Home Blog Page 401

How They Met: Global News’ Caryn Lieberman on her Montreal-to-T.O. love story

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0

Caryn Lieberman is one of Ontario’s most recognizable faces reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic as a broadcast journalist at Global News. You might have seen her out in the field on your TV, covering everything from breaking news to crime stories. We chatted with Lieberman about how she met her husband, Brian Lafleche, as a news intern in Montreal, and their eventual move to Toronto.

How they met

I was a waitress at a Montreal hot spot for several years while also interning at Global News. Brian’s friends were “regulars,” and one time, he joined them for dinner. Then he also became a regular patron at the supper club.

The first date

Brian came to ask me out one night and loitered for quite some time. He finally worked up the courage, if you will, to come and ask for my number. We made plans to go out soon after for sushi. There was a small restaurant close to where I worked, and we had a lovely dinner there. We chatted and got to know each other, but it was otherwise quite uneventful!

The courtship

We would both agree and we still laugh about the fact that Brian had to chase me down and really put me on the spot. After a few dates, he finally asked me point blank whether I would like to continue to see him and pursue a relationship or not. I was actually very impressed with how upfront and honest he was, so I decided: “I’m in!”

The proposal

We were living in Toronto by that point, having moved together from Montreal and Quebec City. Brian made up a story about how his father had won a weekend in Mont Tremblant at the beautiful Quintessence Hotel. We arrived at Pearson International Airport and the flight was delayed. He seemed a bit concerned so I had a feeling something was up. The whole time, Brian was very nonchalant about our carry-on suitcases. I remember thinking, “I really hope there isn’t an engagement ring in his bag, because he’s not watching it very closely.” We arrived at our destination, and on the porch with a picture perfect view, he proposed.

The wedding 

We were married in our home city of Montreal at Bice Restaurant, which is now called Ristorante Beatrice on Sherbrooke Street West. It was the most beautiful, intimate wedding on June 28, 2009. We were married by a justice of the peace under a “chuppah” and our ceremony incorporated Jewish prayers and customs as I am Jewish and Brian is Catholic. We went on our honeymoon a few months later to Greece, where we spent time in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini.

The kids

We are blessed to have two amazing children. Our daughter, Jada, is almost 8 years old, and our son, Ashton, just turned 5.

Balancing career and marriage

The pandemic has certainly challenged us in many ways. Brian used to travel a lot, but has not in a long time. It helps having him home, however he is often on conference calls, and I face daily deadlines and have to go out into the field for TV shoots, so it is definitely difficult. We talk most mornings about what our plans are for the day, who can supervise remote learning, who can make lunch, etc. Most days, like other families, I wonder how we managed it all! In terms of our careers, though, we always support each other. Brian knows how much I love what I do and respects me for it.

Secret of success

Respect, love and laughter. Brian makes me laugh every day. We are best friends. I could not imagine my life without him.

Our best new Toronto Restaurants Countdown: #3, Stock Bar

By
Christine Hogg
-
0

Find the finest cuts of meat, juicy burgers, lobster rolls, an international wine list, and Terroni’s iconic pizza and pasta at Stock Bar.

At the corner of Yonge and Montgomery, Cosimo Mamolitti (Terroni) and Stephen Alexander (Cumbrae’s) have created a European-style street-level patio and an outdoor rooftop dining area offering sweeping views of the city.

Lobster and shrimp roll made with poached lobster and shrimp, pain brioche, tomato, chives, mayo, lemon, and chilli.

Stock Bar pairs their personalities and backgrounds with the desires of Toronto diners in one bustling community space that is divided into three levels.

The outdoor rooftop dining area offers sweeping views of the city.

One of Stock Bar’s most flattering spaces is the Montgomery Room.

An ode to their historic building, this space will function as a private dining room that can also be used during regular service. The whimsical lighting, statement bar, wicker, and soft blue hues make this a homey yet chic space that carries through the vacation vibe of the entire upper level.

One of Stock Bar’s most flattering spaces is the Montgomery Room.

Mamolitti and Alexander’s collaborative effort is very present in the dishes they serve at Stock Bar.

Stock Bar’s Funghi e Burrata pizza made with a mix of wild mushrooms, mozzarella, topped with burrata from Puglia, Italy, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

The menu features a variety of innovative appetizers and steak house–style sides, including many Terroni classics and even the house-made pepperoncini mayo.

Terroni classics like the steak frites are on the menu at Stock T.C.

“We wanted to do a mix of Terroni [and Cumbrae’s] but not a complete Terroni menu. Steak frites, the lobster roll, we want to have a little of everything to make everybody happy,” says Mamolitti.

