Opening a new restaurant in Toronto was already a challenge prior to the pandemic, and now COVID is driving the financial stakes even higher for would-be restaurateurs such as the team behind Rhyz.
With the stakes so high, pop-ups are becoming an increasingly appealing option for chefs looking to dip their toes into the city’s dining industry. That’s exactly the strategy with Rhyz, a new pop-up concept set to launch in August.
“This pop-up is just a way to test the waters,” says Alex Fields, the chef behind Rhyz, adding that he eventually hopes to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. “I wanted to do my own thing. I’ve been cooking for 10 plus years. COVID isn’t the best time, but I still wanted to try it out.”
Originally from Montreal, Fields has cooked in kitchens across the country and is now teaming up with his brother (another restaurant industry veteran) to launch the new venture.
“Rhyz will be my take on the food that I like to eat, which would be Afro-Caribbean,” says Fields.
The pop-up series kicks off on Aug. 7 with a multi-course meal that draws influence from southern cuisine. The dinner pushes the boundaries of what many of us have come to expect from southern food in Toronto, featuring dishes like sweet and spicy pig ear lettuce wraps.
“We don’t try to do anything classical; we refine it and make it modern,” says Fields.
Hosted at Gayley’s Cafe on Dundas West, the first event will feature two seatings of 25 people each. Indoor dining is still prohibited in Toronto but, with the pop-up still a month out, Fields is hopeful that they’ll be able to hold the event inside the restaurant (with physically-distanced tables) if regulations continue to relax.
Each dinner will feature a different theme, and the brothers are aiming to host at least one pop-up per month going forward. “We want to do the Caribbean theme, focusing on regions like Trinidad and Jamaica,” says Fields. “We’re also going to do a Haitian theme. I don’t think a lot of people know about Haitian cuisine. It’s a really full-bodied kind of flavour, so it’s one that I’m really excited about.”
Fields says he also plans to draw on other global food influences, such as Nikkei and Portuguese cuisines, for upcoming menus. “It’ll always contain some form of Afro-Caribbean cuisine,” says Fields, “so we might do an ackee and saltfish fritter but add a miso emulsion to it.”
Tickets for the first Rhyz pop-up on Aug.7 are priced at $91.91 per person for a five-course meal. Seats can be purchased through Eventbrite.
The hotel assignments for the 24 NHL teams participating in the qualifying round have been released. The NHL hasn’t as yet confirmed the dates or locations, but as first reported Thursday by TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Gino Reda on “Insider Trading,” the Eastern Conference teams will be staying in two Toronto hotels — Hotel X and the Fairmont Royal York.
Here are the hotel assignments, teams cannot leave this bubble environment once Phase 4 starts. pic.twitter.com/iiMxPa3utG
According to McKenzie, the top five teams — the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins — will stay at Hotel X on the CNE grounds, where there will reportedly be a 40-acre campus-style village for the players. The remaining Eastern Conference teams — Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens — will stay at the Fairmont Royal York on Front Street West.
Each team will be allowed to bring 52 people into their respective “bubbles” — this includes 31 potential players, equipment managers, massage therapists, athletic trainers, coaches, etc. Both hotels will reportedly be fully locked down. Players will have their own rooms and each team will have its own floor.
Once players enter their respective hubs, the NHL is taking precautions to keep players and their cohorts protected from the threat of COVID-19. TSN’s Frank Seravalli notes that each bubble will be secured, meaning, no one will be able to enter or exit who is not authorized, and players won’t be permitted to enter each other’s rooms. Housekeeping will be provided every third day, and hotel bars/restaurants will be open and available in the bubble (with delivery from local restaurants available for pick-up).
The hotels haven’t confirmed the news as yet, but Twitter responded with a host of memes.
The Western Conference teams will be staying in two hotels in Edmonton — the JW Marriott and Sutton Place. It’s expected that players will travel to their respected hub cities on July 26 for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which is set to start on Saturday, August 1.
