Annex Post February 2022

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SEND A LITTLE LOVE CHEF MARC THUET SAMPLES THE BIGGEST THING IN T.O. BAKING — MINI CAKES!

TORONTO’S NEWEST ‘BORED’ GAME

DO YOU KNOW BO BICHETTE FROM BOBA FETT OR WHETHER AUSTON MATTHEWS OR AUSTIN POWERS IS A LEAF? TO BEAT THE PANDEMIC BOREDOM, IN THIS ISSUE OUR COVER STORY IS A T.O. TRIVIA GAME. SEE HOW YOU RANK!

FEBRUARY 2022 · VOLUME 5 · ISSUE 2

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Celebrating 42 years

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FEBRUARY 2022

AND

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FROM

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2022

Welcome to this month’s Post.

Sit back & enjoy.

BUCA STAR IS REBORN Chef Rob Gentile and Janet Zuccarini team up on new L.A. restaurant

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FEBRUARY 2022

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A GOLDEN ROMANCE Russell and Barbara Oliver on their whirlwind Valentine’s Day wedding

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Jeanne Beker on the city’s cosiest co-ordinating sleepwear

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SEND A LITTLE LOVE Chef Marc Thuet samples the biggest thing in Toronto baking — mini cakes!

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TORONTO’S NEWEST ‘BORED’ GAME To beat the pandemic boredom, play our T.O. trivia game and see how you rank!

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BY THE NUMBERS

THE POST INTERVIEW

The Winter Olympics we all need right now

© Canadian Olympic Committee

Gold medallist Tessa Virtue has spent the past couple of decades delivering big Olympic moments. Now she’s joined the CBC broadcast team to witness and bring new stories to us. We are here for it. by Ron Johnson

12 The number of years Ontario has been celebrating Family Day, scheduled for Feb. 21 this year.

$60 The amount, in millions, for Amazon to gain the exclusive rights to the SmartLess podcast starring Toronto native Will Arnett.

L-R: Tessa Virtue, and Tessa with her longtime skating partner Scott Moir

Oh, I'm so honoured to be part of this CBC team and to have the opportunity to tell the athletes’ stories. And it's certainly different this time around. We were hoping to go to the 2006 Olympics so we were preparing — we were alternates that year [she didn’t make it, but competed in 2010, 2014 and 2018]. So it's been quite some time since a Winter Olympics has rolled around and it hasn’t been my entire life. But what a privilege to be on the other side of it, to be part of such an esteemed broadcast team. It’s really exciting. I'll still get a little bit of adrenaline and nerves and pressure.

I miss the clarity of one very specific goal.

And one purposeful moment in time chasing that feeling. I miss the big stage. I remember Hayley Wickenheiser saying that one time, when I asked her how she felt. I think that was when she was in med school. And she articulated there’s something about the big stage. Its sense of meaning and significance is astounding. So I missed those things. And I suppose ultimately, I also missed the camaraderie. And there's something special to be part of the Canadian Olympic team.

What do the Olympics mean to you?

Emotions are heightened surrounding an Olympic Games, no matter the circumstances, and I imagine even more so this year.

I would presume they’re running the gamut of emotions, feeling anticipation, some fear, certainly excitement, nerves, pressure.

For one, they symbolize a very significant first chapter of my life or maybe first couple of chapters. For so long my life and, honestly, those of my family and friends, too, were marked by the Games since 2010. And then 2014, 2018, we just thought in these four year cycles. But it's so much more than that. And we never really took that for granted. There are so many ways in which the Games are politicized, particularly in the lead up. And yet, when that torch is lit and the competitions begin, it’s as if time stops, and we can all focus on the purity of sport, and it's really beautiful. And I think it can bring people together. It can.

What are these athletes going through right now?

How is our Olympic team looking and what are you most excited to watch?

Oh gosh, I can't wait. I'm the biggest Olympic fan. So it'll be so fun to be — when I'm not in the commentating group — just parked right in front of the TV trying to absorb all the stories and following along. I mean, there are some standouts, people that we share a mental performance coach, Max Parrot and Mikaël Kingsbury. I can't wait to cheer them on. Of course, I will say the

women's hockey team at every Games is the central pillar, like they were the heart and soul of the Canadian team. So I have so much admiration, so much love for those women.

And, of course, our skaters. I mean, it's going to be really exciting to see some fresh faces, which will be a great experience for them, and some seasoned vets. I think we're going to be well represented no doubt.

2 Toronto’s ranking in a list of the top 25 large cities in which to live and work in the film industry.

What's your fondest Olympic memory?

You know, in general, I think the Sochi Olympics was probably the best month of my life. It was so fun. Such a formidable team.

But it's the memories in the cafeteria, when you're chatting with the curlers and you're connecting with athletes who have very similar stories, even though you know there is such a variety of paths to get to the Olympics.

It's fun to connect with people who understand the sacrifice and determination it takes to perform on the world stage.

$1,895 The cost of a baby rocker from a Toronto furniture company given to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.

You’ve moved to Toronto. Have you landed on a few neighbourhood faves yet?

Having a dog, I have to say High Park is a real highlight. I love Trinity Bellwoods, but you know, some specific favourites: the restaurant Vela, Union, Jimmy’s Coffee; Bloomer’s Donuts is a staple of mine now. But there's a vibrancy to the city. Granted, I moved during COVID, so not the best time to really pick up on the flavour of the city. But even just kind of wandering and getting an overall feeling for the city, I'm so happy to be here.

45,000 The tonnes of snow removed by the City of Toronto since a massive snowstorm hit last month.

FEBRUARY 2022

What do you miss most about the period leading up to the Olympics?

| POST |

How does it feel to be, at least virtually, heading back to the Winter Olympics?

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

A rendering shows the 79-storey building towering over Bloor

79-storey condo proposed for Bloor No park space offered as part of development application

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by Eric Stober

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Another tall tower is being proposed for Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood to create more housing in the city, but residents are concerned about a lack of public space.

An application was submitted to create a 79-storey tower at 83–95 Bloor St., essentially taking up half a block between St. Thomas Street and Bay Street on the south side of Bloor Street.

The proposal from developer Parallax Corp. includes 1,118 residential units with retail on the ground floor but no offices in the building.

There would be a mix of 444 studios (40 per cent), 377 one bedrooms (34 per cent), 184 two bedrooms (16 per cent ), and 113 three bedrooms (10 per cent), as well as 95 parking spaces over four floors of an interior garage.

The tower is the latest addition to a number of other tall projects in the area, including a 79-storey tower across the street, where the clothing store Harry Rosen currently sits. However, that proposal for 80 Bloor St. W. includes a deal for the developer to expand Yorkville Park, providing more public space in the area in exchange for height.

The application for across the street, though, does not include any public space plans.

Alan Baker, president of the Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association (GYRA), said the

proposal has “no redeeming new features at all for the public.” He said, “They end up with another tall building on Bloor.”

The plans include the preservation of the facade of one heritage-listed building, where the Georg Jensen store used to be, which dates back to the 1950s. Baker is in favour of this to avoid a wall of glass.

Local councillor Mike Layton said the height of the building is a “little bit aggressive” and is concerned that the density in the area might outpace the infrastructure.

Ideally, the city would work with the developer to include amenities for the neighbourhood, but Layton said it currently does not have great bargaining power due to the developer-friendly Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), to which developers can appeal city decisions.

Layton said developers know they might get a friendly decision there so are not too concerned with including what the City of Toronto asks for in their applications.

Nevertheless, Layton doesn’t think this application will “fundamentally change” the area, but the growing precedent of tall towers in the area could eventually cause the “dam to break,” he said.

“We can’t just keep putting buildings out without providing the appropriate services.”

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The beloved outdoor rink at Wallace Emerson Park

Are outdoor rinks under pressure? the current hockey rink, which is already packed with people,” Westreich said. “You could maybe play two on two hockey on the pad, three on three if you’re really pushing it.”

When asking around, Westreich learned that not a single person at the rink knew of the plan to not replace the hockey rink.

“I tried to set up a meeting to speak with the city councillor,” Westreich said. “But the message I got was that nothing could be done. The plans were already made up and maybe I could put up a petition.”

“I can’t think of too many other cities that have such a great outdoor hockey scene.”

Westreich, along with Joe Sismondo and Patrick MeredithKaram decided to advocate to keep the hockey rink and started a petition on Change.org, and it has 2,500 signees and counting.

The petition has been posted on Facebook community sites, including one for the Dufferin Grove area. Coun. Bailão responded that the rink closure is part of a massive expansion of Wallace Emerson Park, and in place of the hockey rink there will be a skating path as well as a skating path that can be blocked

off to be used for shinny hockey.

“Overall, the total skating area is similar in size to the existing skate area at the park today.

However, the layout of the skate trail should provide more usable area for more leisure skaters and accommodate more people, as it provides a larger perimeter circuit/loop,” she wrote. “The shinny rink will be smaller than the existing shinny area, and while it won’t have boards, it will be enclosed by concrete seat walls (around 2′ high) and puck backstops.”

Westreich is hoping that the overwhelming response to the petition will lead to a community meeting with the councillor where people can express their views directly. In the response, Coun. Bailão made it clear that change was not coming.

“I can appreciate that you may like the city to reopen and restart the design process for this project, but we cannot accommodate this request.

Detailed design and construction documents have been completed for the facility, and the project has been tendered,” she wrote.

Westreich isn’t giving up. He said hockey is an expensive sport at an organized level, and these rinks provide access to the sport for those who otherwise might not be able to play at all.

“It’s just awesome,” Westreich said of the city’s outdoor rinks. “I can’t think of too many other cities that have such a great outdoor hockey scene. We need to add to it, not take away.”

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FEBRUARY 2022

One of the unique aspects of Toronto is the number of free and accessible outdoor hockey rinks that open up in neighbourhoods across the city every winter. The outdoor rinks in the city are legendary. In the east end, the late, great Gord Downie would hold court in between the pipes at Withrow Park. Eric Lindros and other exNHLers can be found in certain north Toronto rinks from time to time. Every day, hundreds of locals hit the ice across the city for a free and accessible game of shinny with a side of social connection and exercise. These rinks have it all, and they are treasured by many.

Now, the city of Toronto is planning on permanently closing one of those rinks at Wallace Emerson Park, and a community movement in opposition to the move is hoping to put those plans on ice.

Jared Westreich, an engineer who works for a medical technology startup, moved to the west end neighbourhood in October and hits the ice several times every week to play shinny hockey with anywhere from 30 to 50 other people.

When he saw signs that the park was going to be redeveloped, he contacted the office of local city councillor Ana Bailão and was surprised to learn that the hockey rink was going to be shut down and replaced with a skating path and a small skating pad that can be closed down for shinny hockey.

