Located in the Ritz Carlton Toronto, this restaurant rides the line between classy and comfortable with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, ample by-the-glass wine options, and upscale but unfussy decor. So what's it like to dine at a place with all the cachet of the Ritz?
Read my profile of TOCA restaurant to find out.
A Toronto-based start-up called FoodStory now makes shopping from farmers' markets even easier. So easy, in fact, that you don't even need to visit one. Taking a cue from online grocers like Grocery Gateway, FoodStory will source all its products from local farmers' markets and deliver them to your door.
Here's how FoodStory will work. Go online every week to see what yummy, fresh, local and often organic fruits, veggies and home baked goods (and by goods I mean pies...mmmm) are available at an upcoming farmers' market near you. Orders must be placed at least one day before the market starts. Once you've paid, your basket of deliciousness will be delivered straight to your door. The end result - you with a lot of food and a big smile knowing that you bought local and supported a farmer.
FoodStory is set to launch at the end of May beginning with Leslieville Farmer's Market. They will add four additional markets in June including SickKids Hospital (University and Elm), Bloor-Borden (east of Bathurst in the Annex), East Lynn Park (Danforth and Woodbine) and Liberty Village (Green P Hanna Street).
FoodStory aims to use the feedback and insight from the first five farmers markets at launch to help them expand across the city and outside of Toronto. "In five years I see FoodStory being the go-to source for finding local food across Canada," says Co-Founder Damian Matheson.
All delivery spots accessible by public transit will be handled by socially responsible not-for-profit courier service, Good Foot. For launch, FoodStory will support a 5km delivery radius around each farmers' market. Since the first couple farmers' markets are all around the city, FoodStory should be available to a good chunk of downtown Toronto.
On top of the website, FoodStory will also have physical booths at participating farmers' markets to help raise visibility of the service but also to provide delivery to those at the market who need it. This is great if you just happened to come across a market unexpectedly or if you get carried away with the amount of fruits and veggies you purchased that day and need help getting them home.
Good news for sub fans (as in submarine sandwiches, guys) — popular North Toronto sub joint Belly Buster is set to expand downtown. The original location at the corner of Yonge and Glen Echo (in between Lawrence and York Mills) has been around since 1974 and maintains an almost cult-like following in the area. This despite the fact that sub joints not named Subway seem to be slowly disappearing from the Toronto fast food scene.
The new shop, which will be located at 389 King Street, is set to open sometime this summer. The expansion follows on the heels of the purchase of the business by Jian and Page Magen (of Magen Boys Entertainment) and Michael Kimel (of MJK Captial) earlier this year. Belly Buster has also hinted on social media that there are plans to launch in Thornhill, London, Ontario and Montreal.
Christopher Passilidis, also part of the ownership umbrella, will collaborate on the King Street location, which will feature a similar menu to the uptown location plus some new salads. Given its proximity to club-heavy King West, one would think that a late night sub spot with some local cachet will be a popular spot. Even if Belly Buster's reputation is an uptown thing, I suspect the current owners won't have too much trouble in the branding department.
Correction:
The original version of this post erroneously listed Christopher Passilidis as the original owner of Belly Buster.
Photo from Belly Buster's Facebook Page
Rob Ford has repaid $400 to the city for use of a staff car in September and November last year. Ford was criticized when his aide Chris Fickel used a silver Ford Fusion registered to the city to arrive at Don Bosco football practice. "Do your homework. I paid for it last year," Ford said when questioned at the time.
The city's cycling manager Dan Egan says Toronto was always meant to invest in and expand the BIXI program once it was established. A rep from BIXI said the company needs about 2,000 more bikes if it's to turn its fortunes around and make payments on its original loan. The city hasn't spent any money on BIXI other than guaranteeing its start-up loan. Cycling advocates say it should be viewed as a transit system. Should Toronto include BIXI in the Big Move?
Coun. Mark Grimes took a $1,095 taxpayer-funded trip to Las Vegas to learn more about the "Fremont Street Experience," a pedestrian mall that includes a light and sound show. Grimes says he wants to recreate the dazzling display at the CNE and is in favour of a casino there. The expense was filed as "Meeting with MGM and Caesar Delegations, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA," but Grimes says that's not correct.
The TTC has unveiled the six new Group Station Managers it hopes will improve customer service. One of the group, Michael Sosedov, is a Russian former deputy minister of transport, another, Bo Koch, used to manage J P Morgan's clients. Do these guys have the chops to bring about real change?
The city is investigating why drivers convicted of serious crimes are allowed to continue working on the city's streets. Coun. Glen De Baeremaeker motioned municipal licensing and standards to investigate how criminals are allowed back into the system and and weigh immediate and permanent bans for drivers who commit certain crimes. Good idea?
The 2015 Pan Am Games organizers have released their mascot shortlist, which includes a beaver with a maple leaf-shaped head, a happy moose, and a multi-coloured raccoon. Don't be too mean, the designs were created by kids. A winner will be chosen on 7 July.
