1. Had one of those fantastic and unexpected Toronto experiences that just “happen” sometimes…was coming out of the Art Gallery of Ontario (which I believe I have gone on about previously – it really is a fantastic place), and remembered that nearby was the home — and studio — of one of Canada’s most well-known, respected and prolific artists, Charles Pachter. Articles have been written about the place — called The Moose Factory (he uses the iconic Canadian Moose in many of his works) — it is an architectural gem. Anyway, the studio/gallery is open to the public, but by appointment only. So I called on a whim, and Charlie himself answered the phone, told me to come by, and spent an hour with me giving me a fantastic personal tour. I’m sure he’d do the same for you, especially if you were a prospective client! Much of his artwork is actually very reasonable/undervalued, and a great investment. Check out http://www.cpachter.com/moose_factory/moose_factory.html
2. Went to the opening of Young Frankenstein, the latest Mirvish Production at the gorgeous Princess of Wales Theatre. I have to say, I am a little tired of movies being made into plays, especially movies that were fantastic and hold great memories. This Mel Brooks’ classic is one of those, and like most adaptations, I’d watch the movie (again) rather than see the play (again). But it had its moments, and is still a fun night out.
3. Went to an announcement for the big blockbuster exhibit coming to the Royal Ontario Museum starting end of June (and running through the fall) — The Warrior Emperor and China’s Terracotta Army. Most people have heard something about the Terracotta Warriors, but the story is spellbinding — straight out of a Spielberg movie — and the exhibit of artifacts should be outstanding. Stay tuned…

Finally, as I’m mentioning the end of June, a warning: The G-20, a meeting of twenty of the world’s leaders, is coming to Toronto the weekend of June 25-27. While it’s an exciting and high profile event for our City, it will be a bit of a logistical nightmare (security, traffic, etc.). So if you can, I’d stay away then and book your summer visit for another time! Could be the best tip I’ve given you yet!

Mr. Toronto

Went to a couple great events this week. Saw a one-woman play called Blind Date, where the lady gets stood up and then chooses a random guy from the audience that she performs (improve) with for the next 90 minutes. Quirky and brilliant – part of Harbourfront Centre’s Worldstage event happening til May.

Then last night, went to the one-year anniversary party for Delta Blues Thursdays at Monarchs Pub (at the Delta Chelsea Hotel). If you ever find yourself in the City on Thursday night, you gotta check it out – THE best blues musicians (different artists every week), and no cover charge! Hard to beat.

Finally, to end this very disjointed blog entry (sorry, it must be the change of season), thought I would pass along a final winter tip before winter officially ends…where can you get the best hot chocolate in town? The hippest and hottest places for a TRUE cup of liquid heaven are (in no particular order – and please Google to find the addresses):

Aroma Espresso Bar
Le Gourmand
Manic Coffee
Dark Horse Espresso Bar
SOMA Chocolatemaker

So grab a cup, put on your layers and sunglasses, and enjoy whatever season you find yourself in when you get here!

Mr. Toronto

Three fantastic “smaller” theatre productions are being staged right now – all highly recommended.  “The Light in the Piazza” won a Tony on Broadway, and is now on a small stage at the Berkeley St. Theatre.  “Assassins” is a new Stephen Sondheim play about people who have wanted to kill Presidents over the years – playing at the Theatre Centre.  And “Intimate Apparel” a fantastic non-musical (the other two are), playing at the slightly larger venue of the Bluma Appel Theatre, as part of  Canadian Stage’s season.

Speaking of venues, there is a fabulous new one that opened up recently, mainly for (one-night) concerts (all kinds of interesting stuff from Cuban to Flamenco to Pop).  It’s the Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music on Bloor St.  Gorgeous spot, great shows – check it out: http://performance.rcmusic.ca/viewallconcerts

Finally, I want to leave you with a bit of tourism-related research you may be interested in, from a visitor survey conducted by Tourism Toronto, in partnership with Ryerson University and the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (an ongoing visitor survey at Pearson Airport and several highway stops outside of Toronto).

Here are the main neighbourhoods of interest during visitor trips:

• Yonge/Dundas
• Waterfront/Harbourfront
• Chinatown
• Queen West
• Entertainment District
• University of Toronto area
• Yorkville/Bloor
• St. Lawrence/Old Town
• Mississauga
• Toronto Islands
• Distillery District
• Scarborough
• Little Italy
• Kensington Market

We’ve covered some of these in previous blogs, and will surely get to the rest in the future.   Look forward to bumping into you!