“It’s about a third of the size of

by Ron Johnson

| POST |

Neighbourhood hockey pads should be off limits

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NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Unique and central development site at Yonge and Davenport

Canadian Bicycle Recycling

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Donate Your Used Bicycles We’ll pick them up for free!

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canadianbicyclerecycling.ca Be sure to let us know which magazine you saw our ad in!

Knowing which neighbourhoods respond, helps us help others!

Condos for historic Canadian Tire site?

Local councillor would like to see connection to ravine system

by Ron Johnson Although nothing is official yet, an insider has posted information online alleging a redevelopment application is underway for the site at 839 Yonge St. currently home to a Canadian Tire store.

The large, oddly shaped 2.4-acre parcel of land is on the northeast corner of Yonge and Davenport backing onto railway tracks and the Rosedale neighbourhood.

“I do, from time to time, have knowledge of proposals before they become public, but often that is not sharable for business reasons and/or to protect sources.

In this case, while my source wishes to remain private, I have permission to share,” read a post on development site Urban Toronto. “That the flagship Canadian Tire on Yonge, just north of Church/Davenport will be redeveloped. Plans are afoot for a multi-tower proposal. I don’t have an exact number.”

The location, and indeed this area of the city, is rich in history.

The site is home to a Canadian Tire store along with the historic Grand Central Market, which was built in 1929. Canadian Tire took over the site in 1937 as the company flagship. The property was listed in the city’s heritage register on Feb. 24, 1986. It is located across the street from another iconic heritage site in the Masonic Temple, built in 1917.

Behind the Canadian Tire is the site of the historic Studio

Building at 25 Severn St., used by the Group of Seven and built by Eden Smith in 1914. It is now a national historic site. Some commenters on the post suggest a plan that incorporates a walkway down to the site and the adjoining parklands would be a positive contribution.

There is speculation that the site could handle a three-tower development and that a new Canadian Tire would be incorporated into the site, but no application has been put forward.

The local city councillor for the area is Mike Layton. He said he hasn’t seen an application or had any meetings with a potential developer so can’t comment on specifics, but he had a few ideas for what he’d like to see on the site at some point.

“I’ve seen the maps and gone over the local site, and we could definitely have better access at the rear to the ravine system, which is very inaccessible right now,” he said.

Layton said the site does have challenges, but it is also close to two subway stations.

One concern is the potential shadowing on the ravine lands should a developer choose to simply propose tall slabs of concrete.

“If a creative developer wants to invest in the city and connect the green space, it might result in a net benefit,” he said.

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CITYWIDE BREAK-INS JANUARY 2022 - TORONTO WHEN

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been arrested and charged as part of a homicide investigation after a shooting in the area of Bloor Street East and Church Street. On Jan. 8, at 10:52 p.m., police responded to a call of a shooting in the area. Police arrived to find a 20-yearold male victim of Toronto who had been shot. The victim was transported by paramedics to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Three male suspects were last seen running eastbound on Bloor Street East. On Jan. 9, a 22-year-old male suspect of Toronto was arrested and charged with seconddegree murder. On Jan. 10, a 22-year-old male suspect and a 23-year-old male suspect, both of Toronto, surrendered to police. They have also been charged with second-degree murder.

Three suspects have

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Now we are welcoming you to get back in shape, back to training and with reasonable fees.

Don’t give up!!

We understand the challenges of the pandemic and are here to help you return to the sport we all love.

We have programs for little ones, juniors, and seniors.

Attentive to all the required COVID restrictions, the club continues to develop some of the best gymnasts in Canada.

suspect of Toronto has been arrested and charged as part of an indecent act investigation. On Jan. 18, at 5:25 p.m., officers responded to a TTC streetcar in the area of Bathurst Street and Ulster Street. It is alleged that a 13-year-old female victim was aboard a northbound streetcar when she was approached by a stranger, who exposed himself to her and motioned for her to touch him. The victim then activated the passenger assistance alarm. The suspect was arrested and has been charged.

A 38-year-old male

is seeking witnesses after a fatal collision involving a pedestrian in the city of Vaughan.

On Jan. 13, at 11 p.m., police were called to Bathurst and Steeles after a pedestrian had been reportedly struck by a grey Toyota Camry. The pedestrian was a 79-year-old female victim from Toronto who was transported to a hospital and later succumbed to her injuries on Jan. 14. The driver, a 60-year-old female from the city of Markham, was not injured and remained at the scene. Police are asking any witnesses or anybody with dashcam footage to come forward.

York Regional Police

Success is also measured in our young, inexperienced athletes who learn to develop skills of balance, co-ordination, and motor skill strength in a fun and stimulating environment.

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FEBRUARY 2022

suspect of Toronto is facing charges as part of a retail robbery investigation after a robbery in the area of Sheppard Avenue East and Don Mills Road. On Jan. 4, at 6:33 p.m., Toronto Police Service officers responded to a radio call for a robbery in progress inside a mall. It is alleged that the suspect was breaking glass displays in a jewelry store with a sledgehammer while employees were in the store. When mall security arrived the suspect fled.

Police arrived and pursued the suspect on foot, apprehending him and recovering the stolen property of 14 diamond rings. The suspect faces charges of robbery, disguise with intent and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

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| POST |

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a 30-year-old male suspect of Toronto and charged him with second-degree murder after an incident in the area of Clinton Street and College Street. On Jan. 3, officers responded to a radio call. Police arrived on the scene and located a 30-year old female victim of Toronto without vital signs. She was taken to hospital and pronounced deceased.

Police have arrested

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easy, online classes.

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SPANISH TEACHER

www.holanelly.com | Info@holanelly.com | 647-522-5003 A proposed Metrolinx rail yard for the Ontario Line

Transit is about politics Municipal and provincial shelves are lined with failed projects: when will it stop?

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As chair of the TTC, I had firsthand experience in the politics of transit. Mayoral races were won or lost based on a transit vision for the city. Mayor Miller had Transit City, Mayor Ford had subways, and Mayor Tory had SmartTrack.

None of these visions were realized.

Although it is hard to get transit built, it is necessary. The current transit system was built for a city half the size of Toronto. Three decades ago, the system worked fine, now it does not.

In response, Metrolinx was formed as the transit building organization for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, to create a transit master plan that would help ease the gridlock that continues to choke the region. The vision for Metrolinx was that it would be an arm’s-length organization supported with dedicated funding, protecting it from political winds.

There was a moment in time when Metrolinx could actually have been that organization, but that moment has long passed.

The $11 billion Ontario Line is a perfect example. Although there are many merits to building a 15.6kilometre transit line that runs from Ontario Place to Exhibition Place, the reality is that this line did not exist on any map until Premier Ford drew it on one.

Luckily for the premier, there was a federal election at the time, so the feds have also committed money to the project.

Although years had been spent developing another expensive transit project, the Big Move,

which was the blueprint for transit expansion for the next 25 years, the plan now sits on a shelf alongside all of the other transit visions from the past 25 years.

Though Metrolinx claims to make decisions based only on the best technical solutions, the evidence would suggest otherwise.

The Eglinton-Crosstown added several underground stations and several hundred millions of dollars to its budget, in response to political pressure. The Yonge North Subway Extension abruptly changed the technical route as a result of community pushback.

One of the more controversial aspects of Ontario Line is a rail yard proposed at Thorncliffe Park.

Although the community welcomes its one transit stop, there is outrage at the proposal to build a 175,000-square-metre rail yard.

To build the yard, Metrolinx will appropriate a mosque and an entire retail plaza that has 34 local businesses serving the low-income community. Metrolinx insists this is the best spot for the rail yard, even though nine other locations were reviewed. The decision is technical, not political.

Thorncliffe Park is also located in Kathleen Wynne’s riding.

KAREN STINTZ

Karen Stintz is a former city councillor, elected in 2003, and was a chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 8.

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Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horvath has pledged to allow Toronto a 47-ward system

The best reason for shifting more power from Queen’s Park to Toronto City Council is that the latter has a much better government structure.

The serious decisions at the provincial government are all made in cabinet, where ministers meet in private and are required to swear an oath of secrecy that they will reveal nothing that happens at those meetings.

At city council the law requires that all decisions and debates, save those involving legal and personnel matters, must be held in public. All the information available to the politicians is available to the public, and we get to see — and judge — the way the decisions are made. It might look messy at times, but it is the best way to hold politicians accountable. The persuasive powers of the mayor, if they exist, are on the table, not hidden away.

At Queen’s Park the government can and does put limits on the amount of public input it will permit on any topic.

At city council there are legal requirements for public hearings on land use matters, and the practice is for hearings on all other business.

At Queen’s Park the government can (and does) rely on the notwithstanding clause to protect its actions from legal challenge under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It threatened to do that if the courts upset its 2018 decision to reduce the number of wards in the city.

City council has no such power.

Putting more power in the control of city council — to fund its programs for transit and housing from taxes it levies rather than relying on uncertain provincial transfers from the same tax sources — will result in better decisions because council is more accountable. It is why giving Toronto charter city status with more legislated powers makes good sense.

Sadly, city council has not pursued an agenda to achieve enhanced powers. But those

“At Queen’s Park the government can and does put limits on the amount of public input it will permit on any topic.” powers might change with the provincial election in June.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath has promised to permit Toronto to have the 47-ward system it attempted to institute for the 2018 election. That would be a systemic change, bringing in 22 new councillors. The last time such a change happened was in 1969 when the Ontario Municipal Board required city council to adopt a new ward system.

The old system had Regent Park and St. James Town in the

same ward as Rosedale and Moore Park, so those wealthier neighbourhoods always outvoted the poorer ones and elected politicians who represented their interests. The new ward system changed that. The result was the reform council of 1972 and the decade-long progressive changes in city government. The change in the ward system to 47 wards would not result in a transfer of power, but it would generate political leaders ready to push for that transfer.

Four NDP riding associations have passed motions endorsing the charter city concept. The same kind of activity is apparent within the Ontario Liberal party, where riding associations are now debating the charter city idea.

The sole Green Party MPP has said his party favours a charter city status for Toronto.

None of this provides any certainty, but at a time when city council seems to have lost interest in gaining more powers, it is encouraging to see what’s happening on the provincial front.

We will see what happens during the next four months.

JOHN SEWELL

Post City Magazines’ columnist John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto and the author of a number of urban planning books, including The Shape of the Suburbs.

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FEBRUARY 2022

Struggle between city and province a potential election issue

| POST |

Can Toronto take the power back?

13

A Tale of Two Investment Outlooks “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

— Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

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FEATURE

NEWS

storeys and three additional sixstorey buildings. The revised application also increases the amount of proposed parkland to 4,746 square metres. The application has been submitted to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre redux 737 to 1,496 residential units

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is one of the biggest and busiest shopping centres in Canada. It’s perched on a subway line, an expressway and a provincial highway. So a residential component makes a lot of sense.