Someone's been trapping and skinning beavers in the Don Valley, leaving the bare carcasses just off the main walking path. Snaring animals and using their pelt isn't illegal when it's done with permission on private land, but the mystery woodsman hasn't applied for a permit, according to the Toronto Star. There's concerns the leg-hold traps could injure a passer-by.
The prom at Earl Haig Secondary is shaping up to be quite a party. The school is the largest in the city - 680 students in grade 12 - and hasn't had a dance all year because of teacher strikes and work restrictions. One guest is flying in from Portland, Ore., and plus-one tickets are being scalped online.
Finally, this Saturday's closure of the University-Spadina line between Union and St. Clair West has been cancelled by the TTC because of "a malfunction of contracted rail grinding equipment." Sunday's shut down of the subway between St. George and Downsview has also been postponed.
IN BRIEF:
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Image: Jason Cook/blogTO Flickr pool.
The photos of the week collect each of the editor-selected photos of the day into one post for a contest to be decided by our readers. Sponsored by Posterjack, the photographer whose image receives the most votes will be awarded with a voucher code for a 24"x36" poster print of their work.
All the rules and fine-print can be found in the original announcement post on the blogTO Flickr page. One thing to add, however, is that the voting period ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, after which the winner will be contacted with the good news.
For those photographers whose images are featured below, please feel free to give us a little information about your shot — i.e. where and when it was taken — in the comments section. Who knows? Maybe your description will sway voters in your favour!
Lead photo by Ben Roffelsen.
5.
Photo by Vik Pahwa in the blogTO Flickr pool
Toronto Food Events rounds up the most delicious events: festivals, pop-ups, winemaker dinners, supper clubs and other food related happenings in Toronto this week and next. You can find us here every Friday morning.
THIS WEEK
UPCOMING
OTHER NEWS
Photo via TUM's Facebook page
Earth Day in Toronto is the perfect occasion to go to the park and light up some joints while reveling in the magic that is the existence of trees attend some nice environment-friendly events. Because this crucial enviro-friendly holiday falls on a Monday this year, some of said events fall on the Sunday prior. Here are the top picks for green events this April 21 and 22.
Paper People's Clothing Swap and Shop
Fresh Collective is holding a swap of high-quality sartorial gems on Earth Day proper, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. They suggest bringing in items you'd lend to a friend (read: no cigarette burns/beer stains/sweaty festival residue). And this event is no free-for-all. It's an organized, decent person's round of recycling. Check out timing and rules here.
Earth Day in the Valley
Ever wanted to make some "environmentally friendly art" and/or dissect an owl pellet? This is the event for you. Does the thought of tiny mouse bones that were once part of a living creature make you want to weep bitter tears of pain and loss? Then I would forgo this one. That said, the day also includes a tour of a wildflower preserve and discussions on the impact of industrialization. I'm clearly having a nerdy day, since I think this actually sounds fun. This event will take place on Sunday at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and it's free.
Earth Day Screening: A Fierce Green Fire
Hot Docs Cinema is screening A Fierce Green Fire on April 22. The film offers an overview of "the environmental movement spanning fifty years, from conservation to climate change." Some serious voices are behind the narration: Robert Reford, Ashley Judd and Meryl Streep (who will be forever terrifying because of The Devil Wears Prada), to name a few. Tickets are $11 ($8 for members) and can be purchased here.
Earth Day at Scarborough Town Centre
We all know Toronto is fabulous, but equally un-debatable is the fact that we need all the help we can get when it comes to air quality. On April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, you can head to Scarborough Town Centre for an old-school Earth Day community cleanup and tree planting sesh. Forty trees will be planted in a commemorative garden, and there are even free hats and t-shirts!!!!
Earth Day Family Art Event
While admittedly not for the child-unfriendly/sensitive-eared among us, this event sounds otherwise awesome. You can learn to turn old magazines into beads!!! There will also be a "fine-art collage making session." Held at the Art Works Art School at 238 Jane (just north of Bloor), the event takes place April 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. I just might get me some earplugs and hit this one up.
For more events, check out our listings pages.
Photo by StudioGabe in the blogTO Flickr pool
Tomorrow is Record Store Day, a special occasion to celebrate local record shops, and the seemingly Teflon vinyl format.
There's a lot of noise about why vinyl is still en vogue, whether it is the undying physicality of the medium - those linear notes and photographs, the human need to hold a piece of the artist or admire a collection in totality, the uncompressed purity and fidelity of raw analogue sound, or just the intrinsic visual and aural artistry of dropping needle onto a wax cylinder.
The record store is no different. For a long time, it enjoyed an unparalleled reputation as a defining temple of cool, a vast library of street credibility spilling over with crucial music you had never heard, and couldn't afford, or had heard and couldn't afford to live without. People of all types flocked there to learn and discern, to hear music, and talk about music, and buy music. Like the beloved video rental shops of days gone by, recently the Record Store has taken on an almost ethereal place in the hearts and minds of many, and that is why Record Store Day is so essential.
