A new deli offering delicious heaping sandwiches has opened on College Street.
Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto, respectively, Jessica Anelli and Angie Russo, the owners of La Bella Sangweech, infuse their Italian Canadian heritage into the very essence of their flavourful journey as business owners.
“It’s a goal I’ve had on my bucket list for as long as I can remember,” says Anelli. “Imagine a charming nonna telling you she’s going to make you a bella sangweech. If you know, you know!” says Anelli.
The sandwich names add a playful touch to the experience. La Mangiacake playfully references Italian Canadian slang for non-Italians, putting a lighthearted spin on the traditional American assorted sub, including meats like Black Forest ham and turkey breast alongside Genoa salami. Meanwhile, La Gabagool is a playful nod to the Americanized version of “capicola” popularized by Tony Soprano in The Sopranos. Choosing Little Italy as their location felt like destiny unfolding.
La Fresca
“When our friends at Last Call Cocktail Club were on the lookout for a food concept to complement their space, they trusted us enough to hand over the front section to La Bella Sangweech,” says Anelli. “It was a perfect synergy, allowing us to seamlessly integrate our sangweech shop into this vibrant community.”
Teaming up with Russo, whose extensive experience in the food and beverage industry adds the operational finesse, they’ve created a powerhouse team.
Crafting the menu for the shop proved to be an exciting yet challenging endeavour. La Bella Sangweech boasts freshly baked focaccia daily, hand-sliced meats and cheeses and a dedication to providing great customer service.
“At the end of the day, we realized that, while a sangweech might not be rocket science, it is an art form, and we wanted to craft something truly special,”
The shop will soon launch an evening menu with Last Call, featuring elevated bites that pair with their drink offerings.
Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House emerged from an unexpected dinner discussion among Nick Di Donato, CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group, Kevin O’Leary from Dragon’s Den, and Toronto Maple Leafs’ right winger, Mitch Marner. Recognizing a gap in Toronto’s dining scene, they envisioned a fine-dining destination that not only showcased premium cuts of meat, including certified Japanese Kobe beef, but also boasted an amazing daily seafood selection and an ultra-premium sushi program.
The sister restaurant to Casa Loma’s Blue Blood Steakhouse, Blue Bovine is located at the northeast corner of the historic Union Station and boasts striking views of the city from the expansive windows. Guests will also find a dramatic, bronze bull weighing 1,500 pounds standing ground at the entrance — a homage to The Big Apple’s own “Charging Bull”
“Our majestic sculpture is poised to become an enduring symbol, not only for our Bay Street establishment, but also for Toronto’s iconic Union Station and the community,” says Nick Di Donato, president and CEO, Liberty Entertainment Group. “Serving as Toronto’s own rendition of Manhattan’s famed Wall Street bull, our hand-carved masterpiece represents Liberty Group’s ongoing mission to bring world-class restaurants and unequaled hospitality to our city, and onto the global stage.”
@bluebovine/Instagram
The venue accommodates up to two hundred guests for lunch and dinner, operating from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Its open kitchen design allows executive chef Sean Blomeley and his team to showcase their culinary expertise. Blending land and sea, the steak and sushi kitchen presents diners with an array of premium meats and seafood, expertly grilled to perfection. Guests can observe the aging process of ultra-premium beef in the salt-rock room, adding to the dining experience.
Under the guidance of award-winning sushi chef Yi-Joo Na, an array of traditional and innovative sushi creations awaits, highlighting the freshest seafood available. The Omakase sushi bar presents a traditional Japanese dining experience, with Chef Na crafting personalized sushi and sashimi selections based on the day’s freshest ingredients.
“We’re bringing many worlds together, and welcome all including the corporate world for lunches and meetings, the after-work crowd ready to unwind, travelers coming in and out of the city, and pre- and post-game and show fans and their teams’ heroes, to join us to celebrate,’ says Di Donato.
Blue Bovine’s eclectic art collection infuses a vibrant street-style into the space. Works by renowned artists like Mr. Brainwash, Mr. Pinkbrush, Peter Tunney and local artist Peter Triantos inject colour and character, reflecting the modern culture of the restaurant’s downtown location.
