How They Met: Broadway star Louise Pitre on finding her leading man

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12:57 pm

Louise Pitre has a career so long and illustrious that it’s difficult to pick just one standout role — but perhaps her most iconic moment is that of originating the role of Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, which also happened to be her Broadway debut. Dubbed Canada’s first lady of musical theatre, the vocal powerhouse has been in everything from Les Misérables to Company, and now she’s bringing her talents back to Toronto for the Tony Award–winning play The Inheritance, running until April 14. But she has one love even bigger than theatre — her husband of 25 years, fellow theatre actor and playwright, Joe Matheson. Here, she shares the story of their onstage meet-cute and the secret to relationship success.

How they met

We met doing a workshop of a new musical at the long since closed Limelight Dinner Theatre. We rehearsed for three weeks and put on a few presentations for potential investors. The show never got done. It was called Capone. I played Capone’s main “moll,” and my now husband played Bugs Malone. We had a couple of scenes together, and I remember the director telling us that sparks were flying — we had not gone out yet at that point!

The first date

Our first date was at his place to watch a movie while we were still rehearsing Capone. I don’t remember the movie, but I know I stayed much much longer than I had planned.

The relationship

We not only fell in love, but became really, really good friends. One of the most memorable things during that time was seeing how Joe was with his father when he came to visit from Saskatoon. Joe told me all about the difficult time he and his dad had had some years back and how they overcame it. To see how they had not only repaired, but deepened their relationship was one of the most beautiful things to see.

The proposal

The proposal was more of a mutual realization! We had been talking, and I said: “I’d marry you.” He then got on his knees and asked the question. I said yes.

The wedding

Louise Pitre and Joe Matheson on their wedding day

We got married in Saskatoon! Joe has a rather large family, and mine is small, so it made sense to do it there. We did an outdoor ceremony and dinner and dance at the Faculty Club at the University of Saskatchewan. It was the last time every single member of Joe’s family was all together (brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, nephews, nieces). My family was there too along with a few friends. Our honeymoon was a month in England, Scotland, Ireland! We drove around mostly in the countryside — it was magical.

The secret to success

I would say that what has worked for us as a couple for these last 25 years is simply this: we talk about everything. It makes us stay up later at night having more drinks than we should, but we never seem to run out of things to talk about. We just don’t want the night to end. And in this business we have found a way to support each other. That is key. We take turns taking care of the other. If one of us gets a job, the other one tries to do the stuff that needs to be done: walking the dog, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning. When I landed the role of Donna in Mamma Mia! in New York, Joe put his life on hold to come with me and our dog and take care of everything while I worked my butt off. I will never forget that. I could not have done it without him.

Balancing careers and a relationship

Joe Matheson and Louise Pitre in The Times They Are A Changin at Harold Green Jewish Theatre

I think Joe and I are pretty clear about what truly matters. We always quote from City Slickers: “You are my one thing.” In other words, no job is more important than our marriage. No contest.

The future together

I know Joe would agree with me on our perfect future: a few trips here and there, jobs that we really want to do, continuing to write and compose — we wrote a children’s musical during the pandemic with our friend Diane Leah. The cherry on top would be to see this musical getting done and sitting in an audience to see it and say: ‘’We wrote that!”

For the coolest gallery show in Toronto head to the McMichael Gallery

By

Ron Johnson

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12:47 pm

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1-Marcel Dzama, We cannot abandon such beauty — Marcel Dzama (b. 1974), We can not abandon such beauty, 2023, pearlescent acrylic, ink, watercolor, and graphite on paper, 30.5 x 36.2 cm, Courtesy the artist and David Zwirner © Marcel Dzama

Remember when Perry Farrell of the iconic alternative rock bank Porno for Pyros put on a devastating and surreal show at the Woodstock anniversary concert — yes, the one with the minor riots and water shortage. At the end, he uttered the words “this is your Woodstock now.” I was reminded of that very line when checking out the new Marcel Dzama show at the McMichael Gallery.

Let me explain. The show, Ghosts of Canoe Lake, New Work by Marcel Dzama, deconstructs another iconic moment in art: the venerable Canadian artists in the Group of Seven, and more specifically Tom Thomson. It runs until June 9.