In honor of Record Store Day, here are a few nostalgic TV spots from beloved Record Store chains no longer with us.
Discus, Music World, A&A, Sam The Record Man, Tower, Cheapies, Flipside: How many people found the vinyls or cassettes or CDs that soundtracked their lives there?
Peter Dunn's Vinyl Museum was a true Toronto oddity, a place full of the most incredible selection of wax, but also dotted with bizarre paraphernalia, including records covered in bible verse (apparently these were the ones Peter did not like). Sadly it was closed in the late 1990s, but to this day you can still find many records with Peter Dunn Vinyl Museum slip covers floating around good thrift stores.
Speaking of thrift stores, the granddaddy of great record shopping and more important amazing discoveries, to this day, remains Goodwill. As Macklemore gnomically states, "one man's trash that's another man's come up":
While for many the idea of music existing as a physical object has been abandoned, and a fully digital musical caboodle selected and downloaded from a virtual store has been cheerfully embraced, it is encouraging to see the interest in Record Store Day. And as the digital waves break, so will follow the analogue undertow.
Happy Record Store Day!
Retrontario - the day out mix by Retrontario on Mixcloud
Retrontario created this mix-up of local Toronto and Ontario sounds using only vinyl, mostly sourced form thrift stores and garage sales. You can find more amazing discoveries at www.retrontario.com.
As the restaurant scene in Toronto evolves into something worthy of international acclaim, it seems that the rate of restaurant openings increases all the time. After Vancouver izakaya Guu opened its doors in 2009, there seemed to be a surge of Vancouver Japanese restaurants from the west coast following suit (Hapa and Kingyo, to name a few). Toronto was also sought after by New York's Michelin-starred chefs: David Chang, and his former boss Daniel Boulud both opened restaurants in top hotels in the city during 2012.
With diners eagerly lining up in anticipation of their next new delicious conquest (or the opportunity to document it on Instagram), it's no surprise that the city has become quite the investment opportunity for restaurant chains and owners.
Montreal has also found its way to the city, though perhaps not with the cuisine most here would associate it with. Whilst Buonanotte enjoys a reverential status in its hometown as a go-to spot for fine Italian fare, compared to seemingly household names like Pied au Cochon, Joe Beef,Touque!, or the smoked meat mecca of Schwartz's, it seems an unlikely port.
Still, with Toronto now considered fertile ground for dining ventures, one can forgive Max Lecas and his co-owners for licensing the name to one of Toronto's biggest restaurant (and club) hitmakers, Charles Khabouth, in the hope of replicating the sustained success of the original.
On my first visit to Buonanotte, it's apparent money was no object when opening, from the extensive Italian wine cellar to the high decorative ceilings. Bartender Manny Contreras is excited to show me the cocktail list, with inventions geared towards the Club District crowd.
I scratch my head at some of the suggestions, an Old Fashioned with Fernet Branca and mandarin or a Grey Goose martini with edible flowers (both of which have their time and place). Today's cocktail, however, is the Sogni d'Oro ('sweet dreams' in Italian). After reading the ingredient list, I can see why: chamomile and orange infused Bombay gin, aloe vera juice, elderflower cordial and Campari.
Manny starts by filling all the ingredients except the campari into a Boston glass with ice before shaking. He then strains the mixture into an ice-filled pilsner glass. The Campari is floated over the top, along with 3 segments of orange, and finally the drink is garnished with a slice of grapefruit. The end result is a pleasingly bittersweet and refreshing drink that seems to be a good pick-me-up for those feeling the affects of a long night out.
Sogni d'Oro
1½oz Orange blossom water and Camomile infused Bombay Sapphire Gin (recipe to follow)
¾ oz of Elderflower cordial
2oz of Aloe Vera Juice
½oz Campari
garnish with a slice of grapefruit and 3 orange segments.
Orange blossom water and Chamomile infused Gin
Steep dried chamomile flowers in boiling water and sugar (equal parts)
Orange blossom water can be bought any most health food stores or make it yourself!
Add 2-4 bar spoons of both to a bottle of gin, keep at room temperature for 2 days and 4 in the fridge before drinking.
Photos by Jesse Milns
The chef behind Fidel Gastro's, one of Toronto's most popular food trucks, has found a permanent home on Queen West. Will Matt Basile be able to generate as much buzz with his storefront as he is with his truck? Here's betting "yes."
Read my profile of Lisa Marie in the restaurants section.
Wednesday night saw one of the biggest Russian-speaking crowds that The Mod Club has probably ever seen. As a lineup formed outside, you could see those passing by wondering what was going on. The answer was simple, of course: legendary Russian rock-band U-Piter were inToronto as part of their "10 Steps" tour.
