Two of the hottest new stage shows in town

2:38 pm

IT ISN’T EASY to try to make a connection between two (probably) very entertaining theatrical pieces playing in downtown Toronto in July,but that’s why I get paid the big bucks.

Stephen Harper! The Musical is the promising new show co-written and co-directed by the brothers Shehori (Daniel and Steven) — the first “outside show” ever given a regular evening slot on the Second City’s mainstage.

It will run from July 5 to 25,preceding the present (and very good) Second City for Mayor production pushing the latter’s start to 9:30 each night, and there are discounts if you wish to see both (www.secondcity.com for info).

Daniel, 36, is almost a typical Torontonian: born in Winnipeg, raised in Scarborough; his father was hatched in Russia and moved briefly to Israel before coming to Canada (“Shehori is a variation on the name Schwartz, or Black”).

Daniel Shehori’s roots in the theatrical world stretch back to an ushering job at Second City a dozen years ago.He wrote and performed stand-up and sketches at the studio theatre next door and began creating comedy with his brother. He has been involved with 300 productions of our city’s beloved Second City,including two credits as assistant director on two of their better shows, Facebook of Revelations and Tased and Confused. He says he is delighted to be given “this great opportunity to write and direct” Stephen Harper! The Musical.The premise is ripe with comedic potential:The Prime Minister’s handlers put on a Broadway show so Canadians will take notice of him.The seven songs are by Jay McCarrol, one of Second City’s musical stalwarts.

“We had to find a way of making fun of Harper without directly making fun of him, but it is a grandiose vision of his life,”Daniel chuckles, which sounds as tough as bringing peace to the Middle East. I, personally, am looking forward to seeing it, and I wish this young brother team the best of luck (after all, George and Ira Gershwin were fabulous). And we are the country which gave SCTV to a world that didn’t deserve such brilliance and excellence.

And I am always excited to see a new production by Canada’s finest theatre company, Soulpepper (www.soulpepper.ca for info). Their latest production is A Month in the Country, by the superb Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, running from July 6 to Aug. 7 at the Young Centre in the Distillery District.

The Soulpepper production is based on a new adaptation by the wonderful Susan Coyne (Kingfisher Days) and directed by the inspired Hungarian Laszlo Marton, who co-adapted Chekhov’s Platonov over a decade ago, to many awards.Turgenev’s best-known play was written nearly a half-century before the glorious Chekhov’s best works, but in its refusal to judge its characters, nor mock their lovesick obsessions, it predicts Chekhov and therefore should not be missed.

All this, along with Stratford’s and Shaw’s seasons in full swing? We are so blessed to live in Toronto, are we not?

Shock and awe

2:35 pm

FORMER CANADIAN IDOL Ryan Malcolm may have done very little since his 15 minutes expired years ago, but when Caitlin Cronenberg sold a portrait of her former boyfriend to Post City Magazines (yes, this Post), it launched her career as a professional photographer. So thank you, CTV.

With a new book of photography, Poser, released this month and a growing list of highprofile clients, including hot musician Lights, Cronenberg is pushing the boundaries of her craft with a creative flair and work ethic that belies her young age of 25.

Having a well-known director for a father (David Cronenberg) helps, but the young Cronenberg seems to have made up her mind to make a go of it as a photographer on her own terms, and, as it turns out, her own dime.

“It was something I had to do,” says Cronenberg. She financed the book with her “life savings,” printing 1,500 copies that will be sold off her website (caitlincronenberg.com/poser) for $45. She hopes to get Poser in Toronto stores soon.

“I feel like, if you pay for it yourself, you care that much more what happens to it,” she explains. “In the end, I wanted control over every aspect of it.”

Poser features a series of 134 nude portraits, culled from 200 shoots (first begun by Cronenberg as a class project in 2006) as well as a foreword by actor Jeff Goldblum, who starred in David Cronenberg’s groundbreaking film The Fly.

“It is less about nudity and more about trying to find a more genuine photo,” Cronenberg explains.“It is an interesting way to tell a story about a person.”

Despite her own tattoos and piercings, attire skewed to various shades of dark and a book of nude photography now to her credit, Cronenberg is as down-to-earth as they come and has an active interest in everything from cake decorating to cats.

Before her switch to photography, she studied fashion at Ryerson for four years after graduating from Bishop Strachan School in her old Forest Hill stomping ground where her parents still reside. One would think Canada’s fear-inducing filmmaker, David Cronenberg, wouldn’t be put off by some nudes photographed by his daughter, but one has to ask these things.