The Group of Seven were a collective of Canadian landscape painters who revolutionized the country’s art scene by capturing the raw beauty and essence of its wilderness in their distinctive style.

Utilizing a range of art form and media from allegorical triptychs to short film, Dzama revisits, scrutinizes and otherwise slaps around the Group of Seven to create a new, darker and wilder vision that still centres our incredible natural places but also puts the climate crisis and our lack of action in the mix.

Marcel Dzama, already a renowned artist known for his intricate and whimsical drawings and his clear affinity for Salvador Dali with a distinct Andy Warhol bent, takes centre stage at the perfect setting for this particular exhibition given the McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the home of the Group of Seven.

Dzama’s journey into the ethereal landscapes of Canada’s wilderness and the mystique of its folklore is evident in every stroke of his work. His delicate use of ink, watercolour, and, yes, root beer (an unconventional yet signature medium) transports viewers into a realm where reality and fantasy intertwine. I wouldn’t say they interview seamlessly. It is a chaotic and wonderful vision.

Born in Winnipeg and now based in Brooklyn, Dzama’s art reflects his deep-rooted connection to the Canadian landscape. He is a founding member of the Royal Art Lodge, once considered as a new and avant-garde Group of Seven.

At the heart of Ghosts of Canoe Lake lies Dzama’s fascination with the iconic Canadian artist Tom Thomson and the renowned Group of Seven.

Through paintings, installations, and video, Dzama invites audiences reflect on where we have come since the nature-loving days of the Group of Seven when Canadian wilderness was still something to see with a sense of awe and wonder. No longer. Now, it is seen, through Dzama’s eyes, as something that is burning, neglected and cracked, something that is spiralling out of control.

The exhibition isn’t just an homage. It is also a bit of a slap in our collective Canadian faces to help us wake up.

In Dzama’s short film, which can be viewed in a tent, the construction of which is also a fusion of old-timey design and modern fabric adorned with polka dots, the artist himself plays Tom Thomson. He is seen painting a painting of a bear with trees nearby (played by people of course), before he is killed by drunk suit-wearing fools throwing fish at him. He is then given a properly off-the-wall funeral march.

Marcel Dzama, “To Live on the Moon (for Lorca),” 2023, pearlescent acrylic, ink, watercolour and graphite on paper, 11″ x 17″ (courtesy of the artist and David Zwirner © Marcel Dzama)

We know that Tom Thomson died at Canoe Lake. We know it took eight days to find the body, and what happened has always been surrounded by a sense of mystery. Dzama takes this and runs with it.

The exhibition not only pays homage to these artistic influences but also serves as a testament to Dzama’s evolution as an artist, incorporating elements of performance and sculpture into his repertoire. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Dzama’s surreal universe, where ghostly apparitions and mythical creatures dance amidst the canopies of enchanted forests.

Among the captivating pieces featured in the exhibition are “We can not abandon such beauty,” “Grandmother passing the ecstatic forest in a swarm of starlight,” “The Sisters of Nature,” and “Waiting on Tom’s ghost.” Each artwork offers a glimpse into Dzama’s unique perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of art, nature, folklore, and our place in it. And, quite frankly, how we royally messed everything up.

Founding member of SCTV Joe Flaherty passes away, family announces

By

Ron Johnson

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12:16 pm

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Joe Flaherty, a prominent comedian and one of the original cast members of the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, has passed away, as confirmed by his family.

Flaherty, who was born in Pittsburgh, had a significant career in comedy. He spent seven years at The Second City in Chicago before relocating to Canada to help establish the theatre’s Toronto branch.

He gained widespread recognition for his roles in SCTV, where he starred alongside comedy legends such as the late great John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara. He is also remembered for his prominent Dad role on the cult classic TV show Freaks and Geeks. A show that helped launch the careers of such actors as James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jason Segal.

Among Flaherty’s memorable portrayals were that of the network executive Guy Caballero and the eerie TV host Count Floyd.

Tributes for Flaherty have been shared along with favourite clips.