Allow me to share with you the Toronto Star newspaper’s guide to the “Stars of the Season” – the best of December’s events (from an article dated Nov.21, 2009):

The Nutcracker – National Ballets’ annual blockbuster.  Gotta see this one once in your life…www.national.ballet.ca

Robin Hood, The Environmental Family Musical – every year, actor Ross Petty and his troupe distorts another well-loved story, to the delight of kids and adults alike…www.rosspetty.com

Puppetmongers – “elegant, detailed, loving and lovely”…www.puppetmongers.com

Canadian Brass – this accomplished quintet is known around the world as one of the best.  Playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra…tso.ca

And if you’re into the vocal stuff:

St. Michael’s Choir School – a festive program that reflects their wide range of ethnic backgrounds as well as their main role in the masses conducted every week at St. Michael’s Cathedral…roythomson.com

Nathaniel Dett Chorale – Canada’s only Afrocentric choir perform “An Indigo Christmas” from the Gospel, Caribbean and African traditions…roythomson.com

Hannaford Street Silver Band and Amadeus Choir – “Nothing says Christmas better than this 24-member brass band and 100-voice choir, in what is usually a pretty traditional selection of carols and anthems”…stlc.com

Please note that some of these events have multiple performances all month long, but others have just one or two dates – so check out the websites to avoid disappointment, and get over ASAP to celebrate the Holidays! And a shameless plug for my favourite Toronto hotel – the Delta Chelsea, just minutes from all these venues – that has a super “Shop n’ Stay” room rate from just $99!

If we don’t chat again before the end of ‘09, have a very happy holiday season, and look forward to blogging in the New Year!

Mr. Toronto

What else has kept me busy?  Went to the opening of a fun new show here, The Toxic Avenger.  A “campy” musical based on a comic character, it’s kind of in the genre of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (meaning it’s not necessarily for everybody!). There are only five actors, but they play multiple parts, and are incredibly talented (including Louise Pitre, who was nominated for a Tony award on Broadway for Mamma Mia. The costume changes are lightening fast and very clever, and the music is a lot more memorable (and fun!) than some of the Andrew Lloyd Webber stuff you hear nowadays. It’s playing for an indefinite run at a lovely little venue, the Danforth Music Hall, which is in Greektown, so lots of great places to visit and eat at before and after the show as well…

Finally, went to the opening of the King Tut exhibit at the AGO last week.  I have to admit I was a bit sceptical…I went to the first Tut show back in the 70’s (I know, really showing my age here), which was great, but the world has changed a lot since then and we have all become more “sophisticated” – and cynical…. well let me tell you, the show lives up to its hype. Really well done, with some breathtaking objects.  My only disclaimer is that this kind of thing is SO much more impressive when you can have a moment “alone” with the object you are looking at, which isn’t very easy when you are jostling for space with dozens of other people.  So my recommendation is to try and go/get your (timed) tickets for as off-peak a time as possible…the show is here til April 2010.

Best news of all is that the weather is holding u and you don’t need snow boots and parkas yet – so come on over and have some fun!

Mr. Toronto

Specifically, let’s talk patios.

It’s a favourite activity of Torontonians and visitors alike to find that “secret” oasis to have a bite and a brew in the great outdoors.  And since patio season is so potentially short in these Northern climes, the smartest business owners have installed heaters to continue the festivities well into November…

Here’s a roundup of some of the best:

The Fifth Grill and Terrace – 221 Richmond St – hidden away on the rooftop of an old warehouse

Grano – 2035 Yonge St – under a tree in their lovely rear patio, you’d think you were in Italy!

Messis – 97 Harbord St – known especially for its yummy desserts; this peaceful patio is surrounded by a barrier of small trees

One – 116 Yorkville Ave – THE place to see and be seen, in the heart of Yorkville on the ground floor of the ritzy Hazelton Hotel

The Miller Tavern – 3885 Yonge St – out of the downtown core, with space to prove it – three tiers of open air seating on a gigantic patio

The Rushton – 740 St. Clair Ave W – also out of the core, in a cool ethnic neighbourhood; really warm and cozy inside if you just can’t take it anymore!

Of course, the most fun part of any visit to Toronto is discovering your own little haven, so don’t be afraid to grab your boots, coat and scarf and enjoy Toronto al fresco!

Mr. Toronto

Yes, that was my way of introducing a burgeoning trend in T.O. – buying locally sourced foodstuffs at markets all over the City…
Farmers’ markets in Toronto have been going strong selling yummy Ontario fruits and veggies all summer long. They don’t shut down until well into October.  Most have very limited days and hours, so here’s a daily guide to some of the best:

Mondays – Sorauren park (at Wabash) : 3-7pm, till Oct.26

Tuesdays – East York Civic centre (at Coxwell) : 8am-2pm, till Nov.4
Riverdale Farm: 3-7pm, till Oct.27

Wednesdays – Toronto City Hall (Nathan Phillip’s Square): 8am-2:30pm, till Oct.14

Thursdays – Dufferin Grove Park (at Bloor): 3-7pm , year round!
Metro Hall (John/Wellington): 8am-2pm, till Oct.14

Fridays – Birchcliff Village (1512 Kingston Rd.): 3-7pm, till Oct.23

Saturdays – Brick Works (Bayview/Pottery Rd.): 8am-1pm, till Oct.31
St. Lawrence Market (North Building): 5am-5pm, year round

Sundays – Distillery District: 10am-6pm, till Oct.16
Liberty Village (Liberty/Atlantic): 9am-2pm, till Oct.27

A bunch of these places – Riverdale Farm, St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District, Liberty Village – make for great places to just walk around and soak up the scene, weather you’re interested in eating all your vegetables or not.

