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

Another year come and gone…last blog for 2011!  At times like these- when I count all my blessings, think of all my loved ones and feel all sentimental, warm and fuzzy- my mind turns to…food.  Specifically, restaurants I have discovered during the past year, and those I have on my list for 2012.  As an avowed “foodie”, I always keep a running list of places I’d like to try.  Toronto is blessed with so many fantastic restaurants, I rarely go back to the same place twice, as I love to experience new taste sensations. (Plus – and a bit of a “disclaimer” here – I only eat vegetarian, dairy and fish items, so my choice of menu items is usually quite limited). My other disclaimer is that the places I am discussing are open for lunch – a disclaimer only in that there would be many more on my list if I included those restaurants that are open for dinner only, which doesn’t help me because I only do lunch!

So without further ado, here is a list of my year-end restaurants I have recently been to that warrant mention, and a slightly longer list of places on my list for 2012:

Recently went to:
1)    Mirto (25 Toronto Street, 416-601-9444) – a bustling Italian place in a beautiful old building on a great hidden street downtown.  Makes up for mediocre food.
2)    Bannock (Corner of Bay and Queen, attached to the Bay) – no point giving you the phone number for this packed new addition to the Oliver and Bonacini restaurant empire, because they don’t take reservations.  Shame, because it is a beautiful, well-priced joint with great food – but not willing to wait half an hour or more for a table again!
3)    Leslieville Cheese Market (541 Queen St. West) – again, no phone number necessary, because not only does this place not take reservations, it is not even a restaurant!  But I had heard that it makes the best take-out gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches in the City, and it doesn’t disappoint.  Fantastic daily combos, and yummy soups as well.  But wait til the weather gets warmer so you don’t have to eat it on a bench in the snow like I did!

Holiday Carolers and Snowmen greet visitors in "Torontoland"!

Can’t wait to go to:
1)    La Societe (let’s switch to websites: http://lasociete.ca/) – a trendy new place to be seen on Toronto’s “Mink Mile” (Bloor St.) – authentic Parisian Bistro.
2)    Modus (http://modusristorante.com/) – supposed to be a fabulously chic Italian ristorante in the business/financial district
3)    Estiatorio Volos (http://volos.ca/) – Greek “fusion” food, funky and upscale
4)    F’Amelia (http://www.famelia.com/main.php?pg=14) – an adorable looking authentic Italian place in Cabbagetown, a wonderful (and slightly out of the way) area near downtown
5)    Screen Lounge (http://www.screenlounge.ca/) – see my last blog!

So there you have it.  May the new year bring you many wonderful meals with the ones you love (or at least like a lot)!

Mr. Toronto

PS. The picture is a non-related, but very cool Holiday photo I took at a Tourism Toronto event last week…what better way to end the year than with a picture of snowmen, carolers and the Rogers Centre?!

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

If you don’t like beer, skip this blog.  If you do like a cold, refreshing brew in the heat of the summer, keep on reading!  Personally, I’m not a big drinker, but little gives me more pleasure this time of year than finding a nice little patio with friends and discovering a great new beer.

First, some bad news (for you non-Canadians reading this) – beer is not that easy to come by if you are not in a bar or restaurant.  Just like our wine/liquor must be bought at an “LCBO” store run by the government, so, too, can beer only be bought at an official “Beer Store” (yes, that’s what they are actually called…).  No running to the local 7-11!

The good news is that once you do locate one of these stores (and they are not that hard to find, though they don’t stay open late!), the selection is fantastic.  Both from an international perspective, and also great local/craft beers like King Brewery Pilsner, Muskoka Brewery Mad Tom IPA, Cameron’s Lager, Unibroue Maudite and the Propeller Brewing Company’s Extra Special Bitter.

And oh, the places you can drink!

Ciro’s House of Imported Beer (1316 Bloor West), with its list of 150 bottled beers

C’est What (67 Front St. East), with 35 all-Canadian brews on tap

Bier Markt (600 King West), 30 countries, 100 labels, 40 taps – need I say more?

Beer Bistro (18 King East), 150 bottle list, including sour beers and aged ales

The Rebel House (1068 Yonge), with 19 of those craft beers I told you about, on tap

There are tons of other places – some, like Bar Volo (587 Yonge) and Burger Bar (319 Augusta, in the very cool Kensington Market area) – who even make their own microbrews right on site – but that’s enough for now.  All this writing is making me thirsty!

Cheers!

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

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

Since I’ve been blogging now for well over a year, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to blow my cover (a bit) and divulge that I work at the Delta Chelsea Hotel (just didn’t want you to think these blogs are advertisements of any sort – I do try my best to wear my Mr. Toronto hat and do nothing but offer up unbiased travel tips…).  Anyway, I am only telling you this because rather than my traditional “Toronto Tips” blog, I would like to share with you some culinary tips.  My experience during a recent – and thankfully short-lived – strike we had here at the hotel required me to leave my “normal” job and move down to the pizza counter in our restaurant– hauling crusts (heavy crusts!) and cheese from the fridge, opening up mega-tins of sauce (a miracle that I figured out how to use the can opener without losing a digit), chopping up veggies, meats and seafood, and using the left side of my brain to come up with interesting pizzas-of –the-day.

By my calculation, I created over 300 pizzas during this time period, so I feel somewhat qualified to share with you some observations on the ins and outs of the pizza oven.  In no particular order of importance:

1. Prepping beforehand is critical…make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before getting started
2. Use less sauce than you think you need (or it’ll be too soggy) and more cheese than you think you need (it seems to disappear)
3. Certain toppings cook better on top of the cheese (e.g. pepperoni and most meats), while others seem to do better underneath (e.g. mushrooms and other members of the veggie family)
4. Get to know the heat of your oven, or you’ll end up with burnt or soggy pies. (In our case, it seemed like the top oven baked much more quickly than the bottom one)
5. Speaking of burnt pies, it amazed me how many people liked their slices very well done (especially the pepperoni); I’m an “undercooked man” myself…
6. Having said that, always undercook the pizzas a bit; once they’re out of the oven, undercooked pizzas look a lot more appetizing than overcooked ones.  Plus, they get better done when you reheat them anyway….
7. It’s amazing what you can do with leftovers; if you try hard enough, almost anything can be put on a pizza and taste decent! Don’t be afraid to be creative.
8. Having said that, people in Toronto don’t seem to be ready for tuna on their pizzas (note to Torontonians – spend a couple weeks in Italy!!!)
9. Feta cheese and olives – no neutrality here -people either love ‘em or hate ‘em…..
10. Wait until the pizza cools a bit before cutting, or else you’ll have a cheesy mess on your hands.  On the other hand, if you wait too long, you’ll be fighting with the crust.

Just wanted to get these thoughts down while they were “fresh”.
It’s been a slice!
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