The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto: Lanark County

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If you’re looking to leave urban life behind (at least for a little while), Lanark County has everything you’d expect from a small-town destination, but with all the comforts of a contemporary city.

Located less than an hour from Ottawa, the self-proclaimed maple syrup capital of Ontario, is made up of a number of small towns, where you can find winding streets of historic landmarks, and beautiful hilly landscapes. Lanark County also the home to more than 100 lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.

If you’re looking for a fab place for a getaway, the Good Northern is a film-themed waterfront cottage in the community of Glen Isle. You can sit by the Mississippi River that runs through the backyard, which is home to beavers, loons, geese and otters, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a kayak and canoe are on hand. Inside, each room is dedicated to a different movie, including The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Big Lebowski, Amélie and Twin Peaks, and includes a ton of props to stage the perfect Instagram-worthy photo shoot.

Try a driving tour of the seven wonders of Lanark County, all the way from a historic stone bridge in Pakenham to the Purdon Conservation Area in the Lanark Highlands.

This new Asian spot in Toronto offers house-made traditional eats

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Erica Commisso

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11:06 am

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About a month ago, Dogeol Youn and Sungwook Kim made their dreams come true. When DNDN Asian Eatery opened on June 16, they realized their vision of opening their own eatery, complete with traditional, house-made Asian bites.

“Me and Sungwook used to be chefs and always wanted to open our own place,” says Youn. “While we went through the pandemic, we were asking ourselves, like everyone does their own, why not us? So we started to plan out our own place and here we are!”

The name DNDN comes from the Korean phrase ‘든든’, which loosely translates to fulfill and substantial. It’s not a direct translation, of course, which is why Youn and Kim decided to keep it simple and use the lettering instead.

DNDN serves, according to Youn, banchan, which are Korean side dishes, as well as fresh made onigiri, sandwiches and rolls, and even house made drinks. “We want to make this place like an Asian Deli,” Youn says, “where you can get a bunch of fresh salad and pickles along with fresh-made food as well.”

Everything on the menu is made from scratch in-house, a treat that comes from the duo’s culture and extensive culinary history.

“We were both born in South Korea and lived abroad for quite a long time. I mostly worked in a European-based restaurant,” Youn says. “I also worked in various countries, like Denmark and Australia, while Sungwook has most of his experience based in Japanese cuisine, which means we have got a strong part of both Western and Eastern cuisine.”

DNDN Asian Eatery is located at 2109 1/2 Yonge St.

Why are Toronto teens dressing up in suits to see the new Minions movie?

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Julia Mastroianni

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3:20 pm

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minion-trend-suits — @cbmonarchs_/Instagram

In the last few weeks, Minions: Rise of Gru has been smashing box office numbers and mentioned in countless media headlines – but not because Steve Carrell has pulled off a stunning performance in yet another movie in the seemingly endless franchise. Instead, it’s because of a TikTok trend that has caused a frenzy both online and in-person of Minions fans in suits – also known as #Gentleminions – including in Toronto.

Minions: Rise of Gru is the fifth instalment of the Despicable Me franchise and the spin-off prequel to Minions. The film premiered in Canada on July 1 and internationally, and while the franchise has done pretty well since its inception in 2010, this sequel drew in a slightly different (and slightly differently-dressed) audience.

Picture this: A band of young teens enter a movie theatre dressed to the nines. We’re talking blazer, slacks, dress shoes, dress shirts and usually with the addition of sunglasses. They make their way up the escalator with fingers pressed together as if they’re pondering how to take over the world. Once they enter the theatre and the film begins, mayhem ensues.

This exact scene has played out on countless TikTok videos since the trend started in Australia, after a local teen took a video of him and his friends dressed up in suits attending the movie. The idea to dress in suits to the movie apparently came from other TikTokers, according to The Guardian, but the teen who made the video was the first to record it.

Most videos have the song “Rich Minion” by the rapper Yeat playing in the background, and some arrive with bananas in hand.

@martim__gonc Gentleminions Time ? #gentleminions #minionssquad? #minions #viral #fyp #tiktok #portugal #pub #publicidade ♬ Rich Minion – Yeat

The trend quickly spread to Toronto, and movie theatres here have been swarmed by suited up teen fans.

