Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
All aboard the Hogwarts Express, there’s a free Harry Potter event taking over Yonge-Dundas Square.
To celebrate the Canadian premiere of the Tony-award winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child coming to the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre, a magical celebration will be held at Toronto’s busiest and buzziest square on May 31 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The event includes a meet-and-greet with members of the cast, an opportunity to board the double-decker bus, selfies in front of one of four Hogwarts House banners, complimentary Hogwarts swag, and free handmade treats courtesy of Queen West bakery, The Grand Order of Divine Sweets.
The first 100 attendees who dress up as their favourite Harry Potter character will receive a sorting hat cupcake (admit it, you were going to dress up anyway!), and those who post a photo of themselves at the event on social, will be entered to win two tickets to the June 19 opening night performance of the play, or one of four Harry Potter and the Cursed Child prize packs.
The play which first opened in London in 2016, was written by Jack Thorne and is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Thorne. It begins nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world. It follows Harry and his younger son who is about to attend the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Vancouver’s Trevor White heads up the all-Canadian cast in the title role as the now middle-aged Harry Potter, while Sarah Afful and Nova Scotia’s Gregory Prest take on the roles of Hermione and Ron. Sara Farb and Fiona Reed who starred in the play’s Broadway production will reprise their roles as Delphi Diggory and Professor McGonagall.
The eighth story in Rowling’s saga, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first to be presented on stage. Seen by more than 4.5 million people worldwide in countries including Australia, Germany and the U.K., the Toronto show is the play’s sixth international production, with a Japanese show set to open on June 16.
You know what they say – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Toronto Instagram account Stooping Toronto is taking that to the next level, sharing photos of free curb finds across the city for you to furnish your home with.
The popular submissions-based Instagram page with 25,000 followers has been up and running since December of 2020. Torontonians send in photos with address so that fellow stoopers can rush to the find. Other people’s trash may become the perfect missing piece of furniture in another person’s Toronto abode. The page also shares success photos so that followers can see what the respective finds look like in their new homes.
The two admins behind the Instagram account started the Stooping Toronto page during the pandemic, and have silently watched it take off since. Streets of Toronto spoke with the founders about why Stooping Toronto started and their best advice for thrifty Torontonians on furnishing your apartment for free. Quotes will be attributed to both admins out of a request for anonymity.
The pair say that when the pandemic started, they were living in a small apartment. “We were going on a lot of walks and we saw a lot of stuff that was being thrown out. It was a little sad that a lot of it was just going to the landfill when people could use it,” they say.
They drew inspiration from Stooping NYC, a New York version of the account that was started in 2019. “We tried to see if there was one for Toronto, and there wasn’t. We messaged the stooping New York account and talked to them a little about it. Then we decided to start one here.”
According to Stooping Toronto, when they spoke to the Stooping NYC admins, one of them shared that they were originally from Toronto, and they were excited about one being started here.
Since opening the account, the admins say they’ve received “a lot of positive response.”
“We get a lot of messages from people who are excited about their finds. I think we’ve built a strong community. People submit a lot of #stoopingsuccess stories with images of how they’ve integrated their stooping find into their home. Or people share how they transported their find – like someone took a couch on the subway and there was an article about that,” they say.
Stooping Toronto says many of the people who send items do so while they’re walking their dogs, and their followers range from ages 20 to 50. “We don’t really see a lot of teenagers,” they say.
When it comes to styling your finds, the pair say to decide what theme you want in mind. “There’s a lot of Instagram accounts for interior design inspiration, as well as Pinterest as a good source. Some of our followers are very good at recognizing the quality of an item and whether it’s designer,” they say. “Tiny details might indicate that a piece is made of quality materials.”
Once you identify the item online, they say, you’ll likely find associated photos of that furniture item in a space, and you can use those photos for inspiration.
Read below for the admins’ top tips for stooping in Toronto.
Walk around on garbage day or at the end of the month when people are moving out
Follow @stooping_toronto and turn on notifications!
Walk on the right side of the street because otherwise, you can’t see behind parked cars.
For carrying, it’s helpful if you have something with wheels, like a skateboard or a dolly.
