Annex Post June 2022

AX-JUNE-22-0FC_Layout 1 2022-05-25 5:05 PM Page 1

SHARE THE LOVE CHEF ANTHONY ROSE SAMPLES THE CITY’S BEST BANANA SPLITS FOR FATHER’S DAY

the

summer issue!!! . secluded t.o. BEACHES

. park-ready PICNIC BASKETS

. hogtown’s best Southern bBQ . the return of ROCK concerts . ANTIQUe hunter’s handbook . moonlight paddle boarding . finger-lickin’ food truckS

JUNE 2022 · VOLUME 5 · ISSUE 6

AX-JUNE-2022-IFC_IFC 2022-05-25 2:33 PM Page 1

NISSAN MICHAEL BROKER

JUST LISTED

157 MADISON AVENUE Sophisticated, beautifully appointed EHGURRP PDLQ ȵRRU FRQGRPLQLXP in prestigious Madison Avenue home in the Annex.

AS K I N G 1. 28M

ARRANGE A VIEWING nissan.michael@evrealestate.com +1 (416) 318-6604 | @mr.yorkville

Toronto Central, Brokerage

Happy Pride Month!

FROM

AND

Powered by Post City

Powered by Post City

650

00

0

FOLLOWERS!

| POST |

JUNE 2022

LIKE YOUR MONTHLY ISSUE OF THE POST? THEN WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE FOLLOWING US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK & TWITTER!

Follow @StreetsOfToronto for all the best in curated events, stunning streetscapes, gourmet food & restaurants, street fashion and breaking news.

3

BIG BRANDS. SMALL PRICES! 88 YORKVILLE Big or s mall, the CASHM AN buys and sell s it all!

OLIVER

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

JEWELL ERY.CA

4

CONTENTS JUNE 2022

Welcome to this month’s Post.

Sit back & enjoy.

DAVID SUZUKI’S GREATEST LOVE The activist on a romance that has spanned five decades

25

SHARE THE LOVE Chef Anthony Rose samples the city’s best banana splits for Father’s Day

33

JUNE 2022

28

19

MY DAD’S THE COOLEST Featherweight summer jackets for your heavyweight champion dad

21

| POST |

@kway_official

THE SUMMER ISSUE Secluded beaches, park-ready picnic baskets, the return of rock concerts & more!

MOVE OVER MUSKOKA Three alternative cottage markets for your home away from home

5

NEWS

CITYSCAPE

TRIVIA

Let the games begin How well do you know Toronto?

@jer1961

by Ron Johnson

There have been Pride celebrations in the city for 51 years

1. The first ever Pride event in T.O., Gay Day Picnic, was held where in 1971?

A. High Park B. Hanlan’s Beach

C. Ontario Place D. Trinity Bellwoods

2. What Toronto folk music group was led by actor and singer Victor Garber?

FATHER’S DAY ·SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2022 NOON - 5PM ·FREE ADMISSION Bloor Street from Avenue Road to Bay Street

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

SILVER SPONSORS

C. José Canseco D. Reggie Jackson

PROCEEDS IN SUPPORT OF

4. Name the Toronto green space that became the first city park in Canada.

MEDIA PARTNERS

#YECS2022 @BLOORYORKVILLE

A. Sunnybrook Park B. Rouge Park

C. Queen’s Park D. High Park

YORKVILLEEXOTICS.COM ANSWERS: 1. B 2. C 3. A 4. C

6

PADDOCK CLUB SPONSOR

C. Sugar Shoppe D. The Dishes

3. Name the MLB legend who hit his first pro home run in Toronto.

A. Babe Ruth B. Lou Gehrig

PRESENTED BY

GOLD SPONSOR

A. Steppenwolf B. Mynah Birds

CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

20 questions with Scott Thompson

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

Legendary Toronto sketch comedy troupe Kids in the Hall is back with a new season on Amazon Prime. We sat down with Scott Thompson and asked him 20 questions about the Kids, Toronto and his greatest fear. by Ron Johnson

24 The release date in June of The Man from Toronto film on Netflix, starring Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart.

$93 The amount of parking fees, in thousands, that have been accumulated by a Russian jet at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

L-R: Scott Thompson in one of his fafmiliar roles, the entire Kids in the Hall squad

you and realized you keep a python. That’s happened.

Security guard. When we made the pilot in 1989, I was still a security guard working night shifts.

What’s the last show you saw in Toronto?

What is your favourite Toronto building?

What’s the best meal you’ve ever eaten in Toronto?

Well, it was probably Bruce [McCulloch]’s show a couple or three years ago. Is that wrong?

I love that stupid building where you’re going onto the Don Valley, and there’s that kind of Rubik’s Cube building? Whatever the hell is that? It’s amazing.

Well, it would either be like a street hot dog, after a night of drinking with sauerkraut and lots of mustard and onions, or a Jamaican patty at the Bathurst Street subway.… I’m not a foodie.

What’s hanging above your couch?

It’s a painting from Nicaragua.

Is there one thing you have multiple versions of?

I have multiple copies of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Where do you think is the best view in the city?

Oh, I really like that view on Broadview and you turn down Pottery Road. There’s a Dairy Queen there. When we were taping, I would go by there at the end of the day, and I would have ice cream and I would sit on those picnic benches and look out over the valley. That’s my favourite view.

Where’s the first place in town you send visitors?

What’s your prized possession?

It’s such a good question. My health?

What talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could play instruments.

Like, I’m in a band and, actually, my band Mouth Congress is performing tonight at Bovine Sex Club, but I can’t play anything. I can’t even read music or anything like that.

If you could live in any Toronto neighbourhood, where would it be?

Well, I would say the Beaches if it wasn’t so far away.

Who in Toronto would you most like to hang out with?

Northern Ontario.

Catherine O’Hara. I mean I know her, but I’ve never spent a whole day with her. It’s always you brush against each other and I’m always so intimidated. Still, I worship her, so I never have that time to get over that.

What’s the last thing you made with your hands?

How do you get out of a creative rut?

My hands? I would say a mess.

Well, I don’t really believe in that. I mean, you just keep doing it.

Where do you go to get away from it all?

What is your greatest fear?

I don’t know, snakes? No one likes, when we, like, they are falling in love with someone and then discovering they have snakes. Like oh boy, I really should have done some research before I came home with

What’s your idea of perfect happiness?

I get really happy when someone says that you can’t go there and you’ll never get out alive. And you do. That it’s not healthy. That’s

kind of a red flag to a bull especially to go into a taboo area and to somehow lob a joke that works and to get out on fairly unscathed.

That’s incredibly fun.

What’s it been like to get the Kids in the Hall back together?

80 The top speed reached during testing by the Crosstown LRT in kilometres per hour.

Oh, it’s been wonderful. Absolutely. We were very lucky that we got it. We got together. That’s before COVID hit. So we had a couple of weeks in the writer’s room before all this madness hit.

Did you fall back into that Kids in the Hall groove right away or did it take time?

It doesn’t take much time, really. I haven’t seen them for two years, and then you dread it, and you get there, and you just fall into it. It’s maybe two minutes.

1889 The year the Michelin guide was first introduced.

The renowned restaurant guide is coming to Toronto later this year.

What does being part of the Kids in the Hall feel like?

It’s such a feeling of safety in a way because I know, when I’m with the five of us, there’s nothing really that can touch us. Like, people can come after one of us. But as soon as you come after one, the other four will, you know, will defend that person. And so that’s a really great feeling to be on a team like that and to know that your team is the best is an exciting place to be. I love it.

49 The number of votes cast for Pascal Siakam, enough to land the Raptors star on the All-NBA Team for the season.

JUNE 2022

I would say the Leslie Street Spit.

It’s a beautiful spot.

| POST |

What’s the first job you had in Toronto?

7

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

8

ROYAL LIGHTING .

1549 Avenue Road

(North of Lawrence)

royallighting.com

Sale Ends June 30, 2022 | While Quantities Last | Free Parking | sales@royallighting.com

Sunday 11:30 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 5 pm 416 . 782 . 1129

Light Bulbs not included. All sizes are approximate.

If T.O. musicians don’t have performance, practice or recording venues, how long can we remain a ‘music city’?

With the recent loss of beloved music halls and two rehearsal studios due to an unbridled real estate market, the Toronto music scene is in jeopardy by Sabrina Michael Toronto bills itself as a music city, but without studio space for emerging artists, it will be hard to live up to that moniker.

Toronto musicians are losing rehearsal spaces, as are other artists, as a result of high real estate prices.

Artists without a place to practise or perform will go elsewhere and the city will suffer.

Yes, the City of Toronto is making tax breaks for venues permanent, which is great for those who run those businesses. Many music venues closed during the pandemic, so protecting what remains is essential. But it runs deeper than that. It’s the artists who are suffering.

Last year, Rehearsal Factory president Chris Skinner gave a statement confirming the sale of its Geary location. The property is split between two separate buildings, 322 and 330 Geary Ave. Despite community outcry, the building was sold to the controversial C3 church. Tenants of 322 Geary Ave. were served eviction notices on Jan. 13.

Steve Sladkowski, guitarist for the band PUP, tweeted a photo of

the full letter, which was signed off with the statement, “Keep on rocking.” It was a hard knock for the music community.

This spring, another local recording studio announced that it was closing its doors.

Taylor Abrahamse and Bryn Scott-Grimes, co-founders of Silverthorn Studios, disclosed that a cash “bully offer” had swept in at the eleventh hour and bought the property.

Longtime friends and Silverthorn Studios co-founders Abrahamse and Scott-Grimes did not originally set out to create a recording studio.

They were looking for a space to record personal projects but quickly realized that, as Abrahamse recalled, “You can either go big or go home, you know? There’s no point in doing a slapdash recording studio.”

They went big, spending two years turning a 600-square-foot living space into a professional recording studio with seven sound isolation booths designed for live band recording.

“We created a really beautiful

atmosphere,” said Abrahamse. “It was designed to be like this beautiful little cottage in the city.”

He said, “We were the middle ground where emerging artists could have a community and develop and learn.”

Musician David Finneran recorded his song “Tree Branch” at Silverthorn Studios.

“Definitely a pity,” he said about the closure. “Silverthorn was a unique place, professional with a

They were excited about creating a space for future generations of creatives.

Two days before the presentation date, a cash offer came through with a string attached — accept by 11:59 that night or the offer would be rescinded. Their landlords accepted the cash offer.

“I put everything in my life aside for months to try and save this place,” said Abrahamse.

“I put everything in my life aside for months to try and save this place.” reasonable price point. I don’t know that there are many places like it.”

In October 2021, their landlords informed Silverthorn Studios of their intention to sell. ScottGrimes and Abrahamse began the painstaking process of reaching out to potential buyers interested in preserving the recording studio.

Finally, they found a collection of serious investors willing to save the studio.

Abrahamse and Scott-Grimes hosted a farewell party where community members could reminisce and say their goodbyes.

Back at 330 Geary Ave., a studio is reopening as Mainstage Rehearsal Studios. The space is owned and operated by former Rehearsal Factory employees Alex Fazio and Justin Dobbin.

“We’re just really excited to be able to keep it open. Ultimately our

goal is to make it more community-oriented,” said Fazio.

Fazio is quick to note that Mainstage Rehearsal Studios is owned and operated completely independently from C3 Toronto.

As for what will happen after their three-year lease ends?

“I have to go kicking and screaming,” said Fazio. “I’m going to stay as long as I possibly can.”

Fry, C3 pastor and spokesperson, said, “We understand the need for rehearsal spaces in our city.” He noted the current tenancy of Mainstage Rehearsal Studios and said that “there are no clear plans beyond the current lease term for the space at 330.”

Josh Trager, who was using the 322 Geary Rehearsal Factory space after his original Rehearsal Factory location on Richmond Street closed, met Fazio the day Trager was evicted.

“He gave me the rundown on what was going on [with the church plans], which definitely gave me some hope [that I might have studio space],” Trager, of Sam Roberts Band, said.

He said that he’s relatively lucky, as he has other options for spaces to rehearse and practise his craft.

Still, he expressed regret for those musicians who aren’t as lucky or connected.

“I definitely feel for emerging artists,” he said.

The realities of the real estate market have rippled across Toronto’s music industry. Still, there are glimmers of hope. Live music venue Hugh’s Room found a way to keep its doors open at a new location, although fundraising is ongoing in order to secure the property. And if successful, Silverthorn Studios has entered into an agreement with Hugh’s Room. The vision for this partnership is to preserve a space for emerging artists in Toronto and ensure that the city has a space where the next generation of musicians can flourish.

Scott-Grimes asserts that preserving the music community in Toronto requires a dual approach of individuals taking action to produce the music they want to, but that it would also be great to see, “people who do have more capital … preserving some spaces.”

Fazio said that it can feel insurmountable to be able to have these art spaces in downtown Toronto but adds, “It’s been a pretty good ride.”

Whatever happens, it is clear that the music community in Toronto isn’t going without a fight.

JUNE 2022

Clockwise from left: Sam Roberts Band, a Rehearsal Factory studio space, and Silverthorn Studios co-founders (L-R) Bryn Scott-Grimes and Taylor Abrahamse

NEWS

| POST |

© Daniela Rupolo Flickr

© silverthorn_studios Instagram

FEATURE

9

NEWS

STINTZ ON MIDTOWN

Mayor Tory all but re-elected but that stifles debate How can one assume to have a mandate and the will of the people without real opposition?

It’s great for Mayor Tory that he will be running in the next mayoral election unopposed, but it is not as great for the city.

Elections are messy, expensive and sometimes bitter, but they are also opportunities to raise issues that matter to the people who live in the city. Now that the position of mayor holds more power than ever before, by virtue of a reduced council, election debates become even more significant.Tory cannot assume that he has a mandate for anything if he runs unopposed.

There are many issues facing Toronto. Some are big ones, such as affordable housing. Some are less so, such as where bike lanes should go. Others are symbolic, such as renaming Dundas Street as a response to systemic racism.

The big issue of affordable housing is not an issue that any mayor can resolve, but Tory should definitely resist raising the Land Transfer Tax as a way of dealing with the city’s unsustainable budget.

