Thornhill Post May 2021

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CONTENTS MAY 2021

© Rick O’Brien

Welcome to this month’s Post.

Sit back & enjoy.

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LITERALLY FALLING IN LOVE Kim’s Convenience star Andrew Phung slipped and fell when he met his wife

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THREE TIMES THE FUN Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Mark McEwan samples tres leches cakes

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LET’S GO DUTCH Jeanne Beker puts a spring in her step with couture clogs

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T.O. RESTAURANT AWARDS A salute to every server, bartender, dishwasher, baker, chef and sous

LUXURY INSIDE & OUT Four bidding war-worthy dream homes in T.O.’s hot market

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CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

Investigating the Sherman murders

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

A Q & A with Toronto’s top investigative reporter, the Star’s Kevin Donovan, who has been working the Barry and Honey Sherman murder case and often moving the investigation forward more effectively than the Toronto Police Service by Ron Johnson

2014 Premier Doug Ford’s favourite year when it comes to his beloved Blackberry Classic smart phone.

16 The length, in kilometres, of a new linear park, the Meadoway, that will stretch from the Don River to Rouge Park.

L-R: The former Bridle Path home of Barry and Honey Sherman, investigative reporter Kevin Donovan

I’ve interviewed the son, Jonathan. I’ve interviewed the daughter, Alexandra. I’ve spoken to Aunt Mary, who is Honey’s sister, and some other people in the family. But I promised not to reveal who they are. You can never know everybody completely, but I feel I have a good handle on them. And what’s happening there, as we’ve recently reported, it’s a real battle for a succession.

And how has the investigation gone over with them? Do you get calls to just leave them alone?

Yeah, that’s a great question. The various parts of the family have expressed to me that they are pleased that we’re doing this and keeping a focus on the case. In my mind, I think everybody was worried in the family that my book would paint Barry and Honey as awful people because there are some media outlets that have not described them very well. But I think it was a true, good portrait and, I think,

Now that we’re more than three years into this, what are the chances this is resolved?

Well, the police are adamant this is not a cold case. So they have one officer working on this full time. They’re doing lots of search warrants on what are called production orders — financial, telecommunication records and things like that. If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said this will be solved tomorrow. Now, I’m not so sure. The police have said they have an idea of what happened. But they’re struggling to prove the case.

What do you like about these investigations?

What I have enjoyed about reporting on the story is that there’s so many elements to it: police, allegations of police incompetence.

And, at the heart of it, two people that I knew virtually nothing about, Barry and Honey Sherman, who, after interviewing so many of their close friends and some of their family members, I believe that they truly were very important people to Toronto and Ontario, Canada and the world. My goal is to try and find out everything I can about them and in some small way perhaps help justice be served.

There seemed to be mistakes that were made by the Toronto police investigating this case that the family’s investigators and the Star helped resolve, right?

I’m glad to have played a role, but it shouldn’t have happened that way. The police were invited to the second autopsy (confirming homicides not suicides). They should have been present for that, because we should all be interested in other opinions. And they shouldn’t have to read about it on the front page of a newspaper to know that they need to talk to somebody. But that happened, and now we’re in a situation three and a half years later with no charges.

And tell me about what you’ve learned about what type of person Barry was to his friends.

Yeah, it’s very different than what people thought about him. He was a very loyal friend. He was very supportive to people. And Honey, in the same respect, was very generous and very, very giving.

9 The date, in May, when Toronto Raptors star Kyle “Dr. K” Lowry will receive an honorary doctorate from Acadia University.

$25 The value, in thousands, given as ownership shares to employees of the restaurant Oyster Boy, as a thank you for hard work during the pandemic.

How do you think the family has gotten on with preserving their legacy in business and also philanthropy?

Well, I think they struggle with it. If you look at them, they’re all still relatively young, in their 20s 30s, one in her early 40s. And they never wanted the limelight. They never wanted to be the people at the charity gala.…

It’s a bit of a messy situation right now, and hopefully they’ll resolve it in some way. But right now, they are often talking to lawyers.

149 The number of Twitter followers, in thousands and counting, for Vaccine Hunters Canada, who have made it much easier for local residents to get vaccinated.

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Do you feel like you know the family and friends well at this point?

quite a positive portrait of them. And so they like that. The people I take the most energy, if you will, from in this investigation are Barry’s and Honey’s best friends.… They’re all very supportive and they want answers.

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How did this investigation begin for you?

It started with an assignment to me in early January [2018], which would be three weeks or so after their bodies were discovered. And at that time, the assignment was to try and figure out if they were victims of double murders, as many people thought, or, as the police sources were saying, was the murder-suicide a double suicide? And then I always liked the challenge. And I think that’s where the intrigue began. It’s a whodunit case right now.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

New plan will bring 20,000 square metres of retail to midtown Short history of Lake Leaside coming to a close

A large lake formed at the site of a Leaside development

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Leaside residents are breathing a sigh of relief after a proposal has been submitted to develop a site left dormant for years.

The developer, SmartCentres REIT, initially proposed to build a Walmart at the site at Laird Drive and Eglinton Avenue East back in 2014, which the city approved.

However, the Walmart was never built after construction was halted due to soil contamination, and instead, a huge pit was left that eventually filled with water, which residents nicknamed Lake Leaside.

Now the same developer submitted a new application for the site in February, this time to build a Canadian Tire and three stand-alone retail buildings to create a commercial centre of more than 20,000 square metres. It will also include 403 parking spaces and room for 138 bikes.

“I’m happy that we’re going to get rid of this unsightly and unsafe crater in the middle of Leaside,” local councilor Jaye Robinson said.

“Literally ducks were swimming in this lake of water.”

Robinson has been working since she was elected to represent the area in 2018 to not only get the crater filled in, but to give the city “more teeth” to force developers to maintain sites left dormant so another Lake Leaside isn’t created.

Over the years, her office has put pressure on the

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developer to submit a new application but had to rely on “band-aid solutions” in the meantime, such as draining the water only for it to fill back up again.

In October 2019, she proposed a motion to create a “strong, enforceable strategy to regulate unfinished development sites,” which Toronto City Council adopted. Now the city is consulting with the province to create such a strategy.

“We do need a citywide solution on this issue,” she said, “or it will happen again.”

“We do need a citywide solution on this issue.”

Leaside Residents Association vice-president Robin Rix said that the association is in favour of the development and “assumes good faith” that the developer will follow through.

Although residents had initially opposed a big box store complex on the site, now Rix said, “they can live with” the option as opposed to Lake Leaside.

“We’re just happy that something is moving forward and that we no longer have this public safety hazard,” he said.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEWS

Metrolinx's plan to extend TTC's Yonge Line into the 905 continues to take shape

Opposition to revamped subway plan routing were required to keep the extension within the $5.6 billion budget.

Residents had questions and concerns about disruption to the neighbourhood during construction, compensation for possibly decreased property values and the absence of a station at Royal Orchard.

“Why should residents support a plan that provides years of disruption to the neighbourhood

“Why should residents support a plan that provides years of disruption to the neighbourhood?”

with no direct benefit (i.e., subway stop)?” read a question submitted anonymously from a resident.

Metrolinx representatives said tunnels would be built at a depth where there would be no direct impact on the homes above, with exact depths to be determined through further study, but there would be over 20 metres of depth from ground level to the bottom of the tunnel.

“I think it’s a terrible idea. It’s unnecessary, it’s untried, untested. Metrolinx has no experience in tunneling a subway under homes. They can’t point to

any reasonable comparisons anywhere in the world, and when they have, when we started digging a little bit deeper, pardon the pun, we found all kinds of issues with noise and vibration,” said Keith Irish, Markham’s city councillor for the area. “And the simple question is: would you want a subway under your home?

Of course not.”

Irish said that more than 1,000 people have signed a petition against the Metrolinx plan, and the surrounding community is already organizing in opposition to it.

“The community has very quickly come together and mobilized. There’s a steering committee of residents that have come together that meet every week. They have set a number of subcommittees to tackle the problem from all sides,” said Irish. “They’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign so they can fund their opposition efforts and hire expertise as needed.

They’re really well organized and they’re fighting until the end.”

Irish said that, despite this now being Metrolinx’s preferred option, he believes the plan can still be changed.

“The project still has not received final approval by Premier Ford and his cabinet nor, more importantly, has it been fully funded,” he said.

“They’re still waiting on 40 per cent of the $5.6 billion from the federal government, and there is no sign of that happening any time soon.”

| POST |

A Thornhill neighbourhood is angry and prepared to fight back against revised plans for the Yonge North Subway Extension with fewer stations and an altered route that would see the line running under their neighbourhood.

The eight-kilometre extension will bring the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) existing Line 1 subway to the cities of Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill.

The revamped plan from the Province of Ontario’s transit agency Metrolinx would see the extension’s originally planned six stations reduced to just four.

Three stations in the plan are Yonge Street at Steeles Avenue; another station between Highways 7 and 407, formerly known as Langstaff station but now tentatively named Bridge; and a terminus station at High Tech Road in Richmond Hill.

A fourth station has yet to be chosen but would be located at Cummer Avenue, Clark Avenue or Royal Orchard Boulevard, all three of which were in previous plans for the extension.

The route’s planned alignment has now been rerouted off of Yonge Street and onto the existing CN rail corridor in the north, bringing part of the line above ground but necessitating tunneling under Thornhill’s Royal Orchard neighbourhood.

At a virtual open house held on April 7, representatives from Metrolinx presented the plan to the community and explained the reduction in stations and new

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Concern over fewer stations and above-ground route by David Olsen

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City councillor John Filion

Residents oppose affordable housing site Local councillor says small group does not represent the neighbourhood

by Eric Stober

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Toronto is proposing a new homeless housing site in the Willowdale area, but some residents are strongly opposed to the idea and have called the consultation process undemocratic.

The proposal for 175 Cummer Ave., near Yonge Street and Finch Avenue and next to a seniors’ supportive housing site called Willowdale Manor, is part of the city’s Modular Housing Initiative.

The 10-year action plan approved in April 2020 aims to create 1,000 new modular homes for Toronto residents experiencing homelessness. Modular housing is created offsite and is reported to be less expensive and quicker to construct.

The city has already built two modular homes totalling 100 apartments at 11 Macey Ave. and 321 Dovercourt Rd. The Willowdale proposal is part of the second phase of the project, along with an east end location at Trenton Ave., which would include 60 studio apartments in a threestorey building.

“We have an extreme crisis of homelessness in the city with more than 1,000 people currently living in shelters, park encampments or bus shelters,” local councillor John Filion said. “The current situation doesn’t work for anybody, so the city is doing everything it can to try to deal with that.”

The homes will include support services to “help people turn their

lives around,” Filion said, and he stressed that they are different from shelters in that they provide long-term housing.

However, a dozen residents have created a group called Voices of Willowdale that strongly opposes the project at 175 Cummer Ave. and says it has gained support from many residents.

“This entire process has been completely rushed, secret and poorly thought out,” said Sugy Kodeeswaran, a group member.

Kodeeswaran said that the city has not properly consulted the community and that officials have labelled residents “anti-homeless.” “[The process] has ruined the sense of democracy for a lot of community members,” she said.

Among the residents’ concerns is the location of the housing, which they say is on the “front lawn” of Willowdale Manor and will deprive the seniors there of muchneeded living space and is also not easily accessible to important services. “Pick a site that makes sense,” Kodeeswaran said.

Filion described the Voices of Willowdale as a “small group of angry people who do not represent Willowdale at all.”

“There has been more consultation on this than any application I can think of in recent years,” he said. “Your opinion should be based on facts, not scaremongering by a group that may have some other agenda.”

SEWELL ON CITY HALL

NEWS

SPRINT senior care is a great local example of what works

Province’s for-profit model broken Ministry of Health provides funding for personal care, the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care provides funding for dementia patients, and funds are kicked in by United Way and local charities for other services.

The contrast with long-term care institutions is considerable.

Many studies have shown that the care there is more industrial than personal; staffing is inadequate; many seniors live four to a room; and as we have learned tragically in the pandemic, infection control is poor. The cost to the client is considerable, upwards of $2,000 a month, on top of which there is a subsidy from the provincial government of about $180 a day per person. The province also provides a subsidy for the construction of long-term care institutions.

There are serious questions to ask about spending such amounts of public money on long-term care. Seniors for Social Action (Ontario) has asked the provincial auditor general to do a value-formoney audit into “whether the current funding arrangement with the long term care sector represents the best use of public funds, or whether these funds would be better redirected to notfor-profit community residential options other than for-profit and not-for-profit large institutions.”

Long-term care became big business in Ontario when Premier Mike Harris privatized it 20 years ago. He now chairs one of the largest private long-term home care institutions in Canada, to his considerable personal profit. In the recent provincial budget, Premier Ford opted to put government funds only into expanding long-term care and did not put a new cent into home care.

Council could take the lead on home care. It already houses some 30,000 seniors in affordable units and is introducing an integrated service model to address some health needs.

Pushing for full health care for these residents should be a key demand by the city. Of course, there is not nearly enough affordable housing for seniors.

Council could provide seed money to establish more groups like SPRINT. It could ask the provincial government to convert the new funding for home care. It could ask the provincial and federal government to create a home care tax credit as recommended by Home Care Ontario.

With the pandemic still in sight and with all of us getting older, now is the time for the city to push for a change that is widely popular and needed.

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

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The personal lesson many of us have learned from the pandemic: we want to spend the last weeks and months of our lives in our own homes, not in a hospital or in long-term care or in a retirement home. But it won’t be easy unless there are some significant changes, in which the city can play a major role.

Toronto already has one of the most successful programs in the country for keeping seniors happy in their own homes: SPRINT, Senior Peoples’ Resources in North Toronto, founded in 1980 with the help of the late councillor Anne Johnston.

SPRINT provides the kind of care seniors need on a daily basis: personal care such as bathing and dressing, medical care, transportation — care that depends on day-to-day needs, maybe 20 minutes today and three hours tomorrow.

The SPRINT personal support workers are constants in the lives of their clients. The seniors served

by SPRINT live in several buildings where rents are subsidized depending on income.

It’s a combination of low-cost housing and community care.

What’s good about this kind of home care is that hospitalization and emergency room visits are considerably less than for those not receiving this kind of support.

And seniors are happier and less lonely than seniors in the community at large.

Sadly, the funding of the kind of program run by SPRINT is not straightforward.

The city subsidizes the cost of housing, the

| POST |

Stepping up for the care of seniors

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NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

A new fishmonger comes ashore at Yonge and Lawrence Plus a bespoke floral design studio in Yorkville, and fashion forward activewear pops up in midtown Fair Catch Fishmongers is now open for in-store

shopping and curbside pickup at 3303 Yonge St. The new shop is committed to offering the highest quality responsibly sourced seafood available.

Owners Genevieve and Rob have partnered with the Ocean Wise Seafood program to ensure customers have the most current scientific information regarding their seafood. Recipes are regularly posted to the website as well.

Aubé Studios is joining the Yorkville community as

it moves into its home at 235 Davenport Rd. Led by Nathan Aubé, the studio specializes in bespoke floral designs, custom gifts and custom event designs.

Aubé takes inspiration from high-end fashion to create visual experiences with his floral installations. on Sheppard is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The eye clinic has been providing comprehensive eye care to patients in the heart of North York for half a century. The chic new office space, at 90 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 100A, includes the latest technology and encourages patients to take advantage of the many aromatherapy programs, including dry eye therapy, digital eye strain and a number of other eye care services to maintain healthy eyes.

Eyes

A chic tennis outfit from the Open Court pop-up on Yonge Street

Local North York Desjardins agent Dina Constantinou presented a cheque for $10,000 to Calia Hair Design, 3338 Yonge St. The funds are part of Desjardins Insurance’s GoodSpark Small Business Grants program and will be used to help the local business overcome challenges posed by the pandemic. Desjardins Insurance is providing grants to 75 small businesses across the country as part of a $1 million investment. As part of the selection process, Desjardins agents were invited to nominate small businesses that are important to their local communities.

Open Court is a new pop-up at 2511 Yonge St. that

offers women a unique personal styling experience.

The carefully curated selection of golf, tennis and activewear fashion pieces will freshen up your wardrobe. The pop-up is open from April 1 to June 30 and offers private one-on-one styling appointments as well as group appointments.