If the proposal for a long-term intensification proceeds, additions to the plan may include several 30-storey residential condo towers, offices and an eight-storey hotel — potentially over a dozen new buildings over a 20-year growth phase. The plan also includes park and green space for the neighbourhood.

Massive surface areas are allowing developers to create complete communities with amenities such as community centres, parks and retail by Eric Stober and Ron Johnson With affordability continuing to be at a premium in Toronto, developers are scouring the city for sites to create more housing supply. One of the largest remaining sites to create largescale developments is surface parking lots, especially those found at shopping malls.

In addition to replacing a space waster in surface parking lots, these large sites offer the added bonus of community amenities that didn’t exist with a onedimensional mall.

City councillor John Filion said the repurposing of malls has been done for decades.

“Wherever you have big parcels of land, you have developers buying the land and redeveloping it,” he said.

The latest is a development plan submitted to the City of Toronto that would level North York’s Centerpoint Mall and in place of the aging shopping centre would be 22 condo buildings.

Two decades from now, most if not every shopping mall in the city will either be replaced by a housing development or at

minimum have substantial on-site housing.

Here is what we know so far: Reimagining Galleria Mall 2,835 residential units

Construction is well underway for the eight-building Galleria on the Park.

It will open in phases, beginning with Phase I, which includes Galleria I and the new Wallace Emerson Community Centre.

The 21,000-square-metre project is replacing the Galleria Shopping Centre that opened in 1972 and has been partly demolished.

In total, the three condominiums will host up to 2,900 residents. Galleria III, for its part, has 426 condo units, ranging from studios up to three-bedroom units. Units have already sold out for Galleria 01.

According to developer Elad Canada, Galleria III will act as the entryway to the master-planned community that includes a new eight-acre city park, a revamped Wallace Emerson Community

Centre and up to 300,000 square feet of retail space.

Centerpoint to subway hub 8,325 residential units

A major new development project is being proposed to replace Centerpoint Mall at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue ahead of a new Yonge North subway station coming to the area.

The application from developer Revenue Properties Company

province has mandated greater density in transit zones to create more housing supply as the market faces a shortage that has helped prices skyrocket.

Filion expects this development to be done in phases and take over 20 years to complete.

Bayview mall creating a village 1,030 residential units

A proposal to redevelop the surface parking area of Bayview

“Wherever you have big parcels of land, you have developers buying the land and redeveloping it.” proposes 22 buildings ranging from two towers that reach 50 storeys to a mix of highrises, midrises and townhouses.

City councillor John Filion said the density being proposed is not too much and was to be expected given the new Steeles subway station slated for the area. The

Village Shopping Centre at Bayview Avenue and Sheppard Avenue East was first submitted in 2017, although nothing has been firmed up yet.

A revised application submitted to the city in January 2020 proposed two south towers of 30 and 29 storeys, a north tower of 20

3,770 residential units

The coming Crosstown LRT is ushering in a new era of development along Eglinton Avenue, and nowhere is that more clear than at the corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue.

Here, the 7.7-hectare site featuring a one-storey mall and extensive surface parking lots will be levelled to make way for a large-scale development that includes seven buildings between six and 50 storeys. Also included in the plan is a large central park, additional open space, office space, retail and more.

Remaking Sherway Gardens in three phases 1,578 residential units

Cadillac Fairview announced plans for a massive redevelopment of the parking lots around Sherway Gardens mall late last year.

Plans that have been submitted to the city for the first of three phases include four new buildings, two condominiums and two CF rental residential buildings, with retail and amenities. A new public park is proposed as well as a pedestrian urban plaza and a large landscaped zone along The Queensway, which will include a multi-use path, planting and seating opportunities.

FEBRUARY 2022

Trend to develop mall parking lots on track to produce approximately 20,000 new homes

From Golden Mile to golden opportunity

| POST |

Clockwise from left: 22 buildings proposed for Centerpoint Mall site, Galleria on the Park, and a new vision for Yorkdale mall

15

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PRIVATE ESCAPE

FEBRUARY 2022

THORNHILL

HARBORD VILLAGE

17

COVER STORY

T AR ST

THE TTC IS ON TIME, TAKE A BONUS TURN

THE RULES

TEAM NAMES

• Split into two teams and choose team names.

• Choose a quiz host: the host will ask all questions

• The game board: for every correct answer a team

TEAM TORY

TEAM ATWOOD

TEAM DRAKE

TEAM VANVLEET

TEAM TAGAQ

TEAM O’HARA

moves forward TWO spaces.

• If a team answers incorrectly, the other team has

the chance to steal and move forward ONE space.

• First team to make it to the finish is the winner!

1. Who owned and built Casa Loma?

A. Sir Henry Pellatt B. Sir Elton John

C. Lord Eaton D. Dave

2. Where did Mayor John Tory work before going into politics?

LEAFS LOSE IN OT, GO BACK A SPACE

A. Rogers B. Bell

C. Molson D. Torstar

3. The name Toronto originated from what Indigenous word?

A. ohénhsa B. Karáhkwa

C. awè:ri D. Tkaronto

A. The Beatles C. The Tragically Hip B. The Rolling Stones D. Queen

A. Barenaked Ladies C. Blue Rodeo B. Rush D. The Band

A. Lightyear Turning THE TTCC. IS ON Red TIME, B. Shang-Chi D. Revenge of Polkaroo

14. What Canadian sitcom star made a debut as a superhero in 2021?

8. What is the name of the upcoming Pixar movie set in Toronto?

TAKE A BONUS TURN

9. What are the two chocolate factories in Toronto’s west end?

A. Nestlé B. Cadbury

C. Mars D. Hershey

A. Dan Levy B. Simu Liu

C. Will Arnett D. Nina Dobrev

15. Where is the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre located?

A. Ontario Place C. Shops at Don Mills B. Exhibition Place D. Parkdale

16. What ancient glacial lake was responsible for T.O.’s escarpments?

A. Donovan Bailey C. Andre De Grasse B. Damian Warner D. Andre 2000

A. SCTV C. Saturday Night Live B. Kids in the Hall D. In Living Color

A. Ravina B. Iroquois

5. Which team was former Leafs winger Zach Hyman traded to in 2021?

11. Who was the Toronto mayor who called in the army after a snowstorm?

17. This T.O. artist is boycotting the Grammys despite garnering nominations

A. Edmonton B. Winnipeg

A. John Tory B. June Rowlands

A. Shawn Mendes B. The Weeknd

C. Charleston D. Las Vegas

C. Mel Lastman D. John Sewell

12. Name of the cancelled expressway that almost levelled the Annex.

A. Allen B. Bloor bike lanes

C. Spadina D. Midtown

C. Mississauga D. Huron

C. Jessie Reyez D. Alessia Cara

18. How many of the Levy family acted in Schitt’s Creek?

A. 4 B. 1

C. 2 D. 3

MAYOR TORY RE-ELECTED, MOVE AHEAD A SPACE

AGES 12-112

10. Bob and Doug McKenzie were originally part of what Toronto TV show?

A. Exhibition Place C. Lamport Stadium B. SkyDome D. Air Canada Centre | POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

13. Levon Helm was the only nonCanadian member of what T.O. band?

4. Name the GTA Olympic sprinter who won six medals including one gold.

6. What was the original name of the Rogers Centre?

18

7. Which iconic band rehearsed numerous times at T.O. private schools?

classic edition

of both teams and keep the answers on the opposite page covered.

COVER STORY

FIN IS H

KYLE LOWRY RETURNS, TAKE A BONUS TURN

1. A 2. A 3. D 4. C 5. A 6. B 7. B 8. C 9. A, B 10. A 11. C 12. C 13. D 14. B 15. A 16. B 17. B 18. D 19. A 20. A 21. C 22. A 23. C 24. C 25. A 26. B 27. C 28. D 29. A 30. C 31. C 32. A 33. D 34. B 35. C 36. D

19. Where is the original location of The Burger’s Priest restaurant?

A. Queen Street B. Eglinton Avenue

C. Cherry Street D. Church Street

20. Name the former astronaut who lives in Toronto.

A. Roberta Bondar B. Chris Hadfield

C. Buzz Lightyear D. Julie Payette

21. Which former prime minister grew up in Leaside?

A. Paul Martin B. Kim Campbell

C. Stephen Harper D. Joe Clark

22. What famous historic diner was beloved by pianist Glenn Gould?

A. Fran’s B. Mars

C. Senator D. Homeway

23. What famous T.O. concert hall reopened in 2021 after renovations?

A. Danforth Music Hall C. Massey Hall B. Koerner Hall D. Trampoline Hall

24. How many zoos and petting farms are in Toronto?

A. 1 B. 5

C. 4 D. 2

NICE! YOU’RE A RIGHTEOUS RESIDENT You might not know everything about T.O. but you’re trying.

24-36 CORRECT

WAY TO GO YOU T.O. KNOW-IT-ALL! You live and breathe Toronto; go forth and share your joy.

25. What was acclaimed T.O. director David Cronenberg’s first major film?

31. What famous brand of cough medication was invented in Toronto?

A. Shivers B. The Fly

A. Vicks B. Halls

C. A History of Violence D. Strange Brew

26. Name the Toronto TV show on which hip-hop star Drake once starred.

A. Kim’sTHE Convenience C. Schitt’s Creek TTC IS ON TIME, B. Degrassi D. Corner Gas

TAKE A BONUS TURN

27. A stadium is being constructed at Exhibition Place for what sport?

A. Soccer B. Tennis

C. E-Sports D. Bike polo

C. Buckley’s D. Benylin

32. Who is the T.O. rapper considered to be the godfather of Canadian hip hop?

A. Maestro Fresh Wes B. Kardinal Offishall

C. Choclair D. Michie Mee

33. What T.O. neighbourhood declared its independence from Canada in 1967?

A. Rosedale B. Armour Heights

C. Parkdale D. Rathnelly

28. Which high school did the founding members of Blue Rodeo meet at?

34. The Rosedale Golf Club used what to cut grass during the First World War?

A. Northern Secondary C. Leaside High B. Lawrence Park D. North Toronto C.I.

A. Goats B. Sheep

29. What is Toronto’s official motto?

A. Diversity Our Strength C. Weed the North B. Like N.Y.C. But Better D. Forever Young

30. What Toronto politician was nicknamed the tiny perfect mayor?

A. Jim Carrey B. David Miller

C. David Crombie D. Barbara Hall

C. Cows D. Llamas

35. What east end social club won the Grey Cup on two occasions?

A. Argonauts C. Balmy Beach B. Greek Canadians D. Scarborough

36. What popular chocolate bar was invented in T.O. in 1930?

A. Snickers B. Twix

C. Coffee Crisp D. Crispy Crunch FEBRUARY 2022

DO U KNOW T.O.?

YOU’RE A LOCAL YOKEL! You’ve just moved in or you’ve got a lot to learn about what makes this city great.

