Tips about Toronto

contact February 16th, 2009

Here’s an excerpt from a new book that is a MUST-HAVE for travelers to Toronto:

“Torontonians are justifiably proud of their vibrant and exciting metropolis. Canada’s largest city and its financial hub, Toronto has a tremendous amount to offer, including a thriving theater, music, and arts scene, top museums, world class restaurants and shops, a beautiful lakeside location with lovely beaches and streets safe and inviting to walk along. Its cultural diversity – over 90 ethnic groups are represented in Toronto – enhances the urban experience.”

The Top 10 Guides use exciting colorful photography and excellent cartography to provide a reliable and useful pocket-sized travel. This Top 10 list provides vital information on Toronto, as well as insider tips, from avoiding the crowds to finding out the must-have freebies. To be released on March 30, 2009.

Click here to Order Top 10 Toronto

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contact December 22nd, 2008

This feature-length documentary goes behind the scenes at The National Ballet of Canada to witness the seemingly magical process of creating a major ballet production. MAKING BALLET captures the drama within a drama – the making of “The Actress.” Set to Chopin’s Preludes, this ballet was created by world famous choreographer James Kudelka for prima ballarina Karen Kain. MAKING BALLET will delight film buffs as well as beginners and aficionados of the art form. 88 minutes. Bonus DVD features include a Karen Kain biography, filmmaker Anthony Azzopardi biography, stage director James Kudelka biography and “About the Ballet, ‘The Actress’.”

If you are interested in what goes on behind the scenes of creating a ballet you will be thrilled to get this DVD. You will see that the people involved have so much fun when they are making a new ballet. Karen admits that her life was not as dramatic or sexy or funny every day as it is in this piece, but still, it’s based on a lot of true things about my world and about what I experienced and have experienced. So to create this character she was half inspired by real life and half inspired by her own imagination. She was 43 years old when she did this film and was still very beautiful. She still is today, for that matter.

Get more information

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contact December 6th, 2008

Pre-order Frommer’s Toronto 2009 and get a price guarantee before the price goes up.

Order now and if the Amazon.com price decreases between your order time and the end of the day of the release date, you’ll receive the lowest price.

That is a deal, isn’t it?

Order Frommer’s Toronto 2009 now

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contact November 23rd, 2008

Zagat describes Tabule, a Toronto restaurant, the best:

“Superb, wonderfully fresh middle eastern eats (especially the namesake dish) purveyed by friendly, helpful people, draw crowds to this cheerful, contemporary midtowner. The tiny spot’s success has resulted in line-ups out the door, so waits are to be expected.”

Tabule Restaurant
2009 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
Call for Reservations: 416-800-1375
email: info@tabule.ca
Website: Tabule Restaurant

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contact September 27th, 2008

From electronista:

“Two of Canada’s biggest telephone companies, Bell Canada Enterprises and Telus Corp., have began charging their customers for incoming unsolicited text messages on their cellphones, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is passing legislation to end what he calls an unfair practice, says a Thursday report. Harper would allow the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to block unfair charges and the telecommunications act would be amended to include a code of conduct for wireless services.

A spokesman from the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association says a ban on unsolicited commercial text messages, or spam texts, is unnecessary, as cell-phone spam in Canada is virtually non-existent. Bell charges anywhere from 10 cents to a dollar for incoming texts, depending on which company sends it, but will cancel the fees at a customer’s strong request, provided the incoming message are clearly identifiable as unsolicited.

At the same time, Harper says loosening ownership restrictions in Canada’s telecommunications industry is not a wise move at the current economically tough times. A government-appointed competition panel in June suggested the industry should be opened up to foreign investors, but Harper believes opening up the market would hurt Canada’s economy, though he admits it would encourage competition.

Harper is under pressure from opposing parties to address such consumer issues, which also extend to other industries.” [source]

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contact September 5th, 2008

Okonomiyaki in Japanese means grilled or baked as you like it. It’s a home style, delicious and savory pancake of sorts from Japan. Some people call it a Japanese pizza, but it really is more like a pancake filled with all kinds of veggies, seafood, meat, fish shavings, seaweed and whatever you want on or in it.

Generally speaking, it is a basic batter using a fish broth rather than water, eggs and rice flour or wheat flour. Added to that are thin strips of cabbage, green onions, beni shouga (pickled ginger), thinly sliced pork belly, shrimp, chicken or whatever meat you want. Topping it would be an otafuku sauce (like a tonkatsu or thick steak sauce) or mayo, katsuobushi (shaved dried bonito) and aonori (seaweed). The famous Hiroshima okonomiyaki features yakisoba noodles on top with an egg.

