool-Aid and launched with a rainbow of Kool-Aid smile boats. The event will kick off a summer of fun at the Toronto Islands."

    Except it didn't. Residents hated the tacky marketing scheme and despised the painted faces grinning goofily from the side of the boat even more. When it finally nixed the ad, Heritage Toronto noted that "advertising on the sides of the ferry should be considered with caution" in future as the boats have historically been marketing-free zones.

    The entire debate raises questions about what sort of cash value we place on our public spaces. Defending the Kool-Aid idea in 1999, a rep from the parks department said the wrap struck the right tone because it emphasized summer fun, not alcohol or cigarettes. Should appropriate ads be permitted on the side of Toronto's ferries for the right price?

    OSGOODE FACTStoronto osgoode hallRob Ford's appeal hearing in courtroom three of Osgoode Hall this week gave many city hall watchers and members of the public their first glimpse inside the ornate historic building. One of Toronto's first major construction projects, the east wing of Osgoode was built on the northwest corner of York at Lot and College streets, the former names of Queen and University respectively, in 1829.

    The building was expanded and modified at several times until it reached its present form in 1857.

    Here are some other tidbits about Osgoode Hall:

    • The structure was named for William Osgoode, the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada
    • There are two disused jail cells in the basement.
    • A private tunnel links Osgoode Hall with the larger courthouse to the north.
    • Despite persistent rumours, the awkwardly tight gates weren't designed to keep out cows.

    WHAT WE LEARNED THIS WEEK

    Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

    Photo: Chris Bateman/blogTO, "Just A Ferry Ride Away" by syncros from the blogTO Flickr pool.

    The bold and the beautiful

    Radar: Collections Town Hall and Art Jam, Woody Allen Past and Present, Blaine Harden, Ceramic Processes in Contemporary Art

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    toronto events january 14ART | 'Collections' Town Hall & Art Jam
    Tonight at City Hall, in the "rotunda area" in the front entrance, the Collections Town Hall and Art Jam goes down! This is a special event organized to send a clear message to City Hall that investment in art is an important thing, and that the Billboard Tax collected should go to this cause. To celebrate and show support, there will be live painting, musical performances including jam sessions, DJs, a photo booth, and guest speakers, including Jully Black and Shad. Come out and support this very important cause.
    Toronto City Hall (100 Queen Street West) 6PM

    LECTURE | Woody Allen Past and Present
    Tonight, another great film lecture series begins at the Miles Nadal JCC, and this time Woody Allen's work is the topic at hand. Film critic and author Kevin Courrier will take you through this five-week exploration of Allen's films, with a specific focus each week, as well as a chronological development in the course of the lectures. Not only will Allen's work be the subject of discussion, but also its historical and cultural context. Tonight a survey of the various themes in Allen's work will be explored.
    Miles Nadal JCC (750 Spadina Avenue) 7PM $12/class ($6 students) / $56/series

    BOOKS & LIT | Blaine Harden
    Author Blaine Harden discusses his new book, Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West, this evening at the Toronto Reference Library. This work tells the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, a survivor who fled successfully from a North Korean "no-exit" camp. However, there are some shocking details about what this man had to do to survive inside that hostile environment, which might change your perception of his story considerably. Brian Stewart will host this event and interview Harden.
    Reference Library (789 Yonge Street) 7PM

    LECTURE | Engaging with Ceramic Processes in Contemporary Art
    This evening, the Gardiner Museum holds an interesting panel discussion for those who have an interest in art and art history. Clint Neufeld, a Saskatchewan sculptor, along with artist/professor Linda Sormin, will discuss ceramic practices and processes in contemporary art. These two will be joined by Rachel Gotlieb, who is currently the Gardiner Museum's Senior Curator, and Mona Flip, Curator at the Koffler Gallery.
    Gardiner Museum (111 Queen's Park) 6:30PM $15 / $10 members

    OTHER EVENTS ON OUR RADAR

    Kombucha Brewing Workshop
    Parkdale Ukulele Group Monday Night Class

    Have an event you'd like to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO Toronto events calendar or contact us directly.


    Morning Brew: Mammoliti finance audit finds $12,000 overspend, Ikea monkey may have been abused, Toronto sweats in record temperatures, and a skull near the 407

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    toronto skyA detailed audit of councillor Giorgio Mammoliti's 2010 campaign expenses has found he overspent by more than $12,000, possibly in breach of election rules. The document will be discussed by the compliance audit committee on Feb. 4 and it's possible there could be legal consequences. If it's found Mammoliti breached the Municipal Elections Act he could be fined or removed from office.

