Home Blog Page 305

Soulpepper brings the story of NASA’s Golden Record to life in beautiful new show

By
Ron Johnson
-
0
the golden record
Andrew Penner in Soulpepper's The Golden Record

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Soulpepper’s latest show The Golden Record, but I knew I would be entertained. I didn’t do any research into this unique tidbit of history that provides the backbone to this production, instead what drew me in was the cast featuring five of the company’s musical theatre artists extraordinaire in Divine Brown, Beau Dixon, Raha Javanfar, Travis Knights, and Andrew Penner in addition to Soulpepper’s music director Mike Ross. They do not disappoint

There hasn’t been a Soulpepper concert performance since before the pandemic in 2019. It’s long overdue, and a welcome addition to the fall theatre season. And this show is a fine example of what this team can do.

The show starts out a bit slowly with the opening song “Starman” by David Bowie moving into some dialogue about a weird time capsule project from the 70s. But as the audience learned more about the Golden Record project, and started to get a feel for what story this production was trying to tell as it related to it, things started to get very interesting and very entertaining.

For background, the Golden Record is a 12-inch gold-plated disk that was sent into the far reaches of outer space with the Voyageur space shuttle in 1977. It contains sounds and images designed to give an idea of the life and culture of the earth and humanity to any alien life forms that might find it. Apparently, it’s still clanking around up there, the Golden Record and all the photos representing humanity ready to be found by some alien life form or another.

Divine Brown, one of the stars of The Golden Record

The Soulpepper production is a unique take on the project. It intersperses commentary from those involved in the project most notably Carl Sagan, as well the cast members’ interpretation of the Golden Record. So, yes there were songs that made it onto the record, songs that perhaps should have been included, and songs that were more about telling this particular story.

The entire cast with the addition of a small string quartet is on the stage throughout the production. The principal cast members take turns reading snippets of surprisingly interesting and thought-provoking commentary, taking the lead on songs, dancing, swapping instruments and generally just displaying an awe-inspiring level of talent.

Some of the many highlights include a breathtaking performance of Nina Simone’s “Sinnerman” sung by Divine Brown, with dance accompaniment by Travis Knights as well as a barn-burning mashup of Chuck Berry, Stravinsky and Beethoven featuring Raha Javanfar. But, Andrew Penner’s performance as well as the brilliant and frightening interpretation of CCR’s Bad Moon Rising stirred me to my core.

The production is about this record created to represent our world and our humanity, but it’s also a look at and a plea directed at humanity right now. What we’ve done to our home and what we need to do to make it right. That’s what this story is about and why it’s important to see it while you can. Go see this show, and support the continued work of this incredible crew at Soulpepper.

Star chef Matty Matheson opens an incredible new Italian restaurant

By
Jennifer Schembri
-
0
Rizzo's House of Parm on Instagram

There’s no stopping Matty Matheson. The celebrity chef and actor extraordinaire recently opened Rizzo’s House of Parm in his hometown of Fort Erie, Ontario serving up old-school Italian dishes in a charming family-friendly space.

According to an Instagram post, the restaurant is an ode to his wife Patricia’s Italian heritage as well as a nod to his daughter — also named Rizzo.

“This is a love story to all my Italian Family! To all Canadian Italians! To Mr. and Mrs. Delduca, thank you for having so many kids and those kids having so many kids cause I fell in love with Patricia and now this restaurant is named after our first daughter Rizzo,” Matheson writes in the post.


If you have a penchant for big portions and big flavour, get ready for an epic eating adventure. On the menu is a trio of parm plates, including chicken, eggplant and veal ($26) served with a side of spaghetti.


Helmed by chef Andy Donofrio (formerly of Meat + Three), there’s also an abundance of classic pasta dishes including linguine and clams ($30), Carol’s chicken cacciatore ($25) and Matty’s bolognese ($22).

Rounding out the menus is traditional Italian sides (rapini, polenta and marinated hot and sweet peppers), soups and salads, as well as a kids’ menu with loads of pasta options.

This is not Matheson’s first foray into the Fort Erie food scene. During the pandemic, The Bear star opened up Matty Matheson’s Meat + Three, a now defunct pop-up serving up delicious BBQ which raised more than $6,000 for Women’s Place of South Niagara.

Rizzo’s House of Parm is located at 2 Ridgeway Rd., in Crystal Beach, Ontario. The restaurant is currently open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s team and the World Cup

By
Ron Johnson
-
0
FIFA World Cup 26
Instagram: Canada Soccer

For the first time since 1986, Team Canada Men’s soccer has qualified for the World Cup. After a 4-0 thrashing of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in March, the team clinched its spot in the big tournament. Now, the team is set to send 26 players overseas and we cannot wait for the action to start. Here’s what you need to know.

