A fixture in Rosedale, Grandma Loves You has become a much-loved destination for food enthusiasts, attracting a dedicated following with its delicious sandwiches, mouth-watering sausages and irresistible desserts.
Unfortunately, due to a recent condo development in the area, the original location at 1084 Yonge St. has had to shut its doors. Undeterred, Grandma Loves You is excited about its new beginning at Yonge and St. Clair.
@grandmalovesyoutoronto/Instagram
“It’s OK, this is Toronto,” says co-owner Artin Davoodi. “But we’re excited about our new location. It’s a beautiful store with a beautiful patio and seating area, so summer will be beautiful with the patio.”
Despite its modest size, Grandma Loves You has made a significant impact on the Toronto food scene, capturing the hearts of patrons who flock to this cosy takeout spot for its signature sandwiches and fancy hot dogs, each named after a country. Adventurous eaters can savour the France Dog with brie and blueberry jam; the Japan Dog with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, wasabi and mayonnaise; or the Spain Dog topped with mango, goat cheese and sweet chili sauce.
“I grew up in the business,” says Davoodi. “So my wish was always to have a sandwich shop.”
Davoodi recalls spending summers working at his grandfather’s own sandwich shop in Iran which he helmed for four decades. Given this rich family history, it comes as no surprise that family values are at the core of everything he undertakes.
The name Grandma Loves You has its roots in Germany, where Davoodi and his wife Sarah once had a store with the same name. With a strong family background and a desire to create a business that resonates personally, Davoodi opened Grandma Loves You’s doors in Toronto in 2019.
Eagerly looking forward to a fresh start at Yonge and St. Clair with Sarah, Davoodi also reveals the recent opening of a third location (they expanded with a shop inside Chef’s Hall in 2023), this time in North York.
The new location offers an expanded range, including coffee, sweets, breakfast and diverse seating options.
“The dream is to continue to expand and to share the love,” says Davoodi.
Anyone who’s shopped for furniture knows it can really work up an appetite. Taking a cue from a certain Swedish retailer, whose founder famously said, “Hungry customers buy less,” a North York furniture store has followed suit by opening their own upscale version, Cafe Elte.
Serving Southern Italian fare, Chef Mauro Ritacca has curated a menu that celebrates tradition while highlighting the tastes of his heritage. Alongside coffee and fresh daily pastries, the cafe serves a lunch and brunch menu, complete with accessible grazing plates, salads, paninis and pastas to pair with Italian wine.
@elte/Instagram
“A lot of our furniture, our rugs, and the products that we sell are classically inspired pieces using natural materials,” says Elte co-owner Andrew Metrick. “It’s similar to how the cafe menu has been created with quality ingredients, classic dishes, simplicity, and things that are well-made. There’s a lot of parallel between our restaurant offering and our product offering.”
Metrick, joined by his brother Jamie, is a fourth-generation owner of the design brand. The brothers discovered Ritacca through a team member who praised the food at his cafe, Cucino Mauro, just a few blocks north of their showroom. Wanting to revamp the restaurant within Elte, which had closed due to the pandemic, they knew Ritacca was the ideal partner.
When designing the café, the team was intentional about creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere without causing distraction or feeling out of place in the showroom. The café itself exudes chic modernity, making a statement with its black oak paneling, subtle lighting from onyx sconces, and natural travertine flooring.
“Everything down to the tableware is curated to be warm and more artisanal and really celebrate the food that’s being served,” says Metrick.
@elte/Instagram
That food that’s being served dates back to tradition even older than Elte. Following Ritacca’s philosophy to respect tradition, the café offers familiar dishes from Cucino Mauro while catering to Elte’s refined clientele.
Ritacca, a Canadian-born chef full of anecdotes, humorously claims he would’ve been Italian if born a few hours earlier. His mother, returning to Canada from Italy, went into labour on the plane. His dishes mirror his diverse heritage, blending Italian influences with his evolving culinary style.
