What I Wore: a farewell to summer outfit featuring NorBlack NorWhite

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12:03 pm

When the girls behind Mumbai-based label NorBlack NorWhite headed back to their hometown for a week-long pop-up shop at Miracle Thieves in Toronto, I knew a piece from their collection would be a must-have addition to my wardrobe. How could you not support young people with such a passion for extraordinary textiles?

Personally, I was completely taken by this beautifully split tank: the front features a stiff black-and-white print, while the back has an orange-and-fuscia tie-dyed silk chiffon.

NorBlack NorWhite, incidentally, is partaking in an exhibition at the Textile museum of Canada called WANDERLUST, alongside contemporary artists Jordan Bennett and The Color Collective. It’s on now until mid-November.

Speaking of November, have the temperatures not begun to feel more like the turn of winter than fall? This outfit is a kiss goodbye to summer, and potentially the last we will see of bare legs for a while. Although, who knows? I was, after all, wearing shorts last March when we had that mid-month heat wave.

This skirt is from Banana Republic’s Desk to Dinner collection, which, as you can see, suits this day-to-night outfit perfectly. The denim jacket and shades add the laid-back element that covers up my dinner date-ready look beneath. I say, show some skin while you still can!

What I Wore: Matthew Williamson x Linda Farrow sunglasses from EyeStudio.ca, vintage Wrangler jean jacket, top by NorBlack NorWhite, skirt by Banana Republic, shoes by Aldo Rise.

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.

Table Talk: Joanne Kates reviews Stack

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lindsaylow

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10:34 am

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Uptown’s answer to Roncy’s Barque Smokehouse … isn’t. Funny (to me) how popular Stack became the second it opened in the spring. So don’t show up without a reservation at prime time unless you want to wait.

But for what? The quality of the food is pathetically uneven, and the service is … well, let’s just say we asked our server what was in the sauce on the chicken. Quoth she: “I have no idea what’s in it. A whole bunch of spices.” No offer to find out.

The chicken (its sauce tasting like curry-inflected chimichurri) is one of the few greats on the menu. Great taste and moist flesh with a subtle hint of smoke from the huge southern smoker (the same one as Barque has). Stack also uses the smoker to great advantage for its pink ’n’ pretty smoked meat, beautifully marbled and hence super tender, juicy and just smoky enough. But two great smoked items from a specially imported smoker with a 500-pound capacity? Where is the love?

It’s in the poutine with ultra crispy frites, good gravy and squeaky cheese curds. And the entertainment provided by our server for no extra charge.

Me: “Where are the cheese curds from?”

Waitress: “Ontario.”

Me: “Oh, they’re not from Quebec?”

Waitress: “Yeah, for sure they’re from Quebec.”

Despite her ditziness, the calamari rings are nicely crispy and the mac ’n’ cheese is both cheesy and creamy. In a town gone mad for burgers, Stack’s is almost as good as it gets — almost, because despite the tasty coarse-ground beef on a great sesame bun from Fred’s Bread, nobody asks how we’d like it cooked, and well-done is not how.

Had we not been seduced by brisket at Barque, Stack’s brisket might have sufficed. But there’s no love in their brisket. It’s dry. Which is an easy thing to pull off, given that brisket, a cheap cut of meat without fat marbling to moisten it, needs help to be moist. Not here. Whoever is manning the smokehouse may want to infiltrate Barque for a smoking stage. ASAP. ’Cause the pulled pork is mushy and has no taste; the ribs are only moderately meaty and the Memphis medium BBQ sauce is far too sweet.

Maybe they think north Toronto is scared of a little kick? Baked beans are also sugary and cole slaw is bland. This kitchen seems ignorant of the fine balance that BBQ requires. Vinegar! Hot sauce! Bring it on. Uptown has taste buds!

Perhaps the savoury portion of dinner had insufficient fat for you?

If that is the case, go for Stack’s signature dessert: fresh-made mini doughnuts. S’mores doughnuts are crisp and warm, topped with baby marshmallows, industrial chocolate syrup and whipped cream and graham cracker crumbs. Yes, it’s the campfire food of my dreams; and how perfect to have it in a slightly sterile but classy sports bar with eight big TVs perennially playing sports.

Stack, 3265 Yonge Street, 647-346-1416

Joanne Kates trained at the Ecole Cordon Bleu de Cuisine in Paris. She has written articles for numerous publications, including the New York Times, Maclean’s and Chatelaine, and she was the Globe and Mail’s restaurant critic for 38 years.