“Both my parents are very happy,” says Cronenberg. “I dedicated the book to them. They always knew I’d choose to do what I wanted and, whatever it was, I’d get it done.”

Reggae legend checks into Massey Hall for rare concert appearance

2:33 pm

AFTER 40 YEARS, it turns out there are a few things that Jimmy Cliff can do to surprise people. Take, for example, his belief in other life forms in the universe.

Didn’t see that one coming.

The reggae superstar sounds off on his other-worldly belief system on July 19 at Massey Hall where he’ll be playing classics such as “The Harder They Come” and “You Can Get It if You Really Want” as well as tracks from his soon-to-be-released album Existence, his first since 2004’s Black Magic.

“Existence is about our existence on this planet and beyond because one of the few things people don’t know about me is that I do strongly have the conviction that we are not the only life forms in this universe,” says Cliff.

“It would be frightening if we were the only life form on this planet and beyond.”

Existence is a concept album delving into Cliff ’s spiritual side.

“To say, you know, existence is we do it, we did it, we will always be doing it … regardless of what’s going on,”Cliff explains.

“Since we’re going to exist, let’s try and do it good. And, yes, it sounds easy, but it is never that easy. It is good to be inspired to say, you know, it can be done.We need inspiration all the time.” For Cliff, inspiration comes from his travels, but also his Jamaican home near his childhood village of Somerton.

“I still have a family home in the hills in the country, and I sit up at night and really look at the heavens with no electricity. There are real heavens there. I see clouds moving in them in the moonlight,” says Cliff.

“It takes me right back to nature, old nature, and inspires me to think I’m a part of this whole thing that’s going on.”

It was in Jamaica where Cliff began his career, famously convincing Leslie Kong, owner of a record store and restaurant, that she should be in the music business and record his songs.

Lucky for Kong, she listened. Cliff paid back her trust by continuing to work with her until her death in 1971.

He did have some success early in his career, but his big break came as the star of the film The Harder They Come, which tells the story of Ivan Martin, played by Cliff.

“All I can say is that I knew I wanted to be some of the things I got a whuppin’ in school from my teacher for,” says Cliff.

“Him at the chalkboard and me in the class singing away and not paying attention and pow right over the back, ‘You think you’re on Broadway?’ he says. Broadway, I’d like to go to this Broadway.…And there was a Harder They Come show on Broadway, and I was there.”

Toronto holds a place in Cliff ’s heart that’s due to the appreciation he felt from fans when his career was just getting started.

“I haven’t played Toronto for a long time,” he says. “It is special to me, you know. I look at every show as special, but Toronto is quite a special place.”

Cliff ’s latest effort comes on the heels of his 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside other music luminaries such as Genesis and the Stooges.

“The way I treated that, to me, it is another stepping stone to more success. But, yes, it makes me feel good to be recognized for my past work,” says Cliff. “Especially when that recognition comes from my peers.”

But, Cliff is the first to admit that he still has work to do. “I wanted to conquer the world, you know, and I have not really conquered it,” says Cliff.

“Conquering the world means, for me, in all the areas of the arts that I have done … to make a great lasting impression.” For more information go to www.jimmycliff.com.

Generous gift the first step in a long journey

2:27 pm

THOSE WHO KNOW Danny Pivnick probably weren’t surprised when the 50-year-old Forest Hiller recently donated a $10,000 scholarship to Toronto’s contentious Africentric school.

After all, as a teacher in countries such as China and Guatemala, a tour guide in Thailand and a volunteer at Meals on Wheels and Out of the Cold, Pivnick has spent nearly a lifetime putting himself in others’ shoes.

“Part of it is I’m a little bit selfish,” says Pivnick. “I’m just trying to understand others and the world a little better.”

Pivnick’s interest in community started young, under the influence of his father — a local politician and the last reeve of Forest Hill before the the 1960s amalgamation with Toronto. “He had a big social conscience,” says Pivnick.

The interest continued after he graduated from what is now Forest Hill Collegiate and entered York University for a bachelor’s degree in sociology. “We used to joke that the only thing you could do with a sociology degree was open a sociology store,” he says.

Unsure of what to do with his degree, Pivnick did what any reasonable young man in his 20s would do: he set out for a fivemonth trip across Asia. While he was there he met some people who were teaching English in Japan.

After returning to Forest Hill, Pivnick tried out a few jobs, but eventually decided to move to Japan and became a teacher.

