Drink This: Disgraceland’s Swill in Hell

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10:05 am

Disgraceland beckons passersby with its strands of Christmas lights twinkling in the window — regardless of the season. Inside, the Bloor Street bar caters to a mixed crowd, with patrons entwined in board games (plucked from a hodgepodge on the shelf), cheering over a foosball match (there’s a table dead-centre) or noshing on food (the menu is vegans and vegetarian friendly).

Although most kids choose to swill beers, a cocktail menu is there for those who wish to widen their strokes. Created by bartender Ana Wolkowski, the list of libations includes a number of classics in addition to some riffs on the tried and true.

We opted for the Swill in Hell ($13), which, for the month, deviates from the menu descriptor slightly. Pairing Evan Williams Apple Orchard liqueur — redolent of nutmeg, cinnamon and other warming spices — with Basil Hayden’s bourbon, the drink is served over a single rock and finished with a curl of preserved orange rind.

This’ll stave off the November chill in a way a cold brew simply can’t.

Disgraceland, 965 Bloor St. W., 647-347-5263

For more must-try Toronto cocktails, check out our Pinterest page

Yorkdale launches a fashion truck

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5:05 pm

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If the city’s food truck craze wasn’t enough to fill our instant consumption cravings, now Yorkdale Shopping Centre is rolling out a fashion truck tomorrow. In preparation of its big expansion extravaganza this Friday, the fashion mobile will be stocked with a wide range of clothing and other fashionable items from the new stores.

The fashion truck will feature a variety of high-end labels, including first-time-in-Canada brands like kate spade new york, Ted Baker London and LOFT. Other swanky brands like Ann Taylor, Club Monaco, Diesel and more will also be on hand in the stylish four-wheeler.

The truck —which itself is a fashion haven with jewel tones and playful designs — will be parked at the Royal Bank Plaza at 11 a.m., and all shoppers who make a purchase will receive a $10 Royal Bank Plaza gift card that can be used at any of the Royal Bank Plaza’s 21 stores.

Talk about some haute wheels.

@YorkdaleStyle Fashion Truck kick-off, Royal Bank Plaza, 200 Bay St. Nov. 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Love and roses: Q&A with Tyler Harcott, host of The Bachelor Canada

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4:45 pm

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Announcing the final rose of the evening on The Bachelor Canada is a pretty important job, and its host, Tyler Harcott, knows it. A veteran of hosting roles (he’s held 14 in his 17-year career) Harcott says his latest gig as bachelor Brad Smith’s wingman has been pretty “magnificent.” We chatted with the statuesque host about his stand-out contestants, finding love on TV and what we can expect from the Women Tell All episode.

How did you get started in the industry?
I fell into TV by accident. I was visiting my buddy in Hong Kong and I met someone who heard my voice and they asked me if I had done voice-overs, and I lied and I said I did them at home [in Canada]. So I just packed up and moved to Hong Kong and did some for StarTV. I did a screen test for a show, and I realized — I have an acting background — that I could do both of these things. I realized hosting would be my bread and butter. I like being myself on TV. It’s fun being myself on TV. I fell into it and I’ve been very fortunate to latch on to some really great projects, like The Bachelor. It’s been a wonderful experience.

What was your audition like for The Bachelor Canada?
It was dynamite. I found out I could do a self tape and I loved that, because I could do it my own way. I was in a hotel, and my daughter’s little princess dolls were on the floor, and I stepped on one and I was like, “Ow, what is this doing here?” And then I saw another one sitting on the counter, so I thought, “Wait a minute, I have an idea.” I lined up a bunch of the dolls, and there was one Prince Charming doll, and I got this obnoxious flower and I thought I would make up this mock Bachelor video just to show my sense of humour — because that’s what I bring to every project I do. It was a risk because I didn’t know who’d watch it, but they loved it. Then they wanted me to do it straight for the network, then they flew me out to Vancouver and I had a cage match throwdown with three other hosts. At the end of the day, I feel blessed to have been chosen to do it.