The menu was recently updated to make room for the addition of a few open-faced sandwiches (called “crostones”) and salads, including a popular beet salad and the Nizzarda. Similar to a Niçoise salad, Ritacca notes the dish actually has roots not far from his own.
“A lot of people don’t really realize that Northern Italy on the coast is near Nice and actually shares the origins of that salad,” he explains.
@elte/Instagram
The brunch menu, though smaller, with frittatas, breakfast sandwiches and jam spreads, is just as heavily rooted in tradition and storytelling. Given that southern Italy has a heavy Middle Eastern influence, the dish uova in purgatorio (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce), more commonly recognized as shakshuka, shows the diversity of Italian traditional cuisine.
In the coming months leading into spring and summer, Ritacca plans to not only expand the offerings of the brunch menu, but to add an aperitivo menu, or light-bite menu, for late afternoons spent at the cafe.
“It’s really going to add to that environment where people can linger, enjoy a glass of wine and [it encourages] people to stay awhile,” says Ritacca.
It’s Bachelor season, which means millions of people (yes, millions) are tuning in every week to find out which of the 32 chosen women will win the heart (and some pretty lucrative brand deals) of the bachelor himself, Joey Graziadei. After 28 seasons, the show has seen some ups and downs, but there’s something particularly fun about this season — and we’re crediting that to the Toronto effect on this very American show, thanks to fan-favourite Maria Georgas.
Georgas — now one of 10 women left on the show to vy for Graziadei’s love — is from Kleinberg, Ontario, just an hour north of Toronto. Since her very Canadian arrival on the show (she exited the limo to the sounds of the Canadian national anthem and handed Graziadei and puzzlingly blurred out Canadian flag), the executive assistant has had the entire internet on her side — no small feat considering the show’s best attempts to drum up drama!
Graziadei is similarly enthralled, referring to Georgas as an “enigma” and affirming multiple times that she “keeps him on his toes.” Whether she’s “slipping into something more comfortable” in the middle of a conversation with him, making him show some personality on their date (a rarity for the leads on The Bachelor) or getting him to tell her he loves her in French during their trip to Montreal, we have to say we agree with Graziadei! It seems like everybody is Georgas’s number one fan, so much so that viewers are genuinely torn between wanting her to receive the final rose and getting her own season of The Bachelorette.
The numbers don’t lie, and they’re telling a similar story about the Toronto (OK fine, Maria) effect. Reality TV data analyst Suzana Somers reported that Georgas dominated screen time thus far on the show, leading all the other contestants by 24 minutes — a record lead in screen time since at least 12 seasons ago in 2020. Georgas was also one of two contestants on The Bachelor this season to hit 300,000 followers, a feat that hasn’t been achieved by a contestant since 2021.
Georgas isn’t the first Canadian to make it big in The Bachelor franchise — leads Jillian Harris and Kaitlyn Bristowe are both Canadian, and Jesse Palmer, who now hosts the show, is a former lead as well and is originally from Toronto. And Bachelor and Paradise favourite Serena Pitt, originally a contestant on The Bachelor, is from just outside Toronto.
But Georgas might be the first to be as universally loved as she is in such a divisive franchise. “How do you feel after singlehandedly saving the entire Bachelor franchise?” a comment on her most recent Instagram post reads.
Only time will tell if Graziadei ends up choosing Georgas, but if not, hey — the Toronto Bachelorette has a nice ring to it!
During the winter months, many Canadians eagerly embrace the season by engaging in traditional winter activities like ice skating and ice fishing. While these pastimes offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the beauty of winter, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to ensure a pleasant and incident-free experience. Sandra Zisckind, Managing Partner of Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, shares five safety tips to consider before heading out on the ice.
1. Check Ice Thickness Regularly
One of the fundamental aspects of ensuring safety on frozen bodies of water is regularly checking the thickness of the ice. Ice thickness can vary significantly, and inadequate thickness poses a severe risk of accidents and injuries. For a better idea of how thick the ice should be, the Government of Ontario has carefully outlined several tips that you should consider. “Always remember, safety should never be compromised for the thrill of the activity,” says Sandra Zisckind.
2. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Whether you’re gliding across a frozen pond or setting up an ice fishing hut, wearing appropriate safety gear is non-negotiable. For ice skaters, a well-fitted helmet and warm, insulated clothing are essential. On the other hand, ice fishers should invest in ice picks, a life jacket, and insulated clothing to stay warm and buoyant in the event of an accident. Proper gear not only enhances your safety but also ensures you’re adequately prepared for the unpredictable winter conditions.
3. Buddy System
“While it sounds silly, the buddy system truly is something that can apply to all sorts of winter activities,” says Sandra Zisckind. Whether you’re ice skating or ice fishing, never venture onto the frozen surface alone. Having a buddy provides an extra set of eyes and hands, making it easier to respond to unforeseen situations. In the case of an accident, having someone nearby can be crucial for quick assistance and ensuring that help is readily available if needed.
4. Educate Yourself on Ice Conditions
Understanding the intricacies of ice conditions is crucial for a safe winter outing. Familiarize yourself with the signs of weak ice, such as cracks, holes, or changes in colour. Avoid areas with visible open water, and be cautious around structures like bridges, as these areas are prone to thin ice. Stay informed about the local weather conditions, as sudden changes in temperature can affect ice stability. A well-informed winter enthusiast is better equipped to make sound decisions and mitigate potential risks.
5. Emergency Preparedness
No matter how cautious you are, emergencies can still occur. Being prepared for such situations is paramount. “For all ice skating and ice finishing enthusiasts, it’s important that you have the right processes and protocols in place should the unexpected arise while you’re out on the ice. Carrying a basic first aid kit, a fully charged phone, and emergency contact information should the unexpected arise will enhance your ability to respond at a moment’s notice,” says Sandra Zisckind.
Conclusion
Winter activities like ice skating and ice fishing are cherished traditions, offering a unique way to appreciate the beauty of the season. However, safety should always be the top priority. By following these five tips from Diamond & Diamond, you can ensure that your winter adventures are not only enjoyable but also free from unnecessary risks. Stay safe, stay prepared, and embrace the wonders of winter responsibly.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
Toronto welcomed 8.95 million tourists in 2023. Although seven percent short of pre-pandemic levels, it is still enough to make it to Travel + Leisure’s top five most-visited Canadian Cities for 2023.
Ontario’s vibrant capital is undoubtedly a popular destination for tourists worldwide. With its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and numerous attractions, the city serves up a multicultural experience rarely paralleled elsewhere.
However, accidents can happen anywhere, and getting injured during your visit to Toronto is possible. Regardless of the circumstances, maintaining presence of mind is crucial in getting the timely help you need. Here are the most critical steps to take when injured as a tourist in Toronto:
A Step-by-Step Guide
Any injury demands prompt and informed action. From seeking immediate medical attention to understanding insurance coverage, these steps empower you to address your emergency effectively while visiting the fascinating city of Toronto:
Assess your injury
The first step is to assess the severity of your injury. See if it requires immediate medical attention or first aid. If you’re uncertain about the extent of your injury, err on the side of caution and go to the nearest hospital. You can also check the Health Connect Ontario website to connect with a registered nurse.
Call for emergency services
In case of a severe injury or a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Toronto has a well-established emergency response service available in up to 240 languages. Provide your location and a brief description of the situation to the operator. Stay on the line and follow any instructions given until help arrives.
Locate the nearest medical facility
Find the nearest medical facility if your injury is not severe enough to demand emergency care but still requires medical attention. If you find yourself carrying too many personal items, consider dropping them off at a luggage storage location in Toronto. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing them while on your way to seek medical help.
Toronto boasts a network of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. From big hospitals like St. Michael’s Hospital to specialized clinics like Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the city prioritizes accessible healthcare.
Alternatively, you can explore Toronto Western Hospital’s walk-in clinics or the Mount Sinai Urgent Care Centre. Use your smartphone or ask locals for directions to the closest healthcare facility. It’s advisable to have the address and contact information of the hospital nearest to your accommodation readily available during your stay.