“I was 30 years old. I could’ve had a family, done real estate.…It was a tough decision,” he says.

Throughout his 30s, Pivnick explored the global community, teaching and learning to speak several languages. “Just to be that minority is interesting … an eyeopening experience,” says Pivnick.

After teaching in China in 2001, Pivnick decided to return to Toronto, where he taught at Bayview’s Crestwood School before becoming an ESL teacher at Seneca College.

“Now I no longer have to travel; they come here,” says Pivnick.

Back at home, Pivnick also reconnected with his old buddy James Pasternak, a school trustee for the Jane and Finch area. The trustee encouraged Pivnick to help set up extracurricular music, arts, tutoring and sports programs in schools such as Oakdale Park Middle School and Beverley Heights Middle School.

Pivnick also volunteers outside of the school system. Last month, he took a trip to Africa where he spent three weeks volunteering at a Kenyan orphanage.

“The kids were so appreciative of everything. It inspires me now to think about it,” says Pivnick.

The experience reaffirmed for him how easy it can be to volunteer, an opportunity he advises everyone to take.

In regards to the Africentric school, Pivnick says the scholarship donation was just a gesture he wanted to make.

“If someone chooses to go there and it triggers an interest to learn and read, then that is one small step,” he says. “It was a controversial school.…I wanted to celebrate success.”

Roll with the punches

10:39 am

THIS PLACE SUFFERS from a bit of an identity crisis (the storefront’s moniker reads “N.K. Sushi”), and the sampled backkitchen– prepped offerings fall into the ho-hum category, but the sushi chef rolls a pretty mean spicy tuna, and prices are reasonable.

There are just two people here at the lunchtime peak on a Friday: the aforementioned sushi chef and one server (who flip-flops between doting and oblivious).My date and I double the head count.

Without any other customers, there’s plenty of choice for seating (and silence on the speakers echoes the odd, empty feeling in the room).We opt for a table near the sidewalk window and take in our surroundings. A very narrow front entrance space, divided into even smaller sections with ubiquitous bamboo-like partitions, can fit just a few dark-wood tables and chairs.This area opens up to a wider,more sophisticated space at the back. Here, a banquette along the west wall provides peekaboo access to the sushi chef station.

The usual spectrum of sushi restaurant offerings breaks down into salads, soups, maki, à la carte sushi and sashimi, appetizers, combos, teriyaki, bento boxes, fried noodle or udon and rice dishes.

A Japanese dumplings order ($4.98) brings six steamed then fried beef bundles.The filling boasts ample savoury flavour, but watery pockets and a hard cartilage chunk in one dumpling take away from the pleasure.Too much chili kills off other tastes in the accompanying dipping sauce (no forewarning of spiciness on the menu or at delivery to table).

Pleasant chewiness is an inherent quality of seaweed salad. In Nikko’s version ($4.98), however, rigidity plagues some wakame strands that even the fresh cucumber strands and light vinegar-sugar-soy dressing can’t balance. Stirred-in sesame seeds contribute nuttiness and texture. Nikko roll ($7.98) wraps rice around crisp nori, shrimp, tempura and fresh avocado. Bright orange tobiko blankets the tight,multi-textured roll of eight pieces, evenly sliced and prettily plated.

The chef also succeeds with spicy tuna roll ($5.98). Fish freshness contributes to the pleasure of the six pieces, which also include tempura batter and green onion, but the chef can take credit for the balanced flavours and the satisfying slow burn of the togarashi.

Slices of teriyaki-dosed chicken breast, well grilled and tender, repose goopily over a cluster of mushy matchstick carrots and tiny beans ($7.98). Chopsticks easily pick up mouthfuls of the well-timed, slightly sticky rice from the moulded mound alongside.

There is much to build on here: solid rolls, seaweed salad, but more needs to be done to make a lasting impact on the local scene.

Keep cooking like this, and they will come

10:35 am

IF THE FIRST rule of assessing a restaurant’s chance of success is location, location, location, what to think about a place that is below ground on a rather desolate stretch of Dupont Street? This is not the first eatery at this address, so it does give me pause.

However, on the other side of the scale is that this new project is owned by Joe and Mike Ferraro, the most wellentrenched dining spot on the stretch of Eglinton between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street. These guys are not novices, having racked up 16 solid years.

On this particular drizzly Saturday evening, I am cheered to see many occupied tables. If you have dined at Ferraro, you barely need to glance at the menu at Diverso. The usual appetizers, salads, pastas and pizzas are offered, but that is a good thing. The management is wisely building on a successful formula.

