Five Toronto restaurants that transform their concepts from day to night

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3:16 pm

Yes, it’s almost holiday shopping season already – time flies! Thankfully, these five Toronto-based jewelry designers have you covered if you’re in the market for new pieces for yourself or your loved ones.

The perfect piece of jewelry can be the finishing touch your outfit needs in any given situation. Having a solid selection of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings is a process that takes time and energy. Never mind the trial and error!

Biko

Led by founder Corrine Anestopoulos, Biko aims to produce modern jewelry which is designed and handcrafted by a small team in Toronto. Biko launched in 2005, slowly making waves in the fashion world. They’ve had the pleasure of styling celebrities like M.I.A. and Toronto’s Bianca Andreescu as well as collaborating with Nordstrom and the Hudson’s Bay on jewelry collections. Recently, Biko released their Paradiso collection which celebrates the playful patterns that are found in nature. The Sydney Collar in silver is a terrific option and fits the streetwear style that is so ingrained in Toronto culture. And with Biko’s recent CAFA Awards nomination accessory designer of the year, know that you’re supporting a brand that’s getting some major recognition from Canada’s fashion scene!

Boyd Court

Broken up into fine jewelry and silver, Toronto’s Boyd Court makes jewelry for men who appreciate high quality materials applied to timeless designs. Their brick-and-mortar is appointment only and contains the all of their jewelry. Boyd Court sells handmade pieces which are made to order out of gold, silver, onyx and carnelian. Not to mention, all of the stones are ethically sourced! The Teter Band ring is a must-buy for those looking for a unique, attention-grabbing band to pair with signet rings or rings with a set stone.

Steff Eleoff

As seen on Kardashians and Jenners, Steff Eleoff is making quite the name for herself with her drip inspired jewelry in Toronto – including a nomination nod for emerging talent in accessories from the CAFA Awards this year. If you’re patient enough to wait the three to five weeks for production, you’ll come to find out that Eleoff does more than over deliver with her pieces. Everything is made of high quality sterling silver and is made to order. The Terra and Sedona 2.0 rings are terrific examples of Eleoff’s design style and a solid next purchase. If you’re located in Toronto, Steff will even polish or clean your jewellery personally free of charge!

Hania Kuzbari

Hania Kuzbari pays homage to the ancient Levant, where jewelry making began, with her selection of bespoke jewelry. Kuzbari has lived in both the Middle East and North America, receiving a degree in Jewellery Studies and Gemology at George Brown College before immersing herself in jewelry design at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence. Now, she uses her experience offer customers fine jewelry for all situations. Hania Kuzbari releases her designs in collection that have specific meanings behind them. Her swirl earrings are made out of 14k yellow gold, white diamonds and yellow sapphire, hugging the love perfectly.

CUCHARA

Founded by friends and collaborators Edi Cañedo and Chloé Li-Chapman, CUCHARA designs jewellery for those looking to go beyond the basic. The pair are looking to push the envelope with their designs containing precious metals and stones. Their designs rely upon the influence from Toronto’s creative communtiy, alongside places Cañedo and Li-Chapman have visited. The CUCHARA website is broken up into standard releases and fine jewellery. All of their pieces are budget friendly and accessible to all. Their jewelry can be found at their College Street location, along with their online store. The Benz Bracelet gives off the styling of a cuban chain without its inherent thickness, thus making it a great option for adding depth to your style.

Where to find the best pumpkin pasta in Toronto

By

Christine Hogg

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10:22 am

118596502_351001842605628_2851674594154733724_n-2 — Stelvio

October’s not over yet, and pumpkin is still very much in season. Pumpkin flavour extends far beyond the classic pumpkin spice latte. Thanks to its rich, sweet sweet flavour and abundance of health benefits (pumpkin is super high in fibre but low in calories), it makes a great ingredient in some of your favourite pasta dishes. Here are our top picks for pumpkin pasta in Toronto.

