Mr. Toronto

Happy 2012!  I’m sure if you’re like most people, slight depression kicks in this time of the year as vacations end, the thermometer drops, and credit card bills arrive from those Holiday purchases that seemed so necessary at the time…

Well, I can’t do much about the first two issues, but perhaps I can ease the cash-flow pain just a smidge by writing my first blog of the year about “where to find stuff cheap” in Toronto…

Here are just a handful of miscellaneous suggestions on how to enjoy the City without breaking the bank – and there really are many, many more!  :

Steam Whistle Brewery tour – it’s not only educational, but you get a souvenir glass and walk away with a buzz from all the samples, for only 10 bucks! (www.steamwhistle.ca)

Paramount Fine Foods – sounds like a fancy grocery store, actually an awesome Lebanese baker and restaurant that offers filling meals for less than 5 bucks if you order right – and it’s right across from the Eaton Centre (253 Yonge St)

Eaton Centre Food Court – since I just mentioned the EC, should also give a plug to their AMAZING new food court – really have seen nothing like it.  Although it cost them millions of dollars to put together, you can find a tasty and unique meal for way less…

Value Village – an institution among those “in the know” (i.e. high school/college kids) – incredible clothing deals and assorted other items (924 Queen E and 1319 Bloor W)

Snakes and Lattes – great name, great spot – one of T.O.’s trendiest new hangouts allows you to play one of their 1500 (!!) board games while sipping and munching (www.snakesandlattes.com)

Blue Banana Market – a great spot to pick up unique gifts (in case you haven’t bought enough already!) from over 200 artisans – in Kensington Market, which is a whole area of inexpensive food, clothes and – everything (www.bluebananamarket.com)

Honest Ed’s – no article/story/blog on “cheap stuff” would be complete without a mention of this institution of cheap – if you’ve been, you know what I’m talking about; if you haven’t just GO.  And be prepared to spend a couple hours.  And look at it this way; even if you don’t buy anything, you’ve just gone to Toronto’s best FREE attraction! (www.honesteds.sites.toronto.com)

Happy savings,

Mr. Toronto

Fall seems to be the time when Toronto’s arts scene really heats up…live theatre is in full swing (the subject of a future blog, I’m sure) and new museum/gallery exhibits are opening (for example, the fantastic “Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde” at the AGO). But it’s fall movies and concerts that seem to be drawing on my heartstrings and tugging at my wallet this time of year….

Toronto is known for it’s star-studded TIFF (International Film Festival) in September, but fall is also the season when a whackload of other film festivals take to screens around town, reflecting the City’s amazing ethnic and cultural mix…Google these and check out all they have to offer!

*Toronto After Dark (Oct. 20-27)

*Polish Film Festival (Oct. 21-23)

*Israel Film Festival (Oct. 23-27)

*Brazil Film Fest (Oct. 27-30)

*Diaspora Film Festival (Nov.1-7)

*Regent Park Film Festival (Nov. 1-7)

*Rendezvous with Madness (Nov.4-12)

*Reel Asian (Nov.8-19)

And boy, is there ever music in the air this time of year!  Here’s a sampling of just a handful of the most interesting shows coming to town (according to me, of course):

*Tedeschi Trucks Band at the Danforth Music Hall (October 25)

*Mumford and Sons at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) (same night!)

*DeadMau5 at the Rogers Centre (November 5)

*Trombone Shorty at the Opera House (November 17)

*Jay Z and Kanye West at the ACC (November 23 and 24)

*Feist at Massey Hall (December 1)

*The National with Neko Case at the ACC (December

I’d give you more options, but if you’re like me you’re already hyperventilating!  So just take a deep breath, choose a couple, and c’mon over!

Mr. Toronto

PS.  Although it is totally unrelated to this blog, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragic – and freaky – passing of Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldan earlier this week.  Especially freaky for me, because I talked about him in a previous blog – and showed a photo of the 2 of us together – just a few months ago, after he won the Indianapolis 500.  He was a wonderful and charming guy who will be sorely missed.