Online reservations are now open for dinner service starting Feb. 20th, with lunch service available beginning February 26th.
If the winter blues are hitting you hard, you might be looking forward to spending a long weekend with your partners, kids, parents, friends and whomever else you count as family. Whether you’re looking for something to do with your toddler or with your teens, there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to do around Toronto this weekend.
Here are just a few ways to spend Family Day in Toronto.
Enjoy a family classic at Hot Docs
Nothing brings a family together like laughter, which is why Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema will be featuring Howl’s Moving Castle on the big screen Monday afternoon. Get transported into the world of Studio Ghibli with a cult classic that follows a young artist cursed to look like an old woman who stumbles upon the castle of a wizard. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for those under 12.
Celebrate families of all species at the Toronto Zoo
@thetorontozoo/Instagram
The Toronto Zoo is sure to be filled with animal lovers this weekend as family fun activities are scheduled from Saturday to Monday. Scavenger hunts, animal enrichment demonstrations and immersive luminescent walks promise a weekend of fun for kids of all ages — plus, this weekend you can get 10 per cent off a zoo membership in honour of Family Day.
Enjoy Family Day on The Bentway
The Bentway is cooking up some exciting activities for all ages this weekend — and of course, some fabulous skating! Visitors can decorate their own skate boot covers in an activity led by the Bata Shoe Museum, learn about the history of figure skating with an interactive scavenger hunt, shop the winter market featuring local vendors and even grab a few treats at the Dairy Chill Après Skate Village.
Get a sugar rush at Sweet City Fest
@stacktmarket/Instagram
Stackt Market is hosting a festival that’s made to satisfy your sweet tooth this long weekend. Treat the kids (and yourself) to special s’mores, candy and hot chocolate at the Sweet City Fest and explore a stacked lineup of exhibits, specials, performances and bake sales. Yum!
Get in free at the Hockey Hall of Fame
Whether you live for the Leafs or are a player yourself, take the chance to spend Monday at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Kids under the age of 13 have free admission all day long, giving them plenty of time to marvel at specialty artifacts, hone their slapshot and take some selfies with the Stanley Cup — and snag a free gift.
Get your art on at the AGO
Courtesy ago.ca
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is fun all year round, but it’s going to be especially fantastic this weekend! The gallery is running free activities for kids all weekend long, including a dance class with Jade’s Hip Hop Academy, artmaking activities, storytelling with Yolanda T. Marshall and more!
Pick up a new hobby for free
Spend your weekend getting hooked on a new outdoor activity. Family Day is one of only three weekends each year that Ontarians can fish for free without a license. Take the family on a drive outside the city to the Kawarthas, rent a hut, get bundled in layers and get on the ice.
Try a family challenge with treetop trekking
@treetoptrekking/Instagram
Don’t let the cold snow scare you off from spending an afternoon outside and between the trees. Explore the forest in a fun and interactive way with Treetop Trekking, which is open all winter long in Stouffville. Ideal for ages 3-8, the Treewalk Village offers bouncing nets, suspension bridges and obstacle courses, all offered in a covered natural setting, and there are plenty of challenges for older kids to try (as long as no one is afraid of heights!).
While a delicious menu is important, today, a truly Instagrammable view is also a requirement. And while Toronto is home to a number of mouth-watering food joints, there are some that are just as eye-wateringly pleasing too.
Check out our list of the best restaurant views in the city.
Scaramouche
Scaramouche’s butter poached half lobster
For a sophisticated dining experience, nothing beats the upscale French haute cuisine eatery, Scaramouche. Since first opening more than 40 years ago, it’s managed to maintain its reputation as one of Toronto’s best. Located on the first floor of a 1950s-built condominium in the city’s posh Forest Hill neighbourhood, its sparkling skyline views — even more sparkly in the evening, sets the tone for a romantic evening or a milestone moment.
