Have you ever watched a droplet of oil or ink splash into water and been fascinated by how it explodes into its new space? We could spend hours watching it twist and twirl, creating the most beautiful and eerily calming visual effects — each a unique experience that can never be duplicated.
Local designer Jessica Mary Clayton, has taken this visual pleasure one step further, capturing the experience as it happened and then printing the images onto her new spring collection. The result? An array of dizzyingly beautiful prints, like the one on this breezy silk tank that we particularly love.
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.
St. Lawrence Market’s popular fish joint, Buster’s Sea Cove is launching a food truck, to join the ever-growing list of mobile dining options in the city.
Starting this month (the date hasn’t been finalized) hungry downtowners will be able to get their lunchtime fish and chips from a blue-green Buster’s truck at Queen and Jarvis.
In addition to some of Buster’s more popular grilled fish dishes, the food truck will also serve new items like lobster rolls and chowder fries.
Though prices are not concrete yet, expect them to be similar to Buster’s market menu (about $7 to $15).
“We talked about changing the portion size but decided against it. We want to give what we give at the market,” says co-owner Quinten Chan. “At the end of the day you’re dealing with seafood and quality.”
In the second half of our guide to Parkdale’s most interesting shops, we give you the best places to find roller derby equipment, high-end fly swatters and a gizmo to keep your mustache out of your tea. Really, is there anything that can’t be found on a jaunt through Parkdale?
Filled with quirky pieces for the design lover who has more than a bit of whimsy in him, Ferdinand Suzara’s playful shop is a treasure chest. Previously located next to The Drake, Suzara moved his store further west to snap up a building for sale just in the nick of time. And he has corralled quite the array of pieces, many of which have won top design awards or came from museums. A Philippe Starck/Alessi fly swatter elevates this basic tool to a work of art ($19), while elsewhere in the store a severed porcelain foot coolly presents a clutch of flowers ($38). Suzara has a soft spot for ice cream: a blow-up cone greets customers up front ($80), an ice-cream sandwich pillow promises sweet dreams ($24) and a gizmo for stacking the stuff will make a sweat-free dessert ($21). Meanwhile, a jello mould in the shape of a balloon dog will restart the debate over who has the rights to the image — inflatables designer Jeff Koons or the humble circus clown ($18). 1518 Queen St. W., 416-536-6521
Conspiracy Culture
Question everything. Aiming to provide curious Torontonians with a means of answering questions about, well, everything, Patrick Whyte’s shop is dedicated to non-fiction material and attempts to satiate the city’s most inquiring minds. Books, magazines and DVDs are available on topics including 9/11, cryptozoology and mythical beasts, and the occult. Those serious about their alien encounter or end-of-the-world predictions can attend book signings or join discussion groups to further explore their subject. Whyte notes that, recently, people have been trying to make sense of the financial situation and says that The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin, which examines the banking system in America, has been a hugely popular pick. As for Toronto-based conspiracies, Whyte speaks of the Masonic symbolism found on buildings throughout the city. The Police Station on College St. is apparently rife with symbolism, with a statue of a young boy pulling a wagon holding an obelisk being one such example. Note, also, the store’s hours: it opens at either 11:11 a.m. or 12:12 p.m. and closes at 5:55 p.m. or 7:07 p.m. depending on the day of the week. 1696 Queen St. W., 416-916-1696
Owners Ron Goulet and Barbara Barrett have made the far end of Queen West their home for some years now; Barrett’s father sold antiques next door for 22 years, and the pair has been settled in for over a decade. Specializing in period antiques, most of their pieces have been picked from around Ontario. We liked a pine slant-top desk hailing from 1860 ($895) and a Vienna Regulator grandfather clock from 1890 ($895), both beautifully crafted pieces that have stood the test of time — and then some. Mustachioed gentlemen who enjoy a spot of afternoon tea will find a selection of Victorian and Edwardian mustache tea cups. Fit with a plateau, these cups prevent a carefully curlicued ’stache from being sullied by tea stains (from $25). 1702 Queen St. W., 416-534-0348