When and Where

The World Cup is being played in Qatar from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. The 32-team tournament will take place in eight venues located in five cities around the country.

The opening match will feature Qatar (the host country automatically qualifies for the tournament) and Equador at Al Bayt Stadium in the city of Al Khor.

Catch the Canadian squad’s first match of the group stage on Nov. 23, where they look to upset group favourite Belgium. The reigning world champions are France.

TSN is the official World Cup broadcaster in Canada.

Notable absences from the World Cup begin and end with Italy. It’s the first time the Azzurri, the 2020 European champions, have missed the World Cup since 1958. Toronto’s Little Italy will not be the same this time around.

How We Got Here

Canada’s road to World Cup glory was tough from the start. Their region’s qualification format had them playing countries from our rivals in North America, strong sides from Central America, and upcoming squads from The Caribbean. However, their long, arduous path has finally led to a positive conclusion.

Canada tied with Mexico in the final CONCACAF qualifying standings, although they went top of the table due to higher goals for/against average. They recorded eight wins, four draws, and just two losses while scoring 23 goals in 14 games. Canada suffered two heartbreaking 1-0 losses to Costa Rica and Panama.

Our men’s national team has long been an outsider in the international soccer scene. For almost 36 years, the team has defined itself as a perennial afterthought. Heartbreak after heartbreak has finally led to a successful team that combines experience and leadership with a youthful flair.

The Stars

Leading the youthful charge are Bayern Munich Wingback Alphonso Davies and the talented, Lille-based attacker Jonathan David.

Davies has been instrumental to his Bayern squad, achieving Bundesliga stardom, winning the German Championship, and winning the FIFA Club World Cup. Bayern Munich and the Canadian World Cup squad were both given a scare when Davies suffered a hamstring injury last week during a match. But the latest news seems to indicate the injury isn’t a serious one, and Davies should be fine to compete at the World Cup. Fingers crossed.

Davies has an incredible backstory having been born to Liberian parents in a refugee camp in the African country of Ghana before the family emigrated to Canada, landing in Edmonton in 2005.

Over in France, David has hit the back of the net nine times in just 13 games while assisting three more. The feisty attacker has already tied his yellow card count from last season at three. Adding a necessary tenacity to the squad. David was born in the United States. His family moved to Haiti when he was still a baby and then emigrated to Ottawa where he grew up and discovered soccer.

Youth Movement

Adding to Canada’s youthful growth on the offensive end is Brampton’s Tajon Buchanan. Buchanan has been lighting up the Belgian First Division for Club Brugge. He’s also a dazzling goal scorer who netted one of the four goals in their tournament-clinching match.

Stephen Eustaquio has been as good as Toronto chefs at feeding Canada’s attack throughout the tournament. The young midfielder plays for FC Porto in the Portuguese league.

Toronto Connection

Many of the players on the Canadian side play in the city for Toronto FC with a number growing up in youth soccer leagues around the GTA.

For instance, 27-year-old Richie Laryea was born in Toronto and played high school soccer at Dante Alighieri Academy in North York. He’s played on the senior men’s national team since 2019, which is the same year he signed with Toronto FC.

Other Toronto players to watch out for during the World Cup include Scarborough’s Kamal Miller, a gritty defender. Also look out for Doneil Henry, who cut his proverbial teeth on the Brampton pitches as a youth.

Brampton youth soccer is very well represented on the team, including the aforementioned youthful sensation Buchanan, as well as another Brampton standout in team captain Atiba Hutchinson who anchors the midfield alongside Davies and, at 39, is a long-time veteran of the team.

One of the 416 standouts is Mark-Anthony Kaye, who plays with Toronto FC and was a standout high school player at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute as well as with Wexford SC in Scarborough.

The Vets

Canada’s veteran force and experience helped drive them towards qualification. Cyle Larin bagged his 24th goal for Canada in the 4-0 win against Jamaica. This brace helped extend his lead as Canada’s all-time leading scorer.

Aiding Eustaquio in the midfield are Junior Hoilett and Jonathan Osorio. While Hoilett has spent most of his career playing across England, Osorio has spent his time in the MLS, tearing it up for our hometown TFC. The combination, paired with Eustaquio, has led a powerful Canadian midfield that has orchestrated many attacking phases.

