B O N J O U R TO RO N TO
Ooh la la! Our guide to celebrating the food, fashion and panache of the upcoming Paris games right here in Toronto 21
Give Dad a gen Z–approved makeover with the coolest picks from Jeanne Beker and fashion editor Julia Mastroianni 29
Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Nicassio tell all on how they went from bandmates to soulmates 33
Chef Anthony Rose fired up the grill to discover which Toronto ribeye reigns supreme just in time for Father’s Day 41
Fresh off serving up a new album and celebrating 35 years in music, Barenaked Ladies open the swanky new outdoor music venue Sobeys Stadium June 27 for a smashing concert dubbed the Big Racquet (the stadium is home to the city’s largest professional tennis tournament). Post City caught up with ace band drummer Tyler Stewart to get the scoop.
Tell us about christening this new music venue with this big show. Well, the bowl at Sobeys Stadium, formerly known as a great tennis venue, is enjoying a reinvention as a rock ’n’ roll venue. We're pretty excited to be able to be the first band to play there in a long time. And we are looking forward to it. We got a chance to go and see the venue last week. And it's cool, you know, very intimate, and you're surrounded by seats on all sides. If it's a beautiful summer night, it's going to be a fabulous place to see a show.
And you’re bringing along some special guests?
We have our friends Sam Roberts Band coming to join us, which is great. And also a good friend of ours from Scotland, KT Tunstall is opening the show too. And I don't know if people have seen her before, but she is an amazing live performer, very dynamic.
The band celebrated 35 years recently. What’s your secret?
What I'd love to say is that it has something to do with a supplement like grapefruit seed oil. But I don’t know. I think it comes down to mutual respect and striving to always communicate with each other. Make sure that we understand each other and also continue to inspire each other.
What are some fond memories?
Well, this past fall, we celebrated our 35th anniversary with a show at the El Mocambo, which we recorded live for Sirius XM. And we played songs from the entire span of our 35-year career. That was a really special night because all our friends and family were there. And also I would say that playing Royal Albert Hall in London in 2022 was amazing.
Where is your favourite place to catch a show in Toronto now?
Nowadays? Well, it depends if you're talking about a club show — then I really love the Dakota. It's small. It's intimate. It's cool. They make a nice Margarita. I love that place.
What did you enjoy most about the city when you were growing up?
I loved The Ex when I was a kid. I also started taking my own kids over the years. You still have that little bit nostalgia, you know, for sure. It's something that you've been doing for a long time and obviously, you know, Ontario Place was a huge place for us and a huge place for the band to be-
cause we played at The Forum back in the day. We always loved going down to the water and hanging out down there and seeing movies at the cinemasphere and feeling like you're flying. These are indelible and very Toronto moments. I'm really sad about Ontario Place. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair over the years, and now it's going to be a spa. So maybe I'll go for a massage.
I know you’re a big hockey fan. How long do you think Mitch Marner will be here? Poor Mitch. I mean, the guy can't catch a break. He gets his cars stolen at gunpoint, and then they let the guys go. He does nothing all year, but set up plays and have a good time on the ice and then the playoffs come and he starts to struggle. And then everyone gets mad at him. But something's gotta gotta give. We had eight years with those four guys. And you know, they're great. They're all great players. But somebody's got to move. And it's probably going to be him.
Thirty-five years ago, when you crammed into Speakers Corner to play, did you think it would come to this?
I think that was the dream. I have always wanted to do this. I’ve always wanted to be in a band or be on stage performing. I met the right guys, you know. I met these incredibly talented dudes in Ed Robertson and Jim Creegan, Kevin Hearn and Steve Page. I mean, these guys changed my life.
—Ron Johnson
The cost, in millions, for which Ontario taxpayers are on the hook to sell beer and wine in corner stores. $225
The year new Leafs coach Craig Berube coached the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup championship. 2019
The date in June that a new musical inspired and funded by Tim Horton’s hits the stage at the Elgin Theatre. 26
The months T.O. tennis star Bianca Andreescu — returning to action at this month’s French Open — has been off. 10
The value, in thousands, of more than 100 kilograms of live eels seized by Toronto police last month. $500
Toronto's main streets have long been vibrant arteries of the city's economic and cultural life, and as they go, so goes the city to a large extent. The mom-and-pop shops that line streets like Eglinton Avenue, Bayview, Ossington, Queen West and more provide essentials for communities, places to eat and shop but also a source of jobs. These stores sponsor our baseball teams, they put up signs for school fundraisers. They serve a purpose far greater than simply selling goods or services.