A fairly recent addition to the ’hood, this shop devoted to roller skating culture is the work of Gwen “Goldie Lock ‘N’ Load” McDonald. An avid roller derby gal herself, McDonald is captain of the Rollergettes, a nod to the Suffragettes. My Roll Life sells only Canuck lines and goods include clothing, jewellery, protective gear and, of course, skates. McDonald hopes to introduce the sport to folks who are looking to inject a little spice into their lives (or just hope to be a badass like Juliette Lewis). Fun finds include Triple Eight helmets in a rainbow of colours ($40), leopard-print elbow pads ($52) and vegan-friendly Dominion skates handmade in Canada (from $150). Those looking for a Saturday activity can rent some gear and work their way around High Park or head to the nearby waterfront ($42/day). 1714 Queen St. W., 647-932-7655
Housed in what used to be the Parkdale Movie Theatre, Bill Jarman’s sprawling emporium shares a building with the Queen West Antique Centre. What’s unseen is the original 1920s ceiling, hidden behind regulatory panels since the theatre closed its doors in the ’70s. Jarman, who’s been in the biz for over 20 years, sources pieces from all over North America, heading down to the States at least once a year. Some exceptional finds included a series of gigantic circus banners, many of which have been rented out to movie sets and the like (from $3,000) and a number of Vespas from 1968 to 1979 (from $2,500). Best of all was a peanut roaster which, we’re assured, just needs a little oiling and it’ll be good as gold ($4,500). 1605 Queen St. W., 416-539-0833
Sam the Chandelier Man
Sam the Chandelier Man is actually two stores. With barely any space to stand, let alone move around, this duo of crammed shops is the work of Sam Mozun. Every kind of chandelier imaginable hangs from the ceiling, and Mozun can tell you a tale for each one. Noting that elaborate lighting is back in style following a bit of a dry spell (and that architects are raising the height of ceilings because of this), Mozun carries chandeliers for every price-point, from pieces selling for $250 to extravagant, crystal-laden works of art that cost a pretty penny. A relatively simple Art Deco number is made from brass and crystal, while a Mediterranean fixture from the 1970s is dotted with hand-painted flowers. Mozun also does repair-work for well-loved family heirlooms. 1633 and 1635 Queen St. W., 416-537-9707
Rome may have the Bocca Della Verita but back in 1930s, Toronto had what looks like a snake head in High Park.
We’re not sure what’s going on in this 1939 pic from Toronto Archives, but we like to think that the funny-looking creature represented a holy snake god. We imagine brave souls venturing up to the statue and sticking one of their feet down the serpent’s throat. If you were a person of honour, you would keep your foot, but two-faced liars wouldn’t be playing much soccer afterwards.
Well, it’d be one way of testing the truth behind all that Toronto the Good stuff, wouldn’t it?
For many Toronto flyers, the words “airport dining” conjure up images of poking around in a pile of limp coffee-shop sandwiches or ramming some fast food in their mouths on the way to the gate.
But that may be about to change. Pearson Airport has just announced a huge revamp to its dining options, with plans for eight new restaurants from some of Toronto’s finest chefs.
One of the first to open later this year will be Trillium from Claudio Aprile (of Origin), a restaurant and bar that will serve up snacks and small plates to travellers in terminal three. Aprile’s menu is dubbed “global tapas” and is expected to run to breakfast omelets, salads and open-faced sandwiches. He’ll be competeing for customers in terminal three with celebrity chef Mark McEwan, who will be opening Nobel Burger Bar, where an open kitchen will be turning out gourmet burgers.
Over in terminal one, passengers will be able to munch on soups and salads at Devin Connell’s Heirloom or take the edge off it all with a few of creations from a new cocktail bar called Apropos.
And — lest you doubt Pearson’s ambition — there are even plans to install iPads at tables, allowing time-pressed passengers to order their food electronically.
The first restaurants are expected to open at the end of this year, with the rest to follow in 2013.
So, next time an Air Canada wildcat strike leaves you with time on your hands at the airport, at least you'll be well fed.
A sleepy Jeff Innes confesses that he’s just woken up to speak to us about his band Yukon Blonde’s new sophomore album, Tiger Talk. But we’ll forgive the crooner — he was up until the wee hours playing in New York the previous night. Yukon Blonde, a punchy, energetic, pop-punk group, hails from Kelowna, B.C., but they haven’t been home since they released their self-titled album in 2010 (which also landed them on the list for the Polaris Music Prize). Their latest effort was recorded on the road in their van, and the amped-up power-pop and vocal harmonies are sure to get the even the most rigid of crowds dancing along at their back-to-back shows in Toronto this weekend.