Joe Flaherty was one of the funniest people ever and no one was cooler than Count Floyd. RIP ? pic.twitter.com/UfAcyz4qfX

— Chesty Morgan (@MorgsterSquad) April 2, 2024

Rest in Peace, Joe Flaherty. One of the funniest to ever do it and one of the ultimate teen girl character dads as Harold Weir on FREAKS & GEEKS. pic.twitter.com/9gEmYJz94E

— This Ends At Prom Podcast (@ThisEndsAtProm) April 2, 2024

Throughout his career, Flaherty maintained strong connections to Toronto, notably serving as an artist-in-residence at Humber College. His daughter, Gudrun, announced that Flaherty passed away on Monday after a brief illness.

Dine on PB&J chicken liver mousse at Toronto’s newest hot spot

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Megan Gallant

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11:39 am

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A culinary duo known for showcasing the best of Ontario with pop-ups around Toronto is finally moving into a space of their own in Leslieville.

With an anticipated opening on April 4 at 996 Queen Street E., Ricky + Olivia will not only showcase all that Ontario has to offer through both familiar and all-new menu items, but also through the bottle shop and tasting room included in the space.

Chefs Ricky Casipe and Olivia Simpson, partners in both business and life, first crossed paths at the now-closed Hawthorne Food & Drink. Alongside front-of-house partner Adrian Proszowski, they honed their skills and later ventured into hosting pop-up dinners across the city.

Though the duo has spent the bulk of their culinary venture operating the pop-up patio at Niagara’s Westcott Vinyards, Casipe and Simpson are eager to bring their talents—and quality tastes—back to Toronto.

“We love Leslieville,” says Casipe, who is proud to have spent his childhood in the east end. “So, we were looking at a bunch of places in the area.”

After losing a space near Broadview that initially caught their interest, the couple felt disheartened while wandering around town. However, their luck changed when they stumbled upon a leasing opportunity in a storefront window – not even listed online, but a place that held special significance for them.

While many may recall Wayla Bar & Lounge as a venue for special events and dancing, for Casipe and Simpson, it holds sentimental value as a place Proszowski would bring them during their shared tenure at Hawthorne Food & Drink.

“Olivia and I weren’t partners yet at that point, and this space is actually where Olivia kissed me for the first time,” Capise shares. “It’s kind of funny that when we eventually got this, it felt very full circle.”

The couple has undertaken a lengthy journey in preparing the space to bring their envisioned ideas to life. As a nightclub, Wayla didn’t have a kitchen, walk-in fridge and gas-line, which the couple have been working to add in since first getting the keys to the place.

From Queen Street, Ricky + Olivia might not even look like a restaurant, given that at the very front of the store will be a bottle shop that leads into a tasting room and lounge. Hidden at the very back of the narrow space (“classic Toronto,” Simpson labels it with a laugh) will be the 30- to 35-seat dining room with open concept kitchen, leading to a back patio.

The small dining space will allow Ricky + Olivia to offer the “intimate” and “personal” dining experiences which they are typically accustomed to with their pop-up diners.

Though having their own space will allow the chefs to introduce new ideas and techniques, they will still be serving up some of their signature items, like the Big Mac Steak Tartar—which, yes, is the most gourmet looking Big Mac you’ve ever had with deep fried saltine crackers on the side.

“That’s something that we’ve become a bit known for and we want to make sure it’s always going to be on the menu,” notes Capise, adding that it’s an item that has evolved a lot over the years they’ve been serving it. “It helps to be a getaway for folks that are a bit afraid of having a tartar. I think with a lot of our food, putting some sort of familiar name or tag on it helps to give people a reference point when they’re trying something for the first time.”

Similarly, their PB&J Chicken Liver Mousse made with beet tahini, wildflower honey, pinot noir gummy bears, and sour cream bundt cakes is what Capise calls their “take on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“We tried to put our own twist on food that used to be somewhat unrecognizable to folks to make it a little easier to approach,” adds Capise.

Ricky + Olivia’s bottle shop will be largely VQA driven, including both all-natural and traditional wines, as well as a few international brands.

“We just want to be a really comfortable neighbourhood restaurant,” says Capise, adding that he hopes it willl be both a place people go for anniversaries and special occasions, but also where people become regulars and they can really get to know the space. “We just want to be approachable to everybody.”