    The auditors note there was some apparent confusion over when Mammoliti's brief mayoral campaign ended and his run for councillor began. What action do you think should come next?

    The story of Darwin the Ikea monkey has taken a dark turn. Staff at the sanctuary where the rhesus macaque is currently being held allege the owners hit and strangled the animal and threatened to remove his teeth. Yasmin Nakhuda is fighting to have her pet returned despite the mammals being illegal in Toronto.

    It's official, this Saturday was the hottest Jan. 12 on record in Toronto and very nearly the hottest January day since records began. The previous high of 9.5 C evaporated as the temperature reached 15 C, way above the seasonal average.

    The Star is discussing how to reduce the number of road blockages caused by overflowing construction sites, of which there are many, in Toronto's core. Some of the solutions include paying developers to stay out of the street or requiring construction projects to file storage plans in advance. Is this a big problem? Should construction sites be forced to keep it tidy?

    Out in Brampton, a heated battle between the city's orchestra and the local government over who owns a grand piano is starting to simmer. The dispute started over the group's funding and financial statements.

    A man was stabbed in a College and McCaul bar early Sunday after a disagreement turned ugly. The man admitted himself to nearby Mt. Sinai hospital before the police could arrive and parts of College were temporarily closed for an investigation.

    Police have confirmed the discovery of a human skull on a highway 407 ramp Sunday afternoon. The human remains were found close to the Bathurst Street on ramp by a passer by who sent a photo to police.

    IN BRIEF:

    FROM THE WEEKEND:

    Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

    Photo: "Untitled" by Lisa on the Run/blogTO Flickr pool.

    Hot Ticket: Willy Mason, Niki and The Dove, Freelance Whales, Hundred Waters, Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, Catl, The Royal Crowns

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    toronto concert listingsLive music picks for TUESDAY JANUARY 15 through SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2013.

    TUESDAY JANUARY 15 / WILLY MASON / THE RIVOLI / 332-334 QUEEN W / $12 / ALL AGES

    28-year-old folk singer/songwriter Willy Mason has accomplished quite a bit since he burst onto the scene in 2005. He's released three albums, including Carry On, which came out just over a month ago. And perhaps most impressive, he's toured with such artists as Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Death Cab for Cutie, and Radiohead. That's a hell of a resume, right there.

    WEDNESDAY JANUARY 16 / NIKI & THE DOVE / WRONGBAR / 1279 QUEEN W / $15 / 19+

    This electro-pop/indietronica trio from Sweden was recently honoured with a European Border Breakers Award, which draws attention to Europe's best new music acts. And it's not difficult to see why - their 2012 debut, Instinct, was arguably one of the genre's best albums of the year. In two short years, Niki & the Dove has proven that they have what it takes to make a lasting impact. You can expect big things from them.

    THURSDAY JANUARY 17 / FREELANCE WHALES / THE MOD CLUB / 722 COLLEGE / $16 / 19+

    The music of the Freelance Whales is indie rock/pop at its finest. The band is currently touring in support of their sophomore album, Diluvia, which was released to much acclaim back in October. They've had their songs featured in several TV shows, including Chuck, Grey's Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. If, you know, that sort of thing is important to you. Hundred Waters will offer support.

    FRIDAY JANUARY 18 / YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN / THE GARRISON / 1197 DUNDAS W / $10 / 19+

    It's pretty safe to say that you've never seen an act like Yamantaka // Sonic Titan. It's an experimental performance art collective that was originally formed in Montreal, and is now based out of Toronto. The music and performance style is a fusion of many different influences, including J-pop, Asian heavy metal and industrial music, and Kabuki theatre. For that low price, this is a show that you'll definitely want to check out.

    SATURDAY JANUARY 19 / CATL / HORSESHOE TAVERN / 368 QUEEN W / $12 / 19+

    Talk about ending the week on a high note. Local rockers Catl - self-described as "dirty, stripped-down, juke-joint blues" - will be hitting the Horseshoe with support from The Royal Crowns. If this kind of music is your thing (and if it's not, it really should be), you probably already know what this band is capable of. And if you're not familiar with them, I can't recommend their stuff highly enough. And this show - especially for that low price - is a no-brainer.

    For more music listings, check out our events calendar.