You make Brad Smith — who’s no shortie — seem small. How tall are you?
No, really, he’s 4’10”. [Laughs.] I’m 6’4” and a little bit. I’ve been told my whole life, “Holy, you’re tall.” Brad handled it well. He’s 6’2” — I can see that it would be daunting, but he handled it well.

How do you prepare for your big line of the night (“Ladies, this is the final rose”)? Is there different ways you like to say it?
I did try, but here’s the thing — that was one of the first things I asked: is there a template, are there certain things I have to say? Yeah, there are. But I think when you’re pushing this thing out to sea, you really want to honour what’s come before you, but you want to find your own countries while you’re out at sea, too. We tried to strike some balance — people are expecting certain things. They’ll think, “Oh that’s too different from the original.” People are fussy about that. I tried to change the words up a bit here and there. I never say it the same way in each episode.

How do you think Brad handled being Canada’s first bachelor?
I think he handled it very well. He will always be the first bachelor. It’s kind of a daunting role. He is the first to admit he’s not everyone cup of tea, not everyone will like him. He’s 10 steps ahead if you know that. He’s handled the tougher questions and the scrutiny like a pro. He’s been gracious, nothing short of a gentleman, and he tries to appreciate the ladies’ feelings. I think considering how pear-shaped things can go on shows like this, he handled it admirably.

Did you have any favourite contestants while filming?
Who would I choose, who would be best to Brad — I keep those to myself. It’s not about me, it’s about Brad and those bachelorettes. But of course I had my favourites. There were definite characters that stood out. Obviously Chantelle stood out because of her grace, and she was a positive, affirming person on the show. I think everyone walked away with respect for her. No one will forget Bubba. I think everyone got what they needed out of Bubba in that episode. She brought a certain level of levity to the show — it was the first night, and everyone was nervous, and she found a way to bring a little bit of levity to a night where everyone wanted to be perfect and for it to go perfectly. To have that fun and be funny, it made a difference that night.

The Women Tell All episode airs tomorrow. Can we expect any surprises besides the regular drama?
I speak more than 10 words in that show [laughs], so I think you’ll get more of a sense of me on that show. I think people will get a nicer sense of the personality and what I bring to the show. For certain people on the show, some people weren’t liked or they were controversial, and then there are the last people you think that will be controversial and then the focus is on them that you didn’t see coming. I think more than anything, just like in real life, there is a sense of camaraderie amongst these women because they have their issues with each other, but there is this sorority of ladies who have all gone through this thing together. I guess in a weird way it’s a dysfunctional family that these women become. They are in an eternal sorority for life.

Do you believe that love can be found through reality TV?
Sure, why not? It doesn’t always work. There’s a track record of a mile-long that says it doesn’t work, but there’s also been successes, too. To say it’s not possible to meet someone and fall in love in two months — who hasn’t fallen in love with someone they work with? A lot of people in our culture like to say, “If it’s too good to be true, it won’t work” — people are quick to cut people down. Love can happen everywhere. That’s why we’re all eternally looking for it. We’re all looking to love and be loved. That’s why I think a show like The Bachelor resonates with people. It’s that fairy tale. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, it resonates because we all strive for it.

Do you know who Brad chooses?
I know some things, and I know some other things. Whether he picks someone or someone doesn’t pick him, it’s a good thing. It’s going to be good.

The Bachelor Canada Women Tell All special airs Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET on CityTv

Toronto Style Radar: Ted Baker, Drake General Store, The Bay, Lucian Matis, Cupido

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12:12 pm

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Every week, we round up the best events from the city’s fashion scene. In this edition: Drake General Store relaunches its Queen West location, Ted Baker hits Toronto, a Lucian Matis sample sale and more.

Drake General Store friends and family sale

When: Nov. 14
Where: Drake General Store, all locations
Details: In celebration of the revamped Queen West location, all Drake General Stores stores will be extending their hours and offering 25 per cent off all regularly priced merchandise. A sale at one of the city’s best gift stores is a perfect time to kick-start your holiday shopping.