Toronto Beach Club
@torontobeachclub/Instagram
Mediterranean fare headlines the menu at the Toronto Beach Club, just steps away from Woodbine Beach. The massive 12,000-square foot space with impressive views of the lake includes an 1,800-sqaure-foot, wrap-around beachside patio surrounded by palm trees and a string-light canopy. It’s an outdoor oasis in the heart of the city that will make you feel you’re living the coastal life closer to home.
Canoe
@canoerestaurant/Instagram
Situated on the 54th Toronto Dominion Centre, Canoe serves up innovative Canadian cuisine and exudes modern, romantic vibes with its floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city and island. Standouts from the regionally-focused menu include the Atlantic ravioli with P.E.I. lobster, and to satisfy your sweet tooth, the Ontario rhubarb terrine.
Kōst
@kosttoronto/Instagram
Calling themselves a modern beach house in the sky, Kōst is known for its California-inspired dishes and panoramic city and lakeshore views. Located in the Entertainment District on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, this rooftop restaurant is also home to an infinity pool and features both an indoor lounge and a chic open-air terrace. It’s a welcome reprieve from one of the city’s busiest tourist destinations.
The Chase
On the fifth floor of the Financial District’s historic Dineen Building, The Chase is known for show-stopping city views thanks to a 75-seat rooftop terrace, while inside the dining room, floor-to-ceiling windows provide an equally stunning vantage point for an evening of stargazing. The menu is devoted to seafood, with dishes like lobster, sea bass and oysters, and aptly named cocktails like Formal Attire and Executive Affair are on offer.
Whether it’s through her regular Cityline segment, her Sex with Dr. Jesspodcast or her speaking appearances around the world, Toronto relationship expert (and former Post City columnist) Jess O’Reilly has been helping couples for decades. Now she gives us the scoop on the secret to marital success with husband Brandon Ware.
How they met
We met as students in 2001 while working at Hotel nightclub on Peter Street. I was bartending and Brandon was the bar back.
The first date
We didn’t have an official first date. We hooked up after work one night and moved in together a few days later. That was almost 23 years ago, but it feels like a hot minute. There wasn’t really a chase or courtship, but I was the initiator.
It was a turbo relationship, but we were young university students, so we weren’t overthinking or analyzing it. Having said that, we both remember the early days so clearly: Lying on the grass in High Park and saying “I love you” for the first time — probably a week after we met! And working late nights in the bars and eating sandwiches from Rabba while watching Law & Order at 4 a.m.
The proposal
We were 23 and 25 when we got engaged and it felt more like a formality than a question. We were already living life as though we’d spend it together. Brandon tried to pop the question at Edwards Gardens. An older lady was watching and said something like, “Oh. You’re going to ask her now!” as soon as he got down on one knee. So she technically proposed for us while we were both crying.
The wedding
My family is from Jamaica, so we were married in Negril in 2006. It was so much fun!
Shared hobbies and interests
Our lifestyle often revolves around my speaking schedule, which works well for us. We’re always on the move, so we make it fun and always carve out time for food, drink, art, nature and culture wherever we land. In February, I have work in Barcelona, Toronto, Bermuda, D.C., Miami, San Diego, N.Y.C., Bahamas, Cancun and Madrid. Brandon will join in most cities, so we’ll get to take in something new at every stop.
We also work together [Brandon co-hosts the Sex With Dr. Jess podcast] and are involved in a number of investment and start-up projects together, which isn’t a hobby per se, but definitely a shared interest.
The secret to success
Because my work focuses on relationships, we’re always a bit reticent to share our “formula” because what works for us may not work for others. Having said that, we think a big part of why we’re so happy is that we each genuinely want one another to live their best life ever, so we’re open and flexible in terms of: needs and expectations — we don’t expect perfection or for every need and want to be fulfilled and we talk about what we’re feeling with ease; gender roles and all the baggage that comes with them; time and schedules including spending time apart; fluidity of the relationship; sex — we can talk about anything without judgment.
And we have fun together. We like each other. It sounds simple, but we’re really kind to one another.