Canada is ranked 38th in the world. And, the odds of them winning the tournament are not great, tied for 21st best odds. Ghana is the lowest-ranked team to qualify at 61st. But this team of Canadians has definitely taken the world by storm this year, and there is something to be said for riding a wave of momentum in addition to coming into the tournament as serious underdogs. There is no doubt they will do us proud.

Toronto’s Saks Fifth Avenue just replaced four of their most popular luxury brands

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0
@reimagine.sakscanada

Toronto’s Saks Fifth Avenue underwent a major transformation earlier this year when Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior all exited the Queen Street location within weeks of each other and Burberry followed suit in the fall. The closures meant Prada was the last remaining handbag and accessory concession left on the main floor of Saks. While the high-end department store has been missing some of its most popular boutiques all year, it has finally replaced them with some pretty great new luxury brands.

The former Dior store was downsized according to Retail Insider, and has been transformed into an Alexander McQueen handbags and accessories boutique. Thanks to the downsizing, there’s also a small new Versace handbag shop to enjoy next door.

Despite rumours that Balenciaga would be exiting Saks Fifth Avenue after opening two standalone storefronts in the city, the brand is not only staying, but has expanded into the former Saint Laurent handbag storefront. The new Balenciaga spot houses handbags and accessories as well.

In the former Dior women’s fashion boutique on the third floor, you’ll find a new Moncler women’s jacket shop – and it’s neighbours with a Bruno Cucinelli women’s fashion store that recently opened.

The Burberry women’s fashion boutique space has been replaced by a Ralph Lauren boutique, apparently using the exact same design and carpeting that Burberry used.

Burberry exited Saks and other multi-brand stores in Canada, including Nordstrom, to create a more “exclusive brand image” that would focus on selling within their own retail spaces.

But when Louis Vuitton, Dior and Saint Laurent closed their doors earlier this year, it was at a time when at-home and hybrid working models had become the norm, and with cancelled events and lockdowns in the past, consumer tastes had changed. A focus on comfort and casual contributed to the rise in athleisure, and it’s possible the need for designer handbags and shoes has taken a backseat to comfort and practicality- first designs.

Beyond that, reduced foot traffic in stores has companies of all sizes paying exorbitant rent asking the question – is a brick-and-mortar shop really necessary? Mere weeks into the pandemic back in March 2020, several luxury retail storefronts, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi and Jimmy Choo, closed up shop permanently in New York City.

Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Saint Laurent all opened within the same year of the opening of Saks Fifth Avenue’s first Canada location in Toronto in 2016.

Despite changing tastes and an initial dip in profits, sales for Louis Vuitton and Dior, both LVMH-owned brands, have appeared to bounce back in certain countries, including Japan, China and the United States. In fact, LVMH reported growth was up by a reported 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the first nine months of 2020. The fashion and leather goods business group reported double the amount of growth compared to other sectors.

Despite Dior and Louis Vuitton’s rebound in countries like China and the U.S., it doesn’t seem to be enough to replicate the same surge for the Saks brand. Saks had planned on a national expansion into Montreal and Vancouver, but it’s rumoured these plans have been halted due to weak sales performances across the country.

But with new high-end brands moving into Saks now, the company may be bouncing back. With a major restructuring that has seen the entire second floor devoted to menswear for the first time, women’s footwear moving down to street level and reduced hours, maybe the changes are just what the brand needs.

Shoppers can still get their Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Burberry and Dior fix in Toronto, inside the Bloor Street and Yorkdale mall Holt Renfrew locations, as well as at their standalone storefronts on Bloor.

Vests are the latest seasonal fashion trend to hit Toronto and here’s where to find them

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0
Courtesy Chosen Vintage

The fall-winter transition can be a tough one sartorially. Temperatures start fluctuating between 16 C one day and -16 C the next, making it tough to choose what to wear to satisfy both your need for warmth and your need for style. Luckily, there’s a trend on the horizon that answers both of these questions – vests. The perfect layering element, it’s the kind of trend that seems made for Toronto weather.

Another perk? There are multiple styles of vests to choose from to fit your current wardrobe aesthetic. Ideally, you already have a few of these lying around in your closet, but if you don’t, we’ve rounded up a few of the best places to shop this new trend and how to style them for the Toronto season.

Puffer vests


This style of vest has come in and out of style on the fashion scene, but hit the ski slopes or head up north and you’ll see that they’ve never gone out of style for the adventurers of Ontario. Now, puffer styles of all kinds have made it onto the fall/winter season runways, so you can pull out the vest you’ve been hiding at the back of your coat closet and move it back into rotation. This style would lend itself well to a gorpcore look played straight with a turtleneck or fleece sweater underneath and cargo pants. Or, go for high contrast by layering a colourful pantsuit underneath or a patterned maxi dress.