Tiger Talk definitely sounds like a change of pace from your previous stuff. Did you approach this album any differently? Yeah, I guess we were all in a mood for something different, something else. The first record is written in a similar fashion, it’s hard to explain. This one is a little bit different because we’ve been touring since our first record came out, and we haven’t really gone home. So a lot of the demos are done in those few hours that we have to ourselves in the van or a day or two off here and there. It’s really interesting.
Yeah, you guys are on the road a lot, eh? How does that affect the songwriting process? In every way imaginable. All of Tiger Talk was pretty much written on tour.
Can you describe your sound for those who might not have heard of you guys? That’s kind of interesting. I think there’s a guy, somewhere in the midwest…
Just some guy? Yeah [laughs], I don’t know who he is, I forget who he is, after a show, he was like, “I didn't know what to expect and I didn’t even know if I wanted to come see you guys, but you guys are like the perfect cross between the Traveling Wilburys and The Buzzcocks.” And ever since he said that, it’s the only comparison that’s ever made any sense.
Listening to some of the older stuff, there’s a lot of different sounds — some tunes have a classic-rock vibe and others have a more pop sound. I’m curious to know who your musical influences are? I like everything, it’s pretty bad. There’s something in every genre I love. The last couple of years I’ve been into Afrobeat and New Wave and post-punk stuff. Before that it was just David Bowie on 24/7. And The Kinks. I can’t live without The Kinks. And the Talking Heads, those are two of my favourite bands.
Your songs are really danceable, but there are also some pretty jagged lyrics behind them. How do you balance both sides? I’ve never really looked at songwriting as a challenge, only when I set myself up to make that challenge. There’s a song on the record called “For LA,” and I just picked the four most unlikely chords I could think of and put them together and then tried to tie them together with melody. I try and be in a situation where I can document them as they are. I don’t like messing with the lyrics too much when I get them. I get an idea spontaneously, and the lyrics are all f****d up [laughs]. I like to just roll with it.
What did signing with Dine Alone Records bring to the table? They’ve been good on their word. They didn’t give us a bag of money and say, “Here guys, go buy some drugs.” We recorded the record independently, we saved up all our money and recorded this record. And they loved it and wanted to put it out.
I know when you and Brandon and Graham started a few years back with Alphababy you had a totally different sound. Why reinvent yourselves? Oh, ’cause it sucked! That was like, seven years ago. Well, okay, when we started that band, I was 19, I had no idea what I was doing! Like that EP You Gentle Crustacean, it’s horrible! We were kind of a local band and having fun, we never got around to recording anything else. It was so weird, and got so polluted. So we just decided to axe it, start a new band, new music, new everything.
What can we expect from the show at Lee’s Thursday and Friday? To have fun! It’s gonna be crazy, we're excited.
Win tickets to see Yukon Blonde!
We have two tickets to Yukon Blonde’s show at Lee’s on April 12 and two for April 13 to give away. Just email [email protected] to enter.
Yukon Blonde are: Jeff Innes — vocals, guitar Brandon Scott — vocals, guitar Graham Jones — vocals, drums John Jeffrey — bass
Yukon Blonde play Lee’s Palace, 529 Bloor St. W., 416-532-1598, on April 12 & 13.
This is a prime example of one of my favoured spring/summer looks, because it’s one that says, “I wish I was on vacation,” which is basically what I’m thinking at all times.
The nautical stripes represent my need to be by the water (on a yacht) and the tropical print shows my longing to be on a sandy beach (near an all-inclusive bar). The jean jacket and heels? I guess those are the city-appropriate reminders that bring me back down to earth.
Mixing prints is a huge trend for the season, and it’s one of the most fun ways to challenge yourself. When it comes to trying to make prints work, I like to remind myself of a quote from one of Henry Holland’s design assistants who I interviewed at a studio in London, England, for Elle magazine. When it came to tips for tricky dressing with prints and bold colours, she said, “I just throw them on and hope it works.” It’s that confident fearlessness that’s the key to wearing an outfit that may have people thinking you got dressed after indulging at that all-inclusive bar.
But you know what? Screw it! What’s the point in fashion if you can’t have fun with it? Don’t let the possibility of a few mistakes deter you from trying out something new.
What I Wore: vintage Wrangler jean jacket from Vintage Mix 1 on Ossington; vintage striped top from Shoppalu; vintage tropical print dress from St. Vincent de Paul in Forest, Ont.; shoes by Cacharel; sunglasses from St. Marks street in N.Y.C.; turquoise and gold cocktail ring by Yves Saint Laurent.
