Posts tagged ‘toronto’

May 18

Work it!!!

Hands on hips — a classic. And so natural looking.

I spent all of yesterday with Alexandra. We walked to Leslieville and I learned something about my new favourite neighbourhood that changed my mind about living there: The pubs don’t open until late afternoon / early evening. Deal. Breaker. However, I think it’s a good location to open my vegan bakery.

We walked a lot, with some beer drinking in between that served as little breaks. Alex did take these series of photos of me, in several different… poses.

Hands in pockets. Another classic.

Are you taking a picture of me?

Oh… you are!

May 17

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My first time at Sweaty Betty’s

Considering that Sweaty Betty’s has been open for ten years, it’s shameful that yesterday was my first venture there. How can I call myself a Torontonian?

Alex, our super server, informed us that Kiefer Sutherland was in the previous night, and Drew Barrymore has also partied there.

I can see why. Sweaty Betty’s has an indescribable vibe. It attracts a mixed group of urban dwellers from all walks of life, not just hipsters, of which there are plenty make no mistake in that.

Whenever I go to a bar, I like to sit at, well, the bar. This way I can talk to the bartender and ask as many questions as I would like. Alex was a friendly gal, and she played an eclectic array of music to appeal to all tastes. I appreciate when bartenders take the time to speak with their patrons, especially if they’re genuine and not looking for a big tip.

The beer on tap is pretty tame, nothing too crazy, I don’t think there was an IPA, and the food menu, though small, is satisfying. They make the meals right there in front of you, so I don’t think you’d be able to order grub during a busy night, they just wouldn’t have the time to make it. But you can always ask, just be prepared to be shot down!

The Ossington area has really sprung up over the last couple of years. It was a decade ago that Alisha used to live in this area and my word, has it progressed. Back then it was a neglected neighbourhood of Toronto, and now it’s flourishing with charm.

I thought Sweaty Betty’s was really swell, and if you’re ever in Toronto and looking for a place to meet interesting and funny people, while drinking some great beer, try this place.

Sweaty Betty’s
13 Ossington Ave

May 13

Triple A Bar

On Adelaide St. is a bar I used to frequent back in my youth that was then called Laide. From what I have read, the owner had a baby and decided to change things around a little bit, name included. New and improved, Triple A is more open, lighter and sleeker than its former self. I observed a welcoming, comfortable urban bar with a friendly, familiar staff that instills a sense of community. The owner’s young daughter was present, and well-behaved which I appreciated immensely! Patrons were arriving to watch The Toronto Maple Leafs play the Boston Bruins, so there was a feeling of tension in the air as men clung to their pints in hopes that the home team would make it to fight another day. And they did. The Leafs won, forcing game seven in the first rounds of playoffs.

So, if you’re downtown and looking for a drink in a friendly, cozy environment check out Triple A! Chau.

Triple A Bar
138 Adelaide St. E.

May 11

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My pets are driving me insane — more so

A confession. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have pets. I mean, they’re a lot of work, and if they’re anything like Maude, really expensive. Truly, I love my pets very much, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for them, but they’re constantly in my face needing attention and love. I want to scream.

Maude is a special case. She’s always restless, except when I take her for a walk, where she stands motionless, as if to say, “What the fuck are we doing?” I’m constantly worried about her because she’s always sick.

Beenie on the other hand is the most needy cat on the planet. She purs all the time and I can’t sit down to eat breakfast without her nestling in my lap pressing her head to my hand demanding that I pet her. I always acquiesce but she can never get enough. I just want to eat my breakfast!

I’m sorry, this is all coming from sleep deprivation. I probably slept about four hours last night, Maude was up bright and early pacing back and forth throughout the apartment.

As usual I prepared all her medications; she’s on a strict regiment to control her hypothyroidism and epilepsy. Then I brought her outside to do her “business” and thought while we were at it I might as well take her for a walk so that I could get a coffee and snap some photographs of the tulips in St. James Park.

I shouldn’t be complaining. I get up at the crack of dawn anyway, and never sleep past 7:30 in the morning. Even on weekends, even after I spent the evening binge drinking, which I didn’t do last night by the way.

Anyway, I love my pets, I just wish they would sleep when I do.

May 10

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Pink sky

As I was pet-sitting Maude and Beenie ALL ALONE in this big huge apartment I looked towards my right to see that the sky had turned pink. Luckily my camera was close by and I ran to the balcony to document the scene as it was happening!

Weather report! The temperature in Toronto has been super high for over a week with endless, nourishing sun. This all started on my birthday, April 30, and I took it as a sign that I am the messiah.

Unfortunately, the rain moved in yesterday and it brought a drop in heat, but it’s welcome relief, for now. The next five days are supposed to be cooler with a return to above seasonal temperatures by Wednesday, or something like that.

For those who think that Canada is besieged in snow most of the year I would like to set the record straight. In Toronto, at least, the first snowfall usually occurs in November or December, and with it below zero degree temperatures. Usually February and March are the hardest months because the days are shorter, and of course colder with a snowstorm thrown in here and there for good measure. But we tend to offset this by drinking a lot of alcohol and throwing house parties. April brings Spring showers and by May we’re experiencing summer warmth that lasts well into October.