Havana Castle Cigars has opened a new location at

1563 Bayview Ave. The new shop continues to offer cigars with varying strengths and flavour profiles imported directly from Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigars are stored in correct humidity conditions for perfect flavours which include mild, medium or fullstrength body.

POST CITY X DIAMOND & DIAMOND

Water safety tips for families From Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers JEREMY DIAMOND

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 1

Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation.

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The warm weather is here and with it brings water activities - like swimming in the lake, going boating, or lounging by the pool. As advocates of community safety, leading personal injury firm, Diamond & Diamond, encourages everyone to practice proper water safety. The firm’s dynamic leadership team, Jeremy Diamond, Sandra Zisckind and her brother Isaac Ziskind share how to stay safe around the water this summer: Always wear a Life Jacket / Personal Flotation Device When you’re out on the water in a boat, it’s important to wear a lifejacket. These devices can save you when you’re participating in ANY activities on or near the water. As Jeremy Diamond says, “wearing a life jacket saves lives.” For helpful information on proper maintenance and sizing of life jackets, visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

Avoid going out on the water while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Just like operating a vehicle under the influence, consuming drugs or alcohol before going near the water can be very dangerous. It’s essential to avoid going out on the water while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Isaac Ziskind of Diamond & Diamond says “being out on the water or at the cottage is an enjoyable time for everyone, but mixing it with drugs or alcohol can be life-threatening.”

It’s important to remember that any activity in the water is dangerous when under the influence - not just operating a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard or Seadoo.

Be sure to follow best practices for operating a device on the water (boats, kayaks, canoe, paddleboards, tube, etc) It’s important to make sure that you adhere to the best practices for operating any device on the water whether that be a boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, Seadoo, etc. Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond says “just like operating a car, there are many rules and guidelines in place re-

garding the safe operation of a device on the water.” For additional information, please refer to the Government of Canada’s Office of Boating Safety website.

Supervise children when they are in the water Another essential aspect of water safety is ensuring the proper supervision of children while they’re in the water. Parents should always be within an arm’s reach of young children at all times. This includes older children as well - even though they may be more confident swimmers, it’s still important to make sure that you’re supervising them when they’re in the water (lakes and pools alike).

Isaac Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond says “it’s essential to make sure that swimmers are supervised whether they’re in a pool, pond, or a lake.”

Always check in on local weather reports regarding the condition of the water and the weather Another essential aspect of water

safety is the condition of the water. On a hot summer day, all water may be tempting to jump into. However, it’s essential to do your homework to make sure that there are no special statements regarding blue-green algae in natural bodies of water. Jeremy Diamond says, “before I go to any natural bodies of water I always check in on local reports to see if there have been any issues reported with the quality of the water.” For helpful tips on how to identify and avoid bluegreen algae, please refer to the Government of Ontario’s website. It’s also essential to check in on any special weather statements before you decide to head out on the water. Storms can develop at any time and it’s important to make sure you’re not on or near the water when this happens.

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CRIME

NEWS

AREA BREAK-INS APRIL 2021 — THORNHILL

WHERE

WHEN

TIME OFOF DAY TIME DAY

NEAL DR.

APR. 3

5 P.M.

LAKE FOREST DR.

APR. 4

11 A.M.

SOUTH TOWN CENTRE BLVD.

APR. 5

2 P.M.

SOUTH UNIONVILLE AVE.

APR. 5

9 P.M.

DISERA DR.

APR. 5

10 P.M.

BATHURST ST.

APR. 5

10 P.M.

ROCKSPRINGS AVE.

APR. 6

10 P.M.

RAMBLEWOOD LN.

APR. 7

11 A.M.

WATER WALK DR.

APR. 8

2 A.M.

Police bust taxi fare scam York Regional Police has charged three suspects in connection with a taxi fare scam that took upwards of $50,000 from victims, with the majority of incidents occurring in front of shopping areas or in parking lots across Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham. In most incidents, two suspects would operate together, posing as a taxi driver and passenger.

A victim is approached by a suspect posing as a passenger and asking for help. The suspect explains the cab driver will not accept cash due to COVID19 protocols and offers the victim the cash equivalent if they help by paying with their credit or debit card.

The victim then inserts his or her card in a modified

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point of sale terminal that captures the victim’s PIN numbers. The victim is then handed back a different card that looks similar to the victim’s own, which the victim usually doesn’t discover until later. The suspects then proceeded to use the victim’s card to withdraw money or make purchases.

On March 29, 2021, investigators observed three suspects undertaking the scam in Newmarket. Their arrest led to the recovery of 21 stolen credit cards and a falsified debit terminal. The suspects, who range in age from 19 to 32, face numerous charges, including possession of property obtained by crime, possession of identity documents and fraud.

— David Olsen

CRIME BRIEFS

On April 16, the provincial government announced a series of

suspect is facing charges after a serious assault at a residence in Vaughan. At approximately 3 p.m. on April 13, police responded to a residence on Theodore Place for a report of an assault. Responding officers found a 34-year-old male victim with a head injury and arrested a suspect at the scene. The victim was transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition. Investigators determined that the victim was involved in a road rage incident with another driver. When both vehicles stopped on Theodore Place, the drivers exited their vehicles and began yelling at each other. The suspect then exited a residence and intervened, and the victim was struck in the head with a wooden post.

A 21-year-old male

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new restrictions for Ontarians and increased police powers under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, in order to combat the third wave of COVID-19 currently hitting the province. On April 17, York Regional Police released a statement saying that, after having had time to review the provincial order, they would be taking a balanced approach to enforcement to not only support public health measures but also maintain public trust, and they would not be conducting random vehicle or individual stops. The statement said police actions will focus on individuals who overtly put others in danger and citizens refusing to comply will be charged appropriately.

| POST |

have arrested and charged an off-duty Toronto Police Service officer after an encounter with a sex worker. On March 31, 2021, officers received a report from a female victim who had been contacted by the suspect, who then arranged to meet with her at a hotel for sexual services.

The suspect arrived wearing a firearm and told her he was a police officer. The victim got upset and demanded that he leave. The suspect, 37, of Georgina, was identified and arrested on April 2. He faces charges including obtaining sexual services for consideration, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief.

York Regional Police

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REAL ESTATE

NORTH YORK

NEWS

FOREST HILL SOUTH

WHERE NATURE MEETS LUXURY

This unique home at 49 Don River Blvd. is a contemporary build that overlooks the Don River Trail. It comes with three bedrooms and four bathrooms and is listed for $4.25 million with Harvey Kalles Real Estate.

A CHIC AND ELEGANT ESTATE

With four bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an elevator, home theatre and wine cellar, this home at 523 Vesta Dr. in Forest Hill checks all the boxes. It is listed for $5,988,880 with Re/Max Hallmark Trends Group Realty.

LUXURY HOMES INSIDE & OUT

The pandemic has created two must-haves for the perfect home: interior amenities and outdoor space. These four properties feature sweeping views, nature trails, home theatres and so much more.

THREE STOREYS OF CHARM

This Deer Park home at 52 Walmsley Blvd. offers four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a finished lower level.

It features two outdoor spaces and is listed for $2.85 million with Sutton Group Associates Realty Inc.

This property at 219 Bayview Fairways Dr. in Thornhill backs onto the Bayview Golf and Country Club. The home features four bedrooms and five bathrooms and is listed for $2.998 million with Royal LePage Your Community Realty.

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FOR THE GOLF LOVERS

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THORNHILL

DEER PARK

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excellent results

REAL ESTATE

YORKVILLE

NEWS

MIDTOWN

BRAND NEW ABODE

Residence 901 at 151 Avenue Rd. is a newly built unit in Yorkville with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The condo features top-of-the-line finishes and amenities and is listed for $1.598 million with Re/Max Condos Plus Corporation.

A SPRAWLING UNIT WITH A WRAPAROUND TERRACE

Unit 2403 at 101 Erskine Ave. is in the heart of midtown. It features two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a den, plenty of outdoor living space and is listed for $1.975 million with Sotheby’s International Realty.

DINING IN THE SKY

It may not be a revolving restaurant, but these four luxury units each have a chic and elegant dining room complete with views that will make you feel like you’re at one of the city’s finest restaurants.

A SPACIOUS AND SLEEK SUITE

Unit 602 at 159 Frederick St. in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood boasts 2,600 square feet of space with two bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is listed for $1,799,900 with Royal LePage Signature Realty.

Loft 406 at 993 Queen St. W., inside the former candy factory, is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit complete with a den. It is perched on the sub-penthouse level and is listed for $1.269 million with Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited.

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A LUXURY LOFT

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QUEEN WEST

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET

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NEWS

REAL ESTATE

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The elusive waterfront cottage is an endangered species this spring

Cottage country real estate up 143 per cent Finding a vacation property is proving a challenge with low inventory by Eric Stober

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ESTATE CLEARING

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

Ontario’s cottage country real estate market is breaking records this year as sales and prices surge.

First-quarter sales for 2021 are up a record 143 per cent compared to last year, according to Chestnut Park Realty CEO Chris Kapches, whose company specializes in the region. Meanwhile, average sale prices are up a record 30 per cent compared to the same period last year, with a lakefront cottage in Muskoka going for an average of $3 million, Kapches said.

“The whole [cottage buying] season has shifted a lot earlier this year in ways we’ve never seen before,” he said.

Kapches explained that the first three months of the year usually don’t see much activity, but this year it is “completely the opposite.”

He thinks more people are putting their properties up for sale because of the high prices achieved, but strong demand is still keeping supply limited. He said properties are now selling in less than 50 days, whereas historically it took closer to 90 days.

Bidding wars are also now a common part of the selling process in cottage country — a trend that was much more common in cities than up north in the past.

“Almost every property is attracting multiple offers these days,” Kapches said. “There wasn’t quite the urgency [in the past] as

there is now.”

Kapches said he is seeing outrageous bids that are way above the asking price, to the point where any kind of buying formula you could once rely on has been thrown out the window.

“There’s always some buyer who's prepared to outbid everybody else and pay substantially more than what people anticipate,” he said. “People now go into bidding wars as if they’re going to war.”

The demand is largely pandemic-driven, Kapches said, as buyers are looking for a sanctuary away from dense cities and are now winterizing their cottages and living there all year long.

Real estate agent and the Lakelands Association of Realtors president Catharine Inniss said she is seeing much of the same trends as Kapches.

“It’s still a really strong market,” she said. “It’s a seller’s market.”

She recommends buyers always use a local agent when looking for property because they will know what to look for and can help avoid unexpected snags, such as realizing the cottage is not road accessible.

She predicts that the market will settle down eventually but will remain strong due to high demand and low inventory.

“There’s only so much waterfront,” she said.

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

Due to Covid we are presently not holding open houses.

We welcome you to book a private tour.

Please call the school

L-R: Paris, Ontario, on the banks of the Grand River; real estate expert Odeen Eccleston

Five rural locales for relocating Odeen Eccleston on looking for greener pastures

Brock

The region along the east side of Lake Simcoe is attracting some attention and is pushing prices higher, but the area is far enough afield that there is still good land value especially for those cashing out in the city of Toronto and moving northeast. The towns of Beaverton, Sunderland, and Cannington are especially of interest, but there are some pockets of countryside of interest as well.

Cobourg

This historic and charming small town is located just far enough east to be out of the way at 104 kilometres, but not far enough to be completely removed from the centre of the universe. Coburg is located on Lake Ontario and has a wonderful waterfront area as well as a thriving downtown and arts community. It is often noted as one of the best small towns in the province. There are some gorgeous rural areas surrounding the town as well.

Colborne

In Northumberland County, east of Toronto and just before the turnoff to Prince Edward County sits Colborne, Ont. This sweet rural village boasts a wide main street and gorgeous historical architecture.

Pelham

Niagara-on-the-Lake has been one of the hottest real estate areas as of late as well as St. Catharines, so the Niagara Region is certainly garnering significant attention across the board. So it’s helpful to get off the beaten path in order to not overpay for a home or slice of land in this area best known as Ontario’s biggest wine region.

Pelham is located just outside the town of Welland. This pretty area is characterized by rolling hills, winding creeks and access to a number of gorgeous green spaces and parks.

Paris

Sure, Hamilton used to be the place to move for an affordable home with a city atmosphere, but we’ve all caught onto that move.

Now, just beyond Hamilton, the picture-perfect small town of Paris is garnering interest thanks to its historical and beautiful downtown bordered by the Grand River and surrounded by the agricultural heartland. And it’s just 10 minutes past the Hammer. Homes here are seeing an uptick but are still affordable

by Toronto standards.

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in a matter of days and after receiving multiple offers,” Eccleston said.

To that end, Post City asked Eccleston for five areas that are good options for those not looking to buy in at the top of the market.

by Ron Johnson

| POST |

Although the Toronto real estate market continues at a very high level, the hottest area for price growth continues to be outside of the city in the surrounding areas, especially an hour or more away.

As a result, it is getting harder and harder to make the transition from Toronto homeowner to country gentlefolk.

Try finding a slice of rural paradise in Durham Region and you’ll likely be competing alongside countless other Torontonians just like one would in checking out a semi in Leslieville.

“The people who are ringing my phone are city dwellers who are dreaming of green pastures, fewer neighbours, more house and more land to call their primary residence,” said Odeen Eccleston, of Wiltshire Eccleston Homes, who works extensively both in the city and the surrounding regions especially east of Toronto.

In the last report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the areas that are seeing the most price appreciation are around the Orangeville area and to the east in Bowmanville.

People aren’t just looking for that picture-perfect country home.

They are also looking for land to craft their own.

“Yes, developable lands that typically used to sit on the market for months and sometimes even years are selling

Celebrating 40 years

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FASHION

CURRENTS

LET’S GO DUTCH Clogs are back and trendier than ever, so we asked Jeanne Beker to pick her favourite pairs for the season.

© TSC

These wood wedge clogs feature a hand-carved wooden platform heel that is two and a half inches high, as well as 100 per cent Italian leather on the uppers.

WINNER QUILTED CLOGS www.beklina.com, $270

“It’s a nice spring look with the light wood as well,” says Beker. “The heel is also giving you a nice amount of height, but it’s also a very sturdy heel so they will be comfy to wear.”

“I really love these ribbed ones from Beklina. They come in this beautiful green as well as a soft pink that’s really on trend right now. These are a little more classic than some of the other pairs. Additionally, anything with that quilting, to me, looks like it has a touch of Chanel, and I always love that feel. I think these are really pretty shoes and classic enough that you’re never going to get tired of them — a forever clog. The only thing that’s particularly trendy is the colour, but that gorgeous green is so hot these days, and the soft blush is just so feminine and pretty.”

ORANGE OPULENCE

UNIQUE & CHIC

GOING GLAM

SaksFifthAvenue.com, $1,179.73

Gravitypope.com, $280

LoefflerRandall.com, $350

WOVEN WONDER Modcloth.com, $141

“I like the back strap, the nice buckle and the hand-stitching detail. It looks artisanal."

"The colour on this Stella McCartney pair is fantastic. And I love that it’s not leather."

“This ankle strap is very fashion forward. If a clog can be sexy, these are the ones."

“Leopard print is always fun, and the gold studding makes it a glamourous clog.”

“I love this woven top — it’s so funky. These are classic shoes you’ll want to keep for years."

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STRAPPED IN ShopFrock.ca, $189

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Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, Jeanne has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters.

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FASHION NEWS

© Arnal Photography

© George Pimentel

How this consignment shop has survived without e-commerce

L-R: The studio designed by dkstudio architects and Christopher Bates

Christopher Bates dives into womenswear The designer on his new cutting edge T.O. showroom More than a decade after moving to Milan to pursue a career in fashion, Canadian designer Christopher Bates has built an impressive resumé, landing partnerships with the likes of Harry Rosen, Nordstrom and even Paramount for a line of Top Gun merchandise. In late 2020, he realized his dream of opening a multi-purpose space that functions as an office, showroom and content studio in the Eaton Centre.

“When I came back to Toronto from Milan, I knew I wanted to get set up with a space, so it’s been a long-term goal,” Bates says. “We use it as an office, retail space and a place to produce content — it has a 40-foot runway, which is great for video and photo shoots.”