Contact your travel insurance provider
Get in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident and seek guidance on the next steps. Be prepared to provide details about the injury, the location, and other relevant information. If your insurance won’t cover your bill, you must take care of it yourself. If you were driving a rental vehicle, check the rental agreement for any insurance coverage it may provide.
Note that the government will not pay for the medical costs of tourists. While travel insurance is not a requirement for visiting Toronto, you’ll want that safety net just in case. A policy won’t likely be cheap, but it will give you peace of mind beyond being covered for rental car services.
Remember, an ER visit alone can set you back an average of $1,000 in Canada. The earlier you contact your insurer and the more details you can provide, the easier your claim moves along the process.
Document the incident and, if warranted, file a police report
According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, all collisions where parties are injured, or property damages exceed a value of $2000 should be reported to the police immediately. If your injuries are from a car accident, file a police report but collect evidence related to the injury, especially if it occurred due to someone else’s negligence.
Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information. If your injury happened on Toronto’s public transit system, gather incident reports and surveillance footage from the Toronto Transport Commission, or TTC, cameras on top of standard documentation.
With this specialized approach, you can ensure comprehensive evidence gathering, enhancing your ability to seek legal recourse or file an insurance claim.
Seek legal advice
Consulting a local in Toronto is advisable if you’re a tourist involved in a Toronto car accident. While your insurance company may handle some aspects, an attorney can help you with the legal complexities, ensuring you understand your rights and potential compensation.
Local laws, insurance policies, and jurisdictional nuances may differ, and a lawyer can provide guidance specific to Toronto. For example, understanding Ontario’s “no-fault” insurance system is crucial. It means that regardless of fault, your insurance covers medical expenses.
In any case, legal advice tailored to the Toronto context is invaluable in getting the maximum compensation possible under Ontario’s legal framework.
Follow medical advice and attend follow-up appointments
Upon seeking medical assistance during your stay as a tourist, it is imperative to diligently adhere to the recommended treatment regimen and ensure your attendance at scheduled follow-up appointments.
Prioritize compliance with medical advice, as it plays a pivotal role in expediting your recovery process. Safeguard all pertinent documents, including medical records, prescriptions, and receipts incurred due to injury-related expenses. Again, these records may prove essential for potential insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Additionally, familiarize yourself with local healthcare protocols and emergency contact information to swiftly address unforeseen medical needs. The universal emergency number you can call in Toronto is 911, which also connects you to police and fire assistance, besides medical help.
In any case, prioritizing your health and maintaining thorough documentation will contribute to a seamless resolution of any potential post-injury concerns.
Inform your embassy or consulate
There are about 81 embassies or consulates in Toronto, and notifying yours promptly about any incidents is crucial for comprehensive assistance. If unfortunate incidents lead to legal complications or necessitate support exceeding local services, your embassy becomes an invaluable ally. Toronto’s consular offices are strategically located, such as the Consulate General of the United States in University Avenue.
This geographical accessibility ensures prompt communication and swift assistance. From medical emergencies to legal matters, involving your embassy establishes a vital connection to resources and expertise specific to your nationality in the dynamic city of Toronto.
Take steps to prevent future incidents
After recovering from your injury in Toronto, take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents throughout the rest of your visit. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods and bustling cultural districts.
Follow safety guidelines and use local insights to navigate the city’s unique features. Whether exploring the waterfront, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, or vibrant neighborhoods like Kensington Market, adapt your precautions to each setting.
Leverage safety information provided by Toronto’s tourism resources and prioritize your well-being by choosing well-traveled routes and well-lit areas. This extra step ensures a safe and delightful exploration of Toronto’s distinctive charm.
Inform home
Informing your family back home about an injury sustained as a tourist in Toronto is crucial for many reasons. It makes sure your loved ones are aware of your well-being and can provide emotional support during a challenging time.