You can now book a reservation for Ricky + Olivia’s grand opening on April 4 here.

This local restaurant chain pranked customers with outlandish new menu items

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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10:49 am

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Everyone is getting in on the April Fools fun — including local quick service restaurant ManchuWOK. Ever been tempted to try a cross between a burger and classic Chinese dishes? Think egg rolls sandwiched on a bun or honey garlic chicken stuffed into a burger. A recent announcement from Manchu about a new menu line had customers considering just that!

ManchuWOK has been operating since 1980, cooking up chef-inspired Chinese food using the traditional power of the wok. Dishes are cooked over an open flame in a traditional Chinese wok, featuring fresh ingredients and signature sauces.

The brand announced four new burgers earlier this morning after teasing the new menu items last week: The Low Mein Loco Burger, Broccoli Beefwich Burger, Egg Roll Supreme Burger and Honey Garlic Chicken Burger. While fans of the Chinese restaurant were initially entertained by the concept — which included images of burger spilling over with lo mein and a massive broccoli head in between buns — the menu items also had customers wondering whether they might actually like these fusion sandwiches!

But just hours later, the restaurant announced that the menu items were all a hilarious prank! The brand took April Fools Day to the next level with these comical burgers that were a hilarious combination of unusual-sounding and delicious-looking.

If the thought of biting into the Egg Roll Supreme Burger enticed you, don’t worry — you can enjoy the actual egg rolls and other Manchu favourites with the brand’s social media giveaway for a $50 gift card. If you win, maybe you can DIY your own Honey Garlic Chicken Burger or Broccoli Beefwich!

The best cookies in Toronto

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Jennifer Schembri

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3:25 pm

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Toronto has a bunch of amazing bakeries dishing out mouthwatering treats, from Parisian flans and lemon tarts to eclairs and creme brûlée. But let’s not overlook the city’s sensational cookie scene, where the humble treat reigns supreme!

Check out the top spots in Toronto to satisfy your cookie cravings.

Le Gourmand

Le Gourmand is renowned for its world-famous chocolate cookies. These cookies offer a delicious combo of crispiness and gooeyness, with liquid dark chocolate flowing from within. Not to be outdone, they also offer other yummy options, including a sinfully delicious white chocolate and macadamia, peanut butter and salted butter and caramel. 152 Spadina Ave.

Andrea’s Cookies

At Andrea’s, the cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re delicious too. Each week, the menu features six flavours that rotate based on demand, classics, new creations, and seasonal options. Current favourites include birthday cake, chocolate chunk and Kinder. And if you’re craving something extra decadent, don’t miss out on the strawberry milkshake, brown butter triple chocolate or coconut cream pie flavours. 1632 Bloor St W.

The Night Baker

This cookie shop in Little Italy began life as a delivery company, with owners Mitch and Leanne juggling their day jobs with after-hours baking (and giving the business its name). Former chemists, the duo put their scientific skills to work developing the Night Baker’s signature soft, chewy cookies, which are made fresh every day. Cookies come in an array of rotating, often eclectic flavours, including the popular mistachio featuring roasted pistachios, matcha and white chocolate. 825 College St.

Romi’s

At Romi’s, former Parallel chef Tomer Markovitz has introduced a delicious array of treats, from challah and Jerusalem bagels to babkas, sandwiches and falafel bowls. But, it’s the chocolate chip cookies that steal the spotlight. Crafted with Madagascar bourbon, vanilla paste and Belgian chocolate, these cookies stand out as the undeniable stars of the menu lineup. 744 St Clair Ave. W.

Midnight Cookie

Born out of pandemic boredom and hunger, Midnight Cookie quickly gained popularity with its warm, gooey treats. From their humble beginnings in a home kitchen to a dedicated ghost kitchen, they now have their own storefront at Yonge and Eglinton. Offering a cozy 400-square-foot space, customers can witness the baking process firsthand. Specializing in dough-centric flavors like Kinder and Just the Dough, Midnight Cookie also offers indulgent options like white chocolate fudge and double chocolate chunk. 3 Manor Rd. E.