U-Piter formed in 2001 when Vyacheslav Butusov (the former lead singer of the famous group Nautilus Pompilius, 1983-1997) and musicians from one of the most popular Russian rock bands of the '80s, Kino (1981-1990), merged. Over the last 12 years, the band has recorded six albums (two of which are live records) and a few singles.
In 2004, U-Piter won the "Golden Grammy" for the song "Devushka po gorodu" (The Girl in the City). In 2011, Butusov was also awarded the "Za zaslugi pered Otechestvom" medal (For Service to the Fatherland). It's a shame that Butusov doesn't often spoil us with his visits (the last time U-Piter came to town was in March 2010), so fans were very excited to hear and see these living legends of Russian rock. The club was packed to capacity.
The show began with the admiring applause of the audience, which hardly let up over the two hours that the band played. New hits were peppered in with old ballads (from the collective catalogues of Nautilus, Kino and U-Piter itself). Alongside the music, three massive video screens projected kaleidoscopic abstractions and old photographs of the band members. With fantastic sound, the singer's velvety voice created the festive but soothing atmosphere that's typical of U-Piter's concerts. True to his reputation, Butusov didn't say much, but that just meant the focus was on the music.
As things were wrapping up, the audience didn't want to let the musicians leave the stage, demanding an encore with particular vigor. The band obliged by playing favourite hits "Gibraltar-Labrador" and "Ya hochu byt s toboj" (I Want to Be with You).
With over 10 years on the stage and a lot of great songs, U-Piter are a great live act. The crowd was surely thankful for the joy and unique warmth that they brought with them from their faraway home.
Additional Photos
Writing and photos by Irina No
Pop-up shops have become somewhat of a staple in Toronto, dominating events listings each weekend as local artists and designers hawk the latest in vintage wear or handmade goods. But the Vitaly Design pop-up shop is different.
Working with a higher-end product while operating under the mantra Designing with friends in mind, this Toronto accessories company has managed to create a weekend pop-up that is a shopping experience with heart.
Walking past the doors of Oz Studios this past Wednesday afternoon, it was hard not to stop in on the gallery where Vitaly Design had set up shop. Packed steadily throughout the day thanks in part to Ossington's never-ending foot traffic, Vitaly Design creator Shane Vitaly Foran seemed pleasantly surprised by the first day's success.
Offering up to 75% off on some of their signature pieces, the pop-up marks the public debut of Vitaly's Elements Collection, a series of rings and pendants made from high-quality titanium. The two- and three-finger rings that Vitaly has become known for in their Clocks and Colours ceramics collection and their original sustainable wood pieces make a reappearance in this 2013 series, looking more industrial this time around due in part to the sleek shine of the element.
A line created for every day wear, Vitaly Foran describes his unisex pieces as "androgynous, clean and eye catching", believing they fit with any style as a result of strong geometric design and the quality of materials used to make and finish the jewelry. It is this new line that has drawn crowds out to the shop, making the six-day pop-up so successful.
In addition to Vitaly's pieces, the pop-up shop offers handcrafted wood accessories for Apple electronics by Keyway Designs, cell phone skins by Felony Case and footwear, clothing and accessories by Luigi Sardo, Monster and Varsity Brown. To draw in the bar crowd, the shop will be staying open until midnight Thursday through Saturday and offering Sapporo as well as Yummy Tummy's $5 desserts-in-a-jar.
But there's more to Vitaly's success than just crowds, beer and banana split sundaes.
A company that started in Ubud, a small village in Indonesia that attracts artistic expats from around the world, Shane has been successfully selling online since founding the business in 2010. Vitaly Foran's story is somewhat romantic. Restless, he took off for southeast Asia and found himself staying longer than intended when the idea for the company came to him. With only a $3000 loan, it was a blind leap of faith for the Toronto native to team up with a local Indonesian artisan to begin creating his products.
Now, almost three years later, he's turned his line into a full-time endeavour along with the help of his friend and business partner Jason Readman. It was with Readman's help that Vitaly Design has evolved into an international brand, planting its products in 18 cities worldwide.
Working the cash during the pop-up, Readman is willing to offer further insight into the company's success story, explaining that Vitaly Foran visits Indonesia every 18 months to pick up his latest designs from the man who helped him realize his vision.
The artisan, who will be featured in a video premiering soon on the Vitaly website, has become a businessman himself thanks to the Toronto company. Readman boasts that the Indonesian craftsman now operates his own business, with six employees working under him, and is fully supporting his family by creating handcrafted products for several purchasers.
The artisan was recently able to buy his child a bicycle, a point that Readman emphasizes with great pride.
So while the heart of Vitaly Design remains in Indonesia and the brand continues to dominate its niche market internationally, it's Toronto that remains home base. Though in no rush to open up a permanent storefront in the city anytime soon, Vitaly Foran has learned one thing from this weekend's event: "I'm certain we'll do a lot more pop-ups."