Balancing careers and a relationship
It’s pretty easy now because Brandon has the flexibility to travel and plan around my work/travel schedule, which makes life fun. Because we don’t have kids, it’s definitely easier to balance work and pleasure. But I work with so many happy couples with kids who also find this balance, so it is possible for parents too.
The future together
We want more of the same. We now spend time between Toronto and Barcelona and we’re on the road a lot for work. We’re hoping it lasts forever.
If you’ve been spending most of your time stuck indoors, moving from couch to dinner table and back all day long, you’re probably itching to get out of the house. Luckily, Valentine’s Day is today, making this weekend the perfect time for a romantic getaway for two (or a self-care getaway for one!). If you’re a last-minute planner but the idea of a mini vacation sounds like just what you need, here are five getaways across Ontario you can still book for a one- or two-night stay this weekend.
If you and your partner are the type to enjoy a cosy and quiet vacation and look for accommodations with local charm, The Gables Bed & Breakfast near Collingwood and Wasaga Beach will be the perfect fit. Hosts Lois and Bill come highly recommended from past guests, and with just a few rooms in this sweet abode, you’ll get all the privacy in the world. With a private garden in the backyard and a breakfast that pulls out all the stops from Lois and Bill themselves (who have their own backgrounds in the food industry), you’ll quickly be able to relax and unwind.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is almost as beautiful in the winter as it is all in bloom in the spring and summer, and the Queen’s Landing hotel is right in the heart of it. You’ll get to enjoy all of the small-town charm while also being provided a beginning-to-end luxury experience, including a “fire and ice” package offering a three-course dinner, an ice wine martini and exclusive access to a backyard rink and “retreat to wine country” package option that includes a three-course dinner and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are spacious, cosy and elegant, the perfect romantic retreat for a couple looking to enjoy a little bit of pampering.
Can’t take the city out of the couple? Opt for a staycation at the SoHo Hotel. If price is no object, this modern hotel in the heart of the city offers a romantic getaway package, featuring a bottle of sparkling wine, a complimentary upgrade to the next room category and a truly stunning room featuring heated floors in the marble bathroom, a soaker tub and more. Though there’s certainly a lot to do in the city this weekend, the top-notch luxury here might make you never want to leave.
For the more outdoorsy couples looking for something more unique to do, Evergreen Forest in the Bruce Peninsula has rooms that might be the perfect fit. From their treetop suite, featuring a spiral staircase and a treehouse loft bed hanging from the ceiling, to their constellation suite that gives guests a perfect view of the stars via a massive skylight above your bed, Evergreen Forest guarantees a unique and romantic getaway for two in Ontario.
If you and your partner are history buffs, or at least just looking for a bit of modern-meets-vintage glam, The CAPE (Culinary Arts Prince Edward) has the perfect venue for you. Fittingly named the Elizabeth Taylor suite, this historic mansion just off of main street Picton comes with a king bed, a dressing room and make-up vanity. You can certainly sit back and relax, but you’ll likely want to take a tour of the entire location – The CAPE is a popular wedding venue and the interior has been meticulously upgraded.
A new season of OG reality-TV series Survivor is set to premiere later this month, and with it the opportunity for local viewers to cheer on Toronto resident Venus Vafa.
Vafa, who grew up in Richmond Hill and attended Bayview Secondary School, is looking to follow in the footsteps of Survivor season 41 champion Erika Casupanan, also from Toronto and Ajax’s Maryanne Oketch who won season 42.
Canadians had dominated the game to such an extent that, when asked about it, legendary Jeff Probst said, “That’s a fun and funny question. I have no idea, but you’re right, they are kicking ass!”
Vafa is listed as a data analyst, and we have gleaned that she has an interest in law and attend McGill University.
“They would describe me as a someone with a really tough exterior (think Regina George from Mean Girls), but a secret softy,” said Vafa, in her introductory interview. “I am actually a crybaby under my tough girl façade and am very emotional and empathetic to the tiniest of things.”
She noted her hobbies as playing poker, creative writing, and making short films.
In her pre-show Survivor interview, she notes that her looks might lead her fellow contestants to make assumptions about her, which she can use to her advantage.