And plenty of restaurants in town to enjoy the end result of using these home-grown goodies, if you don’t feel like doing it yourself.  But that’s the topic for a future blog!

Mr. Toronto

If you’ve never visited TIFF before, you have to check it out.  Besides great movies day and night – many of which you can now actually see since tickets have become more accessible – it really is almost impossible to hang out – at the right places, anyway – and not bump into a movie star somewhere.

So what are those right places, you might ask?  Well, despite many of the movies/galas being shown further downtown, Yorkville is still the centre of activity.  Hotelwise, stand outside of the Four Seasons Hotel and you’re guaranteed a sighting.  The Park Hyatt is right up there, too, with a close 3^rd being the Intercontinental – all spitting distance from each other. And the Hazelton is a very ritzy boutique hotel – with it’s own private screening room – where you can also see beautiful people hanging out in its beautiful bar/restaurant, One….as for other restaurants, Sassafraz still draws them in, as does Bistro 990, which claims to be the “Official Restaurant” of TIFF…Sotto Sotto is an Italian fave of the stars…but you can pick any of the local restaurants, grab a table, and hope for the best (George Clooney ate at a non-descript Yorkville sushi joint last night…)

And then there’s the shopping.  The stars are always visiting their favourite stores in Yorkville, and on Bloor Street. The Roots flagship store is a sure bet, as is Holt Renfrew.

But the great thing about TIFF is you never know where you’ll bump into someone.  I almost ran Dennis Miller over as he was jaywalking on University Avenue a couple years ago, and rode up in an elevator with Sean Penn at the Delta Chelsea last year! (where I also spotted Geoffrey Rush having a drink in the bar).

So put on a comfy pair of shoes, grab your binoculars and autograph book, and come on down!

See you at the movies!

Mr. Toronto

1. The very hip Drake Corner Cafe, at the even hipper Drake Hotel
2. Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, in Liberty Village (more on that in a moment)
3. School, also in Liberty Village
4. Frank, the trendy new restaurant in the beautifully renovated AGO
5. Brassaii Bistro Lounge, housed in a converted turn-of-the-century warehouse
6. Okay Okay, a retro diner with all the trimmings
7. Toast – also like that (you gotta admit, these places have great names!)

So where was I? Oh yes – Liberty Village. This is my new favourite area of town. Used to be a bunch of derelict warehouses, then the film community took over for studio work, etc., and now it’s hip and buzzing. Not a lot to do here but eat, drink, and watch the beautiful people walk around, buy hey – nothin’ wrong with that once in a while! And some great outdoor patios there, so make hay while the sun shines in our fair city!

Happy eats,

Mr. Toronto

Yes, it’s true – Toronto has just gone through a month long City Worker’s strike. City run day camps and swimming pools were closed, the Island Ferry wasn’t running, and garbage wasn’t being picked up. But the media played it up much worse than it actually was (surprise, surprise…) – tourists hardly noticed a thing. There were alternate ways to get to the Island (water taxis), and independent trash collectors made sure the streets were clean. But if you WERE waiting for the strike to be over before visiting, it just ended – so come on down! Personally, I am pretty grateful, cuz I had some pretty old garbage stored in my garage…gotta air that puppy out real good…

If you’re coming to visit with the kiddies, I thought I would pass along five kid-friendly eateries to satisfy grumbling tummies, as noted in the most recent issue of WHERE magazine (very handy to pick up when you hit town, FYI). They are:

1. The Pickle Barrel, casual with a huge menu (a few locations, but easiest is at Atrium on Bay, between the Eaton Centre and delta Chelsea Hotel)
2. The Rainforest Café (you know this, right? Jungle animals, thunder/lightening – kinda tacky but the kids go wild) at Yorkdale Mall (great mall, by the way. Car is easiest, but also serviced by the subway
3. The Old Spaghetti Factory – Fun, Cheap and Casual – on the Esplanade way downtown
4. Alice Fazoolis – Like above, only a little more classy – and a great patio!
5. Richtree Market Restaurant - individual cooking stations, self serve – lotsa fun and interesting to watch…on Yonge, right downtown

And just for the adults, thought I’d throw in a little tip for when the kiddies are tucked in bed – there’s a gem of a local pub I just went to over the weekend, called – The Gem.

One of those rare neighbourhood hangouts that’s tucked away, cozy , warm and friendly – with great food and a great patio (and live music some nights). Davenport St. near Christie.

Cheers!

Mr. Toronto