Vitaly Design's pieces are available in Toronto at Uncle Otis, Showroom, Lavish & Squalor, The Accessory Bar, Room 2046 and Model Citizen.
The Vitaly Design pop-up shop runs until Monday, April 22nd, from 12PM-12AM (Thursday-Saturday), and 12PM-6PM (Sunday-Monday).
Photos by Emily Baillie
The best bagels in Toronto aren't just vessels for toppings but the main attraction. Sweet, chewy Montreal-style and the saltier, crustier New York varieties can be points of contention amongst loyalists, but I'll gladly take either so long they're served pipping hot. Thankfully, many of Toronto's best bagelrias have spread out with multiple locations across the GTA, blessing neighbourhoods (not just along Bathurst anymore) with a direct source to find these holey creations still steaming from the oven.
To wait in line and then take a first bite having barely left the store is a lovely little weekend ritual that rewards earlier birds (and those of us still eating gluten) with an ultimate morning indulgence.
Here are the best bagels in Toronto.
See also:
The Best Cheese Shops in Toronto
The Best Challah in Toronto
The Best Delis in Toronto
Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this April 19-21, 2013.
MARKET
City of Craft
All the best of Toronto's craft community come out for the annual City of Craft spring show this Saturday, April 20th. Taking place this year in Trinity St. Paul's United Church at Bloor and Spadina, over 36 independent crafters and artisans will be showcasing their works in printing, jewelry, vintage goods and more. Companies like Worn Fashion Journal, Paper Pusher, Nightjar Books and Falcon Wright will be selling and showcasing their works. Onward, craft enthusiasts.
Trinity St. Paul's United Church (427 Bloor Street West), April 20, 2013, 11AM $1
Weekend events in Toronto is our guide to events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's what's happening in Toronto this April 19-21, 2013.
FILM
Molly Maxwell
The story of a 16-year-old who falls in love with her young teacher, a coming-of-age tale will never be as charming as Molly Maxwell. Starring former precocious child actor Lola Tash alongside newcomer (and total babe) Charlie Carrick, the film is an endearing indie about first love set in a progressive Parkdale high school. The first feature for director Sara St. Onge, Maxwell opens at The Carlton this Friday for a one-week limited engagement. Tickets available at the box office.
The Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street), April 19-26, 2013, various times, adult evening $9.50, adult matinee $7.50, student $7, child/senior $6
Italian Movie Series at TIFF
L'Altra Italia once again hosts an Italian contemporary film series at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this weekend, offering the best of foreign cinema by screening Romanzo Di Una Strage. The 2012 film dramatizes the 1969 Milano bank bombing and the gruesome aftermath as written by Paolo Cucchiarelli in his book Piazza Fontana: The Italian Conspiracy. Directed by Marco Tullio Giordana, the film screens with subtitles on Friday night only. Tickets will only be sold between 7PM and 8PM on Friday night at Maison Mercer (15 Mercer Street).
TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King Street West), April 19, 2013, 9PM $40 (reception and movie)
For more events, check out our This Week in Film post.
MUSIC
The Elwins 7" Release Party
Fresh off a cross-North America tour with Born Ruffians, The Elwins will play a homecoming show at The Horseshoe Tavern to celebrate not only their return but the release of their limited run 7" vinyl Forgetful Assistance & Countdown, which features Luke Lalonde, lead singer of Born Ruffians. Pickwick will join The Elwins as headliners. Tickets can be purchased online or you can show up and see what dirty magic awaits.
The Horseshoe Tavern (370 Queen Street West), April 21, 2013, 9PM
For more music listings, check out our This Week in Music and April Concerts posts.
ART
Joshua Davis: The Forty Thieves
New York-based artist Joshua Davis opens Part 1 of his first Toronto exhibit at Hotel Ocho titled The Forty Thieves. Based on algorithms and created out of digital illustrations, the exhibit consists of a collection of hand-drawn images. The multimedia artist opens his show, curated by Clay Rochemont, on Friday night with a public reception. For an invite to a buyer invitation-only preview, e-mail pr@spokeagency.com.
Hotel Ocho (195 Spadina Avenue), April 19, 2013, 7PM Free
Board n' School Skateboard Art Show and Auction
At Board n' School Skateboard Art Show, several high-profile Toronto artists will debut their one-of-a-kind designed skateboards to benefit Oasis Skateboard Factory. Working with the students of OSF, the artists have created original art on hand-crafted skateboards based on the theme of school. The skateboards will be auctioned off in support of the program, which is the world's only skateboard and street art design high school program. The skateboard art collections will be displayed at The Gladstone's Art Bar for the public to bid on this Friday night. Show your support for the OSF and alternative learning methods by attending the free reception.