@rachidtabbara minions disguised as distinguished gentlemen take over downtown toronto #minions #gru #fyp ♬ Rich Minion – Yeat

Some videos taken within the cinema show teens jumping around in front of the first row, flashing their phone flashlights, screaming and doing their best job of mimicking a moshpit. Undoubtedly, the trend has caused major disturbances within theatres, with some theatres in the U.K. banning fans of the franchise arriving to the movie in suits to avoid any further ruckus.

However, while some find the trend disturbing, others have seen positives in its popularity. Sarah Van Lenge, the Vice President of communications at Cineplex, said “We are seeing our guests getting super excited about Minions: The Rise of Gru across Canada. As you can imagine, having guests arrive in costume for big film releases is something that we’re used to at Cineplex, but what we’ve been seeing since the weekend has been something really unique and special.”

From a safety standpoint, Van Lenge said, “It would be safe to say that thousands of Canadians have suited to enjoy the film on the big screen – and that’s something that we welcome and encourage. We always ask our guests to be respectful of other movie-goers in the auditorium looking to enjoy the film and so far, the #GentleMinions have done just that.”

Minions: Rise of Gru managed to haul in $108.5 in its opening weekend across North America and is still in theatres now, so there’s still a chance to don your finest suit and join in on the trend.

The Cottage Life: What you need to know before buying your dream cottage

By

Dorothy Chudzinski

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11:28 am

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A vacation property can provide a well-deserved weekend retreat, but will you escape the financial consequences of your investment? By thinking like an investor rather than a consumer, you may get the best of both worlds.

As the temperature rises and we approach the summer months, we may be tempted by the listings in cottage country to escape the city, but it appears we are not the only ones. Since the pandemic, increased demand has caused property prices in vacation destinations to rise steeply across the country.

For example, assume there is a beautiful three-bedroom waterfront cottage in Muskoka that has caught your eye for a price of $1.995 million. You feel it is a reasonable price, you already spend several weekends every summer in the area, and you assume the property will appreciate a modest 3 per cent per year over time – great investment, right? If you have convinced yourself this venture will yield family memories as well as mighty financial gains, you may want to reconsider.

There could be plenty of non-financial reasons to purchase the cottage, but we recommend taking the position of an objective investor when assessing how an investment in a second or recreational property fits into your financial plan. Most advisors categorize secondary properties similar to a primary residence, as items of consumption.

When planning any sizeable purchase, Ron Haik, Wealth Advisor and Client Relationship Manager at Nicola Wealth, says there are a number of key considerations one should make ahead of time in order to maximize your finances and your vacation time. Here are the questions you should ask yourself before diving into that lake property:

How are you funding this purchase?

If you are borrowing money to invest in your vacation home, you need to consider the rising interest rate environment we are currently in, and to take that into account for the duration of your mortgage.

What are the hidden expenses?

Maintaining a second property is expensive. Think about what it costs to run one home – property taxes, strata fees, insurance, maintenance, utilities, etc. – then double that. These could account for 2-4 per cent in additional expenses eating into your investment.

How much time will you spend at the cottage?

While working remotely may be reasonable on a part-time basis, more and more organizations are summoning their employees back to the office. Let’s assume you will spend 100 per cent of the peak season at your new cottage (mid-June through mid-September) – this still leaves your new abode empty for three quarters of the year. Oh, you thought you were going to rent out your place in the off-season? Between the cost of hiring a management company to clean and facilitate the rentals, and the reduced rental rate during the shoulder season, where is the value? Also, it’s important to note, any income you collect for rental should be included in your taxable income. At the top marginal tax rate, it leaves less than half in your pocket.

What happens to this property when you’re gone?

Many people have a dream of having a family cottage and hope to see that property get passed down through the generations. But is this just another item in your estate? Will your family always agree on how the summer home is managed? What happens if one member wants to keep it while the rest want to sell?

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO

Haik says it may be better to rent than buy – and not because he doesn’t like real estate as an asset class. Many of his clients have a portion of their total portfolios in real estate, excluding their primary residence. However, there are alternative ways to invest in private real estate, besides taking on a recreational property.