Stelvio

Located on busy Dundas West, Stelvio brings a taste of Milan to Toronto with its homemade pastas and authentic Italian flavours. The owners value tradition and the sense of community that is common within Italian culture. Try your dose of harvest cuisine with the Tortelli di Zucca Alla Mantovana ($19.95), a homemade ravioli stuffed with squash, amaretti and mustard, and served in a butter and sage sauce topped with pumpkin seeds.

Scaddabush

One of Toronto’s most well-known chains for Italian eats, Scaddabush has the feel of a rustic sportswear, but serves up all the Italian comfort classics, including shareable like bruschetta and pizza to start, followed by mains like chicken parmigiana and gnocchi. Try the Zucca Ravioli ($23.41) and indulge in the luscious taste of roasted butternut squash, pears, brown butter Alfredo, toasted hazelnut, poor man’s parmesan, and fried sage.

Sara

This stunning establishment focuses on the minimalist aspect of dining, encouraging you to stay present with your food and company. Servers even encourage diners to place their phones in a spill-proof cabbie to enhance their experience. The painting-like modern aesthetic approach to your meal will be sure to keep your attention. Sara also goes in for autumn themes, and presently serves a pristine looking dish of Parisienne Gnocchi ($16), containing delightful butternut squash, chanterelle, manchego, and rosemary.

Queen’s Pasta Cafe

This restaurant has been running for over 30 years, and for a good reason! Known for its vast array of pasta choices (a carb lover’s heaven!) the ambience has been described as cozy and contemporary, inviting customers of all ages and experiences. You are sure to be easily appeased by a pasta dish and expertly mixed cocktail of your choice. Taste fall by choosing their striped butternut squash agnolotti, served with a generous side of grilled vegetables.

This beloved Toronto market was just named one of the best in the world

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1:26 pm

230829051_372632757553072_7556431665271150764_n — St. Lawrence Market on Instagram

One of the city’s biggest culinary hot spots just received some major recognition.

The bustling Toronto landmark, St. Lawrence Market was just named one of the “10 great food markets around the globe” by popular magazine, National Geographic.

Toronto’s most famous market is the only Canadian entry on the list which also includes Spice Bazaar in Istanbul Turkey, Borough Hall in London, England and Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing, China.

“Saturday is farmers market day in downtown Toronto, a tradition dating back to 1803, held alongside 120 specialty food and craft vendors. Save room for a peameal bacon sandwich, a local specialty,” the National Geographic entry goes on to say.

The magazine is most likely referring to the Market’s two iconic food stalls: Carousel Bakery, a 30-year resident, known for their award-winning peameal sandwich which also counts Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay as fans; and Paddington’s Pump, the Market’s only full-service sit-down restaurant also known as “The Home of the Oink” and a staple since the 70s.

Comprised of three main buildings: the South Market which houses more than 120 specialty vendors, the North Market, a tradition since 1803, known primarily for their Saturday Farmers’ Market,and St. Lawrence Hall, built in 1850 which is a mix of businesses, city offices and ancillary rooms.

Here is the full list of the “distinctive and tasty” markets from around the globe that made the National Geographic list:

Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey

Castries Market in Castries, St. Lucia

Old Market Hall and Kauppatori Market Square in Helsinki, Finland

Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing, China

Central Market Hall in Budapest, Hungary

Borough Market in London, England

St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada

Ferry Building in San Francisco, California

Mercado de la Merced in Mexico City, Mexico

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan

St. Lawrence Market is located at 92-95 Front St E.

Your how-to fashion guide to layering in style for the Toronto fall weather

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10:34 am

For the best fall shoes in Toronto, click here.

denim-layering — @readwritethrift/Instagram

Fall is, by far, the most indecisive fashion season. For starters, there’s a good chance you begin your day in practically winter attire. However, you’re swiftly met with a heat surge that we say we weren’t expecting, but we really were. Then there are the perils of deciding what colours are still in, what matches with your fall monchromatics, and so on and so forth. By the end you’ve seemingly made your closet look like a tornado. This isn’t fun for everyone.

