contact March 21st, 2012
Did you know that the beautiful Toronto Islands protect Toronto’s natural harbour? Did you even KNOW that Toronto HAD any islands? The islands are comprised of park areas, nature reserves and protected wetlands, maintained by the Toronto’s Parks Department.
Private vehicles are not permitted on the Toronto islands.
[photo courtesy of wikipedia]
contact March 18th, 2012
You found yourself on this site so I have one question to ask you: Are you gay? No, I don’t mean to be nosy or indiscrete (today anyway!), I’m asking because today’s post is about the adorable gay B&B in Toronto, The Dundonald House – that will be perfect for you. Perfect, that is, if you’re gay. Well, are you?
About Dundonald House
The Church – Wellesley corner is center of the Toronto gay village– Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and public transportation, are all a quick three minute walk from the guest house. Voted Best Bed and Breakfast 6 years in a row by the gay community, Dundonald House offers an oasis of calm in a busy yet exciting area of downtown.
Dundonald House Bed and Breakfast
35 Dundonald St Toronto
Ontario M4Y 1K3 Canada
Email: dh@dundonaldhouse.com
Phone: 1-800-260-7227
contact March 16th, 2012
Vaticano Trattoria (chef Felice Vacca’s authentic cuisine at ) – Who has been spotted there? Susan Sarandon, Andy Garcia and Lindsay Lohan. Also check out the nearby Trattorio Sotto Sotto and you may run into Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman or Jason Bateman.
Over The Rainbow – Denim deficient rock stars Mick Jagger and Hilary Duff in search of the coolest duds can be spotted here.
Holt Renfrew, the Canadian equivalent of Bloomingdale’s, is a magnet to celebs like German actress Diane Kruger and her Canadian boyfriend Joshua Jackson. Trek farther west along Bloor Street, and who might you run into? Ashton Kutcher and Canuck celebrities like Mike Myers and singer Deborah Cox emptying their wallets for leather goods and athletic gear at Roots.
Kidding Awound – Famous parents such as Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan are known to shop at this Canadian version of FAO Schwartz (toy store).
Starbucks (139 Yorkville Ave.) has taken orders for Sienna Miller, James Franco and Colin Farell, while other celebrities like Wesley Snipes head to Canadian-coffee staple, Second Cup (170 Bloor St. W.).
Four Seasons Hotel – Particularly during film festivals, A-listers like Bruce Willis and Gwyneth Paltrow stay at this Yorkville sanctuary, with equally star-studded room service going on downtown at the Fairmont Royal York, which attracts festival favourites like Mira Sorvino and John Cusack.
Vikaspa – is the spa where Kate Hudson, Robert Downey Jr. and Hilary Swank chill.
Thomas Hinds Tobacconist – attracts the likes of stogie sportin’ Alec Baldwin, Sean Penn or Charlie Sheen.
Kultura, is a multi-floor lounge where Jude Law, Vince Vaughn, Ethan Hawke, Sofia Coppola, Scarlett Johansson and Christina Ricci have all hung out.
Bistro 990, a French bistro, is one of the city’s biggest stomping grounds for visiting celebs like renowned Canadian director Norman Jewison (Moonstruck, In Country), Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.
Note: These star gazing ops are more successful during film fests when Hollywood descends upon the beautiful Canadian haven of Toronto.
contact March 14th, 2012
The Art Bar is well frequented in Toronto’s arts scene but hidden to the general tourist. What is it? The Art Bar is a space that is leased out to talented artists looking to showcase their work and the room is used nightly as a venue for poetry readings, film screenings, live music performances and the occasional DJ.
It is home to a variety of art and events at varying levels so you if show up without knowing what’s going on for the night, you may get anything from screaming performance artists to a more classic art exhibit. You never know and that is the beauty of this place. The crowd there is diverse so if you see some grannies or people over 30, and you can’t handle that (because you have some issues), check beforehand about what is going on. But really, people are people and it’s what’s INSIDE that counts so try to rid yourself of those shallow beliefs.
Surprise! If you’re looking to partake in some over 21 drinking, don’t expect that here. Go next door. I know it’s called an art BAR but oh well. Deal with that.
The Art Bar
1214 Queen Street West
Toronto M6J 1J6 Ontario
Canada
Phone: 416-531-4635
Note: The Art Bar Poetry Series is now held at Clinton’s, 693 Bloor Street West, by Christie subway station.
contact March 12th, 2012
1. Allan Gardens – In the heart of downtown Toronto, you’ll be able to escape to wonderful Victorian Greenhouses, which will remind you that greenery DOES exist in a big city. Find some photos of Allan Gardens here.