Danielle Bryk is a licensed contractor and one of the experts on HGTV Canada’s Home To Win series. Her other series have included The Bryk Cottage on Cottage Life, and A Bryk At A Time on HGTV Canada. Bryk Cottage is now airing on HGTV as Generation Renovation: Lake House on Mondays at 9 p.m.
The year began with us popping champagne and taking possession of a new “fixer-upper” and moving into a temporary condo for the duration of the renovation. Everything was original in this house — all the electrical, the plumbing, the plaster, the trim. This is a complete, back-to-the-bricks restoration. By the end of February, our first set of permits was issued. By March 13, the demolition was complete. By March 16, the renovation was shut down.
Even though the lockdown was not official, fears about the COVID-19 virus were rampant. We made our two older children move back home to hunker down together in the temporary condo for the duration of the quarantine. We told the crews working on the house not to come in, and they were more than happy not to. For about three weeks the house sat empty.
Bryk’s house when construction was halted
Of course, we had concerns. Would things get up and running again? How much more money would we have to put into rent because the house wouldn’t be finished? Would we ever work again? We are all self-employed in our household, and you can blow through your savings pretty quickly when you’re paying for a mortgage, rent, and a massive renovation, with absolutely no income coming in. But there were and still are bigger issues at stake that put everything into perspective. It became about family and friends and health.
Thinking about the renovation caused stress, so I put it out of my mind entirely, distracting myself with baking cakes and binge-watching Netflix. Eventually, I steeled myself and started to visit the construction site. With the house gutted, I was able to meticulously work out logistics. I was able to eliminate future bulkheads by tweaking the layouts of the bathrooms slightly so the toilet drains would line up with the joist spaces. Things that I had rushed for the sake of getting the permit in, I was able to re-evaluate and change if necessary. The design scheme took a total 180. It went from dark and moody to light and cozy. I needed the light, the comfort.
Bryk during the winter construction
When we got word that construction was allowed to continue, we had to determine each individual trade’s comfort level. The crew doing the basement underpin was happy to get started, and we decided to proceed with only one crew at a time to minimize the number of people in the house. Now, the rest of the renovation has slowly started chugging along. We are currently about three months behind schedule, and the second set of permits that addresses the third-floor development has not even been accepted by the city building department. The backlog of building applications is so severe that our application is unlikely to be seen until October — about six months later than we anticipated.
At the best of times, a renovation will test your patience, strain your bank account, your sanity and often your marriage. Renovating during the pandemic has become a crash course in Zen surrender. We had to completely relinquish control. The perspective that things could be so much worse has allowed us to let go of the typical renovation stresses. Health trumps money ultimately. An interesting side effect is that I’ve been able to truly enjoy the entire, muddy, dusty process from the choice of finishes to connecting with the amazing trades that are helping me create my home, and every minor bit of progress is cause for great celebration.
Midtown Toronto jazz club and restaurant Alleycatz is closing permanently. The announcement was made via social media.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we say goodbye to the establishment many of us have called home for the last two decades,” the statement read, in part.
All indications point to an inability to reach an agreement with the building landlords following the COVID-19 pandemic when all restaurants and bars were forced to close.
“This isn’t how we envisioned the future of Alleycatz, but unfortunately, we struggled to come to an agreement that makes sense for us to continue,” the statement continued. “With little support for family businesses and inflexibility from our landlords, this was a challenging decision to make.”
Alleycatz, located at 2409 Yonge St., was named to a list of the 35 best blues clubs in Canada and has long been one of the few establishments offering a steady diet of live music in the Yonge and Eglinton area. One of the others, Smokeshow BBQ & Brew, was opened recently by the same owners as Alleycatz.
It’s been a challenging period for live music venues in Toronto, despite the city continuing to attempt to provide creative solutions. Earlier this week, it was announced that iconic live music venue The Rivoli was up for sale.