Moreover, in case of a severe injury, timely communication allows family members to assist with decision-making processes, such as coordinating medical assistance or arranging travel plans if necessary.
Keeping your family informed fosters a sense of security and lets them stay updated on your situation. It helps facilitate smoother communication with authorities, healthcare providers, or insurance agencies, ultimately contributing to a more efficient resolution of any issues.
Injury Preparedness: A Responsible Way To Visit Toronto
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photograph-of-a-woman-with-a-headache-5207232/
In Toronto, a city full of diverse experiences, getting injured can be a hiccup in your travel plans. This guide has covered some basic steps for tourists dealing with injuries, like going to a doctor ASAP, understanding your insurance, and considering legal help if needed.
Acting quickly after an injury is key to a smoother recovery. It’s wise to know where local healthcare spots are, keep good records, and talk openly to the right people. Toronto is a friendly place; you’ll find support if needed. By staying on top of things, tourists can turn a challenging situation into a chance to bounce back and still enjoy their time in this incredible Canadian city.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
After more than 20 years in business, glam grocery store Pusateri’s will be closing its doors in Yorkville at the end of March. Pusateri’s stated that they made the decision not to renew the lease for the store located at 57 Yorkville Ave.
“… Several factors [are] driving a shift in the retail landscape, which impacted this property,” Pusateri’s marketing head, Paolo Pusateri, told Grocery Business magazine.
Opening in 2003 as its second location, the retail space was the company’s smallest, spanning approximately 5,500 square feet.
When the Yorkville location first opened, it received much fanfare.
@pusaterisfoods/Instagram
In a Globe and Mailarticle, Pusateri’s CEO and President Frank Luchetta likened the new store to a “food art gallery” rather than a grocery store. “We call it Pusateri crossed with Dean & Deluca [an upscale U.S. grocery chain],” he said.
Along with valet parking, a juice bar built around an orange tree, more than 120 employees and even a take-home chef, the Yorkville Pusateri’s redefined the concept of takeout.
The company’s plan is to focus on its three remaining retail locations — Avenue Road, Bayview Village and the Eaton Centre — as well as a new 10,000 square foot store set to open in Little Italy come spring.
Salvatore Pusateri immigrated to Toronto from Sicily in 1958. Five years later, he opened his first store — a produce market in the Corso Italia neighbourhood. In 1986, Salvatore’s son Cosimo expanded the business, transforming the shop from a simple fruit stand to a gourmet grocery store chain. This transformation began with the opening of a 6,000-square-foot location at Lawrence Avenue West and Avenue Road.
Since then, the luxury grocery chain has seen several successful openings. However, there have also been a number of closures. In 2018, the Oakville location shuttered after a two-year run, and just last year, its food hall location at CF Sherway Gardens permanently closed its doors.
Even without a visible sign at the entrance, if you’re on the lookout for a spot to indulge in warm comfort food within a cosy and inviting space this winter, don’t overlook the Fall Bright Tavern.
According to its website, the “warm and welcoming “Pop & Pop” neighbourhood restaurant” is a 23-year passion project between sommeliers Joseph Rutherford and Brett Healey, who have seamlessly shifted from friends to romantic partners, co-workers, roommates and now co-owners.
“Throughout our whole friendship, restaurants have been our lives and our passion. The time was finally right, and I knew with my heart and soul that I wanted to pursue this,” says Rutherford.
Seizing the chance to take over the former local favourite Little Sito, Rutherford, then working front-of-house at Edulis, reached out to Healey. Together, they brought the Fall Bright to life, shaping it according to their shared vision.
Although only an A-frame greets guests (Rutherford clarifies it’s not meant to be a speakeasy, though it may seem that way), the Fall Bright’s interior is exceptionally welcoming. The intentionally minimalist design of the small 28-seat space avoids flashy lights and extravagant wall-hangings, creating an atmosphere of cosy simplicity.
@thefallbrighttavern/Instagram
Come warmer weather, the Fall Bright’s patio, with room for an additional 40 diners, transforms into a cosy backyard-like space, overlooking a neighbourhood parkette.