Black Friday and One Day Sales at The Bay

When: Nov. 14
Where: The Bay, all locations and online.
Details: After the success of its One Day Sales last year, The Bay is bringing back the sensational event for everyone to enjoy once again. From Wednesday until Christmas, The Bay will feature a new, deeply discounted flash sale item each day. Some stores will be open as early as 7 a.m. — ready, set, GO!

The Frocktail party

When: Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Where: Arcadian Loft, 401 Bay St.
Details: If you’ve ever wished you could go shopping in Suzanne Rogers’ closet, the next best opportunity is coming your way on Wednesday. The Frocktail Party returns for its 4th year in a row, wherein frocks and accessories from some of the country’s best-dressed and most renowned designers will be up for auction in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door (if there are any left).

Ted Baker London grand opening at Yorkdale

When: Nov. 16-18
Where: Yorkdale Shopping Centre
Details: Ted Baker London invites you to the opening of its very first Canadian store as it joins a number of high-end boutiques at the impressive Yorkdale expansion. Over the weekend you can join in on the celebration with traditional British picnic fare, Fentimans sodas and a chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree (not to mention the many complimentary gifts on offer).

Lucian Matis sample sale

When: Nov. 16-18
Where: 91 Tycos Dr., Suite 1
Details: Canada’s exquisite Toronto-based couture designer, Lucian Matis, is hosting a sample sale for three days only. This doesn’t happen often, so we recommend clearing your schedule.

Exclusive Ti Sento Milano event

When: Nov. 17-23
Where: Cupido at Vaughan Mills, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.
Details: Vaughan Mills boutique Cupido has brought in a gorgeous new jewellery line, Ti Sento, all the way from Milan. To celebrate its arrival, the store will giving away a special gift for every $150 spent.

B-Scene Concert featuring Chromeo

When: Nov. 21
Where: Sound Academy
Details: Mercedes Benz is throwing a free concert to welcome its new B-Class to Canada. The concert, held at Sound Academy, will feature none other than famed Canadian music duo Chromeo. Although the show isn’t until Nov. 21, you have to register yourself on the waiting list soon for your chance to be selected as a lucky concertgoer. People will be picked on a lottery basis, so keep your fingers and toes crossed.

Gracie Carroll is a Toronto-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in ELLE UK, ELLEcanada.com, Plaid magazine and FILLER magazine. Keep up with her daily blog at www.graciecarroll.com.

We rank the scariest bad guys from TIFF’s new film series, Birth of a Villain

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4:00 pm

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Halloween might be over, but for those who still crave a fright, TIFF Bell Lightbox has a new film series that ensures horror fans get their jollies. Kicking off on Nov. 10 and running until the end of the year, Birth of a Villain examines the freaky and familiar villains of the ’70s and ’80s, from Michael Myers to Jason. We rank our favourites of the bunch with our highly scientific scare-o-meter.

Michael Myers, Halloween

There’s nothing scarier than a villain who walks at a leisurely pace but still catches up to his mad-sprinting victims. Bonus: besides his great head of hair, he has the face of William Shatner.
Scare-o-meter:

Nov. 17, 10 p.m.

Chucky, Child’s Play

Every family in the ’80s who owned one of those Corky dolls (or even Teddy Ruxpin) in their homes had the bejesus scared out of them when this film came out. Poor gingers, they just can’t catch a break.
Scare-o-meter:

Nov. 24, 10 p.m.

Leatherface, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

We thought it was creepy when Jim Carrey put chicken skin on his face in The Cable Guy, but wearing human skin as a mask pretty much takes the cake. And, like Michael, he’s also got a wild head of hair, but instead of a tracksuit, he’s got a fancy suit and tie — which is even creepier.
Scare-o-meter:

Dec. 1, 10 p.m.