The Rivoli, located on Queen West near the Horseshoe Tavern, has a storied past as a live music venue. Yes, Adele and Drake have both played there, sure they’ve always had a great pad Thai, but it is most important as a space for launching the careers of young artists. It was also at the Rivoli’s famous back room where the sketch comedy troupe Kids in the Hall first played.
According to a recent article, current owners Jenna Wood and Jessica McHardy, who purchased the bar with former partner Sarah Henning in 2014,are hoping whoever purchases the space will maintain its independent and artistic spirit, but there is no guarantee. The business is on the market at $499,000.
Although it is not a forced closure or landlord dispute, it does speak to the difficulty in maintaining a business in the crushing COVID-19 environment, especially one as reliant on people being indoors in close proximity to one another.
Whether they’re blended with ice or feature invigorating ingredients like citrus or cucumber, these are the 10 cocktails that are keeping us cool on Toronto patios this month.
Patois has opened up a street front patio on Dundas West thanks to the city’s CaféTO program. Their raspberry rosewater mojito slushy adds chill factor to a classic mojito by turning it into a slushy, plus it includes rosewater and raspberry for a fruity, floral kick.
The Parlour
Reservations are open for the Parlour’s lovely shaded patio just off King West. The bubbles in the sky cocktail is a combo of Jameson, Amaro Montenegro, Aperol, Giffard Apricot Liqueur, lemon juice, and bubbles, and it’s perfect for celebrating patio season.
Bar Neon is taking reservations and walk-ins for its relaxed Bloordale patio. Their signature cucumber lemonade puts a boozy spin on a cool summer combo, and fittingly has a neon hue.
Sofia
Sofia is taking reservations for its two roomy Yorkville patios. Their fruity Nights of Cabiria cocktail, named after the 1957 Italian film, is made with vodka, grapefruit juice and yuzu, and features jalapeño syrup for a little punch of spice.
Eataly
On July 10, Eataly is launching its new patio, Il Patio di Eataly by Aperol, which specializes in (you guessed it!) Aperol spritzes. This light cocktail offers a little taste of Italian summer to help us power through this humid July in Toronto.
Akira Back’s second-floor patio in the Bisha Hotel is open and taking reservations. The tsunami, a rum-based cocktail that blends citrusy yuzu with housemade falernum, makes for easy sipping while enjoying people-watching over Blue Jays Way.
MIA Brunch Bar is taking reservations for tables on its street-facing front patio and new back patio deck. Their no-fuss mimosa is perfect for pairing with other brunch staples like French toast or omelettes.
Miku
Miku’s posh patio is a blessing for those of us who have been missing fresh sushi. Their Toji fizz, a zero-proof cocktail made with yuzu juice, orange, lemon, elderflower syrup, lavender bitters, basil and citrus foam is a great option when you want an alcohol-free sipper.
The Green Wood
The Green Wood’s east and west end patios are both open for brunch and dinner. Made with a blend of rums, cointreau, lime, orgeat, orange and angostura, the rum and almond cocktail tastes like a Mai Tai and features shaved ice for added chill.
Madrina
Madrina’s beautiful patio in the Distillery District is open Wednesday to Sunday. The most unique (and refreshing) cocktail to order here is the Padrino, a gin tonic that’s customized to your preferences using your choice of gin, garnishes, and tonic. It’s also beautifully put together and demands to be Instagrammed.
Lately, I’ve been hearing from couples in interracial relationships who are struggling to navigate difficult and necessary conversations that they’ve avoided in the past.
When having conversations about race with your partner, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Listen to their experiences without chiming in with your own. We have a tendency to share our own stories of discrimination and stigma, but when it comes to race, it’s better to listen and offer support — not solutions.
As you listen and learn from your partner, recognize that they may not want to be your teacher. If you want to support them, do the work. Read. Google. Unlearn. Subscribe to websites that centre the voices of people of colour (POC). Read books like Me And White Supremacy, take workshops and engage in the lifelong process of dismantling systems of oppression.