Once again, I test the kitchen’s rendition of grilled calamari. Eureka — they get it right! A huge mound of arms and tentacles arrive, properly charred on the outside yet escaping the tough-asrubber- bands trap that ensnares so many chefs ($14).

Cozze seducente (mussels) arrive as another huge serving — way beyond appetizer proportions.

They can be ordered with either a white wine or tomato broth with garlic and fresh herbs. We choose the latter, and they are fabulous: plump, juicy and zesty. At $12, one could easily make this a dinner. It occurs to me, not for the first time, that simply because something is not novel does not make it unremarkable. Anything done well is worthy of praise, and these mussels succeed in their mission.

The spaghetti with lamb ragù evokes a brilliant meal in Tuscany.

The addition of green peppers, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms provided lacks texture, but I would have enjoyed a little more lamb in this ragù ($17).

There are 20 pizzas listed, and it takes a Herculean effort to stick to one. Sofia beckons with her offerings of the mandatory tomato sauce with mozzarella elevated with the addition of portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted onions, smoked bacon and fresh herbs and spices.More than a mere nod, these ingredients are bold.

Big chunks of portobello impart an earthiness that enhances the underlying sauce.The bacon used is diced and semi-crisp. As for the crust, well, I am a thin crust gal. Thicker around the edges and slightly blackened by the oven, but sturdy enough to barely hold the toppings, I cannot find anything not to love ($13).

After such a meal, dessert is to be shared — and the ubiquitous tiramisù is the chosen one. It is so good I can hardly stop ($7). But, will it work here? Diverso seems to be courting the university crowd and offers some spectacular specials.We see lots of young folks around, so it seems to be working.

Toronto restaurateur Gio Rana joins a convent

10:19 am

Gio Rana of Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant has left the building.

Rana promises his new establishment will be a religious experience — but you’ll have to go to Italy to taste it.

He recently left crowded Toronto and bought a rundown convent in the small medieval village of Montepagano in Italy.

Plans are tentative as masons restore the 500-year-old building, but Rana knows when it’s finished it will be an international sensation. “My vision is to bring the world to this little town,” he says.

Rana says the menu may feature quail and scampi from the Adriatic Sea that patrons can view from the convent’s balcony.

But Rana insists the space will be more than a restaurant —the convent will also host art shows featuring international artists.He is considering launching the venture on New Year’s Eve, when Torontonians might make the trip to the 1,000-year-old town.

“You won’t go home hungry. You’ll go home with a smile. Or you might stay here!”

Don’t bother trying to find the location on MapQuest, Rana says.

“Find the town and you’ll find the place. Just ask for the Canadian guy.”

Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant is still open for business as usual at 1220 Queen St. E. with Rana’s business partner running things.

Salads with soul!

9:32 am

Salads are healthy for us, right? If you are ordering a gourmet salad at one of the GTA’s fine food stores, some can have more fat and calories than an alldressed burger.

Try my refreshing summer salads that are healthy and a breeze to prepare.

Green mango salad

Grilled calamari salad

Tabbouleh with lemon dressing

Post City Magazines’ culinary columnist, Rose Reisman, is the author of 17 cookbooks, a TV and radio personality and a health & wellness expert. Visit Rose at www.rosereisman.com.

Great food, loud atmosphere at oyster bar off Bay

12:17 pm

A report of any seafood restaurant in Toronto is always noteworthy as we are not exactly near the sea. Those of us who crave the offerings of the deep blue have been long grateful to Rodney — the man who trained us to love oysters. He began in a large space below ground on Adelaide Street roughly 30 years ago and then, early in the new millennium, moved across town into hipper digs on King West — all the while being a favourite at high-end catered events.

Rodney’s has now added another address to his empire, sort of. Under Rodney’s watchful eye, his protege of five years, John Belknap, using the same logo, has opened a creative new location on Temperance Street. It is open only Monday through Friday during business hours.

On the evening we are there, we are overwhelmed by the waves of sound as we enter. It is small, there is a party, and (as I am later informed) it is the hottest night – Thursday. We deal with the noise by sitting side-by-side at the bar and shouting into each others’ ears.

Of course, we cannot ignore the eponymous oysters but the prices are predictably high so we indulge in three: one each from PEI (Raspberry Point); British Columbia (Kusshi); and Nova Scotia (Village Bay). Nova Scotia is the unanimous big winner, although I do wish they offered pedestrian, big, beefy Malpeques. They run between $2.75 and $3.50 each, but I must factor in the entertainment value of sitting ring side and watching the deft shucking of these bivalves.