Depending on a client’s personal situation, an alternative could be to invest in a diversified portfolio of commercial real estate properties. Normally reserved for ultra-high-net worth and institutional investors, Nicola Wealth provides access to commercial real estate through their carefully curated real estate portfolios of properties across North America. These portfolios provide diversification beyond the public markets (REITs) and achieve exposure across asset classes (industrial, multi-family residential, retail, office, mixed-use properties) and geographies. The resulting income from investments like these, minus applicable fees, can be used to rent vacation retreats anywhere in the world. Rather than being tied to the same destination year after year, you can diversify your vacation through a variety of one-week vacations.

WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS

So, let’s revisit your dream cottage; say you purchase the three-bedroom waterfront abode in cottage country either with cash (lucky you) or through financing with a mortgage. On top of any mortgage payments you may have and/or any stress caused by the maintenance and management of the property, there are normal home ownership costs (mentioned above) adding to your monthly expenses. While the cottage will hopefully appreciate over time, the gains upon disposition will be taxed.

Alternatively, you could instead invest in a portfolio of real estate properties or REITs, with a lower barrier to entry and lesser investment minimum than the price of a cottage. This investment would generate annual cash flow, essentially building your wealth rather than potentially depleting it. Over the years, you could own a diversified real estate portfolio producing after-tax cash flow to book any vacation property in the world – with no second lawn to mow or heating bills to pay!

The great thing about working with a planning-focused wealth advisor is that they can customize the right solution for you based on your goals, objectives, tax rates and risk tolerance while you can focus on building your legacy beyond wealth, and the cottage.

This material contains the current opinions of the author and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. This investment is intended for tax residents of Canada who are accredited investors. Residency restrictions apply. Please read the relevant documentation for additional details and important disclosure information, including terms of redemption and limited liquidity. All investments contain risk and may gain or lose value. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please speak to your Nicola Wealth advisor for advice based on your unique circumstances. Nicola Wealth is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the required securities commissions.

You can get handmade, artisanal freezies at this Toronto dessert shop

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Erica Commisso

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10:47 am

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What started as an at-home freezie business has flourished into a brick-and-mortar dessert shop at St. Clair and Old Weston Rd. in Toronto. Geladona is run by partners in work and life, Mari Palhares and Flor Bortolacci, who started crafting their artisanal, handmade freezies in one-of-a-kind flavours two years ago as a response to the pandemic.

The flavour lineup includes sweet, fruity options, like cashew fruit, cupuaçu, mulberry, and soursop, alongside creamy concoctions like avocado, passion fruit mousse, strawberry cream and sweet corn, as well as specialty selections like chiabon, doce de leite and Nutella & ninho.

Geladona’s artisanal, Brazilian creations, which also include vegan options, quickly shot to popularity, escalating from an at-home operation to online sales and pop-ups, as well as becoming fixtures in the offerings at Padaria Toronto and Rui Gomes Market.

The duo behind Geladona is also slated to appear at several pop-ups and events this summer, including stints at Mixto Festival and Union Summer, complete with a brightly-coloured freezer bike to carry all the freezies in. Of course, the pair will operate the bike across the city in addition to the bright, airy brick-and-mortar space they opened in March. It showcases a mural on the back wall, which overlooks the lemon-coloured counter bearing all of the offerings.

Geladona is located at 9 Silverthorn Ave.

This ultra-modern $3.995 million Bedford Park home is beautiful from top to bottom

By

Julia Mastroianni

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9:29 am

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388 Elm Rd-1 — Courtesy Rob Holowka, Birdhouse Media

In North Toronto’s distinguished Bedford Park locale, you’ll discover this contemporary home at 388 Elm Rd. with plenty of curb appeal.

Offering large, studio-style windows that allow sunlight to stream through the house and top-quality finishes around every corner, 388 Elm Rd. exudes class.

Listed at $3.995 million, this stylish home features four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a finished basement.

Passing through side-lit double doors, which open onto a marble threshold with a custom walnut accent wall, ascend a short flight of stairs and come upon an open space that offers effortless sophistication.

