How Marilyn Denis played matchmaker for this radio host and TV chef in Toronto

By

-

2:01 pm

If you don’t recognize Meredith Shaw from her countless TV appearances on The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show and more, you’ll definitely recognize her voice. She’s probably the first thing you hear once you get in the car on the way home from work as a radio host for CHUM 104.5. Her fiancé, Rodney Bowers, also frequents your TV screen, in between his role as head of food media at Centennial College. The couple share the details of their steamy first date, unbelievable proposal and how they juggle their careers.

How they met

MS: I think we were both kind of aware of each other because of what we do for a living. But we met at an event that I was emceeing for CHUM-FM. And he was there with a brand he was working with. We always say that Marilyn Denis was kind of our matchmaker.

The first date

RB: It took months and months of awkward courting. Our first date, we went for lunch in Little India.

MS: Rod just felt like home to me; he always had the minute I saw him. There was something about him that was familiar. It was that feeling that I’ve heard other people talk about but I hadn’t felt yet. And then when I met him, I did. The first date was nothing like what I would imagine a great first date to be, but it was a great first date. He makes me laugh all the time.

RB: Little did she know, on the date, I actually had one of the hottest peppers I had ever put into my mouth. I was trying to hold it back, sweating profusely, trying to quench my thirst with water.

The proposal

MS: It was his birthday and we went to this beautiful farm just outside Montreal. It was incredible. He knew the chef and everything we ate there was grown there and picked that day. It was a beautiful glass greenhouse in the middle of the field. About halfway through the meal, the power went out. And then all of a sudden, there were candles everywhere. Rod had nothing to do with this power outage. It just so happened that the universe was kind of on our side. So we’re suddenly in this twinkly greenhouse. At the end of the meal, I said, “OK, we should go, because the chef is probably stressed.”

But he said, “No, let’s wait,” and he was waiting for the other people to leave, so we did. At this point, we’re in darkness, and I remember he got down on the ground. I was thinking, “What are you doing down there?” I could feel him lunging toward me, and I still had no idea what was going on, and then he asked me and I said yes. I was emotional. And then one of the most magical things happened. Rod said, “I wish I could just see your face, because there’s so much joy.” And then in that minute, the lights came back on, and it was just beautiful.

Balancing career and marriage

RB: It’s a lot of work. When we do what we do, we need to be patient. I think it works because we’re not too needy. We’re giving, we’re respectful of boundaries and things that the other person has to do. Meredith has 87 jobs, basically: she’s on the radio, she models and she’s a stylist, she’s an expert and she runs all things. I’m a professor, I’m on TV and I’m a chef. The media world is very different on the inside than it is on the outside looking in, and so I think we both have that understanding of what it is, what it takes and what it requires.

Working together

MS: It was really cool for us to come together and shoot a television show called Double Your Dish, which we did last year during quarantine. That was really exciting, because we were able to really work together, which we hadn’t done as intensely before. I hope to do more things like that. It was really fun to bring our different passions together.

The secret to success

MS: Humour! I think things are so hard, and relationships are hard, and we’re not exempt from that. But we have a deep, deep love and respect for each other. And I think we also just crack each other up.

Toronto sculptor creates shrine to storied building with tragic past

By

Ron Johnson

-

11:11 am

0

sculpture — Canadian artist John Clinton's depiction '306 Davenport'

A Toronto sculptor created what he calls a shrine to one of Toronto’s most storied buildings at 306 Davenport Rd., slated to be demolished to make way for another condo development.

The two-storey building at the corner of Davenport and Bedford dates back almost a century and is well-known as the former home of Buckingham Cigarettes, a hand-painted historic ghost sign for which has long clung to the side of the building and caught the eye of many passersby.

The home is also notable as the former home of Just Desserts Cafe and the tragic shooting that took place there and ended up as one of the longest criminal trials in Canadian history.

Canadian artist John Clinton lives across the street from the infamous building. His sculpture of 306 Davenport immortalizes a storied part of Toronto’s history in its last months before demolition.