And, let’s face it, it has been a challenging decade so far with a global pandemic and then inflation, combined with the ongoing battle with other factors such as the growth of online shopping.
What can the city do? Well, for one, city councillor Josh Matlow thinks there should be some form of rent control for these spaces.
Matlow moved a motion at last month’s Toronto City Council meeting to request that the Government of Ontario implement commercial rent control, establish a dispute resolution tribunal for commercial tenants and landlords
and develop standard leases. This initiative comes in response to a 20 per cent increase in commercial retail rent between 2021 and 2023, which has placed financial strain on these businesses.
Matlow voiced concerns about the distressing trend of landlords hiking rents to outrageous proportions, often putting small businesses in jeopardy.
"I've heard from far too many business owners of their landlord hiking their rent that has either put them out of business or they've been struggling," he said. Matlow pointed out instances where small businesses have faced existential threats due to exorbitant rent increases. “They just want a fighting chance to stay alive,” Matlow said. “We don't want to just be left with a bunch of big corporate brands or U.S. franchises or pot shops. We want a diverse, active, vibrant main street in the heart of our communities. And these mom-andpop shops are what make our communities great places to live.”
The motion seeks to enact commercial rent control and es-
tablish mechanisms for dispute resolution between commercial tenants and landlords. Matlow emphasized the need to ensure that rent increases are reasonable and do not drive businesses out of the city.
Anything such as rent control would need provincial approval, so the motion if approved or referred still has a long way to go.
“This is about supporting small businesses and vibrant main streets in the heart of our communities,” Matlow said. “And that’s something that I hope the premier would agree with.”
When Maureen Sirois, of the Eglinton Way Business Improvement Area (BIA), heard the term “rent control,” she was not impressed. She said that, although high rents are a major issue facing the shops along Eglinton, there could be other ways to help these businesses beyond rent control.
"The small business property tax exemption is a mechanism already in place to support small businesses," Sirois explained. "However, it's very restricted. For example, businesses in small strip
malls may not qualify because of the overall footprint of the property. Expanding these qualifications could provide much-needed relief to a greater number of small businesses."
Beyond tax relief, Sirois highlighted other critical areas where the city could better support businesses, such as proper infrastructure maintenance, including snow removal, cleanliness and the upkeep of sidewalks and roads.
"Businesses are resilient. We can thrive, but we need the basic services in place," she explained.
Although the city is working to get more creative with public roads and sidewalks, such as complete street projects with bike lanes, CaféTO patios and other similar initiatives, the garbage cans still need to be emptied, and in the winter, the city can’t just let the snow pile up.
"If you're going to have reduced lanes for cars, bike lanes and sidewalks, where is the snow going to go?" she said.
That’s something that West Queen West BIA spokesperson Rob Sysak would like to see im-
prove as well. “You can't keep adding stuff; they can't enforce what they have,” said Sysak. He adds that business and foot traffic is on the way up, and there is a feeling of optimism pervading the area. But after a busy weekend, there is always garbage overflowing from the bins, the streets are filthy. There is an opportunity for growth, to get back to where the area once was, but the city needs to focus.
Sysak said the idea of rent control is already baked into the system.
“There is so much foot traffic right now. So again, that's balancing out the rents. You may be able to charge a little more, but if you go too high, no one is going to come. You don't want a vacant building,” he said. “But yes, I am optimistic. I'll say that, for sure. I'm optimistic because there's a little positive energy, and there's a community feel starting to happen.”
As the motion advances at city council, the spotlight remains on the critical role of main street shops in our communities that need to be supported.
—Ron JohnsonEverybody knows someone who has had their car stolen, and now we are all paying for it. For the last several years, there have been over a billion dollars in car theft claims annually nationwide, causing car insurance rates to rise by an average of 25 per cent. Various levels of government have kicked into high gear, so to speak, to combat car theft.
The Canadian government has joined forces with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to track the cars leaving Canada. Since February, more than 1,500 vehicles that have been stolen from Canada have been identified around the world.
Premier Ford is also feeling the pressure to take a tough stance on auto theft because 50 per cent of all the cars stolen are from Ontario. The latest is a proposal for an automatic licence suspension of 10 years for anyone convicted of stealing a car and then 15 years for reof-
fenders. For law-abiding citizens that rely on their driver’s licence, this sounds like a good approach.
The reality is that it is unlikely to make a dent in the problem.