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.
Before Joe Carter and Jose Bautista, Toronto's slammin' sluggers were these guys. Okay, sure, they were no taller than 4'11" nor could they sprout an armpit hair to save their life, let alone a suave Bautista-like beard, but man oh man, could these kids crack a bat. So what if there weren't any $15 beers served at their games? The Elizabeth Playground was the place to be in the summer of 1917 when these champions brought home the winning pennant.
Good news for Toronto’s cooking-averse party hosts — Parkdale hotspot Parts & Labour has started a catering service.
Offering what it calls an “eclectic” selection of nibbles, the service is aiming to bring street-food style to the city’s party scene.
The new venture is the work of P&L executive chef, Matty Matheson, along with catering chef Laura Matthews (formerly of Noma) and catering coordinator Tara Sachs.
Rather than a traditional sit-down meal, partygoers can expect a selection of food-truck style treats, like veggie stir-fry noodles in mini take-out boxes, taco stations and finger food. We particularly like the sound of the fennel confit with orange cream cheese and pistachio canapés ($4 each) and scallop ceviche ($30) — but we know we’d end up going for the tacos ($15) or hot dogs ($15).
Once home to Toronto’s waterfront community, Parkdale changed gears after the Gardiner Expressway was built, drawing a far more working-class crowd. While in recent years the strip of Queen Street between Dufferin and Roncey has often been characterised as a no-man’s land, this west-end hood is now on the up. With its own unique flavour, Parkdale is home to several hot restaurants — Grand Electric, Keriwa Café and the just-opened Chantecler — but it’s the hood’s eclectic mix of stores that interest us here. You can get your hands on everything from contemporary jewellery to 19th century antiques. In fact, there’s so much choice, we've had to split this Neighbourhood Guide into two. Here, we give you the finest shops in Parkdale’s east end.
With its two incarnations perched on opposite sides of Queen Street, this duo of jewellery emporiums act as both retail locations and artist studios. Having recently celebrated 10 years of business, the south-side boutique focuses on fun and fanciful baubles, while the north-side shop is reserved for more upscale pieces that won’t fall prey to trends du jour. With 20 in-house designers and over 100 local jewellers showing their wares, this is the one place where it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone. Of the costume pieces, we fell for a cameo ring featuring a skeleton’s profile ($25) and porcelain rings dotted with flora and fauna ($45) that would look right at home at a street market in Delft. Across the way, a Roxx jewels choker spun from rhinestones and glass beads demanded our attention ($695), while a pair of Melanie Leblanc cuffs — hand-formed with wax before being cast — had us at first glance (from $700). 1273 and 1338 Queen St. W., 416-463-2136 and 416-516-9595
Owners Colleen Ramage and Aaron Doucet are known around town for their highly covetable gear. Mixing together vintage, new and pieces that Ramage has altered, Philistine has well-priced goods for both men and women. While we still love the neon Cambridge satchels that stormed Fashion Week ($150), we also had our eye on the Baggu leather bags that resemble a plastic shopping tote ($176). Dyed denim shorts in colours like turquoise and canary yellow are easy to envision wearing all summer long ($40), while a tobacco-box printed button-down has the gaudiness of a Hawaiian shirt, but still carries downtown appeal ($30). Best of all are the collar tips from Nevada ($10-$30), which are an easy way to revive an old favourite shirt. 1394 Queen St. W., 416-532-3662
At their store named after their respective grandmothers, owners Meg Watson and Carrie Butt have carefully chosen labels like Australia’s Vanishing Elephant, California’s Life After Denim and England’s Grafea. Toronto lines 18 Waits and United Denim are also available, in addition to the pair’s own line of well-crafted garb. Reversible shorts for men feature a blue and red check on one side, and flip to reveal a pale blue option ($115), while a pair of brightly patterned and cuffed shorts are for the man who doesn’t shy from making a statement ($170). We loved a black leather rucksack that looks durable enough to last a lifetime ($268), while a pair of brick wall earrings are a must for the avid Pink Floyd fan ($45). The store’s own line includes pieces like a black and white tencel tank with a patch pocket that’ll go with just about anything ($70). 1390 Queen St. W., 416-531-8892
Ladies head here first and foremost for Yoga jeans, of which Shopgirls has the biggest selection in the country. Made in Montreal, the jeans possess a stretch factor far greater than your average jean, but are designed for the average woman. The most popular cut sits right below the navel, though other styles are available — and yes, apparently you can do yoga in them. But those aren’t the only things to look out for. The store only carries Canadian designers, and we loved a dark teal blouse with an asymmetrical hemline from Véronique Miljkovitch ($160) and a leather neck piece by local designer Susana Erazo ($165). A reCYCLEr hot-pink tray constructed from discarded bicycle bits is upcycling at its finest ($150), while an Avril Loreti pouch starring a print of Hawaii is right on trend for the season ($35). 1342 Queen St. W., 416-534-7467