Craig’s Cookies

Craig’s Cookies is the one place in the city where cookie monsters everywhere are welcome and even encouraged. There are more than 100 flavours on the menu, including chilli chocolate, Cherry Blasters, Pop Tart and Twix. Craig’s has established its presence with five locations in Toronto, extending its reach as far as Newfoundland. 483 Church St.

The owner of BarChef just opened a UK-inspired bar with upscale house party vibes

By

Megan Gallant

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12:53 pm

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Exciting news for regulars of BarChef and Prequel and Co. Apothecary! The team behind these iconic spaces is now bringing their renowned style and storytelling to their latest opening on Dundas Street West.

Though featuring a distinctive cocktail program with unique bitters and syrups, COMPTON AVE. follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. It promises an immersive experience of food, drink and atmosphere, transporting you from Toronto to another time and place.

Named after an affluent street in northern London, England, this cocktail bar boasts authentic paintings dating back to the 1800s adorning its walls. The pièce de résistance behind the bar is the 1855 painting ‘Portrait of A Lady in Black’ by Austrian artist Heinrich Hollpein. This original artwork served as the inspiration for the space, influencing every detail, from the chandeliers and candlesticks to the bartenders’ attire in white collars and suit vests.

Owners Frankie Solarik and Kurt Tissera@barcomptonave/Instagram

While COMPTON AVE. draws inspiration from the UK, it exudes an approachable vibe rather than a stuffy or ‘posh’ atmosphere often associated with English cocktail lounges. The presence of a knocker on the door beside the mailbox lends a welcoming touch, making guests feel as though they’re stepping into an affluent house party on Compton Street rather than a pretentious bar.

“My intention with all the spaces is to create an emotional response for our guests,” says Frankie Solarik, of Netflix’s Drink Masters and who owns the space alongside Kurt Tissera. “As with any type of artistic expression, the main goal as an artist is always to convey some emotion in the viewer or the listener. In our case, it’s our guests that are joining us.”

As with the space itself, and in line with Solarik’s reputation, the menus at COMPTON AVE. showcase the same meticulous attention to detail and signature approach.

The adaptations to classic martinis, like the Smoked Olive with hickory brine and sherry, are enticing. But it’s the signature drinks that steal the show, with names revealing their English roots. Take the London Fog, for example, a delicious blend of gin and earl grey served over pellet ice, with violette, almond, lavender and madeira, garnished with white chocolate and lavender salt.

Other popular options include the Umami Old Fashioned, featuring Japanese whiskey, reduced soy, maple for sweetness, and lapsang; and the nostalgic 1282 Abbey Road, which brings a taste of London to Toronto with bourbon, chai, coconut and candied fennel.

The fare also pays homage to the UK with traditional Yorkshire pudding, uniquely served with tartar inside. For those familiar with traditional Scotch eggs, the ones at COMPTON AVE. offer a twist, featuring sage and onion stuffed pork instead of sausage, served on smoked hay with black garlic aioli underneath.

“Every single element of this program and this experience is meant to speak to the authenticity of that transportation,” says Solarik.

The theatrics and immersion at COMPTON AVE. are one-of-a-kind, as well, as the smoked olive dish is presented table side with the residual smoke in the service itself.

“Everything is just completely different, so with these three places, I think we’ve really managed to achieve the ultimate goal of creating the trifecta or trilogy of premier cocktail bars in the city,” says Solarik.

We can’t wait to see where he will transport us next.

COMPTON AVE. is located at 1282 Dundas St. W.

10 of the funniest comics in Toronto to check out to celebrate April Fool’s Day

By

Ron Johnson

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8:58 am

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Toronto is known for its vibrant comic scene, showcasing a diverse range of talents from stand-up comedians to drag queens. As April Fool’s Day approaches, let’s spotlight some of the city’s best comics who are making waves locally and internationally. From Netflix appearances to live shows, these talented individuals bring laughter and joy to audiences everywhere. Join us as we explore Toronto’s amazing comic talent and celebrate the humour they share with the world.

Kris Siddiqi

Canadian actor and comedian Kris Siddiqi, known for co-creating and starring in the web series Bit Playas alongside Nigel Downer, earning them the Canadian Screen Award for Best Writing in a Web Program or Series in 2021. He is an alumnus of The Second City‘s Toronto troupe and can be seen in Season 2 of the Netflix original series I Woke Up a Vampire premiering April 4 (Netflix).