Stock’s Sunday brunch menu is being released soon, so keep an eye out!

2388 Yonge St.

www.stocktc.com

Toronto’s hottest new hotel just opened a restaurant inside the former Thompson Diner

By
Christine Hogg
-
0

 

 

 

 

Dandylion, one of the best restaurants in the city, has just closed

By
Ron Johnson
-
0
dandylion

Dandylion, a critically acclaimed restaurant on Queen West, announced its permanent closure over the holiday weekend.

The restaurant, helmed by ace chef Jason Carter, announced the move over social media, stating that Dandylion was never meant “to be forever,” and indicated the team is already working on something new.

“Dandylion was a real labour of love, but it was never meant to be forever,” the statement read, in part. “For us the time has come to do something new. And we cannot wait to host you all again once it is ready.’

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dandylion (@dandylionrestaurant)

In 2019, Dandylion was named best in the city in TRNTO’s list of the top 50 restaurants in the city, as voted by Toronto’s top chefs and restaurateurs.

“Few chefs in this city have an approach to food as unique and humble as Jay Carter. I admire the thoughtfulness put into the food,” said Grant van Gameren, in the article.

Dandylion was also named the sixth-best restaurant in the country by Canada’s 100 Best. In its review, the magazine wrote: “Poultry, fish or pork—cooking is always precisely à point, the flesh succulent, the seasoning perfect. All the same it is the beautifully prepared vegetables with which they share the plate that one’s fork tends to lunge for first.”

Carter worked under chef Susur Lee at the beginning of his career in Toronto, both at the long-time chef’s eponymous restaurant Susur as well as Lee before taking over the kitchen at the former midtown landmark Centro.

The intimate 40-seat restaurant Dandylion, for which Carter was chef and owner, opened in 2014. We hope to see chef Carter back with a new and exciting venture soon.

Our best new Toronto Restaurants Countdown: #4, Atai Bistro

By
Christine Hogg
-
0

A few months into its run, Atai Bistro is already wooing diners with its combination of cosy, French café vibes and flavourful Moroccan fare.

The restaurant aims to bring a contemporary approach to Moroccan cuisine, with chef de cuisine Meaghan Foster putting her own spin on traditional regional recipes using French cooking techniques.

The smoked eggplant flatbread with pickled zucchini, pomegranate and tahini.

“While we were looking to create this concept during COVID, we experienced a lot of challenges that other restaurants and businesses in this city felt—delays on product, staffing, restrictions,” says Atai Bistro general manager, Haley Johnson. “We had to lean into a mindset of we will do what we can.”

The menu at Atai Bistro features plenty of beautiful spreads and sharing platters.

The menu at the inviting Junction area restaurant emphasizes sharing-style meals, including beautiful mezze platters; savoury flatbreads such as the Bresaola topped with fennel, harissa, ricotta, za’atar and pomegranate; and dips like hummus with Urfa chilli oil.

Atai Bistro’s house-made hummus created with organic tahini.

The basteeya exemplifies Atai’s dual French-Moroccan culinary ethos, featuring braised chicken pie and almond and brown butter hollandaise in a phyllo pastry.

Atai Bistro’s signature dish inspired by the classic Morrocan B’stilla, with braised chicken, almond, phyllo and brown butter hollandaise.

Cocktails also draw inspiration from the North African nation with the Aube Marocaine, for example, made with a
blend of light bourbon, mint, spice syrup, Moroccan tea, and Peychaud bitters.

Aube Marocaine’s spiced, refreshing, and light flavour with bourbon, mint, spice syrup, Moroccan tea, and Peychaud bitters.

There’s also a brief list of French wines,local and international beers and, true to Morocco’s dining culture, plenty of loose leaf tea options.

In addition to its dine-in menu, Atai Bistro also offers an extensive selection of house-made pantry items like a za’atar spice blend, chili oil and smoked almonds.

“The overwhelming response from communities backing us up and showing support is really a testament that there is a greener pasture ahead for us,” Johnson concludes.

3047 Dundas St. W

Prohibition Pie opens in Parkdale

By
Christine Hogg
-
0
Prohibition Pie

A brand new pizza joint has officially come to Dupont Avenue.

Prohibition Pie Garden celebrated its grand opening on July 30 with a special summer pop-up, packed with pizza, wings, cocktails, and of course, music.

Originally slated to open during the pandemic, the grand opening marks a major milestone for the establishment and comes after celebrating a soft opening on July 24.