For puffer vest newbies, Toronto has plenty of options. Try Rudsak for some sleek and fashion-forward styles, including a very cool full length vest and a cropped, glossy style. For a cute, patterned look, try 6 By Gee Beauty – this patterned puffer vest comes in two equally fun styles. And this belted version of a classic puffer vest from Mackage would be a major fashion moment layered over a voluminous skirt or with puffed sleeves underneath.

Sweater vests

Courtesy Chosen Vintage

You’ve seen your grandparents sporting them, but that only ups their cool factor – winter dressing is all about emulating all things cozy and comfortable. Sweater vests are all over the runway, from funky patterned ones to chunky knit ones. Perfect to give you major style and warmth points, layer them over turtlenecks, mesh shirts for a bit of fun texture maxi dresses to up your layering game.

Chosen Vintage is home to a nice selection of more classic knit styles, including this oatmeal wool one or this bright blue one for a pop of colour. Try Canopy Blue for this funky heart print vest or a cool sleeveless turtleneck style. And The Latest Scoop has a three-quarter-zip sweater vest for a more casual, athleisure look.

Waistcoats


A very ’90s throwback, waistcoats – also known as suit vests – have dominated the fashion scene this year. Easy to style and even easier to find secondhand, throw one on over a t-shirt with jeans, underneath a cardigan or even with a crisp white collared shirt underneath for a Diane Keaton-esque look.

Since these vests have been around forever, look to your nearest vintage store to find your own. Consignment shop Second Nature Boutique has a few, including this stunning Gianni Versace gold-buttoned number or this edgy cropped moto vest. You’ll find a very cool Wrangler denim vest at Coffee and Clothing, among a few other patterned gems. Or support a local designer by visiting Smythe, which houses a few styles of this amazing, tailored single-breasted waistcoat.

Toronto’s European Union Film Festival returns this month in-theatre and online!

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0

If you didn’t get your film fix at TIFF this year, the European Union Film Festival is hoping to take care of that buzz. EUFF draws the best films from the European Union to Toronto, engaging with 27 consulates and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 2004, the festival has showcased hidden gems and award winning films for 18 years.

This year marks the festival’s 18th anniversary and first-ever hybrid event, featuring director Q&As and a panel discussion on immigration. It will kick off with the premiere of Havel from the Czech Republic. According to Cineuropa, it’s a “biographical drama inspired by the life and turbulent times of Václav Havel, prominent Czech playwright, dissident and, eventually, president of the newly formed Czech Republic.”

Still from Havel

Havel is shown on Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., before transitioning into a fifteen day stretch with two movies every single day! Each film will be viewed at the Spadina Theatre at the Alliance Française de Toronto, or will be available online at a later date.

The best part? Most in-person tickets are free same-day rush tickets – just show up for the rush line an hour before the screening at the venue to get yours!


Some highlights throughout the festival include The Volunteer from Spain, a film following recently retired doctor Marisa as she volunteers to help child refugees, only to learn about the realities of saviour mentalities within the volunteer organization. Enjoy the rousing Karaoke Paradise from Finland, a documentary following Finland’s most experienced karaoke hostess and her role in helping individuals out of their loneliness.

The final day wraps up with two films, including Lost Illusions from France, an adaptation of the eponymous Balzac novel that is set in the 1820s and follows 20-year-old poet Lucien de Rubempré  after an affair with a society lady.

Grab your tickets in advance today! The majority of films are debuting for the first time in Canada and are completely free. If you miss the films in-person debut, don’t worry. Each film is available online for you enjoy later on.

How this Toronto couple’s marriage survived a motorcycle crash with a 1% survival rate

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0
Danielle and Steve Kaplan I married a thrill-seeker

Danielle Kaplan was warned by friends before dating her (now) husband, Stephen Kaplan, that he “definitely wasn’t her type.” He was “too wild and mischievous.” Steve was a Type-A business-minded, adrenaline junkie who loved feeling the “rush” of his thrill-seeking adventures. Danielle is, and has always been cautious and risk-adverse. Still, she was intrigued. After asking around, she finally agreed to go on a date.

Now, they’ll be celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary in a handful of weeks. And they have something else to celebrate: the Nov. 22 publication of  “I Married A Thrill-Seeker,” which Danielle wrote after one of her husband’s solo motorcycle rides from Toronto into the depth of the Yukon where he crashed, their lives changing in an instant. Stephen was miraculously found and was given a less than 1 per cent chance of survival. Ahead of the publication of her book, Danielle shares the story of their romance, wedding and the details of Steve’s final thrill-seeking adventure.