Viza

One of Toronto’s hottest drag queens, Hamilton-born Viza, honing her comedic skills from a young age in her lively Italian household, has now entertained audiences professionally for over 16 years, performing in drag comedy troupes nationwide, raising funds for AIDS organizations, and earning numerous esteemed Toronto drag titles, including Drag Idol and Miss Crews & Tangos, while also appearing in the 2023 JFL 42 Toronto lineup. Viza can be seen hosting the weekly show Visa’s Variety Hour Specials (VHS) @ Comedy Bar – Viza and Show Info

Chelsea Larkin

Chelsea Larkin, an actress, comedian, writer, and singer, known for her work with The Second City, Just For Laughs, and CTV’s Children Ruin Everything, has delighted audiences with her comedy, including her award-winning solo show The Chels Stands Alone at the 2022 Toronto Fringe Fest. She can be seen in the Second City production Swipes Right: Back on the Apps every Thursday, Friday, Saturday in April.

Tom Hearn

Tom Hearn, an award-winning sketch comedian, actor, drag performer, and director based in Toronto, originally from Hampton, New Brunswick, has toured acclaimed solo shows like SLANG and Gay Garbage across North America, performed at prestigious comedy festivals worldwide, amassed a large social media following with over 100 million views on character videos. Hearn is on an international tour with a soon to be announced Toronto premiere.

Jeff Paul

Jeff Paul is considered one of the best MCs in the country. He is known for his boundary-pushing comedy and quick wit, and has opened for renowned comedians like Louis CK and Gilbert Gottfried, appeared on Roast Battle Canada and CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud. Paul can be seen every Thursday at the Comedy Bar Bloor hosting The ProShow.

Patrick Hakeem

Patrick Hakeem, a rising star in Canada’s comedy scene known for his quick wit and infectious charm, has showcased his comedic prowess at prestigious festivals like JFL Toronto, Icebreakers, and NXNE, and made appearances on Sirius XM and CBC radio. His new comedy album Misnationonlized will be released April 5.

Sarah Hillier

Sarah Hillier, a celebrated Canadian comedian, acclaimed for her improvisational prowess, boasts multiple Canadian Comedy Awards, including Best Female Improviser. She has written and starred in two award-winning shows on Second City Toronto’s main stage, and is revered as an alumna of Comedy Bar’s Sunday Night Live. Check out Hillier’s new podcast The Funny Thing About Ghosts.

Marito Lopez

Marito Lopez, a dynamic Latinx comedian from El Salvador, shines on stages nationwide, with notable appearances at The Just For Laughs Festival and The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and features on CBC Gem’s New Wave Of Stand Up Comedy and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. Watch Lopez shine on CBC’s One More Time.

Adam Growe

Adam Growe is a versatile comedian and host with numerous TV credits including appearances on Just for Laughs and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. What he might be best known for is his role as the host of Cash Cab. And it’s back!

Anesti Danielis

Anesti Danelis is a multi-talented comedian, musician, writer, and filmmaker, boasts global recognition with features on platforms like VICE, People Magazine, and AV Club, alongside appearances on CBC television and radio. His hour-long musical comedy special streams worldwide on Next Up Comedy. Danielis just released “I’m So Tired” on all streaming platforms and is releasing regular content on TikTok.

Happy April Fool’s Day!

Every dish at this delicious new GTA restaurant is priced under $10

By

Jennifer Schembri

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11:49 am

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Bao House brings the creative vision of a seasoned chef to life. Owned and operated by Wen Hsuan Lee, renowned for his passion for crafting affordable yet delicious dishes, the restaurant, located in North York, is swiftly gaining recognition in the neighbourhood.

Lee’s story is as fascinating as the dishes he serves. Born in Taiwan in the 1950s, he experienced poverty and became involved in criminal activities during his youth. However, a soup dumpling shop owner provided him solace and guidance, igniting his passion for cooking and leading him on a journey of redemption and self-discovery.

Inspired by his personal journey, his Taiwanaise roots and a desire to offer accessible dining options to the community, Lee decided to open Bao House.