Drink This: Weslodge Saloon’s Streetcar

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10:26 am

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Weslodge, a recent addition to the King West restaurant strip, is the work of club kings Charles Khabouth and Hanif Harji. Known individually for their fervid approach to décor — La Société’s hand-tiled floor comes to mind — the pair paid no less heed to this latest project. Done up to the nines in taxidermy and tufted banquettes, this is the sort of place where one can spy on suits shrugging off the workday and clutches of single ladies sipping on classic libations.

The cocktail menu is devoted to prohibition-era beverages, including the tobacco Manhattan ($18) and the barrel-aged Negroni ($14). We, however, opted for the Streetcar ($15). A nod to the Sidecar, this cocktail features Calvados apple brandy and Amaro Montenegro along with lemon juice, house-made orange-spiced simple syrup and a dash of lemon oil. Bartender Elan Marks serves each cocktail in antique, crystal-cut glassware, transporting the imbiber into a rollicking past.

Weslodge Saloon, 480 King St. W., 416-274-8766

Morning Throwback: here’s a creepy bookstore lady from the ’20s

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9:51 am

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We get it, kids: sometimes having to read for school sucks. But at least you didn’t have to put up with the creepy old lady who ran this bookstore back in the day. She was reason enough to stay illiterate.

The Danforth is about to undergo a slider revolution

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4:25 pm

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It looks like Greektown is getting a new addition. Three’s Company Catering and Cafe at 673 Danforth has closed, and it’s making way for Slider Revolution.

Owner Rich Lee wants his upcoming restaurant to emphasize nontraditional sliders, keeping a mix-and-match concept in mind. It will host a range of flavours, from Asian-inspired to pulled jerk chicken, all paired with some interesting slaws (think apple fennel and mango ginger) and served on a bun of your choice.

“I think the variety and the choice gives people something that they can’t get when they go to a sandwich or hamburger place.”

A potential big-ticket item? The prime rib meatball slider stuffed with smoked cheddar and topped with tomato relish. And the price range is reasonable: Lee estimates a lunch consisting of two sliders (3-3.5 oz each), a side and a drink to total about $10, but prices are not set as of yet.

Lee was part of the Wolfgang Puck team when it tried to open a slew of restaurants in Toronto. But the idea was a no-go, and Lee decided to try something on his own. A year ago, the concept for Slider Revolution was born.

After sharing the idea with Carolyn Hogg, owner and head chef of Three’s Company, she and two of her key employees expressed interest in the project, so they’ll be heading up the kitchen. Slider Revolution will also keep the neighborhood brunch crowd happy by providing a reworked and slider-inspired brunch menu.

“They [Three’s Company] had a very successful brunch service,” Lee says. “We can cater to the people who always enjoyed coming here for brunch,” all the while adding a new twist to the neighborhood.”

Slider Revolution is slated to open in mid-October.

Trending in Theatre This Week: The Primo Show, No Great Mischief, Hurlyburly, Between the Sheets and Julie Sits Waiting

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4:15 pm

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The Primo Show — Top pick!

If you’re looking for a laugh this weekend, then this should be your primo stop. With popular improviser Colin Mochrie, Canadian Comedy Award winner Nikki Payne and the hilarious Pat Thornton, laughs are pretty much guaranteed-a-mundo.
Supermarket, 268 Augusta Ave., 416-840-0501. Sept. 20 @ 8:30 p.m.

No Great Mischief

The David S. Young play returns to Tarragon, where it premiered in 2004. Based on the Alistair MacLeod novel, the play focuses on two brothers who seek to reconcile their haunting past, taking us from Kensington Market to Cape Breton.
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827. Sept. 19 – Oct. 21.

Hurlyburly

The title of the play comes from a line in Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “When the hurlyburly's done / When the battle's lost and won.” Too bad David Rabe’s 1984 play is about Hollywood and its immorality and decadence, because that’s a fight that can’t be won.
Unit 102 Theatre, 376 Dufferin St., 416-536-0048. Sept. 21 – Sept. 29.

Between the Sheets

In newcomer Jordi Mand’s play, an ordinary teacher-parent interview unravels into a tense confrontation that will make you want to thank your mom for going to those things.
Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827. Sept. 20 – Oct. 7.

Julie Sits Waiting

In this opera, which moves from speech to chant — intermixed with Quebec’s rich electroacoustic music tradition — a married woman and a priest discover extraordinary intimacy and, of course, disaster. Sounds very Thorn Birds to us.
Theatre Passe Muraille, Backspace, 16 Ryerson Ave., 416-504-7529.