Tucked away in that walnut-panelled wall is a conveniently-located powder room.

At the front of the house, enjoy peaceful street views through expansive windows in this versatile platformed space enclosed by a sleek glass balustrade.

Each space is artfully defined within the open-concept layout — as seen here with the dining area partitioned by a chic geometric shelf.

The kitchen’s muted, natural palette blends perfectly with the contemporary ambiance of this home and features luxuries such as polished marble accents, a six-burner gas stove and an integrated fridge.

The living room is a pleasant space to spend quality time in. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows and an impressive marble fireplace that complements the kitchen.

Swing open the large patio doors for some fresh air.

Or step outside and enjoy time on the backyard sundeck with a modern glass finish.

Each sun-dappled bedroom features plenty of space and large windows to let the light in — they all have ensuite bathrooms too.

The generously-sized primary bedroom features a walk-in dressing room and large windows that add to the allure of this space.

It also boasts this lavish personal bathroom with a walk-in shower and a soaker tub.

With heated floors and walk-out access to the backyard, the lower level offers plenty of additional space to enjoy with family and friends.

388 Elm Rd. is listed with Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage.

The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto: Stratford

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lindsaylow

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2:08 pm

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Stratford is impossibly charming. Situated on the banks on the Avon River in Perth County, the picturesque theatre town is brimming with history and culture, a dreamy getaway for those who fancy Victorian architecture, impeccably groomed gardens and dynamic local cuisine.

Though it’s only two hours away from Toronto, upon arrival you almost feel like you’ve been transported to another era.

If you’re looking to catch a show at the Stratford Festival, Canada’s largest classical repertory theatre company, the Tom Patterson has joined the queue of impressive venues to check out a performance. The $72 million theatre features a facade of Italian glass and Spanish bronze and is situated along the edge of the Avon River. Some highlights from this season include Chicago (on until Oct. 30), All’s Well That Ends Well (on until Oct. 29) and a highly-anticipated performance of Little Women for the whole family (on until Oct. 29).

For a theatre experience on a much small smaller scale, the Little Prince Cinema Lounge in downtown Stratford is an old-timey 13-seat micro-theatre that recently earned the title of the world’s smallest purpose-built cinema in operation from Guinness World Records.

With just five rooms, the Perth County Inn is a chic and stylish boutique hotel located across from the historic courthouse, and kitty-corner to Shakespeare Gardens.

A spot for late-night Korean snacks and drinks just opened in the GTA

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Erica Commisso

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1:21 pm

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Feel90 is the new chic spot in Markham for soju and delicious Korean-inspired small plates that exudes a cool, speakeasy-esque vibe perfect for keeping the party going after a night out with friends.

The new spot, which officially opened its doors with a soft launch in early June, is only open at night, making it more of a snacks and drinks hangout than a place for dinner. But, it still boasts eclectic menu offerings, bursting with flavour and Korean pride.

Opt for something like Budae Jjigae, also known as Army Stew – a Korean classic for those who like a little spice. Of course, it wouldn’t be a night out the Korean way without some spirits, so wash it down with the perfect pairing: ice-cold soju, a slightly sweet, neutral beverage, similar to vodka that is widely associated with Korean drinking culture. More unique menu items join the list, too, like Baby Octopus Spicy Soon-Tofu or the shaved ice with sweet red bean and condensed milk for those who crave something a little sweet after a couple of drinks.

You can also snag some items that are hard to come by at other GTA-based Korean spots, like Makgeolli, a milky, off-white and lightly sparkling rice wine.

Filled with plants, the vibe of the spot is low-key and cool, a huge neon sign in the shape of a soju bottle creating a glow in the dimly lit space. Perfect for post-bar food and friends or an intimate date night, Feel90’s dine-in-only space will not disappoint any night of the week.

Swing by the 5 Glen Cameron Road spot from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

How to spend a day at Centre Island in Toronto

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Marlene Mendonca

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12:45 pm

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paddle-toronto — Toronto Island SUP offers paddle boarding with a view

The Toronto Islands are a great way to escape the city for a day. You can take a ferry to Centre Island – the cheapest and most popular way to get there – or a water taxi for a quick and less crowded trip. Once there, there are more than enough activities to keep you busy for the day, whether it’s renting a bike, visiting the amusement park or relaxing at the beach.