Nestled in an off-the-beaten-path location above Zara and reserved for appointments only, the space is private and purposeful, just as Bates had envisioned it. The space also serves as a home for much of the designer’s inventory, including his spring 2021 collec-

tion.

Known for his sleek menswear designs, Bates is branching off into womenswear for the first time with his latest collection, which blends a tailored style with hints of comfortable athleisure.

“I’ve always loved menswear for women,” he says. “Suits, tuxedos, blazers — they all look really great on women. So for this collection, I’ve drawn upon my vast experience in menswear and applied it to women.”

With fabrics and materials as his biggest source of inspiration, Bates says he was glad to have squeezed in one last trip to Milan for a fabric fair in February 2020 before the pandemic hit. Once the world transitioned into lockdown, the designer had time to dream up his next collection.

Bates says he’s optimistic about the future of fashion and predicts we’ll see more personalized shopping experiences, such as what he offers at his flagship.

“Private shopping will be big,” he says. “It’s

CURRENTS

by Mackenzie Patterson

a much more exclusive experience. It’s personal, and you get the benefit of working with the designer or a stylist because they can add a lot of value by helping you put together outfits and pieces.”

Given his relationships with retailers like Harry Rosen and Nordstrom, Bates is hopeful malls and department stores will bounce back post-pandemic, but he’s also taking advantage of the opportunity to build up his own sales channels like his website, the new studio space and potentially more private retail spaces in other cities. Above all, the designer says it’s his fearlessness that has gotten him this far and will take him into the future.

“When I was starting out, I was lucky to sit down for a coffee with John Fluevog, and he said ‘I only have one question: how brave are you?’ and I said, ‘John, I have no fear. I’ll do what it takes,’ ” he says. “You have to be tenacious, believe in yourself and have a vision.”

To book an appointment with Bates, visit christopherbates.com.

Dawn Librach opened Rewind Couture Revisited on Mount Pleasant Road right out of school and had to scale up to a store four times the size of the original within one year. Her success stemmed from her background in the industry. She learned the tricks of the shopping and resale trade from her grandmother and quickly identified a niche for the store that would help it stand out from the crowd.

“We do a highly curated collection, so we’re very selective in terms of brands and styles we accept,” she says.

“At Rewind, it’s really a one-on-one experience, so we always try to make sure every customer leaves with an outfit they can feel good about.”

Librach says her passion for resale fashion stems from the element of sustainability it brings but also because resale items are often much higher quality than what you’d find in a fast fashion outlet.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Librach and her team would visit people’s closets and offer cash in exchange for the pieces that caught her eye, but during the pandemic, she has had to pivot her business model.

“Before, we had more customers in store, but now we really utilize our Instagram, which people love,” she says.

“We only have one of each item, so we mark it on our Instagram that if you want it you have to call in right away to get it. In some months, we’ve actually been busier than before the pandemic.”

Now with another lockdown in place, Librach and her team have finally launched an e-commerce site at rewindcouture.com, and they are beginning the daunting process of getting all their inventory online.

— MP

Local creators team up for self-love jacket been supporting each other as women creatives ever since.

“Sarah is an inspiration to me,” MacMillan says. “She carves out fierce space in the social landscape through honesty and self-love, which is authentic and raw. I knew right away when redesigning the Varsity Collection for 2021 that I wanted to partner with her and build a jacket around the theme of self-empowerment and authenticity.”

Available in both black and pink, the jacket is an extension of the designer’s Varsity Collection, which serves as a way for people to make bold statements and tell their stories through fashion.

The exclusive jacket launched on MacMillan’s e-commerce platform, hilarymacmillan.com, on April 19, at $165 for adults and $100 for youth.

— Mackenzie Patterson

| POST |

© Lindsay Rosset

When digital creator Sarah Nicole Landry of the Birds Papaya stumbled upon the phrase “not made to be subtle” earlier this year, she knew it would resonate with others just as deeply as it resonated with her. With messages of body positivity, confidence and self-love among the overarching themes of her online platform, Landry had the idea to include the empowering phrase on a new limited edition jacket she designed in collaboration with Canadian designer Hilary MacMillan.

“Collaborating with Hilary feels so special. These Varsity jackets worn by me, my children and my friends serve as a reminder to all of us to not minimize ourselves, our dreams and our greatness in this walk we call life,” says Landry.

Landry and MacMillan first met at a pop-up event and have

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Hilary MacMillan and the Birds Papaya are behind the new collab project

The self-love varsity jacket

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CURRENTS

DAILY PLANET

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Penny Brown, Broker, Senior Vice President, Sales pbrown@sothebysrealty.ca • 416-960-9995 Robert Nelson, Sales Representative rnelson@sothebysrealty.ca • 416-960-9995

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The moment you enter you will be entranced by the level of quality & luxury that has gone into every conceivable element of this home.

Completed in 2019, this home represents the perfect combination of pure luxury, sophistication & design, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of the Rosedale landscape. This is truly a home for those who constantly seek out & acquire only the finest things in life, a statement in luxury & design, & a place to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.

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6 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths

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Available for the first time in 66 years, this represents a very rare opportunity to acquire one of these highly coveted 200' deep lots on prized Edgar Ave. Create your dream home with this one of a kind landmark estate. This magnificent home already delivers approx 4,000 sqft plus the lower level, superb opportunity to add significant square footage to create your dream home in this magical setting.

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Urban dwellers explored local areas such as the Scarborough Bluffs

Connecting to nature is medicine for us Appreciation for the outdoors has grown The late urban visionary Jane Jacobs wrote, “Perhaps it will be the city that reawakens our understanding and appreciation of nature, in all its teeming, unpredictable complexity.”

While the built form of towns and cities is often disconnected from natural systems, urban ecosystems have much to offer for the more than 80 per cent of people in Canada who live in them. Since the pandemic began, tens of millions of us have been spending more time exploring our yards, parks and neighbourhoods, underscoring the immense value of green spaces for health and well-being.

COVID-19 will long be remembered for upending lives worldwide, but one surprising legacy may be something more revelatory and, hopefully, lasting: a much-needed reconnection to nearby nature.

In the pandemic’s early days, getting out of the house often meant wandering through quieted streets and parks, where wildlife began to emerge. Urban dwellers began to notice the sights and sounds of nature in their neighbourhoods — from a family of foxes under a Toronto boardwalk to the calls of birds of prey in cities like Vancouver.

As the pace of life slowed, many people began to notice the return of migrating birds and the emergence of quirky local insects, like mourning cloak

butterflies waking from their winter slumber. These goldtipped, orange and black early risers are often the first butterflies to appear in Canadian cities because they spend colder months tucked into crevices fully grown, waiting for warmer days.

Spring inspired an unprecedented interest in tending to yards and balconies.

Millions of people began plotting what plants they would grow in gardens and on patios and windowsills — many for the first time. It was clear we would be spending more time at home last summer, and the resulting surge in seed and plant sales was historic. The burgeoning interest included growing food — veggies and herbs, fruits and berries — and native plants to support local insects, like bees and butterflies.

The David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project ballooned, from nine cities with volunteer “Rangers” in 2019 to more than 100 communities in 2020. Despite the uncertain times, these keen volunteers doubled down on planting native wildflowers throughout their areas. The project’s aim is to inspire people to create pollinator-friendly habitat to support local insects at the heart of our food webs and urban ecologies.

Although urban conservation programs have long been viewed

as mostly symbolic education exercises, researchers are finding that the value of creating habitat in our yards and communities can be immense. In January, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences highlighted that insects are facing “death by a thousand cuts” from pesticides, light pollution, habitat destruction, climate disruption and more.

A series of 12 studies pointed out that insects are essential to ecosystems and human survival and that “severe insect declines can potentially have global ecological and economic consequences.” Insects pollinate plants, provide food for other life and help naturally recycle waste.

The scientists also stated that it “is vital that people learn how they can take action.” One report offered eight simple things people can do, including converting lawns to habitat, growing native plants, reducing use of harmful chemicals, limiting exterior lighting, increasing awareness and appreciation of insects and advocating for action.

As author and plant ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer says in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, “Restoring land without restoring relationship is an empty exercise. It is relationship that will endure and relationship that will sustain the restored land. Therefore, reconnecting people and the landscape is as essential as re-establishing proper hydrology or cleaning up contaminants.”

A daily dose of nature is perhaps one of the best remedies for these trying times. That’s the pitch behind the BC Parks Foundation’s new PaRx nature prescription program, which supports health-care professionals who want to improve their patients’ health by offering nature prescriptions.

As we remain in this pandemic, let’s get outside and connect with nature nearby. You could even connect with the Butterflyway Rangers at davidsuzuki.org and help bring butterflies to your community.

DAVID SUZUKI

David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from Jode Roberts).

Give Mom a getaway to look forward to A vacay is the perfect Mother’s Day gift This month we celebrate mothers, and after the year we’ve had, this day is more deserved than ever. Mothers have spent a lot of time with their family over the past 365 days. And while it has been lovely to have all of this family time, I think many moms would agree that solo time would be a welcome change. This year, instead of flowers, why not give Mom something to look forward to when the lockdown ends — time away, by herself. Here are three solo getaways to gift Mom this Mother’s Day. Wellness and wine

Whispering Springs is a luxury glamping destination in Northumberland County where moms can indulge in ultimate relaxation. The owners of this stylish and sophisticated outdoor experience were former contributors of Ste. Anne’s Spa and spent years chartering yachts in The Bahamas.

Glamping tents come equipped with a bed, an in-tent washroom with hot and cold running water, electricity, luxe linens, towels and robes. When it’s time to eat, meal options include purchasing pizza from The Watering Hole guest bar or ordering a cook-your-own barbecue dinner basket to be made over a private campfire.

The resort sources as much of its food from local suppliers as possible and guests can also pair

their meals with a glass of Prince Edward County wine or a custom craft cocktail.

Mom can spend her days reading by the saltwater pool or lazing in the hot tub while overlooking spring-fed ponds.

She can explore 200 acres of beautiful Canadian forest, take part in a yoga class or head out for a paddle and end the day with a soothing massage.

Glamorous wind-down

Just outside of Cambridge, award-winning country house hotel Langdon Hall sits on 30 gorgeous acres of pristine garden. Winner of many accolades, this lavish property is the perfect spa getaway.

Each elegant room features luxury linens, therapeutic soaking tubs, toiletries from luscious the White Company, and most come with a woodburning fireplace.

Throughout the pandemic, Langdon Hall has been providing each guest with a wellness kit on arrival, consisting of hand sanitizer, a face mask and information on all the COVID safety protocols used throughout the property.

The menu at Langdon Hall is

unique and inspired. Each meal reflects the season, all ingredients are sourced from local farms, fields, waters and forests.

Whether Mom is looking for lobster and champagne eggs for breakfast, smoked beef short rib for lunch or lime crème topped with honey from the property for dessert, every single bite will be beyond delectable.

Between heavenly meals, Mom can unwind in the awardwinning spa with a lavish facial, a rejuvenating body wrap or relaxing massage from an experienced RMT, complete with aromatherapy oils and exclusive certified organic botanicals. A glass of bubbly on the spa’s outdoor terrace is a must as well.

At Langdon Hall, your mother will be guaranteed an enchanting experience that leaves her feeling renewed, refreshed and revitalized.

Active escape

If your mom is a fan of active travel, a weekend at Blue Mountain is the way to go. With an abundance of lodging options from self-catering apartments to the glamorous Westin (and everything in between), home base can be anything she needs it to be.

During the day, the activity options are endless. Mom can spend a day with Free Spirit Tours, paddling the Beaver River in a canoe, kayak or on a standup paddle board. Either with a guide or on her own, she can hike the tranquil forest, scale the steep ridges of the escarpment, explore the Scenic Caves or cycle along the crystal-clear shores of Georgian Bay. Along the way, Mom can stop at local wineries or cideries, such as the famous Coffin Ridge Cidery & Winery or Spy Cider House & Distillery, for some local, tasty refreshment.

If you’re lucky, she may bring you home a sample or two.

Blue Mountain Village also has many delicious food offerings, which will satisfy any craving from mouth-watering Firehall Pizza Co. to the festive Tholos Greek restaurant, upmarket fare at O&B Café Grill to the ultimate pub grub at Northwinds Brew Pub. Then she can top it off by enjoying some live music in the village.

NATALIE PREDDIE Natalie Preddie is a travel and lifestyle writer, speaker and guest expert on Cityline, Your Morning and Global’s The Morning Show.

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M AY 2 0 2 1

A glamping tent at Whispering Springs is the perfect spot for a solo trip

CURRENTS

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GREAT ESCAPES

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BETTER HEARING EVENT May 3–14

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CURRENTS

LOCAL GRADUATES

From stocks to crops Charlie Iscoe on making the move from N.Y.C. to the family farm by Julia Mastroianni

É

REPORT CARD

É

STUDENT:

647.247.2538

Charlie Iscoe GRADUATED:

Upper Canada College

3080 Yonge St, Ste 4074 1386 Bayview Ave, Unit 3

BEST SUBJECTS:

Math and Economics WORST SUBJECT:

Visual Arts

GlobalHearing.ca

CURRENT JOB:

Co-Founder, Sunday Farms

Charlie Iscoe and Laya Bail started Sunday Farms during the pandemic

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Charlie Iscoe and Laya Bail spent years in high-paced New York careers in finance and luxury fashion marketing, respectively, so it might be surprising to hear they started a company devoted to providing sustainably raised, nonGMO, local farm-to-table meat through subscription boxes in the GTA. “[Laya and I] started to have this crazy idea of just leaving it all behind and travelling around the world before having kids and all that and just sort of thinking: if there was another career for ourselves, one that was fuelled by our passions,” Iscoe says.

“We are helping farms grow by just educating consumers.”

So they took that trip and discovered the deep connection between good food, local agriculture and the artisans making it possible. Then the pandemic hit, and they decided to pack up a U-Haul and trek from New York to Creemore, Ont., to Bail’s family farm.

“In the first few weeks that we started planting and eating off the land, we were just dumbfounded to realize that the same passionate and amazing agriculture that we’d just spent months chasing around the world was quite literally in our own childhood backyard this entire time,” says Iscoe.

Meanwhile, Iscoe’s brother Alex had already formed relationships with pasture-raised meat farms

because he was frustrated with the lack of options in the city. A frustration shared by friends Iscoe chatted with in Toronto. That’s when Sunday Farms was formed.

Iscoe says his time at Upper Canada College helped lay the foundation he needed when starting a business.

“It helped me understand that this is the opportunity, this is what the long-term business plan could look like,” he says.

The company offers a subscription-based service, which will deliver a package of your chosen meat selection every month or two months.

“We created our own checklist for what we cared about and what we would want to feed our own family,” Iscoe says.

Then they started calling farms in Ontario and going through that checklist, which included ensuring animals were pasture raised, never fed GMOs or given antibiotics or hormones and ensuring all beef is 100 per cent grass fed. They also looked for farms devoted to agricultural integrity, animal welfare and regenerative practices.

“We believe that less than two per cent of beef across Canada is actually pasture raised and 100 per cent grass fed,” Iscoe explains.

Sunday Farms currently has a database of more than 100 small family farms that they will reach out to as demand increases. Iscoe and Bail regularly visit the farms and have frequent conversations with the farmers.

“Our biggest value-added here is that we are helping farms grow by just educating consumers and finding this demand for them in the cities,” he says.

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

Monday morning she’d drive off to work. I hated it. I hated not being with her. After a year, I asked her to move in, and three months after that we bought our first place together.first place together.

The proposal

I was so nervous to do it. I had thought of like 10 different plans to propose. Some involved a cappella groups, one involved a Hawksley Workman concert.

But I wanted to do it with friends and during something we both love — games night!

We play this game called Celebrity where you have to guess the name on the piece of paper. I kept describing her, over and over. And then finally I said it was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

I’m crying just thinking about it!

The wedding and honeymoon

Andrew and Tamara were married on June 1, 2013

Andrew Phung fell flat on his back in love The Kim’s Convenience star on meeting his wife Tamara at a club and taking a spill

We met at the club! We met at a nightclub called Outlaws in Calgary. I was there celebrating a birthday, and Tamara was there with some friends. We both wanted to skip out on the evening but decided to go. We shared a mutual friend and were introduced. I really wanted to impress Tam, so I broke out some sick moves to a Jamiroquai song.