And then comes Autumn, which is usually the most beautiful time of the year because the leaves change colour and the city is… well… the city is stunning. Not to mention cottage country, which has to be experienced first-hand to be believed.

Nothing better than sitting by the fireplace, getting drunk on cheap beer and passing out naked.

Ahhhh.. Canada. I salute you!

May 1

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Indigo is his own, blue always knew it

Thanks for all the wonderful birthday wishes yesterday. I don’t celebrate by throwing a party, rather I prefer to drink a bottle of red wine all alone and pass out on the floor. It’s my thing.

In all seriousness, I had a nice day. I left work at noon and sat on a patio by myself enjoying a beer (Rolling Rock if you’re interested) when a complete stranger sat next to me. He kept going on and on about his life, and inevitably the topic turned to sex. He was one of those early disclosures and I was being held hostage.

In 20 minutes I learned that he lost all his teeth to cancer, that he was Jewish and that he recently moved to Toronto from Ottawa. Three months to be exact.

Then he explained how reserved and cold Torontonians are, and sensing my hesitation to speak with him, he told me that I was an introvert. I explained that I wasn’t, that I was simply enjoying some alone time — making no mention that it was my birthday — and that sometimes people appear cold because they prefer to be alone, and are caught off guard when a stranger starts to speak to them.

This didn’t deter him. He kept touching me, trying to feel my muscles, and then made observations about my face, which were unwarranted. I asked him to stop touching me, that I don’t like when people I don’t know invade my personal space. He kept asking me if he could buy me a shot, or another beer, but I politely declined his persistent offers. Then, out of no where he started to “woof” at men as they passed by on the street.

I was shocked that anyone would actually bark at another human being, but he clearly thought this was appropriate. I said to him about one particular gentleman he seemed to fancy, “Maybe you can go and speak to him,” to which he responded, “I’m too shy.”

Just not shy enough to bark at him. Anyway, I got up, paid for my beer, shook his hand and excused myself from his presence.

People! Here are some photographs I took from a recent visit to Riverdale Farm. Enjoy.

Apr 28

Vegan mac & cheese

A lot of people complain about vegan cheese, and I’ll admit that it can taste like plastic, but that just means we have to keep demanding better quality, and eventually we’ll get it.

Saying that there are a lot of veganists who are developing better recipes for vegan cheese, and they can be found right here in Toronto.

Vegan chef Douglas McNish has developed a delicious smoked tofu, kale and squash mac and cheese that is to die for.

Yesterday we ventured to the Evergreen Brick Works market to pick up our order. It’s a little on the pricy side, $20 in fact, but it’s made from scratch and serves 6 people.

Believe me it leaves you with a full stomach. Check out Doug’s blog, where he provides his Brickworks menu a few days in advance.

Okay, bye.

Apr 22

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Paulette’s Original Donuts and Chicken

Rarely do I eat donuts, but when I do, I prefer quality over Tim Horton’s! Located in my favourite Toronto neighbourhood, Leslieville, Paulett’s Original Donuts and Chicken is certain to meet anyone’s high expectations.

Paulette’s opened last June, and it’s not uncommon to wait in long lineups along the sidewalk, only to find late in the day that all the donuts have pretty much sold out. As was the case yesterday when I had but one choice of donut to eat: Cherry something, I can’t remember the full name!

Because I’m a vegetarian I didn’t try the chicken, but I have heard that it’s to die for. And my cherry donut? It was everything I hoped it would be. I highly recommend that you visit this place when you get a chance.

Paulette’s Original Donuts and Chicken
913 Queen St. E.

Apr 21

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Hitch Bar in Leslieville

Hitch is a new bar that recently opened in Leslieville. Named after one of my heroes, Christopher Hitchens, the bar honours our favourite atheist’s drinking habits with a bevy of strong cocktails: scotch and plenty of bourbon. For beer enthusiasts, they also have Beau’s on tap, a lager that I’m really getting into.

Tonight the owner featured an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie night, and for the first time I watched Commando, which is possibly the worst film ever made, and Terminator. Laughs were had by all in attendance.

If you’re in the area I recommend that you stop by Hitch and order a drink. The bartender was friendly and attentive, without being pushy or annoying. The confines are smaller than I expected, but the intimate vibe is appealing, with one long table and several smaller ones that are perfect for birthday parties or large groups. Although you would possibly have to call in advance to ensure there’s room.

Check it out. Sooner than later!

Hitch Bar
1216 Queen St. E.

Apr 21

Sunday morning photo essay

The weather for the past two months has been unseasonably colder than usual. Last week there were a few warm days that allowed for patio drinking, a Toronto past time. We’ve just about had it with this prolonged winter/spring that doesn’t seem to want to end. At least this morning there was sun, instead of the persistent rain we’ve been enduring throughout April.

So with camera in hand and shoes on my feet, I did what I do best: I walked. And then on my journey I found a $20 bill lying on the ground and I bought brunch with it! This is about the only good luck I’ll ever be afforded so I might as well enjoy this one morsel while it lasts.

Now I think I’ll lie in bed and take a nap. Oh what a sweet life.