“I am very observant and can see right through people’s facades,” she adds. “The threshold to earn my trust is quite high BUT I become fast friends with the few people who meet it. I can tell when someone is authentic and on the same wavelength as me and quickly become as thick as thieves with them. This should come in extra handy on Survivor!”
She also says she comes from a long line of Iranian women who have struggled and are, well, survivors. And, although she adds that she didn’t have a lot of people who looked like her in high school, she wants to inspire others.
“I want to be that representation that I didn’t have growing up with what’s going on in Iran and the women they’re fighting for their freedom and dignity,” she says. “If I have those women in my blood, there’s nothing I can accomplish. You know, I can be the next Sole Survivor.”
Watch Venus Vafa as Survivor 46 premieres on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. on Global and STACKTV.
Chef Anthony Rose and his mom, Linda, take a bite out of the ultimate breakfast staple, pancakes and crown the most fantastic flapjacks in town.
Winner: Old School
Anthony: “This is a really good pancake. I love the combination of the bacon and the blueberry, the sweet and savoury. It’s really delicious.”Linda: “These blueberries are really nice here. They didn’t try to doctor it. It tastes like it’s supposed to. This tastes like a nice old-fashioned pancake.” 800 Dundas St. W., $19.95
Runner-Up: Yonge Cafe and Bistro
Anthony: “This is a good-looking pancake and they taste even better. They have a really nice colour, and I love the addition of the dulce de leche.” Linda: “They taste fluffy and airy. This is a really delicious pancake.” 5000 Yonge St., North York, $15.99
One Restaurant
Anthony: “This is visually the greatest looking one of all time. The whipped cheesecake is a nice touch, and I like the addition of the graham cracker, but I wish this was a little less sweet.” Linda: “The pancakes are light, and the blueberry tastes really delicious.” Overall, a really nice job.” 116 Yorkville Ave., $25
Ramona’s Kitchen
Anthony: “I love that there’s chunks of chocolate in this. They taste nice and moist and not overwhelming, considering the amount of chocolate!” Linda: “This tastes just like you’re eating brownies. Anyone who loves chocolate is going to go crazy for this.” 7355 Bayview Ave., Thornhill, $16.99
Hotel Gelato
Anthony: “They’re pretty good, not too sweet. I like how fluffy they are, and they’re nice and moist.” Linda: “It tastes almost like a soufflé pancake. I like how they look — slightly rustic, but I prefer a much larger pancake.” 532 Eglinton Ave. W., $17
Mia Brunch Bar
Anthony: “The maple cream is so good, it lightens it up a little, but I wish they were fluffier.” Linda: “They’re very heavy, I find them a little bit difficult to cut, but I do love the addition of the icing sugar.” 2140 Yonge St., $18.50
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at your favourite restaurants? Now you can find out with a unique culinary experience which will see participants working alongside Toronto’s most esteemed executive chefs.
With Into The Kitchen, participants will spend three hours ahead of dinner service in the dynamic kitchen of some of the city’s top restaurants. Enthusiasts will gain an authentic hands-on experience in an informal learning environment, while gaining an appreciation for fine dining service.
“The participant is fully immersed and has the opportunity to both observe and actively participate alongside the culinary team and gain valuable insight into the restaurant’s distinct expertise and specialties,” says Into The Kitchen founder Lou Borins. “They get to observe not only mastering specific arts, but they observe the comradery around the kitchen stations.”
Borins ran the experience for a decade beginning in 2001 after first gaining the opportunity to see the dynamics of the kitchen at Centro with chef David Lee.
Tenderloin Rossini @barprima.to/Instagram
“I became part of the culinary team, which was exhilarating and educational and has stuck with me,” she says, adding that people have been asking her for the return of Into The Kitchen which inspired her to relaunch the experience at the end of 2023. “Now, after all these years, the concept resonates even more profoundly in an ever-evolving experiential culinary landscape.”