Sister to downtown’s bargain-bin extravaganza Black Market, this well-priced vintage emporium just blew out the candles at its fourth birthday party. It’s the place to go for a $20 pick-me-up piece, shoppers are guaranteed to find old military jackets and rustic leather belts alongside sequined sweaters, tees shouting your love for the hood and a large assortment of cheap ’n’ cheerful sunglasses. Out front, colourful chairs hug either side of the sidewalk (from $25); inside, barn boards can be picked up for between $5 and $10 per foot — a great score for the budding restaurateur. 1290 Queen St., W., 416-535-4343
Named after hardworking European settlers, this consignment shop — the sibling to the Riverside store of the same name — opened up on this side of town in 2010. Those looking to update their wardrobe can bring in clothes to trade (provided that they’re approved) or receive cash for their pre-owned duds. We were drawn to a floor-dusting floral print dress in shades of hot pink ($26) and a black and white checkered dress featuring a red embroidered pattern ($46). A cotton kimono with Japanese temple scenes was a nice alternative to a robe ($34), while a men’s toggle coat with a green and blue print reminded us of Pendleton ($40). 1414 Queen St. W., 416-463-7678
Get ready for some super-cute aping around, Disney’s nature doc Chimpanzee is getting its Canadian premiere at TIFF Bell Lightbox on Friday.
The film is guaranteed to elicit ahhhs from the audience as it follows a playful young chimp by the name of Oscar who’s growing up in the African rainforest. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the film is visually stunning — but prepare to have your heartstrings tugged when a rival band of chimps turn up to spoil the party for Oscar and co.
Following the movie, Bill Wallauer, Chimpanzee’s principal photographer, will be on hand to explain how the filmmakers managed to get up close and personal with Oscar’s group.
The movie is screening as part of the 15th TIFF Kids International Film Festival, which kicks off today at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The 12-day fest is geared towards kids aged between three and 13. It features 130 films from 41 countries tackling themes like environmentalism, bullying, sports, diversity, teamwork and friendship.
In addition, Aardman Animation’s Peter Lord will premier his latest film The Pirates! Band of Misfits, featuring the voices of Hugh Grant and Salma Hayek. And a new arrival at this year’s fest is the TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace, an interactive game centre where budding filmmakers can take part in hands-on film and media activities.
Chimpanzee screens April 13, 7 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433
Could this finally be the year that the Toronto Blue Jays return to the post-season and make their run at another World Series title? The Jays had a solid spring under their belts and, despite last night’s home-opener loss, the team looks set to be competitive in the toughest division in Major League Baseball as they do battle against the dreaded New York Yankees and company. We caught up with ace pitcher Ricky Romero just after spring training and asked him what the season holds for the Blue Jays.
It seems like there is excitement building for the team, finally, after many years. Are you feeling that? I think so, and I think there should be no reason why people shouldn’t be excited about the team. We feel the love on Twitter, and we see how excited people are, and we’ve shown that the future is bright and we’re looking forward to representing the city with a lot of pride.
This is a very young team. Tell us about the addition of guys such as Omar Vizquel and Darren Oliver who provide that veteran presence in the clubhouse. I think it is important. Those guys have been nothing but great, Vizquel, [Francisco] Cordero, Oliver the mix of those guys has been a great formula. The clubhouse is fun, but at the same time we know when it is time to get down to business. We’ve shown that in spring training.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the team’s first World Series win in 1992. Does this team have what it takes to get back to that level? I’m confident, absolutely, without a doubt. We have a great team, great pitching, great bullpen, our hitters are always there. We understand that it takes a lot of hard work. At this level, it’s about who wants it most, and this team has that attitude.
Who was your favourite player growing up? Ken Griffey Jr. I always like watching him.
And what do you enjoy most about playing in Toronto? Everything, man: the people, just the uniqueness of the city with different cultures all around. You get to see all that in the city of Toronto. Great restaurants, great fans.