Bedford Park couple Susan* and Ben* say they’re on the same page when it comes to racial justice, but it took time.
“Of course I know racism exists, but I don’t think I realized how bad it was until we moved in together and I’d hear the stories, the microaggressions, the incessant exhaustion he faced,” says Susan. “In his all-white workplace, they’d expect him to be the Black voice. The neighbours still turn to him for validation expecting cookies for being good white people. People make jokes about him being the token Black friend.”
“I’m not here to validate anyone,” says Ben. “I used to get tokenized, but now I have no energy for it. Susan speaks up when I ask her to, and I’m glad we’re having these discussions in the open now. If you have Black friends who have never talked to you about race, it’s because they never felt safe doing so with you.”
Toronto’s Natalie Preddie, a travel writer and on-air host, agrees. “Having a Black wife doesn’t give my husband an automatic pass. If anything, it should push him to learn more, speak louder, truly understand ally-ship, and educate others on what that means.”
When it comes to interracial relationships, friendships and more, proximity to Blackness or Brownness or Asianness isn’t a shield against the subtle racism and colourism that is ingrained in our upbringings. Just as being a POC doesn’t mean that you understand the experiences of your Black partner, as anti-Black racism exists among other non-Black POC.
When your partner is with your family, ensure you’re cultivating a safe space. POC can’t be expected to laugh off subtly racist remarks from extended family (regardless of age) or friends. Speak up to let them know that subtle (or blatant) racism isn’t welcome in your home — or in your life.
If you continue to spend time with people who are blatantly or subtly racist, ask yourself why. And ask yourself if you’re really working on being an ally.
When you speak up or fight for racial justice, don’t turn to your partner at every turn for information or validation.
Most importantly, ask your partner how they want you to show support. No one wants to speak for their entire race and no two people are alike, so ask your partner what support ideally looks like for them.
*Names have been changed and relationship details have been shared with permission from all parties.
Toronto musician Lou Canon is set to release her third album Audomatic Body on July 10. The bold and brilliant new work was written during a trip to California in February 2019. The intimate and imaginative work is ideal music for the times. Guest vocalists include Ariel Engle of Broken Social Scene/La Force and Hayden, as well as Tim Kingsbury and Brendan Reed of Arcade Fire.
We asked Canon to tell us about five books that matter to her. And she made a point to select five works written by Black authors.
“I think it is necessary that we support Black, Indigenous, POC communities: their businesses, their work, their art, their voices,” says Canon. “I am listening closely. I am challenging old, tired ideas that are so deeply entrenched in the wirings of my brain: learning and unlearning.”
She says the voices she’s chosen have been and will be some of her best teachers during isolation.
“These books have opened me up, encouraged me to question and participate in this urgent discussion,” she says. “Inequality is present today, was present yesterday and has been around since forever ago.”
This is where I began — it felt like no better a place to dive in. The book starts with a letter that Baldwin wrote to his nephew on the one hundredth anniversary of the emancipation, one in which he candidly expresses his deep, deep frustrations as well as his hopes for the future. It explores the harsh realities of racism, oppression, power and privilege of that time. However, it’s disheartening that it still rings so true today. Sadly, not much has changed. I was completely taken by Baldwin’s writing. It is profound. I have read and reread, underlined to allow his words to sink in a little deeper. I continue to sit with it.
“The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it — and then dismantle it.” There is no better description of this book than the one above given by the author. I’ve been participating in this work with my partner. (We decided to read this together — in the park, late at night on the porch). We’ve been examining ourselves, where we fit in — how our privilege impacts where we’re sitting, how we’re treated, what we have. We’re vulnerable, honest and heated in our conversations. It’s hard and uncomfortable but extremely important. To be racist, or antiracist, is not a fixed place or position — it’s a dynamic verb rather than a noun. It is determined by what we are saying, doing, how we are acting, participating in the moment, moment to moment. I’m learning so much from Ibram X. Kendi.