I ended up slipping in a puddle of beer and fell flat on my back.

Like feet in the air, slapstick fell on the ground! I made a choice to get up and dance my embarrassment away in an attempt to look cool. It worked!

The first date

Our first date was on June 1, 2005. We went on a classic Calgary date. Kicked it off with a walk in Prince’s Island Park, tossed the Frisbee around, hit up the arcade and then ended it with a slice of pizza from Wicked Wedge. We would often recreate that date throughout the years.

“I really wanted to impress Tam, so I broke out some sick moves to a Jamiroquai song.”

The courtship

We were both in our final year of university and took every chance to spend time together. Every Thursday she’d finish work and drive over. We’d order Indian food and watch The Office. From there, we’d spend the entire weekend together. I would do improv on Fridays, and she was always in the audience. Hearing her laugh was perfection. On

Balancing careers and marriage

I think it’s about boundaries.

Balancing your career and marriage isn’t easy. For us, we set hard boundaries for family and personal time. When we’re with our kids, we’re with them. It’s the same for personal time like date night or even watching a movie together. If one of us has to do something, the other partner supports them to do it.

Shared hobbies and interests

We share a lot of things in common and we love doing things together. But we also have a lot of our own interests, which is really fun. Tam loves interior design and decorating. I love pro wrestling and sneakers. Very different things, but those are unique to us. Partners having their own thing is something we both think is key to healthy relationships.

Secret of success

No secret. Just love and support.

It sounds cheesy, but we just love being together.

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M AY 2 0 2 1

How they met

The kids

We have two boys. Nico is seven and Mateo is four.

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The critically acclaimed Toronto series Kim’s Convenience has officially come to an end, and we caught up with Andrew Phung who plays the character Kimchee. Phung is also nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Canadian Screen Awards which will air May 20.

Originally from Calgary, Phung moved his family to T.O. while filming the show. Here’s the story of how he met his wife Tamara.

We were married on June 1, 2013, exactly eight years after our first date. We got married at Hotel Arts in Calgary. Our honeymoon was a three-week trip to Chicago, New York, Boston and Toronto. We both love exploring cities, and it was a dream trip.

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ARTS

CURRENTS

What Cadence Weapon is reading, watching and listening to right now Cadence Weapon is a Toronto-based and Edmonton-born artist and writer. He has a new album out on April 30 titled Parallel World. The new record continues Cadence’s mission to spark change and conversation through sonic messaging blending an array of old school and contemporary elements. He is also working on a book about his career called Bedroom Rapper, to be published

by McClelland & Stewart in Spring 2022.

For this column, Cadence Weapon outlines what he’s been enjoying while at home during the pandemic.

Reading has been one of my greatest joys over the past year. I just finished What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, and it really blew me away. She’s one of my favourite contemporary writers. She ties together cultural and literary references in a unique way that I can’t get enough of. I recently read Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine, and I found it powerful. A series of remarkable essays about being Black in America that includes some poetic moments where she plays for form and technique in ways that I hadn’t seen before. I’m currently reading The Gentrification of the Mind: Witness to a Lost Imagination by Sarah Schulman. It’s by far the most succinct description of the social and creative costs of gentrification I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone who has seen their community change for the worse and wondered why and how it happened.

READING

From Big Wreck to the Hot Docs festival 1. Terra Lightfoot

Talented Canadian musician Terra Lightfoot is set to take the stage at the Horseshoe Tavern for a sweet virtual concert in which she will perform T. Rex’s 1972 album The Slider front to back. Lightfoot will be joined by the equally amazing Toronto talent Kirty, a solo performer and also a member of the band Fast Romantics.

Lightfoot released her fourth studio album, Consider the Speed, last fall.

She was nominated for a Juno Award following the release of her album New Mistakes in 2018.

Kirty released the moving single “God Help Us” this spring and is set to release her third album this summer.

For show information go to Horseshoetavern.com.

2. Canadian Music Week

Toronto’s godfather of classic rock, Kim Mitchell, is being honoured this month as part of Canadian Music Week.

The patio lantern–loving rocker and former member of seminal group Max Webster will be inducted into the Indies Hall of Fame at the Jim Beam Indies Awards on May 21, which will be streamed virtually from the El Mocambo.

With Max Webster, he released five albums which generated many Canadian top 100 hits including “Let Go the Line,” “A Million Vacations” and “Paradise Skies.” His 1984 single “Go For Soda” charted on the Billboard Hot 100, in addition to six more singles, including “Patio Lanterns.”

The Canadian Music Week virtual conference and showcase festival is

being held May 18 to 21.

As usual, there are also plenty of opportunities for festival goers to discover a slew of new music presented virtually throughout the event. And registration to take it all in is absolutely free.

can be uploaded to digital clones that don’t need bodies to survive.”

For the full festival rundown go to Hotdocs.ca.

5. Big Wreck

The very funny Canadian comedian Shaun Majumder will be doing a virtual night of standup from Toronto’s venerable Horseshoe Tavern on May 28 with special guest musician Steve Poltz.

Majumder cut his teeth on the comedy stages of Toronto many years ago, becoming one of the top touring comics in the country and joining the cast of This Hour Has 22 Minutes in 2003, for which he won a Gemini Award in 2006.

If there is one thing that we all need right now, it’s a good laugh. And Majumder will supply many.

Ian Thornley’s rockin’ outfit Big Wreck will (hopefully) blow the roof off of your sensible automobile this month when the band plays the CityView Drive-in concert venue in Toronto’s Port Lands on May 14.

The band, fronted by Toronto’s Ian Thornley, met and formed while studying at the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

The band went on to immense popularity in the ’90s on the heels of a number of highly regarded albums, including the band’s debut In Loving Memory Of…. Although the band disbanded in 2002, Big Wreck was reformed and toured a number of times in recent years, maintaining a faithful following.

4. Hot Docs

6. Around the World in 80 Plays

The Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival will present a slew of top documentary films until May 9 as part of the virtual edition of this popular annual Toronto event.

This year’s festival features 219 films from 66 countries with 50 per cent of the directors being women.

The festival is broken down into numerous categories, including the Canadian Spectrum series, which focuses on Canadian documentary films. This series includes the opening night film, the world premiere of A.rtificial I.mmortality, described as a “thrilling sci-fi trip that shows us a glimpse of a future where memories

Toronto theatre company Soulpepper is presenting an eight-week audio adventure that transports listeners around the world by partaking in eight dramas from Canada, Argentina, Italy, Russia, India, Iran, Jamaica and Nigeria..

Four plays are on the schedule in May, including Six Characters in Search of an Author, by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello, on May 5 and The Seagull, by Russian Anton Chekhov on May 12. In addition there will be plays from India and Iran this month.

For the full schedule go to Soulpepper.ca.

3. Shaun Majumder

WATCHING Over the last 365 days, I’m pretty sure I’ve watched

every show ever made. I really enjoyed The One and Behind Her Eyes on Netflix. The Investigation on HBO was amazing. We crushed the new season of Search Party in less than 48 hours. Over the last few months, my partner and I have pivoted to reality TV in a big way. Shows that are “about something” are too intense for us lately. She got me into The Bachelor franchise. That led to Love Island and Temptation Island. Recently, we ripped through the newest seasons of Shahs of Sunset and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which were both ridiculously chaotic. We’ve started on the most recent season of Love & Hip Hop: New York. We’re watching the final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and we’ve even branched off into Flip It Like Disick. Please send help.

I’ve been spending more time than ever digging for new music over the last few months. I put my favourite individual tracks on my playlist every Friday, but I’ve also been enjoying some albums this year. Promises by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & the London Symphony Orchestra has been a balm for my spirit. It’s soothing futuristic ambient jazz. CFCF’s memoryland is probably my favourite album of the year so far. It’s an electronic record that mines all these different music styles from the ’90s. I wrote an essay about it in my newsletter recently. Conflict of Interest by U.K. rapper Ghetts is probably my favourite rap-adjacent album this year so far. It has such a unique mood where it’s chill, dark and banging at the same time.

LISTENING

M AY 2 0 2 1

Six can’t-miss shows to check out in May

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L-R: Check out top-notch rockers this month including the amazing Terra Lightfoot and the legendary Kim Mitchell

Cadence Weapon

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CAMPS & PROGRAMS WillowWood School Summer Program

CAMP TYPE: Private School GRADES: 1-12 TOTAL ENROLMENT: 30-50 CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 SESSION LENGTH: 1,2,3 or 4 weeks SESSION COST: Approx. $570

A co-ed independent school for diverse learners, WillowWood was founded in 1980 based on the core value that all students have a right to learn with dignity, that a warm and nurturing school serves as a foundation for remarkable lives and that it is the whole person who matters. We have a long tradition of delivering targeted, personal education that considers each student's needs, inclinations and strengths. This individualized approach ensures that students are able to discover and embrace their strengths, address their weaknesses, and maintain their dignity. Our effective teaching strategies, enthusiastic staff members and innovative programs bring out the best in students, build self-confidence and inspire a love of learning. If your family is seeking a new style of school with a strong history of inspiring students, we’d love to meet you. Contact us regarding our Camp Discovery and High School Summer Credit Course Program. Visit www.WillowWoodSchool.ca for more information and to set up an in-person or online interview and tour.

PROGRAM DIRECTORS: Walid Dowdie & Mellissa Grant

CONTACT: 416 444-7644

mellissag@willowWoodSchool.ca

Prestige School

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp AGE RANGE: 3-19 years TOTAL ENROLMENT: 50-70 CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: Varies SESSION LENGTH: July & August SESSION COST: $350 per wk

Prestige School’s Summer Camp Program is just the fun, activity-filled, yet educational summer that your children are looking for! Our camp, that offers a wide variety of exciting activities that keep all kids engaged, educated, and entertained, starts on July 5th and ends on August 27th, 2021. Our sports program includes Outdoor Games, Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer. We also offer educational programs such as English and French studies, English as a Second Language, and Logic Boosters. We also provide activities such as Fun Science, Computer Design, Computer Animation and 3D Modelling, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, and Chess. Campers attend exciting weekly Field Trips throughout the summer and visits to the Swimming Pool twice a week. The camp runs from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hot lunch is provided daily. Door-to-door transportation is available.

Summer School Credit Courses for grades 9-12 now offered.

CAMP DIRECTOR: Olga Margold

CONTACT: 416-250-0648 prestigeprivateschool.ca

PRESTIGE SCHOOL’S SUMMER CAMP

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COME THRIVE WITH US

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R Registration egistration open ffor or SUMMER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMPS

OPEN HOUSES SPRING 2021 2021 June 1 | July 6 | August August 3

ffor or mor more e inf information ormation

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2 Convenient Locations Toronto Campus: 21 Eddfield Avenue (Sheppard & Yonge) Richmond Hill Campus: 11 Headdon Gate (Bathurst & Major Mackenzie)

416-250-0648

KIDS

CURRENTS

Local mom’s pandemic pivot to a preloved kidswear shop

Camp directors are waiting for an answer from the provincial government It is not a good week to be a camp director.

Come to think of it, it's not been a good year to be a lot of things, including a camp director.

I cry rarely. Last May after camps were closed for 2020, driving to camp, I started crying the moment I passed the Algonquin Park entrance. I cried hard for the 45 minutes till I got to camp.

That was a bit of a personal record; and it took many weeks for my mood to lift.

Where are the kids? Why am I not hearing shouts and laughter, tears and giggles? Where is the lovable bedlam that is the dining hall when there’s shouting and cheering and dancing? Why am I walking down the path alone?

This past fall — and winter — we thought for sure there’d be camp 2021.

It wasn’t ever going to be easy, but camp directors had webinars galore, Zooms till our eyes popped, conferences, health directives and an Everest of a learning curve about PCR and antigen testing, cohorting, sanitizing lifejackets and paddles.

Can we eat most meals outside, and how to put on a camp play? Will the camp bubble burst if staff leave for days off ?

How about food deliveries and dishwasher repairs? Laundry service and canoe trips?

We spent the winter and early spring feverishly engaged in planning for COVID risk reduction at camp.

Together, as a community, camp directors learned, worried and hoped. We lost sleep worrying about COVID invading our camps, but we believed we could take it on.

It would be different from what camp 2020 would have been, thanks in large

part to the widespread availability of testing, and how much more we know now about COVID transmission.

We felt not exactly ready, but we knew we’d get there.

Then the third wave came for us.

Will there be camp this summer? The government has yet to tell us. It’s not as if they know. Despite their oft-stated belief that summer camp matters a lot to kids, clearly they’re in panic stations about the third wave. They can hardly give camps the go-ahead with case counts going ever higher.

And yet…and yet….

A camper parent said to me last week: “Every family on my street has a depressed child.” He didn’t mean a little blue.

He meant serious mental health struggles.

I’m hearing about teenage girls waking up with panic attacks. We know that kids are struggling horribly, and that they need camp desperately. We know that getting out of the house and into nature, being with their friends, living in a cabin cohort without masking or distance, getting away from screens, are the antidote they so badly need.

But will it happen?

How long is the runway to camp? Some camps have already cancelled. Some are pivoting to family camp and cabin rentals.

Because camp doesn’t spring full blown from the forehead of Zeus the day before the campers come. It normally takes 10 months to get ready for two.

How long can we wait?

If they tell us in May, we can make it work. Because camp people are adaptable.

We shoot for the stars every day. If we can make magic for hundreds of children a summer, and foster their growth, introduce them all to their best selves, we can do this.

But we can’t wait longer than that.

Every day all over Ontario, camp staff are bailing on their camp jobs because of the uncertainty of employment.

Parents are begging for answers, worrying about having to make other summer plans for their kids. Do we buy the hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment and supplies that camps need, or wait till the last minute when it won’t be available?

Thirty-three years ago, when I first became a camp director, I met Bruno Morawetz, who had left a cushy job as a tenured professor at U of T to run Camp Ponacka.

“Bruno,” I said, “why leave that job for camp directing?”

He laughed and said “Such an easy choice. I own a piece of every smile on every child’s face.”

Running a camp is a really hard job.

And scary, because you hold so many young lives in your hand every day. You can make way more money much more easily doing other stuff. But you can’t own a piece of all those smiles.

So please. Bring our kids back to camp.

JOANNE KATES Parenting columnist Joanne Kates is an expert educator in the areas of conflict mediation, self-esteem and anti-bullying, and she is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park.

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Will this third wave cancel summer camp?

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We know that kids need camp to get out of the house, get into nature and be with their friends

If there’s one upside to the pandemic, it’s the sense of creativity many people have rediscovered since spending more time at home.

Toronto mom Nyla Obaid became one of those people when she started her own preloved childrenswear brand, the Lode Store, on top of working and parenting full time from home in May 2020.

Obaid says the idea came to her while spending more time at home with her children, ages two and four, and noticing how fast they were outgrowing their clothes and toys. She decided to put some items up for sale on Instagram, and what started as a side hustle quickly grew into a business.

“I knew a lot of other moms who were stuck at home and feeling overwhelmed during the pandemic,” she says. “I felt really helpless to do anything in my community because in normal times I’d go bring my friend food or just go for a chat. I wanted to add value to the world during a rough time.”

As a young mom herself, Nyla hand selects each item she sells at the Lode Store, ensuring everything is gender inclusive, accessible and stylish. Her litmus test is to select only those items she would buy for her own kids — or something better.

“It’s important for everything at the Lode Store to be accessible to everybody,” Obaid says. “All the books I carry are by diverse authors and feature diverse stories, and I don’t carry any products that are culturally appropriating.”

Having grown up wearing hand-medowns, Obaid says the resale business came naturally. With the Lode Store, she’s putting her eye to good use by helping busy parents skip the step of sifting through hundreds of items to find a diamond in the rough.

“Fast fashion has never really been an option in our household,” she says. “But I know going to Value Village can be difficult, especially with kids in tow because you have to rummage through things. I feel like I’ve developed an eye for that, so the Lode Store is offering second-hand clothing that has already been curated.”