How they met

I was in second year university, just out of a long-term relationship and studying for exams. This boy, Stephen, called me to meet for coffee. He had been given my number from a work colleague of his, while he was doing his accountancy articles. I said that I was busy studying and not yet ready to date. I think he was surprised at how conscientious I was about my course. Meanwhile, I asked around about Steve. I was told that he definitely was not my type – too wild and mischievous. I was intrigued. He called a few weeks later and said he was, “giving me a second chance.” I told him he was cocky, but why not! I was up for the challenge.

The courtship

The first time he came to my house to meet my parents, he arrived on a scrambler motorcycle. My parents freaked and said no way to him and the bike. He sold his bike after I requested he do so! I guess he wanted my parents to like him and our relationship. We dated for over three years before we got engaged. He was incredibly supportive during my university. He was always an adventurous spirit and we did fascinating road trips together along the coast of South Africa in a car with a two-person tent. We also parented two puppies, who became our first furry babies.

The proposal

Not too exciting. After about three and a half years of dating, completing my graduate degree, Steve doing a mandatory military camp for three months, we just together decided it was time to get married. We went to tell both sets of parents who were delighted. They, of course, wanted grandchildren.

The wedding

We had a laid-back morning wedding in the garden of a country club. I looked so young and wore a very sweet simple above-the-ankle dress (although the trend at the time was huge princess Diana shoulders and puffed dresses). When I look back, I can’t believe Steve wore an ivory linen suit!

Emigration

As soon as I completed my post graduate master’s degree, we left South Africa to come to Toronto. Our reasons for leaving were political and to create a more secure future for us. It was really a tough decision, as we were close with our families. We arrived in Toronto as young adults with professions that enabled us both to get jobs in our fields. We have always felt privileged to be Canadian. Fortunately, over the years my parents, Steve’s mom and most of our siblings joined us in Toronto and North America.

Dogs

We have always loved having pets, particularly dogs. We currently have two of the cutest golden doodle sisters, Hallie and Millie, known as “the girls.” Our children often say they wish they had had some of the same privileges and run of the house as do our furry babies.

Balancing careers, marriage and children

Life for us has always been a balancing act, with our children and family always being priority. We have two children, Josh and Gabi. Josh works in media and lives with his partner Kyle. Gabi works as a paediatric occupational therapy and just got married to Jamie. We have both been fortunate to have really great careers. I worked as a speech pathologist at Sunnybrook Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital (UHN), in the area of neurosurgery, spinal and the ICU for years before I moved on to teach pilates, personal training, barre and corrective exercise full-time. Steve has worked as a CFO and COO, the two most notable being Brita Water Filter Systems and The Ordinary.

Being each other’s “ride or die”

Literary and figuratively. We have always supported each other in developing our careers. Steve was incredibly supportive of my writing process while writing and editing I Married A Thrill-Seeker, my memoir of his thrill-seeking yearly solo motorcycle rides to the Yukon and what it’s like to live and love a risk-taker. Steve has always been a free spirit. He promised me that this solo trek would be his last. I wasn’t joking when he left the driveway and I said, “You better come back alive or I’ll kill you.”

Well, our lives were changed in an instant when he hit a pothole in the depths of the Yukon in the pouring rain, was finally found hours later, was air lifted to hospitals and was given a less than 1 per cent chance of survival. As a wife and trauma expert, I was writing from both point of views during his two years of recovery. Really, he’s the bionic man. He not only “made it” but when I was ready to write about this raw emotional, miraculous experience, Steve encouraged me to write whatever I thought, even if it was tough on him. He filled in informational when he could. He also learned a lot of that period of time — that he hadn’t remembered — when reading the drafts of I Married A Thrill-Seeker and going through the editing process.

Secret of our success together

We are on the same page with regard to our values, moral compass and political views. This often leads to interesting and passionate discussions. We have always been friends throughout our marriage, even through all the challenges life brings. We are family, and family always comes first. We are family as much as husband and wife. Although, admittedly, one of our only contentious issues is the genre of music we listen too. I’m a little country (pop) and Steve is a little more “rock.” We compromise by listening to… my music!

For more How They Met stories, click here.

Four Christmas-themed cocktail pop-ups you won’t want to miss

By
Christine Hogg
-
0
The Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery Winter Village

The countdown to the holidays is on and there are plenty of festivities popping up across the city to get Torontonians in the spirit.