As temperatures linger in the negative, savour the wintery warm and comforting menu crafted by Healey. With the restaurant’s ever-evolving menus, nothing stays for long, so enjoy it while you can.
Weekly specials like duck confit and meat loaf add delicious variety to the menu. A few dishes, including the chicken stew, have been consistent since mid-December, with Rutherford perfecting the recipe over a decade ago.
As it’s led by two sommeliers, it’s no wonder that the restaurant boasts a varied wine selection, featuring classics as well as natural and orange wines from South Africa to Europe and California. The collection, like the restaurant, has been a longtime, ever-growing project.
“As we started our careers, certain wines were foundational, and we still love them,” notes Rutherford. “And we’re adding new and different selections to keep things interesting.”
For Toronto actor K. C. Collins, star of the upcoming Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent: “Everything I do goes back to my grandmother.”
She was the one who raised Collins in the city from the time he was six years old. Grandma loved baseball, so Collins took up the sport. Grandma loved television, so Collins loved television. Together, the pair would watch Benny Hill, Dynasty, Dallas.
“I feel like I excelled at baseball because I knew how much she loved it, and acting is the same,” says Collins. “I specifically remember the feeling that I would get seeing how watching those shows made her feel. And I remember wanting to be able to make people feel like that.”
She is what originally led Collins to pursue baseball professionally. He went to college in New York on a baseball scholarship and even became a Blue Jays prospect at just 13. But one day after following a friend to an audition, the acting bug hit hard, and became his new dream. (Years later, as an actor, he’d throw the first pitch at a Jays game in the arena, a full-circle moment.)
To his grandmother’s great joy, he’s since become a Canadian television mainstay, having starred in countless series, including The Cleaning Lady, Chucky, Pretty Hard Cases and Clarice, along with a Canadian Screen Award–nominated performance in the 2023 film Chien Blanc.
It’s become a cathartic career choice as, Collins says, it didn’t start off so easy, with plenty of folks warning him that the screen industry isn’t a particularly kind one to Black actors. However, with an agent who saw his talent early on and felt the path ahead for him was a good one, Collins has remained very booked and very busy.
Now, with Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, he may just be tackling his biggest role yet, thanks largely to the franchise’s legacy. Created by television legend Dick Wolf, the American police procedural has been on the air since 1990, and is the longest-running scripted drama brand in television history. Three decades in, and it has finally spawned a Canadian spin-off, one that features an entirely Canadian cast (including Aden Young, Kathleen Munroe, Karen Robinson, Nicola Correia-Damude and Araya Mengesha), was written and produced by Canadians, and was shot in Toronto.
For Collins, setting that whole legacy series thing aside, it was also producer-sister team Tassie and Amy Cameron, of Cameron Pictures Inc., who piqued his interest. He’d previously worked with them on Pretty Hard Cases and found them to be a rarity when it came to their incredible leadership. On Law & Order, Tassie plays showrunner, while both executive produce.
Photo Credit: Amanda Matlovich
Their installment of the series centers on Young as Detective Sergeant Henry Graff and Munroe as Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman as they investigate high-profile crimes and homicides in the city. Collins plays Deputy Crown Attorney Theo Forrester, who serves as a sounding board for the lead duo, loves to win a case and to keep busy. Call him a little chaotic.
As Collins puts it, “He’s always in and out, and it can feel hard to pin him down. You got to give him what you got or he’s gone.”
The fun part for the actor, at this stage in his career, was getting to shoot in his hometown. While most Canadian actors eventually make the move down south, Collins says “it was awesome” to situate himself back where he grew up.
“You don’t realize what your city has evolved into. Being downtown was like ‘whoa!’,” he says. “I hadn’t been in such a long time. I was like, ‘Look at my city, it’s beautiful.’ I’m happy that the city has this [series], that I’m a part of it, and I’m happy that I get to relive Toronto.”
