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

Ah, my favourite time of the year in Toronto…the weather is still beautiful (actually, I should say finally beautiful – what a lousy summer!!), the hordes of tourists have moved out, and the stars have moved in!  Must be the Toronto International Film Festival!

If you’ve never visited TIFF before, you have to check it out.  Besides great movies day and night – many of which you can now actually see since tickets have become more accessible – it really is almost impossible to hang out – at the right places, anyway – and not bump into a movie star somewhere.

So what are those right places, you might ask?  Well, despite many of the movies/galas being shown further downtown, Yorkville is still the centre of activity.  Hotelwise, stand outside of the Four Seasons Hotel and you’re guaranteed a sighting.  The Park Hyatt is right up there, too, with a close 3^rd being the Intercontinental – all spitting distance from each other. And the Hazelton is a very ritzy boutique hotel – with it’s own private screening room – where you can also see beautiful people hanging out in its beautiful bar/restaurant, One….as for other restaurants, Sassafraz still draws them in, as does Bistro 990, which claims to be the “Official Restaurant” of TIFF…Sotto Sotto is an Italian fave of the stars…but you can pick any of the local restaurants, grab a table, and hope for the best (George Clooney ate at a non-descript Yorkville sushi joint last night…)

And then there’s the shopping.  The stars are always visiting their favourite stores in Yorkville, and on Bloor Street. The Roots flagship store is a sure bet, as is Holt Renfrew.

But the great thing about TIFF is you never know where you’ll bump into someone.  I almost ran Dennis Miller over as he was jaywalking on University Avenue a couple years ago, and rode up in an elevator with Sean Penn at the Delta Chelsea last year! (where I also spotted Geoffrey Rush having a drink in the bar).

So put on a comfy pair of shoes, grab your binoculars and autograph book, and come on down!

See you at the movies!

Mr. Toronto

…. Summer activities, that is.  Sorry it’s taken me longer than usual for this entry, but the lure of recreational activities when the weather is nice is just too strong (to be sitting in front of a computer…)

Since we last “spoke”, I have officially kicked off summer concert season with an awesome Dave Matthews Band show at the Molson Amphitheatre at Ontario Place.  To be honest, the Amphi is not my favourite venue to see a show – too big, and the security is over the top (and totally unnecessary).  But when it all comes together – great weather and great tunes – as it did for DMB, it can be fantastic.

Speaking of fantastic, event season also kicked off with Luminato in June, a 10 day Festival of the arts – ALL kinds of arts – that focused this year on the guitar.  Fantastic free shows at Metro Square and Yonge-Dundas Square, including Randy Bachman (from the Guess Who- Canadian gods…), Daniel Lanois (another famous local boy, more famous for producing U2 albums than his own music), Taj Mahal and Derek Trucks (without doubt, one of the finest living slide guitarists on the planet).  From here on in, the festivals come fast and furious…(gay) Pride next week, Jazz Festival the week after….

Also getting into some serious bike riding now, and Toronto is a great place to do it.  Loads of trails, parks, ravines, that will take you just about anywhere.  You can pick up a great map at City Hall.  I rode my bike over to Toronto’s newest “hot” district for brunch the other day- Liberty Village in the south/west end of the City.  Used to be an industrial district, now a happening place for film and agency types, and more fantastic places to eat than you know what to do with – and each one with a fab patio to catch those glorious sunny days…

Hope to catch you out there!

Mr. Toronto