Just want to play on your own? Let’s see how you rank!

12-23 CORRECT

DRAKE GOES COUNTRY, GO BACK A SPACE TURN PAGE FOR DO YOU KNOW T.O. — EXPERT EDITION!

| POST |

0-11 CORRECT

SINGLE PLAYER

MASSEY HALL REOPENS, MOVE AHEAD A SPACE

ANSWERS:

19

COVER STORY

T AR ST

NO TRAFFIC ON THE DVP, TAKE A BONUS TURN

THE RULES

TEAM NAMES

• Split into two teams and choose team names.

• Choose a quiz host: the host will ask all questions

• The game board: for every correct answer a team

TEAM GUERRERO

TEAM KAIN

TEAM LEE

TEAM ANDREESCU

TEAM LEVY

TEAM FELICIEN

moves forward THREE spaces.

• If a team answers incorrectly, the other team has

the chance to steal and move forward TWO spaces.

• First team to make it to the finish is the winner!

1. What sport did Keanu Reeves play growing up in Toronto?

A. Basketball B. Hockey

C. Tennis D. Soccer

20

13. What investment guru reopened the legendary El Mocambo in 2021?

A. Upper Canada College C. Ridley College B. Crescent School D. St. Michael’s

A. Kevin O’Leary C. Michele Romanow B. Michael Wekerle D. Robert Herjavec

8. What famous gourmet food shop opened a T.O. location in 2019?

14. What is the name of the petting farm on Centre Island?

A. Martin Amis C. Ernest Hemingway B. Charles Dickens D. Isabel Allende

A. Dean and Deluca B. Trader Joe’s

3. In which cult-classic TV series did City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square appear?

9. Name the GTA tennis star who made it to the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2021.

A. Welcome Back, Kotter B. The Mandalorian

A. Denis Shapovalov C. Eugenie Bouchard B. Bianca Andreescu D. Milos Raonic

C. Star Trek D. The Wire

C. Eataly D. Zabar’s

A. Hay Y’all B. Far Enough

C. Win, Lose or Straw D. Cowabunga

15. What is the name of Toronto’s oldest pub?

A. Moe’s B. Wheat Sheaf

C. Jolly Miller D. Black Bull

4. The first-ever NBA game was played between Toronto and what other team?

10. What Toronto coffee shop got Ryan Gosling and Tom Hanks to visit?

16. What is the name of the ghost that haunts the Winter Garden Theatre?

A. New York Knicks C. Boston Celtics B. Los Angeles Lakers D. Flint Tropics

A. Grinder B. Jimmy’s

A. Scarlet Usher C. Ambrose Small B. Garth Drabinsky D. Lavender Lady

C. Ezra’s Pound D. Dark Horse

5. What product did famous Canadian fashion brand Roots first sell?

11. This celebrity chef opened a chain of pizzerias dubbed Maker Pizza.

A. Sweatpants B. Cardigans

A. Massimo Capra B. Matty Matheson

C. Negative heel shoes D. Winter boots

C. Keith Froggett D. Claudio Aprile

6. Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in what T.O. baseball park?

12. What Toronto literary luminary’s face can now be found on a stamp?

A. Lamport Stadium C. Christie Pits B. Exhibition Stadium D. Hanlan’s Point

A. Robertson Davies C. Joy Kogawa B. Margaret Atwood D. Michael Ondaatje

17. Who was the first Torontonian ever drafted by the Raptors?

A. Dalano Banton C. Andrea Bargnani B. Scottie Barnes D. Damon Stoudamire

18. What Toronto band once featured Rick James and Neil Young?

A. Weird Sisters C. Mynah Birds B. Drive the Hearse D. Steppenwolf

YOU BRAVE THE CN TOWER EDGE WALK, MOVE AHEAD A SPACE

AGES 12-112

| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

JAYS LOSE A DOUBLEHEADER, GO BACK A SPACE

2. What literary giant spent four years as a correspondent at the Toronto Star?

7. Former business mogul Conrad Black got tossed out of what private school?

expert edition

of both teams and keep the answers on the opposite page covered.

COVER STORY

FIN IS H

LEAFS WIN THE CUP, TAKE A BONUS TURN

1. B 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. C 6. D 7. A 8. C 9. A 10. A 11. B 12. B 13. B 14. B 15. B 16. D 17. A 18. C 19. A 20. C 21. C 22. A 23. A 24. C 25. A 26. B 27. A 28. A 29. C 30. C 31. C 32. B 33. C 34. B 35. C 36. C

YOU’RE A LOCAL YOKEL! You’ve just moved in or you’ve got a lot to learn about what makes this city great.

19. Who is the Toronto boxer that went the distance against Mohammed Ali? A. George Chuvalo C. Shawn O’Sullivan B. George Jefferson D. Donald Carrick

20. The Barenaked Ladies got a big break after performing in what?

A. A streetcar B. A cement truck

C. A video booth D. The CN Tower

21. Where is Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach located?

A. Ward’s B. Cherry

C. Hanlan’s Point D. Sunnyside

12-23 CORRECT

NICE! YOU’RE A RIGHTEOUS RESIDENT You might not know everything about T.O. but you’re trying.

25. What fashion label was created

by Toronto twins in Milan, Italy?

A. DSquared² B. Club Monaco

C. Alfred Sung D. Smythe

26. What private Toronto neighbourhood started as an artist’s colony?

A. House of Lords B. Dap King

C. Supercuts D. Salon Jie

A. Dawn of the Dead C. Resident Evil B. Super Troopers D. Army of the Dead

23. What subway station has a second unused lower ghost station?

29. Gordon Ramsay raved about the food at what former T.O. restaurant?

C. Lotus D. Serrate

C. Amsterdam D. Steam Whistle

32. What artist created the big red canoe in Canoe Landing Park?

33. What Leafs player scored the 1967 Stanley Cup winning goal?

C. SCTV D. Robot Chicken

A. Aura B. Blossom

A. The Granite B. Great Lakes

27. Funk icon George Clinton used to get his haircut at what downtown salon?

TAKE A BONUS TURN

A. Kids in the Hall B. Sketchersons

24. What was the name of celebrity chef Susur Lee’s first T.O. restaurant?

31. What was Toronto’s first craft brewery?

A. Lawren Harris C. Henry Moore B. Douglas Coupland D. Bill Reid

28. Which horror movie was shot at a suburban shopping mall in Thornhill?

C. Spadina D. St. Patrick

WAY TO GO YOU T.O. KNOW-IT-ALL! You live and breathe Toronto; go forth and share your joy.

A. Ward’s C. The Bridle Path THEIsland TTC IS ON TIME, B. Wychwood Park D. Balmy Beach

22. Name the TV sketch comedy troupe making a comeback this year.

A. Bay B. Union

24-36 CORRECT

A. Splendido B. La Palette

C. The Black Hoof D. Parts & Labour

30. The Shuffle Demons wrote a song about what Toronto transit line?

A. Queen Streetcar C. Spadina Bus B. Ongiara Ferry D. Bloor Line

RACCOONS GET INTO YOUR GARBAGE, GO BACK A SPACE

A. Darryl Sittler C. Jim Pappin B. Tim Horton D. George Armstrong

34. In which Toronto neighbourhood would you find the ‘garden car’?

A. Parkdale C. Forest Hill B. Kensington Market D. Wychwood

35. What breed of cat has its origins in a Roncesvalles alleyway?

A. Ragdoll B. Parkdale Fold

C. Sphynx D. Gladstone

36. In which movie does this cat breed from Toronto play a prominent role?

A. Captain Marvel B. Pet Sematary

C. Austin Powers D. Cats FEBRUARY 2022

DO U KNOW T.O.?

Just want to play on your own? Let’s see how you rank!

0-11 CORRECT

| POST |

SINGLE PLAYER

THE WEEKND PERFORMS A FREE CONCERT, MOVE AHEAD A SPACE

ANSWERS:

21

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| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Toronto, Canada

22

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| POST |

FEBRUARY 2022

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VALENTINE’S SHOPPING GUIDE

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YORKVILLE STORE CLOSING

| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

GOOD BUYS, THEN GOODBYE!

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FASHION

CURRENTS

MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

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WINNER “They look so cool, you could even wear them outside the bedroom. Pair the shirt with a pair of faded jeans and you’re good to go; you’d get a lot of use out of this set!"

Frank and Oak "This green and white really speaks to me of a great modernity; it's almost like love in the digital age. It's sort of a computer design. There's something very pleasing about it. It's not overly romantic, but I just think it’s fun. The material isn’t really a stretchy or necessarily cuddly fabric, but it’s definitely one you could wear year-round.” $89.97, Frankandoak.com

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“These silky short pajamas are absolutely classic, absolutely stylish. With one in pink and one in black, you’ll look ready to take on the world.”

“It's wonderful to have a matching set of this nature.

The fabric is so cuddly and cosy; the brushed cotton flannel is really good quality.”

“This is such a gorgeous, classic style. The material is very soft to the skin, and it has a little bit of stretch to it, and really hearkens back to the ’30s and ’40s.”

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, Jeanne has covered the industry for more than 30 years.

Now watch her on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters

FEBRUARY 2022

JEANNE’S TOP PICKS

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@TSC

There's nothing cuter than matching pajamas! Spend this season of love cuddling by the fireplace with your significant other while wearing co-ordinating sleepwear sets. Whether your couple style is classic, modern or cosy, Jeanne Beker has the best picks for your Valentine’s Day vibe.

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COVID -19 NOTICE Rest assured, all aspects of my business are conducted with strict safety precautions in place.

COVID-19 related restrictions are done in accordance with the Ontario government’s framework to protect the health and safety of our clients and colleagues.

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R E A L | POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

SOLD OVER ASKING!

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FASHION NEWS

CURRENTS

New York City eyewear institution opens first location in Toronto

Kim Kardashian was inspired by Kathryn Bowen’s mesh bustier design

Q&A

T.O. designer recruited by Kim Kardashian Kathryn Bowen was tapped to design three looks for the reality star’s fragrance line When Kim Kardashian released her new fragrance line in January, her usual neutralsheavy look had a Toronto twist. Designer Kathryn Bowen was tapped to design three mesh bustier looks for the reality star’s promotional material. We spoke with Bowen about her fashion inspiration and how the Kardashian team connected with her.

Some of my biggest fashion inspirations include Alexander McQueen, Prada and Thierry Mugler — those are the big ones.

But I would also just say vintage clothes in general. Finding unique pieces that are constructed in a fascinating way is always part of my process, influencing my designs every season.

What inspired you to pursue fashion?

How did Kim Kardashian’s team get in touch with you?