“We wanted to create a space where people could enjoy delicious Chinese dishes without breaking the bank,” said a restaurant representative. “North York is a diverse and vibrant community, and we saw an opportunity to contribute to its culinary landscape by offering authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine.”

By offering delicious food at affordable prices, Bao House aims to make its cuisine accessible to a wider audience.

“We want everyone to have the opportunity to savor the best tastes without worrying about exorbitant costs,” says the representative.

Bao House specializes in xiao long bao, offering traditional pork-filled XLB alongside innovative variations, like Indian curry, Sichuan hotpot, Korean kimchi and Thai sweet and sour XLB. Their menu also features an assortment of Chinese pastries, dumplings, dim sum and noodles, with no dish priced over $10.

“Chef Lee firmly believes that the true essence of food lies in its ability to bring people together and create shared experiences. By making our dishes affordable, we can spread the joy of flavourful cuisine to as many people as possible.”

Bao House is located at 5336 Yonge St.

This $5.35 million historic Oakville home got a head-to-toe transformation

By

Julia Mastroianni

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10:00 am

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Interested in owning a piece of Oakville history? Built by Justus Williams in 1838, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home at 53 Dunn St. is a stunning combination of heritage and modernity.

Renovated in completely from 2003 to 2017 with a 1,500-square-foot two-storey addition, landscaped garden, family room and foyer, the charming home also features a 500-square-foot wraparound covered porch that adds plenty of character.

Step inside to be greeted by the spacious foyer featuring two closets and antique glass doors that lead into the main floor office. With a window seat that overlooks the rear garden, you’ll enjoy sun all day long from your desk.

The dining room is even more elegant, with a gas fireplace and two sets of French doors that open onto the wraparound porch and family room — the perfect setting for intimate dinner parties.

Renovations in 2017 transformed the kitchen into an open concept oasis featuring custom cabinetry, caesarstone countertops, a 14-foot center island with plenty of prep space and seating for five at the breakfast bar.

Combined with the kitchen and breakfast room is the living room, made extra cozy by the wood-burning fireplace and antique mantle and windows on three sides to overlook the landscaped garden — along with 9-foot high beamed ceilings.

The family room is a standout space, with heated stone floors and a gas fireplace and ceiling-to-floor windows, which convert to screens that lend themselves well to open air summer living — and with French doors that open onto the stone patio and garden, that will be difficult to resist!

The mud room is a major perk as well, connected to the driveway and garage with a built-in bench and two-piece powder room.

The second floor is equally spectacular, beginning with the show-stopping primary suite. The 9-foot beamed ceiling and pine floors surround a sprawling space that leaves plenty of room for a sitting area in front of the fireplace with an antique mantle. The walk-in closet with built-in organizers make building your wardrobe easier than ever.

And the spacious five-piece ensuite bathroom comes with a glass-enclosed shower with a bench and steam unit, a clawfoot soaker tub, vanity with double sinks and even a laundry chute.

The other four bedrooms each have their own perks, including closets with built-in organizers — and connected to the second bedroom is the combined sitting room and office, featuring a built-in desk with bookcases.

Head to the lower level and you’ll find a recreation room with built-in cupboards, high-definition projector and 7-foot motorized drop down screen perfect for movie nights.

The backyard has been beautifully landscaped by Christopher Campbell, with stone walkways, a cozy patio and a historically designed wooden fence for extra charm. Don’t forget about the detached two-car garage and double private driveway, with plenty of space for up to four cars.

Perfect for a family, the property is conveniently located in the catchment area for New Central, Maple Grove and Oakville Trafalgar High School, and is close to desired private schools including St Mildred’s, Linbrook and Appleby.

53 Dunn St. is listed for $5.35 million with The Rennie Team at Chestnut Park Real Estate Brokerage.

First look at Yorkville’s stunning new Ballroom Bowl opening today

By

Ron Johnson

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3:09 pm

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It’s been well over a decade since the Ballroom Bowl opened on John Street and it’s finally Yorkville’s time in the fast lane. Yorkville has become home to The Ballroom Bowl’s latest venue smack dab in the middle of the Mecca that is Toronto at 1 Bloor St. E.