Mayor John Tory facing no opposition could hurt the city

If the mayor is going to bring in any new revenue tools, otherwise known as taxes, he should be forthright about it during the election cycle.

Congestion is another increasing concern in the city and is increasingly becoming a topic of conversation. The amount of congestion in our city streets will

only get worse as people return to the office in greater numbers.

I am in full support of bike lanes but only if there is no onstreet parking where there are bike lanes on main streets. Onstreet parking is an incredibly inefficient use of road space and leads to some interesting configurations of bike lanes,

especially on Yonge Street and Danforth Avenue.

It would be safer for everyone without the on-street parking.

Then there is the decision to rename Dundas Street.

I have lived in Toronto my entire life and I never knew that Dundas Street was named after an incompetent racist that was born in 1792. I have now learned that Lord Dundas was, by all accounts, a ne’er-do-well.

Without question, I would not choose to name a street after him; however, that is not the choice.

The choice was made to rename the entire street, street signs, transit stops and anything that includes the name Dundas, including Yonge-Dundas Square.

Is this the same as removing a statue? It seems to me that this might be an expensive and emotionally taxing exercise that gives the dead man much more than he is due. There are many other ways to express outrage at his views that don’t involve changing the address of over

7,000 properties along the 23 kilometres of the street.

It is arguably a token symbol that might make people feel better in the moment but does little to address the real issue of racism in our city. A mayor understands that some symbolic gestures are important and some are self-defeating. A strong mayor doesn’t confuse the two.

Since the mayoral race is all but decided, people should focus on local races for city councillor.

Several veteran councillors have retired, leaving a void of talent to lead on council. Electing strong local representatives will be good for communities and for city hall.

KAREN STINTZ

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

416-960-9995

Sales Representative

Broker, Senior Vice President, Sales

Sales Representative Senior Vice President, Sales

NelsonDenhamBrown.com | @nelsondenhambrown

ED

S EA

L

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

46 Teddington Park Ave. Lawrence Park | $14,200,000 5 + 2 Bedrooms | 9 Baths

10

Built upon the architecture of luxury, this isn't just a home, it's an expression of perfection in its purest form. Crafted from the finest materials from around the world, where even the most minute details were obsessed over.

416-960-9995

420 Brunswick Ave | Annex $3,439,000 | 4 + 2 Bedrooms 4 Baths | 2 Car Parking Set apart by master craftsmanship & quality design, this historic house on iconic Brunswick Ave, in the heart of the Annex is steps to Jean Sibelius Park. It is simply the best lifestyle location in the city.

16 Bernard Ave | Annex $6,888,000 | 4 + 1 Bedrooms 4 Baths | 4 Car Parking

The best in urban lifestyle. 3 Storey detached, private drive, garage, prime Annex. Totally renovated.

Kitchen/family room opens to a large terrace and private walled gardens, multiple decks, a short stroll to Yorkville shopping.

90 Pricefield Rd. | Rosedale $3,195,000 | 4 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths | 2 Car Parking

Beautiful family home nestled into prime SW South Rosedale. 90 Pricefield represents a rare opportunity to live in one of the most sought after communities in Toronto. Versatile home suitable for all types of families.

2 Old George | Rosedale $15,500/month | 2 Bedrooms 3 Baths | 4 Car Parking Located in an exclusive and quiet cul-de-sac, dramatic open concept living space with floor to ceiling glass on both levels.

Private, meticulously landscaped ravine garden. A sophisticated condo alternative.

Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage | 416-960-9995 | 1867 Yonge St., Suite 100, Toronto ON

SEWELL ON CITY HALL

NEWS

Quality care since 1989. Now in a new location.

Chiropractic Care | Registered Massage Therapy Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dr. Lynette Nissen

Dr. Paul Rankin

1033 Bay Street #314, Toronto www.bachiro.com | 416.920.2468

The BEEZ KNEEZ Nursery School

Here are some real ideas for housing reform in Toronto Some ideas are so far beyond the pale that you wonder how they saw the light of day. A prime example is the idea that the province should pass a law declaring that four-storey residential buildings should be permitted as of right in all neighbourhoods in the province.

That doozy was suggested by a provincial task force established to propose how more housing can be built.

You can imagine the outcry from homeowners everywhere, fearing what would happen in their neighbourhood.

Yes, there’s a need for more housing to be built, and the best place to build it is by intensifying existing communities rather than creating more suburban sprawl.

Sprawl usually eats up more public money than it produces in property taxes — it is a net deficit to the public purse.

Here’s a better idea to build more housing: start planning on a neighbourhood level, and let the neighbourhood decide whether it wants to increase density in that neighbourhood.

Many owners would be delighted to benefit from additional housing units, either to help the individual owners meet costs or to provide increased revenue by selling to someone wanting to develop the property. Some might not, and that’s fine too — let them decide.

The simplest change would be to allow owners to expand the structure slightly — say by 15 or 20 per cent — in order to add

one or two new units, which could be rented out. That approach was adopted in Rosedale in the 1970s as a way to retain the existing large houses rather than see them torn down.

It has proven a good way to enhance the neighbourhood while increasing the amount of housing. Many neighbourhoods in central Toronto now permit two or three units in a house.

A more serious change for a neighbourhood on a main artery would be to allow buildings of a

“The key is to plan not on a citywide basis, but by neighbourhood.” greater height — say seven or eight storeys. Homeowners might realize that made good sense for the city and for the neighbourhood, as well as for their own pocketbooks.

The key is to plan not on a citywide basis, but by neighbourhood. Planners would have to sit down with neighbours and talk about possibilities — what works and what doesn’t, what makes economic sense. It would be a fine exercise in local democracy, and in fact it was one of the significant platforms of the reform Toronto City Council in the 1970s.

After reaching a plan in a neighbourhood, people living there should then have the opportunity to vote on it. All residents should be allowed to vote, tenants as well as owners, since all have a stake in the outcome. If 60 per cent of those who vote approve the plan, it should be put into place in a manner that cannot be appealed or challenged by those disgruntled with the vote.

City hall has determined there are some 150 neighbourhoods in Toronto. This kind of process should be tried out on four or five different neighbourhoods to see how it works.

Here’s another wrinkle. Those who create an extra unit in their home should be encouraged to apply for a rent subsidy so the unit can be made available to a low-income household.

For larger new buildings, the rule should be that one-third of the units should have rent subsidies — the same arrangement that has worked so well in the St. Lawrence community.

These are ideas worth trying.

They hold more promise than any dictat from the provincial government.

JOHN SEWELL

John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto. His most recent books are How We Changed Toronto and Crisis in Canada’s Policing.

Morning, afternoon, full day or extended programs available from 7:45 am - 5:00 pm Visit www.Beezkneez.ca or call 416 487 8847 for a tour.

New Store Hours: 11am - 5pm

110 Yorkville Ave. 416 961 9589

opticaloutlook

www.opticaloutlook.ca • opticaloutlooktoronto@gmail.com

JUNE 2022

Province drops a real doozy

FOR CHILDREN 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022

| POST |

Although upscale, the Rosedale neighbourhood has been flexible with housing policies over the years

11

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Summerhill scores a new park Negotiations over tower on historic site prove fruitful

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Councillor Mike Layton credits local residents association for progress

12

by Eric Stober

The City of Toronto has reached a settlement for a proposed development kitty-corner to the Five Thieves food purveyors on Yonge Street in the Rosedale neighbourhood.

The settlement for 1134–1140 Yonge St. includes lowering the height of the building from 13 storeys to 10 and securing an extension to nearby Ramsden Park.

Toronto City Council voted on May 11 to approve the negotiated settlement that will be presented at an upcoming Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing.

The Rosedale building currently on the site dates back to the 1930s and has been home to a Staples, a CBC studio and a Pierce-Arrow car dealership.

It features historical arched windows on the ground floor that will be brought back to life by developers Devron Developments and Constantine.

Park levy money gained from the deal has been used to purchase a property along Avenue Road that will expand Ramsden Park to the street, to make it more visible and accessible, according to local councillor Mike Layton and ABC Residents Association (ABCRA) president Ian Carmichael.

The park’s expansion was not on the table prior to this application, Layton said.

Ramsden Park, which recently underwent a massive multimillion-dollar upgrade, is located at 1060 Yonge St. and has a large dog off-leash area, baseball diamond, two playgrounds and a wading pool.

ABCRA has been negotiating with the developers for about two and a half years since the proposal was first submitted in 2020, and Layton said the association has been “in the driver’s seat” throughout that process.

The negotiation included keeping the number of units originally proposed, 66, roughly the same, as the height was lowered to 39.5 metres, as well as a substantial setback from the historic facade to allow appropriate transitions to nearby properties. “(ABCRA) deserves credit for finding common ground with the developer and city planning that addressed everyone’s concerns,” Layton said.

Carmichael said ABCRA is happy with the results of the negotiation.

“We are pleasantly surprised and pleased with what we managed to achieve,” he said.

The development will be in addition to other mid-rise projects in the area, including a proposed 19-storey building, across the street at 1087 Yonge St., and a 21-storey building at Scrivener Square.

apply.. R Rates from 1.5% Lexus **OAC, OAC, terms and conditions apply ates fr om 1.8% when applied with the 1.5 % Le xus Loyalty offer. have activee lease or loan with Le Lexus Lease and Loan Lo yalty of fer. Guests must ha ve an activ xus Services 1.5% Rate Reduction.

Ken Shaw Lexus Financial Ser vices to be eligible for the 1.5 %R ate R eduction. See K en Sha w Le xus for details.

Offers withoutt notice, and ar aree set to end June 30 30,, 2022. full det ails. O ffers subject to change withou

NEWS

New hotel, retail, tower for Yorkville After 50 years, Hudson’s Bay store set to close When it was announced back in February that the Hudson’s Bay located at the corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street would be shuttering its doors after operating for nearly 50 years, given its proximity to its Queen Street flagship location, not much was known about what would replace it.

But a new planning application is shedding some light on what will take its place — at least for a portion of the property.

The development is proposed

by Brookfield Property. The commercial real estate firm that owns part of the Hudson’s Bay complex located at 2 Bloor St. E. would see the renovation and redesign of the retail podium into an updated flagship retail space at-grade and at the concourse level, and the upper level of the

current store would be converted into office space.

The renderings show that a new facade is also in the works.

Brookfield’s portion of the complex also includes retail stores at the concourse level connecting directly to the BloorYonge TTC station, as well a 36storey office building located at 2 Bloor St. E. and the west half of the Hudson’s Bay store and retail complex.

The east side of the complex at 90 Bloor St. E., owned by Larco Investments, includes the soonto-be-opened W Hotel and the 35-storey residences above it, as well as the above-grade parking structure.

The development application submission also shows that the existing level 6 area currently being utilized for mechanical and electrical services would be

by Jennifer Schembri

relocated to levels 4 and 5, and the floors within the existing atrium and some retail spaces at the south end of the concourse level would be removed for sidewalk access.

Toronto-based firm KPMB Architects, best known for skyscrapers like Maple Leaf Square and auditoriums like the Minnesota Orchestra Hall, is set to helm the project.

When Hudson’s Bay opened its Yonge and Bloor location in 1974, the 260,000-square-foot space was the first major department store in the midtown area in 50 years. The space also featured three dining rooms and a 2,000-square-foot exhibition hall for community use.

The landmark store will officially close its doors on May 31.

Iconic diner & heritage homes or wider sidewalks?

Four buildings at Davenport Road and Avenue Road dating back to the late 19th century could be demolished to make way for a new condo tower.

The Toronto Preservation Board voted that it recommends Toronto City Council should give 148, 156–158 Avenue Rd. and 224 Davenport Rd. heritage designation, which would allow council to refuse the application for a 35-storey mixed-use building if the heritage aspects couldn’t be maintained.

The Avenue Road properties are three-storey, late Victorian-era red brick houses, built from 1891 to 1892, and they represent the earliest period of the street’s “historical built evolution,” according to the preservation board.

Meanwhile, 224 Davenport Road is the former head office of Canada’s largest bakery, the Canada Bread Company, and dates to 1930. Although the

tower proposed would attempt to preserve the face at 224 Davenport, the rest would be demolished.

Local councillor Mike Layton said that although they are important properties to acknowledge, there is a large community push for the sidewalks at the intersection to be widened as they currently pose a safety hazard at their width of 2.1 metres. If the buildings were to be maintained through a heritage designation, that would mean the sidewalks couldn’t be widened for decades.

“We would be forever giving up the likelihood of wider sidewalks in the current road arrangement,” Layton said.

Layton added that the city council consideration will likely be deferred, and the developer has agreed to continue to discuss the application and not seek to demolish the buildings yet.

— Eric Stober

Protect your Table from • Heat • Spills • Dents • Scratches with a custom table pad Made in Canada Magnetic Locking System

Free in home service Toronto 416-283-2508 Canada/U.S.A. Wide 1-800-668-7439

www.ptpads.com

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS: RECENTLY COMPLETED: • 6 Marmion • 369 Lake Promenade • 11 Berkindale • 15 McGillivray • 47 Astor • 26 St. Hildas • 710 Hillsdale • 137 Chiltern Hill • 22 Astor • 662 Hillsdale • 45 Rumsey • 131 Alberta • 67 Sutherland • 402 St. Clements • 29 Ava • 7 Holland Park • 32 Ardmore COMING SOON: • 76 Brunswick • 59 Lake Promenade • 83 Southvale • 195 Sutherland • 147 Bombay • 561 Briar Hill

JUNE 2022

A rendering of the proposed building at 2 Bloor St. E.

| POST |

NEIGHBOURHOOD

13

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Councillor Mike Colle (R) and residents at the rally to save 500 Duplex

Residents rally to save midtown building Concerns over impending development include loss of green space

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

by Jennifer Schembri

14

Residents of a midtown Toronto highrise held a rally in the hopes of saving their building from what they call an outrageous development that would see the loss of their green space, the blocking out of their windows and some losing their homes.

The developer, Streamliners Properties Inc., plans to build two condo towers that will be attached to Parkview Residences, the existing 34-storey highrise located at 500 Duplex Ave., located just north of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue.

The proposed 11- to 15-storey structures are expected to add an additional 61 residences, bringing the total to 940 residential units, and will see the demolition of 20 rental townhouses on the property.

