Mr. Toronto

As we head into the last month of the year, this is the time we get inundated in all media with “Best of…” lists. So why shouldn’t Mr. Toronto be allowed to throw in his two cents?  Although come to think of it, this entire blog is dedicated to the best things to see, do, hear and eat in our City.  That being the case, I’m going to “borrow” a bit for these next couple of blogs, and pull some “Best of” lists from others who also know what they are talking about!

Let’s start with Ontario Tourism and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.  These two organizations recently gave out awards to recipients around the province, so while these may require day trips from Toronto, they’re worth it!:

• Sustainable Tourism Award: Algonquin Eco-Lodge (www.algonquinecolodge.com) -Located on the southern border of Algonquin Park (3 hours from Toronto), it’s a wilderness enthusiasts’ dream!
• Tourism Innovator of the Year: EdgeWalk at the CN Tower (www.edgewalkcntower.ca) – Toronto’s newest and tallest attraction has adventure lovers taking a walk OUTSIDE – around the circumference of the roof!
• Event of the Year: The Stratford Perth Culinary Festival (www.visitstratford.ca/culinaryfestival)  - Award-winning chefs, amazing toured tastings, cooking shows and entertainment come together for a fantastic September weekend in beautiful Stratford (another reason to visit besides the Stratford Festival and a tour of Justin Beiber’s favourite haunts!)
• Culinary Tourism Experience Award: The Culinary Adventure Company (www.culinaryadventureco.com) – I’ve blogged about these folks before – my new friend Chef Scott leads fabulous food-related tours throughout the City and even over to the Toronto Islands! And that’s a good segue way to mention a few more of Toronto’s top “food tour” companies – check out these websites to see what they offer and when:
  • www.chowbellaconcierge.com
  • www.toursbylocals.com
  • www.torontowalksbikes.com
  • www.tastytourstoronto.com

While I’m on the topic of Toronto’s best, I would be remiss if I ended this blog without a shout-out to the city’s best sports team, since we don’t often (like once every 15 years or so!) get to brag about these things….AAAARRRGGGOOOSSS!!!  For those of you outside of Canada who have NO clue what I am referring to, our Canadian Football League (yes, there is one!) team, the Toronto Argonauts, just won the Grey Cup (the CFL’s version of the Super Bowl).  Even sweeter, the game was played in Toronto this year, at the Rogers Centre.  Sweeter still, it was the 100th Anniversary of the Cup, and all the stops were pulled out – including a halftime show featuring Canada’s top musical talents, past (Gordon Lightfoot) and present (the aforementioned Beibs – hey, I said Top”, not “best”!).  Sweetest of all?  I was there! (photos).
To be continued….

Mr. Toronto

I guess that’s why they call me “Mr. Toronto”….

I had another topic planned for this blog entry, but this past weekend was one of those jam-packed, gee-this-city-is-terrific whirlwinds that just demands sharing…so here goes!

Friday night: Went to one of my favourite live music venues in town, Monarchs Pub (full disclosure – located at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, where I work!).  Live music – featuring the best local and visiting jazz, blues and rock musicians – is featured here four nights a week, and there is never a cover charge!  This particular evening was a benefit concert, which featured at least a dozen incredible performers over five hours!www.monarchspub.ca

Saturday: Took a walk through Yorkville. Usually not my favourite Toronto neighbourhood – a little too chic for my tastes – this time I discovered a couple of totally awesome stores (more suited to ‘hoods I prefer, like Kensington or Queen (way)West).  The first is Rolo Gifticians (www.rolostore.com)  – an incredibly cramped funhouse full of stuff I would love to receive (feel free – Chanukah is around the corner!).  The second is Legends (www.legendsgallery.ca), a photography gallery specializing in “Music, Film, Fashion, History”– with dozens of iconic prints by well-known photographers (photo #1).Side note: Yorkville is also home to the glorious new Four Seasons Hotel, replacing the gloriously faded/outdated Four Seasons Hotel.  Popped in for a quick visit; it really is something else (photo #2 is the reception desk).  And famed chef Daniel Boulud is the star of the show, with both a gorgeous restaurant (Café Boulud) and lobby bar (DB – nothing like self-promotion!).  The exterior, which boasts a magnificent entranceway with courtyard and fountain, will be even more amazing come spring, when an adjacent park they are currently constructing will be complete…