If Ubering, definitely ask your driver and be sure to tip! [Stooping Toronto has a community member who is an uber driver – @festivevantoronto on Instagram, and she helps people pick things up, she has a big wheelchair accessible van.]
Check condo garbage areas, they are often accessible from behind and there’s often a lot of stuff there.
Carry tools (screwdriver or allen key) in case you need to take something apart in order to carry it, or a flashlight for a night find. “Some people always carry a tote bag in case they need to carry something.”
Check to make sure something isn’t irreparably damaged. “A lot of stoopers are pretty handy and are able to re-purpose damaged finds.”
Another good tool is a tape measure to make sure that your find will fit into your home space before you carry it. “Try to measure beforehand if it’s something big.”
If you’re giving stuff away, it’s helpful if there’s a sign on it that says free, or shares some details about the object. Bundle together any detachable accessories so they don’t get lost. And make sure it looks clean before you bring it in your home.
If something is very popular, you have to act fast – small vintage items often go quickly whereas heavy items that require transport may last longer, as well as generic items that can be found elsewhere.
BodyBreak founders Hal Johnson and Johanne McLeod. Courtesy Good For Sunday
Dust off your ankle weights and memorize your CVV, as Toronto-based clothing brand Good For Sunday is collaborating with BodyBreak, the cult-classic exercise program hosted by two former Canadian athletes.
Opening shop in 2020, Good For Sunday’s founders, Anthony and Demetra Kentris, found a void in the market when it came to athleisure that was ethically sourced and manufactured. The pair continue to produce most of their garments in Toronto, offering customers casual items as well as an alternative to fast fashion.
Last year, Good For Sunday began working on the idea of a sportswear collection. The Kentrises wanted to give the line a more vintage look. So, when looking for inspiration, the pair fell upon a vibrant brand from their childhood.
“We landed on it and remembered this BodyBreak brand from our childhood. It kind of already encapsulated the diversity that we wanted to include,” Anthony says. “We wanted to connect with a healthy living brand that really means something to Canadians.”
Hal Johnson (bottom left) and Johanne McLeod (bottom middle). Courtesy Good For Sunday
BodyBreak was a television segment that started in the late ’80s. Hosts Hal Johnson and Joanne McLeod both reached international status in Canada in sports, with Johnson playing first base for Team Canada and McLeod leaping over hurdles at multiple track and field events.
“Hal and I came up with the idea 34 years ago. It was really just a way to encourage Canadians to get out and be active, eat healthier and to show that all Canadians can do it regardless of your age, your race or your abilities,” McLeod says.
Johnson and McLeod found a small gap in TV broadcasting which was normally filled by a public service announcement. This would allow BodyBreak to air close to 1,500 times a week depending on programming schedules.
The key to this partnership is nostalgia. “They [the Kentrises] remembered us growing up. Our videos would come on YTV when you least expect them and it brought back a lot of good memories for them. They realized that many Canadians had been touched by BodyBreak,” Johnson says.
Courtesy Good For Sunday
Demetra says she wants the collection to inspire those feelings of nostalgia in wearers of this new collection. “When you mention BodyBreak to Canadians, their faces immediately light up with nostalgic, joyful memories of their childhood when they remember that unforgettable theme song and Hal and Joanne’s friendly faces.”
The collaboration between Good For Sunday and BodyBreak is chock-full of athletic wear that is going to scratch your vintage itch. The collection features everything from relaxed t-shirts and shorts to quarter-zips and crewnecks.
The original ringer tee from the new collection. Courtesy Good For Sunday
Select pieces have been designed to directly mimic memorabilia from the show’s first days on air. The original ringer t-shirt features the graphic design which was used on BodyBreak’s pilot episode in 1988.
Anthony is adamant that the garments are made to last. “We don’t make trendy silhouettes. We make silhouettes that are timeless and can be worn for years and years. For both its style and quality.”
When asked about the decision to keep everything in-house and eco-friendly, Anthony Kentris says, “We see the importance of supporting our local economy. We also started using materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and linen to make our collections more sustainable.”
The collaboration was released today, May 18 and is available on the official Good for Sunday website.