Obaid also donates 15 per cent of proceeds to Black Lives Matter Canada and says much of her supply comes from local parents, so profits are being shared among the community. She also involves her own family in every step of the process.

“Sometimes my kids model the clothes, they test every toy we get, we read all the books together. That’s probably a result of the pandemic, too, because we’re all always together at home, so there’s no work-life separation, but on the flip side, I really enjoy it,” Obaid says.

With the store’s success, Obaid says she’s looking to expand to a brick-and-mortar location. For now, visit lode.to to shop.

— Mackenzie Patterson 29

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RESTAURANT APPRECIATION

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The past year has brought a never-ending series of challenges for Toronto’s restaurant industry. The ongoing strife, however, has driven innovation. Looking back at the past year, it’s truly amazing that restaurants have been able to stay open at all, let alone manage to delight and surprise us with multi-course takeout tasting menus, thoughtful cocktail kits, chef-driven markets, and countless other groundbreaking transformations.

With our first-ever Dining Awards, we aim to celebrate the ingenuity of the city’s entire food industry over the past year, while also highlighting the pioneering chefs and restaurants that really knocked our socks off.

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THE FOOD ADVOCATES

VICTOR BARRY

The Piano Piano owner partnered with chefs Vikram Vij and Dan Geltner to launch the Canadian Hospitality Worker Relief Fund, which has provided over $1 million in grants to restaurant workers.

© Rick O’Brien

ALU A S

THE MICHELIN MAN Even in takeout form, Sushi Masaki Saito continues to offer one of Toronto’s best dining experiences. The restaurant has hosted several limited-time takeout pop-ups over the past year featuring omakase boxes hand prepared by the Michelin-starred chef.

La Palma’s tomahawk pork chop with carrot butter & scallion gremolata

BEST INDEPENDENT CHEF VENTURE With Leña temporarily closed, chef Julie Marteleira founded Petisco Kitchen, an Instagram-based food business, with her mother and sister. It specializes in traditional Portuguese dishes.

BEST FINE DINING One of the city's top restaurants, contemporary French hot spot Alo offers weekly five-course menus to be devoured at home that are as detailed and carefully constructed as if you were nestled in the restaurant's sorely missed dining area. With dishes ranging from black striped sea bass crudo to cavatelli pasta to east coast scallop and pork belly, this is the definition of fine dining – at home.

BEST MEAL KITS Konjiki Ramen is making it possible to enjoy its Michelinrecognized ramen in the comfort of home with its new frozen ramen kits. Each of the two kit options comes with three sets of ramen noodles, soups, and toppings, with smokey black tonkotsu and spicy miso ramen among the choices available. Diners can also add on extra savoury toppings like pork chashu and braised pork belly.

BEST BOTTLE SHOP Babel temporarily paused its food takeout service last November, but its pop-up bottle shop is still going strong. It features a well-curated selection of wine, beer, cocktail kits and spirits, including exclusive spirits, made in partnership with Dillon’s distillery, for its sister restaurants Canoe and Maison Selby. Auberge du Pommier’s manager and wine educator, Anna Jarosz, offers free virtual wine consultations.

BEST DATE NIGHT There’s a passion and vibrancy to Italian spot La Palma’s interior that might seem impossible to replicate at home — until one samples its simple but sumptuous take-away menu, lights a candle or two, puts on a record, and dims the lights. Talk is easy even though your mouths are sure to be full when splitting the cacio e pepe pizza or, perhaps, the 100-layer lasagna. Smooth tiramisù for dessert will seal the deal.

BEST SUSHI Through its name alone, which translates to “craftsman heart,” Bedford Park–based Shoushin promises authentic, well-made edomae-style sushi with a refined taste. That's thanks to chef Jackie Lin, who has worked for two decades as a sushi chef and for whom simplicity and elegance are key — in both the restaurant's space and menu. To taste Shoushin’s sushi is to taste dedication.

BEST RESTOTURNED-MARKET Local Public Eatery was one of the first adopters of the restaurant-turned-market concept and continues to offer an excellent selection of goods for home cooks. Dubbed the Local Corner Store, the Leaside restaurant features signature ingredients like fire-roasted salsa and garlic chili sauce, as well as DIY meal kits and heat-and-eat dishes like braised short ribs.

JEN AGG

The always-outspoken restaurateur has garnered support via social media for industry issues, ranging from paid sick days for hospitality workers to the negative impacts of SkipTheDishes partnership with the LCBO.

JOHN SINOPOLI

The co-founder of Ascari helped launch SaveHospitality.ca, a coalition of independent Canadian restaurateurs aimed at unifying the voices of the hospitality industry and lobbying the government for support.

STEPHANIE LUI-VALENTIM

With the goal of addressing systemic inequities found in the hospitality industry, siblings Trevor Lui and Stephanie Lui-Valentim founded Quell, a culinary talent agency dedicated to under-represented voices.

BEST OPENING DURING THE PANDEMIC Ranging from house-made dip platters to spicy skewers and meaty mains finished with fresh herbs, Amal’s flavourful dishes will break you out of even the deepest takeout rut.

B EST ‘ZA

BEST MODERN DINER A Yonge Street mainstay for over four decades, Rosedale Diner continues to delight Toronto with its creative selection of Canadian and Middle Eastern dishes. It also has an impressive range of biodynamic, organic and natural wines.

The pistachio kebab from Amal

BEST MEXICAN Home of $5 tacos, Gus Taqueria has been serving up a taste of Mexico to Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood for just over two years. All tacos come enveloped in a handmade corn tortilla, and there are 10 protein options to choose from, including barbacoa (braised lamb) and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Gus Taqueria also makes its salsas and many toppings in-house.

BEST COLLAB Italian eatery 7 Numbers has worked with chefs and restaurants across the city this year, including hosting a taco popup with the former owner of Fonda Lola, Andreas Marquez. Most recently, the restaurant teamed up with Stock-in-Trade butcher shop for a weekly in-house residency. The butcher shop will soon be a permanent fixture at the Danforth location and will have its own side entrance.

BEST PIVOT In its efforts to adapt to a changing world and industry, Pizzeria Libretto got quick and clever, selling pizza — its beloved Italian staple — in frozen form. Easy to heat up and devour entirely in one's home, this new feature had been in the making for some time, with president Max Rimaldi having had the idea six years ago. The frozen menu is now carried by several top Toronto grocers.

BEST COCKTAIL KIT With both originals and classics decorating the Cloak Bar’s menu, you can pick up everything from a tequila milk punch or a rye & pandan manhattan to a whole Ontario-sourced wine-tasting kit.

The Cloak Bar now also boasts a cocktail hotline, where you can place instant, custom orders via Instagram or head bartender Farzam Fallah can rustle up a recommendation just for you.

AMBASSADOR

GHOST PIZZA

Ambassador Pizza Co. has introduced Toronto to the unusual but much-loved Windsor-style pie. Signature toppings in the Rose City include canned mushrooms and lots of shredded pepperoni.

A pivot by West Queen West drinkery Bar Poet, Ghost Pizza features pies finished with creative toppings like shrimp rose with garlic spread, as well as tried-and-true classics like the Margherita.

MEL’S PIZZA

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Mel’s self-proclaimed Canadian-style pizza features a thin, crispy yet fluffy crust and high-quality toppings. Mel’s regularly offers “secret pizzas,” which can be ordered using a password accessible on Instagram.

Fortunately for fans, this formerly home-based pizza operation will soon be available much more often than a single night per week now that it has found a permanent home in Riverdale for its classic, thin-crust pies.

OFF MENU

This merchandise initiative gives diners a new way to support restaurants by producing and selling branded T-shirts and hoodies from local faves like the Federal. All profits are donated back to the restaurants.

CORBY

Building on an earlier $100,000 donation made in partnership with Diageo Canada, the spirit company donated $100,000 to the Bartenders Benevolent Fund, which is expected to benefit over 400 bartenders.

BRANDING AND BUZZING

The marketing agency launched Canada Takeout, an ongoing campaign that encourages Canadians to support their local restaurants by ordering takeout every Wednesday.

CNECTING

Founded by Not 9 to 5, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy for the food service sector, CNECTing is a new online educational platform aimed at supporting mental wellness for restaurant workers.

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THE SUPPORTING CAST

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A cocktail kit from the Cloak Bar

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TORONTO RESTAURANT APPRECIATION AWARDS BEST BAR SNACKS Queen West’s 416 Snack Bar has transitioned to takeout with “meal format snacks.”

The multi-person whole fish platter has been miniaturized into the “jerk fish for one,” and small plates have been upsized.

BEST BENTOS

Takeout from Coast by MDP

SKIPPA

Skippa’s beautifully arranged boxes feature different items each week, but you can expect exceptional bites like wild fish nigiri.

Skippa often sells out each week, so be sure to get your order in early.

BEST WINE BAR AT HOME There’s always been a singular low-lit intimacy to Grey Gardens, Jen Agg’s Kensington Market wine bar. Although you can’t perfectly recapture the experience of sipping a glass of crisp wine over smoked fish – chips n’ dip, its bottle shop offers a taste of the experience with offerings ranging from a citrus spritz cocktail for two to a biodynamic Malvazija from Slovenia.

BEST PLANT-BASED Inspired by traditional Thai cuisine, Mugi is a purely plantbased Thai restaurant that makes all of its curries and chili sauces in-house. Fish sauces and shrimp pastes commonly found in Thai dishes have been replaced by Mugi’s own plantbased recipes. All of the noodle dishes, like the Chaiya pad Thai, use sweet potato noodles instead of gluten-based or ricebased noodles, and everything on the menu is vegan.

BEST SPLURGE Restaurateur Grant van Gameren's latest may have recently pivoted to a chicken joint called Don Pollo, but it's still offering “Quetzal at Home,” a luxe multi-course to-go kit that brings the best of the Mexican spot's cuisine to your door. Worth every dollar, its prix fixe dinner menu shifts by the week. Throw in a Quetzal cocktail and the only thing your wallet will regret is not springing for more.

© Rick O’Brien

MINAMI

The new sister restaurant to Miku, Minami’s high-end bentos feature mains like citrus-glazed chicken thigh, and all come with several oshi sushi and seasonal vegetables, as well as miso soup.

BEST GHOST KITCHEN Opened in October 2020, Coast by MDP isn’t actually a physical restaurant at all, but a ghost kitchen with a deliveryonly model run by Matt Dean Pettit, the chef behind Rock Lobster. This top spot for surf and turf in Toronto serves up seafood favourites, including lobster rolls, a cheesy lobster poutine, beer-battered fish sandwiches and, of course, a creamy seafood chowder. It recently expanded to Vaughan.

BEST CHEF-MADE PRODUCT The Sanjeev Masala Co. spice line from Host Hospitality Group is based on the blends developed by late founder Sanjeev Sethi. It’s made to help diners build a pantry of Indian culinary staples.

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The pork secreto al pastor from Quetzal

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TOP YOUNG CHEFS

MATTHEW HOROWITZ

Horowitz left a corporate job to start BBQ joint Matt’s Smokehouse. The venture recently moved into College Street bar NightOwl, where Horowitz is continuing to experiment with new flavour combinations.

MICHAEL LAM

In addition to leading the kitchen team at Ascari King, Lam recently partnered with the restaurant’s former GM Eric Chow to launch Good Behaviour Ice Cream, which specializes in custard-based ice cream.

SAMANTHA LAMANNA

Currently sous chef at Il Covo, Lamanna recently took home second place in the Garland Canadian Culinary Competition, which saw her competing against some of the country’s other top-rising culinary talents.

BENJAMIN LILLICO

After leading the team at the revamped Holts Café, Lillico is now a chef ambassador with FeastOn and the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance and is working to promote local food movements.

© Gabriel Li and Rachel Tong

TORONTO RESTAURANT APPRECIATION AWARDS

The team behind Sunny’s Chinese

BEST COMEBACK Charbroiled cheeseburgers and home-cut fries are the only things on the menu at Harry’s Charbroiled. Formerly operating out of a food truck, Harry’s has found a new home on Palmerston Avenue in the former home of Woodlot in the Little Italy neighbourhood. Although we were sad to see Woodlot go, we’re happy to see the space serving as a permanent home for Harry’s.

BEST BBQ With summer just around the corner, Beach Hill Smokehouse is ready for barbecue season and eager to serve up some Southern hospitality with its mouth-watering selection of smoked meats. Inspired by the traditional smoking practices found in central Texas, Beach Hill sells its meats by the half-pound. A variety of meaty sandwiches is also on offer, along with family-sized cookout kits.

BEST HAUTE CUISINE Iconic French restaurant Scaramouche continues to prove why it’s an enduring Toronto favourite with a takeout menu that includes dishes like soy-sesame glazed roasted duck breast with duck confit dumplings.

BEST BURGERS

BEST BRUNCH Ossington bistro Union offers an outstanding weekend brunch menu that includes dishes like simple but superb Flat Top Breakfast with double-smoked bacon and the BBQ rib benny with spicy aïoli.

BEST ON A BUDGET A favourite for classic ItalianAmerican staples and red sauce pastas, Sugo’s friendly neighbourhood vibe and affordable homemade comfort foods make it a must-visit for when a craving for Italian food strikes.

With most items priced under $16, Sugo serves a variety of sandwiches, pastas, salads, and small plates, including veal parm, stuffed peppers, and house-made ricotta gnocchi.

BEST NEW CHINESE Toronto is home to hundreds of Chinese restaurants, but Sunny’s Chinese, a not-so-secret pop-up, takes the top spot. The menu can’t be found online — you’ll have to sign up for the newsletter to receive it. Menus feature dishes that honour regional origins. Past menu items have included twice-cooked pork with long pepper, Chinese-style dumplings, scallion and ginger snapper and stir-fried bok choy with garlic sauce.

MATTY’S PATTY’S

Chef Matty Matheson’s burger joint features single, double or triple patties made from locally-raised AAA beef.

There’s a plant-based Impossible Burger option for vegetarians and flexitarians.

HAPPY BURGER

Another simple smash burger done right, Happy’s version is smashed on a griddle and served on a toasted Martin’s potato roll as a basic patty or with added toppings like steamed pastrami.

EXTRA BURGER

Specializing in smash burgers before the craze took hold of Toronto, this unfussy joint is known for flat top–cooked burgers doused in a signature sauce, as well as perfectly salty, crinkle-cut fries.

AUNTY LUCY’S

Started as a wildly popular Parkdale pop-up, Aunty Lucy’s now has a permanent home in the Annex Hotel. Their standard burger is the Kumasi, a single smash patty topped with American cheese and Lucy’s Sauce.

TRUE TRUE DINER

The closure of chef Suzanne Barr’s Afro-Caribbean diner was a blow for the restaurant industry. Fortunately, Barr continues to make a name for herself thanks to her culinary talents and passion for social advocacy.

BROTHERS

The beloved Yorkville restaurant closed its doors last July, noting that its intimate style of dining would not be feasible for the foreseeable future in the COVID era. Its announcement hinted to look out for future projects.

RUBY WATCHCO

Celebrity chefs Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk closed their celebrated east end restaurant in October 2020. Known for its family-style, locavore cuisine, Ruby Watchco had been in business for over a decade.

VESUVIO

The long-running Dundas West restaurant called it quits in April 2020 after more than 60 years in business. Fortunately for fans of the pizzeria, some of its former staff went on to found the new Juniors Pizzeria.

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GOODBYE BUT NOT FAREWELL

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Sweet breakfast options from Union

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TASTE TEST

THREE TIMES THE FUN Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, our Taste Test judge samples tres leches, a sweet Mexican sponge cake

FOOD

WINNER MI TACO TAQUERIA 521 Bloor St. W., $4.25

Tres leches gets its name from the three milks that the cake is soaked in to make it (tres leches literally means three milks). Mi Taco’s version is soaked in a combination of condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. “Everything worked well in this dessert,” McEwan said, describing the cake as “nicely balanced.”

McEwan noted that the winning tres leches has a lovely “buttery taste.”

He liked that while the texture looks light and airy, the cake “still has some body” when you take a bite.

Everything is made in-house at Mi Taco Taqueria, with the restaurant’s from-scratch approach helping to set the winning tres leches apart from its competitors. “It’s a regular white cake, and we let it soak with three different types of milk for 24 hours. Then we whip our beautiful cream and put it on top,” says Mi Taco Taqueria owner Lidia Caschera.