I couldn’t find this book in print (or as immediately as I wanted to read it.) So I’m listening to it on tape, performed by Ruby Dee. I am reminded of the magic of hearing someone tell you a story, like sitting at the feet of my teacher. And this one is nothing short of beautiful, like reading a long poem. It’s about a Black woman, in her forties named Janie that shares her life story with a friend. She’s raw, strong, honest. And she tells of her search for love and her longing to live a life her way. My niece was named after this author. From the moment she was born, this book went on my list. I finally have the space to take it in.
My quarantine self spends most of my time alone. I venture out on long, endless walks in new neighbourhoods. And for the first time I’ve started to notice dogs in a completely different way. I find myself talking to them, even after they’re long gone, down the street. I’ve been noticing their personalities, their likeness to their owners, the way they greet complete strangers. (I wouldn’t normally call myself a dog kind of person.) I picked this book up after several friends recommended it. It’s by a Toronto-based author. It’s about a group of dogs that are granted human consciousness and language. It’s the right kind of playful.
What is there not to love about Zadie Smith? Swing Time has been sitting on my dining room table (and then off on a pile just beside) for well over a year. I haven’t actually opened it yet, but it’s next up. Now it’s back in its spot on my table, not to be forgotten. I’m told it’s a story of female friendship, family and identity, interwoven with music and dance. Um, yes please and thank you!
When the announcement that Toronto would finally be allowed to move into Stage 2 of re-opening was made, the team at the L-eat Group andPaese Ristorante created a plan to transform their large empty parking lot into a massive outdoor dining and entertaining experience — with not just one concept but two!
The Godfather Bowl
Paese has added some special touches, including custom in-house built cedar planters filled with flowers and greenery, a wall of evergreen trees and lattice privacy screens to shield diners from the street noise.
Grilled Octopus
The summer menu features all of the usual favourites including thin crust pizzas, housemade fresh pastas, summer salads, whole fish, veal scaloppini and many more “inspired in Italy, made in Canada” dishes.
BBR salad
In the coming weeks, as the tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and other veggies in their urban garden ripen, guests will be able to enjoy Paese’s interpretation of ‘farm to table’ dining with their daily special featuring produce picked next door that same day. Tours of the garden are available anytime — while you sip your glass of chilled rosé!
Tables are appropriately spaced for physical distancing, sanitized between every seating and pleasantly shaded by modern grey patio umbrellas. The yellow parking spot lines are the only remaining reminder that you are, in fact, dining on a parking lot!
The second concept is anchored by a shipping container kitchen, furnished with picnic tables and benches, surrounded by wood planters with flowers and fresh herbs, cedar trees, bright green Steam Whistle umbrellas and a canopy of globe string lights. The atmosphere is that of a cosy, comfortable beer garden that says, “Let’s hang out here for the day.”
Cheeseburger, coleslaw, chocolate chip cookie and homemade potato chips
The menu is a combination of barbecue favourites including burgers, sausages, steak sandwiches, ribs, truck style fries, veggie-rich power bowls with optional add-ons, smoothies and iced coffees. At the bar there is a large assortment of ice cold tall cans (beer and coolers), bottles of wine and their signature blended frosé.
As these uncertain times continue to unfold, this team is continuously evaluating what ways they can further serve their community. Next up will be a return of their popular streetside farmers’ market sharing the best of Ontario’s produce with the neighbourhood. And the catering team is at the forefront of working on how the city can safely begin to entertain on a larger scale again.
Cat and Nat tackle motherhood with wit and wisdom. Find them at catandnat.ca or @catandnat.
Honestly, being a parent during COVID-19 is different. Even if you were a stay-at-home parent before or if you were a homeschooler — it’s not the same at all!