Many pizza lovers would say New York City has the best pizza on the continent. Sure, it’s not the Italian delicacy in its truest form, but the greasy comfort food we’ve come to love. And, now, one of New York’s finest pizzerias, Prince Street Pizza, is coming to Toronto, so we can really see for ourselves.
Prince Street on Instagram
Already with outposts in Miami and Los Angeles, Prince Street is continuing its cross-continent expansion by opening its first location in Canada. Prince Street is known for its airy, crispy crust and mildly spicy sauce, and the fact that each slice is cut into a square. In its native Manhattan, it reigns supreme in terms of pizza spots, alongside Joe’s Pizza and Artichoke Pizza.
Prince Street on Instagram
In Toronto, Prince Street will be housed inside The Well, a massive residential, retail and office space slated to open next year in the downtown core. Confirmed food vendors, according to Retail Insider, include “La Cubana, Hooky’s, Ren Sushi, a new to market Korean-focused concept, Chun Yang Tea, Lobster Burger Bar, Rosie’s Burgers, Isabella’s Mochi Donuts and Sweetie Pie among others.”
There will also be additional sit-down restaurant concepts, including “an upscale French Bistro as well as a two-level British-inspired tavern with an Old World-inspired wood bar with wood panelling and checkered tile floors, a fresh English farmhouse-inspired dining room, a stately private dining room, and a manicured streetside patio,” according to Retail Insider. The piece de resistance is a restaurant on the 36th floor of the west office tower, which will showcase sweeping views of Toronto.
The vision of The Well, from the press kit
Oliver & Bonacini is also involved in the project, and the PR team at the food group confirmed that this project has been in the works since before the pandemic hit the city.
The Well is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023, and we’ll likely see Prince Street Pizza soon after.
The first time Andre Gibson heard a beatbox was in Grade 8 in North York. But he didn’t start learning until a year later when he was on a field trip and a classmate was beatboxing in line right in front of him.
The beatboxing scene is competitive, according to Gibson. So when the classmate declined to show him how to make those rhythms, Gibson went home and practised on his own.
“I came back to school and did my thing and I showed him. He was like, ‘Wow, you actually got it down,’” Gibson says.
In the beatbox community, Andre is dubbed “The Beatbox Scientist.” He won first place as the Montreal Beatbox Champion and second place for the Vice Canadian National Champion. Now, he’s set to speak at TEDxToronto Renew on its opening night at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on May 17.
The event runs over three days and features Gibson as well as nine other speakers with specialities ranging from genetic research and robotics to food and refugee activism.
Gibson said his talk will mainly revolve around his life’s journey as a beatboxer, and he’ll highlight how he’s used that journey to uplift others along the way.
Although he’s a champion, Gibson reveals that he didn’t know much about beatbox battles. Although he watched some in high school, he started to get serious about it when he began the search for battles in Toronto.
That’s when he landed upon something called the Great North Battle. The event is a Canadian beatboxing and hip hop showcase that allows international beatboxers to compete annually in Toronto.
Although it was too late to compete in the Great North Battle by the time he came across it, Gibson still went to the battle to watch, hoping to gain some wisdom about the culture.
While he was there, he stumbled upon a great community of beatboxers and learned more about battling.
Inspired to join a battle, Gibson found one in 2015 in Ohio and took a bus all the way there where he eventually ranked 16th place.
Then, in 2017, his luck changed and that was the year that led to his winning performances at Vice Champion and Montreal Beatbox.
Outside of battling, Gibson pointed out the importance of educating others in the art of beatboxing. That’s why he’s skilled in teaching beatboxing workshops in public schools and for youth in homeless shelters.
Those workshops include after-school programs for kids who “didn’t have much to do after school,” he said.
“I could relate as a kid. I had to move schools a lot of the time and it’s nice to be able to have something you don’t need any equipment for,” Gibson said. “You just need yourself.”
He said the best part is watching kids push their limits and watch what possibilities can unfold when they believe in their creativity.
But most of all, it’s a skill that helped a lot of kids come out of their shells. For Gibson, the art of beatboxing means not caring what anyone will think about your craft.