Pinhead, Hellraiser

Admittedly, we were a little freaked out at the appearance of Pinhead, but if you think about it, he just looks like an acupuncture-appointment-gone-wrong with an S&M twist, so he’s really not all that scary. You know, except for the whole “tearing your soul apart” bit.
Scare-o-meter:

Dec. 8, 10 p.m.

Jason, Friday the 13th

If it wasn’t for his slow, scary walk, we’d almost mistake Jason for just another hulking NHL goalie. But then there’s that chainsaw and that creepy music, so, it’s pretty much game over from there.
Scare-o-meter:

Dec. 29, 11:59 p.m.

Birth of a Villian, TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W, 416-599-8433. Now – Dec. 29

Meet a Comedy Troupe: Vest of Friends

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12:52 pm

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Yes, it’s true: the guys in the comedy troupe Vest of Friends really like vests, and they really are the “best of friends.” And it looks they’ll be sticking to comedy for a while rather than making real money as engineers or something, which is a good thing for us because they’re pretty good at it. We chatted with the group about — what else? — vests, and their strange love for the cartoon series Doug.  

How did you guys come together?
Well, it all began with a big bang. That bang being Morgan [George] and Reid [Brackenbury] running into each other at Humber College Comedy Program. They found each other entertaining, and Morgan invited his long-time friend Evan [Richardson] into the troupe. Marc [Hallworth] came from being an engineer in Calgary (for real, he made real money), and he also met the guys at Humber. Thus we became…The Turtlenecks! (Which immediately was changed to Vest of Friends)

  So you really like vests, huh?
We absolutely love vests. The vest idea came from our love of our own arms. We like flexing and looking at them so we thought the vests made sense.   

Who do you think wears vests better: Alex P. Keaton or Chandler Bing?
Both excellent vest wearers but the “Best Vest” title definitely goes to Doug from the cartoon series Doug.

  Where do you get your inspiration from?
We all have our different ways we come up with sketches. Marc and Reid take from their own life experiences. Evan goes to Random Word Generator for ideas. Morgan is illiterate.

What’s the wildest thing that’s ever happened to you onstage?
We participated in a sketch competition a few months back, and it was fairly clear we were not going to win. So at the end of the show, in order to entice the audience when they were voting, we decided Marc, Morgan and Reid should three-way kiss, and Evan should strip to his boxers and fist pump the air. To say the least, we lost.  

You’ve been to a number of festivals. Any favourite road trip stories?
Driving to Ottawa with no lights on at night. We couldn’t figure out how to turn the lights on in our rental car. And cars kept pulling up beside us, yelling that our lights weren’t on. All we could do is mouth “We know!” and give ‘em a thumbs up.  

What’s next on the horizon for you?
We are going to continue our monthly Vest Show in Town at the Comedy Bar. We plan to travel to New York, Philly, Columbus and the big one… Milwaukee! But our biggest job this year is the Internet! We currently don’t really have any good videos on the Internet because we wanted to be good live first. So it’s time for automatic fame. Which is what happens when you get on YouTube. You get famous. Doug famous.

  If you could describe one another using one word, which word would it be?
Evan-Scary, Morgan-Sporty, Marc-Baby, Reid-Ginger. (Posh sucks.)   

In five years, are you still going to be the Vest of Friends?
We’d like to be. If we’re not Vest of Friends then we’ll at least be working on a live action movie of Doug.

The details:

Year established: 2010 ( 4,000 dog years ago) 
Members: Reid Brackenbury (red hair), Marc Hallworth, Evan Richardson, Morgan George 
Influences: The Kids in the Hall, The Simpsons, The Imponderables, Ladystache 
Next show: Vest Show in Town, Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., 416-551-6540. Nov. 15, 10 p.m.

Horse Feathers play a beautiful, baroque-tinged folk set at The Drake Hotel

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4:55 pm

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Justin Ringle has successfully brought back baroque music. His band, Horse Feathers, was at The Drake Hotel last night, and they turned out a pure, unrefined performance, without going down the gimmick-laden road that some foot-stomping, hand-clapping folk outfits have travelled too often.