We’ve talked about why moms are so tired in the past, but this is very different. Before you used to be able to take time to process. The kids would go to school and you could take a minute — one minute. You could think about how annoyed you were but then your brain could turn to thinking good thoughts. Then, by the time you pick them up from school, you’re actually thinking good thoughts. During COVID, there’s no time to marinate what has happened, and to come out on a fresh side. We’re like a bag of soggy lettuce — there’s no time to crisp yourself because every day is the same and there’s not a moment to breathe.
You wake up and you’re tired. All day, you’re tired. You go to bed and you’re tired. You’ve done nothing, but you’re tired because this state of being mentally tired is a greater level of tired than you could have ever imagined.
You cannot be everything your children need. They used to say, “All they need is you.” That’s a lie! Now they have us 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and they still literally need to touch us when we’re around. They’re still not okay. We’re not enough! They need way more than we could ever give them. They need friends, they need teachers, they need to get out of the house and out of our space! I never realized how important those extra-curricular activities were. They really fill their buckets and tire them out.
If you are feeling like you are failing, you probably are because you can’t give them everything they’ve ever wanted. We’ve come to realize the truth: The Mothership isn’t the only ship they need. We want you to know that even though you are 100 per cent failing, this is an unprecedented time when you cannot possibly succeed. They don’t have what they need and you are not enough, and that’s the beauty of it all. When we come out of this you’ll realize that you are not enough. That they need to go do those things. You need to stop feeling guilty about the things that you’re not enough for.
People are supposed to leave the house for six to eight hours a day, or more like nine to 10 hours and then come home to sleep. Home should be like a hotel room. I want to tell them the house is not open for business. I’m closing down the house, get out. Go! Go be something. Don’t just be my child, be something else! It’s time to launch!
All we hear is, “Mom, what’s for lunch? Mom, what’s for a snack? Mom, we have no food. Mom, when are we going back to school? Mom, when are we getting back to life?” I like the word mom, just not all day for six months!
I guess the point is, if you’re tired all day, and you don’t know why — your brain is tired. This is COVID-tired.
After months spent self-isolating indoors, it’s safe to say a global pandemic doesn’t do wonders for your love life. Thankfully, the summer months have ushered in a wealth of opportunities to reconnect with that special person in your life and enjoy what Toronto still has to offer. There is plenty of fun to be had outside and the province’s stage two reopening plan has helped open many other doors, too. So, with that in mind, here are 12 out-of-the-box date ideas filled with activities to reignite the spark in your relationship.
Image: @chosang_tenzin
’50s back in fashion
Saturday nights aren’t cancelled, so why not stroll the streets in ’50s fashion? Find some vintage threads at Black Market on Queen West or Expo Vintage on Dundas and take your date out in retro style. Start by picking up some Cheesey Lucys or a Compressor from Burger Factory in Oakville (don’t forget the funnel cakes) and head to the 5 Drive-In to elevate your Netflix and Chill game. Take the long way home along Lakeshore and find a spot to go for a slow walk at Humber Bay Shores — great for curing the quarantine blues.
Birding is the word
Give the term “love birds” new meaning by spending the day birding. The Leslie Street Spit is a great place to start your birdwatching adventure — more than 300 species of birds exist at this tucked-away spot. Spend an hour or two seeing how many birds you can find (or just enjoy the sunshine on your face). Since you already have your head in the clouds, why not follow up on your avian adventure by sharing some kimchi fries, ceviche shooters and drinks at the Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel (the new Beer Garden and Grill are also worth a stop). After dinner, round out your newfound love for birding at home with the classic comedy The Big Year.
The Frank Gehry-designed AGO
The art of the matter
“Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.” So says Chuck Klosterman, and that’s why any date that includes a trip to a gallery or museum is often a wonderful experience. The city’s major galleries are opening up. At the Art Gallery of Ontario, non-members can purchase single tickets beginning on July 16. And a visit to this stunning Frank Gehry–designed building is always a pleasure and never too crowded. The exhibit of mesmerizing Diane Arbus photographs is the perfect antidote for the times as is a short side trip to embrace the majesty of the Group of Seven collection. Keep your head in the clouds afterwards and take a walk through the nearby University of Toronto campus. Finish the afternoon by picking up some of the city’s best Italian at Harbord village’s Piano Piano just outside the university gates.