Whether you’re after a glass of mulled wine, prefer to shop around for the perfect last-minute gift, or just need a reason to wear your ugly Christmas sweater once more, here are four holiday-themed cocktail pop-ups taking place across the city that are worth a visit.

The Distillery Winter Village

The Distillery Winter Village

Formerly known as the Toronto Christmas Market, this year’s festivities in Toronto’s historic Distillery District will open to the public on Nov. 17 with the annual tree lighting ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. The stunning 50-foot tall white spruce Christmas tree is designed by Dior. In addition to the more than 65 local merchants, restaurants and cafés, this year, you”ll be able to shop from eight curated vendor cabins, plus 12 food cabins featuring an array of savoury and sweet flavours. Also new this year is an interactive Gingerbread person hunt as well as buskers, carolers, and other entertainment running from now until Dec 23. The Distillery Winter Village outdoor shopping and food cabins are open Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to close. Tickets are required on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4 pm and Dec. 27-31 after 4 p.m. Tickets are $11 and kids nine and under get in for free!

For more information on The Distillery Winter Village, click here.

Miracle on Bloor

Miracle on Bloor

First popping up on the scene in 2018, Miracle on Bloor will be making its way to 875 Bloor St. W. on Nov. 18, this time with kitschy holiday décor and cocktails by the team at Civil Liberties. Dig out your ugliest Christmas sweater and get ready to indulge in some serious holiday-themed bevvies like the snowball old-fashioned made with rye and gingerbread and Grandma got Run Over by a T-Rex infused with vodka and a spiced pomegranate and grapefruit mix.   Once again, $1 of every drink sold at Miracle on Bloor, will be donated to Nellie’s Shelter, an organization providing shelter, education, and advocacy for women and children in the GTA. 

You can pop by Miracle on Bloor seven days a week from Nov. 18 until Dec. 31, Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.

For more information, click here.

The Thirsty Elf

The Thirsty Elf

The Fairmont Royal York knows a thing or two about getting into the holiday spirit—in fact, festivities have been carried out at 100 Front St. W. for more than 92 years. Back in Dec. 2019, the hotel’s executive sous chef was behind a two-story pop-up gingerbread house built from 5,000 real gingerbread cookie bricks! This year, the magic is back at the Fairmont, with the arrival of holiday-themed pop-up, The Thirsty Elf. From Nov. 16 until Dec. 17, dig out your merriest Christmas sweater and enjoy festive cocktails, kitschy decor, and plenty of holiday jingles.

The Thirsty Elf takes place from 5 to 11:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at the MM-level of Fairmont Royal York. Guests must be 19+ to enter.

For more information, click here.

Project Gigglewater

Project Gigglewater

Your friendly neighbourhood cocktail bar is getting a holiday makeover! On November 22 Dundas West outpost Project Gigglewater will transform into a Chirstmassy wonderland. On the menu will be a selection of festive treats and holiday-themed cocktails, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Project Gigglewater holiday bar takes place from Nov. 22 to until Dec 31. For more information click here

This Toronto-based company will get you a head start on your fall cleaning

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0

We’re approaching the midway point off fall and for most, the whirlwind of life has yet to slow down. Fall is a time for serenity, giving you the opportunity to enjoy smells of pumpkin spice, watching leaves fall and enjoying seasonal treats from your favourite bakeries. The last thing you want is to be stuck in home, cleaning up after yourself, your kids and everyone in between.

Enter Toronto Shine Cleaning. TSC is a Toronto-based cleaning company that provides reliable and consistent cleaning services to customers all across the city. Their highly trained cleaning crew provide an incredible cleaning service that leaves only a single trail: excellency.

Take a glance at the countless five-star reviews on Google. Todd Fairfax was able to have his fridge saved by the TSC team, saying, “I thought I was going to have to replace my refrigerator, but now it looks like new. Everything is sparking clean and there is a wonderful, fresh smell as well!”


Their team maintains a high level of communication, which is concise and clear at all times. The company’s founder, Elinalda, understood that the cleaning industry lacked a certain standard of customer support. Due to this, her cleaning service has made it their duty to resolve these problems one job at a time, slowly growing itself into a trustworthy, no-nonsense team. Her employees are background-checked prior to joining, and are offered fair wages by Elinalda.

Toronto Shine Cleaning offers a multitude of cleaning options. Their most basic is the regular cleaning at the house, before moving into specialty cleanings like deep cleans, moving cleans, office cleaning, post-construction cleaning and turn-over cleaning. During the process, cleaners can use eco-friendly products upon request!

