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

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

This entry is for all you armchair athletes out there…got sports on my mind because:

1. I just scored tickets to a Maple Leafs hockey game
2. Just had lunch in Toronto’s newest, hottest jockspot…

This is the time of year when sports fans are really spoiled for choice here in the city. (Unless they want to see a winning team – but that’s a whole nother story…).  Both Leafs and Raptors (basketball) season are in full swing, and Lacrosse is just starting up.  All 3 games are incredibly entertaining to watch, weather you’re a fan or not.  And if you can’t get to a game live, there are some great restaurants and bars in town to catch the action on a big screen.

First and foremost, for the biggest screen you’ll ever see – not to mention dozens of others – head over to the new Real Sports Bar & Grill, across from the Air Canada Centre.  Surprisingly, the food is really good, too!

The pub across the street from the Delta Chelsea Hotel – The Queen and Beaver – is also a great place for a bite, while cozying up to the screen near the fireplace.  And up the road on Yonge is the popular Hoops Sports Bar and Grill, With TV’s in the booths, a whole whack of satellite dishes, and a great vibe, Hoops has survived the closing of the nearby Maple Leafs Gardens to become a beloved local sports bar.

And if you want to get active yourself, check out T.O.’s newest hotspot, The Ballroom, a bowling and bistro hangout with 10 lanes, ping-pong tables and FIFTY television screens!

Game on!

Mr. Toronto

The calendar says winter. The thermometer in Toronto says 50 degrees (well, actually, in Canada it says 11 degrees Celsius…). Ski resorts an hour away still have beautiful conditions. Summer concerts are being announced right and left for the summer here (Black Eyed Peas! Tom Petty! Dave Matthews!). I’m SO confused!!! Oh well, guess that’s what spring is all about. And it’s blooming big time in T.O., with our Canadian March Break starting as I type. Lots of special activities for the kiddies to do at all the local attractions, and lots to keep parents happy in the evenings (e.g. Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein opening at Princess of Wales Theatre…)! And let’s not forget Blue Jays opening day at the Skydome (sorry, I know it’s called the Rogers Centre now, but it will always be the Skydome to me..) on April 12….

Went to a couple great events this week. Saw a one-woman play called Blind Date, where the lady gets stood up and then chooses a random guy from the audience that she performs (improve) with for the next 90 minutes. Quirky and brilliant – part of Harbourfront Centre’s Worldstage event happening til May.

Then last night, went to the one-year anniversary party for Delta Blues Thursdays at Monarchs Pub (at the Delta Chelsea Hotel). If you ever find yourself in the City on Thursday night, you gotta check it out – THE best blues musicians (different artists every week), and no cover charge! Hard to beat.

Finally, to end this very disjointed blog entry (sorry, it must be the change of season), thought I would pass along a final winter tip before winter officially ends…where can you get the best hot chocolate in town? The hippest and hottest places for a TRUE cup of liquid heaven are (in no particular order – and please Google to find the addresses):

Aroma Espresso Bar
Le Gourmand
Manic Coffee
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
SOMA Chocolatemaker

So grab a cup, put on your layers and sunglasses, and enjoy whatever season you find yourself in when you get here!

Mr. Toronto

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!