Mr. Toronto

Yes, you read that right…although most people come to Toronto for the excitement of a “City” vacation – blockbuster shows and events, world famous museums and attractions, more stores and restaurants than are imaginable – it’s important to know that we have some pretty awesome places to just lie down in the sand and soak up the sun as well. (Especially important since the temperatures have been in the ‘90s for the past 2 weeks!)

There are a number of beaches that are just a stone’s throw away from downtown…. three of the best can be found on the Toronto Islands, with (inexpensive and quick) ferry access available at the foot of Bay street:  Centre Island has a sandy, family-friendly beach with change rooms, washrooms and a nearby snack bar (also known as Chelsea Beach, with transportation available from the Delta Chelsea Hotel as well); Ward’s Island is a bit more “residential, bordered by trees and greenery: and Ward’s Island is the City’s only “clothing optional” spot! Other “City” beaches include:

• Cherry Beach – at the foot of Cherry Street, by the port lands
• HTO Park – a truly “urban” beach at 339 Queens Quay West (nice sand, but you can’t go into the water)
• Sunnyside Beach – 1775 Lakeshore W, with its long, historic boardwalk
• Woodbine Beach – at the foot of Woodbine, a great place to play – or watch volleyball, then stroll along nearby Queen St. for boutique gazing and ice cream eating…

If you’re feeling more adventurous – and have a little more time, you can also take a day trip (or overnighter) to one of the real/real lovely waterfronts outside of the City:

• Long Point Provincial Park in Port Rowan (519-586-2133)
• Beaches of the township of Tiny (705-526-7884)
• Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton (613-393-3319)
• Sauble Beach in Owen Sound (519-422-1262)
• Wasaga Beach (705-429-2516)

All beautiful, and a heck of a lot closer than the Caribbean!

Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Mr. Toronto

I can’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity go by without reporting a bit of “coverage” (mainly for my out-of-town readers who may be unaware). Which leads me to my first reflection…how can an event that is so huge, and has such an impact on the host city (and supposedly the world!) have such little awareness just miles away? For those of you who need to be brought up to speed, Toronto has just finished hosting the semi-annual meeting of world leaders (it used to be just 8, but they’ve swelled to 20). We have been preparing for this event for months, and have spent over a billion dollars, mainly for security.

And what security — chain-link fences surrounding the downtown core where the meetings took place; public transportation and office buildings shut down; thousands upon thousands of police in riot gear ready for action…

In Toronto the safe, clean and genteel? What kind of action could there possibly be? Plenty, as it turns out. Protesters and hooligans were imported from all over the world to turn the City into a disaster zone, the likes of which we have never seen…smashed store windows, burning police cars…it looked like the set of one of those “Armageddon” movies….thankfully, no casualties or serious injuries. And now it’s all over.

Yes, all of this money, violence, craziness — for a 36 hour meeting. Toronto turned into a Police State, something out of the novel 1984. Was it worth losing our innocence for?

I suppose we should feel honoured and flattered that Toronto — which is such a fabulous city — is a leader in so many ways that Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the globe wanted to see the place. But what kind of place were they seeing? The inside of a convention centre, hotel, concert hall…in the meantime, the “real” city that they had supposedly come to see was under lockdown, fenced in. Stores and restaurants closed. Theatre productions and concerts canceled. Baseball games moved out of town. Highways shut down.

I have a suggestion — why don’t all the countries that participate chip in a few million dollars, and build a five-star hotel and airstrip on some remote island somewhere and use that as a permanent facility to house these meetings. And every meeting they can choose another country to host and showcase — the leader can show a nice video of his or her country, and order take-out flown in to give an authentic taste…now wouldn’t that be sweet.

Thanks for letting me vent

Mr. Toronto

We Torontonians are currently in the middle of our first “Summer Festival” of the season — Luminato (billed as the “Toronto Festival of Arts + Creativity”). Running til June 20, it’s a pretty eclectic mix of free and ticketed events incorporating dance, music, film and art. I went to see Rufus Wainwright last night, performing a very weird solo piano piece dressed in a long black gown with a feather collar…gives you some idea.

