Shining a spotlight on Yonge Street shops

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8:30 am

These local businesses in the heart of Toronto are reinventing food, fashion, beauty and service while bringing joy to customers’ shopping experiences.

Narnia

What’s going to be hot this spring?

Skirts are resurfacing after taking a break for a few seasons. Ankle grazing florals, denim and cotton mini’s or sleak pencil’s add a new dimension to your wardrobe. Feminine sundresses abound – and the new ‘running shoes with everything’ trend brings a young, casual vibe to almost everything in your closet.

What’s new for your business?

This season we understand more and more how the fashion industry can reduce its impact on the environment. We continue to be aware and add more brands that are eco-responsible in their production practices.

Why do you think your customers select your business over others?

Our relaxed atmosphere, great fashion, and extensive selection set us apart – not to mention the heart we put into helping our customers choose the perfect piece.

Who is your inspiration/role model?

Audrey Hepburn – for her grace and well tailored elegance and for popularizing the LBD and black ballet flats. Cher – the original bohemian babe in the 60’s and 70’s, rocking mini dresses, fringe vests and crochet anything! Brigitte Bardot – for her dark eyes and sexy style, flaunting her curves with confidence and elegance.

3236 Yonge St. + 416 487 7287

Co-Founders and Co-Owners: Ellice Yang and Jasmine Sufi

Acutoronto Fertility and Wellness Clinic

What’s new for your clinic in 2020?

The introduction of Low Light Laser Therapy! Red light and infrared light aids in injury recovery, reduces inflammation, but most importantly, we are using it to help improve egg and sperm quality for couples who are struggling with poor ovarian reserve and poor egg quality.

How long have you been in business?

We’ve been in business for 15 years this March! We’ve grown into our vision of creating a team of caring, passionate professionals who strive to educate and empower our clients with their health and wellbeing.

Describe your team.

Our amazing team of compassionate practitioners are just as passionate about what they do as we are. We work closely to provide cohesive treatment options for our patients. Our process includes evidence-based research to help patients make informed decisions. For 15 years our focus has always been on male and female fertility as well as pregnancy, making us leaders in our industry.

Why did you choose your industry?

We’ve seen our patients transform their health, their wellness and their lives. This transformation is almost immediate. Patients walk into our clinic and feel like a different person when they leave – from stressed and anxious to calm and relaxed.

2401 Yonge St., Suite 215 + 416 486 5222

Holy Chuck

What’s new for your business for 2020? Do you have a new feature/item/service or have you recently renovated?

We have a few great new items on our menu like two new crispy chicken burgers and hot dogs!! We are also now serving Halal lamb and gluten free keto paleo buns.

What makes your business unique?

We grind all of our aged beef in front of our customers and we have a huge selection of burgers and an incredible selection of milkshakes made with 100% real ice cream.

Describe your team.

My team is amazing, they are all so creative and innovative and my customers are always commenting on how friendly and hardworking they all are!

What has been your proudest moment in business?

My proudest moment is seeing the looks on my customers’ faces when they eat my food. Also when I hear the words “This is the best burger and milkshake I have ever eaten! It’s priceless!

What’s your secret to success?

My secret is having a true passion and love of food, combined with hard work and some risk taking.

1450 Yonge St. I 4421 Hwy. 7 I 586 Yonge street

Potato Skins Slipcovers

What’s going to be hot this spring?

Innovative outdoor fabrics for use indoors, washable high performance fabrics, vibrant florals, soothing pastels and textured fabrics.

What’s new for your business in 2020?

Locally made to order Iake and Canadiana themed pillows. A larger selection of outdoor fabrics and custom decorative pillow options for a pop of colour.

What’s the best thing about being on this street?

Our success is a direct result of the great neighbourhood we are located in, and the many loyal clients that keep coming back to us to have more pieces covered. New developments in the area are bringing new customers who want to update what they have and make a positive impact environmentally, repurposing what they already have.

Why did you choose your industry?

I recognized a need for quality designed covers. Everyone has to sit on something–sofas and chairs are the focal point of any comfortable room. The adaptability of slipcovers offer a completely different look while still being easy to take off and wash.

What is the greatest advice you’ve ever received?

A mentor advised me to always oversee production from start to finish, We are proud to design, manufacture, and sell our products locally.