“When the world stopped last March we didn’t know what to do, or what to expect,” Prohibition Pie wrote via Instagram. “We had a hidden little bar in Parkdale and no one was allowed through its doors. On the verge of closing down in December, we decided to go in a different direction and set up a little pizza pop-up shop at the front of the space. Never in our wildest dreams did we think Prohibition Pie would become what it is today!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Prohibition Pie (@prohibition_pie)

The pizza restaurant features signature pizzas and different kinds of pasta named after some of the most infamous mobsters of all time and classic Italian appetizers, like meatballs and garlic bread.

The Al Capone pie, for example, is made with mozzarella, parmesan, Ezzo pepperoni, oregano, and tomato sauce, while The Goat Father features sundried tomato sauce, mozzarella, goat cheese, zucchini, red onion, black olives, and basil. There are six delicious pies in total, including two vegetarian. All of the pizzas are made in-house on sourdough pizza dough stretched by hand to 12” and topped with fresh toppings then cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Prohibition Pie Garden also serves wine by the glass or bottle, beer, and mixed cocktails, including the Cherry Mobster (Smith Gin, Amaretto, lemongrass syrup, and topped with some cherries and Cava) and the Wiseguy’s Eh (chamomile infused rye, Campari, and St. Germain with some orange bitters).

There’s a reason you can’t find white Nike Airs anywhere in Toronto

By
Harriette Halepis
-
0
Kalvin Chan Toronto

If you’re looking to purchase a fresh new pair of white Nike Airs for all your newly-vaxxed patio dinners and backyard gatherings, chances are you might have a hard time finding them anywhere in-store in Toronto. Is it that post-lockdown retail boom?

Not exactly. Sneaker experts say opportunity is the reason why you probably can’t find the latest kicks online or in-store. Third-party resellers purchase the most popular drops when they’re released before stores can bulk up stock.

Online stores like GOAT and StockX sell limited releases for a premium, and the only way you can compete is to purchase your own ‘sneaker bot,’ which, as it turns out, may not be too hard to do.

Sam Crowther is the CEO and founder of a bot mitigation company called Kasada. Sam sees a major bot problem on the horizon that will halt the way consumers purchase any popular good.

“Advanced bots can now be purchased like any other software-as-a-service product, making it profitable for resellers to purchase multiple sneakers at one time, before it’s possible for any humans to buy them,” he explains. “Many customers aren’t able to purchase these in-demand shoes online, and in some cases, resellers’ use of bots is actually significantly reducing the supply of sneakers in physical stores, as legitimate customers try to avoid the bots and visit stores in-person.”

Lining up overnight for sneakers has become a major phenomenon among “sneakerheads,” but unless you have 24 hours to spare to sit outside in a line, that’s not an option for many, leaving individuals with no choice but to turn to sneaker resellers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Camper Corey (@vintagehotshot)

Crowther calls this phenomenon the “sneaker bot supply chain” and notes that the activity is not illegal, albeit shady.

“The technology is still legally in a grey area, so while scooping up as many pairs of the latest sneakers seems sketchy to you or I, it’s actually not technically illegal to utilize a bot to skip the line and make a purchase,” he says.

It sounds like tricky business, but Crowther says that using popular bots is not complex.

“Access to these automated sneaker bots has become increasingly easy and requires minimal technical skill,” he says.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sneaker Reseller (@kicks.way)

You could purchase a bot program to scoop up the shoes you want, but you’d be competing with third-party resellers, and the competition is fierce. There’s also the possibility that ‘sneaker bots’ may become illegal as more retailers are making statements decrying the use of bots and actively beefing up security tools.

This past March, Nike made a public announcement against the use of bots following an internal scandal, and the company plans on setting up more robust security in the future to prevent bots from snatching up popular styles.

Few other retailers have made such statements, and many turn a blind eye to the use of bots as sales increase from large batch purchases. Sneakers aren’t the only thing that retail bots are used for either; bots are primarily responsible for driving up the price of gaming consoles and concert tickets.

So how can you find a trendy pair of sneakers without going through a third-party reseller?

Crowther says, “Your best bet is first to conduct due diligence on when the popular sneaker is scheduled to be released, since they typically sell out within 10 minutes.” He also says that you can look for companies that have recently invested in anti-bot tech.

But, Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum, isn’t so optimistic.

“[It] is a challenge and the unfortunate answer is that most limited releases are scooped up by resellers,” she says, “so if you really want to get a coveted pair, often the only option is to buy it at places such as StockX, Goat or eBay.”

We may be looking at the future of retail in third-party bot resellers, just like the pretty much widely-accepted practice of turning to Stubhub for tickets more than triple the original price.