But there are LOTS of other (more accessible?) festivals coming up over the next couple months — here are some highlights:

• Pride Toronto – our epic Gay weekend and parade (June 24-July 4)
• Fringe Theatre Festival – 150 different shows! (June 30-July 11)
• Summerlicious – 150 of Toronto’s top restaurants offer special – and cheap! – menus (July 9-25)
• Festival of India – some of this food is actually free! (July 17-18)
• Caribana – our wild and crazy Caribbean extravaganza (July 28-August 1)
• Taste of the Danforth – if your taste buds are more Greek-centric (August 6-8)
• Festival of Beer – if you need something to wash all that food down with; great music, too – at Exhibition Place (August 5-7)
• Summerworks – more than 40 plays, concerts and workshops (August 5-15)
• And, of course, the good ol’ CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) closes down the summer festivities (August 20- September 6)

So pack your sunscreen and party hats and come on down – we’re waiting for you!

Mr. Toronto

The weather has been gorgeous these past few days in Toronto, and whoever hasn’t been glued to the hockey playoffs (this IS Canada, after all) has been hanging out at one of the City’s fantastic outdoor patios. Nothing like sitting in the sun (or shade – I’m an equal opportunity patio lounger) and quaffing one of our fine Canadian brews while watching the world go by.

Some of the best places to do that include:

• The Black Bull at 298 Queen Street (a hangout for everyone from bikers to punkers to jocks)
• The Madison at 14 Madison (with FIVE levels of patios!)
• The Wheat Sheaf Tavern at 667 King W (Toronto’s oldest, open since 1849)
• Polson Pier at 11 Polson (formerly known as “The Docks”, it is probably the largest patio in the City, with definitely the most awesome view)
• Café Diplomatico at 594 College (a Little Italy institution)
• Sweaty Betty’s at 13 Ossington (had to throw that is because I LOVE the name, and no list would be complete without mention of the hip Ossington strip)
• Hemingway’s at 142 Cumberland (in the heart of Yorkville – quite a different crowd than the Black Bull)

And my two very favourite out-of-the-way hideaways (worth the schlep):

• The Gem Bar & Grill at 1159 Davenport, a very hip neighbourhood hangout that usually has great free live music to boot
• The Rectory Café on Ward’s Island – this one you have to take a ferry to- catch it from the foot of Yonge St. next to the Westin Hotel; you’ll feel like you’re on an island retreat (wait a minute – you ARE!)

Wanted to tell you about these early in the season, so you’ll have time to try them ALL! And feel free to let me know about your favourites, too.

Cheers!

Mr. Toronto

I find myself apologizing again for taking way too long between blogs….don’t blame it on me, blame it on this fabulous City, that is keeping me way too busy going to new concerts, plays, restaurants, events (it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it…). At any rate, no more excuses. I am turning over a new leaf to write more frequent (and consequently, most likely, shorter) entries…

Thought I’d share a couple of things with you this time around. First, my local neighbourhood mag, the Village Post, just came out with their list (courtesy of Joanne Kates, Toronto’s most famous dining critic) of the “100 Best Restaurants” in Toronto. Here are the top ten (no time or space to go into details, so I’ll just list and you can Google):

1. Pastis
2. Scaramouche
3. Nota Bene
4. Black Hoof
5. Centro
6. Cava
7. Hashimoto
8. Mistura
9. Hoof Café
10. Splendido

Secondly, Yonge-Dundas Square, which has become the heart/central gathering place of Toronto (think Times Square), has unveiled its extensive schedule of FREE activities for the spring/summer. Every Wednesday from now thru mid- October (we like to still consider this summer – it hasn’t started snowing yet), “Serenades in the Square” take over from 12:30-1:30. Different jazz, folk, and roots performers every week; bring a picnic lunch and sit at one of the many tables available (if you’re lucky!). Friday nights from 8-10pm is the “Global Grooves” program, with funky bands representing sounds from around the planet. Tuesday nights at sunset, there are outdoor films on a ginormous screen; the theme this year is “Safecracker Cinema”. And every Friday, Saturday and Sunday there is a weekend Artisan Market, with vendors of unique handcrafted items. For detailed info on all these invites, go to www.ydsquare.ca

Talk to you again soon – promise!

Mr. Toronto

I have a file full of ideas that I want to blog about, but they keep on getting bumped because of stuff I’ve done recently that I just have to share with you. Specifically this past week, did three really cool things that you might want to know about:

1. Had one of those fantastic and unexpected Toronto experiences that just “happen” sometimes…was coming out of the Art Gallery of Ontario (which I believe I have gone on about previously – it really is a fantastic place), and remembered that nearby was the home — and studio — of one of Canada’s most well-known, respected and prolific artists, Charles Pachter. Articles have been written about the place — called The Moose Factory (he uses the iconic Canadian Moose in many of his works) — it is an architectural gem. Anyway, the studio/gallery is open to the public, but by appointment only. So I called on a whim, and Charlie himself answered the phone, told me to come by, and spent an hour with me giving me a fantastic personal tour. I’m sure he’d do the same for you, especially if you were a prospective client! Much of his artwork is actually very reasonable/undervalued, and a great investment. Check out http://www.cpachter.com/moose_factory/moose_factory.html
2. Went to the opening of Young Frankenstein, the latest Mirvish Production at the gorgeous Princess of Wales Theatre. I have to say, I am a little tired of movies being made into plays, especially movies that were fantastic and hold great memories. This Mel Brooks’ classic is one of those, and like most adaptations, I’d watch the movie (again) rather than see the play (again). But it had its moments, and is still a fun night out.
3. Went to an announcement for the big blockbuster exhibit coming to the Royal Ontario Museum starting end of June (and running through the fall) — The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army. Most people have heard something about the Terracotta Warriors, but the story is spellbinding — straight out of a Spielberg movie — and the exhibit of artifacts should be outstanding. Stay tuned…

Finally, as I’m mentioning the end of June, a warning: The G-20, a meeting of twenty of the world’s leaders, is coming to Toronto the weekend of June 25-27. While it’s an exciting and high profile event for our City, it will be a bit of a logistical nightmare (security, traffic, etc.). So if you can, I’d stay away then and book your summer visit for another time! Could be the best tip I’ve given you yet!

Mr. Toronto

The calendar says winter. The thermometer in Toronto says 50 degrees (well, actually, in Canada it says 11 degrees Celsius…). Ski resorts an hour away still have beautiful conditions. Summer concerts are being announced right and left for the summer here (Black Eyed Peas! Tom Petty! Dave Matthews!). I’m SO confused!!! Oh well, guess that’s what spring is all about. And it’s blooming big time in T.O., with our Canadian March Break starting as I type. Lots of special activities for the kiddies to do at all the local attractions, and lots to keep parents happy in the evenings (e.g. Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein opening at Princess of Wales Theatre…)! And let’s not forget Blue Jays opening day at the Skydome (sorry, I know it’s called the Rogers Centre now, but it will always be the Skydome to me..) on April 12….

Went to a couple great events this week. Saw a one-woman play called Blind Date, where the lady gets stood up and then chooses a random guy from the audience that she performs (improve) with for the next 90 minutes. Quirky and brilliant – part of Harbourfront Centre’s Worldstage event happening til May.

Then last night, went to the one-year anniversary party for Delta Blues Thursdays at Monarchs Pub (at the Delta Chelsea Hotel). If you ever find yourself in the City on Thursday night, you gotta check it out – THE best blues musicians (different artists every week), and no cover charge! Hard to beat.

Finally, to end this very disjointed blog entry (sorry, it must be the change of season), thought I would pass along a final winter tip before winter officially ends…where can you get the best hot chocolate in town? The hippest and hottest places for a TRUE cup of liquid heaven are (in no particular order – and please Google to find the addresses):

Aroma Espresso Bar
Le Gourmand
Manic Coffee
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
SOMA Chocolatemaker

So grab a cup, put on your layers and sunglasses, and enjoy whatever season you find yourself in when you get here!

Mr. Toronto

I guess I need to start this blog with an apology to those of you who actually wait for new entries with baited breath….so mom and dad, I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long…the New Year got away from me, and we are well into 2010.  I suppose my excuse is that there has just been so much going n in Toronto, I haven’t had the time to sit down and write!  The Raptors are winning consistently, the Leafs are sucking less with the addition of three hot new players, and arts and entertainment continues to flourish around the City…

Three fantastic “smaller” theatre productions are being staged right now – all highly recommended.  “The Light in the Piazza” won a Tony on Broadway, and is now on a small stage at the Berkeley St. Theatre.  “Assassins” is a new Stephen Sondheim play about people who have wanted to kill Presidents over the years – playing at the Theatre Centre.  And “Intimate Apparel” a fantastic non-musical (the other two are), playing at the slightly larger venue of the Bluma Appel Theatre, as part of  Canadian Stage’s season.

Speaking of venues, there is a fabulous new one that opened up recently, mainly for (one-night) concerts (all kinds of interesting stuff from Cuban to Flamenco to Pop).  It’s the Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music on Bloor St.  Gorgeous spot, great shows – check it out: http://performance.rcmusic.ca/viewallconcerts

Finally, I want to leave you with a bit of tourism-related research you may be interested in, from a visitor survey conducted by Tourism Toronto, in partnership with Ryerson University and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (an ongoing visitor survey at Pearson Airport and several highway stops outside of Toronto).