2073 Yonge St. + 416 484 6299

Pho King Fabulous!

What’s your favourite thing about the neighbourhood?

Yonge and Eglinton is one of the best neighbourhoods to live and to work in Toronto. You can find everything you need within walking distance: great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. The one thing I like most about this neighbourhood is that it is very lively and uplifting, even during the cold winter months.

What is your secret weapon for business success?

Pho King Fabulous has become known as one of the best pho places. We were awarded Top 100 Best Restaurants, as well as Top 10 vegan and non-vegan restaurants in Toronto. Our secret weapon: we continually strive to keep customers happy by maintaining high quality of food and providing fast and friendly service.

Do you have any famous or interesting customers?

Pooja Handa visited us last year and told us she really loved our Vegetable Noodle Soup. We have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes on our menu and that earned us blogTO’s Top 10 Vegan Non-Vegan restaurants in Toronto. We pride ourselves on being a place where groups with varying dietary needs can enjoy a quality meal together.

2411 Yonge St. + 647 352 5288

Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa

What’s going to be hot this spring? New lines/trends etc.

Body contouring with focused ultrasound will be very popular this spring in preparation for summer. It is a painless, non-surgical reduction of stubborn fat deposits with no downtime. Three treatments, 2 weeks apart are recommended.

What’s new for your business for 2020? Do you have a new feature/item/service or have you recently renovated?

We are pairing radio frequency microneedling with specialized serums tailored to our clients’ concerns. This combination treatment results in smooth, radiant skin with a youthful glow.

What makes your business unique?

As a cosmetic dermatologist, I have extensive experience with lasers and injectables. I understand all aspects concerning skin and can create individualized treatment programs utilizing scientifically proven effective procedures and products. I strive to give my patients the best possible results in a safe, caring environment.

Why did you choose to go into your industry?

Cosmetic dermatology allows me to combine my artistic skills and in-depth knowledge of skin to enhance natural beauty, make patients happy and improve their self-confidence.

1849 Yonge St., Suite 307 + 416 483 4541

Belman Dental Centre

How long have you been in business?

I have been in practice for 27 Years! Still loving it, more and more as time goes by actually.

What makes your business unique?

There are lots of dentists out there and they all do good work, we try to go a huge step beyond to make sure our patients are happy and comfortable. And, our office is a really cool space (think NYC loft) and has a great family vibe!

Describe your team.

The team at Belman Dental Centre are skilled, experienced professionals but, more importantly, we are all also warm, welcoming and fun. Yes, going to the dentist can be fun!

Why did you choose to go into your industry?

I’m passionate about people and a huge perfectionist. Dentistry is a blend of art and science. It gives me the opportunity to work my craft while developing friendships with my patients.

What is the greatest advice you have ever received?

“Your patients will never care how much you know until they know how much you care!”

What’s your secret to success?

I have always cared very deeply about my work, my team and my patients! That is the compass with which I make every decision at work.

1881 Yonge St., Suite 403 + 416 486 1136

C’est Bon

What makes your business unique?

One of the most unique things about the restaurant is the name, C’est Bon, which means “it’s good” in French. It’s quite an unconventional name for a Chinese restaurant but it relates to the greatness of the cuisine and my Taiwanese-French background.

Why do you think your customers select your business over others?

We’ve been in business since 2000 and we’ve evolved over the years with the support of our loyal clientele. Our location was renovated in 2018 and our customers have been enjoying our new interior. We can’t wait to open our patio and begin enjoying our outside space again!

What’s new for 2020? Do you have a new feature/item/service?

We now specialize in authentic Szechuan cuisine with select popular Thai dishes and customer favourites are plentiful. Among them: General Tsao’s Chicken, Crispy Ginger Beef, Seafood Cantonese Chow Mein and Sweet & Sour Chicken. The restaurant is most well known for its Basil Chicken which is prepared in a homemade sweet soy sauce with garlic, ginger and garden-fresh basil. Our vegetarian customers are in luck as well as we have a wide variety of options on the menu including a braised tofu dish with shitake mushrooms.

2685 Yonge St., north of Eglinton + 416 932 2811

Eclectic Rug Gallery

What is new for your business in 2020?