No, not quite.  The end of summer is in site, but there’s still plenty of time to visit Toronto with the kids before school starts.  And to help plan, here are a few ideas from The Grid (formerly EYE magazine), which recently came out with a list of “49 Totally Rad (and totally cheap) Things To Do With A Kid In The City”:

1)      Go people watching in (funky) Kensington Market – especially the last Sunday of every month, when it’s pedestrian only.

2)      Explore Lake Ontario in a canoe – rentals available from Canoe Toronto at Harbourfront (283A Queen’s Quay West)

3)      Take advantage of free admission to Ontario Place – in celebration of its 40^th anniversary (though you’ll still have to pay for the great water park)

4)      Have a pajama party at a good old-fashioned drive-in – double features, the latest flicks at Polson Pier (www.polsonpier.com)

5)      Buy cheap seats to a Blue Jays game – lots of fun, starting at only 11 bucks.  And the team is really quite good this year!

6)      Visit Kew Gardens playground (Queen St.E. and Wellesley), complete with turreted castles, a swirly slide and even a beach!

7)      Take a “staycation” at the Delta Chelsea Hotel – full disclosure: I work there!  But it made the list, really! Best hotel in town for kids (just voted “Best Family Hotel” by the readers of City Parent magazine).  Amazing Family Fun Zone with huge pool and waterslide, Kids Centre, Teen Lounge, and daily Camp Chelsea programming. (www.deltachelsea.com)

That’s it for their list…now a couple of things to add which are going on now and you shouldn’t miss.

First is the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE, or “The EX”, if you want to talk like a native), on now until September 5^th. Animal and agricultural exhibits, special shows, shopping pavilions, midway rides, FOOD (new this year – deep fried Jell-O!!!).  A real institution that should be visited at least once in your lifetime!

Secondly, the new Cirque du Soleil show is in town until October 9, at a specially constructed tent near Cherry Beach.  I have seen Cirque many times over the years, and I can honestly say this is the best I have seen.  Incredible staging and truly unbelievable acts.  With or without kids, get there!

And enjoy the rest of your summer!

Mr. Toronto

This City never ceases to amaze me.  Just when I think I’ve seen or done it all, I find something new that makes me fall in love all over again…and some of it isn’t even “new”, it’s just improved…

For instance, the latest edition of the Toronto Jazz Fest may have been my favourite yet.  Besides a dynamite line-up, the event moved to a new location, down at Metro Square (recently renamed David Pecault Square, in memory of this wonderful man who started the Luminato festival, among other things).  Much cozier than Nathan Phillips Square where it’s usually held, not to mention grass to sit down on…

And speaking of Nathan Phillips Square, the festival was moved from that spot as it is in the middle of a multi-year, multi-million dollar reno.  And one of the first things they renovated was an unused, secluded spot on the roof, which has been turned into the newest best-kept secret in Toronto – a fantastic rooftop garden.  Exquisite seclusion in the heart of the City.  They still hold some events in the Square below during renovations, as evident by the fun outdoor Art Festival that took place this weekend.

And speaking of this weekend, took a bike ride along another hidden gem in the City – the Leslie Street Spit.  It’s OK, I didn’t know what a “spit” was, either, til my breath was taken away by the beauty along this mile or so of unspoiled nature near Cherry Beach, just minutes from downtown.  Incredible views of the city skyline, but you truly feel like you are in Maine or Cape Cod…there’s even a lighthouse at the end!  Fun to skate – or even walk – if you don’t have a bike.  That’s my friend Paul enjoying the view…

And speaking of friends (don’t you just love the natural transitions I have written in this blog entry?) made a new one at the Honda Indy this past weekend (yes, it was a very busy weekend!).  That’s me with Dan Akroyd, the Grand Marshall this year.  A good ol’ Canadian boy (for those Americans who still do not realize that all the best comedy comes from this side of the border) who’s done all right for himself – including his new vodka, skeleton-bottle and all!

And it’s not even the middle of July yet – phew!