If you’re in need of some seasonal fashion advice, look no further. Learn about the three fall coats you need to complete your wardrobe, along with some insight on how to layer for unpredictable weather.

Denim

Denim jackets are a staple for fall weather. They’re easily accessible, range in price and are going to work with a large majority of your closet. Denim is usually comprised of a cotton twill which has been woven with different colours of yarn. The final product is a material that folds and creases effortlessly over pieces of your choice.

If you’re into the vintage look, Toronto has a plethora of terrific denim-focused shops which will have racks upon racks of denim jackets. Spots such as People’s Champ Vintage and Expo Vintage will all certainly give in to your need for perfectly faded denim jackets.

For higher-end or designer denim jackets, your best option is to head over to major department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Off Fifth or Hudson’s Bay.

For a more casual look, pair your newly acquired denim jacket with an off-colour hoodie, or thick mock neck sweater. Alyx, Heron Preston and Uniqlo have terrific iterations of the latter which will add necessary depth (and warmth!) to your denim. Most denim jackets are blue, but in denim, that basically counts as a neutral – try layering a cool tone palette underneath for a wintry iteration or a warm tone palette to fit right in with the falling leaves. You can never go wrong with a turtleneck under a chunky sweater!

Puffer vest

The puffer vest is one of the most underrated fall fashion options. The piece varies in both size and puff density, and most are filled with down or vegan down. In Toronto, there’s plenty to choose from for each and every size.

If you’re looking for a sleek puffer vest, head over to Patagonia. You might resemble a Bay Street finance bro but you’ll love every bit of wear that you get out of it. Other Gorpcore brands like Arc’teryx and The North Face also have terrific options when it comes to sleek vests. Arc’teryx takes the cake here, as they manufacture their slimmer vests with a tighter fit, making it feel like combat padding.

When it comes to chunkier vests, at the lower price point, and very well known for their Super Puff series, is Aritzia. The innovative fashion boutique has a The Super Puff and The Super Puff Men which includes different blocking patterns on puffer coats. Within both of these lines are massive puff vests which are perfect for cold fall morning weather and transitioning into winter.

Moncler is the other go-to puffer vest brand for the fall. The fashion house recently celebrated their 70th anniversary and acquired Italian sportswear brand Stone Island just last year. Look to watch them release contemporary and technical takes on puffers in the near future.

Vests are the perfect option if you like to wear sweaters, specifically those that have designs on the sleeves. A voluminous sleeve, puffed sleeve or patterned sleeve will take your vest layering to the next level. A turtleneck will also work and adds some dimension to the look, or a warmer long dress for extra style points.

Work jacket

Work jackets are defined by their specific cut, pockets and overall shape. They traditionally have a boxy fit, allowing the wearer to move with ease while doing their work. As well, they tend to feature three exterior pouch pockets, which were historically used to store tools.

Brands like Carhartt and Dickies are obvious options for work jackets, and for good reason. Both of these brands have been known as premier workwear companies for years now. Carhartt has even taken a dive into the high fashion sphere with multiple boutiques in Europe. Uniqlo does a great job with their work jackets, offering very affordable options.

On the more expensive side would be Frank & Oak and Rag & Bone. Both of these brands offer high quality work jackets that are made for everyday life. You can also try a few of the secondhand stores in area for true vintage work jackets, such as Exile Vintage – nothing compares to craftsmanship from 50 or 60 years ago!

Work jackets can be layered with just about anything that doesn’t have a collar. Good quality T-shirts, sweaters, knits and hoodies work terrifically underneath a work jacket, and will add just the right amount of warmth for this fall weather.

Eataly is opening a new Toronto outpost. Here’s what you need to know

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10:45 am

270204683_948431839423870_2384131713718125634_n — Eataly Toronto on Instagram

Eataly, the renowned marketplace known for being a museum for Italian food is opening a second location at CF Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke.