Marking its grand opening on March 27, The Ballroom Bowl Yorkville boasts eight modern bowling lanes, including two VIP lanes, amid a stylish dining and lounge area. Here, guests can indulge in a menu that balances classic favourites with innovative culinary options, complemented by a selection of wines, beers, and signature cocktails such the Smoke & Mirrors and Mexpresso Martini.

“You kind of go see it to believe it. I know it sounds like a sales pitch, but you just got to go see it,” said Paul Donato, owner of the Ballroom. “I really do feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I think it’s just so off-the-charts different from anything out there, just like in the Entertainment District. I think everybody’s going to love it. I do.”

Beyond the alleys, The Ballroom Bowl Yorkville will double as a fun new spot for watching sports, mingling over meals, or hosting events ranging from corporate gatherings to private celebrations.

Weekly entertainment schedules will include lively DJ sets every Friday and Saturday night, alongside daily specials that cater to all tastes and occasions, from discounted drinks to half-priced appetizers and bowling.

Further distinguishing the Yorkville venue are its design and amenities, curated by the esteemed design firm mcCallumSather.

Guests are greeted by a sophisticated ambiance the moment they step off Yonge Street or the Yonge/Bloor Subway Station, which is getting a massive $1.5 billion upgrade. The interior combines elegance with comfort. The venue’s aesthetic includes a wood-feature ceiling, city-themed graphics, and a lounge area that offers an open kitchen view.

Ballroom Bowl Yorkville entrance (Photo credit: Adrian Ozimek)

The exclusive VIP area promises a unique bowling experience leagues from the bowlerama of a bygone era with private lanes, plush seating, and full-screen TVs, reflecting the local community’s preferences and the elegance of Yorkville.

The 5 most anticipated restaurants opening this spring in Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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2:51 pm

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Get ready, foodies! This spring, a wave of new restaurants is getting ready to open their doors. From cosy neighbourhood eateries to upscale dining destinations, there’s something for every palate and preference.

Here are the five most anticipated restaurant openings of the season.

L’Avenue

Since 1994, award-winning L’Avenue has been the go-to destination for brunch and breakfast enthusiasts in Montreal, and now it is set to arrive in Toronto. Known for its eccentric plates, generous portions, festive atmosphere and exceptional service, we can’t confirm if the Toronto menu will replicate the original’s French-inspired offerings — like duck Benedict, the Sugar Shack plate and breakfast poutine, but we can anticipate those infamous long queues.

La Plume Brasserie

Opening “soon” on Wellington Street West, La Plume, another restaurant from O&B is a chic two-level brasserie by executive chef John Horne, that promises a blend of timeless French classics and fresh seaside flavours. With a robust rotisserie program and tartare bar, the menu caters to diverse tastes. The venue includes a tucked-away speakeasy for late-night cocktails and bottle service. Serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and late-night drinks, La Plume invites you to experience unruffled Southern French fare in a stylish setting.

GRETA Bar

Coming all the way from Calgary, GRETA is set to make its mark on King West with a sprawling 12,500 square feet space. This arcade bar will offer an array of over 50 games alongside street food craft cocktails, and beers, with live music and dancing on the agenda. Drawing from its Calgary roots, GRETA’s menu will feature mouthwatering delights such as Caribbean shrimp tacos and the fiery spicy chicken katsu sandwich.

Bridgette Bar

With two locations already established in Alberta, Bridgette Bar, fuses culinary flair with culture. Their collaborative culinary team at the chef-driven bar plans on transforming fresh, local ingredients into seasonal delicacies, ensuring a unique year-round experience. Expect seafood-heavy small plates like oysters, crab toast and grilled octopus, while large plates focus mainly on meat dishes, think wood grilled beef strip steak and grilled farm chicken.

The Dorset

Another upcoming hot spot from Oliver & Bonacini, The Dorset, draws inspiration from the British coastline and countryside. Executive Chef Ryan Lister (The Rabbit Hole) brings his culinary roots to downtown Toronto, offering an airy interior with a main floor bar and an elevated dining experience upstairs. From lunch and dinner to weekend brunch and Sunday roast, get ready to enjoy delicious contemporary British cuisine and cocktails.