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

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

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

Since I kept you waiting so long for my last blog entry, thought I’d give you an early Holiday present and follow up with another right away…especially cuz it’s timely info, and I wouldn’t want you missing out on any exciting T.O. entertainment….

Allow me to share with you the Toronto Star newspaper’s guide to the “Stars of the Season” – the best of December’s events (from an article dated Nov.21, 2009):

The Nutcracker – National Ballets’ annual blockbuster.  Gotta see this one once in your life…www.national.ballet.ca

Robin Hood, The Environmental Family Musical – every year, actor Ross Petty and his troupe distorts another well-loved story, to the delight of kids and adults alike…www.rosspetty.com

Puppetmongers – “elegant, detailed, loving and lovely”…www.puppetmongers.com

Canadian Brass – this accomplished quintet is known around the world as one of the best.  Playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra…tso.ca

And if you’re into the vocal stuff:

St. Michael’s Choir School – a festive program that reflects their wide range of ethnic backgrounds as well as their main role in the masses conducted every week at St. Michael’s Cathedral…roythomson.com

Nathaniel Dett Chorale – Canada’s only Afrocentric choir perform “An Indigo Christmas” from the Gospel, Caribbean and African traditions…roythomson.com

Hannaford Street Silver Band and Amadeus Choir – “Nothing says Christmas better than this 24-member brass band and 100-voice choir, in what is usually a pretty traditional selection of carols and anthems”…stlc.com

Please note that some of these events have multiple performances all month long, but others have just one or two dates – so check out the websites to avoid disappointment, and get over ASAP to celebrate the Holidays! And a shameless plug for my favourite Toronto hotel – the Delta Chelsea, just minutes from all these venues – that has a super “Shop n’ Stay” room rate from just $99!

If we don’t chat again before the end of ‘09, have a very happy holiday season, and look forward to blogging in the New Year!

Mr. Toronto

Yes, it’s true – Toronto has just gone through a month long City Worker’s strike. City run day camps and swimming pools were closed, the Island Ferry wasn’t running, and garbage wasn’t being picked up. But the media played it up much worse than it actually was (surprise, surprise…) – tourists hardly noticed a thing. There were alternate ways to get to the Island (water taxis), and independent trash collectors made sure the streets were clean. But if you WERE waiting for the strike to be over before visiting, it just ended – so come on down! Personally, I am pretty grateful, cuz I had some pretty old garbage stored in my garage…gotta air that puppy out real good…

If you’re coming to visit with the kiddies, I thought I would pass along five kid-friendly eateries to satisfy grumbling tummies, as noted in the most recent issue of WHERE magazine (very handy to pick up when you hit town, FYI). They are:

1. The Pickle Barrel, casual with a huge menu (a few locations, but easiest is at Atrium on Bay, between the Eaton Centre and delta Chelsea Hotel)
2. The Rainforest Café (you know this, right? Jungle animals, thunder/lightening – kinda tacky but the kids go wild) at Yorkdale Mall (great mall, by the way. Car is easiest, but also serviced by the subway
3. The Old Spaghetti Factory – Fun, Cheap and Casual – on the Esplanade way downtown
4. Alice Fazoolis – Like above, only a little more classy – and a great patio!
5. Richtree Market Restaurant - individual cooking stations, self serve – lotsa fun and interesting to watch…on Yonge, right downtown

And just for the adults, thought I’d throw in a little tip for when the kiddies are tucked in bed – there’s a gem of a local pub I just went to over the weekend, called – The Gem.

One of those rare neighbourhood hangouts that’s tucked away, cozy , warm and friendly – with great food and a great patio (and live music some nights). Davenport St. near Christie.

Cheers!

Mr. Toronto

Just had our first GORGEOUS weekend here in T.O., so my mind has turned to summer activities…this City really is at it’s finest when the sun comes out…a couple of my favourite things to do here in nice weather:

1) Take the ferry over to Toronto Islands – better yet, taking my bike over on the ferry (you can also rent over there) and walking/cycling around all the islands…Centre Island is the most well known – complete with petting zoo and Centreville amusement park – but I love Ward’s Island, where people actually live…and there is a beautiful little restaurant there, the Rectory Café…

2) Hang out in one of our great parks – you can get lost in High Park for hours, but my favourite is Allen Gardens, on Lawrence Ave. – beautiful foliage, nature walks…and close to the Bridal Path, Toronto’s ritziest neighbourhood (incredible homes – Prince had one until his recent divorce from a Toronto girl…)

3) Choose a patio, order a bevvie, and watch the world go by…this city has a crazy number of fantastic patios – streetside, rooftop, courtyard – rather than try and list them, I’d rather refer you to EYE Magazine’s Bar and Patio Guide 2009, which just came out last week (EYE and NOW are the two weekly magazines that tell you everything you need to know about what’s happening in the city):

Finally, let me point you to a really cool article about Toronto that just appeared in the New York Times – full of interesting tips, from a visitor’s perspective: 36 Hours in Toronto.

Later,

Mr. Toronto