“That’s really it. It’s a very simple process.” Caschera first opened Mi Taco six years ago after moving to Toronto from Dallas, Texas. She runs Mi Taco, which now has two locations, with her sister and daughter.

PLAYA CABANA

AVE MARIA LATIN CAFE

EL CATRIN

LA MEXICANA

CIELITO RICO

111 Dupont St., $10

631 Bloor St. W., $6.50

18 Tank House Ln., $10

3337 Bathurst St., $8

2780 Hwy. 7, Unit 105, $3.50

“Very comfortable, very familiar, very easy to enjoy.”

“Rich tasting! It will be a hit for those with a sweet tooth.”

“Untraditional and surprisingly good. Different layers of texture.”

“I really enjoyed the texture of the cake. High vanilla taste.”

“I liked the airiness of this dessert. It’s very milky.”

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images @mitacotaqueria

Mark McEwan is the veteran chef behind Bymark Fabbrica, and McEwan Fine Foods.

He’s also the author of bestselling cookbooks and serves as head judge on Food Network’s hit series Top Chef.

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RECIPES

FOOD

The perfect May 9th menu Treat your mom this Mother’s Day with these delicious Toronto chef recipes

L-R: Dilled trout quiche and pistachio financier

INGREDIENTS 1 8 1 ⁄2 cup 1 ⁄2 cup 2 tbsp 2 cups 2 tins

1

basic pie crust recipe, or store-bought eggs 10% cream ricotta fresh dill mixed microgreens high-quality trout (such as Scout Canning’s Ontario Trout with Dill) lemon

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Roll out pie crust and lay it into a medium deep pie plate.

3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk eggs and 10% cream together, season with salt.

4. Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust and place in oven for 20 minutes or until the eggs have just started to set.

5. Once set, pull out of oven and top with ricotta, fresh dill and Scout’s Ontario Trout with Dill (save the oil).

6. Return to oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking.

7. Toss the microgreens in the dilled trout oil and add zest and juice of 1 lemon, garnish quiche and serve.

“Of all the desserts that I make, financiers are one of my mom's favourites,” says Roselle co-owner Stephanie Duong. “She always requests that I make it for her when she visits us. Make sure you take the time to caramelize the butter properly; it should be on the verge of burning but not quite. This important step will give the tea cake lovely nutty nuance, crisp edges and a tender interior.”

INGREDIENTS 300 115 110 4 3 275 165 80 30

g g g g g g g g g

icing sugar flour almond flour baking powder salt egg whites browned butter pistachio paste honey chopped pistachios or other nuts of choice, to taste

METHOD 1. Sift and whisk together all the dry ingredients. Whisk in egg whites.

Add slightly warm browned butter and stir to combine. Add honey and pistachio paste, stirring thoroughly.

2. Chill batter in the fridge for at least an hour.

3. Preheat oven to 350°F 4. Lightly spray mini muffin mould or any small cavity mould.

5. Fill batter 3⁄4 of the way and sprinkle chopped pistachios or any desired nuts on top.

6. Bake for 13–15 minutes until

edges are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

7. Enjoy! Baked financiers keep in an airtight container for up to three days or they freeze beautifully for a few weeks.

Ted Corrado’s Smoked Chicken Summerhill Market executive chef Ted Corrado’s warm weather–ready recipe is perfect to enjoy with your family as the temps heat up.

LEMON CHICKEN BRINE 113 g 113 g 1/2 1 2 3 1 2250 ml

white sugar kosher salt onion, sliced lemon, zested garlic cloves, smashed sprigs of thyme bay leaf water

TO PREPARE BRINE 1. Dissolve salt and sugar in 1000 ml of warm water.

2. Add the other 1250 ml of cold water and remaining ingredients.

TIPS: Use a narrow deep vessel instead of a shallow wide vessel so chicken can be fully submerged. Place plastic wrap or parchment paper on top of the liquid and slightly submerge it.

The liquid on top of the wrap will act as weight and will keep the chicken fully submerged.

CHICKEN RUB 1 part 1 ⁄2 part 1 ⁄2 part 1 ⁄4 part 1 tsp

kosher salt black pepper paprika granulated garlic oil

TO PREPARE RUB Combine all spices in a bowl and ensure it’s fully incorporated.

SMOKED CHICKEN METHOD 1. Spatchcock chicken and brine in fridge for 24 hrs.

2. Remove chicken from brine and pat down dry. Place a wire rack or cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and place chicken cavity side down on top of the rack. Place in fridge and let air dry for another 24 hrs.

3. Lightly coat the chicken with oil covering all the skin.

4. Generously sprinkle dry rub all over the chicken. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies.

Sprinkle dry rub in the cavity as well.

5. Preheat your smoker to 295°F using wood of your choice (oak, hickory and apple woods are best for poultry). Place chicken cavity side down in the smoker.

6. If you have a probe thermometer, cook until the internal temp on the thickest part reads 170°F. 7. Remove and let sit at room temp until the internal temp goes down to 150°F. Enjoy.

Cabano's Comfort Food’s Carolina Hot Sauce “In the Midlands of South Carolina, the area surrounding the state capital of Columbia, mustardbased BBQ sauces are a staple,” says Cabano’s Comfort Food chef Kevin Boyd. “Our version doesn’t stray far from the classic flavour profile found in the Deep South – focused on yellow mustard, honey and roasted chili peppers. Serve with chicken, beef or pork. Works well as a dip, sandwich topping or basting in the last few minutes of grilling.”

INGREDIENTS 1.25 L 250 ml 6 tbsp

6 tbsp 8 tbsp 250 ml 50 ml

yellow mustard honey charred chili pepper puree (use any storebought hot pepper puree that you like) minced garlic brown sugar water apple cider vinegar

METHOD 1. In a small pot combine sugar, vinegar and water and bring to a boil or until sugar is dissolved.

2. Using a blender combine mustard, honey, garlic and chili pepper and puree until smooth.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3. Gradually whisk in the sugar/vinegar/water mixture until smooth and a velvety consistency is reached. Sauce will keep up to a month in the fridge.

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“The Dilled Trout Quiche is a personal favourite of mine as it packs a punch in herbaceous flavour,” says chef Charlotte Langley. “It's a dish that can be enjoyed around the clock.”

Roselle’s Pistachio Financier

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Chef Charlotte Langley's Dilled Trout Quiche

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FOOD

NEWS

L-R: Matheson with chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn

Matty Matheson’s new Mexican pop-up is here

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The celebrity chef teams up with the former Quetzal duo by Sadaf Ahsan

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For nearly a month, Canadian star chef (and all-around delight) Matty Matheson has been teasing about something food-related and mouth-watering coming to Toronto over social media.

Having finally opened on April 1, we now know that special something is Birria Balam (“balam” meaning “jaguar”), a pop-up at 147 Spadina Ave. dedicated to what else but birria, a classic meat stew that is specific to Mexico’s Jalisco region.

Matheson’s latest is spearheaded by former Quetzal chefs and couple Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn. The idea for the spot goes back to a conversation the trio had in 2020 about their love of Mexican food and birria. Its overall concept is inspired by Chomyshyn and Guajardo’s many visits to the latter’s native Mexico, where they also spent time researching cooking traditions.

“In one of their journeys to Baja, they fell in love with the birria tacos made in Tijuana, hoping that one day they would be able to represent that style here,” reads the pop-up’s website.

This new venture comes after the couple parted ways with their Mexican restaurant Quetzal in 2019, just four months after opening, reportedly due to a

falling out with restaurateur Grant van Gameren. The pair were also part of the team behind Kensington Market’s El Rey and vegan Mexican space Rosalinda.

For his part, the ever-joyous Matheson has continued to blaze his own trail even during the pandemic, having opened burger joint Matty’s Patty’s on Queen West in December and pop-up Matty Matheson’s Meat + Three last summer in Fort Erie.

Matheson, Guajardo and Chomyshyn worked together previously on an early incarnation of Birria Balam, as vendors at 2019’s MattyFest, Matheson’s own food festival. They dubbed themselves simply “Balam” and offered up none other than tacos.

Birria Balam expands on the original menu with two combo options: one with quesa birria and the other with sauve tacos. Each is paired with consomé for a dunk and more than a few spoonfuls, as well as salsa and your choice of drink, all of which will run you about $24 to $28.

Orders can be placed online by booking your preferred pickup day and time on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. But be warned: combos are limited per time slot and the pop-up sold out in its first week.

NEWS

FOOD

A pizza from Noon Eatery

Persian pizza comes to midtown

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For Siamak Masoumi, head chef western-influenced options, business, we will succeed.” at the new Noon Eatery at 3190 including a standard pepperoni, That means Noon isn’t just Yonge St., offering something steak and mushroom, chicken stopping at pizza. The kitchen has different to Torontonians was key. pesto and veggie pizzas. already added sandwiches to its He began dreaming up his own All dough is prepared fresh and menu and, once dine-in restaurant after immigrating to on the daily using premium restrictions loosen, will be adding Toronto from Iran just a few short Italian and Canadian flours and more traditional Iranian dishes. years ago. organic, natural ingredients and is This includes modernized (and While in his hometown, fermented for over 24 hours. incredibly delicious) rice cake Noon’s tomato sauce is also dishes, a cultural staple that’s Masoumi worked in made in-house and baked in single pots at high heat advertising, providing includes traditional and then inverted onto a platter, design and brand PIZZA PICK Persian spices and resulting in a crispy golden brown ideas for startup The chicken herbs, giving the top layer called “tahdig,” which is restaurants, and one shawarma is topped pizzas their unique garnished with meat, fish, stew or thing was clear to with sliced pieces of taste. All vegetables vegetables. him: most had a chicken kebab. are sourced fresh, and “Although many people habit of recycling meat is 100 per cent consider kebabs and rice as the well-worn menus and halal and sourced from main foods of Iran, our traditional tastes. local Iranian suppliers. dishes go way beyond that,” says “I love to invent and bring new ideas to life,” says Masoumi.

“Considering how diverse and Masoumi.

“So I started my own journey in multicultural Toronto is, we hope With a unique menu and an learning and exploring the ancient to meet the needs, preferences already dedicated customer and traditional dishes of Iran from and tastes of our base, Noon has been the time of Safavieh and Qajar community,” says quick to make an dynasties in Persia, while taking Masoumi.

This impression.

SANDWICH PICK baking and cooking training passion was “The feedback The Persian sausage courses in Iran and Turkey.” essential, too, in and encouragement is layered with pickles, He soon crafted his own recipes pushing through we have received tomatoes, lettuce and and styles of cooking and settled and opening a from our customers special mayo. on one particular menu item for restaurant during the so far has been Noon Eatery: Persian-style pizza, ongoing COVID-19 tremendous and very but with his own spin. Although pandemic. motivating in trying our Persian pizza typically follows “Many of our friends were best to become better day by day,” Chicago-style deep dish, advising us against opening up a says Masoumi.

Masoumi’s is constructed with a restaurant at such restrictive times “Baking, cooking and bringing light, fluffy and chewy crust and when many others have shut new ideas and recipes to life is my exudes a traditional Iranian down or gone out of business,” passion, and I hope through Noon flavour. Noon’s standouts include a says Masoumi. “But we believed Eatery I will be able to bring a meat lover’s, chicken shawarma, that life goes on and, although not piece of Persia’s ancient history to supreme beef mix and sausage easy, with hard work and Canada.” mix. The menu also features a few dedication and believing in our — Sadaf Ahsan

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Noon Eatery's pizza features traditional spices and herbs

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FOOD

NEWS

Clockwise from left: Il Covo’s Ryan Campbell, a Mort’s sandwich and a slice of Gertie’s peanut butter pie

High-end restaurant pivots to sandwiches Il Covo makes the move to mortadella

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by Erica Commisso

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For restaurant owners across the country, the last year has been difficult. For Il Covo’s Ryan Campbell, it also presented an opportunity.

His latest offering is Mort’s, which offers fresh takes on all things mortadella sausage. He has also launched Radio Cocktails and Gertie’s, each with a different vibe and focus. Oh, and Il Covo also partnered with David Marcelli for a pasta kit project.

Mort’s is barely two weeks old and operates out of Il Covo’s kitchen.

“Rumour has it burgers and sandwiches have prevailed during the pandemic, so I thought maybe mortadella could be the hook and appeal to the mass but make us a little different,” says Campbell. “I like to think many people can relate to it and, hopefully, it offers a little nostalgia.”

Also operating out of Il Covo, the restaurant’s bartender Luca Cesaretti (also of Rome’s Jerry Thomas Project) and his wife, Gina Aguilar of Rome’s Mezcaleria La Punta, operate Radio Cocktails.

This budget-friendly graband-go bottle shop offers custom cocktails and beers Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Il Covo is also partnering with

pasta chef David Marcelli.

“People can expect fresh and vibrant pastas that are all made by hand and mainly consist of unique cuts and shapes that you cannot exactly try every day,” says Campbell.

Each kit includes a recipe card and enough handmade pasta, sauce and finishing touches for serving.

Campbell’s final project, Gertie’s, focuses on peanut butter pies.

“My mom, Gerda, is the one whose face is all over our branding. She’s from Amsterdam, Holland,” he explains. “It made sense to name the company after my mom because she is the reason I’ve been familiar with peanut butter pies since I was a kid. Peanut butter pies are native to the Southern United States, but my mom would make them periodically during my childhood. It was always a hit!”

Needless to say, Campbell has certainly kept himself occupied in a year of uncertainty, much to the benefit of Toronto foodies always looking to try new culinary treats.

“I stay busy with all of these projects happening at the same time. I don’t have much of a life outside work right now. But I’m very happy,” Campbell says.

NEWS

FOOD

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Timothy Chan has raised close to $2,000 with Dump the Hate According to a recent report by the Chinese Canadian National Council (CCNC) Toronto chapter, there were 1,150 cases of attacks against Asians across the country from March 10, 2020, to Feb. 28, 2021.

It’s an alarming and unforgivable number, brought on by racist stereotypes that blame Chinese Canadians for the current economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exhausted, hurt and angry from seeing a rise in hate toward the Asian community that he is a part of, local Torontonian Timothy Chan decided to do something about it.

He’s now blending activism with cultural identity through food via an initiative called Dump the Hate.

“Dump the Hate was started by Canadian food blogger and chef Jannell Lo in response to the rise of anti-Asian racism,” says Chan.

“She invited participants to make and sell dumplings to friends and family and donate the proceeds to organizations supporting the Asian community.

“I started making dumplings a year and a half ago in an effort to better connect with my Chinese roots. Now it has turned into a beautiful (and tasty!) form of activism,” Chan continues. “The spike in anti-Asian hate crimes was weighing very heavily on me.

Dump the Hate was a perfect opportunity for me to channel my

energy and effort into a meaningful initiative.”

Since announcing his participation in Dump the Hate, Chan says the response has been overwhelming.

“In less than 12 hours, we raised over $1,900 with 900 dumps on the way,” he says. The proceeds will benefit two organizations: Fight Covid Racism, which tracks and responds to incidents of hate and violence against Asian Canadians, and Butterfly, which provides support to and advocates for Asian and migrant sex workers.

“Love us — the Asian community — like you love our food.”

The minimum donation for a homemade, hand-rolled dumpling is $1. All orders can be placed by contacting Chan via Instagram.

The first batch of dumplings was vegetarian and featured a medley of mushrooms (king oysters, creminis and shiitakes), ginger and baby bok choy. The second batch will also be vegetarian, stuffed with tofu, baby bok choy, shiitakes and ginger.

Orders can be delivered within the GTA, and all dumplings arrive frozen and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including steamed,

boiled, fried and even added to soups. They can be stored for two to three months.

The official Dump the Hate initiative ran until April 4, but Chan, who’s currently a one-person operation, says he plans on continuing it.

“I had to put a pause on orders, but I plan to start taking more once I finish folding the initial 900 dumps,” Chan says. “I already have a wait list with 33 supporters.

Clearly there is an appetite for equality!

“I hope the dumplings will help fuel people’s commitment to antiracism and empower them to show up, speak up and interrupt racism,” he adds.