“The building captured my COVID attention because I stared at it every day in lockdown. I fixated on the ghost sign, the unique shape, the mish mash of colour and became intrigued by its history,” he explained.

“Every detail is a monument to the different lives and eras it has lived, and to the years it has survived encroaching urban development. A grocers in the 1800’s, and morphed into restaurants, tea houses, rooming houses, and fast food joints. And of course, the site of one of Toronto’s most notorious murders. As I saw the early signs of the demolition to come, I couldn’t shake the idea of the building disappearing without a trace.”

Clinton’s work shows a true depiction of the building without a polished veneer of former glory with the fading ghost sign, the sag of the old telephone poles, and the abandoned storefront. In a way, it could be anywhere in Toronto as the slow march of shiny new condos continues unabated in all corners. This is what Clinton wanted to capture.

“Now that it’s slated to become a 27-storey condo and a lost part of Toronto’s history, I wanted to capture the majesty of the building and recognize the building for the contribution to art that it is,” he said. “It’s not often you get to sculpt something that, in one piece, reflects so many different eras of a city.”

Scaffolding has now risen around the building so it can be torn down to make way for a 27-storey Designer’s Walk building.

Clinton works out of Toronto and has a studio on the west coast. 306 Davenport will be featured in his upcoming April 2022 exhibit at the Canadian Sculpture Centre.

This anime-inspired chicken wing spot has 150 flavours on the menu

By

Christine Hogg

-

9:19 am

0

A new wing spot has made its soft launch debut in Midtown, with a grand opening set for fall 2022.

Crave Wings is serving up fresh, never frozen, wings in over 150 different unique flavours. In a city overrun with tasty wing spots, variety and quality isn’t the only thing that sets them apart.

Crave Wings happens to be the first-ever anime-inspired wing joint in Toronto, boasting one-of-a-kind, hand-painted anime murals and manga walls, featuring popular characters from Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Death Note, Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen.

The Food

Fans will recognize the restaurant’s mascot as Luffy from the Manga series One Piece, fittingly chosen as a character that loves to eat.

The owners, two food and anime-obsessed friends, have incorporated anime references in their menu as well with items like the hot, sweet, and spicy flavor combo called “Where’s Sasuke!” a nod to the fictional character in the Naruto manga and anime franchise.

The Dill Parm wings with a side order of Jaffan Fries. Photo: @foodkrawler

Not a big wing fan? Crave also offers different kinds of fries, wraps, quesadillas, and other comfort food sides.

While the grand opening has been pushed back due to COVID-19, the owner, Vinny, is humbled by all the support he’s received through online orders.

Crave Wings has a small area for indoor dining with a capacity limit of less than 20, which works as they focus on take-out, delivery, and catering for game nights, events, and more.

“Our team is thankful for the continued support from our local customers in Midtown, and for keeping us running during this tough time. We are grateful to be part of this amazing community,” says Vinny.

You can check out the anime-inspired wing spot in person at 557 Eglinton Avenue East and mark your calendar for the grand opening next fall.

In the meantime, get your wing fix by ordering through UberEats and Skip the Dishes.

A holiday pop-up from these women-owned brands is coming to Toronto this weekend

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

4:30 pm

0

A collection of local, women-owned businesses have come together to launch a holiday-themed pop-up this weekend, combining all of their brands and businesses into one space on the west end of Toronto.

The idea was spearheaded by Paula Nguyen, the founder of an online clothing boutique called Pradegal. “I’ve been wanting to do a pop-up for some time now. I missed the social aspect of meeting our customers and being able to have customers experience Pradegal in person,” she says. “I thought the holidays would be the perfect time to plan one and wanted to create a very thoughtful and intimate experience with other like-minded women and brands. Anna, the founder of Index Series, loved the idea and from there we started thinking of other women-owned brands that we thought would all align. Each brand brings something unique to our community and we all have the same values, which is important to us.”