The Gladstone Hotel Art Bar (1214 Queen Street West), April 19, 2013, 7PM Free
FASHION
Vitaly Design Pop-Up Shop
Vitaly Design hosts a pop-up shop featuring their latest Elements Collection of multi-finger rings and pendants as well as past collections at up to 75% off. Taking place all weekend long at Oz Studios, Vitaly's friends in fashion Keyway will also have a seller's presence with beautiful handcrafted wood cell phone and iPad cases. Other brands participating in the small pop-up include footwear company Luigi Sardo, cell phone case company Felony Case, bags by Varsity Brown and delicious desserts in a jar by Yummy Tummy. Stop in before hitting the bars on Friday and Saturday night for some Sapporo beer and check out the beautifully handcrafted discounted jewelry. Happy shopping!
Oz Studios (134 Ossington Avenue), April 19-22, 2013, 12PM Free
For more fashion listings, check out our This Week in Fashion post.
FOOD
Spring Into Parkdale Food Tour
It's no secret that Parkdale has become a hub for good food and the Spring Into Parkdale Food Tour is designed to introduce aspiring foodies to all the right places. Beginning at Queen and Roncesvalles, this food tour guides the hungry through the neighbourhood to sample foods at various restaurants while discussing the history of the food scene. The tour takes place in conjunction with the Spring Into Parkdale sidewalk sale, which has its run of the streets on Saturday and Sunday. Register for the food tour through the Foodies on Foot eztix page.
1730 Queen Street West, April 20, 2013, 11AM $15
For more events, check out our Toronto Food Events post.
ENVIRONMENT
Earth Mudder Celebration at Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works wants you to get down and dirty with Mother Earth. At Earth Mudder, an eco-friendly day of activities, guests to the Brick Works are encouraged to get planting, go hiking and and participate in gardening and biking workshops in preparation for Earth Day. An all-weekend event that has something for all ages, Evergreen has packed a schedule full of workshops and activities that are centered around the arts and green lifestyles. The event is free but registration is required for some workshops. Get muddy for the good of the Earth!
Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Avenue), April 20-21, 2013, 9AM
DRUGS
420 Toronto 2013
This event needs no introduction: It's 420 and people will be celebrating with several joints in Dundas Square. Join the hash mob as they protest marijuana prohibition all day by smoking opposers out and hear about plans for the Global Mernahuana March on May 4th. This event is BYOW. Be cool, be nice, don't get arrested and have fun.
Yonge-Dundas Square (1 Dundas Street East), April 20, 2013, 11AM Free
FAMILY
ROM Sleepover: Dinos
Spend a night at the museum without the Ben Stiller antics this Friday night when ROM opens its doors for a giant sleepover with the dinosaurs. The evening begins with a special family-friendly film screening and is followed by an exploration of the dinosaur exhibit, where attendees will get to touch fossils and speak to experts about digs before bunking down in the museum for the night. Adults must accompany all children. Entrance includes admission to the ROM for Friday night and all day Saturday.
Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queen's Park), April 19-20, 2013, 5PM
Photo by Tom Ryaboi
Perhaps the best line-up of comedians ever to perform on a show for free is just another reason that Toronto's comedy scene can gwaan. Follow me as I show you the wares in This Week In Comedy...
MON APR 22 / THE TOURNAMENT / THE OFFICE PUB / 117 JOHN / 8PM / FREE
A collection of some of the top new stand-ups in Toronto compete in the finals this week. My money's on Moe Ismail, Hannah Hogan, and Diana Bailey. Moe's got killer material, Hannah's impression of whiny white girls is awesome, and Diana's shallow mouth line is one of the funniest sentences I've ever heard. Again, props goes to Brian Ward and Christopher Allin for showing the world that yes, you can run a successful room on a Monday night.
WED APR 24 / COMEDY RECORDS ALBUM TAPING / THE LOT / 100 OSSINGTON / 8PM / FREE
Never before have so many of my favourite comedians been on the same show for free. Monty Scott, Mark Debonis, and Dave Merheje will have you laughing so hard you won't be able to hear their tags. But wait! There's also Nick Reynoldson, K. Trev Wilson, Tim Golden...there's more, but I'm stopping for the sake of breaking the monotony. Seriously, you guys, this could be the most stacked show of the year. When you also take into consideration that they're taping an album, and will be therefore presenting their best material, you have a recipe for fireworks. (Note: Mark's joke at 2:00 is ausome!)
WED APR 24 / COMEDY AT MAY / MAY / 876 DUNDAS W / 9PM / FREE
Comedians are notorious for turning bars that were never intended to provide entertainment into open mics. Oh wow, this bar has seats, tables, and beer? Looks like a good place for an open mic! Ugh. It's exactly why a lot of open mics have fewer patrons than a cell in Pomfret castle, and what makes me appreciate this diamond of a venue that Jason Schlesinger and Peter Inskip have discovered. Stage? Check. Stage with a curtain in the background?! Double check!! There's something about a curtain in the background that makes things seem legit. Sound system manned by a guy with a MacBook? It's over, ladies and gentlemen. 40 people at an open mic on a Wednesday night? Who needs to call for a year just to get a five-minute spot when you have rooms like this?