Wye Oak churns out melancholic dream pop at the Horseshoe Tavern

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2:14 pm

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There must be something in Baltimore’s water. For a city that has turned out surreal fantasy bands such as Lower Dens and Beach House, it comes as no surprise that Wye Oak’s melancholic droning sounds like something you would only hear in your dreams.

Indie twosome Jenn Wasner (singer/guitar) and Andy Stack (drums/keys) were in town Monday night to play to a just-about-full Horseshoe Tavern, pumping out serene, slow-burning vocals and dark, distorted ’90s (ish) rock, all in waves of volume – literally.

Smooth and mellifluent at times, and at others punctuated by bursts of brashness, Wye Oak delivered a sweeping, powerful performance. Though Wasner kept the banter to a minimum (it was all about the music), she became increasingly more engaged with the crowd as they got deeper into the set – a concept mirrored in their latest album.

Civilian is certainly more accessible than previous Wye Oak records, as indicated by the droves that turned out last night. Wasner’s quavering voice drips with a heavyheartedness, punctuated by gritty, shoegaze-esque guitar riffs. While previous records showcased Stack’s meticulous rhythmic beats, each track on Civilian delves into the haunting beauty that is Wasner’s voice, whereas previous efforts were comparatively a tease.

And she dug deep last night – from doleful ballads such as “Doubt” and “Fish” to the fast-paced buzzing of “Holy Holy,” Wasner had everyone in the crowd wrapped around her finger, greedily lapping up each shivering note.

It’s easy to forget about Stack – if only for the fact that he plays the part of a mystery man, letting Wasner take the spotlight. But his loud, crashing, dirty drumming and key-smashing harmoniously balances Wasner’s honeyed vocals and drawling guitar.

Last night made it abundantly clear that in this city, we love our dream pop crooners, such as Metric’s Emily Haines or Austra’s Katie Stelmanis. And after a stellar Wye Oak show, we’re definitely thirsty for another swig of that Baltimore Kool-Aid.

Toronto Style Radar: Shoppalu, DJ Birthright, Manifesto Festival, Dundas West, Ora Design

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1:30 pm

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Every week, we round up the best events from the city’s fashion scene. In this edition: first time pop-ups for Shoppalu and Ora Design, a Dundas West sidewalk sale, the sixth annual Manifesto Festival and more.

Shoppalu x Miracle Thieves Pop Up

Where: Miracle Thieves, 249 Crawford St.
When: Sept. 20-22
Details: Join local online shop Shoppalu.com to celebrate its first-ever pop up shop. Shoppalu specializes in vintage clothing and accessories, along with new goods by Tiger of Sweden, Velvet, One Teaspoon and more, so this is your chance to shop the fantastic range in person. Not only that, but you can score 50 per cent off the spring/summer stock, and receive an additional 25 per cent off at opening night on Thursday starting at 6 p.m. Hosted by Justine Laboni from WhateverEurotrash.com.

DJ Birthright’s First Tooth

Where: The Yukon, 1592 Queen St. W.
When: Sept. 20, 10 p.m.
Details: Fashion Magazine’s online editor Randi Bergman made her DJ debut last month at The Yukon under the name DJ Birthright, confusing most into thinking it was her actual birthday instead of the birth of her DJ career. This month, she returns to commemorate the loss of her “first tooth.”

Manifesto Festival Launch Party and Art Show

Where: 37 Bulwer St.
When: Sept. 21, 9 p.m.
Details: This year, Manifesto’s festival launch party also marks the grand opening of the newly constructed Regent Park Arts and Culture Centre. Ring in this year’s festival with a celebration of this incredible addition to the community, featuring a curated art exhibition that includes work by SKAM and EGR, as well as the second annual Floor Awards, celebrating the city’s best B-boys.

Dundas West Sidewalk Sale

Where: Dundas St. W. (between Lansdowne and Shaw)
When: Sept. 22, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Details: Do you keep hearing about the great spots along Dundas West, but never seem to find the time to really explore the city’s up-and-coming strip? Take a wander this Saturday to discover old and new favourites — from shops, cafés, restaurants and more — all along the west end of Dundas between Lansdowne and Shaw.

Ora Design Pop-Up

Where: Artscape Triangle Gallery, 38 Abell St.
When: Sept. 22-23
Details: Toronto-based jewellery line Ora Design will be hosting its first-ever pop-up sale over the weekend at the Artscape Triangle Gallery, just across from The Drake Hotel. Finally, a chance to get your hands on these one-of-a-kind creations that range from body jewellery to head pieces.

Grace 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.

Morning Throwback: old fashioned rain sucked too

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10:05 am

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A barrage of umbrellas? Irritable crowds? Long, annoying lines? Yep, rainy days have always sucked in Toronto.