Restaurant kitchens that can be visited are helmed by some of the city’s top chefs and include, Bar Koukla (chef Shu Zhang), Bar Prima (chef Craig Harding), Bymark (chef Brooke McDougall), Capra’s Kitchen (chef Massimo Capra), DaiLo (chef Nick Liu), La Palma (chef Craig Harding), Mamakas Taverna (Rafael Freitas da Rocha), The Chase (chef Cory Vitiello), Vela (chef Kim Haugen and chef Marvin Palomo).
“These are top restaurants in the city that specialize in cuisine where, in most cases, chefs are notorious or on cooking shows or infamous in the industry,” says Borins. “It’s still evolving, and we just love that we have levels of different cuisine, different locations and everybody brings something different to the table.”
@dailo.to/Instagram
Clients interested in learning hands-on in the kitchen are able to select the chef they want to learn from, or they can connect with Into The Kitchen to find the kitchen that best suits the techniques and skillsets they would like to learn. Whether its honing knife skills, pastry plating or a specific time of cuisine, there are endless opportunities and a range of kitchens to learn from.
“We really want to match the interest with the client. For instance, if they have an interest in, say, Italian risotto or making egg truffle pasta, they might choose Capra’s Kitchen,” explains Borins. “Each kitchen has their specialty, and that makes it very easy to match based on what they’re interested in.”
Into The Kitchen offers three distinct experiences, each starting with an immersion into the restaurant’s kitchen. Clients have the option to enhance their experience by adding a chef’s menu while inviting a guest to join them for a dinner they have helped prepare. The third experience includes a wine pairing to complement the chef’s dinner.
“The chef’s menu is customized, and it would be very specific to the client as they would be prepping a little bit of the entire menu in the kitchen,” says Borins, noting that clients could pick their preferences on tastes. “Obviously the wine pairing would be very specific to the course that has been selected for the client.”
Strozzapreti @thechaseto/Instagram
In addition to the culinary experiences, Into The Kitchen offers bespoke group experiences in the new Mamakas Food Group dining room, Trapézi. Under the culinary direction of Chef Benny Chateau of Mamakas Taverna and Bar Koukla, these bespoke experiences are curated to suit the size and objectives of events.
“Trapézi is a gorgeous and fun private dining room and just ideal for various occasions, ranging from corporate to team-building events and family gatherings,” says Borins.
Borins notes that the participants do not have to have had a formal culinary education in order to enjoy the Into The Kitchen experience.
“The kitchen is so open and excited to teach anybody the craft that they specialize in,” she says. “It’s such a unique opportunity to just imagine as a regular at a favourite restaurant, who has only ever been in the dining room, getting a chance to go behind the scenes with the crews. It’s exhilarating.”
More information on Into The Kitchen can be found here.
It’s been a dream for decades, and Gerry Quintero, one of the owners of the local grocery store and café ALMA + GIL, has finally realized it. Raised originally as a vegetarian, Quintero learned to cook with meat upon immigrating to Canada and has since harboured the vision of opening his own restaurant.
Now, that dream is a reality. Taking over the space formerly occupied by the popular Italian restaurant Il Covo, Quintero is bringing Ficoa to Toronto, offering a new tasting menu experience to the city.
In contemplating a name for the space, Quintero originally considered honouring his investor’s late brother. However, a deeper desire to pay homage, eventually led to the birth of Ficoa. Then names draws inspiration from the cultural tapestry of Ambato, Ecuador, the hometown of the restaurant’s passionate investor.
Ficoa’s design pays homage to the natural beauty of Ambato, incorporating hints of greenery and a mandarin-themed color scheme. An immersive mural, adorned with green tones and mandarins, invites guests into the heart of the restaurant’s inspiration.
“I like the idea of being able to provide an experience where guests aren’t just sitting there and eating — they’re also enjoying the room and the vibe,” says Quintero. “In particular, the smell of the restaurant was huge for us, so we also have certain scents like mandarin throughout the space.”
Ficoa stands out not only for its name and design but also for its distinctive culinary approach. Quintero’s culinary journey, shaped by diverse influences over the years, culminates in Ficoa’s commitment to contemporary Canadian cuisine.