Not only is it yummilicious, it’s nutritious so don’t worry about your waistline or the scary side of food. In any case, most Japanese food is pretty healthful, which is likely why the Japanese live the longest. At Okonomi House in Toronto, which is a very authentic Japanese restaurant, you will have a singular authentic Japanese dining experience. With reasonable prices, make sure to orde thirst quenching, tasty Asahi or Sapporo beers…

Okonomi House
23 Charles St W (Yorkville)
Toronto, ON M4Y Canada
Telephone: 416.925.6176

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contact August 27th, 2008

Yes, there’s a catch but what the heck. It’s a DOLLAR a day, for God’s sake.

From cityflitz:

“CityFlitz, a Toronto-based marketing company that provides advertisers with a fleet of MINI Coopers, MINI Cooper Clubmans and Smart cars that are wrapped with attention-grabbing graphics and logos that act as mobile billboards, launched their auto-sharing service in the GTA today.

For just $1 a day, members of CityFlitz will have access to its fleet of cars, wrapped in an advertisement from one of its clients, Yahoo! Canada.

“Using the CityFlitz fleet of wrapped MINI Coopers for our latest campaign was a viable and effective channel to reach our target audience in a way that is measurable,” said David Soyka, Yahoo! Marketing Manager. “Having the cars on the road 24/7 gives us the opportunity to offer a unique consumer experience and reach a broader audience in a more cost effective and creative way.”

Unlike other auto-sharing companies, high mileage is not an issue for CityFlitz. In order to access the $1/day CityFlitz cars, members are required to drive the vehicle at least 30 kilometres each day, with unlimited mileage within the city after that.

“The reason why our rental fee can be so low is the fact that our advertisers want to have their branded cars on the road so they can achieve maximum exposure to their target audience,” said Andreas Kotal, President and CEO of CityFlitz. “We are able to offer this exceptional value of $1/day rentals to consumers as part of the agreement to maximize exposure of a client’s branding.”

CityFlitz vehicles are also accessorized with the latest technological gadgets for use by the renter and the advertiser. At no extra cost to the renter, each vehicle comes with access to Wi-Fi High Speed Internet that make experiencing a CityFlitz vehicle more enjoyable. For the advertiser, each car is equipped with a GPS tracking system which enables them to have access to real time information about the use of the car, giving them measurable results for their marketing purposes.

Renters will be able to use the vehicles within the GTA. Once consumers have registered with CityFlitz, they will be able to use the vehicles for up to one week at a time.

CityFlitz plans to expand their auto-sharing service to include Vancouver in the near future. Drivers interested in becoming a member of CityFlitz can sign up at www.cityflitz.com. “

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contact August 13th, 2008

First Things First: What is Bio Dynamic Farming?
Biodynamic farming and gardening looks upon the soil and the farm as living organisms. It regards maintenance and furtherance of soil life as a basic necessity if the soil is to be preserved for generations, and it regards the farm as being true to its essential nature if it can be conceived of as a kind of individual entity in itself – a self-contained individuality. It begins with the ideal concept of the necessary self-containedness of the farm and works with furthering the life of the soil as a primary means by which a farm can become a kind of individuality that progresses and evolves.

Biodynamic farming and gardening combines common-sense agriculture, an understanding of ecology, and the specific environment of a given place with a new spiritual scientific approach to the concepts, principles, and practices of agriculture. From biodynamics.ca

Feast of Fields farm has been certified biodynamic by Demeter Canada since 1996. The Biodynamic method goes beyond organic in a sincere effort to enliven the farm entity through growing in harmony with nature and working towards the goal of a self sufficient farm entity.

During the growing season, visit Feast of Fields at Riverdale Park Farmers Market on Tuesday 3-7 pm, Dufferin Grove Thursdays from 3-7pm, The Brickworks Saturday 8 -1 am or Withrow Park Saturdays from 9-1 pm. Feast of Fields also maintains a B&B cottage.