Well – after 27 years of service, I have finally decided that it is time for me to retire and enjoy some quality time with my family and loved ones. So we have reduced the price on our entire inventory. This is a great opportunity to update your room with a new rug.

Why do you think your customers select your business over others?

What I think sets us apart is our service. The feedback that we have received over the years has been that our clients really like the in-home consultation. Sometimes clients are unsure about size, colour, or style. That’s where our knowledge comes into play. We can advise you on what works best for your space.

What has been your proudest moment in business?

I opened this business with a modest startup capital in December of 1993 – just three years after arriving in Canada. This business allowed me to provide for my family, gave them the opportunity to pursue their goals and become contributing members of society. Additionally, Over the last 27 years, I have seen lots of changes – both in the retail sector and my industry. We have seen economic highs and lows. I am happy that I was able to face these challenges head-on and come out the other side. Now after 27 years, I am ready to enjoy retirement.

3275 Yonge St. +416 322 0080

The best late-night eats in Toronto

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Samantha Peksa

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4:51 pm

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Prepare for self-isolation with this coronavirus shopping checklist

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Nicole Richie

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2:13 pm

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The novel coronavirus has arrived in Toronto, and although the unknown might be scary, buying out your local grocery store won’t help the situation. It’s important to remain calm and refrain from overbuying, but stocking up on a few extra items in anticipation for potential self-isolation also can’t hurt. So with that in mind, here are a few things you may need if you do end up in quarantine.

Antibacterial soap

Fun fact; hand sanitizer can remove the good bacterias from your hands, which reduces your natural immunities. Instead, wash your hands with antibacterial soap whenever you come in contact with other people or surfaces (or touch your face) for at least 20 seconds.

Pedialyte or other electrolyte-replacement beverages

If you do get sick, it’s important to stay hydrated. Pedialyte, Gatorade and other beverages can help you absorb more fluids, faster.

Typical flu medications

Don’t buy up masks, which will be desperately needed by people who are already sick, immunocompromised, and medical professionals. Instead, if you’re worried, buy medications you typically need for the regular flu — acetaminophen, anti-inflammatories, and decongestant medications.

Basic, essential groceries

You don’t need to buy out the toilet paper at Longo’s (seriously, don’t), but if you do get sick it’s important to have enough food and other essential groceries on hand to prevent infecting others with a grocery trip.

Make sure you have enough nonperishables, like canned soup, rice, pasta, and frozen vegetables, to last you the two-week quarantine period if needed. If you have pets or children, it’s important to keep their needs in mind as well. And if you’re running low on other necessities, such as cleaning supplies or toothpaste, now’s definitely a good time to stock up.

Supplies of any prescription medications

If you take any prescription medications, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and see if you can get an advance supply, in case of delays or illness. Some sources recommend a 30-day supply, although availability will depend on your medication.

Entertainment

Self-quarantine can be boring, so make sure you have plenty of things to entertain yourself. Books, games, television, movies — anything to pass the time!

Remember to wash your hands, stay calm and be kind to the people around you. We are all going through this together and it’s important to be mindful in this uncertain time.

Answers to your questions about cheating and relationships

By

Erin Neilly

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11:52 am

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Jess O’Reilly is a sought-after speaker, author and sexologist (www.SexWithDrJess.com).

Cheating is more common than we’d like to admit, and the experience is shrouded in shame, which encourages those affected to manage their most difficult challenges and feelings in secret. This secrecy further reinforces feelings of shame, creating a burdensome loop that makes managing cheating a seemingly insurmountable task.

We need to break this cycle and talk about it, so this week, I invited your neighbours to share their questions about cheating so that we can open a dialogue and rebuild fulfilling, meaningful relationships.

Leslie from Midtown writes: How do I move on and trust someone again after my ex cheated?

Give yourself permission to feel sad, mad, scared, insecure, unsure, embarrassed, excited, hopeful and the full range of emotions we experience after a breakup. Breakups involve a period of grieving, and the feelings of loss are not necessarily attenuated by the fact that your ex was imperfect (or worse). You can be relieved to be rid of them and still miss some of the feelings and experiences you shared. This doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

Use rational thought to remind yourself that your ex’s cheating was not your fault. You cannot affair-proof a relationship, and you are not responsible for anyone else’s behaviour.