The Drake’s dimly-lit Underground, scattered with scenesters, perfectly housed Ringle’s marked, icy, spectral voice. It’s for that very reason that the Portland, Oregon band has the potential to reach the same level of notoriety as Justin Vernon or Sam Beam — who, like Ringle, use vocals like an instrument all on its own.

Though Ringle leads the band through hushed falsettos and cavernous melodies, he was careful not to tread on the star of the show: the strings. Whereas quintessential band formation sees most lead singers front and centre, last night he nestled off to the side, orbiting around the seated violinist and fiddler who shone on centre stage. Ringle struck a balance between being understated, and at the same time, confident. So the swelling richness and clarity of the strings were simply beautiful, echoing the new direction the band has taken on the latest album.

Cynic’s New Year, which was released on Kill Rock Stars earlier this spring, signals, as its title would suggest, a fresh start. It’s been two years since Thistled Spring, and the latest effort can certainly be thought of as the musings of a cynic. Instead of the Americana-tinged verses we’re used to from the world-weary wordsmith, Ringle’s lyrics are now weighted with gloom. And perhaps that is another reason why The Drake’s Underground was so fitting a space.

Mirroring the arrangement of Cynic’s New Year, Horse Feathers eased the crowd in with minimalistic cuts such as “A Heart Arcane,” then ramped it up with the swooping single, “Fit Against the Country,” along with the warming orchestration of “Where I’ll Be.”

As evidenced by the smaller-than-expected turnout at The Drake last night, Horse Feathers offer a sound that takes time to dawn on listeners. They’ve unapologetically painted portraits of graying landscapes; fusing elements of classical, folk and roots for one brilliantly mellow cadence.

Music purists: catch these guys while they’re still playing half-full basement bars — before those days are over.

Sabrina Nanji is a Toronto-based writer devoted to the underground music beat. She has also dabbled in reporting on the city’s street style and local politics, but her true expertise (though she’s reluctant to admit it) lies in the world of Star Wars trivia nights. Follow her on Twitter here.

Gentleman’s Choice: James Bond’s Skyfall watch

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2:27 pm

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Girls, guns, suits and swagger — James Bond has it all. But you don’t have to be an international man of mystery to match his style game.

Among the many amazing things the agent wears (from Barbour jackets to everything Tom Ford), the spy has specifically sported an Omega watch since 1995’s Goldeneye. In this film’s iteration, Daniel Craig dons an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronometer, which you can find at Fairview Mall’s Henry Birks & Mayors for $8,200.

Truly worthy of double 0 status, the 42mm case houses Omega’s self-winding 8500 movement with co-axial escapement, viewable on the reverse through a transparent, sapphire crystal case back. Omega is so confident in its work it has certified the watch water-resistant up to 600m for those high-risk missions: a rarity given its see-through case.

The black ceramic bezel contrasts the steel bracelet, and its bold, arrow-style hands and indexes have been treated with Super-LumiNova to be legible in all conditions. It is also available in a 45.5mm case.

While this piece can make a great daily wear, take a hint from Bond and pair it with a tailored grey suit (motorcycle optional). Oh, and it also features a helium escape valve if you’re planning on wearing a different kind of suit.

$8,200. Available at Henry Birks & Mayors, Fairview Shopping Mall, 1800 Sheppard Ave. E., 416-491-3220

Theatre Review: The Normal Heart

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1:30 pm

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It is always an exciting discovery to learn that a local theatre group is presenting a quality play, especially when a major production company such as Mirvish supports it. Studio 180 is that group — along with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre — and the play is The Normal Heart, by New York playwright Larry Kramer. I am embarrassed to say that I never saw this play when it was first presented in Toronto last year. (No, theatre critics are not infallible.)

The play is about the first months and years of the AIDS epidemic in the early ’80s, and the attempts by the gay community of New York City to wake up America’s (and the world’s) newspapers, politicians and medical researchers to this unknown and unnamed new “plague.”

This play is remarkably intelligent, and it says a surprising amount about the power of an individual or a small group in saving thousands, even millions of lives.