Cadillac Fairview recently announced that a multi-year lease had been signed. In North America alone, Eataly currently has nine flagship destinations and 40 stores worldwide.

The buzzy food destination slated to open in 2023, will join Eataly’s Yorkville location, a sprawling 50,000 square-foot luxury food hall spanning three floors that opened in 2019.

“This store will continue Eataly’s tradition as a go-to destination for dining and for authentic Italian products and wine, and will allow us to deepen our relationship with our valued local Canadian producers,” said Lica Baffigo, global head of development and partner of Eataly. “We look forward to getting to work on opening this newest outpost in the Eataly family.”

While the 2023 opening date has yet to be confirmed, according to Retail Insider, the new Eataly will replace a Pickle Barrel restaurant location as well as retail spaces next to the entrance to Saks Fifth Avenue. The lease plan for CF Sherway Gardens shows that the Italian marketplace will be quite large — between 25 to 35,000 square-feet.

Eataly’s Yorkville location at the Manulife Centre at 55 Bloor St. W., is the only North American location with a full brewpub, as well as four restaurants, a market and hands-on classes and events. Celebrity guests like award-winning chef, Lidia Bastianich are known to make regular appearances

“At CF Sherway Gardens we pride ourselves on offering a premium retail experience and an important part of our offering is elevated dining options. We could not think of a better partner to join the shopping centre, bringing their uniquely authentic cuisine and concept to Toronto’s west end,” said Salvatore Iacono, Executive Vice President, Operations, Cadillac Fairview.

Keep an eye on Eataly’s Instagram for updates on the upcoming opening date.

Inside a yellow brick home to rent and call your own in elegant Allenby

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2:59 pm

Allenby has long been known as an elegant family-centric area, where you’ll find quiet tree-lined streets and art deco homes down every avenue. Close to the boutiques and cafes of Eglinton West, the Kay Gardner Beltline and moments to the excitement and entertainment of midtown, there’s plenty to love about this neighbourhood. If you’ve ever wanted to explore living in this classic part of Toronto, 501 Castlefield Ave. presents the perfect opportunity.

Featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a finished basement, this well-maintained luxury rental home is available for $6,495 per month and welcomes a long-term leasing agreement.

With its large, street-facing window, quality built-ins and beautiful hardwood floors, the front room makes for a welcoming living space where you’ll love entertaining company. Give this room a touch of formality or keep it casual — the choice is yours!

Fit with sleek appliances and an oversized quartz-topped breakfast island, the open-concept kitchen and dining space offers a pleasant spot to test your culinary skills while staying social.

At the back of the home, enjoy a picturesque family room where sunlight cascades down from the skylit cathedral ceiling. Accentuated by a pretty lunette window, the glass double doors offer serene backyard views and add to the happy atmosphere of this space.

Ascend past the second floor, featuring three sunlit bedrooms with gleaming hardwood, to the exclusive third floor. Here, you’ll discover a spacious primary bedroom, a generously-sized dressing room for all your attire and a contemporary ensuite bathroom.

A charming balcony adds extra allure to this primary suite. Enjoy morning coffee amid the tree canopy or moonlit evenings relaxing in your pyjamas.

The lower level offers a recreation room and a hobbies room too. Use it as a cozy den for hangouts and spirited game nights, or transform it into a perfect playroom for the kids.

The large backyard patio and private yard offer so much potential. Host summer barbecues, garden your heart out or seek the tranquility of birdsong and crickets. However you use this outdoor space, you’ll most certainly appreciate it.

501 Castlefield Ave. is co-listed with Alyssa Mincer and Sabrina Kaufman of Slavens & Associates Real Estate Inc. Brokerage.

Yorkville location that’s been a revolving door for restaurants now has a new tenant

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1:31 pm

280613644_164042929352434_5911024971621057352_n — Delysées Luxury Desserts on Instagram

Luxury dessert brand Delysées has announced a brand new location that’s set to open next month in Yorkville.