Consider the perspective that trust is not something that is fully earned. It’s something that you decide to give, so work on building up your own self-esteem so that you’re open to connecting and trusting others — friends, family members and potential partners.

To boost self-esteem, I often ask clients to make a list of their best qualities and add to it weekly. They keep track of highs, accomplishments, new experiences, proud moments and compliments received. It may sound cheesy or self-absorbed, but if you want to build healthy relationships, you ought to know what you bring to the table.

Remember that there is no evidence that your ex’s behaviour will predict that of future partners. So if you’re ready to date again, focus on being present, getting to know your date(s) and tuning in to what you feel in their presence, rather than assessing whether or not they’re similar to your ex.

Sal from Yorkville writes: My wife, who cheated in the past, is travelling a lot for work, and I worry it could happen again. Do I talk to her about it?

Let her know how you’re feeling: worried, anxious and fearful of losing her. Expressing your concerns is not the same as saying you don’t trust her.

You may be able to work through some this on your own or with a therapist, but if you’re in a supportive relationship, you can express how you feel and ask for reassurance without making accusations. When you express your vulnerabilities and take responsibility for your emotions, a loving partner will be inclined to respond with care and support.

Carla from downtown writes: My boyfriend cheated on several of his exes and says he’d never do it again. How do I know if he will reoffend or if I can trust him?

Has he taken responsibility for cheating or does he blame outside sources? The latter is a red flag, as no one forced him to cheat.

You will never know for sure whether or not a partner will cheat, but if you build a foundation of understanding and trust, you may reduce (or at least better understand) the risk.

Talk about what monogamy means to you. What qualifies as cheating? Can you agree on a specific set of terms? Agreeing to sexual exclusivity amounts to inadequate shorthand. Instead, have a long-form discussion about what monogamy means.

Discuss your relationship values and what constitutes a fulfilling relationship, considering practical, emotional, sexual, social and spiritual elements. Talk about your histories with emotional expression and the ways in which you experience emotional connection and fulfilment.

Talk about your sexual values, including your desires, boundaries, concerns, insecurities and fantasies. Discuss how you might deal with differentials in desire and the natural and unpredictable changes to your sex life that occur with time.

None of these are one-shot discussions. They require ongoing thought, expressions of vulnerability and openness to considering multiple perspectives.

There is no litmus test to find out if someone will cheat, but if you talk about your relational, emotional, practical and sexual expectations with specificity, you’re more likely to cultivate the understanding and compatibility required for a lasting relationship predicated on love and trust.

Have a sex or relationship question that you’d like Dr. Jess to answer? Email it to [email protected].

St. Patrick’s Day parade cancelled in Toronto over COVID-19 concerns

By

Ron Johnson

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11:55 am

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St. Patrick's Parade in Toronto — From Facebook

Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Parade has been cancelled due to public health concerns.

Parade organizers issued a statement indicating that they believed it was in the “best interest of participants, volunteers and members of the public.”

The parade was scheduled for Sunday, March 15.

“Our committee made the decision to cancel the parade in the public interest,” said St. Patrick’s Parade Society chairperson, Shaun Ruddy in a prepared statement. “While we are disappointed that our annual parade will not take place our belief is that public health and safety must come first. We would like to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and look forward to seeing the public at our future events.”

The parade is added to a growing list of cancellations in the city and around the world as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic escalates.

1m
The #coronavirus cancellation list so far this hour:
– Major League Soccer
– National Lacrosse League
– OSSTF AGM
– OECTA AGM
– The Junos
– FIRST Robotics Canada
– Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade

— ????? ?????????? (@BryanPassifiume) March 12, 2020

Similar St. Patrick’s Day festivities have been cancelled in other cities, including the biggest of them all in Dublin, Ireland.

The best spring rolls in Toronto

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Samantha Peksa

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10:48 am

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Toronto production of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ to feature all-Canadian cast

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Nicole Richie

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10:30 am

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Harry-potter-broadway — Pictured: The Broadway cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy.

On the heels of the massive hit Hamilton opening in Toronto, Mirvish just announced the cast and production details for its next-big-thing production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

The play has become the most awarded in theatre history, winning 25 U.S. awards including six Tony Awards. It will make its Canadian premiere and an all-Canadian cast on Oct. 23 in the Ed Mirvish Theatre.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first story to be presented on stage. The play was written by Jack Thorne based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling.