Now, The Normal Heart is a polemic. But so was the magnificent Henrik Ibsen’s now-treasured An Enemy of the People, a play about a single man’s struggle to take on society. Kramer, too, is a wise craftsman, and knows how to create complex characters, though not all of them are particularly attractive. (The main character of this play is based on Kramer’s own life as one of the first people who took on government and health officials, and he is not a very pleasant person.)

When the play begins, the 28th case of this strange new disease has just been discovered, and 16 are already dead. By the end, there are 30 to 40 cases a week coming to light, and the number of the infected is doubling every six months.

Early in the play, a female doctor declares, “Health is a political issue,” and who can deny that truth today, three decades later? And one of the central ironies of this awful period of time is the fact that the gay community had been struggling for years to finally achieve the right to not be closeted and to fully enjoy its sexuality.

This is a beautiful production, gorgeously staged, and the acting is at the level of Stratford or Shaw. The play closes on Nov. 18 in this second coming to Toronto, and I urge you to see it. If you don’t cry at the end, I don’t see how you held your tears in. Bravo to all involved, from Studio 180 to Buddies to Mirvish Productions. Call the latter and I sense that you will thank me.

The Normal Heart, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, runs until Nov. 18

Allan Gould is Post City Magazines’ theatre critic. He has a Ph.D. in English and Theatre from York University and has written over 40 books. His writing has appeared in Toronto Life, Chatelaine, enRoute, Canadian Business, Good Times and the Financial Post. He is married, with two children. Aside from his family, his major passions are theatre and film, because they enrich life with pleasure and meaning.

Friday Restaurant Recap: Happy Child, Live Organic, The Gravy Train, 416 Snack Bar, Ladurée, Mr. Pong’s

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12:41 pm

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Friday Restaurant Recap rounds up the week’s Toronto restaurant news. In this edition: a new resto-bar takes over The Double Deuce Saloon, Live Organic Food Bar announces an expansion, Liberty Village gets a new cheese shop and more.

Opening soon

Moving into the former Double Deuce Saloon space on Queen West is Happy Child, a resto-bar that’s slated to open some time before December. When asked about the concept, we were told: “Ramen, food trucks, tacos, Priest… and any other fads I’ve forgotten about.” We detect some irony going on here. [Happy Child]
The folks from Live Organic Food Bar tell us they will be opening a new takeout café and retail space in Liberty Village, at Atlantic and King, by spring 2013.
If you’re a fan of dipping things, you may be into The Gravy Train. Press releases were sent out last week to showcase the upcoming gravy-centric restaurant, which is currently in the fundraising stage. [The Gravy Train]

Newly opened

Two Bite Saloon brings sliders, booze and barbecue to Bloor West.
Monforte Dairy has opened a little shop in Liberty Village at Jefferson and King. [The Grid]
Charcoal Kebab House has brought authentic, handmade Uyghur noodles to Lawrence Avenue East. [Toronto Star]
The folks behind Cold Tea have revived the name of an old Chinese-Canadian joint with Mr. Pong’s Bar, a new Dundas West watering hole. [Toronto Life]
While GwaiLo has been “coming soon” for some time, its new pop-up stint at Soho Metropolitan’s Senses restaurant will keep fans of chef Nick Liu’s cooking sated for the time being. [Toronto Life]

Change-ups

571 Queen Street West is seeing yet another new restaurant as the space moves from Lucid to Lo Zingaro, an Italian restaurant. [The Grid]
416 Snack Bar has a new chef: Rory McGouran, previously of Scaramouche and Crush Wine Bar. He replaced chef Jon Vettraino (who is now a sous chef at F’Amelia) a few months ago.

Rumour mill

Rumours that wildly popular Parisian macaron shop Ladurée would be opening a location in Toronto have been snuffed out — for now at least.