Following last year’s re-opening on Ossington Ave., Delysées‘ latest project features the intricate and dazzling macarons and mini cakes that the brand is known for, but with a slight twist: a high-end tea bar and an upscale croissant-centric brunch experience that are exclusive to the Yorkville location.

The new location has been somewhat of a revolving door for businesses over the last year and a half; at one point, gluten-free cake company Sorelle & Co. occupied the space, as did the Russian-themed restaurant, Moscow Tea Room.

But for owner Fred Naggard, the corner spot at 161 Yorkville Ave., made up of a sprawling 2,600 square feet, is the perfect space to expand the brand.

Having recently finished gutting the interior, Naggard says one of the focal points of Delysées will be the garden ceiling, done by Fred’s wife and interior designer, Khariz Naggard, where 28,000 dried florals in shades of light pink, deep violet and muted neutrals will hang. As far as the displays go, Naggard says this will be Delysées’ largest ever, with 600 miniature cakes out at all times.

“This time around, we’re going with my version of high tea,” Naggard says. “We tried high teas in the area and all are fantastic, but ours are very different and more modern. It gives those in the area a chance to try our mini cakes as well and that’s really important and those are a part of our brand. We wanted to modernize high tea and what’s already out there.”

Like your typical afternoon high tea, Delysées‘ version will include bite-sized cakes and French pastries, like eclairs and those famous macarons. But unlike the traditional three-tiered tower that accompanies most high tea, all of the offerings will be served on stacks of genuine marble.

As far as the brunch menu goes, every item is centred around the flaky and buttery croissant, which Delysées has been expertly baking for the last decade. “You won’t be able to order bacon and eggs here, for example, but you’ll be able to order a croissant eggs Benedict,” hints Fred, who is still in the middle of executing the final menu. Brunch items will be a mix of savoury and sweet options, including a French toast croissant as well as a smoked salmon and cream cheese croissant. All brunch items can be paired with a green salad or roasted potatoes. For those looking for a quick bite on the go, Delysées Yorkville will also feature an exclusive croissant bar with 18 varieties.

New desserts include a modern take on the baba au rhum (a traditional French cake soaked in rum) finished in gold. Delysées’ mini sandwiches will also return to the Yorkville location, and will all be served on freshly-baked brioche that are made to order. Fred says that there are four confirmed mini sandwiches, including the classic croque monsieur (a grilled ham and gruyere cheese).

Like any scrumptious brunch, Delysées Yorkville will also serve hand-crafted cocktails, including several specialty tea-based cocktails, as well as drinks that are paired exclusively with dessert offerings. The cocktail bar will remain open past brunch hours and well into the afternoon and evening, making this new spot the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat and wind down with a drink.

Stay tuned for the official opening by visiting the Instagram page!

How to support an expecting couple at a law firm

By

Jarrod Daley

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8:00 am

See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

“Simply put, a pregnancy should never impact a woman’s career. I hear about this all too often in the legal industry. Story after story of women who are working at law firms that have their professional career negatively impacted by announcing that they are expecting.” – Sandra Zisckind, Managing Partner, Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

Having a baby is an exciting time for many couples, but the unfortunate reality is that many working women experience unwarranted setbacks in their career over something that should be a joyous milestone in their life. As the Managing Partner of Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, Sandra Zisckind is blazing a trail for women in the legal industry, and has kindly offered up some tips for organizations looking to develop maternity leave processes that go over and above industry expectations.