Mr. Toronto

Getting out and about more than ever now that the nice weather is here to stay (for the next few months, at any rate!).  Three places I have been to lately that I wanted to put on your radar:

1)      The new Railway Children musical, from Mirvish Productions:  Although this is not a great play, it is one of the more unique I have seen in many years, due mainly to the venue – a specially constructed theatre/tent over what was once the hub of Toronto’s railway system.  This was necessary to build to accommodate the star of the show, a fantastic old British train.  A fun way to spend an evening, especially (only?) if you have kids. http://www.railwaychildren.ca

2)      The Ballroom:  This is not your (grand)parent’s bowling alley…a very hip new spot on John St. in the heart of downtown, with great lanes, lights, music, nibblies and drinks. Check out http://www.theballroom.ca/

3)      Corus Entertainment:  Although this is an “office building” – housing Toronto’s top rock radio stations like The Edge and Q107 and hip TV channels like YTV and Teletoon – it is really a destination, a stop on any tour of Toronto.  One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen (you can actually request a tour) tucked away in one of the most serene areas of the City – they even have their own beach next door (see photo), which is open to the public, along with a wonderful waterside restaurant. http://www.corusent.com/home/

On another note, I just read about an incredibly cool new FREE app available for your smart phone called ZeitagTO.  It allows users to scan their surroundings on a Toronto Street, then pull up an archival photo of that same area from years gone by.  There are currently around 500 images you can check out – very cool!

Finally, just a note that I’m not the only American who has fallen in love with Toronto.  Besides the dozens of Hollywood stars who have “summer” homes in the Muskoka lake district outside of Toronto, it was just announced that “Marky Mark” Wahlberg has just purchased a condo in the heart of Yorkville.  He loves the City, and says that “in all honesty, I have more friends here than New York.”  So who knows?  You might bump into him – I actually did while he was here filming last year (though I don’t think he counts me as a friend) – but his condo won’t be ready til 2013…. (You can sleep on my couch until then, buddy….)

Keep cool!

Mr. Toronto

Since we have hit our first 30-degree day here in Toronto (that’s around 85, for you Yanks), I think it’s safe to say that summer is basically here.  Which gives me the liberty to start talking about all the wonderful things going on in the City during my favourite time of the year (I know other Canadians pretend that they love winter, and cold, and hockey, and…but for me, it’s all about sun, and greenery, and warmth…).

Festival and events season is right around the corner – as I have discussed in previous blogs, Luminato and the Jazz Fest – both happening in June – have amazing lineups this year, with plenty of free events to supplement the ticketed ones (including Aretha Franklin on June 24^th at Metro Square – come on!!).  And my mind turned to the Honda Indy the other day (happening here the weekend of July 9), as I noticed a big picture in the newspaper the other day of driver Dan Wheldon, who just won the Indianapolis 500 race.  Ya see, I was fortunate enough to ride in the pre-race parade last year for the Honda Indy (representing my hotel, the Delta Chelsea, which sponsors the race), and each sponsor was paired with a driver as we drove around the track with a driver waving to the crowd…and I got Dan (see photo).  Good to see my little pep talk worked!

Indy 500 Winner Dan Wheldon

Anyway, I digress.  I really wanted the main topic of my first summer blog to be about “Cinema Under the Stars”, a summer tradition in Toronto where open-air movie theatres pop up all over town for residents and visitors alike to catch a FREE flick.  Here’s where to go:

Yonge-Dundas Square, every Tuesday night June 28-August 30 for their “Dancing in the Dark” dance-themed movies

WestJet Stage at Harbourfront Centre, every Tuesday night July 5 – August 9 for “Longo’s Free Flicks” exploring urban themes

Metro Square (now David Pecault Square, next to Roy Thomson Hall), every Wednesday night July 6- August 31 for “TIFF in the Park”, showing classics like Sound of Music and Wizard of OZ

Downsview Park, Every Friday July9- August 31 for “Movies under the Stars” with family-friendly movies (including Justin Bieber’s latest “Never Say Never” – EEEEK!!!)

Riverdale Park East, Sundays June 19, July 24, August 14, August 24 for “Movies in the Park” to support local charities.