From Dec. 17 to 19, Pradegal and several other brands and businesses will take over the space at 55 Ossington St. “This three-day modern pop-up experience is the perfect opportunity to shop a curated selection of local women-owned brands,” Nguyen says. “Customers can relax, peruse and pick out something special for themselves or loved ones. There will be music, snacks and drinks from Gldn Hour and Greenhouse.”

The pop-up includes a selection from clothing brand Index Series, made in Toronto jewelry brand Cadette Jewelry and candle company Verre Lune, along with items from Pradegal.

Nguyen, who was born and raised in Newmarket, came up with the idea for Pradegal as part of an entrepreneurship class in college, when an assignment asked her to design a company from start to finish. The result is her online clothing boutique which, in the last few years, has grown into a direct to consumer enterprise. She feels like the pop-up model can grow her business, alongside the businesses of like-minded women, propelling them all forward as entrepreneurs. “I definitely think it’s so important to support and collaborate with other women. Joining forces really creates a sense of community and being around that energy is so uplifting,” she says. “We make more of an impact when we come together. I’ve been so fortunate to have met and been surrounded by such inspiring and supportive women.”

In addition to helping women-owned businesses, the pop-up also extends a helping hand to the community. “We will be donating 5 per cent of proceeds to Holiday Helpers Canada, a registered charity whose mission is to provide Christmas packages to low-income families,” Nguyen says.

The holiday pop-up takes place from Dec. 17 to 19 at 55 Ossington St., and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 19.

How to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents This Winter

By

Jarrod Daley

-

2:46 pm

0

See all posts by Diamond and Diamond Lawyers

Slipping on ice or a wet floor are all-too-common during Canadian winters. But did you know that injuries from slip-and-fall accidents can be quite severe?

Neck, back, and spinal injuries are among the most common types of injuries from falling. The team at Diamond & Diamond lawyers see plenty of personal injury cases from wintertime falls. The firm’s dynamic leadership team, Jeremy Diamond, Sandra Zisckind and Isaac Zisckind, have some tips to help you stay safe this winter.

Slip and Fall Safety Tips

Wearing the right kind of footwear when you’re out and about this winter can easily make a difference when it comes to your safety. As Sandra Zisckind says, “although it’s always tempting to wear nicer footwear in the office, it’s important to make sure that you wear proper winter footwear while outdoors. Not only will proper outdoor footwear keep you safe when commuting to the office, but it will also keep your work shoes in good condition by avoiding snow and slush.”

Some other slip and fall prevention tips include:

Continuously shovel frequently walked paths and use ice salt on the surface afterward
Don’t carry heavy loads when walking across snow and ice. Use a hand cart, or take multiple trips to avoid losing your balance on a slick surface.
Don’t run in the snow or over ice.
Avoid walking with your hands in your pockets. If you fall, you’ll need your hands to catch yourself.

Common Winter Hazards To Look Out For

We all know to watch for ice when walking in the wintertime, but there are many other hazards to be aware of. As Jeremy Diamond says, “something as simple as wet leaves or pine needles can cause someone to slip, and if they’re outside, the concrete or exposed tree branches can easily cause a serious head injury.”

Other things to be careful of are:

Slippery floors, including wet mats just inside stores and offices
Loose flooring and uneven walking surfaces, including sloped or icy ones
Pathways or other walking spaces partially hidden by snow
Spills and puddles on floors
Ramps without skid-resistant surfaces

According to Isaac Zisckind, another thing to be wary of is “poor visibility while walking at night. Rain, fog, and snow can all make it harder to see where you’re walking and can be dangerous.”

Additional Risk Factors For Winter Slips

The weather conditions aren’t the only thing that can increase your chances of slipping and falling. Your age can contribute to your risk, too, as can poor vision and other chronic health conditions. Using certain kinds of medications or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also cause you to trip and fall.