My mom taught me how to sew as a teenager, just as she taught me how to draw and paint as a kid. So all these creative outlets were part of my childhood, but fashion was something that grew on me in high school when my sister and I started collecting fashion magazines. With a deep desire to study fashion design, I enrolled at London College of Fashion in England for my undergrad and have been working in fashion ever since. I launched my own Torontobased label when I moved back to Canada in 2017.

For a while my stylist, Basia Wyzsynski, had been in touch with a member of Kim Kardashian’s KKW Fragrance team, showing them my work. The team knew Kim would be interested in my mesh designs, but it wasn’t until Kim needed dresses for her fragrance launch that they reached out unexpectedly.

Kim wore three variations of a Vivienne Westwood dress for her last fragrance launch and planned to do the same for this upcoming launch shoot. Once Kim saw my mesh

bustier dress on Instagram, she decided it would be the dress to model the new three off of. After that, it was a whirlwind two weeks of sketching, sewing and fitting to make the designs come to life. It happened very fast.

I think the mesh lingerie-inspired pieces that I design are a pretty obvious fit for Kim! Super sexy, meticulously fitted, and the colours I often use are neutral tones, which she’s very drawn to. For this fragrance launch in particular, the looks I designed really made sense with the product design, floral themes and overall art direction of the shoot.

What’s next for you?

My production for SSense and Nordstrom is currently happening, so spring/summer styles will be out in the near future. But hopefully expanding my team and having my collections become available among more retailers is next. I’d also love to collaborate with artists or other brands, so let’s see!

Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood has welcomed a New York City institution on Cumberland Street. Moscot Eyewear opened its doors in a compact storefront in December, rubbing shoulders with Nespresso and lululemon.

The New York City.-based company has been family owned and operated since 1915, founded by Hyman Moscot, who arrived from eastern Europe in 1899 and began selling ready-made eyeglasses from a pushcart on Manhattan’s lower east side. Over the years, the company has been passed down through generations of the Moscot family, while amassing 17 shops across the U.K., Europe and now Canada, bringing these fashion-forward frames right to your own backyard.

With over 106 years in business, the brand has cultivated a cult-like following of superfans, including celebrities like Paul Rudd, Jenny Slate and Adrien Brody — all of whom have been snapped donning Moscot’s frames.

The Moscot brand offers two distinct collections: Moscot Originals and Moscot Spirit. The original styles are looks based on Moscot family archives and celebrate timeless design. You may recognize the Lemtosh style, one of Moscot’s most iconic designs featuring a rounded shape, from Netflix comedydrama Living With Yourself, worn by Paul Rudd.

Frames from the 106-year-old brand come in at around $400 per pair.

Interested in getting a pair of your own? You can book a virtual frame fitting and styling appointment with someone from Moscot’s N.Y.C. shop or you can head down to the new 153 Cumberland St. spot to see for yourself.

Two luxury brands have officially exited Saks FEBRUARY 2022

Despite changing tastes and an initial dip in profits, sales for Louis Vuitton and Dior, both LVMH-owned brands, have appeared to bounce back. LVMH reported growth was up by 46 per cent in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the first nine months of 2020.

Despite Dior and Louis Vuitton’s rebound in countries like China and the U.S., it doesn’t seem to be enough to replicate the same surge for Saks. Saks had planned on a national expansion into Montreal and Vancouver, but it’s rumoured these plans have been halted due to weak sales performances across the country.

That said, shoppers can still get their Louis Vuitton and Dior fix in Toronto, inside the Bloor Street and Yorkdale mall Holt Renfrew locations, as well as at the standalone storefronts on Bloor.

© Lindsay Rosset

Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior have closed their luxury brand stores, leaving the Saks Fifth Avenue Queen Street location earlier this month.

Reduced foot traffic in stores has companies of all sizes who pay exorbitant rent asking the question — is a brick-and-mortar shop really necessary? Mere weeks into the pandemic back in March 2020, several luxury retail storefronts, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi and Jimmy Choo, closed up shop permanently in New York City.

Both Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior opened within the same year of the opening of Saks Fifth Avenue’s first Canada location in Toronto in 2016.

by Raquel Farrington

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Louis Vuitton and Dior closed up shop on Queen Street this month

The brand is over 100 years old

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CURRENTS

GREAT ESCAPES

Skating on a terrace-turned–ice rink for an Ontario staycation Try these scenic trails for a one-of-a-kind winter experience

by Kaitlin Narciso take a hot bubble bath in the tub made the whole experience a staycation for the books.

Ontario is filled with so many incredible winter experiences — especially for those who love skating. Growing up in Toronto, I’ve always loved exploring the different skating trails and rinks in and around the city. From road tripping to a provincial park and skating through a torchlit forest at night to a staycation skating experience right in the heart of the city, Ontario has a plethora of unique and fun skating opportunities. After skating my way through the city and beyond, I’ve rounded up my favourites.

Cosy up by the fire after skating the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail

Stay & skate at Bisha Chalet

Exploring local and leveraging staycations has been my saving grace over the past couple of pandemic years. As someone who loves to travel, taking the time to explore Toronto as a tourist has been exhilarating.

Bisha Toronto, a hotel located in the heart of the city, launched Bisha Chalet, a Stay & Skate experience. Strapping on my skates in Bisha’s cosy winter

Winding skate trails are the perfect way to beat the winter blues

chalet — a suite converted into an après-skate-style room with blankets, hot chocolate and pastries — the excitement to get on its ice rink was building.

Located on the fourth floor terrace, the rink is adorned with bright string lights that look simply magical.

Gliding under the twinkling lights and the Toronto sky was a rush in and of itself — but defrosting afterwards in the beautiful chalet with delicious goodies elevated the experience all the more.

After my skating session, getting to relax in my room and

They had me at “hot cran-apple cider.” I love winter flavours and fresh hot cran-apple cider with a dash of cinnamon is my choice winter beverage. Add in an outdoor firepit for defrosting the fingers and toes after a long skate around the Cranberry Marsh Ice Trail, that’s a day adventure I wasn’t going to miss.

With forest on one side and cranberry beds on the other, skating Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery’s ice trail is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.

Night skate at Arrowhead Ice Skating Trail

Canada’s provincial parks in the winter are stunning, especially after a fresh snowfall. Fire & Ice Nights at Arrowhead Provincial Park enhances the beauty of the great outdoors by lighting the ice

trail with hundreds of torches when the sun goes down. From gliding through the Muskoka Forest and taking in the snow covered trees glistening from the amber glow of the torches to looking up and seeing a night sky filled with stars, this experience made me feel as though I was in a fairy-tale winter wonderland.

Make it a full day adventure at Evergreen Brick Works

The Evergreen Brick Works offers so many fun opportunities to get outside and explore the more rustic, outdoorsy side of Toronto.

The skating rink weaves through the old brick factory, under the exposed beams and through the winter gardens.

With a refrigeration system for cooling, the outdoor rink offers a sustainable skating experience. On Saturdays, peruse the Evergreen Brick Works’ farmers market before or after skating. To cap off your winter adventure, grab a coffee from Cafe Belong and walk around the different snowy trails.

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CURRENTS

Focusing only on personal responsibility shifts the blame off corporations

Activism and systemic change go hand-in-hand We’ll need both to see real progress When people do things they shouldn’t, they often try to distract attention from their actions.

Guardian writer George Monbiot notes that many corporations fuelling the planet’s destruction spend significant resources to shift attention away from themselves and onto us.

Corporations benefit from blame-shifting to the individual

“The deliberate effort to stop us seeing the bigger picture began in 1953 with a campaign called Keep America Beautiful. It was founded by packaging manufacturers, motivated by the profits they could make by replacing reusable containers with disposable plastic,” he writes. “In 2004, the advertising company Ogilvy & Mather, working for the oil giant BP, took this blame-shifting a step further by inventing the personal carbon footprint. It was a useful innovation, but it also had the effect of diverting political pressure from the producers of fossil fuels to consumers.”

“Greenwashing” is another way corporations divert attention from their true ecological impacts. As British psychology professor Steven Reicher points out, “One recent McDonald’s spot boasts of the way the company is recycling cooking oil into truck fuel, coffee cups into greetings cards, and plastic toys into children’s playgrounds. The problem is that it makes no mention of the fact

that McDonald’s beef footprint alone constitutes 22m metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions a year.”

Facing the real issues often leaves us feeling anger, anxiety and despair. While these are reasonable responses to the environmental crises engulfing us, the multi-billion-dollar self-help industry has profited enormously by convincing us that fixing ourselves is the priority.

Personal changes can still make a difference

How do we balance the need for personal change with systemic change, when both are necessary?

Personal actions can create consumer demand for sustainably made products, model greener behaviours and foster empowerment. But focusing on the personal runs the risk of eclipsing our responsibility to also marshal systemic change.

As Reichler notes, “McDonald’s advertising approach is emblematic of the way in which companies seek to continue with business as usual, by distracting us from where the real problems lie.

One of the most common methods is to turn the climate crisis from a systemic into an individual issue.”

It’s hard to take on systems, but until we do, they’ll continue to grind up nature and spit out profit where rivers, forests and meadows once stood.

Systemic and environmental racism underpin these systems.

Systemic racism provides advantages (and inheritances), privileging white people in employment, education, justice and social standing. It enabled the mandate under which colonizers have invaded lands, occupied Indigenous territories and exploited nature for financial gain.

As a result of environmental racism, Indigenous and racialized communities have been placed at greater risk of living adjacent to land degradation and pollution from industrial activities and waste disposal.

Our economic system also results in gross inequities. It’s possible for one person to make $36 billion in a day — more than the yearly gross domestic product of some countries. As Monbiot writes, “The richest 1 per cent of the world’s people (those earning more than $172,000 a year) produce 15 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions: twice the combined impact of the poorest 50 per cent.”

He proposes “a new system, in which there is ‘private sufficiency and public luxury.’”

In his words, “While there is not enough ecological or even physical space on Earth for everyone to enjoy private luxury, there is enough to provide everyone with public luxury: magnificent parks, hospitals, swimming pools, art galleries, tennis courts and transport systems, playgrounds and community centres.”

It’s a lot to take on, and it’s good to check out at times — to find respite in binge-watching, books, self-care routines or nature — as long as we check back in. Change won’t happen until we demand it, and unless we face the flames (metaphorically and, increasingly, literally), there is little chance we’ll be sufficiently motivated to put them out.

It’s not all work. Joy can be found in dreaming up creative responses (think of the many clever protest signs!) and joining in community.

To paraphrase Joan Baez, activism is the best antidote to despair.

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Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage and its representatives make no representation as to the accuracy and will not be held responsible for any discrepancies. We do not represent the builder, we represent you. All renderings, pricing, incentives and other information are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artists concept. E&O.E.