“You don’t need to think what someone will think of you if you say the wrong thing, because it’s just sound and music. And everyone loves music,” he said.
Andre Gibson will be speaking at TEDxToronto on May 17 at the ROM, tickets are available at tedxtoronto.com.
The relationship between Global News anchor Farah Nasser and her husband, Razid Samdjy, revolves around their two kids — but they get a good Netflix binge in when they can. The couple tells us about their love story.
How they met
Different people had been trying to set us up for years (including my mother who had a close friend who sat on a board with Razid). We eventually met through a mutual friend. Funny enough, after meeting, we realized we’d attended several of the same events and had never bumped into each other, including a house party at a tiny waterfront condo. There are even photos of us standing near each other. Looking back now, I guess the timing was never right until it was.
The first date
It was at Jamie Kennedy’s former restaurant on The Esplanade in late 2007. We hit it off right away; the date ended up lasting more than three hours. We talked about our travels, our families and our goals. By the end of the night, we had already agreed to go on a second date. It was unspoken, but we both knew this wasn’t just a date. It was the beginning of something big.
The courtship
A few weeks into dating, we were at a friend’s party downtown, and there was a terrible snowstorm. My parents called and told me to wait it out and not drive home. Razid and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, talking and listening to music. It was one of the most magical nights of my life. We both knew that night that this was it.
The proposal
I had come back from getting my hair done to Razid’s condo filled with roses and candles. He got down on one knee. I have no idea what he said, but I cried, and he tells me now I didn’t even officially say yes. We were both so happy and giddy. We turned up the music and danced for hours then capped off the night with a beautiful dinner at George. We also kept it to ourselves until the next day, so we could truly take it in before everyone around us got into “wedding mode.” That part was really special. It was like our little secret for 24 hours.
The wedding
We got married in the summer of 2009. It was a five-day Indian affair with venues all over the GTA, including my parents’ backyard in Mississauga. We were lucky to have family and friends travel in from all over the world, as far as Madagascar. We were surrounded by love, happiness and lots of dancing.
The honeymoon
We went to Tahiti for our honeymoon shortly after the wedding. It was a great trip although we were pretty exhausted from the wedding festivities.
The kids
We have two kids: our son, Kian, and daughter, Arya. They keep us pretty busy!
Shared goals
We were both raised on the importance of volunteering, and we both make regular commitments to get involved. We talk a lot about volunteering for an NGO overseas in the future.
Although spring officially sprang back in March, as all Canadians know, the real kick-off happens on Victoria Day, otherwise fondly known as “May two-four” weekend.
And, with all that warm sunshine finally beaming down on us, the birds, the bees, the leafy trees and people all across the country eagerly emerging from hibernation to embark upon their cottage country adventures, May’s long weekend is the weekend we’ve all been waiting for.
But, wait – did some of you miss the memo on that last part? Perhaps you procrastinated a bit too long or got caught up in the daily grind?
With many cottage escapes still available, it’s not too late to join in on the fun and ring in the best time of year with a jaunt to cottage country for the long weekend (or week).
And, to help you start planning for your last-minute (but soon-to-be-amazing) long weekend, here’s a mix of classic and off-the-radar Ontario cottage destinations within driving distance from Toronto.
So, get booking, get packing and don’t forget to pick up some fireworks and a two-four!
Parry Sound
Do you hear that sound? It’s the sound of peace and quiet – a.k.a Parry Sound.
Offering plenty of classic cottage experiences at the ready, visitors will fall in love with this special Canadian landscape of rugged terrain dotted with pristine waters and unique wildlife.
Two and ah half hours from Toronto, this Georgian Bay inlet is part of Ontario’s impressive 30,000 island freshwater archipelago – a UNESCO site of impressive beauty.
With a public beach around the corner and a newly renovated interior, this Lynx Lake cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and space for eight guests will help you make the most of the long weekend.
Alaya and Matt/VRBOAlaya and Matt/VRBOAlaya and Matt/VRBOAlaya and Matt/VRBO
Click here to book this stay, or choose a Parry Sound cottage weekend of your own here.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
This part of Ontario truly is yet to be discovered. But, as with all great things, it won’t be long before it’s at the top of the cottage country charts.
Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive from Toronto heading to Peterborough county’s Havelock-Belmont-Methuen region where you’ll find a cottage lover’s haven tucked away among lovely towns, scenic countryside and lakes as calm and smooth as glass. Here, the only thing you need to do is lounge in a sun-dappled hammock and enjoy the evening echo of the loon.
There’s room for six guests, three bedrooms and one bathrooms in this charming waterfront cottage in Havelock. An added perk (if you’re prepared to take the leap) – with little to no cell service, you can really commit to unplugging and unwinding!
Book your stay at this cottage here, or snag your Havelock-Belmont-Methuen cottage retreat of your own choosing here.
Prince Edward County and the Sandbanks
People love day-tripping PEC. After all, it’s arguably one of the prettiest, most charming regions in Southern Ontario within two hours. But have you ever considered turning your day trip into a weekend getaway?
With many fabulous sandy beaches (including Sandbanks National Park), picture-perfect scenery and postcard-worthy views at every turn, this part of Ontario is the perfect place to spend a few nights out of the city roasting marshmallows to your heart’s content.
If you’re not too interested in lounging in the water this weekend but are on the hunt for a cool place to chill with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, this Prince Edward County vacation home will do it! Three bedrooms, one bathroom, space for six guests and a sprawling backyard sounds like the perfect recipe for a long weekend of relaxation.
Book this home here, or find a Prince Edward County cottage escape of your own here.
Haliburton and the Algonquin Highlands
Located about a three-hour drive from Toronto, Haliburton offers the quintessential cottage experience without the hype. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to fish, hike, stargaze or just get some fresh air, this part of Ontario is not only scenic but is full of fun things to do. Lounge lakeside or explore Algonquin park, discover the surreal world of the Haliburton Sculpture Garden, or go boating with friends and family – there’s lots to do here.
Check out this three-bedroom, two-bathroom rental that sleeps eight. With a large tiered dock, waterfront access and upper and lower decks, you’ll get to relax to the max this weekend.
Sean Fleming/Cottagesincanada.comSean Fleming/Cottagesincanada.com
Known for their ice cream, gorgeous lakes, and the Tragically Hip’s anthem Bobcaygeon, the Kawarthas is a cottage country must-visit. While it’s certainly not off-the-beaten-path, being a mere hour and a half from Toronto’s city limits makes it a perfect long weekend spot.
Spend your time boating, relaxing, exploring or, as the song goes, “watching the constellations reveal themselves one star at a time.” However you spend your time here, you’ll discover that you don’t need to travel far to find world-class cottage life.
This cottage in Trent has been renovated top-to-bottom, featuring one bedroom and an additional bunkie with two beds, one bathroom and a hot tub with stunning views of the water.
There’s a new bar arriving in Toronto this spring, but it might not be what you’re expecting! Formula Fig, the high-tech clean beauty facial bar based out of Vancouver is opening its first location on Ossington this spring. It boasts a “fast facial” concept and all the latest technological advancements to give you that sought-after west coast glow.
The beauty bar is set to open at 55 Ossington Ave. near Queen Street West, along with another store opening in Vancouver and an L.A. outpost as well.
Formula Fig, formerly known as Fig Face, has been recognized for its stylish London inspired interior since first opening in 2019. The brand’s aesthetic lends itself well to the new trendy Ossington location. The clean beauty bar advertises a combination of advanced technology, vitamin shots and injections to treat skin affordably, quickly and consciously. This model of ease and efficiency was inspired by founder Jessica Walsh’s own struggle to fit meaningful skincare into her busy routine as mom and entrepreneur. When Walsh started the brand, she made a point of offering injection and facial options that are served in just 30 minutes.
Walsh raises the attention of fashion industry folk as the former assistant to British fashion stylist Isabella Blow. She moved from London to Vancouver several years ago and found herself missing home. Walsh previously told Beauty Independent that she saw a “slight gap” in the market in Vancouver in terms of store interiors with a “polished” look. While the same can’t be said for Toronto – minimalist interiors reign supreme here! – the city likely hasn’t seen anything like some of Formula Fig’s more elaborate yet super-speedy facial offerings that incorporate every technological innovation imaginable.