THURS APR 25 / THE SKLAR BROTHERS / COMEDY BAR / 945 BLOOR W / 7PM & 830PM / $20
I have to admit that I winced when I heard the phrase, 'Comedy Duo.' However, the Sklar Brothers appeared in an episode of Larry freakin' David's Curb Your Enthusiam. If that's not enough, they've also had a show on ESPN Classic called Cheap Seats. You've got to hand it to them: they have great chemistry on stage. If you're like me, you'll be fascinated by the way they feed off of each other's energy and ideas.
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 ups and downs (they're mostly downs, really) in my quest to become a killer comic in Toronto.
This month Toronto is celebrating the Shop Small program - a new movement focused on giving some thought to the importance of small, independent businesses and the vibrancy and culture they bring to our neighbourhoods. To mark the occasion, every Saturday morning this month we've been featuring some of our favourite small businesses in a different neighbourhood in Toronto. Today we take a look at some of the great places to eat on Bayview. Check out and support small businesses in your neighbourhood by pledging to #ShopSmall.
Perhaps not for the faint of heart (or stomach), South Bayview Avenue is seemingly brimming with restaurants providing cuisine that packs some serious heat. From Indian food stalwart Kamasutra to Thai favourite Satay on the Road, there are plenty of ways to add a little spice to your meal without dousing it in Sriracha or Frank's Red Hot. These five spots listed below offer a wide range of cuisine, but each guarantees you'll be scrambling for some naan, bread or water to put out the fire burning in your mouths. I suggest packing an extra set of Zantac to settle down the impending heart burn this spicy list of restaurants is almost guaranteed to inspire.
Kamasutra Indian Restaurant
A good bet for take-out or dining in, Kamasutra likens the heat of their curries and spices to the infamous, sweat-inducing love guide of the same name. Best known for their ultra-hot Vindaloo - a Goan-stlye pickle curry, hot and sour combo with lots of spices and your choice of meats, veggies or fish - and their Chilli Chicken Dilli Style - spicy boneless white chicken cubes, tomato and hot chilli sauce with crushed peppercorns - the menu at Kamasutra recommends pairing these hot and spicy dishes with a glass (or bottle) from their curated wine list.
Amaya the Indian Room
The original Amaya location that started it all, Amaya the Indian Room is a more refined and upscale option for those fans of their express take-out spots. Their recently introduced Royal Tasting Menu (an all you can eat option for $42 per person) is a good place to start but for those with a smaller appetite, Amaya also offers a wide-range of small and large plate options a la carte. I recommend their daily biryani special - a spiced basmati hot-pot dish sealed with dough and baked in an oven and filled with lamb, chicken, seafood or veggies.
Satay on the Road
With outposts on Bayview and Avenue Road, Satay on the Road is a casual spot that serves up Thai food geared toward North American palates. Though it's easy to settle on the classic pad thai or curry dishes, Satay has a range of options that kick things up a few notches. Try the Nuer Phad Prik (Spicy Crispy Beef-$10.45) which is paired with sweet peppers, onion and chilies; or the Makuer Yaow Siam (Eggplant Siam style-$9.75), a mix of stir-fried eggplant, minced chicken and shrimp in a spicy bean sauce.
Lemongrass
One of the first modern looking Thai-style restaurants to grace Toronto (yes, before Spring Rolls), Lemongrass serves up a mix of cuisine from Southeast Asia. The Singapore Curry Crab (Market Price) here is a must-try, even better when washed down with a cold bottle of Singha beer. The list of signature dungeness crab dishes is extensive (General Tao Crab anyone?) but The Black Pearl Pad Thai ($9.99) doused in a spicy black bean sauce just might be the winner, as well as being a fail-safe option for vegetarians.
Duff's Famous Wings
Duff's Famous Wings' infamous Tuesday night wing special (10 wings for $7.25) has undoubtedly worked its way into many a Leaside household's routine. This Bayview location is much larger than its sister spot on College and often much much busier. In the summer months its front patio is a popular spot for the post-work crowd so if the mood strikes be prepared for a bit of a wait. Sauces range from your usual Mild, Medium and the like, but since this is a post about food that will make your sweat I double-dog dare you to opt for Duff's Superhot, Death or Armageddon options.
Have a fave Shop Small business in Toronto? Vote for them in the Neighbourhood Gems contest on the American Express Canada Facebook page. You can vote once per day through April 21st and the then again between April 29th and May 5th for the finalist voting period. Each vote earns you one entry into a daily draw to win a$50 Amex Gift Card. Check it out.
Thanks to Amex Bank of Canada for sponsoring this post
William Cooper was one of Toronto's early jack of all trades types. Born in Bath, England in 1761, Cooper emigrated to the fledgling town of York in 1793 aged 31. At various times he was a teacher, the owner of a sprawling set of mills, the operator of a wharf, an auctioneer, and, for a lengthy period, despite having no qualifications in the field, a town coroner.