There are many reasons that Canada has become a low-risk, high-reward haven for criminals that want our cars. Our borders
are not secure, which makes for easy passage of stolen cargo across the pond, and when someone is eventually caught and convicted, the consequences are relatively minor because car theft is a property crime and deemed to be victimless.
These conditions have created an opening for organized crime to move in and profit from the
sale of stolen vehicles. The thieves are smarter, more organized and have better technology than those who are trying to catch them. Car theft and money laundering have become a billion-dollar enterprise.
Those who steal the cars are the most dispensable part of the operation. If one or 20 lose their licence, there are plenty more to take their place.
Communities have felt the need to take their own precautions to protect their vehicles.
Some have organized private security patrols, while other individuals have taken to installing disabling devices on their cars or anti-theft barriers on their driveways.
This approach works on an individual or community level but doesn’t get to the crux of the matter because now the criminals have started to change their tactics. Cars are now being stolen in broad daylight from gas stations and mall parking
lots. As long as there is a market for stolen cars, and an effective distribution method, we are still at risk.
The good news is that government agencies have started to share information and work together. The borders now have better security, and there are steps in place to start following the money.
Although these are good steps, the goal is not just to stop the car theft but to disrupt the criminal enterprise that has been allowed to flourish. The intelligence gathering needs to be more sophisticated and get ahead of those who are undermining our security; otherwise, it is like trying to stop a storm by shouting at the clouds.
Although the government is doing something, it is not really making a difference.
To be honest, most days I feel stuck: I don’t see how Toronto can get out of the hole it is in.
A recent staff report advises that the city needs $26 billion over the next 10 years just to keep things in a reasonable state of repair — libraries, housing, fire stations, roads, transit and so forth. In some cases, facilities are in such poor condition that putting off repairs isn’t advisable.
This sum doesn’t include any new facilities the city needs. It is a whopping financial hole and the city has no way to raise this kind of money on its own. Slicing back programs will hardly make a dint in this amount.
The city can beg the province and the feds for this money, but those governments are hardly interested in throwing money at Toronto, particularly since other cities in Ontario and Canada are facing the same problems — it is a nationwide urban problem that cities are starved for money.
Mayor Olivia Chow managed to do some good footwork in getting the feds to support much of the expenditures needed to keep immigrants and refugees from living on the street — but only after they had lived in the open — in late winter — for several months. Who knows what will happen during the next 12 months?
It’s not just raw money. Homelessness has become en-
demic, and it now is a regular daily occurrence to find people on the streets, on transit, in libraries, with nowhere to call home. Many of those without a place to live suffer from addictions and mental illness, and it is estimated that 500 people died in the last year in the city from overdoses. The city’s desire to take a public health approach to the drug issue and decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs is being opposed by the province and ignored by the feds.
“Where is the leadership that we need on big issues?”
All the evidence shows that the first step to addressing these issues is to ensure people are well housed, but that’s not a priority for the province or the feds. What is the city to do when it doesn’t have the legislative authority to manage these problems, and of course does not have the funds to address them? Do things just continue to get worse?
I wince every time I see a sign on hoardings from school boards (public and separate) advising prospective residents of the new building that the local school is oversubscribed and that children must find a school somewhere
else. The province seems uninterested in providing the funds to repair and enlarge existing schools — something that our school boards did on their own before the province grabbed control 25 years ago. That problem is compounded by the province reducing teaching staff.
Then there is the extraordinary crunch facing renters in the city as landlords have a pretty free hand. There’s the sad conditions of the roadways — unpleasant for drivers, dangerous for cyclists. Many arts organizations are stressed financially.
I keep looking for the good news and can’t find it. I was hopeful that at a recent meeting city council would agree it wanted to negotiate an agreement with the province to give the city a charter with more revenue tools — some of the HST, among other possibilities — and more legislative powers. I was astounded when not one councillor spoke in favour of the idea and the staff report was simply received. There wasn’t even a motion supporting that councillors could vote on.
Where’s the leadership that we need on big issues like getting the city more revenue sources and more powers?
Arrests have been made in connection with a violent home invasion that occurred in Vaughan last December, with York Regional Police, Hold-Up Unit charging five men believed to be part of a larger criminal network.
The incident took place in the early hours of Dec. 24, 2023, when York Regional Police received reports of a home invasion in progress at a residence near Forest Drive and Harmonia Crescent. Responding officers arrived to find that three masked individuals had forcibly entered the home, assaulted the occupants and held them at gunpoint while demanding money.
