Mr. Toronto

I don’t know what to be more excited about – the fact that the MuchMusic Video Awards happened last weekend, so I no longer have to step over hoards of teenage girls who have been camped out for DAYS (weeks?!) hoping to catch a glimpse of Justin Bieber (I’m not joking – see accompanying photo – the tents stretched down 3 city blocks!), or the official start of summer this week….since the Biebs is written about every time he (or his girlfriend Selena) sneezes, I think I’ll dedicated a little blogging time to the latter – and specifically, the Farmer’s Markets that begin to pop up all over town this time of year…

For a full listing, go to http://www.greenbeltfresh.ca/farmers-market-list – but here are a few favourites:

• The one at City Hall (Nathan Phillips Square) runs every Wednesday through October 24, 2012 [excluding June 27 and September 26]. Enjoy noon-hour concerts while you browse from July 11 to August 29,

• Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. (at St. Clair Ave. W.) is open every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm and includes some great read-to-eat foods

• Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave) is one of the latest entry to the Farmers’ Market fray-very cool location. Also Saturdays, 8am-1pm

• One of the city’s newest local-food markets opened in an unusual venue—the ING Direct bank at 221 Yonge St.  The market runs every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Another great spot is on Gould Street, part of Ryerson University.  Their market runs Tuesdays from 3-7pm, and  has special themes and entertainment, which can be found at http://www.ryerson.ca/news/events/General_Public/20120605_market.html

And let’s not forget that, although it is not seasonal (open year round), the best of the best is still downtown’s St. Lawrence Market, named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 markets in the WORLD. www.stlawrencemarket.com for hours (much more accessible/predictable than the others listed above)
And since we’re talking fruits and veggies, thought this would be an appropriate time to give a plug to the Toronto Vegetarian Association…if you prefer your legumes cooked for you, visit their website for a comprehensive list of the best vegetarian food in the GTA… http://veg.ca/directory/list/restaurants

Here’s to a healthy summer!

Mr. Toronto

PS. On a totally un-related note – except that it’s my duty as Mr. Toronto to keep you up to date on what’s happening in the City – just attended the media launch of a cool festival coming up in a couple of weeks http://www.musicafrica.org/ Afrofest, a free celebration of the richness and diversity of African culture, is set for Woodbine Park in Toronto on Saturday July 7th and Sunday July 8th.  Featuring world-renowned African musicians and top African groups based in Canada, an African marketplace, food and craft vendors, artistic displays, music workshops, and organized activities for youth and children. Afrofest is THE cultural event of the summer.

Spring is well underway, which means that Toronto’s fair-weather attractions and events are being promoted and/or opening for business.  Which means that Mr. Toronto has been busy enjoying the beautiful weather, and getting out-and-about…

Although I have lived in Toronto for 25 years now (where has the time gone?!), I have never had the opportunity to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens until this month.  The fact that they are located in Burlington is no excuse – it only took 45 minutes to drive there (shorter than most people here’s commute to work!).  It really is a beautiful place.  Not overwhelmingly huge and very well maintained…a great place to spend a sunny afternoon, especially if you stop off in one of the café’s on the premises for a tea or beer… http://www.rbg.ca/

On the other side of the “breathtaking” spectrum, Canada’s Wonderland opened its gates last weekend, with the new Leviathan roller coaster added to the roster.  Fifth largest in the world, and definitely the most incredibly ride I have ever been on.  Still can’t believe I sat in the front car – they say it is like dropping straight down from the top of the Royal York Hotel…as my son would say…SICK!  Just be prepared for long lines, or get there as soon as the gates open and run right over! www.canadaswonderland.com/

And still, another breathtaking activity – and for this one, you don’t even have to leave your seat!  Cavalia has just brought its new show, Odysseo, to a huge tent by the waterfront.  Like Cirque du Soleil (it was actually created by one of their founders) but with horses as the main attraction, this show has to be seen to be believed.  Truly dazzling. http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo

As for announcements of things to come, I’ve already mentioned festivals like Luminato and Toronto Jazz in previous blogs…add to this events like the North by Northeast Music Festival (June 11-17), Honda Indy (July 6-8), Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) (Aug 4-6), and Tennis Canada’s Rogers Cup (Aug 4-12) and you have a jam- packed spring/summer season.  And if you stay at my lovely Hotel, the Delta Chelsea (sorry, gotta plug it once in a while), you’re right around the corner from Yonge-Dundas Square, which has a series of free concerts every Monday (lunchtime) and Friday (dinnertime), starting May 28 and running all the way thru mid-September.  Check it all out on www.ydsquare.ca

C’mon over and smell the flowers!

Mr. Toronto