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

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

Had to go into Buffalo this past week for a couple of meetings…people make such a big deal about crossing the border, but it’s really nothing. No line-ups, no hassle. Sure hope it stays that way when the passport law comes into affect June 1 (you’ll need one; right now basically any photo ID is OK). You’d think everyone crossing would have heard about it by now, and will have what they need to keep things running smoothly. I’ll do my part and direct everyone to Terrific Toronto’s tips and information for crossing into Canada.

On the other hand, road construction on the Highways is INSANE. Can never tell when you’re gonna hit a bottleneck that delays you for half an hour. If you learn anything at all from this blog, it’s AVOID RUSH HOUR traffic on the roads leading to T.O. – which is basically 7:30-9:30am and 4-7pm…

On a totally non-related note: discovered a great little Toronto “museum” this week- Toronto’s First Post Office, a tiny brownstone downtown at 260 Adelaide St. East (right near the historical Distillery District). Besides having some cool things to look at and do (write a letter with a quill pen and seal it with a wax stamp), it’s still a fully functioning post office – dating back to 1834…

That’s it for now – TTYL

Mr. Toronto