Kind of like a drive-in, but without having to pay for gas!  Enjoy.

Mr. Toronto

I seem to be blogging a lot lately on the arts – music, theatre – so it’s time to turn my attention to another passion – FOOD!  But where to start?  I’ve done a lot of traveling in my time – to many of the world’s Great Cities – and I have to tell you that Toronto certainly holds its own in terms of the sheer number of restaurants, the incredible variety of cuisine, the amazing taste of the food, and the great value that can be found here.  I could easily have a regular blog just dedicated to the places I have had the pleasure of dining at over the years….

But for now, let me concentrate on one small area that has captured my attention – and palate – over the last few weeks:  there have been two interesting “food wars” that have been waged in Toronto, involving two of my favourite edibles – pizza and burritos. Specifically, two competitive spots in each category has laid claim to being the “Best in the City”.

Let’s start with pizza.  Pizzeria Libretto, on the very cool Ossington Street strip, claims to be the only “certified Neapolitan pizza experience” in Canada. What does this mean? According to their website,  “Libretto aims to be loyal to what real pizza is, invented in Naples using local natural ingredients, cooked in a wood fired oven at extremely high heat to achieve a charred, blistered crust. We use San Marzano tomatoes and Fiore di Latte Mozzarella, brought in fresh daily. Our dough is made with naturally leavened Italian Caputo dopio zero flour. Our pizza bakes in less than 90 seconds in our 900 degree wood burning oven, hand built for us by a 3rd generation pizza oven maker in Naples”.  They were the only game in town until the rival Queen Margherita Pizza (1402 Queen St E) opened, which claimed to be equally fabulous.  So I had to visit both.  The verdict?  Both have pizza that truly is the best in the city. We’re talking the thin-crusted, light and airy kind – not the thick, gooey New York style.  If I had to choose one with a gun to my head, would probably pick Libretto, just because the location is more convenient – and cooler.  But go to both and try for yourself.  Trust me.

As for the Burrito wars?  Although “fast-food type burritos are a dime a dozen, there used to be only one game in town for real, authentic, meal-in-a-wrapper heaven – Burrito Boyz – with just one location on Adelaide St. downtown (now they have multiple locations – www.burritoboyz.ca ). But there was some in-fighting between the two owners, and one split off to open up Burrito Bandidos (www.burritobandidos.com).  They both claim to be Toronto’s best, so I had to once again see for myself (it’s a dirty job, but someone had to do it…).  To make it fair, I sampled the same type at both places – the unique, melt-in-your-mouth halibut burrito.  I’m sorry, but I just cannot pick a favourite.  They were both incredible (stuffed with about 10 toppings then grilled to perfection).  Both cost virtually the same (10 bucks) and both are little hole-in-the-walls, so be prepared to take-out as there is no real seating….

This is all making me rather hungry.  Gotta go home for dinner.
Mr. Toronto

Gee, when I come up with such a snappy title for the week’s blog, I feel like I almost deserve a break…. but no, not fair to both my readers to disappoint them, so let me tell you once again about a couple of cool adventures from the life of Mr. Toronto this past week!

I actually went snow shoeing last Sunday (is that Canadian, or WHAT?).  And didn’t have to drive hours to get into the countryside to do it!  Found out about this company – Toronto Adventures – that specializes in providing adventures right here in our city. Their “urban adventures” include snowshoeing in the winter, and  kayaking, canoeing and camping in the warmer weather.  Our group consisted of about a dozen people, and we trecked along the Humber River, starting off by the Old Mill Inn and Restaurant.  Motivated me to buy my own shoes – cheap, portable, great exercise, and easy to do anywhere – I have subsequently been told that other great TO snowshoeing spots include High Park and Earl Bales Park….