Chan has also created a GoFundMe page, inviting supporters outside the GTA who won’t be able to receive dumpling deliveries to make donations toward the worthy cause.

According to food blogger Lo’s website, all of the participants across Canada in the Dump the Hate virtual dumpling-making fundraiser have collectively raised over $84,923 and made over 34,491 dumplings in total.

The cross-country campaign is now set to continue indefinitely.

“Many businesses were hit hard because of the pandemic, but the impact on Asian-owned businesses was intensified by racism. Love us — the Asian community — like you love our food.”

— Christine Hogg

www.lfoptical.com Bay Adelaide Centre Bloor West Village 333 Bay St. Unit 14C, 2321 Bloor St. W. 416-762-2657 647-340-3007

1450 Centre St. Thornhill 905-731-3007

131 Sunrise Ave. Toronto 416-752-4433

2782 Dufferin St. Toronto 416-782-3007

M AY 2 0 2 1

Activism through dumpling making

Eyewear is essential!

All 5 locations remain open for all your optical needs!

| POST |

Dumplings handmade by Toronto resident Timothy Chan

41

SPRING RESTAURANT DELIVERY GUIDE

www.cestbonrestaurant.com

LaFenice.ca

www.karbouzi.com

www.kathmandurestaurant.ca

2685 YONGE STREET • 416 932 2811

319 KING ST. W. • 416 585 2377

2048 AVENUE ROAD • 416 483 3846

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

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

Pictured: Black Bean Basil Chinese Eggplant

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

House Pan Fried Dumplings

Signature Lasagna: Our decadent 100-layer lasagna, with house-made Provimi veal Bolognese and house béchamel, has to be tasted to be believed! You won’t find our Signature Lasagna anywhere else!

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs Crispy Ginger Beef Spicy Peanut Chicken General Tsao's Chicken Basil Chicken House Mix Vegetable House Chili Prawn Special Fried Rice Seafood Cantonese Chow Mein Also Wide Selection of Vegetarian and Tofu Dishes

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 1

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.

42

Pictured: Signature Lasagna

Order Direct Online

Radicchio, Arugula & Goat Cheese Salad: This refreshingly light yet flavourful salad is topped with our special house-dried goat cheese and lightly-dressed with olive oil and red wine vinaigrette.

Grilled Shrimp & Calamari: Our shrimp and calamari are perfectly grilled to peak tenderness. A little bit of olive oil, garlic rub and fresh herbs are all that’s needed to bring out the fresh flavours of the seafood.

12 0z. Rib Eye, Center Cut: Nothing makes a statement like our 12 oz. rib eye steak! We only use the best Certified Angus Beef ® from Western Canada. Prepared with a rosemary and garlic rub and served with seasonal vegetables.

La Fenice Tuscan Chophouse has been part of Toronto's Entertainment District since 1984.

Experience Italy's authentic flavours made with the freshest locally sourced ingredients from the comfort of your home.

www.cestbonrestaurant.com or call 416-932-2811 Order Direct Online

Pictured: Pork Souvlaki

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!

LaFenice.ca or call 416-585-2377

Call direct or order online at www.karbouzi.com

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 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

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

NEWS

FOOD

© Davin Bujalski

This 905 bakery is bringing fluffy, Japanese-style bread to the GTA

L-R: Mother-and-daughter team Shani and Galya Sarner and a labaneh bowl with roasted silan pears

Toronto’s new source for Israeli snacks How this pandemic pivot became a family-run food business by Jessica Huras Galya Loves Food grew out of what is becoming a familiar pandemic pivot story — one in which a longtime personal passion transforms into a successful business. Born in Jerusalem, Galya Sarner developed an interest in food at a young age when she began learning to cook from her mother.

“Since I learned how to walk, I spent hours with her in the kitchen,” says Sarner. She later refined her hands-on training, taking formal culinary courses while living in Paris.

After settling in midtown Toronto, Sarner occasionally hosted food workshops and offered catering services in her free time. After being laid off from her job as a result of the pandemic, however, she took an opportunity to package and sell her hummus at local bakery Aba’s Bagel Company.

“The owner, Arie, really opened a door for us,” says Sarner.

With the help of her husband Robert and daughter Shani, her company, Galya Loves Food, soon blossomed into a thriving, fam-

ily-run business.

“It’s just been word of mouth, and, in a natural way, it has grown and developed,” says Robert.

Galya Loves Food now offers a lineup of homestyle, Israeli dips, snacks and sweets made with natural ingredients, including the signature Jerusalem hummus.

“We package it in a jar, but we tried to bring the same experience and taste that you get when you have hummus in Israel,” says Shani, adding that her mom continues to pick all of the ingredients by hand herself, even as the business expands.

“We cook the chickpeas in a traditional way,” says Sarner. “It’s a long process, but it’s very rewarding. There’s a special aroma when we get the flavour we want. It’s an exciting moment.”

Labaneh, fresh-baked falafel and glutenfree date cookies are among the other items available.

“Most of the recipes are based on the tra-

ditional roots of my childhood, which we further developed,” says Sarner. “We have our own interpretation. Toronto is very inspiring.

It’s a fusion culinary world here.”

The family culinary team is continually adding new products to the Galya Loves Food lineup, often inspired by the foods they miss most from Israel.

The family largely credits their success to a community drive to support small, local businesses amid the pandemic. They’re already finding ways to give back, partnering with charitable organizations like Seeds of Hope.

“We want to share our love of food,” says Sarner.

Orders can be placed online or Galya’s products can be found at an ever-growing roster of retailers, including Brodflour, Coco Market and Mimi and Ry Produce, as well as at select What a Bagel and Greenhouse Juice Co. locations and the 100 Mile Store in Creemore, Ont.

The latest bakery to open in the 905 is serving the best thing since sliced bread: shokupan, a fluffy style of bread popular in Japan. Iki Shokupan is taking orders via Instagram DM and typically sells out a week in advance.

A technique called the yudane method, which involves mixing bread flour with boiling water, differentiates shokupan from your run-of-the-mill white bread loaf. The boiling water gelatinizes the starch, resulting in a softer, moister, sweeter bread with an almost mochi-like texture.

From french toast to sandwiches, shokupan can be enjoyed like traditional bread, but it’s also flavourful enough to be eaten on its own.

Owner Jing Yang has been a hobby baker for years but, like many people, found herself re-evaluating her priorities and recommitting to her passions amid the pandemic, according to Albert Yamada Hsueh, who is handling marketing for the bakery.

Yang’s shokupan, which is made from scratch using natural ingredients, is free of sugar and eggs.

Yang is currently making about 24 loaves per day in her Markham-area kitchen.

Hsueh sys that, unlike in Canada, where customers often expect a varied menu, it’s common for shops in Japan to focus on perfecting a single product, which is the current goal with Iki Shokupan.

Yang does plan to slowly introduce different varieties of shokupan, such as whole wheat and honey.

The shokupan is currently available for pickup only, and orders can be placed through Iki Shokupan’s Instagram.

— JH

A favourite midtown pizzeria bounces back Rios also weighed in on food delivery prices digging into pizza profits throughout the pandemic and has been vocal about the fees that delivery apps charge restaurants.

After many delays, Premier Doug Ford eventually capped food delivery prices in December 2020. Although the caps are helpful, Ontario restaurants are still struggling to survive on revenue from takeout service alone, and many in the industry say that further measures are needed to help restaurants recover from the economic setback caused by the pandemic.

The news that the pizzeria will be returning is more than welcome and an excellent way to kick off the spring season for pizza fans.

“We should be open for the start of June, barring any major delays,” says Rios.

| POST |

Conspiracy Pizza closed its doors last December over a rift with the space it shared with Adamson Barbecue. Fortunately for fans of their creatively topped pizzas, the restaurant has since found a new location at 856 Eglinton Ave. E. and will be reopening soon.

Although there is no business connection between Adamson Barbecue and Conspiracy Pizza, the pizza shop felt obliged to close its doors after a social media storm driven by Adamson owner Adam Skelley’s anti-lockdown protests put both restaurants in the middle of pandemic controversy.

“It has become clear that we can no longer guarantee the safety of our staff or customers in the face of a quickly escalating pandemic,” owner Dan Rios wrote in a letter posted on the former Conspiracy Pizza website.

M AY 2 0 2 1

by Harriette Halepis

© Lindsay Rosset

Conspiracy Pizza is reopening, finally!

Fresh loaves of shokupan

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NEWS | REAL ESTATE | RESTAURANTS | SHOP + DESIGN | CULTURE | KIDS | BEST OF | ‘HOODS | LAW

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REVIEWS & LISTINGS

HOMES SECTION

started the project during the pandemic in April 2020 as a way to design her dream home. She hired a freelance 3D rendering technician to render her ideas and create a home that heals through the power of art. She says Mars House is a sneak peak into the future as it can go beyond a 2D artwork on your computer to a 3D digital home that can be enjoyed as an immersive experience in augmented reality.

| POST |

Mars House, a digital home designed by local artist Krista Kim (bottom right), was just sold on a NFT (non-fungible token) marketplace for 288 Ether (a cryptocurrency), which is equal to $512,000. NFTs are unique digital files that are noninterchangeable, which means, when you purchase a piece of art made with them, you’re investing in the artist who created it, similar to buying their stock. Kim

M AY 2 0 2 1

Toronto artist sells digital house for $512,000

45

SPRING HOME DESIGN GUIDE

From Concept to Creation, We Inspire by Building Your Exquisite Home.

Contact us to plan your 2021 dream home | POST | M AY 2 0 2 1

1899 Avenue Rd. Toronto

46

saaze.ca 416.881.1010

DECOR

HOMES

Brian Gluckstein on updating your bathroom in one weekend The design pro shares six tips for a quick and effective mini-makeover texture to the walls, consider a wallcovering made from vinyl which will stand up to the room’s humidity and high traffic.

© A Plus Creative

A bathroom remodel can boost your home’s value while improving the esthetics and functionality for a happier space.

It also happens to be one of my favourite rooms to design, since I know people love spending time there. Here are my guidelines for an effective mini-makeover that can have a powerful and muchneeded impact.

Hang a statement mirror

Go beyond builder basic with your mirror and opt for something exciting with a graphic matte black mirror, modern round version or a pivoting option that tilts up or down to the right height, improving the functionality of your space. Like art, I consider mirrors to be the finishing touches of a space that add an alluring quality to the room.

Set your budget and stick to it

In addition to setting a financial budget, you should also set a budget for the time your project will take. Be realistic with your expectations, especially if you’re doing most of the work yourself.

This will help you understand how involved the process will be.

Begin with the vanity

Start planning your bathroom update by choosing the vanity. As likely the biggest piece of furniture in the space, it can help set the tone for the rest of the design. Whether you’re looking to go more modern with light oak

This GlucksteinElements vanity sets the tone for the whole bathroom

Swap out lighting

drawers and matte black hardware or transitional with a classic dresser-inspired piece paired with polished nickel hardware, pick something you love and have it connect with each decision you make.

Next up is the walls

Wrap your room in a beautiful

new hue that sparks joy, whether that’s a soothing neutral colour or a bright, bold option. Since paint is relatively easy and affordable to change, there’s an opportunity to have some fun here. Purchase tester pots to see how the colour reads in your room rather than under the fluorescent lighting in the store. If you want to add

Updating the lighting alone can have a profound impact on the space. I love using sconces on

either side of the mirror above the vanity, or horizontally above the mirror, creating a focal point and soft glow that draws your eye in. Tie the lighting’s metal into the hardware on your vanity or frame of your mirror, or create contrast by mixing finishes for a more eclectic look.

Know when to hire a professional

Even for the most enthusiastic of DIYers, there are some things you shouldn’t do on your own. Hire someone who is both licensed and insured to handle the electrical work for lighting or the plumbing work for changing out a vanity. Beyond sheer peace of mind, a professional can handle certain tasks more efficiently and will yield better results.

BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN Catch Brian Gluckstein on Cityline, where he is a guest expert, and shop his collections, GlucksteinHome at Hudson’s Bay and GlucksteinElements at Home Depot.

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SPRING HOME DESIGN GUIDE Your Condo Reimagined: Think Outside The Box.

Redesign your dysfunctional condo and turn that tired drab box into a fab spot.

Maximize your living space or your rental income potential. Call us at 416 633-2894 or browse www.penguincondoreno.com to arrange a free personalized estimate.

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DESIGN

HOMES

Q & A with the Baeumlers on spending COVID in The Bahamas The HGTV Canada stars take viewers on the roller-coaster ride on season three of Island of Bryan

How did the pandemic alter your remaining renovation projects at the resort?

When the pandemic hit, what were the first steps you took?

The first set of travel restrictions came into play about six weeks after our grand opening. The Bahamas was not allowing any international travel into the country or even in between local islands.

First and foremost, we had to make a decision about where we wanted to be with our children, and that was to avoid crowded international travel back to

The show airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. on HGTV Canada

Canada and remain at the hotel on South Andros. All our renovations that were underway were halted, existing reservations had to be cancelled and travellers refunded.

We had to lay off the majority of our staff but kept a skeleton crew on for maintenance, landscaping and housekeeping in

order to protect the infrastructure of the hotel. It was a very difficult time.

Did you spend the duration of the lockdown in The Bahamas?

We stayed on the island with the kids for about 10 months in order to avoid travelling through busy international airports and to

Most of the major renovations had already been completed; however, there were a few smaller projects underway that we continued with. Some bigger plans have been put on the back burner until we see where things are headed and hopefully see a recovery in the travel industry.

When were you able to welcome guests back to the resort?

The Bahamas reopened for international travel with strict health and safety protocols in place in the fall, so we decided to reopen Caerula Mar after hurricane season at the end of

Toronto: T oronto: Castlefield Design District

*HZ[SLMPLSK (]L ࠮ *HZ[SLMPLSK (]L ࠮

October. Welcoming guests back to the resort was a strange experience for everyone — it was great to have staff back at work and a little revenue coming in, but everyone was understandably a little nervous.

Travellers are required to provide proof of a negative COVID test within five days of travelling, secure a travel health visa from The Bahamas and take another COVID test within five days of arrival. Strict mask and distancing protocols remain in place in public areas.

What are you most looking forward to now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel?

We’re mostly looking forward to being able to spend time with family and friends and to share this incredible place with everyone! I think we’ve all been missing that human connection — handshakes, hugs and bare faces. Knowing we’ll be able to pay the bills will be a nice bonus as well!

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protect our investment here. To date, there have been no cases of COVID on our island.

Eventually, we made our way home to Canada for Christmas and quarantined while enjoying some snow at our home.

| POST |

After challenges caused by shipment delays, foundation problems and hurricane Sandy in seasons one and two of Island of Bryan, season three now picks up with the hotel shutting down due to the pandemic about six weeks after Caerula Mar’s grand opening.

We caught up with Bryan and Sarah Baeumler to chat about what the last year was like for them between lockdowns, renovations and reopening the resort for guests.

49

SPRING HOME DESIGN GUIDE

2021

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M AY 2 0 2 1

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SPRING HOME DESIGN GUIDE ASK THE EXPERTS AT ACCESS PAVING: WHAT TYPE OF ASPHALT SHOULD I BE USING?

ACCESS PAVING & INTERLOCK

There are 3 main types of asphalt: HL8, HL3 and HL3A. HL8 is mostly used for commercial work. However, there are many homeowners who choose this as a base when installing a two layer driveway. It is a very coarse mix, but it provides a great foundation for a long lasting driveway.

HL3 is a top layer asphalt mix and is often used on city roads and long country driveways. The mix is coarse and gravel stones are predominant.

HL3A is a much smoother mix and that’s why most homeowners will choose it over HL3. It is more aesthetically appealing.

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Specializing in asphalt, concrete and interlock work for both residential and commercial projects, we have the experience and technical ability to execute any project you can envision. We are an industry leader in customer service satisfaction, providing highly effective communication to all our clients, which helps to ensure we achieve the exact results you want and deserve. Our technical and design teams are always available to consult with you on your project, helping you to achieve your project goals in a timely and effective manner.