Have You Been Hurt In a Slip and Fall Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, contact Diamond & Diamond. Their team of over 60 lawyers across Canada and the US can help with your claim and case. Call 1-800-567-HURT anytime 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.

A popular pizza spot just announced a new location in the west end

By

Christine Hogg

-

9:53 am

0

Maker-pizza-bloor-dovercourt — Maker Pizza

Maker Pizza continues its expansion, with the announcement of a new location in the city’s west end.

The announcement was made this morning via Instagram, where the team has confirmed that a Maker Pizza will soon be popping up at Bloor and Dovercourt, sometime in 2022.

Back in August, the pizza joint opened a new location in the east end at 102C-388 Carlaw Avenue, with the help of celebrity chef Matty Matheson, who helped design the menu. Matheson recently become a partner with the pizza franchise, and has been busy with additional ventures across the city, including opening Vietnamese eatery Cà Phê Rang, alongside chef Rang Nguyen.

The announcement of the Bloor and Dovercourt addition will bring Maker Pizza’s total store count to four.

The owners of Track & Field opened a neon pink party bar upstairs and it’s got a DJ every weekend

By

Christine Hogg

-

9:17 am

0

Inside Track & Field, a well-known bar on College Street, owners Nickie Minshall, Tasha Potter and Jesse Borg decided they were going to do something different with the spot upstairs.

They wanted to make, as Minshall puts it, “a bar within a bar.”

So, the three–who also own Bangarang at 552 College Street–turned the two-story space into Hail Mary, a second-floor bar with a decidedly party-friendly aesthetic.

The two spaces differ in their offerings, but also in their vibe. “Track & Field is a big, lofty space with a skylight, high ceilings, and two lanes of bocce ball, with shades of peach, green, and natural wood tones throughout the space,” Minshall says.

With the new opening, they went for a completely different feel. “Hail Mary is what we like to call a ‘party bar’ with just the right amount of kitsch–you’ll find a top-to-bottom red bar, neon pink lighting, a spinning disco ball and tinsel-adorned stage and DJ booth,” she says. “There’s also a photo booth in Hail Mary, free of charge!”

They did, however, pull some of their favourite staples from Track & Field and Bangarang to Hail Mary to bring a certain level of cohesiveness. “We have a roster of amazing DJs we work with at both Track & Field and Bangarang–you can expect the same danceable vibe at Hail Mary. We’ll have DJs every Friday and Saturday night,” Minshall says.

To encourage the party vibe, Hail Mary offers two $12 cocktails. “One is called Full of Grace, which features Lot 40 Canadian Whisky, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, and Coffee + Cinnamon-Infused Campari,” Minshall says. “The other is called Hail Mary, featuring Altos Blanco tequila, Aperol, pineapple, ginger, lime, and ginger beer. We also offer champagne by the glass–the real stuff!–as well as the champagne of beers, Miller ‘High Life.’”

The bar also offers seasonally-themed bar cart service for large groups, with two options to choose from. The first is called Thx For The Memories, and, for $300, the package includes two swing-top bottles of the tap cocktail of your choice (or one of each), twelve bottles of Miller High Life or one bottle of cava, a disposable camera, chips and candy.

The second package, Witch Please, costs $375 and offers one bottle of Cava, one bottle of the spirit of your choice from our bottle service menu plus accouterments, alongside prayer candles, tarot cards and candy.

For now, Hail Mary is open on Fridays and Saturdays only, starting at 10 p.m., but Minshall says the trio has plans to expand.

Expansion plans will be posted on the bar’s Instagram but, for now, Hail Mary is open above Track & Field at 582 College Street.

Can an employer force a pay reduction for remote work?

By

Marlene Mendonca

-

9:00 am

0

More employers and employees are shifting to either hybrid work models or remote work in the aftermath of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

By the end of 2021, according to Gartner, approximately 32% of all employees worldwide will be remote workers. This is a significant rise from only 17% in 2019.

Employees staying on with a current employer and choosing to work remotely on a permanent basis may be concerned about having their pay cut.