Saturday night: Went to my first “Holiday Season” event – Ice, Wine & Dine, put on by Downtown Yonge as part of their “Winter Magic” programming. This was just a one-night event, which closed down Elm Street so that pedestrians could eat, drink and be merry. But other fun events are scheduled throughout November and December – check out www.wintermagic.ca for the full schedule.

Sunday: Took a drive out to Kleinburg, a quaint little town about half an hour northwest of the city.  The main attraction there is the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, housed in a spectacular building out in the woods.  Focusing on Canadian painters the Group of Seven (Google them, American/International friends!), it is currently running a couple of other fascinating exhibits as well, including photos of Queen Elizabeth when she was still Princess and raising Charles (isn’t she still doing that?).  The grounds of the museum are also home to a wonderful sculpture garden (photo #3). http://www.mcmichael.com/

I could go on, but I’ve already used up every superlative adjective I know.  Did I mention I love this City?

Mr. Toronto

Most Torontonians brag about the fact that Yonge Street, the main artery that cuts through our City dividing “east” addresses from “west” addresses, is

Yonge Street Downtown Toronto

the longest street in the world: a whopping 1,178 miles (1,896 km) in length — roughly the distance from San Diego, California, to Seattle, Washington. It starts on the Toronto lakeshore and winds its way northwesterly along Highway 11 to Rainy River, Ontario, at the Minnesota border.

Yonge Street has certainly been the most “colourful” thoroughfare in Toronto’s history…mention the name to twenty different people, you’ll get twenty different memories/stories/thoughts:

“It’s where I saw The Band when they were just Ronnie Hawkin’s back-up group”

“It’s where I went to my first strip club”

“My first date was at the Eaton Centre”

“I remember when R.E.M. did a free concert there in the pouring rain”

Yonge has been through more transformations than Madonna…from an entertainment centre, to a shopping mecca, to a pedestrian haven, to a panhandler’s dream…well, now it is once again re-inventing itself with a marvelous month-long “pilot project” spearheaded by the area’s Business Improvement Area group.

“Celebrate Yonge” started August 17 and runs to September 16. The street’s sidewalks have been widened from Queen to Gerrard streets to make way for new outdoor patios, provocative public art (I especially love the half-dozen bicycles that have been “re-designed” by local artists), pedestrian spaces, exciting programming and special deals from local retailers. Family –friendly entertainment and activities are happening up and down the street… a walk along Yonge has changed from car-dodging to the

One of many artistic bicycles on Yonge street

pedestrian experience of the summer! And, the event coincides with other fun Toronto events like the Canadian National Exhibition, Brazil Day, Yonge-Dundas Square’s Indie Fridays, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

For more information on Celebrate Yonge, visit www.celebrateyonge.com and make the most out of the last couple weeks of summer!
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 8)

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

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

Two major events happen in Toronto every May.  First, I finally change my wardrobe over (slowly) from sweaters to t-shirts.  Secondly, our sad, no-win sports teams are replaced with a new optimism that comes with two teams who – at least at this time of the year – still stand a chance.

Gone are the Toronto Maple Leafs, who actually gave hockey fans here a brief thrill when they had a miniscule chance of making the playoffs.  Gone are the Toronto Raptors, who thought at the beginning of the season that maybe they could do it without star Chris Bosh.  They couldn’t.

But a new day – and season – is dawning, as the “Boys of Summer” are back on the Rogers Centre field.  And looking surprisingly good for a relatively young and inexperienced team.  Nobody really expects them to make the playoffs this year, but everyone thinks that with the raw talent we have, the stage is being set for next year.  We’ll see, but at least at this time of the year, we’re still enjoying the ride!