Just For Laughs gets all relationshippy on us

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10:57 am

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You probably recognize Godfrey. You’ve caught him in Zoolander and Comedy Central, and more recently, he’s appeared on Louie. A regular on the comedy circuit in New York, he’s bringing his stand-up to Toronto with the Just for Laughs Comedy Tour: Relationship Edition, which is going down tonight at Massey Hall. We chatted with him about the comedy crowds in Canada and — what else? — relationships. Just don’t call him a ladies’ man.

You’re doing the JFL Relationship tour. Why you? What makes you a relationship expert?
I’m not an expert. Because Jim Breuer’s married, Tom Papa’s married, I’m in a relationship, we just know what it’s like to be in a relationship. It’s not easy. I’m not an expert because I’ve been in [a relationship] for seven years, but if that makes me an expert, so be it. I don’t claim to be an expert. Shit, I’m not perfect. A lot of experts are the ones who are divorced. They write books and all that.

You’re labelled as a ladies man for the tour (even though you have a long-time girlfriend). What’s up with that?
I am not a ladies man. I’m going to ask them to change that. I have no clue.

You have a degree in psychology. Does that come into play at all with your comedy and your stance on relationships?
With comedy, no. [Laughs.] Nope. There’s no recipe, nothing — just make people laugh, you know what I mean? You get better at judging audiences as you experiment with comedy. There’s no method. You don’t do that. You just kind of feel it out with experience. I think that makes a lot of sense. I’m not going to lie to you: “Yeah, I use that theory” — I don’t. I’ve just done [comedy] for a long time. That’s it.

Why are relationships so funny?
Because relationships are kind of stupid to me. I just think men and women are so different and we’ll never get over our differences. We’re just different kinds of animals; there will always be conflict — that’s how we mate and stuff. It’s so funny how there are always the same issues. It’s the never-ending battle. The battle of the sexes is real. That’s what makes it so funny — we think we have all these solutions, but it’s the same problems over and over. There are never going to be different problems. It’s never going to change.

You live in NYC. Dating can be hard living in a big city. How did you meet your girlfriend?
I just met her normally. It wasn’t website stuff, it was natural. You meet someone, exchange numbers, you talk to them over a period of time. It was a natural way — the way you should do that. You have a nice conversation, then you get to know them more. It was very normal. New York is for single people, but eventually you meet someone. You meet them, you break up. It’s a single city, but there’s a lot of people together.

You’ve performed in both Toronto and Montreal. How did you like your time there?
I like Toronto and Montreal. I like Toronto because of the ethnicity. It’s a good mix, I like that. Montreal is pretty cool, too. Toronto is hipper. Montreal is European, I kinda dig that.

How are the crowds different in Canada?
I’ve been performing in Canada for the past seven or eight years. They will be pretty sensitive when you push the envelope. They like edge, but they don’t. When you do some racist shit, they get all weirded out. They get all sensitive. Other than that, they’re the same. They kinda like the elephant in the room thing. They don’t mind it being there. Just don’t bring it up.

What’s your act going to be like?
I don’t know. It depends. I’ll change it up. I like to surprise myself. Who knows?

What’s next for you?
A show with Shaquille O’Neal. It’s called Upload with Shaquille O’Neal — it’s like Tosh.0. It’s me, Shaq and Gary Owen. We make fun of videos and do some sketches. It’ll come out in the New Year, 2013. It should be fun.

Just for Laughs Comedy Tour 2012, Nov. 9, Massey Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tony Aspler’s Weekly Wine Pick: an Ontario riesling with a touch of sweetness

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9:53 am

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Winemaker Natalie Spytkowsky has blended back unfermented riesling juice to give this Ontario wine a touch of sweetness. I tasted the 2010 vintage, and it’s equally good. It has honeyed grapefruit flavour that is balanced with fresh acidity.

Food match: Thai dishes; pork and apple sauce

$14.95. Rosewood Natalie’s Süssreserve Riesling 2009, Vintages #258806

Post City Magazines’ wine columnist, Tony Aspler, has written 14 books on wine and food. Tony also created the Ontario Wine Awards. He can be heard on 680News.