Feast of Fields Biodynamic Vineyard
RR # 1 St Catharines
Ontario Canada L2R 6P7
email: laura-sabourin@sympatico.ca

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contact August 11th, 2008

Public Transportation in Toronto is one of the world class leaders in affordability and comfort. When traveling here on business or leisure, it makes the most sense to take the GO Trains or buses or ferries. Once within the metro area you will be impressed by the efficient combination of subway, bus, and streetcar to get you where you want to go. Need information on maps, routes and generally how to get from point A to point B? The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) routes are online, and you can also feel free to telephone them for further information. From traveling to and from the airport, to downloading and printing schedules and map routes, all you need to do is go online to the TTC website.

Check it out here

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contact August 8th, 2008

First Things First: What is Kosher?
“Kosher” refers to Jewish law that regulates permissible foods. Kosher foods must adhere to the complex requirements of Jewish law, and a supervising Rabbi verifies that such is the case for a given food item or serving location. Criteria is based on: 1) how animals are slaughtered; 2) rules and regulations for purity in the processing of foods; 3) careful inspection of vegetables for insects; 4) and the required temperatures in the cleansing of utensils and equipment. Additionally, Kosher laws require full disclosure of all ingredients on the packaging. With Kosher Certified foods consumers are fully aware of all ingredients. There should be no MSG, artificial flavors, fillers. or by-products.

Products and cooking equipment under kosher supervision are given regular inspections to ensure rigorous compliance with the Kashruth laws. A person known as the mashgiach does the actual supervision. A Hechsher (certifying mark) can be found to identify kosher foods and serving locations.

Below you’ll find some of the best kosher restaurants in Toronto (D=Dairy M=Meat P=Parve):

Central

Brooklyn Pizza (D), 3016 B Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6, 416.789.4085
Colonel Wong Restaurant (M), 2825 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3A4, 416.784.9664
The Fortune Cookie (M), 2835 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B 3A4
HaKotel (M), 1045 Steeles Ave W Toronto Ontario M2R2S9, 416.736.7227
Kosher Pizza Delight (formerly Jerusalem One) (D), 3028 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6, 416.256.7115
King David Pizza, Bourekas, Falafel (D), 3020 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6
Noam Malka (M), Lawrence/Bathurst Plaza-Hot Dog Cart Toronto Ontario
Not Just Yogurt (D), 2997 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B3, 416.783.7604
Omni 2 – Jewellery & Java (D), 2793 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3A7
Perl’s Bais Burger (M), 3015 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario, 416.787-.4234
Shalom Shanghai (M), 3022 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B3B6

Downtown

Oasis Cafe & Health Bar (D), 2 First Canadian Place, Exchange Tower, Toronto ON M5X1A6, 416.368.8805
Olde Spadina Ave (M), Air Canada Center & Rogers Center, Toronto Ontario, 416.823.6313

Midtown

Bistro Grande (D), 1000 Eglinton Ave W Toronto Ontario M6C2C5
Gladstones Bar & Grill (M – formal), 398 Eglinton Ave W Toronto Ontario M5N1A2, 416.487.9500

North York

Amazing Donuts (P), 3772 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M3H3M6, 416.398.7546
Baycrest Cafeterias (D, M), 3560 Bathurst St Ontario, 416.789.5131
Chicken Nest (M), 3038 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6B4K2
Dairy Treats European Cafe/Bakery (D), 3522 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2C6, 416.787.0309
Isaac’s Bakery & Cafe (D), 221 Wilmington Ave Toronto Ontario 416.630.1678; and
3390 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2B9, 416.789.7587
King David/Country Style Coffee (D), 219 Wilmington Ave Toronto Ontario M3H5J9, 416.636.3456
King Solomons Table (M – formal), 3705 Chesswood Dr Toronto Ontario M3J2P6, 416.630.1666
King Kosher Pizza, Burekas & Falafel (D), 3774 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M3H3M6
Marky’s Restaurant & Deli (M), 280 Wilson Ave Toronto Ontario M3H1S8, 416.638.1081
Milk ‘n Honey Restaurant (D), 3457 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M6A2C5, 416.789.7651
Rachel’s Centre Cafe (D), Bathurst Jewish Centre 4588 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1W6
Second Cup (Baycrest) (D), 3560 Bathurst St ext 2871 Toronto Ontario M6A2E1
Second Cup (BJC) (D, 4588 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1W6, 416.636.1880

Uptown

Country Style Kosher Coffee (D), Winter’s College, York University 4700 Keele St Toronto Ontario
Tov-Li Pizza & Falafel Ltd (D), 5982 Bathurst St Toronto Ontario M2R1Z1, 416.650.9800