Jacquelyn Wint, a resident at 500 Duplex, said the loss of the green space would have an impact on neighbourhood park space that is already overwhelmed.

“It has been a vital connection point to the local community, not just the residents in the current tower,” she said. “Nature is a good catalyst for physical, emotional and mental health, and our green space is an important balance in a community where it’s already quite concrete-and-tower heavy in the Yonge and Eglinton area.”

Wint also asserted that the proposed development fails to comply with city guidelines, that

some tenants could lose their apartments, and that current amenities, such as visitor’s parking, pool, tennis court and the in-tower convenience store, would also be lost.

“We are not anti-development.

We are for wise development that makes sense in the community,” Wint said. “This development is proposing to add more of the same kind of development that’s an influx in this neighbourhood and doesn’t address the range of housing needs.”

Councillor Mike Colle, who represents Ward 8, EglintonLawrence, said that the developer has bypassed Toronto City Council and gone to the province’s Ontario Land Tribunal for approval.

“The owner refused to partake in the city process,” Colle said.

“That’s the first time in my life I’ve ever seen a developer refuse to come to the community consultation meeting by the planning department.”

The rally to save 500 Duplex was held at Montgomery Square.

“We hope to expose this outlaw behaviour by the developer that is basically destroying the homes of people who live in this building,” said Colle. “It’s really a total disregard for residents who have paid their rent and been good tenants for decades.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEWS

c 416.402.0787 | t 416.960.9995 edavis@sothebysrealty.ca | ellidavis.com 00 5,0

1 Forest Hill Rd. #1103

9 3,4

$

,2 $2

Liberty Group was considering a potential Michelin-starred restaurant project

Brand new! Unobstructed NW views, open-concept living/dining area w/gas fireplace. 2+1 bdrms, 3 baths, 2,113 sq. ft. +102 sq. ft. balcony. 2 pkg + locker, valet parking.

1166 Bay St. #2102

00

,0 50

Bay and Bloor! Bright and spacious, renovated eat-in kitchen & 2 full baths, 3 generous bdrms, unobstructed eastern exposure, 2 pkg.

Top-tier amenities: pool, valet pkg, gym++, 24hr. security.

Work at Casa Loma questioned Councillor and locals united in their concerns to protect castle

“This was done in a, I think, it was inarguably done in a very quiet way.” happened and what is permitted within the agreement between LEG and the city of Toronto.

“There needs to be sunlight and accountability,” Matlow said, “with the goal of establishing a transparent and accountable path.

And then we can debate it. You know, this was done in a, I think, it was inarguably done in a very quiet way.”

Matlow explained that he’d heard from local residents in the Casa Loma neighbourhood that there was work being done at the stables. “Things that indicated a restaurant was being built,” he said. “But there’d been no public

notice and no information.”

Matlow then contacted city staff and tried to figure out what was going on and heard back from Cheryl Blackman of Toronto Economic Development and Culture.

“Her understanding was that, according to the lease, that Liberty Group was allowed to move ahead with the restaurant,” he said, “but that they would be more than happy to consult with the residents in my community about mitigating issues like if they had concerns about traffic or noise or where the patio would be situated or things like that.”

Matlow, through his office, requested an opportunity to review the lease after what he described as encountering a lot of things that “didn’t seem normal.”

Liberty Group has already established a fine dining restaurant at Casa Loma, BlueBlood Steakhouse. But that is at the main property, not north of Austin Terrace.

So at city council, Matlow requested some clarity regarding the arrangements between the city and the Liberty Group.

However, when Matlow moved a motion to refer the item to the general government and licensing committee for study, it was defeated. A motion to simply “receive” the item, moved by councillor Mark Grimes, was carried.

It is unclear what happens next, other than the Casa Loma neighbourhood is out one Michelin-starred restaurant.

—Ron Johnson

,5 $1

Granite Place! Yonge/St. Clair, Totally renovated, approx. 1,685 sq. ft., 2 bdrms, 2 baths, 2 balconies, custom built-ins Enjoy first rate amenities, 2 parking & 2 lockers, indoor pool, gym. !

ING

SK RA

E

V DO

L

SO

9

61 St. Clair Ave. W. #1005

0

0 5,0

D!

L SO

175 Cumberland St. #2202** Renaissance Plaza in Yorkville!

Approx 1,643 sq. ft., 2 bdrms, 2 full baths. Amenities include: concierge, indoor pool, gym & steps to Yorkville shops & dining, ROM, U of T & TTC

70 Rosehill Ave. #503 Yonge & St. Clair! Full service luxury bldg. Rarely Offered, app.

4100 sq.ft., unobstructed south city views, 3 bdrms+den, formal living/dining, Juliette and open balconies. 3 pkg & locker incld.

Spring for Change!

Representing Buyers and Sellers of Condominiums & Houses in Your Neighbourhood.

My Services Include: -

Strategic Analysis of the Market Trends and Activity in Your Area Iconic Branding with Local and International Exposure Pre-Listing Staging Consultation Leading Edge Marketing Tools and Professional Photography with Tours Captivating Social Media Campaign with Extensive Reach and Response

This market can be challenging to navigate and it takes a knowledgeable and true professional to bring results.

Call today for a complimentary evaluation!

1867 Yonge Street, Suite 100, Toronto ON M4S 1Y5 **Represented the Buyer and Seller

JUNE 2022

there was not meant to be any building, according to Matlow.

Di Donato decided to walk away from the situation a few weeks back and instead announced he was opening Don Alfonso in the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. This was just weeks prior to the announcement that the Michelin Guide to restaurants would soon be coming to Toronto.

At the next Toronto City Council meeting, Coun. Matlow introduced an agenda item that would engage city staff in a factfinding mission to see what

| POST |

There appeared to be some confusion recently over a portion of Toronto’s Casa Loma after city councillor Josh Matlow was alerted to some building happening on the site north of Austin Terrace.

According to Nick Di Donato, of the Liberty Entertainment Group (LEG), which manages the site for the city and has turned it into a successful and vibrant attraction, there were plans afoot to transform the area into a new location for its prized Michelinstarred restaurant, Don Alfonso.

Liberty Group went through the usual city channels and was set to move ahead with the project when things seemed to go off the rails.

“We had opened Don Alfonso in the conservatory, but we were under contract for weddings and events and so on,” said Di Donato. “We had to move on, and we thought the stables area was a fantastic opportunity. It was a complement to Casa Loma itself, and it wouldn’t impact the community in any way.”

Di Donato said a restaurant north of Austin Terrace would also allow Don Alfonso to live up to its billing as a farm-to-table restaurant by growing food in the gardens.

Di Donato said everything was approved by the City of Toronto except the building permit needed for the kitchen, which is what seemed to have alerted councillor Josh Matlow to the situation, that and news from concerned local residents that there was activity happening on the site, where

15

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

Suave suit brand from Amsterdam tries Yorkville on for size Plus a colossal cookie company opens up shop, a community-based running store and more Amsterdam-based custom suit brand Atelier Munro is set to open its first Canadian storefront in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. The standalone location will open its doors this summer at 19 Hazelton Ave. and will be the second permanent stand-alone storefront for Atelier Munro globally.

Spanning three levels, the store will feature working desks alongside its ready-to-wear collection.

Foxies Bakeshop, the sister-owned bakery known for cakes and colossal cookies stuffed to the brim with things like Nutella, Oreos and cinnamon Snickerdoodles just opened up a brick-and-mortar shop after years of online-only ordering. The treats are baked fresh to order, packed in pretty pink boxes and each cookie weighs in at a whopping four ounces. Swing by the new location at 669 Mount Pleasant Rd. for a taste of these stuffed treats!

BlackToe Running recently opened at Yonge and Eglinton

ARE Y YOU O OU SUFFERING FROM FR OM DEPRESSION? DEPRES SION? TMS MEDICATIONAT TION TIONT MS IS A MEDIC TREATMENT. FREE TREA EA AT TMENT T.

Midtown is getting a new neighbour! Hopson Grace, known for its stylish and modern home decor selection, from kitchenware to bed linens, is ready for expansion. The Toronto brand is moving from 1120 Yonge St. to a larger space at 200 Dupont St. Current Rosedale fans of the curated tableware and designs from around the world will have to sign up for a short commute to visit Hopson Grace’s new location this summer.

Response Response rrate ate is nearly nearly 3 out of of 4

by Raquel Farrington

Popular King West running specialty store BlackToe Running just opened a new location in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood this month. Although the company is known for its selection of the hottest running shoe brands, from Hoka to Nike, it stands out due to its community-building efforts. The brand has organized countless marathons and run clubs for the King West community, and it’ll be bringing that same energy to 2488 Yonge St. for runners of any experience level.

Wiener’s Home Hardware is celebrating its 100th birthday! The store was founded in 1922 by Hyman and Ida Wiener at 432 Bloor St. W. With the Weiners living in the Annex, it started as a community- and family-oriented shop. To this day, the store is still run by the family, currently transitioning into the fourth generation of Wiener family ownership and offering the same personal service, including everything from tool rentals to window repair.

If you spotted a piano overgrown with leaves this month, don’t worry — no one has abandoned their instrument on the curb! The colourful installation is a part of Paul Hahn & Co.’s Summer Sounds series. The Rosedale piano store is bringing live performances to the front lawn of their shop at 1058 Yonge St. every Saturday throughout the summer.

Virtually V irtually y no side effects effects Medication M edication free free

Health H ealth Canada approved approved for for safety safety and effectiveness effectiveness

“I belie believe ve tha thatt T TMS MS is the futur future eo off tr treating eating and bea beating ting depr depression. ession."

-D Dr.r. L Leo eo S Steiner teiner

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

TMS painless stimulate T MS uses painl ess magnetic pulses tto o stimula te the ar area ea in the br brain ain tha thatt ccontrols ontrols our mood.

16

y T TMS MS Clinics o off Canada is the first and onl only private private practice practice to to o offer ffer DEEP TMS TMS in the GTA. GTA. A T This his highl highly y eff effective, ective, br breakthrough eakthrough treatment treatment ffor or depr depression ession has demonstr demonstrated ated significant significant rresults. esults.

FIND OUT IF TMS IS RIGHT FOR OR Y YOU. OU.

905.897.9699 905.897 .9699 TM TMSofCanada.com SofCanada.com TMS CLINIC CLINICS S OF CANADA C ANAD A LOVE L OV E LIFE FE AGAIN A GAIN

CRIME

NEWS

CITYWIDE BREAK-INS — MAY 2022 WHERE

WHEN

TIME OF DAY

REGISTER FOR VIP ACCESS

YONGE ST. AND THORNRIDGE DR.

MAY 2

4 P.M.

DUNFIELD AVE. AND SOUDAN AVE.

MAY 4

3 P.M.

DUPONT ST. AND ST. GEORGE ST.

MAY 5

ROYAL PALM DR. AND HILDA AVE.

MAY 5

4:30 A.M.

estate investment, you need a trusted Broker

FIELD AVE. AND BESSBOROUGH DR.

MAY 6

3 A.M.

with access. At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, we

MERTON ST. AND MT. PLEASANT RD.

MAY 6

3 P.M.

PRINCE ARTHUR AVE. AND BEDFORD RD.

MAY 6

8 P.M.

AVENUE RD. AND CORTLEIGH BLVD.

MAY 8

11 A.M.

PLYMBRIDGE RD. AND PLYMBRIDGE CRES.

MAY 8

4 A.M.

MILDENHALL RD. AND STRATHEDEN RD.

MAY 9

1 A.M.

ROYAL ORCHARD BLVD. AND SILVER ASPEN DR.

MAY 9

1:30 P.M.

LAIRD DR. AND SOUTHVALE DR.

MAY 10

3 A.M.

HEATH ST. E. AND ALVIN AVE.

MAY 11

6 P.M.

BELMONT ST. AND MCMURRICH ST.

MAY 14

3 A.M.

ST. CLAIR AVE. W. AND RUSSELL HILL RD.

MAY 19

5 P.M.

GLENVALE BLVD. AND TANAGER AVE.

MAY 19

6 P.M.

DIVADALE DR. AND DON AVON DR.

MAY 20

5 P.M.

2 A.M.

The GTA condo market is hotter than ever.

If you are looking for your next home or real

have been working with the best builders and brokers in the New Homes & Condos sector

seeking public assistance in locating a male suspect wanted in two assault investigations. On Saturday, May 14, at approximately 8:10 a.m., police responded to a call of an assault at

Toronto police are

Yorkville’s Signature Address Register for access.

The Penthouse Collection at One Delisle

Leslie subway station. It is alleged that a male suspect assaulted both a 33-year-old male victim and a 24year-old male victim on board the train. have made an arrest in connection with a stabbing in the city of Vaughan. Police responded to the area of Yonge Street and Royal Orchard Boulevard on May 9, at approximately 1:10 p.m., for a report of a stabbing. Officers arrived and located an adult male with stab wound injuries. He was transported to the hospital with serious but nonlife-threatening injuries. Officers determined the victim and a second male suspect were waiting at a bus stop on Yonge Street when the first suspect exited a bus and stabbed the victim multiple times while the second suspect recorded the incident on his cellphone.

The two suspects fled the scene on foot. Police identified and arrested the first suspect, a 16-year-old male from Markham. He has been charged with an attempt to commit murder, possession of a weapon, aggravated assault and two counts of breach of probation. The second suspect remains outstanding.

York Regional Police

a security camera image of a male suspect wanted as part of an assault investigation after an incident in the area of Eglinton Avenue East and Mt. Pleasant Road. Police officers responded to the area on March 8 at 1 a.m. It is reported that a victim was at a bar playing billiards when an unknown male suspect approached the victim and punched him in the face without provocation, causing him to sustain serious injuries. The suspect then fled the area.

The Briar

by PlazaCorp Luxury Towns in Lytton Park.

Register for details.

REGISTER NOW vipaccess@harveykalles.com 416.441.2888 | harveykalles.com

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.