No one, however, is happier than Collins’s grandmother. He says, a smile evident in his voice, “We just spoke last night. She’s proud.”
The CAA Theatre in Toronto is set to host a production of the iconic Tom Stoppard play Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, a modern comedic masterpiece that reimagines a side story from Shakespeare’s masterwork Hamlet.
What makes this production truly intriguing is the casting of Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan (Merry), known for their roles as Hobbits in the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Boyd and Monaghan played best chums from the Shire, Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck, who join the fellowship of the ring alongside Frodo and Sam.
Although the two have worked together subsequent to their work in the LOTR trilogy, this is the first time the duo have been in a play together.
Directed by Neptune Theatre’s Artistic Director Jeremy Webb and written by Tom Stoppard, this production thrusts Boyd and Monaghan into the limelight as they portray the titular characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. Against the backdrop of Hamlet, the play unfolds the existential journey of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, delving into themes of fate, chance, and the absurdity of life. As the duo grapples with profound questions and confronts their inevitable demise, the narrative takes audiences on a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Implied violence and references to sensitive themes such as sexual violence and suicide add depth to the storyline, making it a compelling experience for mature audiences.
The production is currently running in Halifax where it has garnered excellent reviews.
There has also been a fantastic movie adaptation of Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead starring Gary Oldman, Tim Roth and Richard Dreyfuss, if anyone is looking for some background viewing before catching the live show.
This production by Halifax’s Neptune Theatre promises to deliver a captivating blend of wit, illusion, and philosophical inquiry, inviting theatergoers to join Rosencrantz and Guildenstern on a journey of self-discovery and existential reflection.
Whether you’re just visiting, just moved into the city, or you’ve been a Torontonian since birth, Queen Street West is one spot you’ll want to return to time and time again. The neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s central hubs, a destination for culture, street art, small shopping boutiques and, of course, food and drink.
Here are the top restaurants located on Queen Street West.
5. Noce
@nocetoronto/Instagram
Floor to ceiling windows give you the perfect view of the busy Queen Street right from the dining room at Noce. But you’ll be pleasantly separated from the street, with the smells of the wood-burning over drifting over you from the kitchen. NOCE has a space for whatever you’re in the mood for. From the Octopus Lounge for sipping cocktails to the intimacy of the Tuscany Room, there’s nothing that Noce isn’t ready for.
4. Terroni
@terroni.to/Instagram
Since 1992, Terroni has been in the heart of Queen Street West. Though it has expanded to locations across the city, and all the way to Los Angeles, patrons will always remember the humble Italian authenticity of the original location here at 720 Queen Street West. Over 30 years, Terroni has continued to serve up traditional Southern Italian eats in a 2-storey cozy space, providing a reliable, friendly service with traditionally Italian tastes.
3. The Good Son
@thegoodson_to/Instagram
Local and seasonal organic produce are at the forefront of the menu, and the wood-stove oven is at the forefront of the dining space at The Good Son. And it’s not just for their pizzas as many featured specials find their way into it. A full cocktail bar with an extensive list of house cocktails ensures The Good Son keeps busy all weekend long.
2. Saku
@sakutoronto/Instagram
Saku is unlike most places you can find in Toronto where sushi, tacos, and cocktails all come to meet up. High ceilings, golden lighting and leather booths may not be the first atmosphere that comes to your mind when you think about sushi, but that’s exactly what you get from Saku. Stone walls and massive chandeliers are the decorative aspects, while the food is anything but decorative. Special roles, pressed sushi and sashimi are all available alongside hard and soft-shelled tacos. Saku cocktails are a must have.
1. Nana
@stnnana/Instagram
If you’re looking to heat things up, check out Khao San Road’s joint, Nana. A simple sign welcomes patron to a Thai restaurant with not-so-simple flavours. Dishes on the menu are inspired by the street food found in Thailand and the seating is reminiscent of restaurants in Bangkok, with long, high share tables. Though there are tastes to appeal to all, no matter your palate, only the spiciest meals are in true Thai tradition. Come in for dinner and stay to check out Nana’s new cocktail menu.