Spice up your life with Crescendo, a new spice store

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4:06 pm

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Toronto is about to get oiled up and spice-rubbed down. The German-based company, Crescendo, opened two locations this month in Davisville and the Distillery District, bringing unique and high-quality oils, vinegars and spices to Hogtown.

With the new stores, Toronto becomes the fourth place in Canada to house the European-influenced spice and oil franchise.

The shops house a variety of oils, vinegars and spices, which are stored in barrels and amphorae. Upon purchase, your chosen liquid or spice is then decanted by staff in your desired container. The cool part? You can bring your own.

After all, variety is the spice of life.

Cresendo Canada, 10 Trinity Street; 596 Mount Pleasant Road, 416-486-9555

Meet a Comedian: Laurie Elliott

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11:26 am

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A comedy veteran for almost 15 years, Laurie Elliott has made a name for herself as one of the most fun and versatile performers to watch in Canada. The winner of three Best Female Stand-Up Canadian Comedy Awards, Elliott has also appeared on numerous TV series, including The Red Green Show and Train 48. We chatted with Elliott about her “extremely supportive” parents, her big break and Jimmy Fallon.

Were you the class clown growing up?
Not so much in the class, but definitely out of it. My best friend and I would play “Make Me Laugh” and I think that was the real start of my comedy career.

What made you want to pursue comedy full-time?
I love goofing around and doing stupid act-outs, so when I realized I could do that and actually get paid I was in it for the long haul.

What did your parents think of you pursuing comedy?
My parents have been extremely supportive. In fact, they’ve heard me say things on stage that can never ever be erased from their minds and they still come out to shows. Growing up, I got into a good amount of trouble for “going too far” at the dinner table, so I think they’re just happy that led to a career instead of some kind of criminal record.

Describe your first stand-up experience. Where was it? How did you feel? What was the crowd like?
My first stand-up experience was at The Brunswick House at a show Shaun Majumder was hosting. I went up and, in front of about 25 of my friends, did the most terrible fart jokes ever. They laughed out of kindness, which wasn’t good because the next time I did stand-up, it was for an audience I didn’t know and I bombed hard.

What was your big break?
I won the Tim Sims Award in 2000 and that gave me the extra push to pursue stand-up more seriously.

What’s been your most memorable experience onstage?
My Just for Laughs Gala. It was hosted by Jimmy Fallon and he was really fun and encouraging.

A favourite show of yours?
A cross-Canada tour I did called Girls Night Out with Kristeen von Hagen and Debra DiGiovanni. The shows on stage were incredibly fun, but the downtime was where the mayhem ensued. I’ve never laughed that hard for that many days in a row. Also, doing the RAW Comedy Club shows in Sweden were cool because I got to see if my jokes went over well for a Swedish-speaking crowd.

What or who makes you laugh the most?
My English husband Stuart, who is at the heart of a lot of my jokes and wishes I “took the piss” out of him more; my Dad and all of my friends both in the business and out.

What’s your favourite funny movie?
Anything with Will Ferrell in it, particularly Zoolander. Bridesmaids was awesome — thank you, Kristen Wiig! This is Spinal Tap is a classic.

If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?
There are too many amazing comics to say. Another Girls Night Out tour would be a blast, or the Just for Laughs tour, as you’re performing with different comics from all over the world and the downtime could be hilarious too.

What’s next on the horizon?
More stand-up! Also, I’ve been doing a lot of writing for television the last few years, which I love, and I’m working on developing some shows. Hopefully something clicks.

Any words of wisdom to other aspiring comics?
Don’t be afraid to diversify. When people ask what I do, I just say that I’m in Canadian entertainment: stand-up, acting, voice and writing. Exercising different creative muscles helps you pinpoint what you enjoy the most and good things should come from that, right?

The details:

Year started in stand-up: 1998
Influences: Saturday Night Live, SCTV, my Dad (he’s hilarious), The Kids in the Hall, and tons of stand up comics that I started with and met along the way.
Next gig: Sept. 25, ALTdot Comedy Lounge and the Just For Laughs Festival unite, Rivoli, 332 Queen St W., 416-977-5082; Oct. 12, co-featuring a show with Kristeen von Hagen, The Flying Beaver Pubaret, 488 Parliament St., 647-347-6567

Morning Throwback: in the ’20s, people ate to live (not the other way around)

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9:48 am

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Before competitive eating was even a thing, Torontonians understood that healthy eating didn't involve shoving 40 folded pizza slices down your throat, and that one should eat slowly and chew slowly, and not wash food down with milk or water, let alone beer.