FEBRUARY 2022

Financial and racial inequity further unbalance the scales

| POST |

DAILY PLANET

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CURRENTS

LOCAL GRADUATES

T.O. crypto founder on making the biggest bet of his life Canada’s largest Bitcoin trading platform gets the Kevin O’Leary stamp of approval

| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Bitbuy’s reputation precedes it — as Canada’s first and largest cryptocurrency trading platform and now as the latest $160 million acquisition of Kevin O’Leary–backed platform WonderFi. But just a few years ago, Bitbuy was just a young tech startup that co-founder and chief operating officer Jordan Anderson left everything and risked it all for to build from the ground up.

“I had the opportunity to basically join from the ground level when there were only four people,” Anderson explains. “It was definitely scary and a huge risk, but I had a pretty strong conviction in cryptocurrency after I had done a lot of research on it while working at Yahoo.

That was a big bet that I made on the cryptocurrency space, but also on myself.”

When Anderson was in high school at Northern Secondary School, crypto wasn’t on his mind

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REPORT CARD STUDENT:

Jordan Anderson GRADUATED:

Northern Secondary School BEST SUBJECT:

Phys. Ed. WORST SUBJECT:

Chemistry CURRENT JOB:

Chief Operating Officer, Bitbuy

Anderson joined Bitbuy when there were just four people involved

— it hadn’t even been invented yet. Instead, he says he “struggled” with school until he started playing on Northern’s Red Knights football team.

“I feel like it just gave me more discipline and more regimen,” he

says. “I remember my coach at the time said that if I don’t get my marks together, he’d kick me off the team. I think that’s what finally prompted me to work harder in school.”

Anderson studied business at

by Julia Mastroianni

Western University, where he developed his entrepreneurial spirit growing his own painting business.

“I very much had a sales mentality of just going door to door and getting jobs,” he says.

That led to him selling digital advertising products with Yahoo, and he says working at a large tech firm drove him toward wanting to work at a tech startup.

“In the first two years at Bitbuy, a lot of people were interested in crypto and Bitcoin, so I was very much focused on growth,” Anderson says. “Those first two years, 2018 and 2019, there wasn’t much growth. But when the pandemic hit, we started getting a huge influx of new customers.”

A study from Investopedia found interest in Bitcoin surged 90 per cent over the pandemic as investors looked for decentralized market alternatives.

“We were very well positioned for that growth in the sense that we had built a really good product, with our engineering team had set up really good marketing channels,” Anderson

“That was a big bet I made on the crypto space, but also on myself.” says. “And so the past two years we’ve faced a new set of challenges — scaling up the business, building business systems and processes to help automate that so that we rely less on people to process customers and more on technology.”

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

time, we fell for each other. And you’re not going to believe this, but we got engaged on New Year’s and then married on Valentine’s Day, six weeks later.

RO: I got her a heart-shaped diamond, for Valentine’s.

The wedding and honeymoon

BO: We got married in Hamilton in the small sanctuary of the Adas Israel Synagogue, and we went to my parents’ house afterward because they lived across the street from the synagogue. It was a very small wedding, just our families, aunts and uncles, first cousins — 50 people altogether. And then we went to St. Lucia and Barbados on our honeymoon.

The kids

Russell and Barbara Oliver on their whirlwind Valentine’s Day wedding The Cashman, Russell Oliver is a true Toronto icon. Growing up in the city, it was almost an everyday occurrence to hear that catchy, trademark commercial jingle playing in the background.

Running Oliver Jewellery for over 50 years, Oliver has experienced a “full circle” moment after opening up his latest shop at 88 Yorkville Ave., years after opening one of his first shops just across the street in the ’70s. We spoke with Oliver and his wife Barbara about their whirlwind romance and the secret to their 49-year marriage.

How they met

RO: When Barb moved to Toronto, she went to an employment agency to find a job.

And it turns out the employment agency was owned by my sister.

Of course, I didn't need anybody.

I was alone in the jewelry business for a couple of years. I did the cleaning. I did the selling.

I did everything myself. But I was single, and my sister always wanted to fix me up. I would always be resistant, but she said, “You need help, you need an

employee, so I'm going to send you this girl for an interview.” So Barbara came for an interview, and of course, I immediately hired her — mainly because she was so good looking. And so Barbara and I became friends. It was more than an employeeemployer relationship. It was a friendship.

“We got engaged on New Year’s and then married on Valentine’s Day, six weeks later.”

The courtship

RO: This was in September, and we obviously worked together every day, and we spent all that time together, but there wasn’t any relationship except that we were friends and she worked for me.

BO: At the time, I was still going out with other people, but somehow, around Christmas

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Balancing career and marriage

BO: We got on so well, and we work together so well, so when we come home, we talk shop a lot. We have a lot in common, and work is so big in our lives because we did business together. But aside from that, we each have our own hobbies. I used to make flower arrangements and outdoor urns for friends and neighbours, and Russell was always such a swimmer.

The secret to success

BO: A good sense of humour.

And loyalty.

RO: We don’t take each other too seriously. We laugh and joke all the time. We’re the loyal types, the types that will be married for life. We don't go to bed angry or fighting with each other. Even if there are problems, we solve them that day. But come by our new location at Yorkville. We work there every day, and we’ll tell you the secret to success.

FEBRUARY 2022

The Cashman’s golden romance

With Safe Options to Serve You ­ ­ ­

| POST |

Barbara and Russell Oliver and their four sons

BO: We have four sons: Justin, Jordan, Jared and Jonas. It took some time, and now they’re part of the business. We used to just sell, but we went out of that business pre-recession and decided to buy from the public.

We started with strictly gold, gemstones, watches like Cartier, but then we started buying silver. It then got extremely busy.

People were selling all over the place. So I went out, because I only like the creative part of the business, and Russell was the business part of the business. He got much bigger and eventually my sons got involved.

– WE’RE OPEN –

31

POST CITY X DIAMOND & DIAMOND

How parents can make 2022 the safest year yet Tips from Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers JEREMY DIAMOND Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation.

Diamond & Diamond is a family-run personal injury law firm, with 60+ lawyers representing clients across Canada and in the state of Florida.

The firm’s leaders, Jeremy Diamond, Sandra and Isaac Zisckind share advice on how parents can make 2022 the safest year yet.

| POST | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Car Safety Whether you’re driving a carpool for school or dropping your child off at daycare before traveling to work, car safety is important. Fastening your safety belt is the single most significant factor in whether or not you’ll be seriously injured in an accident, so make it a rule to have everyone in your car buckle up. “It’s not just regular safety belts that need to be worn correctly,” says Sandra Zisckind, “but car seats need to be properly anchored in the car, and the belts and buckles need to be fastened correctly for the size of the rider.”

Keeping your car in good working order is important, too. Sched-

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ule regular maintenance for your vehicle, and make sure that the mechanic checks the tires and brakes to prevent a malfunction.

Safety at Home Your house, while it may seem like your safe retreat, can also hold many hidden dangers. “I like to call it proactive homeownership,” says Jeremy Diamond, “regularly inspecting your house to look for issues that can lead to injury prevention.” For electrical concerns, have a licensed electrician check your wiring to reduce the chance of a house fire. Don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke alarms every six months, and to check that your carbon monoxide monitors are working, too.

Your yard, driveway, and sidewalks can be safety hazards, too, especially when they’re covered with snow and ice. Look for loose flagstones, tree limbs, or anything that can cause someone to trip and fall.

Trees can even be hazards – loose

branches can fall on your car, home, or even people underneath the tree!

knows what to do in case of a home evacuation, and where to meet once they're out.

Have An Emergency Plan Even though you can take precautions to minimize risk in your house, car, and other places, sometimes things go terribly wrong. Emergency preparedness often makes a difference in everyone being safe during a blizzard, hurricane, tornado, or fire. Both Canada, with heavy snows, and Florida, subject to tropical storms, are areas where residents can be without water or power for an extended period of time. Consider having a backup generator, as well as an emergency kit that contains water bottles and non-perishable food. Include matches and a flashlight in a waterproof bag.

Put an emergency plan in place for your family, including evacuation routes for a fire and how you’ll prepare for emergencies. Practice fire and tornado drills so that everyone

Be a Safety Advocate Parents can set a good example for their children by advocating for a safer community. Along with your neighbors, keep an eye out for dangerous behavior or unsafe activities.

As Isaac Zisckind says, “you and your neighbors know what's supposed to be in your neighborhood and who isn’t. Having an engaged community and plenty of eyes can spot danger or a threat.”

If an emergency or disaster happens, call Diamond & Diamond anytime for a free consultation at 1-800-567-HURT.

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Discover the new music of Toronto’s vagabond artist Tennyson King Toronto’s Tennyson King is described as a nomadic indie-folk rocker who hails from Hong Kong and Canada. He’s spent much of his professional life on the road, whether it be touring across Canada, Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Brazil or parts of Southeast Asia. King is set to release his first fulllength album in 2022.

Describe your music.

Toronto actor Kevin Alves got his big break on classic Canadian TV show ‘Degrassi’

What message do you have for those eager to check out the album and see you live?

Yellowjackets star on playing the bad guy T.O. actor Kevin Alves says it’s complicated by Alexa Margorian From its first episode, it was obvious that Yellowjackets (Crave) would be the kind of show that spawns a cult-like following. Although the premise isn’t necessarily new — plane crashes and survivor-type scenarios feature in TV shows new and old — the series sets up viewers to get hooked minutes in.

Although the show primarily highlights female characters and relationships, a few male characters are sprinkled throughout.

Toronto actor Kevin Alves plays Travis Martinez, the son of the coach of the girls’ soccer team that’s on board and one of the three male survivors.

With a combination of serious daddy issues and 1990s-era misogyny, Travis Martinez, especially at first, isn’t the most sympathetic member of the Yellowjackets ensemble. So what was it like for Alves to come to grips with the nature of his character?

“Travis is not the nicest guy. He’s a bit on the damaged side, the broken side. So when

I read for him for the first time, I knew that we were not very alike,” Alves says. “It was more exciting than anything, because I was, like, how am I going to champion his story?

So for six months, I treated Travis like a good guy to me. I understood where he was coming from. I empathized with him.”

Unlike many actors, Alves doesn’t have an issue watching himself onscreen, which might not have been a benefit here.

“I watched it. And I went, ‘Man, I hate that guy.’ I was finally a viewer. I wasn’t Travis trying to be the best he can be.”

Although Alves has firmly found his footing in his acting career, it was figure skating that he first dedicated himself to with intensity and patience. He was six years old when he saw the legendary Kurt Browning perform a clown number that Alves recalls, “was the funniest thing I’d ever seen in my life.”

Growing up north of Toronto, he ferried himself on York Region Transit and Viva buses between school and the ice rink. The

My music is a mix of indie-folk, folkpop and rock with a touch of soul. As if John Mayer and Jack Johnson had a baby, who was babysat by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

jump to acting from figure skating didn’t prove to be much of a challenge thanks to lessons he learned skating.