North

Cafe Sheli (D), 7700 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J7Y3, 905.762.0640
Cookoos Inc (M), 7241 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J3W1
Fine Touch Catering (M), 927 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J8G6, 905.889.2690
Golden Chopsticks Chinese Food (M), 7000 Bathurst St Unit C-6 Thornhill Ontario L4J7L1, 905.760.2786
King David Pizza, Bourekas, Falafel (D), 531 Atkinson Ave Unit 3 Thornhill Ontario L4J8L7, 905.771.7077
Kosher King (M), 7000 Bathurst St Unit C1 Thornhill Ontario L4J7P2, 905.760.1118
Miami Grill (M), 441 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J6W7, 905.709.0096
My Zaidy’s Pizza (D), 441 Clark Ave W Thornhill Ontario L4J6W8
Not Just Yogurt (D), 7117 Bathurst St Unit 109 Thornhill Ontario L4J2J6, 905.889.1598
Yehudale’s Falafel & Pizza (D), 7241 Bathurst St Thornhill Ontario L4J3W1, 905.889.1400

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contact August 6th, 2008

Karma Co-op is a member-owned non-profit grocery store. Shopping at Karma is a friendly experience, without the Muzak, gimmickry or hard-sell tactics of supermarkets. You can hang up your coat, mind your child in the membership room, meet your neighbours who have similar interests and make a phone call. It’s our store. And nobody profits from it except the members.

What can you buy?

- Fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products and free-range eggs
- Bulk grains, flours, seeds, spreads, dried fruits and nuts
- Frozen foods,including organically raised meat
- Renett-free cheese
- Bulk grains, dried fruits & nuts
- Coffees and teas, coffee substitutes, herbal teas and fresh spices
- Canned and packaged foods
- Household and personal care items (dental and skin care products, supplements)
- Environment-friendly cleaning products

Interested in becoming a member? Only members can shop at Karma Co-op. But you can do a one-time trial shop to try us out before joining (payment in cash only). Join Karma

Karma Coop
739 Palmerston Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 2R3
(416) 534-1470
Hours: M: 11am-7pm; T,W,Th: 11am-9pm; F: 10am-9pm; Sa: 10am-6pm; Su: 11am-5pm

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contact August 5th, 2008

Bloor Cinema rules. It is a real, traditional, old school movie theatre for true movie buffs – showing classic favorite movies. If you’ve never been to an old theater and want to experience what your parents or grandparents experienced, check out Bloor. Its wonderful sticky floors, movie classics as well as more obscure gems, cheap tickets, squeeky seats, more than 800 seats, true movie house smells, gummy worms… will just make you sigh. In a good way. What is NOT to like about this place!? Tell me.

The Bloor Cinema is a host for gobs of film festivals, movie premieres, special gala events, classic films and Hollywood blockbusters. They showcase a variety of perspectives from across Canada and around the world: independent films, fascinating stories, important documentaries and sometimes just wild, unbridled entertainment.

This historic landmark should be a must-see item on your list when visiting Toronto, whether you go see a movie or not. LOVE this place.

Browsing tonight’s listing, I noticed that Ghost World (with Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi) is playing. Don’t miss that excellent film!

Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West,
Toronto ON M5S1Y2 Canada
(416) 516-2331

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contact August 4th, 2008

Pizza Restaurants – Anyone who has a kid, or knows a kid for that matter, knows that kids like pizza. Rare is the moment when you meet a kid that hates pizza, so if you’re looking for a pizza place in Toronto, you’re in luck, because there are many really good ones in the city. Here are some suggestions:

Pizza Amato – 380 College Street , Toronto ON M5T1S6, (416) 972-6286

Pizza Banfi – 333B Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON, M5P1R3, (416) 322-5231

Chico’s Pizza – 701 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto, ON, M6C 1B2, (416) 658-4000

Cora Pizza – 656A Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5S2H7, (416) 922-1188

Magic Oven – 270 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON, M5R1V7, (416) 928-1555 *Uses mostly organic ingredients and is very vegan/vegetarian/lactose-free friendly.

The Big Slice – 385 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5B1S1, (416) 977-8451

Kismet Pizza – 1962 Eglinton Avenue West, York, ON, M6E2J9, (416) 782-0782

Massimo Pizza & Pasta – 302 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T1R9, (416) 967-0527

Vesuvio Pizzeria & Spaghetti House – 3014 Dundas Street West , Toronto ON M6P1Z3, (416) 763-4191

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