Cooper's other distinction is that he opened the Toronto Coffee House, the first business to use the word Toronto in its name and the local first place of refreshment to identify itself using the name of the hot, black beverage. For that reason the venture was technically the city's first coffee shop, even if wasn't run anything like a modern cafe.
Located mid-block on today's Jarvis Street, just opposite the north building of the St. Lawrence Market, the Toronto Coffee House was actually more like a pub or tavern than a modern espresso bar. When it opened in December 1801, temporarily on the northeast corner of King and Jarvis, Cooper said he planned to keep the place "as nearly on the footing of an English inn as local circumstances" allowed.
The property was an "excellent frame house, two stories with complete cellar, " according to a note in the Upper Canada Gazette.
The reference to coffee was a clever bit of titling designed to cash in on the popularity of coffee houses as shrines to conversation and business. Julia Roberts in her book In Mixed Company: Taverns and Public Life in Upper Canada relates how "men traded in land and sealed their deals with gin and water, and they met more formally to settle financial disputes."
Cooper's menu included wine, brandy, gin, lime juice, and London porter beer, all of which were decent offerings for a tavern on the edge of the British empire. The coffee house also served food: "oysters, red herring, and anchovies" as well as a selection of "cigars, pipes and tobacco."
The business also dabbled in dry goods, groceries and sauces imported from New York, according to a newspaper advertisement for the business. In a small town like York, the tavern was the centre of the local community and had to pull together the duties of multiple businesses. If the place ever did serve tea and coffee the record of it has been lost.
In his role as coroner, William Cooper held at least one inquest at the tavern. The rooms were also used as a venue for the town's first dancing performances and the location opposite the community's market square made it a convenient magnet for local traders and members of the community. Upstairs, "genteel board and lodging" awaited weary travelers.
Inns were a vital part of society in early Upper Canada. In place of a dedicated town hall or other meeting space, the local tavern usually made an acceptable substitute. It wasn't unknown for innkeepers to act as de facto banker and officer of the court, according to author Dorothy Duncan in Hoping for the Best, Preparing for the Worst: Everyday Life in Upper Canada.
In 1806 Cooper sold the Toronto Coffee House. Three years earlier he'd become a miller on the Humber River near Dundas Street, and perhaps the distance and workload was becoming too much. The prolific Englishman had already built a stable and house opposite the tavern on the west side of Jarvis.
Starting with loaned equipment, the enterprise expanded to include a distillery, sawmill, tannery, blacksmiths, and a dam significant enough to block the run of salmon. At one time the operation covered hundreds of acres on both sides of the water.
Around 1815, Cooper expanded his milling and production business further when he was granted a water lot on the town's shoreline at the foot of Church Street. There he built a commercial wharf just as the first steamboats were beginning to land at York. He worked the shoreline until his retirement in 1830, four years after the death of his first wife Ann.
In an advert in 1823, Cooper claimed to have built the first house in York, something there's not a lot of conclusive evidence to corroborate. He did sell an unfinished house on the northwest corner of today's Richmond and Ontario streets to Abner Miles, another one of York's first settlers, for "two steers and a barrel each of salmon and flour."
Miles operated the first tavern in the town, which he opened in 1795 and expanded to include alcohol service in 1796.
Among his other early occupations, Cooper gave private tuition to the children of several notable early residents of the town, local residents, and soldiers from the garrison. When he found the schoolhouse too small he successfully petitioned to have a larger one built at King and Jarvis, adding a credit as the founder of one of the city's first schools to his resume.
As if his other qualifications weren't enough, he also served as backup Anglican preacher and as a licensed auctioneer.
Cooper would remained a coroner of the Home District, a position he held for 34 years, until 1834. He died in 1840 aged 79 having held at least six prominent positions in the early community.
The only known picture of the coffee shop is in the 1803 Elizabeth Frances Hale painting at the top of the page; Cooper's is the white building with the black sign over the door facing towards the artist at the extreme left. The accuracy of the painting is open to discussion, however, since there's no evidence Hale visited York at that time and she was pregnant with her son Jeffery in the early part of the year.
It's possible she created her work based on a water-colour of the area made by Edward Walsh, though that work, if it exists, hasn't been found.
In a nice little bit of serendipity, the property just south of the former site of Cooper's Coffee House is still a pub, meaning alcohol has been served on the block of The Corner Place opposite the St. Lawrence Market for more than 212 years.
Hat tip to Nathan Ng for his excellent site Historical Maps of Toronto that helped pinpoint Cooper's Coffee House and also to Stephen Otto for his invaluable knowledge and insight.
Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.
Images: Toronto Public Library, Library and Archives Canada
On Thursday night a lot of well dressed male species showed up for the Spring/Summer launch party for the Sharp Book for Men. Hosted by TRUMP Toronto, the party plied guests with scotch tastings, a cigar bar, custom cocktail bars and cars (to ogle at, not drive away in).
Check out all the looks in our Style section.