Walsh hopes to disrupt the clean beauty movement with a brand that not only prioritizes quality product but presents it in a high design format. Cue a green marble, leather and velvet interior of one of Formula Fig’s Vancouver locations, accompanied by ambient low lighting a professional sound system. Fashion Magazine noted the sales associates wore a uniform green botanical-print pyjama suit— custom made by a South African menswear designer on recommendation from a former colleague at British Vogue.
Walsh has said that her aim is to remove the friction from the clean beauty process. To make the facial application as smooth as possible, facial services are packaged to include nothing more than they need to. There’s even a self serve facial option which only costs $30.
@figformula/Instagram
Popular advanced options in order of price: the “LED & Oxygen” facial which focuses on drainage and is concluded with 95 per cent pure oxygen being blown onto the skin ($75), “Hydrate & Glow” micro dermabrasion ($95), and “Lift & Tone” to stimulate collagen production ($115). Beyond these facials, Formula Fig also offers a “collagen & texture” super facial which utilizes nano-needling ($175) and a “Radiance & Renewal” laser treatment ($325).
Each facial is accompanied by a pair of headphones that play a 20-minute body scan meditation from Vancouver expert Michele Kambolis. Each treatment is concluded with LED light therapy, red for collagen boosting and blue for balancing bacteria for the skin microbiome, followed by a full facial massage.
And then that’s it. Tip is included in the price so there’s no need to worry about the math on your way out. When Formula Fig arrives in Toronto this season, it’ll be up to you to decide which fast-paced facial is the one for you to squeeze in between work and yoga class.
Smorgasburg has officially made Toronto its fifth location. The food and drink festival was started in the Williamsburg neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, offering guests waterfront views and local food and drink experiences.
Now, with the help of food writer Suresh Doss, the festival will officially launch in Toronto on July 23. According to a press release, Smorgasburg Toronto will take place “on the waterfront for eight Saturdays (through Sept. 10), at 7 Queens Quay East, at the foot of Yonge Street.”
Doss is curating Smorgasburg Toronto’s food and drink program, and Landon Logie, a local event producer who specializes in culinary events, is handling the market itself.
“Toronto is recognized around the world as a diverse culinary capital,” said Doss. “With Smorgasburg Toronto, we will be highlighting this unique food mosaic,” Doss said in a statement.
“I’ve been a long-time fan of Smorgasburg and its proud showcase of international foods presented through the lens of aspiring home cooks. The Toronto market will be a global food tour of regional menus, featuring some of my favourite independent food shops from many of the food-rich communities around the city,” he added.
Smorgasburg on Instagram
Some of the food vendors include Singapore Kopi and Kueh by Kiss My Pans, Sri Lankan street food by Secret Chef, FeasTO (Canada’s first dumplings pop up), Instagram sensation Noctua Bread, who will debut a bread and pintxo bar, American classics by Cabano’s Comfort Food, and regional Chinese street cooking by Sunny’s Chinese, among others. A full outdoor bar by Evelyn Chick Projects will also be a part of the festival, offering harbour views and seating.
“The Waterfront BIA is looking forward to welcoming this landmark event on the Toronto
Waterfront,” said Tim Kocur, executive director of the Waterfront BIA. “Smorgasburg is a world-class market that will enhance the vibrancy of the waterfront community while supporting our
tourism industry and local businesses.”
There are already plans to expand Smorgasburg Toronto, giving it a full season next year. “Starting in Spring 2023, the market will open every Saturday for a full outdoor season at the same location,” the release says.
Smorgasburg Toronto, opening July 23, will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 7 Queens Quay.
Lisa and Ryan Gozlan, founders of Lisa Gozlan Jewelry.
When Lisa and Ryan Gozlan opened their first showroom for Lisa Gozlan Jewelry in 2021 in Yorkville, they already had the reputation to match. Jewelry from a previous line from Lisa Gozlan had already been seen on the likes of Snoop Dogg and Shay Mitchell. We caught up with the Rosedale local to chat about running a family business, keeping the brand affordable and expanding internationally.