Be Prepared for Maternity Leaves

As a senior executive in the legal industry – or any industry for that matter – it’s important to develop a maternity leave process as soon as you possibly can. Not every pregnancy is planned, and sometimes this news may be as much of a surprise to an organization as it may be to the expecting mother. “It’s important to have these processes in place so that your employee feels supported and ultimately relaxed about the idea of taking time off for a maternity leave,” says Sandra Zisckind. The reality for many lawyers is that they feel a strong sense of responsibility for any case or matter that they take on. It’s important that expectant mothers feel confident in your firm’s coverage system so that they’re comfortable leaving their cases with other members of your team. When developing a maternity leave process, you should consider the following questions:

What are the organization’s legal obligations for employees who are taking time off for a maternity leave?
Who is going to cover the expecting mother?
- It is essential that you have members of your team that are able to step in and pick up a case or a project right where they were left.
How can the organization show its support throughout this process?
- Consider throwing a baby shower or having a celebratory party.

Celebrate Your Employee’s Bundle of Joy

Celebrate this huge milestone in your employee’s life! While the specifics of a celebration may vary from organization to organization, this is an essential aspect of showing the expecting parent the support that they deserve at such a pivotal time in their life. “At Diamond and Diamond, we like to throw a party or a work baby shower for the expecting mother,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Check In During Maternity Leave

While adjusting to parenthood is a busy time for many expecting couples, it’s crucial for an organization to show its support throughout the entire process. “A new mother will undoubtedly have her hands full after a baby is born, but it’s still very important to check in with them during their maternity leave! Even a quick text can go a long way in showing your support throughout a very busy and often stressful time in their life,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Foster a Family-Friendly Company Culture

One thing that many organizations never think about is the impact that company culture can have on an employee’s feelings towards taking a maternity leave. Setting a company culture where employees feel comfortable talking about their lives outside of the office, including being parents, can help create a positive workplace environment. “Diamond and Diamond often uses the term ‘The People’s Law Firm,’ and that’s a reflection of our love for our clients and our employees. We want our employees to feel empowered to share every milestone in their child’s life – from birth to graduations to any other accomplishment in between,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Be Flexible About Returning to Work

When an employee is ready to return from their maternity leave, it’s very important to be flexible about how this may look. Some mothers may need the flexibility of working from home so that they’re able to tend to their child throughout the day should they need anything. “At Diamond and Diamond, we respect the wishes of each mother as they return to work. Whether they need to work from home or in a hybrid environment, we do our very best to accommodate their needs,” says Sandra Zisckind.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day, what it all comes down to is the age old saying: “Keep your employees happy, and strong business results will follow.” If you prioritize your employee’s needs, this will not only reflect positively on your company internally, but it will only stand to benefit you externally as well. If you find yourself needing a personal injury lawyer, contact Diamond and Diamond Lawyers today for a free consultation.

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.

How They Met: Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast member on finding her match

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2:32 pm

For Rena, co-cast head, stage manager and occasional Janet with Toronto’s long-running The Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow cast, the show isn’t just a career or an interest — it’s a way of life. Luckily, she found someone who loves it just as much as she does — her husband of four years and boyfriend of 14 years before that, Air’leth. The Excited Mental State cast member takes us on the “strange journey” of their meet cute at the former Bloor Cinema and their themed wedding.

How they met

We met as teenagers in line for The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the then Bloor Cinema. We were both regulars who went the last Saturday of every month and showed up early to line up to get the best seat. Air’leth was there with his two best friends right in front of me. To pass the time, they started singing the music from Hedwig and the Angry Inch — a sort of Rocky Horror–adjacent cult film. Naturally, I sang along, and they turned and offered to let me sit with them. I think the first thing Air’leth said to me was, “Can you watch my bag for a minute?”

This being 2005, what ended up happening was he got my email address off of the Toronto Rocky Horror fan forum and added me on MSN Messenger.

The first date

We had a very strange but lovely first date: April 2, 2005. We met at a juice place and ended up walking from Queen and Spadina to Yonge Street to Bloor and back to Bathurst station. I think it was eight hours of just hanging out and talking. It was funny because we had been chatting online so much, but we still had so much to say in person! I was completely smitten with him. Not only were we both Rocky Horror fans, but we were both vegetarians, Jewish, cat lovers, etc. We got home and immediately kept chatting on MSN!