During the confrontation, an officer discharged a firearm multiple times. One suspect was apprehended at the scene, while two others managed to escape. A loaded firearm was recovered from the scene. Despite the intense situation, no serious injuries were reported.
As officers approached the residence, they observed a black sedan speeding away. It was later discovered that this vehicle had been stolen during an armed carjacking in Calgary on Nov. 10, 2023.
Through a continued investigation, police identified and
apprehended four additional suspects. These arrests led to a total of 37 criminal charges being laid against the individuals involved. Additionally, a sawed-off shotgun was seized. Investigators believe these individuals are part of a larger criminal network, prompting the release of their photos to the public to encourage further information from witnesses.
The suspects charged are Lorrin Charles Wolfe, 33, from Onion Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan; Ali Mohammed, 26, from Toronto; Kesworth Andrew Bassaragh, 32, from Toronto; Jamie Lee Tootoosis, 36, from Onion Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan; and Elcee Jimmy, 35, from Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan. Wolfe was already wanted by multiple police agencies in western Canada for unrelated criminal activities and was subject to three weapons prohibition orders.
York Regional Police are appealing to the public for any additional information that could assist in their ongoing investigation. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the criminal network and ensure all involved parties are brought to justice. — Ron Johnson
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has issued a notice of proposal against Harold Gerstel, his company Harold the Mortgage Closer (HTMC) and Esther Gerstel Inc. (EGI) for allegedly lending vulnerable people significantly high annual interest rates for EGI mortgages.
The FSRA alleges that Gerstel “has orchestrated a scheme under which he leveraged the credibility afforded to him” as a licensed mortgage broker “to advertise to vulnerable consumers”.
The proposal, dated April 30, states that Harold Gerstel diverted certain clients directly to a private lender, EGI, and that his wife, Esther Gerstel, is the sole director of EGI. Harold Gerstel allegedly did so while purporting not to take the borrowers on as clients of HTMC. Harold Gerstel then engaged with the very same clients as a representative of EGI and arranged mortgages for EGI. In doing so Harold Gerstel traded in mortgages outside HTMC.
“The EGI mortgages carried onerous fees and interest. Generally, EGI charged 22% interest, with funds withheld to pay the interest in advance. EGI also charged significant lender fees. The Borrowers’ total cost of borrowing was between 30%
and 80% per year,” the FSRA stated in its proposal, adding that, by carrying on business through Harold Gerstel but not HTMC, EGI failed to carry on business solely through a mortgage brokerage or an exempt person or entity. “By orchestrating this scheme, [Harold] Gerstel has contravened the [the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators] Act and denied vulnerable clients the protections of the Act.”
“Gerstel also provided false information on his licence renewals.”
In a press release, the FSRA states that Harold Gerstel and HTMC “are not suitable” to be licensed under the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act of 2006, noting that Harold Gerstel contravened the Act by dealing in mortgages outside of his mortgage brokerage for remuneration.
The FSRA further alleges that EGI was carrying on business as a mortgage lender without being licensed as a mortgage brokerage or exempt from the requirement to be licensed, contrary to the Act.
“FSRA is proposing to refuse to renew the mortgage broker
licence of [Harold] Gerstel, to revoke the mortgage brokerage licence of HTMC, and to impose a compliance order on EGI. FSRA is also proposing to impose administrative penalties in the total amount of $60,000 against Gerstel and $150,000 against EGI,” a press release states.
This enforcement action is supplementary to the enforcement action initiated on June 22, 2023. In that notice, the FSRA stated that Harold Gerstel and HTMC failed to cooperate with an investigation by the chief executive officer of the FSRA.
In particular, they “failed to fully comply with an inquiry letter and summons issued by FSRA. [Harold] Gerstel also provided false information on his licence renewals as a mortgage broker,” the regulator stated.
This is not the first time Harold Gerstel has been highlighted for allegedly unsavoury business practices. In 2022, he faced a lawsuit alleging he exploited a mentally ill woman, Katherine Divitaris, in real estate transactions. Divitaris claimed, in the one-milliondollar lawsuit, that Gerstel took advantage of her condition to purchase her property below market value.
— Nisean Lorde
The city is remembering the late city councillor Jaye Robinson, who passed away last month after a long battle with breast cancer.
Robinson, city councillor for Ward 15, Don Valley West, had a background in economic development and community leadership. Before her political career, she spent over 20 years as a senior manager in economic development at the City of Toronto, pioneering initiatives such as Nuit Blanche and Summerlicious.