And then there’s Toronto FC, our relatively new (has it really been 5 years already?) soccer team.  Although they’re not great, no one else in the league (MLS) seems to be either, so we have a chance of keeping up…. and games are always a lot of fun to watch at the intimate BMO Field at Exhibition Place.  I actually got out to a chilly game a couple weeks back to see the (in)famous David Beckham play when his LA Galaxy came to town. Pretty uninspired playing by both teams (final score 0-0), but at least David played the whole game and I got to see him – and his tattoos – before he took off for the Royal Wedding…

If you can’t make it to a game live while you’re here, there are some great sports bars to catch the action.  Blue Jays fans love Opera Bob’s at Dundas and Ossington (416-536-5585), and FC supporters head to the Football Factory on Bathurst (416-368-4625).  Lots of screens, giveaways and good munchies.  And, of course, for the ultimate experience watching any sport, you have to check out the new Real Sports Bar and Grill next to the Air Canada Centre (416-815-7325), with its 1000 seats, 199 screens (including one that’s bigger than my house) and lots of beautiful people – both eating/drinking and serving…

Here’s to a winning season!

Mr. Toronto

P.S. I would be remiss if I did not even mention our Toronto Rock lacrosse team, who at the time of this writing are in the semifinals and may go all the way!  And Rock games are a real hoot – fast paced, violent, high-scoring – and inexpensive!  So make sure to check out a game next season at the ACC….

Since we last “talked”, Mr. Toronto has been very busy mingling with the stars (well, “mingling” may be a bit of an exaggeration…but I have come very close!). This kind of thing frequently happens in Toronto, a favourite stomping ground for athletes, musicians and actors – and I had encounters with all three over the past couple of weeks!

Got a chance to hear one of the world’s top female athletes the other day.  Tennis superstar Venus Williams gave a talk at the Convention Centre as part of an ongoing “Women of Influence” speaker series.  Much to my surprise (and every one else in the audience), she was soft-spoken and humble – nothing like she is on the courts.  She is also quite the overachiever – not only has she won more Grand Slams than I have games of checkers, but she also has a degree in fashion (with a clothing line to boot), and is now going for a degree in interior design.  Got a chance to say hi after her talk.  For a listing of upcoming speakers, visit http://www.womenofinfluenceluncheon.ca/toronto.html

On the music front, got to go to a very cool private concert by one of Canada’s treasures, Ron Sexsmith.  This was in honour of the Juno awards coming up next week in Toronto (which I wrote about in my last blog).  Ron is unfortunately a bit of a “hidden” treasure – he’s been at it for years, has won numerous Junos, and is the favourite artist of the likes of Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and Elton John (not too shabby!), but he still has not had widespread success.  Go get his new album – Long Player Late Bloomer – it’s stellar.  So was his 45-minute performance at First Canadian Place.  FCP actually has amazing events all year long – worth checking out their website! www.fcpevents.com.

As for “actors”, although the third celeb I met is indeed one- having starred in plays like “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”- he is really better known as a musician as well.  Donny Osmond (!!!) was in town, to announce that he will be coming to Toronto this summer for two weeks (July 5-17) with his sister, bringing DONNY & MARIE LIVE from Las Vegas.  He is still quite the charming young man, and doesn’t look much older than he did on my Osmond Brothers thermos in 3rd grade…

And speaking of Donny and Marie (coming to the Four Seasons Centre on Queen St.West), the show is being brought in Dancap productions, who also announced that Green Day’s American Idiot – a huge hit on Broadway – will be coming to the Toronto Centre for the Arts at the end of December.  And if you think you have the chops to actually be IN the show, they are hosting open-call auditions here in Toronto on March 26!  One final word – if and when you do go to the show, consider Dancap’s pre-theatre pre-fixe dinner which they serve in a beautiful little room right at the Theatre – just tried it the other night – 3 yummy courses for around 40 bucks a person, all in. Find out more at www.dancaptickets.com

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