JUNE 2022

Police have released

| POST |

male suspect is facing charges as part of an assault investigation after an incident at the Yonge Street and Bloor Street subway station. On April 16, at 9:12 p.m., police responded to a call of an assault at the station. It is reported that two males were involved in a verbal altercation on the subway platform when the suspect punched the victim several times, causing the victim to sustain serious injuries. The suspect then fled the area. The police arrested the suspect on May 4. He has been charged with assault causing bodily harm.

A 23-year-old Toronto

The Pemberton

Call today for your private preview.

CRIME BRIEFS Toronto Police Service is requesting public assistance in relation to three carjacking robberies. On Wednesday, May 18, police responded to three robberies that occurred between 4:27 p.m. and 6:18 p.m.

The incidents all took place along Sheppard Avenue East at Willowdale Avenue, Dean Park Road and Markham Road respectively. In each incident, the victims were near their vehicle parked in their driveway, when several male suspects in a white sedan stopped their vehicle in front of the victim’s driveway. One suspect jumped out of the passenger door, ran toward the victim, produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s keys. The suspect took the victim’s keys and fled in the victim’s vehicle, while the other suspects drove away in the white sedan.

for decades, and have your key to the city.

17

SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE

Cynthia Findlay

Est. 1978

Fine Jewellery & Antiques Toronto, Canada

Beautiful ideas for graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and Father's Day gifts.

Visit our online selection for one of a kind!

www.cynthiafindlay.com

416-260-9057 • Open by Appointment Only.

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Rolex • Patek • Cartier • Omega • Breitling • Audemars Piguet • IWC

18

Since 1985 90 Eglinton Avenue East

416-440-0123

Visit us online: www.vanrijk.com

Estate Jewellery and Watches

Tues. Wed. Fri. 10:30am–5:30pm Thurs. 10:30am–6:30pm Sat. 11:00am–5:00pm Sun. Mon. Closed

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

KAWARTHAS HOME ON THE WATER

The custom-built home at 18 Evans Dr. is situated right on the water in a private cul-de-sac. Featuring three plus two bedrooms, five bathrooms and a rec room with a bar and a theatre room, this cottage is the height of luxury. Located on Burnt River, with access to the nearby Lake Cameron, you can hang out on the deck, while dipping in and out of the water by day, and sit around the firepit at night. It’s listed for $3.199 million with Engel & V lkers York Region.

MOVE OVER MUSKOKA It’s cottage season, but with so little inventory in Muskoka, why not try looking to these alternative markets for your home away from home? From a Kawartha Lakes custom build to a Haliburton cottage with a lakeside sauna, these gems feature some of the best lakes and views that Ontario has to offer.

WATERFRONT CHARM

The cottage at 68 Heyden Ave. features two storeys, an upper and lower deck and a private dock and gazebo area that can be taken advantage of all summer long. It’s listed for $2.789 million with Keller Williams Legacies Realty.

This cottage at 1767 Chandler Dr. sits on a 3.5-acre lot and comes with 436 feet of private shoreline on Drag Lake. It has two outdoor decks and a sauna right next to the water. It’s listed for $1.299 million with Re/Max North, Haliburton.

| POST |

MODERN BUILD

JUNE 2022

HALIBURTON

LAKE SIMCOE

19

SUMMER SHOPPING GUIDE Menchie's St. Clair West | Open n Daily 12-11 pm

162 Cumberland Street 416.967.7500 Proudly Serving

We Deliver!

TO

y l d Bol

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

GO...

20

FASHION

CURRENTS

MY DAD’S THE COOLEST @TSC

Jeanne Beker has selected six of the best high-quality and high-tech featherweight summer jackets for your heavyweight champion dad. It's the perfect Father's Day gift to keep the father figures in your life in style and weatherproofed for the season.

SAVE

LIGHT & BRIGHT

NIKE $158 "This looks really easy to pack. A jacket like this is great for travel. If you want a minimalistic, futuristic look, this is the way to go. It's totally classic and a very subtle fashion statement."

SPLURGE ARC'TERYX $450 "In the spirit of the old-fashioned shell jackets, here is a hugely lightweight windbreaker jacket in a really modern white. White makes things always look futuristic to me, and it's got a nod to that minimalistic effect."

Nike.com/ca

Arcteryx.com/ca

SAVE

GOING RETRO

K-WAY $199 “K-Way is just a classic. I've been wearing them since the ’60s. Everyone's talking about a pop of colour this season. We're all longing for moods to be elevated.

You can't go wrong with this jacket, and it packs up really nicely too."

SPLURGE FENDI x K-WAY $2,461 "Fendi did a collab with K-Way for this one, which I think is really cool. This is an absolutely practical coat, with a nod to the nostalgia of the jackets we used to wear as a kid. Great for riding around on a bike or rowing in a canoe!"

Kwaycanada.com

Farfetch.com

SPACE AGE SPLURGE SAVE

REIGNING CHAMP $550

Gravitypope.com

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 in to her new podcast Beyond Style Matters

JUNE 2022

Arcteryx.com/ca

"This just looks like a cool jacket. There's something about the crinkle and the fabric that looks a little distressed, which is a look that some people like. That's part of the charm of this jacket."

| POST |

ARC'TERYX $160 "Easy to pack, easy to run around in — this is the kind of track jacket that you could just have forever. It has that space age vibe going. It's a really clean look."

21

Canadian Bicycle Recycling

Donate Your Used Bicycles We’ll pick them up for free! canadianbicyclerecycling.ca Be sure to let us know which magazine you saw our ad in!

Knowing which neighbourhoods respond, helps us help others!

French Provincial Residence Set in an Enclave of Fine Homes at York Mills and Bayview on a 95 Foot Frontage Lot

Center Hall Plan Exceptional Kitchen with Exquisite Separate Breakfast Room Main Level Family Room overlooking Gardens Lower Level Second Family Room with Walkout to Beautifully Landscaped Grounds, Natural Stone Patios and a Todd Pool Sun-Filled Perfect for Family Living!

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

GREAT ESCAPES

A European love letter to Ontario Get your own taste of life across the pond without hopping on a plane with these 10 incredible towns by Kaitlin Narciso

It’s time to add these Ontario destinations to your bucket list!

Trade in a plane ticket for a road trip and explore these Ontario towns that will make you feel as though you’re in Europe. From beautiful coastlines to stunning architecture, rolling vineyards to tranquil green spaces, Ontario is filled with beautiful towns that are steeped in a European way of life.

Bruce Peninsula: The Positano of Ontario

Just Listed - Custom Design

22

CURRENTS

Transport yourself to the stunning coastline of Positano by heading to the breathtakingly beautiful Bruce Peninsula. With both destinations characterized by stunning coastal cliffs and crystal clear waters, you’ll feel that Positano feeling as you hike and swim along the Grotto — one of Mother Nature’s crown jewels. With the turquoise water, intricate cave structures and surrounding greenery, it’s no wonder that the Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of Canada’s premier destinations.

Prince Edward County: Cheers to Burgundy

Eleanor London, Sales Representative Price upon Request

VILLAGE OFFICE

416-488-2875 REAL ESTATE INC • BROKERAGE

441 SPADINA ROAD

Prince Edward County is renowned for chardonnay and pinot noir — wine that you’ll also find in the Burgundy region of France, where similar styles of wine are produced. Chablis, which closely resembles chardonnay,

flourishes in this region due to the cooler climate. Similar to the climate in Prince Edward County, summers are hot and the peak season for growing, while winters can be long, cold and frosty.

Prince Edward County offers amazing wine tasting experiences that'll have you feeling like you’re sipping wine in France.

The Blue Mountains: Serenity the Nordic way

With an economy centered around tourism, the Blue Mountains region resembles Finland and other Nordic countries. Nowhere is that more clear than in the parallels seen in the charming nature of The Blue Mountains village, the skiing culture and the Scandinave Spa. The spa is heavily influenced by Scandinavian wellness practices, with a huge emphasis on hydrotherapy, an age-old Finnish tradition. And with Finland holding the title of the happiest country in the world, hopefully some of that Finnish joy will rub off on you while you’re there!

Cambridge: Explore Canada’s England

Quaint old charm characterizes the small town of Cambridge.

With historic buildings like the Galt Post Office and the architecture along the Grand River

GREAT ESCAPES

known for its incredible scenery, you’ll feel like you stepped into the past — or maybe right into the Cotswolds! Contributing to the Old World vibe that England is known for, Cambridge’s weekend farmers market is the oldest in Canada, dating back to 1830. Old English Tudor-style buildings stretch along the oldest streets, with the Black Badger pub offering an authentic British pub experience.

to enjoy in the summer. To embrace that European atmosphere, bike along the Rideau Canal with the flower fields as your backdrop, and you’ll instantly feel as though you’re biking through Amsterdam. Enjoy a standup paddle boarding or boat tour along the Gatineau River in Ottawa, and you’ll believe you’re taking a tour along Amstel River and taking in the sights of the capital of the Netherlands.

Stratford: An ode to Shakespeare

With Victorian-style shops, cobblestone walkways and an affinity for William Shakespeare, Stratford is most definitely Canada’s very own London, England. Rich with culture, Stratford’s love of the theatre parallels that of its namesake in the U.K. — the birthplace of William Shakespeare himself.

For the true theatre aficionados, make sure to check out the Stratford Festival for stunning performances of Hamlet, Little Women and Richard III this season.

Fergus and Elora: Paying homage to Scotland

CURRENTS

Perth: Ireland leaves its mark

Beachgoers at the Grotto on the Bruce Peninsula

Covered in stone, the Elora village consists of 19th-century limestone architecture — which was built by Scottish stonemasons. Many of the historic structures remain to this day, repurposed as small shops, restaurants and galleries.

Wandering through the village will feel as though you’re wandering through the historic towns of Linlithgow or Dunbar in Scotland.

If you’re truly looking for a

Scottish experience, make sure to attend the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games from Aug. 12 to 14 this year. With Celtic music, crafts, bagpipers, drummers, bands, highland dancing, storytelling, singing and more, the annual three-day event is the place to be.

Ottawa: Blossoming into Amsterdam

Every spring, the Canadian Tulip

Festival celebrates the royal gift of tulips from the Dutch, which were sent to Canada to honour the role Canada played in the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. These tulips can be seen in Commissioners Park — where the festival is held — and throughout the rest of the city, brightening the city in the ways of the Dutch.

Although the tulip festival finishes in May, there’s still plenty

Nineteenth-century stone buildings, cute boutique shops and tranquil green spaces make up this small town, which was originally a military settlement in the early 1800s. Paying homage to the town’s heritage, Perth still carries the influence of its past Irish settlers.

With beautiful green space surrounding the small town, driving the backroads will feel like you’re driving through the rolling landscape of Ireland. Shop within Code’s Mill for a charming selection of shops and restaurants, or stroll through the enchanting Stewart Park for a picnic.

Finally, a Fertility Centre for Every Kind of Family 1 in every 6 couples struggle with infertility. That includes families of all kinds. Every race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and income level is represented in that 1 in 6. In other words, infertility is inclusive.

Fertility treatment centres should be too.

Anyone and everyone struggling with infertility should have easy access to world-class fertility care. They should have help overcoming all obstacles to that care, whether they be financial, logistical, physical, or emotional. They should receive that care in a safe and comfortable environment. Their care team should be made up of experts who truly partner with them throughout their fertility journey. Every step of the way, they should be supported, informed, and empowered. Myths should be dispelled, concerns addressed, and ethical and religious beliefs fully taken into account when designing their treatment. They should feel they can truly trust their care team, believing every possible option will be explored to help them realize their dream of becoming a parent.

FERTILITY CARE FOR EVERY KIND OF FAMILY Expert fertility specialists.

We created Anova to provide all of that to aspiring parents of each and every kind. To offer expert, supportive, and truly inclusive care throughout their fertility journey. That care includes a range of treatment options to suit each patient, from egg donation and surrogacy for those ready to conceive now, to egg freezing for those planning for the future.

Schedule a consultation today!

40 University Ave, Suite 420 Toronto ON M5J 1T1

anovafertility.com

| POST |

WELLINGTON ST W

JUNE 2022

Inclusive fertility care.

UNIVERSITY AVE

If you aspire to become a parent, schedule your free consultation today, at any one of Anova’s four convenient locations, to begin the exciting journey of creating your family at anovafertility.com

Founded and led by women.

SIMCOE ST

Anova was founded to increase access to world-class fertility care for all aspiring parents. Every day, our expert and dedicated team works to achieve that crucial goal.

Best-in-class embryology lab.

23

CURRENTS

LOCAL GRADUATES

This American Idol fan fave got her start at a T.O. high school Nicolina Bozzo shot to fame on the hit TV show and has built a following of 300K

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

After stealing the hearts of millions of American Idol fans, Vaughan local Nicolina Bozzo was eliminated just before the finale.

The singer finished the competition in the top five, dazzling spectators and judges with her vocals — and winning the favour of viewers across this country who were rooting for her to be American Idol’s first Canadian winner.

Before her rise to fame on arguably the most popular singing competition show in North America, Bozzo attended St. Elizabeth Catholic High School as part of the school’s arts program.

“In high school, I was doing a lot of singing and a lot of performing.

That definitely changed my life because it put into perspective what music meant to me and what singing meant to me and how much I loved performing and the rehearsal process. So through high school, I definitely started finding my purpose,” Bozzo says.

24

REPORT CARD STUDENT:

Nicolina Bozzo GRADUATED:

St. Elizabeth Catholic School BEST SUBJECT:

English, Arts WORST SUBJECT:

Math CURRENT JOB:

Singer

Bozzo placed in the top five before she was eliminated

After a few years at St. Elizabeth, Bozzo auditioned for American Idol. Historically, the show has never had a Canadian winner, with many trying their hand and failing as the hurdles got higher. Bozzo was among elite company this year as two other Canadians joined her on the show

— B.C.’s Cameron Whitcomb was eliminated shortly before the top 10 picks, and Toronto-born, U.S.raised Leah Marlene finished third in the finale.

Bozzo thought the experience as a whole was surreal.

“I grew up watching American Idol, as I think a lot of us did. And

by Marcus Mitropoulos

coming from Canada, it was never something I thought was going to be part of my life and part of my journey,” she says. “So when I got the opportunity to audition, it was just the most unbelievable thing ever.”