The story follows a grown-up Harry Potter as he struggles with his menial life and his son Albus who must grapple with his family’s legacy.

“After a casting search across Canada, in London, UK, and New York, we have found an all-Canadian cast for the Canadian premiere production of this superb play,” said David Mirvish.

HPATCC_2019_Broadway — Pictured from the Broadway production (l-r): Nadia Brown, Jenny Jules, Matt Mueller, Catherine Ashmore Bradley, Will Carlyon, James Snyder, Diane Davis, Nicholas Podany – Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy.

They are even bringing some of Broadway’s original cast to Toronto for the production.

Toronto actress Fiona Reid played Delores Umbridge in the Broadway production and is set to play Professor McGonagall on the Toronto stage. Fellow Broadway cast members, Sara Farb and Steven Sutcliffe will also appear alongside Reid on the Mirvish stage

“Many of these actors are veterans of Canadian theatre – even though some of them are still rather young, they have a wealth of experience,” said Mirvish.

To kick the Potter-head things up a notch, tickets will go on sale on April 4 at 9 3/4 a.m. (9:45 a.m.) just like the legendary Hogwarts platform at London’s King Cross Station.

“In the five cities this play has been produced, it is the local artists who have rooted each production in each community,” said producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender in a joint statement.

“That’s why we are thrilled that the creative team has been able to cast this enormous production – 39 actors – with an all-Canadian cast. We can’t wait to see them bring J.K. Rowling’s wonderful characters and story to life on stage at the Ed Mirvish Theatre.”

Because of the nature of Rowling’s story, the show was too long to fit into conventional theatre experience, so the play has been split into two thrilling parts.

The two performances can be seen consecutively on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, in the form of a part-one matinee, followed by a part-two evening show. Otherwise, Thursday evenings the cast will perform part one, while Friday evenings will show part two.

Tickets for each show start at $69.

Actress Naomi Snieckus on meeting and marrying comic Matt Baram

By

Andrew Mannsbach

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9:26 am

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Naomi Snieckus Matt Baram wedding — Naomi Snieckus (far right) and Matt Baram on their wedding day

After wrapping up her role on the sitcom Mr. D as everyone’s favourite gym teacher, Bobbi Galka, Naomi Snieckus has moved on to other projects. Catch her on the big screen this month in her new movie Canadian Strain which hits theatres in Toronto on March 20. Here she gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like when two comedians (her and husband Matt Baram) fall in love.

How they met
We met at Second City Toronto — it was love at first laugh!

The proposal
It was my birthday, and Matt had planned to take me out for a fancy dinner. When it came time to go out, I said to Matt: “Wouldn’t you rather just order Chinese food and watch a movie in our pyjamas?” He said, “Well, yes.” His lack of enthusiasm confused me. He loves Chinese food. He agreed to change our plans on one condition: I come with him to pick up dinner. To which I agreed, also on one condition: I’m not getting out of my pyjamas. So, we grabbed Chinese food, and on the way home, he convinced me to sneak into a bar and have a fancy cocktail in the corner. It was my birthday after all. We snuck into the Soho Hotel, and as we parked in the underground lot he said, “We’re actually staying here tonight!” What fun! Luckily, I had my “nice” pyjamas on, the kind that people may think I was wearing to a yoga class. He showed me to our room that he’d set up earlier with strawberries, champagne and lovely music. I burst into tears. “Since you’re crying already.…” And he bent down on one knee and proposed to me. I sat down on the floor with him, and we both cried at how lucky we were. Then, we had Chinese food. It was kind of perfection.

The wedding
We got married at Toronto City Hall. Not so fancy, but we were getting our green cards so needed it to be speedy. I thought it was going to be a quick signing of paper, but it ended up being incredibly moving. Our dear friend Dov Mickelson was able to take off time from rehearsals and be there. He put on some Ella Fitzgerald in place of the organ music. Matt’s aunt and uncle happened to be in town, so they were there too. Then our two fathers were present, and we did some really great awkward photos in the square out front. It was exactly right.