Rosalinda’s charred broccoli and coconut soup from the open source cookbook
Farm to your table
As the gorgeous weather reminds us of the 2020 summer that could have been, there are still lots of ways to safely get at the activities that make Toronto summers so memorable. Start your morning with a romantic stroll through the modified Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market, where you and your partner can still enjoy farm-to-table eats by shopping around for what you’re craving or by pre-ordering an Evergreen To-Go Box ($30–$95) of assorted delights. After taking in some fresh air and supporting local businesses, head home for a romantic night of cooking up your haul and sitting down to a delicious meal together. If you’re stuck for ideas, chef Nick Chen-Yin has compiled an incredible open source cookbook with recipes and tips from dozens of your favourite Toronto restaurants and chefs.
Rosé to go at Niagara’s 13th Street Winery
Wine the day away
As of mid-June, wineries were given the green light to start reopening certain aspects of their in-person programming, and there are already plenty of ways to safely explore stunning vineyards and treat yourself to the fruits of their labour. Hidden Bench Winery is serving its wine by the glass on the patio, and you can book a tasting as of June 26. Thirty Bench Wine Makers, 13th Street Winery, Jackson-Triggs, Château des Charmes and Inniskillin began running wine tastings by reservation in late June, most with four-person maximums that will make for the perfect intimate experience. Be savvy with your reservation times, and you and your partner can hit a few of these neighbouring spots to make the most of your romantic getaway. Or, if you’d rather have someone do the planning for you, Grape Escape Wine Tours has extensive safety protocols in place and lots of options for bike and vehicle tours.
Broadway talent direct from your front porch
Got a thing for show tunes? Or just love a good performance? The very talented folks at the Musical Stage Company have something very special worked up. Beginning July 18, the company will offer intimate performances for front yards and driveways across Toronto. Porchside Songs offers three 40-minute concert experiences performed by absolute gems of Canadian theatre including Vanessa Sears and Beau Dixon, Andrew Penner and Hailey Gillis and the Asian Riffing Trio (Colin Asuncion, Chris Tsujiuchi and Kevin Wong). Pick a date, and Musical Stage will take care of the rest. And a night like this demands delicious wine and nibbles, and that means a stop at Paris Paris, which has some unusual and fantastic bottles available for takeout or delivery along with snacks.
Sunset on a Tiki Taxi
Temptation island
With the city’s best beaches now opening up on Toronto Island, it’s time to set up a dream adventure in our own sandy paradise. First, book a delightful little ride over to the island via a private service such as the kinda funky Tiki Taxi and make sure to include a short tour of the lagoon and inner channels. Next, head down to the Mahjong Bar bodega and pick up a delish gourmet picnic basket along with a groovy cocktail kit. Make sure to pre-order. After the tour, head to Ward’s Island beach, easily one of the most scenic and least-crowded spots in town — clean water, great views and some secluded spots for a romantic afternoon. Follow it up with a walk along the boardwalk that stretches along the island’s south shore.
Geodesic domes at Hotel X
A well of inspiration
As much as you love your partner, spending the last four months two feet away from one another could make even Romeo and Juliet rethink their fevered plans about forever. Reconnect, unwind and address the stress that’s accumulating in your bodies by planning a wellness date night. Start by checking out the schedule of virtual classes at the Chi Junky Yoga Studio and drop in to the Zoom class for just $14, or peruse the big list of live-stream options at Misfit Studio to find one that’s right for you. If you need to get out of the house before you can even think about peace of mind, you can follow social distancing guidelines by working up a substantial sweat in a geodesic dome on the grounds of Hotel X between June 21 and July 31.