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STONE WORK AND SOFTSCAPE NORTHERN STONE DESIGN

Northern Stone Design Inc., a family run landscaping company, gears itself every season to making landscape dreams a reality for hundreds of GTA customers. The staff at Northern Stone Design Inc. have a combined trade experience of over 50 years, specializing in stone work and softscape for any residential or commercial property. If quality of workmanship and customer satisfaction are your top priorities, look no further than Northern Stone Design Inc. Northern Stone Design Inc. gives at home estimates and consultation for free and looks forward to a great 2021 season with its GTA customers.

LENGTH OF WARRANTY: 2 YEAR WARRANTY

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THE NEIGHBOURHOOD’S TRIED AND TRUSTED

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Grandma’s Garden, beautifying area gardens since 2010

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Design

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Interior and Exterior

Shower Restoration of Toronto

Of course we also do General Home Renovations

647-767-0164

WATERPROOFING

416-807-9733

• No Permit Required • No Tax Reassessment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at a fraction of the cost of replacement

s "RICK 2EPLACEMENT

BASEMENT

Backflow Preventer & Sump Pumps Foundation Repairs

Garages rebuilt at substantial savings over replacement (single/double)

s 0ORCH 2EPAIR 2EBUILD

416-707-1248 Repairs to Leaky Skylights New Installations High Quality Workmanship & Excellence Free Estimates • Licensed Seniors’ Discount

416-820-3852

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Peter Topp @

416-460-2250

Please Call David

Serving South of Steeles

416-787-8084

Evestroughing & Siding Experts

416-274-6942

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Squirrels Raccoons Birds sProfessionally Repaired sRoof Repairs Free Estimates s Licensed Seniors Discount

HomeStars best of

2018-2021 Reader s Choice 2020

416-248-0211

PROFESSIONAL

ROOF REPAIRS • Roof Repairs • Roof Maintenance • Missing Shingles • Major/Minor Leaks • Eaves and Downspout Repair • Raccoon Problems • Squirrel and Bird Problems

416-248-0211 ROOF REPAIR EXPERTS ROOF REPAIR MISSING SHINGLES

FINLAY TOPP CONTRACTING

irathehandyman@gmail.com

CBMM %aWJE

416-830-6492

ROOF MAINTENANCE

showerrestorationtoronto.com info@showerrestorationtoronto.com

• Residential • Condos • Office • Retail Stores

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WILDLIFE EXPERTS

BWM

CONSTRUCTION INC. Flagstone & Stone Work Brick Restoration & Masonry Retaining Walls Concrete Work & Steps Rebuild Walk Out Basement Excavating & Addition

Call John: 416-827-8397 bwmconstr@hotmail.com

25 Years Experience

Varnishes

416 821 0448

High quality home renovations & improvements

Handy Man t RenovaUJPO Repair t PainUJOH Drywall t PMVNCJOH &MFctrical

IRA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed 5 Seamless Evestrough

• Picture Hanging

Soffit / Fascia & Siding

• Interlock Repair

Free Estimates Seniors Discount Licensed

416-820-3852

• Fixture Installations • Plumbing & Electrical • Deck & Fence Repair • Painting • Furniture Assembly • Shingle & Flat Roof Repair

“Small Job Specialist” irathehandyman@hotmail.com

416-274-6942

MINOR/MAJOR LEAKS

IS IT LOOSE, WOBBLY, STICKING, CROOKED, LEAKING, CRACKED OR BROKEN? DOES IT NEED REPAIR??

CALL DAVE! @ 416•222•7583 For Minor Household Repairs

• Home Repairs • Painting • Drywall • Shelving • Odd Jobs • Electrical Fixtures

PAINTING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR FULLY ENSURED ALL WORK GUARANTEED 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Call Warren

416-322-7692 www.wgpainting.ca

EAVES & DOWNSPOUT REPAIR

RACCOON PROBLEMS SQUIRREL & BIRD PROBLEMS FREE ESTIMATES NO JOB TOO SMALL SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT LICENSED

• NO JOB TOO SMALL • AFFORDABLE • FAST • RELIABLE & PROMPT • SENIORS’ DISCOUNT • YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED

JOHN BELL PAINTING

“Thank you for what most painters promise but few deliver.” R.L.

416 820 3852

Renovations & Repairs

s 0AINTING s 0APERING s $RYWALL s 3TUCCO s &AUX

Multifacetes Tradesman 35 years of experience Complete Building Envelope Residential & Commercial Reliable service, Quality Work Competitive Prices Customer satisfaction is Paramount!

Clean & efficient work done on time.

416-409-4503

416-491-1010

Call Gregory

M AY 2 0 2 1

1. Home Improvements 2. Painting 3. Electrical 4. Plumbing 5. Landscaping 6. Interiors & Upholstery

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| POST |

HOME

55

MILE S

PAINTING Repair & Replacement

SERVICES 7. Cleaning 8. Computer Services 9. Health & Fitness 10. Appliances 11. Senior Services 12. Art & Design

Over 20 Years Experience

The Most Professional Paint Job At The Most Affordable Price!

Interiors & Exteriors Fully Insured References Available Call For a Free Estimate

Faucet Sink Toilet Shower Laundry Main Valve Leaking Pipe Backup Drain FULLY LICENSED & INSURED 24HR. SERVICE MET. LIC. # PH23521

416-303-3276

416-876-6679

ELECTRICAL 3



APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating and air conditioning. Warranty. Credit cards accepted. Seniors’ discount. Please call Fred 416266-6122.

        



  

FREE ESTIMATES  

Upgrades

Troubleshooting Ceiling

Fans Lights Lighting Designs LED Retrofits Nest Thermostats Pools / Hot Tubs Generators

Tom Day Plumbing & Drains

Pot

  

PLUMBING 4 Toronto s Trusted Plumbers Since 1979 2000+ Reviews 9.7/10

WaterWorks

Drains Fixtures

40+ years experience Upfront

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 1

Michael Yu a Master Plumber

Save

$50.00

On First Job

647.490.9710

56 WaterWorksCanada.com

www.kellytree.com

CITY TROPICALS INC.

        

  

SHASTA

GARDEN DESIGN Design & Installation Planting & Pruning Garden Maintenance Complete Garden Makeovers

    

 24 hr. service 

LANDSCAPING 5

Hendrik Tree Service

STUMP REMOVAL

647-238-2661

Free Consultations shastagardens@hotmail.com

CLEANING 7 CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE Experienced, insured, honest and hard-working. Attention to detail. maidforyoutorontoltd.com.

Call Tanya at 416-897-6782.

416-462-0007

416-522-7288 Faucets, toilets, sinks, etc. installed. Blocked toilets, backed up drains, basement back ups.

External & internal drain excavating. Complete washroom renovations.

Specialist in Hazardous Tree Removal & Ornamental Pruning

- Pruning - Removals - Planting - Arborist Reports -



 

Service

We are a full service tree care company that promotes tree preservation with an ethical approach to caring for trees.

SHINY CLEAN HOUSE An Experienced European cleaning lady will keep your house clean. Our company is fully Insured & Bonded. Call Inna or Inga, 416-929-5777. www.shinycleanhouse.ca.

Living Plants for Public and Private Spaces Tropical Plant Maintenance/Sales Tropical Consultation, Design & Installation Pruning & Synthetic Plants

FREE ESTIMA ESTIMATES AT TES Bus: 416-422-4707 Fax: 416-422-4701 cti@citytropicals.com 593 Mortimer Ave. Ave. Toronto Toronto M4C 2J6

Customizing in Small Landscape P Projects: rojects: Perennial Perennial Gar Gardens dens Fences Fences & Decks Decks Lawn Care Care & Garden Garden Rejuventation Rejuventation

mollymaid.ca

Dependable Cleaning

Ov ergrown...out ooff co ntrol garden? garden?

Overgrown...out control IItt mmay ay be mo re co st eeffective ffective more cost to rredesign edesign yyour our la ndscape. landscape.

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416-427-3367 • www.awtl.ca

Welcome Spring!

What does your garden need this year?

Grandma s Garden Blueprint Design Decorative Planters Landscape Lighting Seasonal Clean-Ups Garden Makeovers & Maintenance

Vision. Design. Build.

647-274-2048

grandmasgarden.ca

INTERIORS & UPHOLSTERY 6

MARCANTONIO FURNITURE

DRY TECHNOLOGY DRY EXTRACTION

35 years’ experience

416-654-0518

416-884-1882 personaltrainerlaurie.com

Yoga oga Classes LIVE on ZOOM A $20 membership gives es you y oga classes access to 7 LIVE yoga weekly, y,, plus taped classes weekly, Yo it on YouTube.

Be partt of it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.Divinebeing.biz www.Sightofmindhypnosis.com

647.899.5805

GREEN, CLEAN & DRY without the use of water FOR AN ESTIMATE CALL HENRY CUESTA

416-882-2942

Health Programs

Area Rugs C l e a n e d i n Yo u r Home/Condo R e p a i r s Av a i l a b l e

for Tranformational Breakthroughs

Adam thehealthguy22@aol.com w w w. d r y t e c h n o l o g y. c a

(416) 889-6449

COMPUTER SERVICES 8

APPLIANCES 10

Restoration & Repair

Restoration of antique & modern furniture. In-home touch-ups of dining room sets, bedroom sets & kitchen cupboards.

Gluing & general repairs.

Train with me on: FaceTime Whatsapp Zoom

855.223.5851

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Personal Trainer Online

from the Professionals you can Trust!

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SINCE 1997

A Wo Woman’s man’s TTouch ouch La Landscaping ndscaping

HEALTH & FITNESS 9

COMPUTER AND IT SUPPORT Set-up, Tutoring, virus removal, troubleshooting, networks.

House calls or remote support.

Patient, references available.

Your questions? My answers!

David Block: 416-830-6160; Email: dblock@sympatico.ca.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating & air conditioning. Warranty.

Credit cards accepted. Seniors’ discount. Call Fred 416-266-6122.

A collector trying to recreate

Tibor: 647-866-5040

416-745-4981 or 416-953-6219

416-488-4908

WANTED

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR

 

Professional & Courteous 30 Years Experience Call David

416-231-9948

Companions/Homemakers Personal Support Workers Caregivers Full Time Long Term Your Employee Highly Personalized Service

13. Real Estate 14. For Sale/Wanted

REAL ESTATE 13

CASH PAID

Join our lively and congenial daytime conversational French classes for adults. All Levels.

Qualified Experienced Teacher

For more information, please call

Old Tube Hi Fi Components and Speakers. 40 Years or Older.

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Call: 519-853-2157 1-800-947-0393

LEARNING 15. Tutoring 16. Music Lessons

TUTORING 15

M A R C D AV I S & ASSOCIATES

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS FOR 44 YEARS

Select Your Your Caregiver Careeggiiver

NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT Three bedroom house & Bachelor apartments Mt Pleasant Rd, South of Eglinton.

Contact Alex (416) 228-0000

www .skypminc.com

THE SKY S THE LIMIT FOR SALE/WANTED 14

WANTED! FINE ART & ANTIQUES

Chinese Japanese Asian Porcelain Jade Bronze etc.

Canadian art & fine paintings Inuit sculpture Sterling & jewellery China & porcelain Moorcroft Doulton Art glass

call Andrew Plum

416-669-1716

English Gentleman Buyer

plumsfineart.com

EVE MARIE, M.Ed., B.A., OCT Professional Academic Tutor & Certified Coach

YRDSB/TDSB Teacher - 20 years experience

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evemarietutoring@gmail.com

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All Levels Welcome Qualified, Professional & Experienced Teacher

Contact Omar (U of T Bmus)

647-809-5055

omar.ho@gmail.com

SINGING LESSONS! -53)#!, 4(%!42% s 0/0 s *!:: s #,!33)#!,

                

416-518-6242

Fine Art - Antiques Estate Sales - Appraisals Family Division www.marcdavis.ca

ART & DESIGN 12

Tea tins, tobacco tins, post cards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising, old store stock, etc.

MATHEMATICAL TUTORIALS Private tutoring in mathematical subjects from refresher courses to advanced levels for all ages.

Call George Giordano, B.Sc., M.A. bbgeorgebb@gmail.com or 416-545-1937.

416 781 8800

ww www.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1 w.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1

General Store before 1960. Eg.

 

MARKETPLACE

416-398-4663

an old time General Store is looking for items found in a

Private Clarinet Lessons

MUSIC LESSONS 16

30 years + teaching/performing experience including solo work with the major Canadian Symphonies, Opera Companies & TV Networks (Canadian Opera Company, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, CBC TV/Radio...)

IN /PERA /RATORIO -USICAL 0RODUCTIONS

STUDENT PERFORMANCE CREDITS: s 3TRATFORD 3HAW #HARLOTTETOWN &ESTIVAL 3OLOISTS s "ROADWAY .9 -USICAL 4HEATER 3OLOISTS s 7EST %ND ,/.$/. -USICAL 4HEATRE 3OLOISTS s )NTERNATIONAL 2ECORDING !RTISTS #APITOL 2ECORDS %-) s 4ORONTO #HILDREN S #HORUS 3OLOISTS s #ANADIAN #HILDREN S /PERA #HORUS 3OLOISTS s 2#- +IWANIS -USIC &ESTIVAL -EDALISTS

PREPARATION FOR: Auditions, RCM Exams, Competitions, 0ERFORMING !RT 3CHOOLS 5NIVERSITY %NTRANCE ALL AGES/LEVELS WELCOME!

CALL: 416-761-7520

www.brendabergestudios.com

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416-519-8335 905-881-1931

NEW HORIZONS MUSIC NORTH YORK Group Group Lessons for Adults Ukulele and Concert Band

R Reawaken eawaken yourrr passion p y for music

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416 - 721 - 2748

nhmnorthyork@gmail.com newhorizonsmusicnorthyork.ca

POST CITY MAGAZINES NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

May 20 416-250-7979 x270 classifieds@postcity.com

M AY 2 0 2 1

& Asian wares Bronze Paintings Old jewellery, watches, coins & medals Military items Teak Furniture Fancy cups & saucers

Up to 24 hour care care Meal Preparation Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping Respite Care Care for Families Palliative & Chronic Chronic Care Care Joyful Companionship Alzheimer/Dementia/Parkinson/Diabetes and Cancer Care Care Provider Provider for Veteran Veteran Independent Program Program Weekends/Holidays Weekends/Holidays TTemporary/Long-term eemporary/Long-term re Day/Night, Live-in Live-in,, Live-out Ca Care FREE in-Home Consultation

IMPROVE YOUR FRENCH!

Quality antiques Sterling, Silver Plate Chinese, Japanese,

Professional Care For Seniors

WANTED

| POST |

TOP CASH PAID

SENIOR SERVICES 11

57

LOOKING BACK Before you go...take a gander at these five historic events from Mays of years past MAY 2021 EDITION

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 1

On May 22, 1971, Ontario Place opened to the general public with its now iconic Cinesphere, which was the world’s first permanent IMAX theatre. The city is moving to list the Cinesphere as a heritage property in an attempt to protect it.

58

On May 2, 1994, the Toronto Raptors revealed the team name for the first time, as well as the now-defunct dino logo. Pictured: Damon ‘Mighty Mouse’ Stoudamire.

Windfield Farms owner E. P. Taylor sees jockey Bill Hartack ride Taylor’s stallion Northern Dancer to victory in the 1964 Kentucky Derby on May 2, the first Canadian-bred horse to win it. Dancer became the first horse inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.

On May 30, 1938, the four winners of Great Toronto Stork Derby, a baby-making contest for families that was run over 10 years, were announced including the Nagle family (pictured).

On May 3, 1969, late, great rock star Jimi Hendrix was arrested for narcotics possession at Toronto International Airport and released on $10,000 bail.

TH-MAY-2021-IBC_IBC 2021-04-21 11:10 AM Page 1

TH-MAY-2021-OBC_OBC 2021-04-21 11:11 AM Page 1

Today, 617 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer.

Tomorrow, 617 more will be diagnosed.

But if just 618 people choose to help today, we can beat that number.

We need to move faster than cancer.

COVID-19 has caused funding for cancer research to slow down, and right now, vital research projects and innovations are at risk of delay. With 617 new diagnoses every day, we can t take that risk.

So help us move faster than cancer by donating today at thepmcf.ca Because cancer isn t slowing down.

So neither can we.