Mr. Toronto

Sigh…every time I make (myself, not sure if you care!) a promise to blog more often, life gets in the way…. since New Year’s is coming up, I will once again make a resolution to write more frequently…which may mean shorter insights into the best of the City, but as enthralling as ever, to be sure! Just wanted to share with you info on two wonderful “new” spaces in town. I put the word new in quotation marks, because the first one has been around since June (I just didn’t know about it – shame on me!), and the second is really a very old space, with a new life…

I was invited last week to an event at Screen, an ultra-cool new lounge/restaurant that is ironically right around the corner from where I work. I’m always searching for cool new spots for a business lunch or after-work drink, and had no idea what a gem this place is. To be fair (to me), it is very tucked away, and they have done virtually no advertising since opening half a year ago. But apparently business has been booming, just via word of mouth. The space is gorgeous, and includes an incredible rooftop patio, which will soon be winterized with the addition of a small retractable dome (think mini Rogers Centre…). The menu is an interesting and eclectic mix of unusual sushi and funky burgers (as in unique, not rotten). Screen Lounge is located at 20 College Street, just off Yonge. http://www.screenlounge.ca/

The second space, as I mentioned, is not new at all, but has actually been around since 1920. Those of you who are old visitors to Toronto (and I say that in the nicest sense!) will remember it as the Pantages Theatre, home for years to Phantom of the Opera. Those of you who have only been here over the last handful of years will know it as The Canon Theatre (home to shows like We Will Rock You). Well, as of this week, we will now all know it as Ed Mirvish Theatre. Mirvish Productions, as you all probably know, is THE theatre company in town, responsible for bringing almost all of the hit shows to Toronto. They also own four of the theatres they bring shows to…Ed was the man who started it all, after making his fortune with “Honest Ed’s’ a store which is really a landmark and which you must visit at some point in your life! (Hard to miss – its lights at the corner of Bathurst and Bloor can be seen from about a mile away!). I was also privileged to meet him many times, and I can honestly say he was one of the sweetest, kindest and gentlest men who ever walked the planet …
At any rate, I went to the very moving (and star-studded) unveiling/announcement event, where Ed’s son (who is an equally wonderful business- and gentle-man) David first introduced a short video on his father’s amazing life, then brought on stage myriad performers who paid tribute to Ed. Finally, our new Mayor, Rob Ford, came out to read a proclamation, and the new marquee dropped down from the stage. (see photo) A very fitting tribute…and a very shrewd business move as well, staking a final and permanent claim to a theatre that used to owned by the Mirvish’s arch rival, Garth Drabinsky, who is currently serving time in a Toronto jail for fraud committed during his time heading up Livent. Hmm, speaking of theatre, there’s the making right there of a new hit show…
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

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

BARGAIN CULTURE

I’ve always said that to really enjoy New York City you either have to be a millionaire or a poverty-stricken student. I never went the millionaire route (shame), but at least I went to university in NYC (many moons ago) and had the time of my life as a student.  Galleries, museums, plays, concerts were all either free or heavily discounted.  Well, I’m pleased to report that Toronto is very much a bargain centre for the under-30 set as well…this roundup of deals comes courtesy of Nicki Thomas/Toronto Star:

1)      The National Ballet of Canada offers $30 tickets (tax included) for anyone under 30 who signs up for their Dance Break program (www.dancebreak.ca)

2)      The Canadian Opera Company offers $22 performances through its “Opera for a New Age” program (www.coc.ca). There are also free concerts throughout the season in the lobby of the new(ish) Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

3)      The Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers $14 tickets if you are a “Soundcheck” member, up until age 35 (www.tso.ca)

4)      Soulpepper Theatre Company gives access to $12.50 tickets to almost every performance through their C-Stage program if you’re under 29 (www.canadianstage.com or 416-368-3110). There are also pay-what-you-can Monday night performances.

5)      The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts has an under-30 “Rush Club”, which offers $15 tickets for anything they are hosting (from music like Elvis Costello to Bollywood Musicals).  Sign up for the program at www.sonycentre.ca, and you’ll receive an email 3 days beforehand if tickets are available.

6)      Mirvish productions often has student rush seats for many of its performances. Check out www.mirvish.com, or better yet, join their facebook or twitter group!

7)      Both the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum offer free admission (for all ages!) on Wednesdays.  AGO free hours are 6-8:30 pm, ROM is 3:30-5:30

And finally – again for all ages – don’t forget about T.O Tix, the discounted ticket booth at Yonge-Dundas Square.  It ain’t no Times Square TKTS – its selection is usually quite limited – but there are no lineups and you’ll find something to see!