Crab cakes are rather disappointing. Of course, every bar in town offers this dish but we reasonably expect these to be a cut above and they are not. At $14 for three small patties, I want to see less filler and more crab. The lemon aioli does not sufficiently elevate this offering.

It is a tough choice for the entrees. We see a lot of diners enjoying cones of fish and chips but we move on. ($17). There is one meat offering of short ribs and the mandatory $17 hamburger (I am bored of this trend already and new burger joints are still popping up!).

Lobster Roll. Now that is something we don’t see much of in these parts. Described as “hand pulled warm lobster, lobster bisque and tatsoi greens” (a member of the cabbage/bok choy family). My eye tells me that there is meat from a whole lobster in a Parker House roll, and it has not been overwhelmed by mayonnaise. It is an odd presentation but it works. Sandwich on one side of the plate, cup of bisque beside it and colour contrast from the mound of greens. We pause over the bisque as it is not what we are expecting. No red of tomato and an absence of flour or potato thickening result in a light, thin, near-broth that is highly seductive. A great meal for $21.

Black cod has become a popular dish in Our Town but I am in the mood. It is pan roasted and sits, alongside baby bok choy, in an aromatic broth heightened by edamame, shimeji mushrooms and ginger. Delicious and healthy at $24.

Only three desserts are listed and we try two of them; crème brulee and Callebaut chocolate brown with Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Both are fine but over priced at $9 a piece. Neither is memorable.

You might think that the blaring noise would get in the way of a good time but the food is so good, the bartender is so helpful, and the space is so intimate, that I look forward to a return visit. Just not on Thursday.

Do you think if we signed a petition Rodney’s By Bay would open on Saturday?

3 stars

Rodney’s By Bay 6 Temperance Street Toronto, ON M5H 3V5 (416) 703-5111

Best places to spot a G20 leader in Toronto

6:58 am

Let’s not kid ourselves. With the $1 billion price tag attached to the summit, the chances that you are going to see any of the G20 leaders, let alone get close enough to enjoy any of the following activities alongside them, is basically a joke.

That said, for the curious citizens amongst us, we’ve compiled the following list of long shot hangouts for some political powerhouses.

Barack Obama

Kensington Market

On his trip to our nation’s capital back in February 2009, Obama made a quick stop in Ottawa’s ByWard Market to indulge his sweet tooth with a beaver tail and some cookies.

For this trip, St. Lawrence Market seems like the easy answer. However, being the "man of the people" leader that Obama is, our money is on a Sunday stroll through Kensington Market. After being inside all weekend, Obama can enjoy a sidewalk stroll and shop for that elusive vintage Chicago White Sox jersey at spots like Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave., 416 979 1992).

Silvio Berlusconi

A byproduct of having one of the world’s most culturally diverse populations, Toronto is, simply put, full of beautiful women. Cue the Jaws theme music.

Hanlan’s Point

The clothing optional beach at Hanlan’s Pointh seems like the sensible spot for the Italian Stallion for a couple of key reasons. First off, the beach’s relaxed attitude will make the European feel right at home. Secondly — on the off chance that anyone has actually been able to make it to the island — the possibility of seeing some sun kissed skin exists. And of course, if all else fails, there’s always the bike rentals to keep him entertained.

Jacob Zuma

This one’s simple. As South Africa plays host to the beautiful game’s biggest event, Zuma will be stuck inside meetings, most likely without the comfort of cable television.

Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy

No doubt craving a little footy action, we place Zuma squarely within the supporters section of Saturday evening’s soccer match, as hometown side Toronto FC play host to the LA Galaxy. Sure, the quality of football might not be as high, but we’re pretty sure there will be fewer vuvuzelas. BYOB Jacob, the Carlsberg is a little on the steep side.

Julia Gillard

Recently appointed as Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Gillard has taken a lot of flack lately linked to, of all things, her hair. Australia’s The Daily Telegraph recently said that Gillard "appears not to have bad hair days but a bad hair life."

W Lifestyle & Parlour Salon

In case the Aussie leader decides to try a new fashion for her follicles, look for her locks in one of the many stylish salons in the city’s west end, including W Lifestyle (721 Queen St. W., 416 361 9777) or Parlour Salon (6 Ossington Ave., 647 345 6663). Sure, these might seem a little upscale for the head of state that hails from a coal mining home, but when you take the high seat, it’s time to switch things up a little.