2. Beaches – When thinking about Toronto, “beach” probably doesn’t come to mind but yes! There’s an area that can fill all your beach dreams albeit lake beach dreams.
3. Chinatown – How can you not visit the Chinatown? Grab a taste of lacquered duck or take in all the aromas of a place far, far away, but with the convenience of being right here in one of Canada’s most visited cities.
4. Don Valley – Nature lovers and active travelers will get a kick out of the bike paths, hiking trails and climbing areas of Don Valley.
5. Harbourfront Centre – Especially lively during the summer, the waterfront area if filled with live music and entertainment, festivals, kids camps and other activities that will keep you and your family busy and smiling.
6. Kensington Market – You’ll find this colorful of corner fruit stands, thrift stores and pubs, a fascinating meeting place for some of Toronto’s most interesting people. Every month the neighborhood blocks off the narrow streets for a Sunday afternoon festival celebrating the beauty of diversity with live music, dancing and food!
7. Riverdale Farm – Smack dab in the middle of Toronto’s Cabbagetown in the downtown area, is a 7.5 acre farm with wooded paths, flowered vegetable gardens and a variety of animals, including turkeys, ducks, geese, cows, horses, donkey, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and rabbits. This is a great free opportunity to show your kids that chickens aren’t shaped like nuggets.
8. St. Lawrence Market and Market Gallery – Wander and visit, or just sit and people watch. The gallery space hosts changing art installations and exhibits of paintings, artifacts and furnishings that visually describe the history and culture of the area. Admission to the market and the gallery are free.
9. Toronto Islands – Check out the trails, picnic areas and beaches of the Toronto Islands. Explore the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, or bask in the sun on the clothing-optional beach on the west side of Hanlan’s Point. For the sportif, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts and wading pools welcome you with open arms (if they had any).
10. Wednesdays at the Art Gallery of Ontario - 36,000 works of art in its collection, the AGO is gallery worth visiting. Wednesday evenings are free of charge between six and nine o’clock pm.
contact February 28th, 2012
Head over to nothincrazie.com to find out. Here’s an excerpt:
“There’s a new fast food eatery in town! Their name is Smoke’s Poutinerie and poutines are the only thing you will find there. The poutine lovers (me, crazyDiva, and tooVee) drove all the way downtown to check it out. We had high expectations for their poutine since it was the only dish they specialized in. After spending 10 minutes hunting down a parking spot, we hopped out of the car with big smiles on our faces, excited for the worst combination of grease you can ask for.
Strategically placed in the heart of the entertainment district (218 Adeladie Street W.), they are open until 4:00 am for drunks to get fat on after their night of…”
contact February 27th, 2012
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.
contact February 19th, 2012
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?
contact February 16th, 2012
From jaunted:
“Canadian street artists Fauxreel and Specter have renovated an old warehouse into a dilapidated fake urban wonderland.
Called “A City Renewal Project,” it’s a secret world hidden behind a fake storefront in Toronto. Inside the seedy store is what looks like the workspace of an artist, filled with wood, construction materials and lots of Bell telephones. A back door will transport you into a long warehouse space that looks like an indoor facsimile of a real city street. Life-size black and white reproductions of closed and derelict stores line the walls of the warehouse. Further adding to the reality of the installation are real bus shelters, billboards, garbage cans–and real garbage. And of course, everything is covered in graffiti and tags.
The artists fear that the practice of tearing down old buildings and putting up brand-new condos is destroying their city’s cultural history. Even the building the show is housed in is scheduled to be knocked down to make way for new apartments. A City Renewal Project is up until November 23, at inconsistent hours, so check the website for details. “ [source]
contact February 8th, 2012
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
contact February 5th, 2012
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. “
contact February 1st, 2012
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 agriculture is a way of living, working and relating to nature and the vocations of agriculture based on good common-sense practices, a consciousness of the uniqueness of each landscape, and the inner development of each and every practitioner.
Common-sense practices include striving to be self-sufficient in energy, fertilizers, plants, and animals; structuring our activities based on working with nature’s rhythms; using diversity in plant, fertilizers, and animals as building blocks of a healthy operation; being professional in our approach to reliability, cleanliness, order, focus on observation, and attention to detail; and being prompt and up-to-date in doing one’s job.
The concern with the uniqueness of a particular landscape includes developing an understanding of the geology, soils, climate, plant, and animal life; human ecology; and economy of one’s bioregion.
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
contact January 30th, 2012
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
contact January 29th, 2012
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
contact January 28th, 2012
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
Bloor Cinema
506 Bloor Street West,
Toronto ON M5S1Y2 Canada
(416) 516-2331