Here are the main neighbourhoods of interest during visitor trips:

• Yonge/Dundas
• Waterfront/Harbourfront
• Chinatown
• Queen West
• Entertainment District
• University of Toronto area
• Yorkville/Bloor
• St. Lawrence/Old Town
• Mississauga
• Toronto Islands
• Distillery District
• Scarborough
• Little Italy
• Kensington Market

We’ve covered some of these in previous blogs, and will surely get to the rest in the future.   Look forward to bumping into you!

Since I kept you waiting so long for my last blog entry, thought I’d give you an early Holiday present and follow up with another right away…especially cuz it’s timely info, and I wouldn’t want you missing out on any exciting T.O. entertainment….

Allow me to share with you the Toronto Star newspaper’s guide to the “Stars of the Season” – the best of December’s events (from an article dated Nov.21, 2009):

The Nutcracker – National Ballets’ annual blockbuster.  Gotta see this one once in your life…www.national.ballet.ca

Robin Hood, The Environmental Family Musical – every year, actor Ross Petty and his troupe distorts another well-loved story, to the delight of kids and adults alike…www.rosspetty.com

Puppetmongers – “elegant, detailed, loving and lovely”…www.puppetmongers.com

Canadian Brass – this accomplished quintet is known around the world as one of the best.  Playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra…tso.ca

And if you’re into the vocal stuff:

St. Michael’s Choir School – a festive program that reflects their wide range of ethnic backgrounds as well as their main role in the masses conducted every week at St. Michael’s Cathedral…roythomson.com

Nathaniel Dett Chorale – Canada’s only Afrocentric choir perform “An Indigo Christmas” from the Gospel, Caribbean and African traditions…roythomson.com

Hannaford Street Silver Band and Amadeus Choir – “Nothing says Christmas better than this 24-member brass band and 100-voice choir, in what is usually a pretty traditional selection of carols and anthems”…stlc.com

Please note that some of these events have multiple performances all month long, but others have just one or two dates – so check out the websites to avoid disappointment, and get over ASAP to celebrate the Holidays! And a shameless plug for my favourite Toronto hotel – the Delta Chelsea, just minutes from all these venues – that has a super “Shop n’ Stay” room rate from just $99!

If we don’t chat again before the end of ‘09, have a very happy holiday season, and look forward to blogging in the New Year!

Mr. Toronto

Apologies, fellow bloggers.  It’s been a while since my last entry, but I’ve just been so darn busy with all that my favourite City has to offer, that it’s been hard to slow down and write…. last night, for instance, went to my first Raptors game of the season.  Basketball is probably my favourite Toronto sport to watch, for a number of reasons.  First, we’re actually good at it – we have one of the best teams in the NBA right now, one that is sure to make the playoffs this year (you heard it here first!).  Secondly, it’s fun to watch – not just the game itself, which is fast paced and exciting – but the cheerleaders, fans, activities during timeouts…. and thirdly, it’s quite reasonable.  Unlike NHL hockey tickets, which you have to sell your firstborn to buy in Toronto, Raptors tickets start at $15 (if you’re lucky) and move their way up in slow increments before hitting those stratospheric amounts…

What else has kept me busy?  Went to the opening of a fun new show here, The Toxic Avenger.  A “campy” musical based on a comic character, it’s kind of in the genre of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (meaning it’s not necessarily for everybody!). There are only five actors, but they play multiple parts, and are incredibly talented (including Louise Pitre, who was nominated for a Tony award on Broadway for Mamma Mia. The costume changes are lightening fast and very clever, and the music is a lot more memorable (and fun!) than some of the Andrew Lloyd Webber stuff you hear nowadays. It’s playing for an indefinite run at a lovely little venue, the Danforth Music Hall, which is in Greektown, so lots of great places to visit and eat at before and after the show as well…

Finally, went to the opening of the King Tut exhibit at the AGO last week.  I have to admit I was a bit sceptical…I went to the first Tut show back in the 70’s (I know, really showing my age here), which was great, but the world has changed a lot since then and we have all become more “sophisticated” – and cynical…. well let me tell you, the show lives up to its hype. Really well done, with some breathtaking objects.  My only disclaimer is that this kind of thing is SO much more impressive when you can have a moment “alone” with the object you are looking at, which isn’t very easy when you are jostling for space with dozens of other people.  So my recommendation is to try and go/get your (timed) tickets for as off-peak a time as possible…the show is here til April 2010.

Best news of all is that the weather is holding u and you don’t need snow boots and parkas yet – so come on over and have some fun!

Mr. Toronto