Customers can book services online where they will receive an initial quote, book their subsequent cleaning online and pay through a secure and safe payment method. Feel free to include “Streets of Toronto” in the special instructions field when booking! It’ll help you save a cheeky 10 per cent off your service. Services are entirely insured and bonded, ensuring that your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Chef Brandon Olsen returns with Toronto’s best fried chicken paired with bubbly

By
Erica Commisso
-
0
bethearamos on Instagram

Chef Brandon Olsen, founder of Restaurant Le Melon, La Banane, Brando’s Fried Chicken, and chef in many of the city’s top kitchens such as Bar Isabel and the Black Hoof, has opened up a new fried chicken joint inside Chef’s Hall, Canada’s first-ever chef-driven community market.

Olsen’s friend chicken has a cult following in the city. It was on the menu at Bar Isabel, and the chef estimates that they apparenlty went through 20,000 orders of the fried chicken in a year.

Branding itself as “arguably Toronto’s best fried chicken,” the menu offers familiar favourites such as fried chicken buckets, sandwiches, and sides including Cajun fries, buttermilk onion rings, kale Caesar salad, and crunchy coleslaw. But Olsen has put a spin on traditional fried chicken fare, offering fried chicken buckets and champagne to go.

Olsen
uiq_qiu on Instagram

Choose from a three, five, or 10-piece fried chicken bucket paired with Cava or champagne. Prices range from $65 to $190. All of the fried bucket combos come served with Frank’s Red Hot sauce and buttermilk dressing. 

As far as the sandwiches go, stick with the Classic Fried Chicken Sandwich ($13) served on a potato bun with buttermilk coleslaw and Frank’s Red Hot sauce, or try something a little bit different with the Chicken Fried Mushroom Sammy ($13), which features Hen of the Woods mushrooms, buttermilk coleslaw and Frank’s Red Hot sauce. Both sandwiches can be turned into combos for an extra $5 and include a choice of side and a drink (pop or water).

Brandon Olsen
Brandon Olsen on Instagram

Brandon Olsen’s The Grateful Chicken is located at 111 Richmond St. W., inside Chef’s Hall, and is open Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

14 new openings, events and happenings to know about in Toronto

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0
@blooryorkville/Instagram

Want to stay up to date on what’s going on in your neighbourhood in Toronto? We’ve got the newest openings, closings, anniversaries, events and more happening throughout the month of November for you.

Find all the prettiest things at the Latest Scoop’s new Summerhill outpost. A lifestyle concept store, the Latest Scoop began as a series of pop-ups before becoming a well-known permanent retailer across the country. The new store features the trendiest collections of casual and professional fashion, home decor, accessories, furniture and stationery. Get in on the scoop at 1110 Yonge St.

This month, Toronto is welcoming a new veterinarian clinic to the Rosedale neighbourhood. Juno Vet promises to make pet care comfortable by offering a cosy and welcoming space. Opening at 1073 Yonge St., Juno Vet will offer services that include urgent care, surgery, preventative care and dental health. Although the Summerhill vet has no opening date set, the clinic is already taking appointment bookings.

A Fruit Cart delivery.

Started during the pandemic by local childhood friends Avi Weisman and Larry Davidson, the Fruit Cart, thefruitcart.ca, is delivering fresh, healthy food straight to your door in your Toronto neighbourhood. This subscription box ensures you’re paying for quality by rotating the variety of goods depending on what’s in season. Veggie boxes, cheese boxes and flower arrangements are also available to order directly to your doorstep. Like the fruit boxes, these are expertly curated with global suppliers. Each box can be set to order every week, every other week or on a one-time basis.

Christmas is coming early for burger lovers! As it celebrates its 11-year anniversary, Holy Chuck is opening a new location in the Yorkdale mall food court on Dec. 1. The new location is promising some new menu items alongside the award-winning handmade patties and famous milkshakes.

@blooryorkville/Instagram

Get in the holiday spirit with a tree lighting party and outdoor concert held by the Bloor-Yorkville BIA on Nov. 26. Located at the Village of Yorkville Park, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk will take the stage to play her hits (including some holiday music!) while Etalk’s Traci Melchor hosts the Holiday Magic evening. The Flick the Switch lighting ceremony will support the Canadian Foundation for Aids Research (CANFAR) and light up 138 trees along Bloor Street until the end of December.

A hair studio that’s known for bringing the styles and innovation of a downtown studio to the suburbs has just celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Italian-born Andrea Ferro and wife Angela own the clean, sleek studio and are masters of the trade. Showcasing just how much neighbourhood love this studio gets, Thornhill’s member of Parliament, Melissa Lantsman, joined Ferro Hair Art, located at 7355 Bayview Ave., Unit 3, in celebrating the anniversary.