During her time on the show, it was no secret that she was a fan favourite. Social media was crawling with videos of Bozzo singing songs from powerful artists such as Adele and Celion Dion, and her audition video has over 2 million views since it was uploaded in February. However, her favourite performance might shock you.

“I sang ‘everything I wanted,’ by Billie Eilish at the time, and I thought there was no way that song was going to get me into the next round,” she says. Bozzo explains that her tone and singing style revolves around a lot of belting and loud notes. The Eilish tune is much softer than Idol fans had seen her attempt. “But when I performed it, I found this vulnerability and

attachment through the song.

When I got off the stage, I felt amazing.”

Bozzo’s time after the show has been beyond her wildest expectations. She says that the overwhelming support from her family, friends and TikTok family has been incredible. On the app, she’s garnered over 300,000 followers and her community only continues to grow. However, she just wants to be as happy as she makes her fans.

“I mean, right now, I'm just kind of trying to ride the wave and see where it takes me. But in the long run, I definitely just want to be happy and I definitely just want to keep creating, whether that be on a large scale or something I do for myself,” she says.

For now, look to follow Bozzo’s musical journey through her social media platforms, or enjoy her performances on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

(this was before global warming was an issue) by getting to Ottawa a number of times. I taught a course at the University of Puerto Rico and she came down when classes ended and she agreed to marry me on a small plane between one of the Virgin Islands.

The marriage and honeymoon

David Suzuki and Tara Cullis married on the first anniversary of their meeting

David Suzuki’s greatest love of all The activist on his relationship with his wife, Tara Cullis, that has spanned five decades

The first date

While dancing, neither of us could speak as all kinds of bolts were going off in both of our heads. It was the kind of electrifying moment that you see in cornball rom-coms, but it was real. Gordin Kaplan, a professor friend of mine, drove us to her apartment at the end of the night where I walked her to the door and kissed her. That kiss sealed everything and we’ve never stopped kissing for 50 years.

CF SHOPS AT DON MILLS 39 Karl Fraser Rd (416) 390-9998

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE 2252 Bloor St W (416) 766-8882

BAYVIEW VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE 2901 Bayview Ave (416) 225-7770

EXCHANGE TOWER 130 King St W, Concourse Level, Unit C34 (416) 306-9992

THE DANFORTH 613 Danforth Ave (416) 466-4444

SUMMERHILL 1234 Yonge St (416) 962-8662

CF RIDEAU CENTRE 50 Rideau St Ottawa ON (343) 925-0166

The kids

Three from my first marriage — Tamiko (62), Troy (60), Laura (58) and two with Tara — Severn (41) and Sarika (39).

And 10 grandchildren who are the joy of our lives.

The secret to success

The proposal

I can’t remember when she gave the OK to marriage, but it didn’t matter. She knew I was serious and I felt sure she was too. But she was still working on her degree in Ottawa. I invited her down to Los Angeles where I was filming two programs for university students. I managed to ramp up my carbon emissions

A profound respect. I often say, when we first met, all the superficial things, like looks and lust, blinded me to what an amazing human being Tara is.

She is way smarter than I am in a strategic sense, but it is her rock-solid values of honesty and empathy that I rely on daily to keep going in the right direction.

JUNE 2022

How they met

I was giving a lecture at Carleton University where Tara was a grad student working on her master’s degree in comparative literature.

I spotted her immediately, sensationally beautiful, at the back of the room. During my lecture about the impact of genetics on society, a huge snowy owl came to the window and hovered, looking in — something my Indigenous friends tell me was a sign. After my talk, I announced, “Hope everyone is coming to the party

tonight” and left without indicating where or when.

Somehow, she found out where, showed up and I asked her to dance. That was it.

UPPER OAKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE 1011 Upper Middle Rd E (905) 337-9393

| POST |

For over 40 years, David Suzuki has been a household name for his tireless work as an environmentalist and activist in Canada. He and his partner, Tara Cullis, have been the driving force behind the David Suzuki Foundation for over 30 years.

Ahead of the pair’s appearance at the Luminato Festival presenting What We Won’t Do For Love, a theatre experience exploring our love for the planet and each other, they shared their secret to five decades of marital success.

We married on the first anniversary of our meeting, December 10. We were married in a church in West Vancouver where Tara grew up. (I’m an atheist, but I love the declaration of a marriage in ceremony.) I was more worried about our racial differences. Although my parents and I were born and raised in Canada, when World War II occurred, all of our rights of citizenship were erased as we were sent to “camps” in the Rockies and expelled from B.C. at war’s end. I was extremely self-conscious about how my ethnicity would be regarded by Tara’s family. To my surprise, their concern was the age difference and my first family.

We delayed our “honeymoon” for the summer. Back then, you could buy a round-the-world air ticket valid for a year that allowed you to get off anywhere and get back on several times.

We spent four months travelling through Europe. We went to the Soviet Union for a month as a guest of the Russian government. (They were coming out of a dark period in genetics and wanted to learn what western scientists are doing.)

Then we went through India, Thailand and Korea to Japan for a couple of weeks, then Honolulu and home. Now that was a honeymoon, all with one suitcase each.

25

We’re celebrating a fresh, new feel. Join us for an Open House celebration to get a taste of our new dining experience and enjoy a tour of our refreshed spaces.

Open House Saturday, June 25th • 2:00pm - 4:00pm Don’t wait to discover The Annex.

Call 416-961-6446 to RSVP.

The Annex

123 Spadina Rd., Toronto 416-961-6446 • reveraliving.com

308 SPADINA ROAD

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Peace & tranquility await with this west facing garden oasis! Fabulous detached 3+1 bdrm.

Soaring ceilings on all levels. Large living & dining rooms plus the great room opens to the garden & includes open kitchen, family, dining & fireplace. Spa like ensuite. Walk-in closet. Single garage. Two parking spots.

Steps to parks, ravine, the best schools and Casa Loma! $3,295,000

26

ARTS PROFILE

CURRENTS

From slapshots to slapstick T.O.’s Tasya Teles on finding her place in comedy and channelling her coolest self while filming spinoff show Shoresy

by Zakiya Kassam

is to bring people together.”

Shoresy premiered on Crave on May 13, 2022. Created by Jared Keeso, the six-part Letterkenny spinoff follows Shoresy (played by Keeso) who has joined the Sudbury Bulldogs of the Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (the NOSHO). The Bulldogs are on a losing streak, and Shoresy has vowed to turn things around for the local team.

Beyond the body checking, chirping and intermittent spitting of tobacco into a Styrofoam cup, it's clear that an undercurrent of community runs through the show. There is the community that comes from being part of a team and supporting a local team, as well as the community that comes with life in a small city like Sudbury.

For Teles, the decision to join the cast of Shoresy was an easy one.

Her filmography dates back to 2013, including some big shows, such as a main role in CW’s The 100, a character in an episode of Supernatural and Prison Break and a few movies in between. But she was itching to break into comedic acting when Keeso got in touch with her agent, asking if she would be interested in the role of Nat. “That immediately sent this amazing chill down my spine. In a good way. I don't know, it gave me goosebumps," she says. “I was like, without a shadow of a doubt, ‘1,000 per cent I am in.’”

Although she has always had an interest in the arts, Teles didn’t realize her love for acting until the end of her university experience.

Just before graduating from Concordia University with a degree in finance, she enrolled in an elective acting course, thinking it would be an easy A. “Immediately, I knew that that was the path for me. It was like” the world went brighter,” she says.

“I gave myself three years to get a

and Nat have in common.

“I grew up watching hockey with my dad all the time. We were big Canucks fans. And when I lived in Montreal, I was a big Habs fan,” she says. “It has definitely deepened my appreciation for hockey, being on the show."

And although Nat is pretty unshakable, Teles admits that it's hard to not break character while shooting with her co-stars.

“I was like, without a shadow of a doubt, ‘1,000 per cent I am in.’” degree in acting on my own, and I trained with all the best teachers.”

Teles says that, after her first audition, things started moving very quickly. “I was on a bunch of different shows in Vancouver, different shows in Thailand, different projects elsewhere too."

Now, as Nat on Shoresy, Teles says she had to tap into an atypical version of herself.

“I think I’m a little crazier than Nat.… Nat definitely is able to keep her cool," she says. “If they were putting Tasya in there, I might be one of the hockey players. Who’s to say? Or [Shoresy characters] Miigwan or Ziigwan, I don't know."

That said, a genuine interest in hockey is something that Teles

Shooting with Mark Michaels (Ryan McDonell) never fails to crack her up. The same goes for watching Shoresy muster up tears.

“It’s hilarious to me. It looks like he's about to sneeze, but he’s not about to sneeze, and he just tries to hold it in so hard because he’s such a tough guy,” says Teles. “I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude. I feel very grateful, and I feel very humbled to be working around such talented people.”

Although Letterkenny was filmed in Sudbury for six years, the show itself was set in a fictional town. Shoresy, on the other hand, is set in Sudbury and filled with local talent and local gems. The ice that the Sudbury Bulldogs practise and play on, for instance,

is emblazoned with the Sudbury Wolves logo.

Shoresy isn’t the first film production to take over Sudbury's streets. In fact, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and XMen are among the dozens of productions that have filmed in Sudbury. That said, there is something to be said for a show created by a Canadian, starring Canadians and filmed on Canadian soil, Teles says.

“There's definitely a sense of pride that you get, when you are working amongst Canadians, and you are doing these legacy Canadian projects that are so strong,” she says. “I think Canada has so much tremendous talent.

And I think Jared is so smart for utilizing it and giving it a platform because there's just so much talent in Canada and not enough Canadian projects. We need more.”

As for what's to come in the series, Teles says we can anticipate some nostalgic cameos, such as Scott Thompson (Kids in the Hall) who is revealed as Shoresy's dad.

And if you think you know how the series will end, think again.

“I think the ending will surprise most people. It certainly surprised me. I think it’s a great ending, but it's not what I expected, when I was reading through the scripts, for it to end the way that it did. So I’m curious to see what the audience thinks.”

| POST |

Shoresy has all the things you love about its predecessor Letterkenny — it’s irreverent and coarse, packed with Canadianisms and refreshingly diverse. But there are some new additions to the sixepisode spinoff that would draw in even the most hesitant viewer, such as a cast that includes a few former NHL players, a certain Canadian comedy legend cameo — oh, and you’ll finally get a glimpse of titular character Shoresy’s face after 10 seasons of only knowing him by his jersey number and perpetually hatted head. Although Jared Keeso’s foulmouthed Shoresy might be the reason you turn on the first episode, Toronto’s own Tasya Teles is why you’ll stick around until the last one.

Toronto-born, Vancouverraised Teles plays Nat, the general manager of the Sudbury Bulldogs, a flailing hockey team she has inherited from her late mother.

She’s steely, sure, but she's a woman on a mission. She’s the kind of person you want on your side.

She's intense and unflinching, and every so often, she makes a grown man cry.

“She's just trying to keep the legacy of her mother alive,” says Teles. "I think she's really resilient, and I think she’s really strong. and I think she's really funny … and I think she has really good values too. We share the value of community and how important it

JUNE 2022

Toronto’s Tasya Teles is known for her roles in ‘The 100’ and ‘Supernatural’

27

THE Summer SUmmer issue!!! dozens of ways to fill a summer day with good times and adventures aplenty

By Julia Mastroianni, Marcus Mitropoulos, Rebecca Hesse & Raquel Farrington

THREE GREAT WAYS TO GET OUTSIDE

SUMMER TO-DO!

ROLLER SKATING ON THE BENTWAY

The Bentway, the unique and playful park space under the Gardiner Expressway, is the place to be for roller skating. This retro activity has seen a serious revival as of late, and SUSO Skate Co. (formerly Retro Rolla Skate Club) is returning to the Bentway, a 1.75-kilometre public trail space, on June 8 for all your roller skating rental needs. There will also be a series of public art installations to check out!

MOONLIGHT SUP AT THE ISLAND

Head over to the beautiful and protected waters of the Toronto Islands for a unique sunset paddle board with Toronto SUP. In this nighttime adventure, boards and kayaks are equipped with 2000 lumens of lighting to illuminate under your board. Watching the skyline as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness descends is an awesome experience.

Prepared for a breathtaking view of the city.

BIRDWATCHING AT THE SPIT

There were plenty of activities discovered during the pandemic, and birdwatching is one that stuck around. And why not? Participants get to discover hidden gems in the city, like the Leslie Street Spit, and use cool binoculars in search of all manner of unique avian happenings. And most of the fun happens just as the day begins and there are epic sunrises a plenty.

Muskoka-level fun without the traffic JAM LET IT ALL HANG OUT AT HANLAN’S BEACH

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Shed your clothes and the stresses of your urban existence as you get reacquainted with your bod the way God made it. You’ll feel liberated, titillated and won’t have to worry about any tan lines.

Hanlan’s Point’s clothing-optional beach, western edge of Toronto Islands; take ferry; follow the nudes. Hanlan’s, a one-kilometre stretch of beach, has been clothing op28 tional since 2002.

SPACE, THE MOST FINAL OF FRONTIERS

BONFIRES MEAN S’MORES LOTS OF S’MORES

Recreate summer nights spent stargazing on the dock.

If peering into the cosmos won’t reconnect you with your sense of wonder, nothing will. As one option, the David Dunlap Observatory allows for a private booking of its Night with the Stars program. Bring the entire family, up to 12 people.

Yes, you don’t need a campsite or cottage to enjoy a bonfire and all the tasty trappings therein. For about $100 (permit plus insurance), host your own rip-roaring bonfire at a park near you: Olympic Island, Sunnybrook,Taylor Creek, Earl Bales, Downsview Dells, Etienne Brule and Morningside. Book via the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry & Recreation permits department.

AL FRESCO FILM FANS REJOICE! TORONTO OUTDOOR PICTURE SHOW

An ‘80s summer concert spectacular

The Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS) is offering a full slate of outdoor movies throughout Toronto from June 23 to Aug. 28 at Fork York, Corktown Common and Bell Manor Park, as well as the popular Christie Pits Film Festival.

MOVIES ON THE RIVER

Movies on the River returns this summer with a full slate of films shown along the west end Humber River. Paddle in and pay $10 per movie or rent a boat from Toronto Adventures with lifejackets and paddles provided.