“I became a much more open-minded person to the possibility of different stories,” he says. “I think it helped my acting tremendously. I don’t think I’d be here today, acting, if it wasn’t for figure skating.”

After leaving skating, Alves stayed true to the goal he set out at the age of seven and followed the path of many young Toronto actors: Degrassi.

During his four-episode stint as Fab Juarez, he gained eye-opening experience working on a large production with an ensemble cast.

Over the past 10 weeks, Yellowjackets has blown up with Alves enjoying the exposure.

“What’s been the most exciting for me, if I’m being honest, is to see how much people in the industry are liking the show, like writers, critics, producers,” he says. “It’s a show that you are so lucky to be a part of.”

I’m excited for you to hear the new songs.

I’m excited to hear what you think of the new songs, and get ready for the live performances, because I have so much energy built up and I’m ready to release all those good vibes on you.

Tell us about your new project.

Good Company is my first full-length album. I started writing the songs on this album in 2018 while being on the road about 10 months of the year. Many of the songs were written piece by piece in different times, different countries and weren’t really fully put together until COVID forced me into a break from touring. I sat down with my producer, Ross Hayes Citrullo, at his studio in Toronto, and we started putting the ideas into songs. It’s called Good Company because I want people to feel like they are in good company when they’re listening.

I feel like if we strive to be good company to ourselves and to others, we’ll be in a peaceful place.

Kiefer Sutherland’s ode to Toronto Kiefer.

Upon the release of his debut album, Kiefer Sutherland told Post City that he was just getting used to the idea of a music career, for which the successful film and TV actor (24, Designated Survivor) hadn’t really planned.

“The irony is that I had no intention of making an album. I’m acutely aware of the stigma of an actor doing music, but I had written a bunch of songs that I liked, and I wanted to record a few of them,” said Sutherland in 2016. “I was going to send them out as demos in the hopes that maybe another artist would record them. A friend of mine suggested that I keep doing them. I said no way, but he took me out and we got drunk, and all of a sudden it sounded like a better idea.”

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© Lindsay Rosset

Kiefer Sutherland is putting his Toronto roots front and centre on his new country and western album. Bloor Street is the acclaimed actor’s third album following on the heels of his 2019 album Reckless & Me, and his debut Down in a Hole.

“Writing and recording this album was a unique experience given the pandemic and subsequent restrictions that followed,” says Sutherland. “I found myself, like so many, with a block of time that I had never been afforded before, which allowed me to not only reflect upon my life, but also to write about it.”

The video for the title track, “Bloor Street,” features flashes of old-timer Toronto landmarks such as the original location of legendary Chinese restaurant Lichee Garden, the CN and more than one streetcar, interspersed with cute boyhood images of young

FEBRUARY 2022

New album Bloor Street hearkens back to actor and musician’s roots by Ron Johnson

Tennyson King

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This month, chef Marc Thuet, of Petite Thuet, samples the biggest thing in Toronto baking — mini cakes!

Share them with someone you love, or keep one all to yourself! They’re all available on the city’s delivery apps.

L–R: A selection of Nadège’s modern dessert creations; Nadège Nourian, chef and owner of Nadège Patisserie; Nadège Patisserie uses high-quality ingredients.

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“Magnifique! A beautiful mousse, and the flavour of the coffee comes out nicely. Two people can easily share this one.”

“There’s a nice citrus taste, and the filling is very soft.

It’s not too grainy, which sometimes happens with cheesecakes.”

“It’s light and wellbalanced, and you feel like you want to take another slice! The sprinkles are a nice touch.”

“This is a very sexy cake. The glaze and flowers are beautiful, and the flavours are intricate and complex.”

“This is very light, and for people who may not prefer chocolate, this is a nice change.”

All five bakeries are available on Uber Eats and DoorDash. La Rocca and Nugateau are also available on SkipTheDishes.

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NADEGE PATISSERIE nadege-patisserie.com, $8.75

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Chef Rob Gentile and one of T.O.’s top restaurateurs Janet Zuccarini team up on new 8,000-square-foot L.A. resto Heart Heart graphic graphic b by y Pikisuperstar

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PROFILE

by Nicole Richie

Stella, the Italian word for “star,” is a perfect name for a new project between one of Toronto’s busiest restaurateurs and acclaimed chefs. With this amount of foodie star power, it’s no wonder the collaboration is set in Los Angeles, California.

With a shared background and connection to Italian cooking, Janet Zuccarini, CEO of Gusto 54, and former executive chef of King Street Food Company Rob Gentile are joining forces on the new restaurant, set to open this year.

After almost two full years of navigating the pandemic, Janet Zuccarini has managed to keep Gusto 54 moving forward. With the recent opening of Pai North and Ahzar in Toronto, along with L.A’s conceptual cannabis project Gusto Green, Zuccarini and her team are not letting the pandemic slow them down.

“We’re still in a terrible time period, but we’re still going. Stella will be our sixth project during the pandemic,” Zuccarini says.

After hearing about the restructuring of the King Street Food Company, Zuccarini reached out to chef Rob Gentile.

“It started because I’m a huge fan of Rob’s, and it’s not only that I was looking for talent in the kitchen. I have an affinity for Italian restaurants,” Zuccarini says.

Even though there may be

some leftover baggage in Toronto, Zuccarini and her team are proud to bring Gentile into the Gusto family.

“For me, I’m looking at an incredible talent. I feel that Rob has integrity and he’s a good person, and I think things have happened within the Buca group on the financial side that I don’t think, as a chef, all of it should be put on Rob,” she says. [Bar Buca, where Gentile was executive chef, was evicted in 2020 and the company behind Buca wound up millions in debt.]

As an owner and partner in Stella, Gentile is very involved and focused on reigniting his passion as an Italian chef and really getting to know the products and the food that are available to him in California.

“Working with the raw material that is stellar, it’s all going to add up to a new platform for him. We’re definitely building the brand around Rob,” Zuccarini says.

As for Gentile, the partnership, along with its external factors — like moving to a new country — was an exciting prospect, but was also met with some trepidation.

“At that time I was stressed, nervous. Toronto was still locked down, and I was trying to figure out what to do and what path to take. I was getting opportunities from all over the place, and so I brought it up to my wife, Audrey.

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Instagram @rob_gentile

PROFILE

Chef Rob Gentile says he’s bringing his Canadian roots with him to L.A.

“When it’s right, everything comes easily and it’s exciting.”

Seasonally inspired and based on what’s available fresh from the farmers markets, Gentile is building a seafood-driven Italian menu with a nod to his past, present and future: “There’s going to be some tableside theatrics, absolutely. There’s going to be whole fish and what’s available at the market sold by weight, fun things like that,” Gentile says.

Along with a crudo menu, pizza and cold plates, Stella will have a unique pasta program, featuring su filindeu, a rare Sardinian pasta dish Gentile has been perfecting.

“One of my dreams in life was to learn how to make this pasta that’s so rare that only a few people in the world know how to make it,” Gentile says.

He also hopes to sprinkle in some “Canadian fun,” with a dot of maple syrup and other Canadian products, like Gentile’s favourite B.C. olive oil.

“I grew up here, that’s what I know. I know Canada. I know our ingredients. So it would be really cool to establish those connections and those lines,” Gentile says.

Stella’s menu will also see nods to Gentile’s upbringing, with memorable dishes like nodini, Buca’s beloved bread knots, and legendary tableside branzino.

“A lot of those dishes I did in the past were inspired by my family, so they’re going to pop up as the seasons change and things become available,” Gentile says.

Stella, which is set to open later in the year, is a culmination of hard work and what the partners might call fate. For Gentile, reinvigorated passion and a clean slate are empowering him to focus in and build something truly special.

“I’m just going to follow my heart and follow my passion — what inspires me and what tastes good and what I think makes a great restaurant experience,” Gentile says. “The stars have aligned.”

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overhead glass windows, the first floor of Stella will showcase the open kitchen where Gentile, along with some longtime colleagues--including former Buca chef Sara Fiore--will display their talents for diners to see. The second level, which for now the team is calling the terrace or bar, is encased in glass and will be an open air, indoor/outdoor space where private function rooms as well as the restaurant's main bar will be situated.

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She is the real determining factor, and my wife was like, ‘you gotta go,’” Gentile says.

Audrey gave him the courage to take Zuccarini up on her offer and go down to L.A. “In a market where the ingredients are so lush and abundant, it was the most memorable experience as close to Italy as I could remember. When I came back, I said to Audrey, ‘This is amazing, we have to go check it out.’ So that was the beginning of it,” Gentile says.

The restaurant, an 8,000square-foot, multi-level space in L.A.’s West Hollywood, was not part of the vision when Janet sparked a relationship with Gentile last summer. The space itself belonged to a stalwart Italian restaurant called Madeo for over 30 years.

After being given the opportunity to take over this historic space, Zuccarini and Gentile started to build the concept of Stella. Constantly chatting and collaborating on the vibe, menu and experience, the pair are finding it easy to fit the pieces together and bring Stella to life.

“I envision the restaurant alive already. I envision food coming off the pass and what kind of food we’re offering. When it’s right, all of this comes really easily and it’s exciting,” Gentile says.

With high ceilings and

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A tequila and tapas bar is coming to the Annex

L-R: Steak tartare; chef David Adjey

Celeb chef David Adjey opens new French bistro The latest venture from the creative force behind La Nectarine by Erica Commisso Rising to fame from Food Network’s Restaurant Makeover and Iron Chef, Scarboroughborn David Adjey has become one of the country’s top chefs.

His last culinary venture, a national and international fast-food chain called the Chickery, had locations in Dubai, Washington, D.C., and all over the world. The brand closed its last location in 2018 following a legal dispute between Adjey and his American partner, leading the Canadian chef into a years-long step back from the Toronto food scene and into a place he never saw coming.

“My show was everywhere. It was on in Asia and so many other places,” Adjey says.

“Someone from the Saudi royal family watched my show and was like, ‘Oh, come cook for me!’ And I was like, ‘Me? In Saudi Arabia? I can barely blend in in Toronto!'”

But Adjey decided to throw caution to the wind and take advantage of the opportunity, where he lived in Bali and got to fish, surf and hang out with royals. But eventually, he got

tired of that life and returned to his roots, back to his love of food and his hometown here in Toronto.

Last month, Adjey opened what he calls his last restaurant in the Junction Triangle. A far cry from a fast-food restaurant, La Nectarine serves up some of Adjey’s most famous dishes alongside French cuisine, like steak tartare and lobster croquette, with a modern, unique flair.

Sticking to a classic, cornerstone cuisine is a different venture from the “hyper creative” (as he refers to himself ) chef ’s typical route, which saw him operate a menu that changed daily.

“I try to get a favourite meal, like anything from your memories of travel and food, and I try to recreate it,” Adjey says. “I love the story behind food. I love how we can connect.