Stepping away from a la carte offerings, the tasting menu is priced at $250 and promises 16 dishes, which Quintero notes, will be an ever-changing, seasonal menu that showcase signature dishes.
Patrons can enjoy a succulent barbecue duck — which Quintero has been perfecting since 2013 — along with other dishes like a smoked fish, wagyu, and even pasta. And while the menu will boast a contemporary selection, Quintero isn’t hesitant to also infuse some Mexican flavours and other spices in certain dishes.
“With our tasting menu, we’re just not trying to go too classic,” says Quintero. “It’s a little bit more inventive and it allows us to be a little bit more creative with the food.”
This creativity extends to beverage pairings, with options for wine or chef cocktail pairings, skillfully curated by the all-bartender front-of-house team.
Another thing that sets Ficoa apart will be its forward-thinking membership program, offering a neighbourhood membership. This credit-based membership allows patrons to enjoy various experiences within the restaurant, which Quitero hopes will foster community engagement for new and regular guests.
“I would love to make the restaurant grow with us,” says Quintero. “And I have so many other ideas for restaurants that it would be great to be able to bring them to the city.”
Ficoa’s soft open is on Feb 13. The restaurant is located at 585 College St.
As an intimacy expert on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle, a love specialist on her podcast Lovers and Friends and an author of the definitive guide to relationships Game of Love, Toronto’s Shan Boodram knows what she’s talking about when it comes to love. Ahead of the holiday of romance, she’s giving us her best tips for handling all the challenges that come with Valentine’s Day.
Why can Valentine’s Day be so hard sometimes?
Traditionally, Valentine’s Day can be a passive holiday for most women. Either you’re single and wait to see if someone will ask you out, or you’re coupled and wait to see if your partner can read your mind. This formula can often set people up to be disappointed on a day that should be filled with love and gratitude. However, I think it’s encouraging to know that this is changing: people are either taking the initiative and making the first move to set up their Valentine’s Day plans, or they’re opting to celebrate the love that they have for other people in their life, like friends. More and more people are participating in Gal-entines (or Pal-entine’s!) Day celebrations and some would even prefer to celebrate these types of relationships than the romantic ones in their lives.
For single Torontonians, what are some ways to make this love season fun but not disappointing/disheartening?
Research from Bumble has found that a majority (67 per cent) of Canadian respondents feel more self-conscious about being single at some point during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, so this is completely understandable. However, when it boils down to it, Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love. So, shine a light on your most important relationship, and the only relationship you have 100 per cent control over: the one you have with yourself.
From spoiling yourself with a nice spa day or a well-deserved luxury item to establishing boundaries and knowing what your sexual wants and needs are, self-care can take many forms. Not only is self-pleasure pleasurable, but understanding your preferences can also help you feel increased sexual agency and greater control of your connections, which can lead to safer and more empowered relationships.
Additionally, self-love isn’t only limited to those who are single! Self-love is crucial to any relationship, so shower yourself in love no matter where you are in your dating journey.
This holiday can be an opportunity for long term couples to reconnect — what are some ways to accomplish that?
The easiest way to reconnect is to revisit. Ask yourself: what have we done in the past that was meaningful to us? How can we replay a cherished memory that reflects our love story today? If sentimental is not your thing, try creating a new memory based on something that your partner has mentioned they’ve been dying to experience.
Are you pro-gifts or pro-experiences (or both!) for Valentine’s Day?
I am personally pro gifts – which reminds me, I have to get something for my husband, Jared! A gift is great, especially for busy people who can’t plan a whole ordeal. It saves you time, plus it can stand the test of time. A few years ago, I got Jared a pearl necklace for Valentine’s Day, and every time I see him wear it, I reflect on why our love is worth celebrating. My husband is also a really great gift giver, and since we don’t do gifts for each other over Christmas anymore (it became expensive, especially with the kids’ gifts!), Valentine’s Day is a lovely make-good.
For Valentine’s Day, what would you choose: staying in or going out?
We went out on the weekend since we were invited to some fun parties, so I’d love to stay in on Valentine’s Day and spend Feb. 14 as a family. As mentioned earlier, Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love – any type of love – and it’ll be my youngest daughter’s first Valentine’s Day!