INCLUCITY FESTIVAL

Outdoor theatres and patios will line Distillery’s Trinity Street, and a new innovative theatre space will offer a magical vantage point for festival-goers. Venues will also feature couch seating and large digital screens. Full details to come.

THE 5 DRIVE-IN

For those looking for an actual drive-in theatre complete with a snack bar and serious retro vibes, the 5 Drive-in Theatre in Oakville is already open for the season with first-run movies. Ü MOTLEY CRÜE, AUG. 8 WARD’S AND CHILL

Yes, we all know and love the Toronto Islands, and there are plenty of beaches from which to choose. Most are busy, some involve way too many naked body parts for most. On the northeast corner sits Ward’s Beach, which boasts the cleanest water, beautiful sand and, better yet, the entire city is hidden from view. Just trees, sand and water as far as the eye can see.

THE MOST TOP-SECRET BEACH IN T.O.

Secret & secluded beaches

At the end of the Gates Gully, hikers arrive at the foot of the Scarborough Bluffs between Sylvan and Bluffers parks, head west to the end of the trail, climb over some cement break walls back toward the Bluffs and you will find the best beach in the city at the bottom of Cudia Park. We have never seen more than two people and it is a slice of paradise. Don’t tell anyone!

It wasn’t just boy bands and love songs in the ’80s. There was heavy metal thunder and rebellious shouts at the devil by the likes of glam ü rockers Motley Crüe, who check into the Rogers Centre alongside a veritable cavalcade of ’80s rockers, including Def Leppard, Poison and the legendary Joan Jett — worth the admission alone.

REO SPEEDWAGON, AUG. 16

This festival, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, runs June 24 to July 3 with events around the city, but a hub in Yorkville.

Concert highlights include Smokey Robinson, Gregory Porter and more.

FIELD TRIP

It’s back! After a long hiatus even before the pandemic, this one-day festival returns to Fort York and Garrison Commons on July 9 with an amazing lineup of music as well as food, art and more.

LUMINATO

This Toronto festival of the arts runs June 9 to 19 and includes everything from performances on GO trains to art shown on immense digital screens at Yonge-Dundas Square.

PRIDE TORONTO

This beloved celebration runs the entire month of June with the festival weekend running the 24th to the 26th, punctuated by the annual Pride Parade taking the rainbow love to the streets of Toronto on June 26 at 2 p.m.

CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

North America’s largest Caribbean carnival returns to the city July 28–21, with a slew of amazing events, including the Grand Parade Day on July 30 at Exhibition Place.

NKOTB, JUNE 22

Step by step, ohh baby, you’ll hit the Scotiabank Arena only to be transported back to those halcyon days when the New Kids on the Block ruled the airwaves, and we are so here for it and all that Right Stuff because we are Hangin’ Tough. And so on.

PSYCHEDELIC FURS, JULY 8

Yes, you’ll have visions of Molly Ringwald’s Pretty in Pink dancing through your head listening to these ’80s new wave juggernauts as they tap into the Brat Pack vibe when they play the very modern History Toronto.

DURAN DURAN, AUG. 22

The kings of ’80s hairstyles and pop tunes about wolves, Duran Duran is back with a new album, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and significantly less hair.

Expect magic at Budweiser Stage.

JUNE 2022

TD TORONTO JAZZ

You know you can’t fight this feeling any longer. It’s time to delve into the deep waters of ’80s revival with this epic triple bill of high school dance classics at Budweiser Stage as Speedwagon takes the stage alongside Styx and, yes, the Canadian kids from Loverboy.

| POST |

The RETURN OF festivals, FIELD TRIPS AND CARNIVALS

29

FABULOUS Foodie FESTIVITIES

SUMMER TO TASTE!

TACO FEST

This festival is coming back to Ontario Place from June 17 to 19, with three days stuffed with over 125 variations of tacos from 30 different vendors. Classic and experimental tacos alike will be available. 955 Lakeshore Blvd. W. TASTE TORONTO

As one of Toronto’s longest-running food festivals, Taste Toronto is celebrating its 30th year at Evergreen Brickworks on June 12. Vendors include chefs Nuit Regular and Craig Wong. 550 Bayview Ave. TD TASTE OF ASIA

Since 2003, this free festival has offered patrons the chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and cuisine Asia has to offer. This year’s version takes place from June 24 to 26 on Kennedy Road. Festivities begin at Steeles Avenue.

FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

From July 29 to Aug. 1, this free admission festival will offer mouth-watering dishes from the city’s most iconic food trucks. Different cuisines, dishes and culinary styles all come together at Woodbine Park. 1695 Queen St. E. SUPERFRESH

Trevor Lui’s recreation of a Singapore night market brings Asian cuisine to the forefront. Japanese omelettes mix with cocktails and are greeted by live entertainment pop-ups at this food market. 384 Bloor St. W.

A CITY RIPE WITH FRUITY FINDS PEACH COBBLER

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

PINEAPPLE BUN

Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, a longtime Kensington Market favourite, churns out desserts that are each more tempting than the last. The sweet peach pie has won awards for a reason: this version is made with pecans and a brown sugar praline cover. 287 Augusta Ave.

Three layers of vanilla sponge cake meet freshly diced strawberries and fresh whipped creams to create Dessert Lady’s strawberry shortcake masterpiece. Depending on the size ordered, it can serve anywhere from two to 120 people. 1 Sultan St.

Bake Code combines Asian and European baking practices to create fusion- flared dishes that are tough to find anywhere else in the city. The salted egg yolk pineapple bun is one of the delicacies, perfect for a midday summer snack. 4910 Yonge St.

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

GREAT PATIOS + COOL COCKTAILS = GOOD TIMES

30

AMAL’S THE SECRET GARDEN

KASA MOTO’S SAKE SANGRIA

A CAESAR AT THE SCORE

Arguably Yorkville’s trendiest eatery, it’s the place to sip on The Secret Garden, made of vodka, cointreau, apple, mint, pomegranate, lime, cucumber and bitters. $18, 131 Bloor St. W.

Fusion just got fruitier.

Caesars take on crazy personalities Sangrias get a Japanese twist at at Score on King, where the Canathis trendy Yorkville restaurant, dian classic is combined with wild which infuses sake into its version toppings like cheeseburgers, of the summery drink. chicken wings and even breakfast $17, 115 Yorkville Ave. sandwiches. 107 King St. E.

SANTORINI ESTIATORIO’S MOJITO

UNION SOCIAL EATERY’S PIMM’S & GINGER

Bring authentic European flavours Fruity flavours like cranberry and to your cup with this Thornhill lemon meet cucumber and mint to restaurant’s Greek mojito and match the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup enjoy the picturesque patio. base of this unique cocktail. $16, 288 John St. $8.49, 4899 Yonge St.

WENT TO A GARDEN PARTY

THIS SUMMER’S 6 MUST-TRY ice cream creations

QUADRO RISTORANTE

FONDA LOLA

This Little Italy eatery has a sprawling patio that feels like a respite from the streets. Enjoy a glass of wine or a salad beneath palm leaves and umbrellas.

577 College St.

Salvaged decorations brighten up this compact eatery that serves up unique spins on margaritas and Mexican food. The back patio is crawling with plant life too.

942 Queen St. W.

LA CUBANA

THE DUCHESS OF MARKHAM

The Roncesvalles location of this family-run restaurant offers a bright, sunny back patio that’s perfect for enjoying comfort Cuban fare among the sunflowers.

392 Roncesvalles Ave.

An age-old tradition in Markham, this tavern has been a community staple for ages. Enjoy the extensive menu on the string-lit back patio while taking in a cold beer.

53 Main St. N.

MATCHA TEA & DESSERT

MILKCOW CANADA

Canada’s first gold (24kt.) ice Organic milk-soft ice cream cream shop has flavours that meets watermelon for this rechange weekly. 505 Hwy. 7, #15 freshing treat. 2651 Yonge St.

FUGO DESSERTS

Handcrafted ice cream is topped with chocolate chip cookies. 265 Queen St. W.

GRAB-AND-GO PARK-READY PICNIC BASKETS When the pandemic hit, restaurants had to get creative with their offerings. The result was an Instagram-worthy picnic basket, perfect for socially distanced park hangouts on warm afternoons. But places like Tala Toronto, Oyster Boy and XO Bisous have kept the picnic format on their takeout menus even as indoor dining returns to the city, giving foodies the chance to take in good eats and good views at parks and beaches across the city. Anything from salads to sandwiches to meats from an array of cuisines are included in the city’s options.

GOLDEN BUBBLES

GRANDMAMA’S WAFFLES

Sweet red beans top matcha ice cream on a bubble waffle cone.

3276 Midland Ave., #C125

Coloured and flavoured waffles meet savoury ice cream.

363 1/2 Clinton St.

TOKYO HOT FRIED CHICKEN

The Nashville Ice is hot and cold. 656 College St.

BENNY’S BARBECUE

This BBQ joint is famous far beyond the midtown borders. People travel far and wide for fare that was once featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

699 St. Clair Ave. W.

The former Alleycatz space has some life again thanks to this locally owned BBQ spot. Menu options include barbecue platters, brisket, pulled pork and ribs.

2409 Yonge St.

EARLSCOURT BBQ

SMOKESHOW BBQ & BREW

Local, seasonal and slow cooked is Live music and large screen TVs the name of the BBQ game at pair with the mouth-watering Earlscourt, where everything is BBQ fare, like pulled pork and also ethically sourced. There are brisket sandwiches. Inventive vegevents every open night too. etarian options are also available.

1278 St. Clair Ave. W. 744 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

BACKYARD SMOKEHOUSE

Generous portions in a warehouse-style setting take you back to a homestyle family barbecue.

Burgers, ribs and smoked chicken ooze with unmatched flavour.

264 Dupont St.

| POST |

STOCKYARDS

JUNE 2022

MIDTOWN’S SOUTHERN BBQ BONANZA

31

SUpERB markets

SUMMER TO SHOP!

HIPPIE MARKET LIFE

This regular outdoor market is home to some of the coolest summer pieces. Vintage clothing and jewelry vendors set up racks in new, surprise pop-up locations each week. www.hippiemarketlife.com TORONTO ARTISAN MARKET

From handwoven baskets to paintings and eco-friendly skin care, this weekly market is a non-profit organization for promoting local artists and artisans in the community. www.torontoartisanmarket.com INDIGENOUS FASHION ARTS FESTIVAL

IFA is a non-profit organization for Indigenous-made fashion, craft and textile arts. From June 9 to 12, enjoy workshops, a lakeview fair and marketplace to shop local. www.indigenousfashionarts.com LESLIEVILLE FLEA

This flea market hosts over 1,000 attendees and has some of the city's best vendors. Look for jewelry, art and handcrafted goods among the endless clothing and furniture options. www.leslievilleflea.com TORONTO ART CRAWL

Back for its ninth year, the Liberty Village Art Crawl is taking over the Bentway with art, design, fashion and more. Stop by on June 4 to get in on the fun. www.torontoartcrawl.com

FLOWER POWER TORONTO FLOWER MARKET

Inspired by the flower markets of the U.K., this market brings Old World charm with a touch of New World freshness. Enjoy 40 unique vendors near Trinity Bellwoods Park. www.torontoflowermarket.ca THE ROSÉ PICNIC

Try drinking and dressing like roses this summer at Canada’s largest premium picnic. On Aug. 6, enjoy wine and dance the day away in a sea of pink and white! www.rosepicnic.com THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

The Toronto Botanical Garden is back after a two-year break with its annual garden tour. From June 1112, the tour will visit over 15 residential stops. Go get your garden on! www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

OUR ANTIQUE HUNTER’S HANDBOOK PARKDALE SUNDAY MARKET

MT. PLEASANT ANTIQUE ALLEY

HERITAGE ANTIQUE SHOW

Located at the Parkdale Hall, this market is a shopping destination you won’t want to miss. Featuring some of the GTA’s top vendors, you’ll find collectibles alongside jewelry, arts, crafts and more. Keep an eye out for a potential outdoor market expansion!

1605 Queen St. W.

If you’re walking down Mount Pleasant Road, you’ll happen upon a plethora of antique shops with countless treasures. Try Bernardi’s Antiques, Maison Nurita, Alexandre Antique Prints or Jacaranda Tree & Co.’s curated antique section.

569-699 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

This organization is almost an antique itself! Heritage Antique Shows have been around since 1976, featuring arts, furniture, silver and lighting dealers alongside antiques. Don’t miss the summer shows this year, scheduled for July 1 and Aug. 7.

6464 Yonge St.

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

vintage FINDS from tie-dye, JEAN SHORTS to sandals & MUCH MORE!

32

PRINTED CROP

Odd Finds General is a vintage shop that also features a few curated vendors. That includes this Poison & Dye crop top, made with natural dyed textiles and plant prints. 1178 Bloor St. W.

LEVI’S CUT-OFFS

TIE-DYE TANK

SUMMER SANDALS

REP THE 6IX

Nothing screams warmer weather Try this retro 1990s tie-dye tank Come to I Miss You Vintage for In Vintage We Trust has a keen eye like a quality pair of denim shorts. top perfect for a music festival or quality leather goods like bags and for historically relevant silhouettes At Ninety Six Tears Vintage, opt beach day from Lost Boy Vintage. shoes — including these caramel and offers a ton of band T-shirts for these seven-inch denim Levi Dress it down with a leather brown Michael Kors slides, with a and sports jerseys. Grab a retro shorts, which look good with a jacket for a rocker-chic evening braided detail and perfect neutral T.O. T for a dose of nostalgia. sneaker or sandal. 1267 Bloor St. W. look. 38 Kensington Ave. shade. 63 Ossington Ave. 1580 Queen St. W.

TASTE TEST

FOOD

SPLIT ONE WITH DAD Nothing says summer like a cool banana split. The mouth-watering combination of bananas, ice cream and toppings is both nostalgic and satisfying, bringing back memories of visiting the ice cream parlour with dad. This month, we asked Anthony Rose, whose restaurants like Big Crow BBQ and Fat Pasha, tempt the city’s taste buds, to sample splits from across the city that are sure to make new memories this Father’s Day.