Why jewelry design?
My husband Ryan is a fifth generation jeweler. His family has been in the business for over 50 years. Ryan, being in the business, would always make me special pieces, and when I was out with friends or in public, people would always compliment the pieces I was wearing. Sometimes I would sell things directly off myself! We were both in our respective family businesses but not feeling personally fulfilled. I remember one day I went into his office and saw some 10 karat rings on his desk. I took a liking to them, and we started going through old rings and other products that Ryan’s grandfather Roger was selling in 1970. We gained inspiration for our line from there.
What was your original goal when creating Lisa Gozlan Jewelry?
When we started, our goal was to build a brand and not just a jewelry brand, but also a sort of lifestyle. We found that unique, affordable and good quality jewelry was hard to come by in Canada at the time. Now I think the Canadian jewelry market has really evolved. There are now so many new and cool brands popping up these days.
What is it like working with your spouse?
There are times where it can be difficult, but at the end of the day, Ryan is my best friend and someone I can rely on wholeheartedly. It’s nice that we are both looking out for one another’s interests at all times. Ryan also brings so much to the table with his knowledge of the industry, so he and I are both equal partners in pushing this business forward.
Why did you decide on Yorkville for your showroom?
Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to have my own store. As the pandemic sort of took a turn, we went full throttle on a search for a space. We had a lot of demand for it, and we also wanted to create a space where customers could really get a feel for the brand. Yorkville happened to have the perfect space we were imagining and looking for, so it was a match made in heaven. I have to say, it’s probably the best thing we ever did — having people come into my store and browse all the products gives me so much joy.
What’s next for Lisa Gozlan Jewelry?
After successful trunk shows this past March, expansion into the U.S. market is top priority for next year. We definitely have plans to take the Lisa Gozlan Jewelry brand worldwide.
Dave Portnoy, also known as Stool Presidente, recently visited Toronto to promote his partnership with The Score’s sports betting app. But, would El Prez really be himself if he didn’t try some pizza on his visit?
Portnoy sampled slices at pizzerias from Etobicoke to Leslieville, offering his cult-followed “one bite, everybody knows the rules” takes on some of Toronto’s most beloved pizza places, from Blondies to Maker Pizza.
Reminiscing on his pizza adventures in New York, Portnoy ranked North of Brooklyn, one of his first stops in Toronto, the highest of the fifteen places he sampled. It got a prestigious 8.4 ranking, which is one of the highest rankings Portnoy gives.
Shocking to some, Portnoy ranked Matty Matheson’s Maker Pizza the lowest of his samples, giving it a 6.1. He acknowledged that it was one of the most recommended pizzerias in the city, but wasn’t a fan of the pie’s greasiness and heaviness.
Spanning cinema, music, dance, and cuisine, aluCinArte brings every flavour of Latin America to the GTA. The five-day arts festival will spread across the city from June 15-19 at various indoor and outdoor venues.
AluCinArte will include workshops, activities, cooking classes, music, films, and dance featuring some of the biggest names in Latin-Canadian entertainment to bring the Latin American art scene to the forefront of summer festival culture.
The festival’s lineup includes an opening night celebration (‘The Delightful Queer Invasion’) by Juno nominated dance-pop artist Cerena, a ceviche workshop by Chef Pedro Quintanilla of Bloom, and several other famous artists and activists.
The festival is by Sinara Rozo, artistic director of aluCinArte Latin American Arts Festival.
“We believe that there is a gap in representation of the Latin American arts despite its growing presence in the community,” Rozo says. “We are confident that once the public experiences the festival, they will be transported into the Latin culture, which celebrates community, inclusivity and fun.”
Presented by Southern Currents, an independent forum created to support Latin American media artists from Canada and worldwide, Rozo has created the first festival of its kind. This year’s inaugural festival includes ticketed and donation-based performances making the Latinx art community accessible to everyone in the GTA.
After two years of performance silence, the aluCinArte festival promises to infuse the city with life. Submissions are currently open for acts seeking inclusion in this year’s festival. For ticket information, Covid protocols, and a full lineup of performances, visit the aluCinArts website at https://www.alucinefestival.com/.