But we can’t say the sneakerheads didn’t warn us!

Our best new Toronto Restaurants Countdown: #5, Chef Kareema Caribbean Fusion

By
lindsaylow
-
0

Combining her love for Caribbean flavours and a passion for cooking, chef Kareema Beckles opened Chef Kareema Caribbean Fusion in December 2020 on Dundas Street East.

Chef Kareema’s is a Caribbean-fusion restaurant that puts a spin on classic dishes with a menu that rotates on a weekly basis. Although the dishes change frequently, certain flavours unique to the Caribbean always remain and make their way into the dishes.

Chef Kareema Beckles

Recently, Chef Kareema began offering a series of walk-in specials, including Roti Tuesdays and Wings & Festivals Wednesdays, with additional dishes being released throughout the summer.

Menu highlights include the Caribbean gourmet spring rolls made with ackee and saltfish, curry goat, callaloo and pumpkin, pepper shrimp and more, as well as Chef Kareema’s famously delicious jerk chicken lasagna and barbecued ribs served with a heap of garlic mashed potatoes and buttery cornbread.

The jerk lasagne

“The inspiration comes from my love of Caribbean and West Indian culture,” Beckles says. “I am first generation Canadian to Trinidadian parents and my maternal grandmother is from Barbados. I grew up around people from other parts of the Caribbean, as well as foods of different countries and cultures. I infuse them with other foods that I love, and magic happens.”

Having opened right before the onset of the pandemic, Beckles notes that her first year of business was not without its share of hardships.

“These past few months have been challenging with a lot of ups and downs, but gratefully more ups,” Beckles says. “It hasn’t stopped us from continuing to push through.”

203 Dundas St. E.

This young designer just opened up a hot new jewelry shop in Yorkville

By
Julia Mastroianni
-
0
A photo of the Lisa Gozlan storefront on Cumberland St.

Torontonians will now be able to get their hands on jewelry from T.O.-born designer Lisa Gozlan even faster!

Located at 87 Cumberland St. is Lisa Gozlan Jewelry’s very first showroom, featuring numerous displays of quality pieces that were curated with the intention to create lasting styles for everyday wear. The eponymous collection is known for its Instagram-worthy style of stackable rings and rounded gold and silver hoops that almost every celebrity influencer is sporting.

Gozlan, who was born and raised in Rosedale, is bringing her brand back to her roots in the Yorkville neighbourhood. The showroom launched early this July and has since been accumulating buzz for the unique designs that have dropped, especially the Happy Face Collection, which takes on an elegant approach to the famed symbol.

Before stepping into the jewlery world, Gozlan was a former fashion intern of Joseph Mimram (the founder of Joe Fresh). Emerging into the fashion industry, Golzan pursued opportunities such as working for Fashion Weekly as a PR Team Lead, before eventually designing her first jewelry line under her maiden name (Renard Jewelry), which has been worn by the likes of Snoop Dogg and Shay Mitchell.

Golzan’s husband, Ryan Golzan, happens to be the fifth generation in a long line of jewelers himself. By bringing their collective passions together, the couple is continuing on the family legacy with the launch of Lisa Golzan Jewelry.

Gozlan describes the act of layering jewelry as offering the same satisfaction as putting together an outfit, which she says is an extension of one’s style.

From rings to anklets, Lisa Golzan offers a variety of pieces for any and all occasions, with an emphasis on highly wearable, everyday styles. Jewelry basics start as low as $50 with both silver and gold options, but the brand also offers big-ticket items, like an over six carat diamond necklace set in 14K white gold for just under $9,000.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LISA GOZLAN (@lisagozlan)

The Cumberland St. location is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

Our best new Toronto Restaurants Countdown: #6, Azhar

By
lindsaylow
-
0

Azhar, the latest addition to Janet Zuccarini’s ever-expanding restaurant empire, is turning heads on the Ossington strip.

The brainchild of partner and executive chef Stuart Cameron, Azhar marries Middle Eastern influences with local ingredients, all prepared in a state-of-the-art wood-fired oven, with sustainability and authenticity at the helm of each dish.

The west end’s new mecca for Middle Eastern treats, Azhar has also partnered with Middle Eastern artisans and local brands to sell a bounty of meats, cheeses, wines and handcrafted artisanal products alongside its in-house menu.

The textural interior of Azhar is warm and alluring. The details in the walls, floors and bar are all accentuated by a bright open kitchen at the back of the space.