As for the “new shows”?  Went to the Princess of Wales Theatre for the announcement of the upcoming Mirvish season.  And what a fantastic season it will be!  Truly one of the strongest I remember in a long time (and coming right off of Billy Elliott, playing now – not too shabby!). Starting with the British hit The Railway Children in May of this year (complete with an actual train as part of the cast) and ending with the Broadway revival of HAIR in April of 2012 (I remember when that innocent nude scene setthe world on fire), the season also includes Noel Coward’s Private Lives (with Kim Cattrall, who made a guest appearance at the announcement); Chess – The Musical (courtesy of the Abba boys who brought you Mamma Mia!); Mary Poppins (yay! How can I NOT go see that?); The Blue Dragon (by Robert Lepage, a Canadian icon); and WarHorse, a play that has taken the UK by storm (and is currently starring my cousin’s boyfriend, not that you should care…).  If the announcement event at the POW was any indication of the “wow” factor of the season, we’re all in for a treat!  I was spellbound during 90 minutes of singing, dancing, videos and puppetry….for more info and tickets, go to www.mirvish.com

So put on your snowshoes and trek on over!

Mr. Toronto

OK, fellow blogees – don’t want to wait too long for my next entry, so I am taking the lazy way out this time and just cutting and pasting an excellent tip from Georgina McCormick, Concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville.  She has written about one of my favourite hidden gems in the City- Riverdale Farm:

“Honks, twitters, chirps and bellows. Familiar sounds of the big city. Imagine having these loud and intrusive noises actually become a pleasant escape. The honking, not from an impatient driver but from a gaggle of geese, the twitters and chirps not from your hand held electronic device but from chicks and rabbits and the bellows, not from construction equipment working on the latest condo development but from a cow attempting to capture the attention of her still wobbly calf. Suddenly, those sounds are inviting, exciting and heart-warming and can be experienced a mere 10-minute drive from “city central.”

The Riverdale Farm, an historical working farm, is an oasis for concrete warriors. For eighty years this site was Riverdale Zoo, Toronto’s first zoo. When the existing state-of-the-art Toronto Zoo opened further outside the city limits, the site was dormant for four years; the grounds were flattened with only three of the original buildings left standing.

The Donnybrook Ruin, the landmark tower surrounded by a lovely wildflower garden is perfect for catching a glimpse of a flitting butterfly, bee or dragonfly. The Island house still stands by the duck pond, and finally the Zookeepers House, originally built by local Don Jail prisoners, now updated and referred to as “the Residence” or “Meeting House,” a farm activity-based neighbourhood centre where many children enjoy having their birthday parties hosted! In the cooler months, it’s a drop-in spot for toddlers to play farm through books, puzzles and community-based programs. To facilitate the new venue, an historical barn from outside the city was donated and its stone, pine and cedar bones were reconstructed on the site along with a Victorian style farmhouse.

The Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation department re-opened the facility in 1978 as a “farm in the city,” allowing children old and young to experience something inaccessible to many. A present day visit to the farm nestled discreetly in the beautiful and historic Cabbagetown neighbourhood immediately whisks you to a different time and a divergent mood from the bustling city streets. The quaint wooden arched entranceway invites you along the herb and wildflower framed winding paths that present surprises at every turn. Enter the barn to watch a cow being milked. Witness piglets suckling from their mother as she lounges on a fresh bed of hay. See roosters strutting proudly and chickens tending their chicks. Outside a donkey brays next to neighbouring horses and cows all surrounded by rustic wooden fences as a farm cat saunters by to find a quiet barn beam to nap on. Sheep, goats, turkeys, bunnies and geese all happily call this urban hideaway home.

If you happen by on a Tuesday between May and October, have a chat with one of the regional Ontario farmers that travel in to sell their wares at the weekly Farmers Market. Stalls are dressed with pictures, stories and history of the farm to educate visitors about how farm life is brought to the Toronto kitchen. Sampling of products is a given! Fresh farm eggs can be purchased daily at the Simpson House farm kitchen right beside the poultry barn, where you can also purchase snacks. The Shop at the Farm is a chance for little ones to part ways with a wee bit of allowance for a unique reminder of their day at the farm. Open daily from 9-5 with no admission fee and no highway travel, this Toronto gem is one of my favourite must sees!”

Thanks, Georgina!  So get out there, y’all, and enjoy a beautiful fall in T.O.!
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