I brought him to my high school prom, and we kept dating as we both went to university in the city. We were still so young (17 and 18), so despite being madly in love, we took our time before taking any big steps.

The wedding

We wanted to have a relatively traditional Jewish ceremony, but we had to throw in some nods to how we met. As everyone took their seats in the synagogue, my friend played a very gentle version of “Science Fiction, Double Feature” (Rocky Horror‘s opening song), and I walked down the aisle to “The Origin of Love” — one of the songs from Hedwig that we sang together that first time we met. We had an after-party at a bar downtown that night and hired three drag queens to perform. They brought us up onstage, and we danced “The Time Warp” to finish off the night!

The secret to success

I remember feeling self-conscious about having to explain to my friends that there’s this weird movie from the ’70s and every month I get dressed up and watch it and can quote the whole thing because I’ve seen it 200 times. And then I met Air’leth — someone who not only understood that, but shared that! If you start your relationship knowing the weirdest thing about each other off the bat, that’s a great foundation.

Other than that, we grew up together, but I don’t think we would have had an easy time if we had gotten married at 19. Maybe 14 years was a bit long to wait, but I’m glad we were able to grow and get comfortable as adults and still find ourselves happy and in love.

Shared interests

I think we have a great balance of things we like to do together (seeing live music and theatre, hosting Shabbat dinners), as well as our own interests and passions that we pursue on our own.

I’ve seen lots of lifelong friends made at Rocky Horror. It warms my heart every time I see a giddy group of teenagers come to our show, all dressed up and excited about the chaotic joy around them. Rocky Horror is such a special community. That’s the reason it’s lasted for almost 50 years — it’s a fabulous place to let go, be free and be not only accepted for who you are, but celebrated!

This fall, enjoy everything this amazing neighbourhood in Forest Hill has to offer

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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11:08 am

Fall has arrived in the city! The chill is officially in the air now, the leaves are changing to their vibrant colours and the pumpkin spice concoctions are everywhere! It’s such wonderful weather to get out and enjoy Toronto’s neighbourhoods – like the Eglinton Way in Forest Hill! Located between Oriole Parkway and Chaplin Crescent, this nine-block stretch of Eglinton Avenue West is home to great coffee shops, stunning salons, dedicated professional services and amazing retail stores for you to find some new treasures along the way.

Why not head on over to Hotel Gelato to enjoy the flavours of the season! Warm up with a selection of great specialty coffees or indulge in a Baileys hot chocolate in this cozy neighbourhood café. Want to enjoy some cold treats? Why not taste the new autumnal flavours of gelato on offer right now, such as apple pie or pumpkin. You can’t go wrong!

You can then discover your inner art enthusiast at Rukaj Gallery. This fine art gallery in Toronto has over 40 years of exhibition experience with international and domestic art fair history. This October, they will be exhibiting at Art Toronto from Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 30. Rukaj Gallery is presenting a curated show of abstract paintings and drawings, including an exceptional 80 x 80 in. William Perehudoff, an early Burgoyne Diller canvas and a monumental Melissa Meyer diptych. You can view these works and more in person or at their virtual fair booth on Artsy.

At Midroni Family Dental Care, you can find personal and attentive service for all your family’s dental care needs. Dr. Midroni and Dr. Tordjman both provide a broad range of dental procedures in a personalized manner. And Dr. Tordjman with his hospital experience is well-versed in emergency dentistry and providing care to medically-compromised patients. Both are currently welcoming new patients and families in the community.

Programs available this fall at The Centre for MindBody Health’s (CMBH) include an eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion online program from Oct. 28 to Dec. 16 and Advanced Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8. Please call 416-855-2624 for more details and to register. They are also currently accepting new clients for individual, couples, group and family psychotherapy.

To find out more about shops and services on the Eglinton Way, check out the BIA’s website theeglintonway.com

This delicious new Queen Street restaurant is led by two T.O. restaurant industry heavyweights

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2:28 pm