When partnering up with Janet Zuccarini’s Gusto 54 Group, Cameron already had a vision of the colossal, exposed brick oven being the centrepiece of his new kitchen. “Everything is based around the wood-fired oven,” says Cameron. “For us, the highlights are the ingredients.” With beautiful imported products like fig leaves from Israel and red walnuts from California, Cameron is creating simple yet robustly flavourful dishes.

The Muhammara, a red walnut and fire-roasted red pepper dip infused with house-made sourdough croutons, cherry molasses, and confit garlic, is a perfect example of Cameron’s dedication and artisanship.

Experimenting with the wood-fired oven, baker Hunter Glaude is working with overnight fermentation of sourdoughs and potato breads (try the fermented potato and yogurt buns) to create rustic baked goods with better digestibility and unmatched flavour.

96 Ossington Ave.

Our best new Toronto Restaurants Countdown: #7, Bar Esquina

By
lindsaylow
-
0

Much to the delight of Toronto’s taco fans, Mas Playas, the Mexican restaurant mini empire that includes Playa Cabana in the Annex, Cantina in the Junction and Hacienda on Dupont, continued its expansion during the pandemic with the opening of Bar Esquina late last year.

Elotes A la Parrilla

Located in the Yonge and Eglinton area, Bar Esquina delivers the quality Mexican fare and cool cocktails the restaurant group has become known for. The food menu features snackable starters like fresh snapper ceviche, hearty burritos with Oaxacan cheese and soft or crispy tacos with fillings like juicy slow-roasted pork or ancho-braised beef short rib.

Ensalada Picada

It’s worth saving room for a slice of spongy vanilla tres leches or churros sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon for dessert.

“We worked with a great local design firm on this project, Ancerl Studio, who sat with Dave Sidhu [Playa Cabana’s owner] and really took his vision to life,” says Sandra Axelsson, of sales, catering and events for Mas Playas. “The space is a very open concept layout, full of light and loaded with natural materials,” she says.

Tres Leches

With dining rooms closed when Bar Esquina first opened its doors, Axelsson says it felt like they were running a commissary kitchen in the early days of the restaurant’s launch.

“It has been an eye-opening experience for most of us,” Axelsson says. “We are blessed that the Yonge and Eglinton community has welcomed us so warmly and allowed us to feed the many taco lovers that live and work in the area.

8 Eglinton Ave. E.

The Toronto Blue Jays are finally flying home for summer

By
Megan Gallant
-
0
Donna Lay/Unsplash

They’re coming home! Ask most Toronto sports fans and they will be familiar with the Blue Jays’ promotional song that has been used to kick off the baseball season over the past decade.  “Coming Home” by Diddy – Dirty Money and Skylar Grey induces chills of anticipation for the upcoming season for all baseball followers.  But today, the song, with lyrics like “I’m back where I belong,” holds even more weight as the Major League Baseball team returns to Toronto.

Tonight, after 670 days away from home, the Jays will be kicking off a series against the Kansas City Royals at Toronto’s own Rogers Centre. This series begins a ten-game homestead to be played at the stadium.

The team stepped off the plane – and onto the field – early this morning, and by the looks of the Blue Jays’ official social media accounts, the team is just as excited to be back as we are to have them back.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Toronto Blue Jays (@bluejays)

The return of the Canadian team has the entire nation celebrating, with Blue Jays flags raised in Regina, Fredericton, Yellowknife and across the country. The team’s white and blue colours are lighting up the CN Tower, the Toronto sign at City Hall, Niagara Falls and even the Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The Jays have not played a home game in Toronto since the end of the 2019 season due to Ontario’s travel restrictions. Most of the team’s home games so far this season and all of last season were played at Sahlen Field in Buffalo with no fans in the stadium until just a few months ago.

The Jays are celebrating with a special opening ceremony airing live on Sportsnet before tonight’s game. The ceremony will welcome fans back to the stadium with 250 members of the Canadian military carrying the Canadian flag and Forte, Toronto’s Gay Men’s Chorus, leading the national anthem.

The ceremonial All-Star first pitch will include four All-Stars who represent the survivors, essential workers and relief supporters of the pandemic. These community members will be throwing the first pitch to the four All-Star Blue Jays players.

The stadium will be filled to 30 per cent capacity. Photo: Perry Quan/flickr

The Rogers Centre will be treated as an outdoor stadium with the roof fully open when weather allows. There will be a maximum of 15,000 spectators, about 30 per cent of the almost 50,000-person stadium capacity. Mobile ticketing, screening, mandatory masks, and social distancing are all in place to keep the event as safe to the public as possible.

1...400401402...1,014Page 401 of 1,014
© Copyright 2025 | All rights reserved by Post City Magazines, Inc.
Website by Web Publisher PRO