Alternatively, an employer may want the employee to return to working from their business location, such as an office, as opposed to continuing with remote work. With more than 97% of remote workers not wanting to return to the office according to Forbes, this clearly suggests a conflict.

There are important points in both the perspectives of the employer and employee, and no doubt this is a conversation that many businesses and workers are having right now as we look ahead towards a new year.

What An Employer Can Do?

If your model prior to the pandemic involved remote work, you cannot force an employee to begin working from a commercial office all of a sudden. This would change the terms of their employment, something which an employee is legally allowed to refuse. As a business, it’s a requirement to uphold the terms of employment as set out in the employer-employee contract.

That aside, for employees that are working remotely purely for reasons related to the pandemic, an employer is legally allowed to request them to return to working from a public workspace. Should an employee refuse this request, it is within an employer’s rights to use this as grounds for dismissal.

Some businesses are finding it more advantageous to avoid this conflict and instead, move towards a model that allows workers to work remotely. After all, the average business can save roughly $11,000 annually per employee who works remotely at least half the time, according to Global Workplace Analytics.

Supporting more remote work for a small business may even mean you’re able to shrink offices and pay less overhead or possibly nothing at all on a commercial lease.

MB Law, a Toronto law firm specializing in business and real estate law, has consulted many companies that have either already shifted to a remote model or who are considering it. One of the challenges is admittedly removing one’s self from their lease. If you are working from a rented office and are considering shifting to a remote work model, you will want to find an experienced real estate lawyer to look over your commercial lease and provide you with a thorough understanding of your rights.

Can An Employee Have Their Wages Cut Without Their Consent?

If you are an employee working remotely, you cannot have your pay reduced because of it.

Employees have rights and protections, just like employers do. As an employee, it is considered a violation of your terms of employment to force a pay cut onto you. While an employer may be within their legal rights to require you to return to working from an office, if there is an option to remain working remotely and you opt in, it does not necessarily mean your salary or hourly wage can be lowered as well.

Stacey Ball, an employment lawyer and the author of Canadian Employment Law, states it plainly.

“Employers have no legal grounds to cut an employee’s pay without their consent. A major reduction in pay tied to an employee’s decision to continue working remotely is a reason for constructive dismissal. With that, an employee can refuse the new terms of their employment. Employees can treat this situation as a termination of their employment, if a reduction in wages is forced upon them.”

If this happens to you and you refuse to accept the pay cut stipulated, it entitles you to any severance package associated with your terms of employment and can amount to a legal challenge if the employer refuses to pay.

What You Can Do If You’re Being Offered A Pay Reduction For Remote Work

If you are an employee and your employer has tried to impose a pay cut onto you for remote work, speak up. Do not accept the pay cut if it is within your legal rights. Speak with a lawyer. There are options available to you to ensure your rights are protected. An employment lawyer can provide accurate insights into how to make a claim for constructive dismissal and to ensure you receive the severance you are owed.

Three pop-up markets opening for the holidays in Toronto

By

Ron Johnson

-

5:49 pm

0

holiday pop-up market — Leslieville Holiday Market is underway (@eastsideeventsto)

‘Tis the season to don your toque and fuzzy mitts and make your way to one of the many one-of-a-kind pop-ups happening around the city.

Still, have some last-minute shopping to do? Nix the mall and shop local, grab a treat (or two), or dress up your dog in an ugly Christmas sweater for a sweet holiday photo.

Evergreen’s Holiday Market

Running from December 17-22, Evergreen’s Holiday Market will feature a rotating roster of more than 40 artisan and vintage vendors. Nosh on local street fare, and visit one of the many food trucks and vendors that will be serving up tasty treats from gourmet grilled cheese to gluten-free goodies. Don’t forget to swing by Enchanted Forest for a festive holiday photo-op and cap off the day by listening to live music all while skating on an outdoor skating rink

Leslieville Christmas Pop-Up Market

Back for the 8th year, enjoy a weekend of holiday shopping at this two-day event taking place December 18-19. Held in a stunning 10,000 sq. ft indoor space located at 20 Wagstafff Drive, this pop-up boasts a complimentary deluxe hot chocolate bar and more than 30-plus vendors with offerings curated especially for the event. Bring your pooch dressed in his holiday best, where he’ll be snapped by a professional photog for a chance to win best-dressed. Give-what-you-can donations and non-perishable food items will be collected in support of Second Harvest.