In Thornhill, Yakitori Izakaya Kyushu at Shops on Yonge Plaza serves up flavours from Japan’s southern region, Kyushu. Known for its rich culinary heritage, Kyushu offers a diverse array of dishes influenced by its volcanic landscapes and coastal regions.
The cozy atmosphere, vintage decor, and Studio Ghibli-inspired corridor enhance the dining experience, offering a taste of Kyushu’s warmth and charm right in the heart of Thornhill.
@momoisme/Instagram
It’s noteworthy that the city is heating up with more izakayas opening, offering diverse culinary options. Think of an izakaya as a Japanese pub — a welcoming social space where friends gather to enjoy casual, shareable dishes alongside their favourite drinks. These cozy spots offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day, making them increasingly popular among Toronto locals seeking a laid-back dining experience with a touch of Japanese charm.
The menu embarks on a culinary journey through Kyushu, and features unique dishes, such as horse meat sashimi, kyushu karaage and uni udon. Other notable favourites are the hotate carpaccio, featuring sliced scallop and salmon sashimi, complemented by a lemon-dashi jelly and a basil drizzle.
@kamon.ca/Instagram
The real stars, however, are the skewers, showcasing ingredients such as grilled fatty pork belly, juicy shrimp (ebi) and perfectly seasoned chicken thigh (momo) with teriyaki sauce — a true art of skewer preparation.
Inside, twinkling lights complement a beautiful and spacious interior adorned with vintage Japanese posters and Gundam figurines. Recognizable characters from Squid Game greet diners at the entrance, and the themed washroom stalls, featuring Dragon Ball, Sailor Moonand Godzilla, add a playful touch.
Yakitori Izakaya Kyushu is located at 7182 Yonge St. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 5 to 11:30 p.m.
Those of a certain vintage remember the Toronto band Big Sugar. A sonic assault heavy on blues-rock riffs and fronted by the über-cool Gordie Johnson. He of the Hugo Boss-ad looks, hard rockin’ swagger, and a band so loud they could make ears ring for days. Now, it seems Canadian music fans are not the only ones who loved Johnson and his band, especially its breakthrough album Five Hundred Pounds. An American fellow, pretty good guitar player in his own right, by the name of Jack White, is a huge fan.
White, you may recall, is best-known for some other pretty big bands like the White Stripes, Dead Weather, and the Raconteurs. White is also the founder of Third Man Records, through which he is reissuing that classic Big Sugar album.
White credits the album as an early inspiration that influenced his own songwriting and guitar playing style.
“I don’t usually do this but this record means a lot to me, especially when I was a teenager, it’s called Five Hundred Pounds by this band Big Sugar,” says White, in a video promoting the release. “I think this is the best blues-based record to ever come out of Canada.”
White goes on to say that when he got the artwork back it said the original release of the album was 1995.
“I could have sworn I had this record in high school in ’93 so I had to do some memory jogging,” he says. “(And I remembered) I bought the record at their show in Pontiac in 93, and that’s where I got it. I love this record so much.”
The reissue, available right now on black vinyl, marks a significant moment in the band’s history and is already garnering widespread acclaim, leading to a second pressing due to popular demand as well as a local tour by the band in March.
Originally released in the U.S. in 1995, Five Hundred Pounds was not a huge hit for Big Sugar right out of the gate, but has stood the test of time. Produced by Gordie Johnson, the album showcased the band’s exceptional ability to blend blues, rock, and reggae seamlessly.
Tracks like “All Over Now,” “Still Waitin’,” and “Ride Like Hell” exemplify the album’s dynamic range, spanning heartfelt ballads to energetic, blues-infused rock anthems.
To celebrate the occasion, Big Sugar is presenting a special two-set theatrical presentation spanning the band’s illustrious career.
“The theatre setting gives us the opportunity to explore a much wider range of styles while still presenting a Big Sugar rock and roll show!,” says Johnson, highlighting the band’s versatility and enduring appeal.
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