I love that story behind your memories of it.

Something that just invokes a conversation.

It’s so nice when you can break bread and laugh, cry, whatever.”

The name La Nectarine is an homage to his former restaurant, Nectar, but he’s revamped his style far beyond the non-changing menu.

He’s opted for a much more casual vibe, allowing the neighbourhood to inform his decisions. The candlelit interior is warm and intimate, with orange walls that are decked out with original paintings done by one of La Nectarine’s servers. There are 30 seats inside and 50 outside. In the two months that La Nectarine has been open, it’s been paying off for Adjey.

“It’s been fun. It’s exactly where I need to be at this stage of my life,” he says. “This is the happiest I’ve been in 20 years,” Adjey says.

La Nectarine is located at 1588 Dupont St. and is currently open for takeout and delivery via ambassador and Uber Eats, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m, and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

There’s a new tequila and tapas bar coming to town, courtesy of local restaurateur Knick Ndreka.

Ndreka has been active in the Annex for two decades as the owner of Victory Cafe and Crafty Coyote, both on Bloor Street West. His latest venture, Mezcalero, will offer a large selection of mezcal and a small food menu with light bites that pair well with the Mexican libations on offer.

The liquors can be enjoyed as shots, sippers and as cocktails, all of which are carefully created and heavily influenced by the celebration of life theme, which former Victory Cafe manager Anthony Walker, who is relocating to run the new spot, says goes hand in hand with tequila and mezcal. “Tequila is that party drink, it’s the one to get the party started.”

Walker also notes that each detail has been meticulously curated to tie perfectly into one another, springing from the bold interior, created by local designer Alexander Perry.

“Everything is really tailored to each other, the way the space will feel will also feel how the food tastes, which is also tied to the music you hear and the vibe you are feeling,” Walker says.

As for the menu, while it is not official yet, Mezcalero brought on a local menu builder who specializes in Mexican tapas and will train a head chef — also brought in — to create each tapas dish.

Walker notes that the plan for Mezcalero is to host DJ nights and events, as well as after-dinner service in a reservation-based space.

As for opting to stay in the Annex, Walker says it was a decision Ndreka made out of love.

“The Annex is his home,” he says. “He cherishes the people and the neighbourhood a lot, and he’s a big part of the community.”

—EC

Toronto’s best new perogies can be found in a church who arrived in Toronto 15 years ago from Ukraine and immediately found a sense of familiarity and community at the church.

She began selling her signature dish, soft and tangy perogies, during church fundraisers and officially launched her small business three years ago while balancing a full-time job in marketing.

Fans of Ukrainian cuisine can buy the perogies hot or frozen in addition to a slew of other menu items, including coleslaw, schnitzel and pork and rice–filled cabbage rolls. There are even vegan and vegetarian spins on these classic Ukrainian comfort foods so everyone can get a taste of eastern Europe.

You can order directly through the website for pick up or place a delivery order through Uber Eats, Doordash, SkipTheDishes or Ritual.

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Move over speakeasy bars, there’s a new secret spot in Toronto and this one is skipping the hush-hush cocktails and serving up Ukrainian classic comfort foods instead.

Heavenly Perogy is a small food shop in a church basement near Kensington Market.

With an indiscriminate blue sign on the side door of the building, it’s easy to overlook — or miss entirely — but you won’t regret hunting down this secret spot’s headquarters inside St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral at 400 Bathurst St. between College and Dundas West.

The small but mighty three-person team behind the Ukrainian delicacies, including perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, schnitzel and sauerkraut, is led by founder and head chef Tetyana Matkivska

FEBRUARY 2022

St. Volodymyr is the spot for these savoury Ukrainian eats by Raquel Farrington

Mezcalero serves tequila-based cocktails

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Il Padrino’s orecchiette con pomodoro; inset: Concetta ‘Connie’ Amaral

Chef honours mother with Little Italy resto Il Padrino is the result of a lifelong dream

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eggplant and There’s a new Italian restaurant parmigiana joining Toronto’s Little Italy mozzarella, and the Barese, with green olives and rapini. Bianco neighbourhood on College Street.

Il Padrino, set to open in March of (white) pizza options are also this year, is the first restaurant from available, including the Il Padrino Concetta Amaral, a Bari-born chef Cesare topped with grilled chicken, who attended culinary school in pancetta, brioche croutons and Milan. creamy garlic parmigiana.

After her mother passed away, There are also salads and Amaral decided it was time to put shareable appetizers, including her mother’s culinary mentorship spring rolls Italiani, nachos del to good use.

Padrino, salumi and calamari e “I grew up watching my gamberi fritti. Traditional mom cook and her Italian meat dishes dream was to open her include the classics like THE NAME own restaurant,” says pollo alla parmigiana, Translated from Amaral. “With this served with oven Italian, Il Padrino restaurant, I’m going roasted potatoes and means “the to make all of her mixed peppers, and godfather.” dreams come true.” parmigiana alla Found at 579 College melanzane (eggplant).

St., the goal of the familyThe name of the oriented restaurant is to bring restaurant means “the godfather” back what’s been lost — the in Italian, which to Amaral is the authentic, rustic, homestyle Italian meaning of family — being food that Amaral feels is missing together and being united. from the landscape. The restaurant “We want to be the godfather of will serve unique dishes from the Italian food,” she says. southern Italian city of Bari.

Il Padrino’s interior will be Standout plates include the decked out in gold and black decor cavatelli con rapini in a garlic and feature 10-foot ceilings (also enriched olive oil and lasagna al gold) and a garage door front forno made with minced veal in a opening. Large tables set the scene béchamel rosé sauce. Alongside for an evening of eating and pasta, the restaurant will offer a drinking extremely well. The variety of pizza options, including restaurant seats approximately 40 the Il Padrino, which features the diners, with outdoor seating restaurant’s signature tomato sauce, planned for an additional 30.

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Serving our community since 2010

TORONTO’S LEADING

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY Dave’s Genuine Deli began as a small sandwich shop

RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE

Midtown gets a Jewish deli restaurant.”

His restaurant, a casual and modern, 30-seat deli, boasts a black and white interior with pops of colour, reclaimed wood, quartz countertops and granite tables.

The art is a mixture of black and white prints and colourful abstracts, anchoring the television and upbeat music.

Everything about Dave’s Genuine Deli is a labour of love.

He chose the Avenue Road and Lawrence location because Isen and his wife lived there for a time and felt a connection to the area.

The menu is a collection of traditional Jewish recipes with his own, unique touch.

“There’s no copycat recipes here,” he says. In fact, he’s proud to say nearly everything is made in-house. “What really sets us apart are the unique flavours and

attention to detail that goes into all our deli meats. Our smoked meat has my signature rub on it, and it’s smoked longer than traditional to create that amazing bark on it. Our roast turkey breast is made with fresh turkey, brined with apple cider and fresh herbs in-house for at least three days.”

Menu highlights include matzo ball soup, smoked meat, brisket beef dip and creamy rice pudding, made with free-run eggs and pure Madagascar vanilla. Smoked whitefish dip, kishke, bagel platters, smoked meat hash and blueberry topped waffles are coming soon.

The restaurant, located at 1763 Avenue Rd., is open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m. Starting Feb. 13, it will open at 9 a.m. on Saturdays for a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. brunch service.

Former Actinolite chef starts his own adventure Bloorcourt is now home to a new prix fixe Korean spot, Orote, 276 Havelock St., serving up unique dishes all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

The succinct four-course prix fixe menu is available for $78 and provides creative, artfully plated dishes using the bold, aromatic Korean flavours you know and love served up in a modern, industrial-meetsminimalist space.

In an open kitchen by the bar, you’ll catch chef Kwangtaek Lee putting his four years of experience at Actinolite to work.

During his time working at the Ossington strip bistro, under the guidance of owner and chef Justin Cournoyer, Lee learned the value of creating food that both connects back to the culture where it is created and prioritizes freshness and locality.

These values are clearly echoed throughout the expertly curated menu, which lets diners choose

between two options per course, like the sea bass, daikon and plum or the kalbi, potato and coriander. Be sure to warm up with the chicken soup, made special with rice, anchovies and green onion for a hearty bowl packed full of umami flavour. Menu items can be modified to suit dietary restrictions, too, so the whole group can indulge.

Orote has made choosing dessert simple with one stellar pick: a brown butter cake topped with sweet potato ice cream and flecked with blackcurrant powder. This is a treat that’s unique and faintly sweet, the perfect way to balance out the palate.

And for wine drinkers and aficionados alike, a selection of organic, private-label wines spanning Europe are available by the glass or bottle. Orote has even listed pairing suggestions right on the menu so you know what sip will best complement the dish you decide to order.

— Raquel Farrington

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Dave Isen is taking a big step in his career.

The former chef is venturing out on his own, taking his pandemic-born business to the next level.

“I’ve thought about doing it for so many years and am thrilled that it finally happened,” Isen says. “It only took a pandemic, a lay off from my job, some valuable time with my son doing the home school thing and, of course, the amazing support of my wife Pam and my entire family.”

It, of course, is his new restaurant, Dave’s Genuine Deli, in midtown.

“After starting Dave’s Genuine Deli in early 2020 as a small, curbside pickup-only sandwich shop, it was an instant success,” he says. “So, naturally, I took the opportunity to grow it into a

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The matzo ball soup and smoked meat are a must by Erica Commisso

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LOOKING BACK Before you go ...we wanted to highlight a few Toronto heroes who broke down barriers to pave the way for the next generations of Black Canadians

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO

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Annamie Paul started her involvement with politics early, working as a page in the Ontario Legislature at age 12.

She is a Canadian activist, lawyer and former politician who was the first Black Canadian to be elected leader of a federal party in Canada, in October 2020.

Born in Jamaica, Robert Sutherland came to Canada to study at Queen’s University. Graduating with honours in 1852, he was the first university student and graduate of colour in Canada. He went on to become the country’s first Black lawyer when he was called to the bar in 1855.

Born in Ontario in 1909, Rev. Addie Aylestock was the first Black woman to be ordained in Canada. As a minister of the British Methodist Episcopal Church in Toronto, Aylestock helped organize congregations in several communities in Ontario, as well as in Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Born in Toronto in 1837, Anderson Ruffin Abbott became the first Canadian-born person of colour to graduate from medical school and the first Canadian-born Black doctor in Canada. He studied at what is now known as the University of Toronto.

Born in Nova Scotia in 1911, Portia White began singing in the church choir under her mother’s direction at age six.

White herself began teaching voice in Toronto, both privately and at Branksome Hall. She was the first Black Canadian concert singer to achieve international fame.

Born in Toronto in 1842, William Peyton Hubbard was a Toronto alderman from 1894 to 1914. A popular and influential politician, nicknamed Cicero for his oratory, Hubbard was one of the first politicians of African descent elected to office in Canada.

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