Plan your day around these adventures for all ages on the island.

Visit the amusement park

Centre Island’s amusement park, known as the Centreville Amusement Park, has various rides for all ages and excitement levels. You’ll want to arrive early to avoid crowds.

If you’re looking to relax, try the Sky Ride or even the Swan Ride while you sit back and enjoy the amazing skyline views. Looking for something a little more extreme? Try the Bumper Boats or even the Log Flume Ride.

There are two types of tickets available at the park. The first is the Grounds Pass, which allows you entrance to the park, splash pad and the farm, but does not allow you to try all the rides.

If you’re looking for access to everything at the park, you’re going to want to upgrade to the All-Day Ride Pass. That pass comes in at around $30 per person. Tickets must be purchased online.

Petting farm

If you’re not into amusement parks and rides, you can visit Far Enough Farm, right next door to the rides, which has over 40 species of farm animals. This petting farm was established in 1959 and has been a popular staple for visitors.

Take a hike

After visiting the island’s cutest residents at the petting farm, you can take a hike through the Toronto Islands Trail. This 14km out-and-back trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels and can even be enjoyed by your dog (although they must be kept on a leash).

Rent a bike or paddle boat

You can also tour the island on a bike. Bike rentals are $9/hr and a great way to get to know the island. You could also try paddle boarding with a view. Paddle boats are $50/person with Toronto Island SUP.

Hit the beach

Despite the rain, summer in the city has been as hot as ever, with temperatures peaking just below 30 C. Bring your swimsuit and take a dip in the water to cool down at the Centre Island beach. The beach stretches east and west of the old pier and is family-friendly with lockers and bathrooms near by.

Get a bite to eat

While you could always bring your own meal for a picnic with a view, you could also opt for a sit down meal at Beach Bar, Café Carousel or Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co.

Before you end your day on the island, you’ll have to try the Canadian classic, Beaver Tails. This delicious fried pastry comes with a wide selection of toppings to satisfy your cravings, including Nutella, fruit, Oreo, Reese’s, and even apple pie.

With so much to do, you’ll be thinking that there isn’t enough time in the day to enjoy the whole island. But it’ll be there all summer long for you to enjoy!

There’s a new upscale Caribbean restaurant coming to Toronto

By

Erica Commisso

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12:43 pm

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If you’re looking for a taste of the islands without leaving Toronto, look no further than the trendy King West neighbourhood which, starting next month, will be home to Miss Likklemore’s, a new, upscale Caribbean concept.

Miss Likklemore’s comes from Scale Hospitality’s Hanif Harji and his partner Darren Hinds, who is the mastermind behind The Good Son. The “haute Caribbean” restaurant blossomed in 2020 as a temporary eatery but, according to a press release, Harji and Hinds have dreamed about finding it a permanent home ever since. And, now, they’ve made it happen.

Slated to open next month, Miss Likklemore’s promises “a highly elevated menu taking inspiration from Caribbean cuisine and the global influences that inflect their foods,” according to a press release. And, of course, they’ve tapped many of the pop-up’s faces, from Chef Lonie to Tyrone Edwards, to partake in the new iteration. Its permanent home is at 433 King St. W.

Of course, Scale Hospitality is behind many of the city’s buzziest restaurants, from French restaurant and wine bar, Lapinou to the legendary Miller Tavern locations and even seafood spot Pink Sky.

The exact opening date has yet to be announced, but those who sign up for the restaurant’s email list on the restaurant’s website will get early insider access to first reservation bookings.

Radio host Kolter Bouchard on surviving cancer and a pandemic with his wife by his side

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Julia Mastroianni

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11:52 am

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Kolter Bouchard, radio host of Kolter & Meredith on 102.1 the Edge, has had a challenging couple of years. He underwent chemotherapy while also raising a newborn during the pandemic. He’s now in remission, but through it all, he’s had his “ride-or-die,” wife, Dominique Bouchard, by his side. Kolter shares how the pair met in school, their wild first date and their secret to marital success.