LICKADEE SPLIT

@nomsoftoronto

www.facebook.com/ lickadeespliticecreamshoppe, $13.99 All five are available for walk-ins at the parlours across the city.

@facebook.com/lickadeespliticecreamshoppe

WINNER

@nomsoftoronto

This full-service ice cream parlour and dessert café brings old school vibes to the east end. The quintessential family-run business offers sundaes, scoops and milkshakes that are crafted with the shop’s huge selection of ice cream. But the namesake banana split really caught Rose’s attention. “I love all of the classic components about this one,” he says. “I like the quality and the consistency and all of the other things they did.”

L–R: Chocolate raspberry in a cup, outside Lickadee Split’s storefront, a good selection of cones

DEMETRES

DUTCH DREAMS

INSIDE SCOOP

demetres.com, $25

dutchdreams.ca, $11.75

insidescoop.ca, $12.43

“This is a great classic one, and I love the presentation with the shape of the boat. The flavours are the most traditional too.”

“This is a huge portion. The ice cream is nice and rich and delicious, and there’s four whole flavours, tons of toppings.“

“This one has got the classic pineapple, and I really appreciate the cotton candy. It’s classic and yummy with a cherry on top.”

“I love the brownie bits. The flavours are very different. I’ve never seen anything like this one before. This takes a lot of liberties.”

| POST |

SUMMER’S summersicecream.com, $12.98

JUNE 2022

RUNNER-UP

33

FOOD

Design. Build. Renovate.

8750 Jane Street, Unit 22 Vaughan, Ontario L4K 2M9

T: 416.736.1886 F: 416.736.1888 E: betaone@bellnet.ca

PROFILE

Never mind the Michelin guide

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Keith Froggett, the star chef behind Scaramouche, on life after COVID and focusing on excellence by Ben Kaplan

34

On a recent Friday night at Scaramouche, Keith Froggett’s 42-year-old jewel in midtown, we had white asparagus and filet mignon and grilled octopus. The meal, paired with French, local and California wine and finished with a vanilla meringue, was impeccable, divine: expertly presented and prepared, fastidiously plated and sourced, elegant in execution and idea. Is it enough for a Michelin? The highest prize in global cooking that’s finally being awarded in Toronto? Froggett and Carolyn Reid, Scaramouche’s current executive chef, who has worked with the British legend for 27 years, aren’t certain.

“I’ve spent most of my career cooking in Toronto and we never had a Michelin guide. I used to use it when I’d go travelling, but would I look at it today? Probably not so much,” says Froggett, who took over the Scaramouche kitchen from Jamie Kennedy and Michael Stadtlander in 1983 and ü has guided it through excellence ever since. “I don’t think the Michelin star coming to Toronto is a negative thing. I think it’s a positive thing, but are we craving a Michelin star? No. I’m more worried about bums in seats.”

Bums in seats, of course, is the top concern of every local restaurateur in the first postCOVID summer of our global discontent. Froggett, when

discussing the pandemic’s effect on his restaurant, downright cringes when mentioning his fine dining pivot to delivery.

“It was depressing looking at a dark dining room and all those packages. I hated everything about putting the food in boxes and losing control,” Froggett admits, though he’s also quick to credit his younger staff with figuring out the delivery apps and streamlined system for processing and sending out orders. “I understand why we had to do takeout, but I really disliked it and, for me, it’s about inviting people in your house.”

The house, however, currently isn’t what it once was, and this is a COVID symptom not just affecting Scaramouche, but every restaurant in Toronto, big and small.

The employment crisis, which affects restaurants’ inability to attract young talent, is requiring some of the city’s biggest chefs to work the line, including our boldest names, like Alo’s Patrick Kriss and the legendary Susur Lee. Carolyn Reid, who writes the menus at Scaramouche — which no longer include daily specials — says sourcing ingredients has become an impossible quest and items like Australian lamb, quail, John Dory fish and even simpler items like midwestern American ham are no longer available. It’s the reason why so many Toronto

PROFILE

FOOD

Serving our community since 2010

TORONTO’S LEADING

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE

DELIVERY ACROSS THE GTA AVAILABLE Clockwise from left: Chef Keith Froggett, chef Carolyn Reid, Scaramouche’s butter poached half lobster

FROGGETT ACROSS ONTARIO

Offering Virtual and Remote Prescription Filling

Easily Request Refills on our Website or via our App

Greystones in Orangeville

THE GLEN TAVERN Since 2015, Froggett has been co-owner of this relaxed, countryside restaurant in Glen Williams, a hamlet northwest of Mississauga. Expect the burgers, meat, seafood and pasta dishes that we’ve come to love from the U.K. chef.

GREYSTONES Housed in a historic building in Orangeville, Greystones has three distinct spaces that create an old-meetsnew vibe. House-made pasta, Mediterraneaninspired shared plates and meat and seafood dishes come together on a menu that’s sure to make any foodie’s mouth water.

We Make the Transfer of Prescriptions Simple and Seamless

Curbside Pick-Up or Door-To-Door Delivery Available Shop for Non-Prescription Products in our Online Store

pacepharmacy.com 416-515-PACE (7223) Our 2 locations: 40 Laird Drive (Leaside) 14 Isabella Street (Downtown)

JUNE 2022

and Keith Froggett raised the ultimate point: the Michelin star brings attention to dining in the city, and whoever does win the prize, even if it's being awarded at a time when local restaurants are working with one spatula tied behind their back, helps create attention and buzz. Attention and buzz create cocktail and entrée receipts, and that, as we enter the patio season and the launch of CaféTO, keeps our beloved dining establishments running.

At Scaramouche, the staffing is thin and the selection is limited, but the octopus is every bit as refined as it once was, when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton enjoyed the upscale cuisine. Keith Froggett, the elder statesman of Toronto food, says restaurants in the city are currently managing significant problems that have everyone in the kitchen and front office on their toes. The Michelin star, then, generating attention this summer, is like a curious firework in the distance, not something that affects chef ’s beautiful, unwavering home.

“Some chefs in Toronto might be disappointed if they don’t get the Michelin, and some are motivated by that recognition, but it won’t change the way we approach what we do,” he says. “I think it’s a positive thing for the city, but at the end of the day, it’s just another guide.”

| POST |

menus read the same: the restaurants are serving whatever they have.

“Why are you doing the Michelin star when we’re still in the pandemic and restaurants aren’t back on their feet and head chefs are having to work stations because they can’t find staff and there’s massive supply chain issues? Why do it now?” says Reid, who got her start working for Jamie Kennedy and describes her last two years as undoubtedly the toughest of her long career. “To be considered for the Michelin star is great, but have I been at Michelinstarred restaurants and been disappointed? For sure, and it’s so subjective. How do you compare apples and cherries and lemons?

Especially when our access to products is getting smaller and I think the timing is ridiculous.

Why can’t I get a ham?”

Plenty of vocal Toronto food voices have spoken out against the Michelin stars' arrival in the city, claiming it’s elitist and even racist, as the French tire company’s rating system tends to favour white-gloved, white-owned restaurant fare.

Jen Agg, owner of Bar Vendetta and frequent Scaramouche customer, recently quoted Anthony Bourdain in the Globe and Mail in a piece against the Michelin star, claiming, in essence: Who needs it? The answer, however, might be that we all do,

35

HOME DESIGN GUIDE

YOUR DREAM KITCHEN - WITHOUT THE RENOVATION -

Enjoy more storage, and better access, with custom pull-out shelves for your existing cabinets.

Schedule your FREE Design Design Consultation Consultation

647-560-8312

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

shelfgenie.com

36

FEATURE

FOOD

1

2

3

4

SUPER HEROES

2

3

4

GRANDMA LOVES YOU

GOOD BEHAVIOUR

TOPOL SANDWICH

ELM STREET DELI

German influences take the huge selection of hot and cold submarine sandwiches to the next level at Grandma Loves You, where European cold cuts take centre stage. The secret to this deli’s success could very well be its homemade sauces. Different variations are delicately ladled over sandwiches such as the Grandma’s special pizza sandwich and the Chef’s Choice sandwich, which is made with chicken strips, avocado, tomato, hot pepper, fresh onion, olives, crispy onion, pesto sauce and, of course, Grandma's homemade hot sauce.

1084 Yonge St.

Chef Michael Lam and Eric Chow launched Good Behaviour during the pandemic as a way to celebrate the pair’s love of ice cream. But the submarine sandwiches are not to be missed, either. Both hot and cold options are served on a sesame seed bun, and toppings include mouthwatering combos like a sub crafted with jerk braised pork shoulder, jerk mayo, red cabbage, pineapple relish, lime juice and cilantro, and another version made with smoked turkey and gouda, mustard, salsa verde, pickled artichoke and iceberg lettuce.

874 Yonge St.

At this halal sub spot, patrons can grab a classic sandwich, like chicken, beef or mortadella, or try something new by making a selection from the hot sandwich menu. Try the Zapata, a sub with Angus beef steak, topped with freshly sliced mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, tomato, pickle, parsley, hickory sticks and housemade Topol sauce. Or opt for the Bandari, a Persian sausage sub complete with all the fresh veggie fixings. Topol also offers signature Bomb sandwiches, stuffed submarines that can serve a hungry group of friends.

8 Kingsdale Ave.

The Sammy Davis Jr. and Sergio Leone take on new meanings as house-made pastrami and braised brisket sandwiches respectively at Elm Street Italian Deli, a local sub shop inspired by owner Lawrence LaPianta’s father’s love of spaghetti westerns and early Italian-American mafia films. The sub sandwich menu is a selection of high-quality meat with distinct, bold flavours. Swing by for a sandwich piled high with smoked turkey, roast beef, pastrami, Tuscan ham, smoked sausage, pork shoulder or braised brisket on pillowy fresh buns.

15 Elm St.

| POST |

1

JUNE 2022

Whether you call them construction worker specials or hoagies or heroes these lunchtime favourites are having a moment. Toronto restaurants are redefining the art of the sub and raising the classic yet delicious sandwich to grab-and-go excellence. by Erica Commisso

37

SUMMER RESTAURANT GUIDE

www.kathmandurestaurant.ca

www.Holychuck.com

www.cestbonrestaurant.com

www.karbouzi.com

12 CUMBERLAND ST. • 647 345 4214 + 416 924 5787

1450 YONGE STREET • 416 962 4825

2685 YONGE STREET • 416 932 2811

2048 AVENUE ROAD • 416 483 3846

DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

PATIO OPENING SOON

PATIO NOW OPEN

OPEN FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

Pictured: Tandoori Tikka

FEATURING THE EVEREST FEAST FOR TWO $46.99 A royal banquet spread includes: Soup of the day, tandoori chicken, seekh kebob, chicken tikka, king tandoori prawns, choice of meat curry, choice of vegetable curry Rice, Naan and Dessert OTHER SAMPLE MENU ITEMS INCLUDE: Starters: Chicken/Vegetable Momos - Nepali style chicken/veg dumplings Shrimp Butterfly - Large king prawns are deliciously spiced and deep-fried Lamb & Goat: Lamb/Goat/Nilgiri - Authentic lamb dish from the mountains of Nilgiri Lamb/Goat/Kadai - Cooked with ginger, green pepper, tomatoes and hot spice in a deep iron wok

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

Seafood: Shrimp Vindaloo - Cooked in a fiery red-hot curry sauce. A specialty of Goa, south of Bombay Seafood Vindaloo - A famous fiery red-hot assorted seafood curry sauce

38

Located in the heart of Yorkville our restaurant brings you our signature dishes that we’ve perfected over the last 20 years! From our famous Everest Feast that features mouthwatering Tandoori dishes to our popular Curry options, our staff is committed to providing the best that Nepalese and Indian cuisine has to offer. We have aspired to assemble a menu to reflects its unique Nepalese culture and culinary specialties. Enjoy a 10% discount for all pick-up orders so that you can bring the flavours of the Himalayas to your home!

Order online at: www.kathmandurestaurant.ca

Pictured: Pork Souvlaki

NEW SPECIALTY BURGERS All our burgers/fries & desserts are 100% gluten free. All our meats are 100% certified halal.

All burgers served on a warm potato bun The Holy Chuck (Our signature): Aged beef, maple smoked bacon, cheese, caramelized onions The Big Yianni NEW Aged beef, maple smoked bacon, cheese, panko crusted onion rings, chipotle mayo The Holy Cluck NEW House-breaded crispy chicken thigh, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo The Holy Vegan NEW Ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, vegan cheese, served on a gluten free vegan/keto bun The Wagyu Weiner NEW 7” of gluten free wagyu beef, warm bun, your choice of toppings

MENU HIGHLIGHTS Dinner For Two 2 Spring Rolls, Chicken Chop Suey, Fried Chicken Wings, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Chicken Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookies Deluxe Dinner for Two Mango Salad, General Tsao’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Special Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookie Dinner For Three 3 Spring Rolls, Chicken Chop suey, Fried Chicken Wings, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Beef with Broccoli, Chicken Fried Rice and 3 Fortune Cookies Deluxe Dinner for Three Mango Salad, General Tsao’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Prawns with Cashew Nuts, Special Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookies

FRIES & POUTINES Waffle Fries NEW Traditional Poutine & Hand-Cut Fries

Our location at 1450 Yonge St. is open for Pick-Up, Take-Out & Online Delivery.

Additional safety measures are still in effect to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers & employees. Thanks to all of our loyal customers for their support.

Rated best burgers & milkshakes in Toronto year after year.

Visit our website to see our full menu at holychuck.com Call us directly for pick up and take-out.

C’est Bon would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support during this period.

All our staff are taking additional safety measures to ensure the safety of both staff and all of our customers.

Order Direct Online

www.cestbonrestaurant.com or call 416-932-2811

TRADITIONAL GREEK DELICACIES Appetizers: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Stick Spanokopita, Shrimp, Pita Bread Fried Calamari, Dolmades, Greek Salad Tzatziki, Hummus, Taramosalata Entrees: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Dinnerserved with rice, roast potatoes and tzatziki Moussaka - potato, eggplant, zucchini, ground beef topped with béchamel sauce and served with rice and vegetables Gyros on a Pita topped with marinated tomatoes, onions and tzatziki Check out our full menu on-line!