Balancing careers and marriage
This is a constant juggling act. Like, if we were in the circus, we wouldn’t be juggling chainsaws, bouncy balls and apples. We’d be juggling show producing, acting careers and improvised podcasts. Matt and I are partners in everything: writing, improv, producing. We’ve figured out our roles when it comes to creative stuff, but are always juggling life and art. Sometimes date night turns into a production meeting.

Shared hobbies
This is tricky because the line between hobbies and career is blurry. We produce our own comedy shows and our podcast Baram & Snieckus, so that is something we share. We also have a little cottage that we love fixing up. We spend most hours in the day together, so pretty much everything is shared! Is cleaning the fridge a hobby? We share that too!

The home
We live in Little Italy and have for more than 10 years. We love it!

Secret to success
Laughter. I mean, doesn’t that go for everyone? Joanne Woodward said: “Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that’s a real treat.” I know I’m lucky to be married to a man that makes me laugh every day. Even if I don’t feel like laughing, he finds a way. And to be onstage with him and see people enjoying his comedy genius is equally rewarding. So the secret? Laughter. And knowing when to go out and have a coffee date on your own. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, even if you’re only gone for an hour!

This Argentinian restaurant is the place to be on Wednesday nights

By

Jessica Huras

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5:07 pm

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At Queen West Argentinian restaurant AMA, Wednesday is the best day of the week.

For two years and counting, partners Michael Mizzi and executive chef Sebastian Galluci have been running a $1 empanada special on Wednesday nights. In March 2020, the two will be bringing a brief hold to the popular service as they renovate the space but they plan to bring $1 Wednesdays back in a big way come April.

Usually, AMA’s empanadas are $12 for a plate of two, with either carne or vegetarian filling. On Wednesdays, you can have as many as your heart (and stomach) can handle for just $1/piece. The empanadas are handmade, always baked, and served with seasonal queso and chimichurri.

“The current record is 25 empanadas in one sitting,” says chef Galluci. “But I’m sure it won’t last long.”

AMA, meaning love in Spanish, is the definition of a passion project for Galluci and his team.

“Mike and I were neighbours growing up, when my dad owned a restaurant in the 90s,” recounts chef Galluci. “I played soccer my whole life, but after I tore my knee I started working as a financial advisor at a bank. I hated my life. Finally, I quit, bought a food truck, and when I told Mike I was opening a restaurant, he quit his job at Microsoft and opened the place with me. We’ve never looked back.”

Galluci’s enduring love for soccer isn’t hard to believe, and Toronto FC players can be spotted dining here multiple times per week.

The kitchen is a family affair – literally and figuratively – as young men from Chile, Argentina, and Ontario are trained under Galluci’s generous yet determined eye. There are no recipes at AMA; instead Galluci “teaches taste.”

He has fresh ingredients delivered weekly, some from purveyors he met at the Trinity Bellwoods Market like Matz Fruit Barn; and some straight from Argentina, like grass-fed hormone-free beef. Galluci shops for other ingredients daily—like the bun from Caldense Bakery for his delicious chori-pan ($15), a homemade chorizo patty with chimichurri, goat cheese, a cracked egg, and salsa.

The meticulous and local ingredient sourcing means that menu items do run out, which works perfectly with Galluci’s no-waste kitchen philosophy. Several of Galluci’s dishes are award-winning, including his guacamole platter with homemade corn tostadas ($16), which won best guac at the 86, the Drake Hotel’s monthly culinary showdown.

Dishes are huge on flavour and comfort, like the Argentinan tiger shrimp ceviche ($21) or the Palermo soho pollo ($35) which is one of Galluci’s grandmother’s recipes. For this “chicken mountain,” as it’s often described, a generous helping of 12-hour marinated spicy chicken thigh is slow roasted for 11 hours and placed atop a pile of roasted garlic mashed potatoes. It’s served with microgreens and a pepper and tomato salsa.

There’s only one dessert on the menu most of the year, and it’s a perfect Chilean-Argentinian hybrid pancake drowning in your choice of homemade dulce de leche or Nutella ($7).

While it’s clear that AMA has a lot more going for it than just $1 empanada Wednesdays, the vibe of the place is one of its most impressive assets. In a rapidly expanding city where decades-old mainstays are being shut down every week, walking into AMA is like walking into another decade.