Holiday Street Market

Oh, the things you will see when you visit the east end for the Holiday Street Market located at the Scarborough Town Centre. Prepare to be dazzled by Ontario’s first 35-foot-tall walk-in Christmas tree, featuring more than 50,000 lights, or relax after a day of shopping at more than 80 vendors at Artisan Village. Get cozy at the fire-pit lounge complete with Muskoka chairs and marshmallows to roast. Sip on beer or cider, or grab a cup of mulled wine before you head to the rides (yes rides!) including carousel swings and a bouncy castle for the kids.
Open until Dec 24, tickets are $15 for tots and $20 for adults.

These Torontonians made a splash on Canada’s top 2021 Google trends

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

4:24 pm

0

As the year quickly comes to a close, Google has released a round-up of its 2021 most searched people and questions, aptly reflecting the unique period in history we are all living through. From worldwide athlete Google trends to top Canadian movie searches, Toronto made quite the impression in 2021.

Mississauga’s own Simu Liu was behind the top-trending searched movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. You may recognize the star of these box office hits from CBC’s comedy Kim’s Convenience, of which all five seasons were filmed here in Toronto.

Toronto artists took up two spots in Canada’s most searched songs of the year- Drake’s Wants and Needs featuring Lil Baby ranked 7th and Justin Bieber’s Peaches, featuring Giveon and Scarborough’s Daniel Caeser, placed 8th.

But it was as athletes that we really made our mark. The top searched Canadian athletes list featured Andre De Grasse, Leafs star John Tavares, Penny Oleksiak, Jake Evans and Bianca Andreescu.

Andre De Grasse, John Tavares and Penny Oleksiak also made the top-searched athletes of any nationality list, along with Toronto-born Emma Raducanu.

The common thread weaved throughout the Google Search trends data is the theme of ‘recovery’ – a year in which Canadians searched for ways to come back stronger. We searched about getting vaccinated and looked to learn more about the history of residential schools. We also searched for information about important cultural moments that would help us bring some joy back into our lives, including the return of the NBA, NHL and Euro Cup.

Check out the full run-down of Canada’s 2021 Google Search trends below:

Why…?

Why did Prime Minister Trudeau call an election?
Why were Residential Schools created?
Why is it so hot in British Columbia?
Why is lumber so expensive?
Why did Simone Biles withdraw?
Why did Taylor Swift re-record her music?
Why was Prince Philip not king?
Why is Bernie Sanders a meme?
Why did Daft Punk break up?
Why is Squid Game so popular?

How to…?

How to get a vaccine passport
How to buy Dogecoin
How to make money from home
How to book a COVID vaccine
How to register to vote in Canada
How to watch the Oprah interview
How to get a QR code for COVID vaccination
How to make hot chocolate bombs
How to apply for CERB
How to get rid of a stuffy nose

Top Canadian athletes

Leylah Fernandez
Andre De Grasse
John Tavares
Carey Price
Penny Oleksiak
Jake Evans
Bianca Andreescu
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Denis Shapovalov
Damian Warner

Top athletes

Tiger Woods
Leylah Fernandez
Andre De Grasse
Simone Biles
John Tavares
Kyle Beach
Emma Raducanu
Carey Price
Aaron Rodgers
Penny Oleksiak

Top movies

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Black Widow
Eternals
Dune
Red Notice
Army of the Dead
Halloween Kills
Godzilla vs. Kong
The Suicide Squad
Free Guy