There is no need to travel to Greece for the authentic cuisine, simply go online to www.karbouzi.com.

A Toronto restaurant tradition for over 50 years, Karbouzi Greek Taverna has become a staple on Avenue Road known for the warm atmosphere, the friendly service, and of course, the delicious home cooking!

Karbouzi boasts a menu filled with traditional Greek delicacies from Souvlaki to Moussaka to flaming Saganaki.

And don’t forget to try our much loved Tzaziki!

Call direct or order online at www.karbouzi.com

NEWS

FOOD

Instagram: @dennismaplazi

Celebrity chef David Adjey is back on the T.O. food scene

L-R: Dalgliesh-Switzer manning his cart, a hot pastrami sandwich

Toronto’s best pastrami sammies?

Switzer’s was born out of a quest for deli meat perfection by Erica Commisso Alexander Dalgliesh-Switzer loves pastrami sandwiches. And though he’s been living on and off in Toronto since 2011, he couldn’t seem to find one that met his standards.

“I thought I couldn’t be the only one that felt that way,” he says, “and I guess I wasn’t wrong.”

He decided he had a solution. After all, Dalgliesh-Switzer has nearly two decades of culinary experience, which saw him take on positions at Fable in Vancouver, Le Quercy in Souillac, France, the Old Spaghetti Factory in his native Calgary and 416 Snack Bar and Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto. So he thought he would just make his own pastrami sandwiches.

Switzer’s, the hot pastrami cart, was launched’ at the corner of Vaughan Road and Winona Avenue on May 8. DalglieshSwitzer bought what he thought was a week’s worth of supply and prepared to offer his $12 pastrami sandwiches, served

with a pickle spear, to his community. But instead, he sold out his stock in five hours.

“It’s still unreal. I know it sounds cliche but I still don’t believe it,” he says. “I’m expecting to wake up at any moment.”

It’s especially surreal considering Dalgliesh-Switzer’s personal and sentimental connection to pastrami.

“I was raised mixed faith; Jewish and Catholic. My first pastrami experience was at Swartz’s in Montreal,” he says. “There’s a saying in Farsi, Be del’am chaspid, which was described to me as “Sticking to your heart.” Like it hit the spot, but deeper. Pastrami did that to me: it entwined with my Jewish-Canadian identity. That’s what made me seek it out, and what I found lacking in the city.”

Piggybacking off the first launch’s success, Dalgliesh-Switzer has plans to continue offering his pastrami sandwiches at the same intersection. He’ll be equipped, of course, with more pastrami to prepare for

the lineup.

“I live in the area. The enthusiasm here would make me feel like I was betraying my community not to become at least a semiregular fixture,” he says.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not eyeing other areas.

“We’re planning on trying out St. Clair and Bathurst for a few weekends, if everything goes smoothly. We’re also in talks to head to a street party in Humewood on June 17,” Dalgliesh-Switzer says. “Doubt always looms when you leap off any cliff, and it’s still clinging to me dearly. Once I can confirm I’m awake in the real world, I’m sure the fact that we sold out a projected week’s worth of product in a total of five hours will kill that insecurity,I just have to make sure I don’t swing too far the other way and let it get to my head.”

Switzer’s Instagram will regularly be updated for information about locations.

David Adjey has emerged yet again.

After a short stint in the Junction that saw him open and promptly shutter Nectarine, the celebrity chef is back with his latest concept, Bouffe.

Adjey closed Nectarine earlier this year, following landlord disputes that saw Adjey emerge from silence to open a small, bistro-style eatery. The spot opened and closed within a few months, with the chef saying he didn’t want to pay the high fees the landlord was expecting for the Nectarine space. Bouffe is his first foray back into the restaurant scene since Nectarine’s closure.

French cuisine, like mussels served in sauce with fries and a meat and cheese charcuterie board, dots Bouffe’s menu, which can be shared and paired with wines from 10 regions of France, including Champagne, Burgundy, Beaujolais and more. Enjoy a glass of Chablis while slurping oysters by the half-dozen or dozen alongside a salted beet salad, and then switch to a gin and Proseccobased cocktail called the French 75 and sample a slice of fish, meat or the chef ’s special.

For dessert, crème brûlée in a jar and crepes Suzette can be shared or enjoyed as individuals, paired with another traditional cocktail.

Adjey notes that, after getting the keys to his new space, it took him eight weeks to transform it into Bouffe, creating an intimate, contemporary space with bold, colourful artwork and a back bar where new friendships can be forged. Park-style wooden banquette seating lines the walls, below modern, circular light fixtures that set a moody scene.

Bouffe is located at 1173 Dundas St. W. —EC

New ice cream shop had a lineup for 10 hours straight Ice Creamonology serves up scoops inspired by Turkish delight by Christine Hogg

JUNE 2022

flavour combinations are unique. Last weekend, we served 800 people and there was a constant line for 10 hours!”

Every flavour is made in small batches using premium ingredients and is free from artificial colours and flavours. And the flavours at Ice Creamonology rotate with the seasons, so you’ll see unconventional scoops like southern banana pudding and sea salt with caramel ribbons. There are eight permanent flavours, including Turkish coffee, Turkish pistachio, Tahitian vanilla, blueberry and white chocolate cheesecake, coconut cream, mango sorbet (the last two are both vegan) and the most popular flavour, Black Sea tea, which is quite similar to Earl Grey. Sorbets and free-of-charge waffle cones (yes, that’s right) are also available.

| POST |

© Lindsay Rosset

Ice Creamonology is the new kid on the block this year, with the lineups to prove it! Having taken over the space formerly occupied

by Lick It Gelato, Ice Creamonology opened at 250 Queens Quay W. in March, having launched last year as a pop-up.

The ice cream shop is run by owner Onur Yilmaz, who trained and worked as a chef in Turkey before immigrating to Canada and studying culinary management at George Brown College.

“My wife and I come from southern Turkey, where we have at least eight months of summer, and ice cream is one thing you need to eat every day or you’ll never cool down!” Yilmaz says with a laugh. “We have so many good memories of eating ice cream, and I love to make it. I combine my culinary skills with making ice cream, and that’s one of the reasons it’s pretty popular — my

Scoops from Ice Creamonology

39

FOOD

NEWS

1Ç ²ê ¸÷ß ê ¤ ê D£÷Ü ß {Z āx ê & ÷² ê ôîê ǫ ô¤ ê æê ǯê

Portnoy with a North of Brookyln pie

Dave Portnoy puts T.O. pizza through its paces He ranked his favourites with his famous one bite reviews by Erica Commisso

WHO WE ARE We are the GTA’s most trusted move managers. We’ll coordinate and oversee all your move related logistics...so you don’t have to! Our all-female team of packers is discreet, dependable and will pack your home so you remain organized during this big transition.

PACKING SERVICES SALE & DISTRIBUTION OF FURNITURE

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

ESTATE CLEARING

40

DOWNSIZING & NEW HOME SETUP

416-937-0499

L U X U RY M O V E M A N A G E M E N T. C O M

Dave Portnoy, El Prez, also known as Stool Presidente (for his Barstool Sports business), recently visited Toronto to promote his partnership with The Score’s sports betting app. But he took the opportunity to try a slew of different Toronto pizzerias on his visit to fuel his popular one-bite video review.

Portnoy sampled slices at eateries from Etobicoke to Leslieville, offering his cultfollowed “one bite, everybody knows the rules” takes on some of Toronto’s most beloved pizza places, from Blondies to Maker Pizza.

Reminiscing about his pizza adventures in New York, Portnoy ranked North of Brooklyn, one of his first stops in Toronto, the highest of the 15 places he sampled. It got a prestigious 8.4 ranking, which is one of the highest rankings given by Portnoy.

Shocking to some, Portnoy ranked Matty Matheson’s Maker Pizza the lowest of his samples, giving it a 6.1. He acknowledged that it was one of the most recommended pizzerias in the city, but he wasn’t a fan of the pie’s greasiness and heaviness.

Here’s the full list of Portnoy’s pizza stops in Toronto, ranked from his favourite to his least favourite slices in the city.

PORTNOY’S T.O. PIZZA RANKINGS 8.4

North of Brooklyn

8.3

Pizzeria Badiali

8.2

Conzo's Pizza

8.1

Descendant Detroit Style Pizza

7.9

One Night Only Pizza

7.8

San Remo Bakery

7.7

Superpoint

7.5

Bitondo's Pizzeria

7.4

The Fourth Man in The Fire

7.3

Ambassador Pizza Co.

7.3

Frank's Pizza House

7

Pizza Gigi

6.8

Revolver Pizza Co.

6.8

Blondies Pizza

6.1

Maker Pizza

NEWS

FOOD

This Japanese restaurant has Spam musubi and wagyu beef Kakushin’s co-owner Eric Kee brought the Spam sushi concept to Toronto from Hawaii by Marcus Mitropoulos

A sushi box from Kakushin

Thornhill’s Kakushin Sushi is adding modern flair to classic Japanese specialties. Since its opening about a month ago, the Kakushin Sushi team has been busy constantly adding new and unique items to their menus, such as Spam musubi and a smoked duck roll.

Launching a restaurant just a month ago means the team still had to cater to pandemic formalities. Coowner Eric Kee wanted to give guests a dine-in experience with a strictly takeout format.

“We wanted to bring the quality of dine-in to takeout. If you see most of our dishes, like the boxes, the presentation, the display, it really embodies that,” says Kee. The menu features a diverse selection of plates from wagyu beef hailing from America and Australia to Spam musubi.

“I’ve been on many trips to Hawaii, and when we were there, they had the Spam musubi everywhere,” Kee says. “But when I came back to Canada, I noticed that almost no one had it. You can only find it at Jtown on Woodbine. So we had to add it to our menu.”

The Spam is pan-fried in teriyaki sauce before being wrapped up in a seaweed sheet with a choice of avocado or tamago egg and rolled with pressed rice.

It is then topped off with sesame seeds and unagi sauce.

Moving toward a more luxurious cut of meat, Kakushin offers three different dishes that utilize

wagyu beef. Both the American-based wagyu and Australian M9 grades are used in the four-piece nigiri, and the M9 can also be found on their gyūdon Benny.

“We sous vide the eggs so they're perfectly poached.

When we serve it, it’s a very soft, oozing yolk,” Kee says. “We have a house-made teriyaki sauce that goes in it, and we simmer the beef in a specific homemade broth with a bit of burdock root, which has a herbal, almost gingery flavour.”

The comfort dish is then served over a bed of rice, accompanied by sweet onions, cucumber and housemade unagi sauce. The selection at Kakushin also includes creative dishes like a smoked duck roll; barbecue eel, wrapped with crab and cream cheese; and poke bowls with tons of variety.

The menu, according to the website, embodies “traditional sushi with a modern twist.” Dishes like cream cones with sea urchins that, according to the website, are creamier than gelato, certainly fit the creative bill.

What’s more, Kakushin sources the freshest ingredients from around the world, furthering the restaurant’s mission to ensure that each guest has an innovative eating experience.

Special events are also coming soon, including specials for holidays, like Father’s Day, that echo Kakushin’s Mother’s Day offerings.

Kakushin Sushi is located at 505 Highway 7 and is currently operating as a takeout only spot.

MAY MA AY 23 23–JUNE –JJUNE 19

—

UP TO 30%

OFF

250+ peak season ingredients and iconic Italian specialties Visit us in-store or order online for local delivery!

Shoptoronto.eataly.ca MANULIFE CENTRE | 55 BLOOR STREET WEST, TORONTO, ON

| POST |

E ATA LY

JUNE 2022

MAY 23 - JUNE 19

41

LOOKING BACK Before you go ... take a gander at some of our latest T.O. throwback pics!

Follow along on Post City’s Instagram @streetsoftoronto every Thursday for more.

JUNE 2022 EDITION

676 likes

| POST | J U N E 2 0 2 2

The de Havilland Canada Dash 7 is seen here taking off from the island airport in the late ’70s. These planes were one of the first designed to take off and land on short runways, making it possible to travel to smaller destinations.

42

817 likes Pictured here in 1946, the High Park Zoo is Canada’s oldest zoo. It was established in 1893 following John and Jemima Howard’s gift of their home, Colborne Lodge, and its 165-acre grounds to the City of Toronto.

1,296 likes Yorkville in the ’60s and ’70s was one of the most exciting and colourful neighbourhoods in the city. It was exploding with literary and musical talent, dark and smoky coffee houses, edgy galleries and funky fashion boutiques.

1,645 likes likes A Bloor-Danforth shuttle picks up passengers at its Main Street stop in 1968, shortly before the route was abandoned.

On May 11, 1968, the Bloor-Danforth subway was extended east to Warden station replacing street-level transit.

1,049 likes The east side of Yonge just south of Dundas in the 1960s housed the popular Friar’s Tavern, seen poking out in the background. Bob Dylan first checked out the band Levon and the Hawks here in ’65 who later toured the world with Dylan.

3,713 likes Niagara Falls wasn’t always a tourist trap full of motels and kitsch. In the ’50s and ’60s, it was the domestic vacation spot of choice for both Americans and Canadians and was known as the ‘Honeymoon Capital of the World.’

AX-JUNE-2022-IBC_IBC 2022-05-25 2:33 PM Page 1

AX-JUNE-2022-OBC_OBC 2022-05-25 2:34 PM Page 1

Domenic starts everyday the same way, he drops his bag off at the office and heads straight over to 5 Elements Espresso Bar for an Americano. Say Ciao! when you see Domenic and he will buy your morning beverage.

Buying and Selling real estate in Yorkville is a passion for Domenic along with uncovering local gems like this favourite coffee spot. Yorkville is one of Toronto's most dynamic neighbourhoods and continues to emerge with exciting new developments. The desire to help others, give back along with Domenic's hustle and tenacity makes for a great real estate guide.

Domenic is keen to discuss the exciting opportunities that accompany the Yorkville lifestyle. He provides exceptional service for each of his clients, creating a unique experience to help follow their dream, home.

Domenic Cimino . Sales Representative 110 Avenue Road. Toronto, ON M5R 2H4 Mobile + 1 416-574-4123 domenic.cimino@evrealestate.com

©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.