How they met

Dominique and I met at orientation for the Radio Television Arts program at Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan) University. We shared a media writing class on Thursdays, and I would always try to sit close to her. It took a few months, but around winter exams, I finally worked up the courage to invite her to my dorm. Do I sound like a stalker? Yes. Was my plan successful? Also yes.

The first date

Our first official date was in 2010 at a St. Patrick’s Day party held by Dominique’s childhood best friend, Juno-nominated artist Ceréna. We brought a thermos full of vodka-Sprite and shared it throughout the evening. When the thermos ran dry, we paid another partygoer for shots. We were a bunch of rowdy 18-year-olds and one (or more than one) of the neighbours called the cops. Dominique and I were more than a little intoxicated, and because we were afraid of going to jail, ran to the basement and hid in a bathroom. By the time we were ready to leave, we realized the trains had stopped running, so we slept on a couch and used my shirt for a blanket.

The courtship

The day I met my [then future] mother-in-law, Denise, my car overheated. It was a thousand degrees outside, and between trying to repair my 1997 Pontiac Sunfire and the embarrassment I felt, I was sweating like a pig as I asked for a ride to the train station. Twelve years later, my mother-in-law barely remembers the event. But it’s burned into my memory, and to this day I still cringe.

The proposal

A year into our relationship, I told Dominique I would propose at Cloud Gardens, an urban park at Richmond and Bay in Toronto. When the day came in late 2014, I took her to dinner at Spuntini’s in Yorkville (which burned to the ground a week later) and hired a photographer (Sid Naidu, creator of Scarborough Made) to capture the proposal. When I asked her to marry me, I expected tears. Instead, she started laughing!

The marriage and honeymoon

We were a couple of broke 23-year-olds and got married at Toronto city hall in January of 2015. We could barely afford the marriage licence, let alone a honeymoon, so that was delayed a couple years. When we finally saved enough money, we spent a glorious week in Mombasa, Kenya. This trip actually inspired our daughter’s name: Nia means ‘purpose’ in Swahili.

The kids

Two weeks before the start of the pandemic, we welcomed into the world our daughter Nia.

Balancing careers and marriage

The last two years have been difficult given not only the pandemic, but also my cancer treatment (I’m in remission!), raising a newborn and co-operating a digital marketing business. We share a calendar and schedule almost every aspect of our lives. It doesn’t sound super romantic, but having a handle on the need-to-dos allows us to focus on the want-to-dos. Also, having parents who are hungry to take their grandchild gives us much-needed alone time.

The secret to success

Laughter. Dominique and I share an incredibly dark sense of humour, which is not only how we bond, but how we’ve overcome stressful experiences like relocating to Dubai, beating cancer and, most difficult of all, potty-training a two-year-old.

For more How They Met stories like Kolter and Dominique Bouchard’s, click here.

The Best New Weekend Getaways From Toronto: The Great Lakes

By

lindsaylow

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12:00 pm

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Toronto is now home to cruise ships offering unique summer getaway voyages – including one across the Great Lakes from Toronto to Minnesota.

Viking Cruises Canada is offering trips on the Great Lakes aboard their 378-passenger ship Viking Octantis, with a second expedition vessel — the Polaris — joining for the 2023 season.

The company is operating eight cruises, including three departing from Toronto, where passengers will have the opportunity to explore the largest freshwater ecosystem on earth, aboard a top-of-the-line ship equipped with two yellow submarines (fittingly named John and Paul), an onboard theatre, multiple restaurants and cocktail lounges and a Nordic spa, as well as a beauty and hair salon.

Mackinac Island Michigan, one of the stops on the Great Lakes cruise — Mackinac Island Michigan

The 15-day Great Lakes Collection cruise from Toronto to Minnesota includes a full day in Algoma, Wisconsin, the gateway to the Door Peninsula, home to boreal forests, rugged rock formations and pristine beaches, as well as Alpena, Michigan, where shore excursions include admiring panoramic views of the northeastern lower peninsula aboard a historic Britten-Norman Islander aircraft.

On a 16-day sail from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the voyage combines scenic landscapes and storied cities with stops in Trois-Rivières and Cape Breton, as well as the bustling metropolis of New York City.