Community art school Artbarn is approaching its 17th anniversary this fall, and they plan on celebrating in a big way. Artbarn School, 250 Eglinton Ave. W., Unit 101, offers classes and workshops ranging from pottery and visual arts to printmaking and media. To mark the milestone, the not-for-profit is promising to host a party and fundraising auction later this fall. Tickets will be available through the website.

This September, more than 4,000 guests attended the North York General Foundation’s signature Heart of Fashion gala after a four-year hiatus. The exclusive fashion show featured Canada’s best in the fashion industry, with collections from Pink Tartan, TNT, SHAN and more. Altogether, the foundation raised $1.1 million to support the General Hospital with equipment replacement, capital improvements and upgrades.

The Lobby interior.

Heaps Estrin real estate team has just opened their second location at 1120 Yonge St. — only this one’s not a regular real estate office. The Lobby is an experiential concept store. A first-of-its-kind storefront location for residential real estate in Canada, the Lobby offers full-time concierge services to help homeowners connect with services of everyday needs, such as contractors, designers and architects.

From Nov. 2 to Dec. 27, curated fashion marketplace Inland is partnering with Bayview Village to host a first-time concept shop with a rotating selection of Canadian fashion brands. With 2,300 square feet of retail space, shoppers will be able to browse, try on and buy from 50 emerging Canadian fashion, jewelry and accessory brands, including Ahiri, Azure Lazuli, Biddell, Hoyden Shoes and Nuama.

The new Wuxly pop-up.

Toronto-based animal-free outerwear brand Wuxly has launched its first capsule collection in collaboration with music legend Bryan Adams. Inspired by his song “Kick Ass,” The Bad collection features three outerwear pieces — a parka, hoodie and jacket. Shop the collection at wuxly.com, or stop by the brand’s new pop-up store located at 825 Queen St. W. to try on the new gear.

Luxury goods brand Van Cleef & Arpels will join Bloor West’s lineup of luxury retailers with a new stand-alone storefront opening next year. The French jewelry brand is taking over the roughly 2,000-square-foot storefront at 100 Bloor St. W., next to Hermes, where Zegma once operated. The store will be the jeweler’s third stand-alone location in Canada, displaying a collection of necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Spend an evening in Toronto watching the Eglinton neighbourhood strut the best they’ve got. On Nov. 17 at the Eglinton Grand, the neighbourhood’s BIA is hosting a fashion show of the latest fashions from community retailers, including Di Moda European Lingerie, Victory Menswear, Lumus Vision Care and more. Tickets to the Eglinton Way Fashion Show cost $20 and include two drinks and hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds go to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

The owners of Sorrel are opening a new spot next door

By
Jennifer Schembri
-
0
Sorrel on Instagram

Sorrel restaurant is opening a sister space next door. The owners recently leased the space and are working on renovations with a plan to officially open by March 2023.

A mainstay in the Rosedale neighbourhood, Sorrel is known for their casual yet elegant French Mediterranean- inspired menu accompanied by an extensive wine list, and boasts the distinction of being included in OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurant from 2016 to 2020. And now, the award-winning neighbourhood gem known for its casual-yet-elegant dining experience is expanding.

While not a ton of details have been finalized quite yet, Sarah Pearson, Sorrel partner, general manager and sommelier has confirmed that the new space will work with the same team currently backing Sorrel, including executive chef/owner Faro Chiniforoush and chef du cuisine Jacob Chowdhury. Both chefs bring a wealth of industry experience with resumes that boast Windsor Arms Hotel, Prego Della Piazza, Esco Pazo and Rosewater.

“We have needed extra seating for some time now so when the space became available we took it,” says Pearson.

While the new restaurant’s menu is still being finalized, the plan is to offer up a variety of small plates.

“We do have a sense that we would like the space to be more casual, no reservations, a place to start or finish an evening,” says Pearson.

The seating capacity has room for just 28 patrons, so the spot will most likely be an intimate, cozy space perfect for small group outings or a romantic date night.

Keep an eye on Sorrel’s Instagram page for details as they become available and for now, swing by the 1158 Yonge St. spot to get a sneak peek on the renovations next door and enjoy some fan favourite seafood dishes, pastas and fresh oysters at Sorrel while we wait for the new space to officially open in March of next year.

1...304305306...1,014Page 305 of 1,014
© Copyright 2025 | All rights reserved by Post City Magazines, Inc.
Website by Web Publisher PRO