Culture – with money left over for a beer afterwards.  What could be better?

Mr. Toronto

Thought I would let a guest blogger take over for this one (well, that’s a bit of a stretch – this was originally written for Tourism Toronto’s newsletter, not as a “blog” per se…). Author is Carolina Avaria, who is Chef Concierge of the InterContinental Toronto Yorkville hotel….

When was the last time you treated yourself to a night out at the theatre in Toronto? If you haven’t, allow me to point out how lucky we are to have access to some of the best directors, actors, designers, musicians and production teams in the country. It is encouraging to see how many of our theatres are celebrating anniversaries this year: The Factory Theatre and the Tarragon are turning 40, Canadian Stage is turning 20, Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People is turning 45 and Soulpepper at the Distillery District is celebrating its 12th season. After so many active years and hundreds of productions, clearly these theatres know what they are doing and how to ensure great art is presented on our stages.

If you are undecided on where to start, may I suggest visiting the TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts) ticket booth “T.O. Tix” at Yonge Dundas square? TAPA believes that a city is enriched by public participation in culture. Its key role is to link the public to the experience of the performing arts and it achieves this, in part, through its services at T.O.Tix which sells full price and discount performing arts tickets, theatre & dining packages as well as being a TicketKing and Ticketmaster outlet. On its website, www.tapa.ca, you will also find a link to www.golive.ca which is a comprehensive site of all theatre performances on a daily basis.

If you need a little encouragement, I have compiled my favourite evening “combo-platters” to enjoy. These are a sure thing when it comes to a great night out:

1. Tarragon Theatre, www.tarragontheatre.com – known for developing and producing new plays from across the country, they have high production values and fabulous actors, in an intimate space with general admission seating. Start the evening off with great margaritas and homemade nacho chips with guacamole at one of our city’s hidden gems Dos Amigos Restaurant.

2. Canadian Stage, www.canstage.com – under the leadership of a brilliant new Artistic Director, Matthew Jocelyn; the theatre delivers contemporary shows. Start or end your night around the corner at The Wine Bar, which features delicious local cuisine and exquisite wine and service.

3. Soulpepper Theatre, www.soulpepper.ca – this company began with twelve actors who wanted to explore the great stories of classical theatre and inspire the next generation of artists and audiences – and they have! Stop in at Pure Spirits in the Distillery District and enjoy a dozen oysters and a smart cocktail on your way in or out of the show.

Finally, if you have children please have a look at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People website www.lktyp.ca. Undoubtedly something in their season will speak to your child’s creative development.

Enjoy the shows!

I guess I need to start this blog with an apology to those of you who actually wait for new entries with baited breath….so mom and dad, I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long…the New Year got away from me, and we are well into 2010.  I suppose my excuse is that there has just been so much going n in Toronto, I haven’t had the time to sit down and write!  The Raptors are winning consistently, the Leafs are sucking less with the addition of three hot new players, and arts and entertainment continues to flourish around the City…

Three fantastic “smaller” theatre productions are being staged right now – all highly recommended.  “The Light in the Piazza” won a Tony on Broadway, and is now on a small stage at the Berkeley St. Theatre.  “Assassins” is a new Stephen Sondheim play about people who have wanted to kill Presidents over the years – playing at the Theatre Centre.  And “Intimate Apparel” a fantastic non-musical (the other two are), playing at the slightly larger venue of the Bluma Appel Theatre, as part of  Canadian Stage’s season.

Speaking of venues, there is a fabulous new one that opened up recently, mainly for (one-night) concerts (all kinds of interesting stuff from Cuban to Flamenco to Pop).  It’s the Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music on Bloor St.  Gorgeous spot, great shows – check it out: http://performance.rcmusic.ca/viewallconcerts

Finally, I want to leave you with a bit of tourism-related research you may be interested in, from a visitor survey conducted by Tourism Toronto, in partnership with Ryerson University and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (an ongoing visitor survey at Pearson Airport and several highway stops outside of Toronto).

Here are the main neighbourhoods of interest during visitor trips:

• Yonge/Dundas
• Waterfront/Harbourfront
• Chinatown
• Queen West
• Entertainment District
• University of Toronto area
• Yorkville/Bloor
• St. Lawrence/Old Town
• Mississauga
• Toronto Islands
• Distillery District
• Scarborough
• Little Italy
• Kensington Market

We’ve covered some of these in previous blogs, and will surely get to the rest in the future.   Look forward to bumping into you!

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