For those just starting out in a relationship, what’s the best way to avoid the pressure that comes with this holiday?
In an early relationship, you might feel tempted to get a showy or expensive gift, but before purchasing, consider whether that gift would be reciprocated. If not, remove it from your cart and look for something small but thoughtful. This can be anything from tickets to a movie that they’ve been talking about time and time again, or a small gift, like a paperback book that features one of their favorite hobbies or interests.
If you’ve just started seeing someone and you aren’t confident that you want to acknowledge Valentine’s Day just yet, opt to celebrate the platonic love you have in your life instead, or spend the day showing yourself some love.
What’s your advice for anyone who feels pressure to have sex on Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day certainly has a lot of buildup and pressure. This pressure isn’t only to have sex – it’s to have the best sex. To alleviate this, I recommend:
Have an open conversation about it with your partner – and use situational comedy to your advantage because the idea that we are all supposed to eat loads of chocolate and steaks and then have cirque-du-soleil sex is ridiculous. Let them know that you’re feeling this societal pressure because they may be feeling it, too. As soon as you admit it, you can laugh about it and start fresh.
Don’t feel like you need to pull out all of the experimentation cards on Valentine’s Day. If you and your partner want to try out a new position or two, do it! However, if you’re not into anal or bondage, and you’ve never shown interest in either before, don’t feel like you need to pull out all of the stops. Feel free to stick to the tried-and-true and be OK with that, too.
Choose clothes that you feel confident and sexy in. The old saying carries some weight: When you look good, you feel good. Whether getting a brand-new outfit to wear on a night out on the town or purchasing that sexy set of lingerie you’ve been eyeing, wear something that makes you feel good.
And if you’re not feeling it, don’t force it! If you truly don’t feel like having sex on Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to! Decide to have sex tomorrow, next week, or whenever feels best for you. Plus, trust me: it will be a million times better when your heart is in it.
In 1971, the culinary journey began for the Pickle Barrel, an 85-seat Jewish deli located on Leslie Street in North York. Its humble roots aimed at offering high-quality deli fare at affordable prices, and from this modest start, the Pickle Barrel blossomed into a household name, with multiple locations across the GTA. Unfortunately, this original location recently closed its doors, marking the end of an era.
A sign posted on the door of the Pickle Barrel on Leslie Street conveys a heartfelt message:: “…The time has come for the Pickle Barrel on Leslie Street to close its doors after almost 60 years of serving you. We would like to thank each of you for your patronage and friendship over the last five decades, welcoming our team into your community and into your lives.”
Maintaining a consistent style across its locations, the Pickle Barrel is recognized for its expansive, vibrant leather booths, hanging blown glass lights, and chic décor. Presently, the Pickle Barrel has a footprint in seven locations across Ontario, including London, Waterloo, Bramalea and three GTA locations, including one at Yorkdale.
@thepicklebarrel/Instagram
In 2017, CARA acquired Pickle Barrel, subsequently renamed Recipe Unlimited in 2018. The company oversee additional brands including Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, and The Keg
Over time, the menu underwent significant changes, expanding to include over 300 items spanning various cuisines and preparations. While the classic deli sandwiches remained bestsellers, the menu diversified to include colossal burgers with lavish toppings like applewood smoked bacon, caramelized mushrooms and Gorgonzola cheese. Toronto nutritionist and bestselling cookbook author Rose Reisman contributed a menu of healthy options, featuring dishes such as Spanish paella and maple nut salmon.
This is yet another closure in recent years for the Pickle Barrel chain. In 2020, the Downtown Toronto location in The Atrium on Bay closed its doors after a four-decade run, citing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline in downtown foot traffic and the lack of an outdoor dining patio. Adding to this, in September 2022, the Pickle Barrel at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke permanently closed its doors.
Anthony: “The maple cream is so good, it lightens it up a little, but I wish they were fluffier.” Linda: “They’re very heavy, I find them a little bit difficult to cut, but I do love the addition of the icing sugar.” 2140 Yonge St., $18.50