Each customer is welcomed in like an old friend, free shots are given out to tables when the chefs feel moved, and now-regulars are eager to tell anyone who will listen why this is their favourite eatery: from “this is the place that made me fall in love with beets!” to “I haven’t missed a Wednesday in two years,” and “If I’m feeling lonely I come here to be with family.”

Chef Daniel Boulud to host a special pop-up in Toronto this week

By

Jessica Huras

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3:05 pm

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Chef Daniel Boulud is helping catapult us into spring with a special dinner event on March 12. Hosted at Café Boulud in the Four Seasons Hotel, the Boulud Sud Pop Up will see the celebrity chef teaming up with his restaurant’s chef de cuisine, Nicholas Trosien, to present a menu inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavours.

Boulud, who worked for three years in Provence and has travelled extensively in Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey, says he’s inspired by the culinary traditions of the region.

With this pop-up, Boulud looks to bring a modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine, while staying true to its classic flavours. “Technology can help us be creative in the preparation, as those traditional recipes are often old and rustic,” says Boulud. For example, he says that he might opt to incorporate sous vide into the preparation of chicken, rather than a conventional braising technique.

Thursday’s five-course menu will include Turkish pide, sea bass en papillote, and Moroccan Lamb, among other dishes. Boulud says that the bright flavours of Mediterranean cuisine lend themselves well to the warm weather transition. “We associate the Mediterranean diet with spring and summer because of the light, fresh, seasonal ingredients,” he explains.

The pop-up will also feature wine pairings by sommelier Julie Garton. Staying true to the regional theme of the food menu, Garton has chosen a selection of Mediterranean wines. The dinner will begin with a bubbly NV Brut Cava ‘Cuvee Barcelona’ from Codorniu, Spain and close with a sweet Malvasia Reserva 5 yr, Barbeito from Madeira, Portugal.

If it’s too late to clear your Thursday evening plans for the pop-up, you’re in luck: A selection of dishes from the special event will be added to Café Boulud’s regular menu until the end of March.

The best wine bars in Toronto

By

Samantha Peksa

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1:57 pm

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TTC invests in often overlooked eco-friendly transit option

By

Erin Neilly

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9:47 am

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David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from Gideon Forman).

If we’re going to tackle the climate crisis, we have to reduce transportation emissions. Good public transit — fast, reliable, affordable — can help by weaning us off gasoline-burning cars.

Especially important to address the climate crisis is transit that runs on electricity, which could be subways, light rail or streetcars and battery-powered buses.

Subways are only practical in population-dense cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Light rail is great in many settings. Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo have light rail, and Toronto is building a crosstown system that will massively benefit the city, especially in neighbourhoods not currently well served by rapid transit. But one vehicle is often overlooked: the all-electric bus.

E-buses have many virtues. They can be built quickly — no small thing during the escalating climate emergency.

Transportation is the second-largest source of greenhouse gases in Canada, eclipsed only by the oil and gas sector. In 2017 (the most recent year for which we have data), transportation in Canada accounted for a staggering 174 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Oil and gas development contributed 195 million tonnes.

Emissions-reduction benefits of e-buses are considerable. Even in provinces like Alberta, where most power is generated by burning fossil fuels, electric buses stack up well against diesel.

Clean Energy Canada, a think tank at Simon Fraser University, states, “When plugged into Edmonton’s grid, a battery-electric bus is expected to emit 38 per cent to 44 per cent less CO2 than a diesel equivalent — and as the electricity gets cleaner, so will the buses.”

E-bus production can also strengthen Canada’s clean tech sector and create jobs. Our country has a number of companies that produce vehicles for domestic and international markets. New federal funding could give these businesses — including Quebec-based Nova Bus and Winnipeg’s New Flyer Industries — an additional boost.

Some cities have already purchased e-buses, but the numbers are relatively small. Toronto just bought 60 (out of a total fleet of some 2,000 buses), and Edmonton recently ordered 40 (out of about 1,000). These are good steps, but new federal money could increase them.

Ottawa has plans to fund zero-emission vehicles beginning in 2023. This means the feds could pay for diesel-burning buses for another three years. In a climate crisis, that doesn’t make sense.