Top TV shows

Squid Game
Bridgerton
Ginny and Georgia
Yellowstone
Manifest
Outer Banks
Cecil Hotel
Loki
Maid
Lupin

Top musicians

Travis Scott
Adele
Morgan Wallen
Daft Punk
Marilyn Manson
Dr. Dre
Olivia Rodrigo
Britney Spears
Lil Nas X
Travis Barker

Top songs

Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo
All Too Well – Taylor Swift
Deja Vu – Olivia Rodrigo
Easy on Me – Adele
Montero – Lil Nax X
Good 4 U – Olivia Rodrigo
Wants and Needs – Drake ft. Lil Baby
Peaches – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon
Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish
Industry Baby – Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow

Toronto’s 12 most inspirational women of 2021

By

Julia Mastroianni

-

3:15 pm

0

Our annual showcase of the city’s most inspiring women features artists, activists, athletes and more who have led by example, achieved against all odds and made this city and this year special.

From taking on a third career as a emergency physician in the middle of a pandemic to standing up to anti-vaxxers in the restaurant industry to joining an exclusive group of actors who have earned all five major TV acting awards in one awards season, these Toronto women have truly made their mark.

Hear from their friends, colleagues and fellow industry professionals on why these women are so incredible.

Click here for a full list of Toronto’s most inspirational women of 2021.

One of Toronto’s best entertainers just opened a bistro on the Danforth

By

Christine Hogg

-

3:14 pm

0

248671628_4416602881727299_590827333369412697_n — Mandy Goodhandy

Mandy Goodhandy has built quite a name for herself.

Also known as Amanda Taylor, she’s thrown her hat into several unique outposts across the city, including the renowned complex Club120 and 120 Diner at 120 Church Street, famous for being a nightclub upstairs and a street-level restaurant, both of which offered unique, live entertainment.

Now, Goodhandy is back, taking over the former The Old Nick to bring her latest vision, aptly named Mandy’s Bistro, to the east side. In this space, Goodhandy partnered with the 120 Diner’s chef, Richard Henry, to fuse the 120 experience and The Old Nick’s details, to create a whole new vibe, complete with single-person, gender-neutral bathrooms, a detail that was important to Goodhandy.

Live entertainment at Mandy’s Bistro includes a pay-what-you-can open stage for patrons to enjoy, commissioned live music, and comedy acts that change week to week.

Chef Henry’s menu includes mushroom crostini, kung pao calamari, lobster mac and cheese, and a chicken waffle sandwich. The drink program is broken down by base liquor, including vodka, gin, rye, and rum-based cocktails.

Mandy Goodhandy, in every idea she’s a part of, combines the arts and food, bringing together an all-inclusive experience for all of the senses. Mandy’s Bistro is no different, and the entrepreneur, performer and sex work activist has become renowned for offering up an experience that is almost uniquely hers.

Similar to the 120 Diner and Club120 concept, Mandy’s Bistro will occupy the main floor and back patio, while Goodhandy’s Lounge will call the lower level home. Entertainment on the top floor (the comedy, music and cabaret programming) is listed on the eatery’s website, while the lower level offers more of a Club 120 situation, hosting a party vibe for 20-30 people.

It will also be the space where Goodhandy continues her long-running T-Girl social mixers, specifically designed for trans women.

Mandy’s Bistro is now open at 123 Danforth Avenue.

How they met

The first date

The proposal

Balancing career and marriage

Working together

The secret to success

The Food

Slip and Fall Safety Tips

Common Winter Hazards To Look Out For

Additional Risk Factors For Winter Slips

Have You Been Hurt In a Slip and Fall Accident?

About Jeremy Diamond

What An Employer Can Do?

Can An Employee Have Their Wages Cut Without Their Consent?

What You Can Do If You’re Being Offered A Pay Reduction For Remote Work

Why…?

How to…?

Top news searches

Top Canadian athletes

Top athletes

Top movies

Top TV shows

Top musicians

Top songs