    Looking for tickets? Check out Rotate This or Soundscapes to avoid Ticketmaster robbery.

    Have an event you'd like us to plug? Submit your own listing to the blogTO events calendar.

    Photo of Willy Mason courtesy of Janet Dancer on Flickr.

    Are $3 drinks enough to redeem this Club District spot?

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    Bar 244At the corner of Duncan and Adelaide, this two level bar beckons with its promise of cheap drinks and eager crowds through the weekend. But is it just another generic Club District nightclub to dance and drink the night away?

    Read my review of Bar 244 in the bars section.

    Street Style: 20 looks from Kensington Market

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    Street Style KensingtonThis past Saturday brought Spring-like weather to the city which meant winter coats and snow boots were out in favour of sneakers, vests and sweaters. We hit up Kensington Market to scout out a range of unexpected weekend looks for a January day in Toronto.

    See what our camera spotted in the Style section.

    How to make a cocktail: the Clover Club

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    Clover Club cocktailThe Sour is a variety of cocktail most bartenders will learn to make early in their careers, and most seasoned drinkers will have enjoyed more than a few in a lifetime. Purists generally argue over the necessity of including one of mixology's most controversial ingredients: raw egg whites.

    While a bourbon sour, for example, can be open to some interpretation, there are still classic recipes that fall within the general category without allowing for such debate. The Clover Club is a great example of this: a delicious blend of gin, lemon, raspberry syrup, and egg white.

    Since its creation at the turn of the last century, this cocktail has had a rise and fall in popularity, often due to the vibrant (and emasculating) pink colour.

    Clover Club cocktailI wanted to learn the proper way to make this pre-prohibition cocktail, so I went to see one of the foremost authorities on classic cocktail making in the city: Kyle Burch of 25 Liberty.
    Kyle is the very definition of a Purist, making authentic cocktails in accordance with standards established before even Al Capone was old enough to drink.

    Clover Club cocktailKyle's Clover Club starts with an empty mixing glass, cracking a fresh egg white straight in, before adding Broker's gin. Next is freshly squeezed lemon juice (he personally squeezes them himself before service). The next ingredient is the key to the pink hue that is associated with the cocktail: Raspberry Syrup - made with fresh raspberries, water, sugar, and rosewater.

    Clover Club cocktailThough this isn't generally required, Kyle maintains that this helps bring out the flavours in the raspberries, and I couldn't agree more. The slight rose flavour really brings the syrup together, rounding out the acidity in the berries and making the sweetness less jarring.

    Clover Club cocktailWith all the ingredients in place, Kyle reaches behind the bar and pulls out a small Hamilton Beach blender to quickly blitz the mixture. He uses this in place of the industry standard 'dry shaking'. This process usually involves initially shaking the cocktail without ice for anywhere up to a minute, in order to emulsify the egg whites without diluting the cocktail into a watery grave.

    Clover Club cocktailThis amazing technique is so simple but has so far evaded every bartender I have ever known.

    Kyle explains the innovation: he was hosting a cocktail party that featured drinks containing egg. After enjoying a few himself, and repeating the lengthy process of dry shaking, he found himself wearing a lot of the drinks on his generally immaculate clothing. Remembering the blender was gathering dust in his kitchen, he started to incorporate it into his drink making. Now it takes pride of place behind the bar and helps make many of the delicious cocktails at 25 Liberty.

    Clover Club cocktailINGREDIENTS + INSTRUCTIONS

    2oz of Brokers Gin
    ¾oz of fresh lemon juice
    ½oz of Raspberry syrup ( recipe to follow)
    1 egg white.

    • Combine ingredients in shaker and 'dry shake' for 45-60 seconds
    • Combine ingredients in shaker and 'dry shake' for 45-60 seconds
    • Add ice then shake hard.
    • Fine strain into a coupe-style cocktail glass and enjoy.

    Raspberry Syrup
    2 cups mashed raspberries
    1 ½ cups of water
    3 cups of sugar
    Rosewater to taste (approx. 5-10ml)

    • Combine all ingredients except rosewater in a large enough saucepan over medium-high heat.
    • Stir occasionally until raspberries start to break down and release their juice. Approx. 6-7 min.
    • Remove from heat and let stand for 45 minutes.
    • Strain through a fine sieve pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.
    • Add rosewater and allow to sit for at least 1 hour.
    Clover Club cocktailPhotos by Morris Lum

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