Backyard Woodstock
One of the hardest things to take during quarantine is the lack of live music. The energy, the excitement of sharing a concert experience with your partner, and a few thousand buddies, is hard to top. But why not try? Luckily, many great artists are offering up free live-stream concerts and concert videos. So, why not turn your backyard into an outdoor theatre and let the good times roll — all you need is a digital projector for your laptop and a good Bluetooth sound system. Throw a sheet up at the back of the house and tune into Depeche Mode’s Live SpiRiTs concert the band is putting on YouTube. Or check out some local talent on Dan Mangan’s Side Door Access streaming service. A few Toronto artists sharing great streaming concerts on the regular include Ron Hawkins, Sarah Slean and Steven Page. To add some authenticity to the experience, pick up some Houseplant Indica pre-rolls from midtown cannabis retailer The Hunny Pot for you and your loved one to enjoy.
Sporting life
Nothing says budding romance like falling flat on your face while trying a new sport together. With physical distancing a must, the local softball league is pretty much off limits for the foreseeable future. Why not try a new activity together or with a (socially distanced) group of friends? Here are three perfect sports for maintaining distance and having a good time:
In-line skating is back in a massive way, with everyone from kids to seniors hitting the streets on four wheels. Sales of Rollerblades have spiked, and they’re easy enough to find online if you don’t have a pair collecting dust in your closet.
A few videos of slackliners have been making the TikTok and Instagram rounds since quarantine began (only you probably had no idea what those people were doing!). Start by checking out some YouTube videos on how not to fall and tie your rope low enough not to do any permanent damage. There’s no better ice-breaker than attempting to walk a tightrope in the middle of a busy park! Slacklining is just goofy enough and a great exercise.
Disc golf is the sport you’ve probably seen but never tried. Now’s the perfect time to see if throwing a disc at a target is your hidden skill. Toronto has a few disc golf courses, including Toronto Island, the Beach and E.T. Seton. You can buy a disc golf set for around $20.
One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, Jeanne Beker has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her in her current style editor role on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or off to the market, you’ll need a perfect summer purse in tow. We asked Jeanne Beker to pick this season’s top totes, packs, and more that cover all your needs, from a casual picnic to a day of biking and hiking. Here are her top 10 summer bags.
STRAW SHOPPERS
A) BASKET BAG
“This one is so fun and playful with the fringed raffia. It’s a statement bag for summer.” ArchivesToronto.com, $158
B) ITTY-BITTY BACKPACK
“This is a very funky little straw bag. Perfect for when you’re going bicycling and decide to have a little picnic.” Karibali.com, $82
C) OFF TO THE BEACH
“This straw tote from Tuck Shop Trading Co. is a perfect all around summer bag.” SportingLife.ca, $81.99
HANDS-FREE MINIS
D) A FUN FANNY
“It’s totally functional, water-resistant and practical, but it has a real air of modernity to it with its minimal design.” ShopFrock.ca, $90
E) UTILITARIAN CHIC
“This one looks really bold, like you’re a city warrior, but it’s also fun and flashy for the country.” CallItSpring.com, $14.98
F) HELLO YELLOW
“This is a fun pop of neon for any outfit. It has this great little wrist strap, but you can also toss it into your tote.” LIntervalleShoes.com, $59.99
G) PRETTY PASTEL
“I really like this crossbody. It’s very modern with clean lines. It’s got a lot of style going on.” MattandNat.com, $60
LEATHER LOVERS
H) FOREST-FRIENDLY
“I’m in love with the colour of this woven leather backpack. It’s such a timeless bag.” Uppdoo.com, $395
I) NOTHING BUT NUDE
“This is such a beautiful shade for the season in this slouch tote bag. It has a classic appeal.” OpelleCanada.com, $395
J) COOL CARRYALL
“A great tote for all those outdoor markets and day trips, and there’s a richness to the colour of the leather.” ElevenThirtyShop.com, $405
One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on style and fashion, 