Nicolas Sarkozy

After his wife left him in October, 2007, Sarkozy began a very publicized romance with model-turned-singer Carla Bruni, marrying her a mere three months after they met. Recently, he presented Dior designer John Galliano with the prestigious Legion of Honour Award for his work. Clearly, this is one Frenchman who knows his fashion.

Brian Bailey, Andy The-Anh

Look for this lover of all things beauty at some of the staples of Toronto fashion, including the Andy The-Anh (27 Bellair St., 416 922 9553 and 2901 Bayview Ave., 416 590 0167) and Brian Bailey (875 Queen St. W., 416 516 7188 and 2901 Bayview Ave., 416 221 3355).

This Weekend: Toronto Jazz Festival, China's Terracotta Army at the ROM, City Roots Festival

10:29 pm

Don’t let the G20 cramp your style – there’s still plenty to do in the city. But remember to stay safe and call ahead if you think the fuss might interfere with the festivities.

Toronto Jazz Festival

For 10 days, over 1,500 musicians will transform Toronto into the jazz capital of the world. Check out all that jazz at one of the 350 performances on the 40-plus stages at the Toronto Jazz Festival. Big names include Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick Jr. June 25-July 4. Various Locations. 416-928-2033.

China’s Terracotta Army at the ROM

The G20 isn’t the only thing invading Toronto this weekend; China’s Terracotta Army premieres at the Royal Ontario Museum this Saturday. This is the first time these amazing archaeological artifacts have made the trek to Canada, so be sure to see them while they’re here.

June 26-January 2. 100 Queen’s Park. 416-586-8000.

Toronto Botanical Garden

If a family affair is more your speed and the standard movie just doesn’t cut it, take the kids to the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Summer Family Sundays. Every Sunday this summer, kids ages 1 to 12 can take part in nature-based activities for only $6 a head.

Sundays. 777 Lawrence Ave East. 416-397-1340.

Toronto City Roots Festival

Fans of folk will flock to the Toronto City Roots Festival in the Distillery District. The festival kicks off on Friday at Hugh’s Room with a special concert to protest the G20. Don’t miss performances by Lynn Miles, Madison Violet and Catherine MacLellan.

June 25-27. 55 Mill Street. 416-922-3620.

The Cooking Fire Theatre Festival

Local and international theatre troupes jump out of the frying pan and into the Cooking Fire Theatre Festival. The drama will delight your eyes while the organic food, served over a cooking fire, will entice your taste buds.

June 23-27. Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin Street. 416-655-4841.

The Source: Head to Greektown for great deals

10:12 pm

G20 got you frazzled? Pick yourself up with one of this weekend’s fabulous sales (most of which are far from the fray).

Korry’s

Gentlemen, start your engines for Korry’s major summer sale. This Greektown boutique has knitwear, dress shirts and sports shirts discounted 15 per cent for one and 30 per cent for two or more. Selected shoes and sports jackets are up to 50 per cent off.

June 21-July 31. 569 Danforth Avenue. 416-463-1115.

Surplus Summer Sale

When it comes to shopping, more is more. That’s why this surplus summer sale has a great buy-two-get -one-free offer on tees and a buy-one-get-one-free offer on jeans. Look for brands such as William Rast, Finn, Seven For All Mankind and Diesel.

June 24-27. 5885 Rodeo Drive, Mississauga. 905-602-0530.

Toronto Sample Sales

Toronto Sample Sales makes life worth living with giant markdowns on designer goods. Designs from J Lindenberg, Rock and Republic, Lacoste and Seven For All Mankind are 40 to 80 per cent off.

June 24-27. Sheraton Hotel, 600 Highway. 7 East, Richmond Hill. 416-399-9959.

Eleven

If you covet home-grown Canadian fashion, check out Eleven‘s summer sale. Summer lines from big-name Canadian designers such as Brandon Dwyer, Nada, Lucian Matis and Pink Tartan are 30 to 50 per cent off and accessories are 70 per cent off.

June 21-August 15. 116 Cumberland Street. 416-966-3935.

Over the Rainbow

Trends come and go, but a great pair of jeans are forever. And when they’re up to 50 per cent off, how can you say no? Over the Rainbow, the Yorkville destination for jeans, has denim from Citizens, Seven and Earnest Sewn up to half-off this weekend.

Now-Til it’s all gone! 416-967-7448. 101 Yorkville Avenue.

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