Robinson had a strong record of community engagement, organizing events like the My Life, My City speaker series and contributing to local residents’ associations. During her tenure, she chaired the Toronto Transit Commission and the Toronto City Council public works and infrastructure committee, focusing on issues like traffic safety and park devel-
opment.
“I am saddened to hear of Councillor Jaye Robinson’s passing. She was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about her constituents, fellow Council members and the residents of Toronto,” said Mayor Olivia Chow, in a statement.
“Her decades of service with
“We lost Jaye far too soon.”
the City left an immeasurable mark on our city and she will be dearly missed at City Hall and by her constituents in Don Valley West. On behalf of my fellow colleagues at City Hall and all Toronto residents, we extend our sincere condolences to Councillor Robinson’s family, friends and loved ones during this time.”
In her neighbourhood, she always fought to preserve the
local character of Leaside and the surrounding areas, including the latest battle over tall condo towers. Of late, Robinson was instrumental in the success of an initiative to bring a live theatre company to Mount Pleasant Road to set up shop in the space formerly occupied by the Regent cinema. Her city council neighbour to the east, Josh Matlow, praised Robinson as a friend and for her steadfast commitment to her beloved community.
“We lost Jaye far too soon. This has obviously been devastating for her family, her friends and her residents she served in Don Valley West. I'll personally miss her,” he said. “And you know she'll be remembered as a dedicated councillor for her community, somebody who would never back down when she believed that she was fighting for something important.”
—Ron Johnson
Another Toronto gas station is to be replaced with a 40-storey condo building.
A new condo community, proposed by Skale Developments at 4696 Yonge St., will replace the gas bar and commercial service station at that site. The 40-storey mixed-use building, designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, will feature an eight-storey podium and a 32-storey tower configuration. The podium will be scaled to provide a transition in height to the low-rise neighbourhood to the west and promote a pedestrian scale along Yonge Street.
An Esso/Circle K station currently occupies the site on the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Johnston Avenue in North York, so this station will be levelled and replaced with the new condo, as per the May proposal from Skale Developments.
The building will feature 536 residential units — 62 will be studio units (11.6 per cent); 114 one-bedroom units (21.3 per cent ); 125 one-bedroom plus den units (23.3 per cent); 62 two-bedroom units (11.6 per cent); 117 two-bedroom plus den units (21.8 per cent); and 56 three-bedroom units (10.4 per cent).
Residents can expect 35,311 square metres of residential gross floor area and 718 square metres of ground floor retail fronting
Yonge Street, which will provide the neighbourhood with shopping and service opportunities in an area that doesn’t have much.
The unit sizes will range from 40 square metres to 91.5 square metres, with an average unit size of 59.7 square metres.
Parking will be provided below grade with three levels of underground parking. A total of 178 parking spaces (excluding the car share) and 385 bicycle
“There is an ongoing trend of utilizing gas station sites, which come with a large footprint.”
parking spaces (inclusive of 36 short-term and 349 long-term spaces) are proposed. Vehicle access to the development will be via Johnston Avenue and Florence Avenue, providing access to the underground parking garage and loading space located at the rear of the building.
About 2,048 square metres of combined amenity space (representing a total of 1,212.5 square metres of indoor amenity space and 835.5 square metres of outdoor amenity space) is also proposed. Retail and service commercial uses (approximately 718.8 square metres) are proposed along the Yonge Street frontage and wrap around the
of Florence Avenue and Johnston Avenue. The residential lobby is proposed from Florence Avenue to maximize the retail frontage along Yonge Street.
The proposed development’s slender tower component will feature compact floor plates, which will cast smaller, faster moving shadows and improve the public’s access to sky views. The architectural design will utilize a range of high-quality building materials to contribute to the existing and planned residential, employment and commercial character of the area (north of the site, there is a mix of retail shops, restaurants, residential buildings and places of worship, whereas the neighbouring side streets are mostly lined with single-family, detached homes).
Landscaping is proposed in the form of sodded boulevards on Johnston and Florence, although the existing street trees will be maintained along the Yonge Street frontage as well as along the access road at the rear of the building planters.
There is an ongoing trend in the city of Toronto of utilizing gas station sites, which come with a large footprint, in development projects. But that does lead to a lack of gas stations in busy urban areas.
— Nisean Lorde
Vintage Cat Cafe is set to open at 1274 St. Clair Ave. W. An exact opening date has not been provided, but residents looking for some feline cuddles can rest assured that the new café is coming soon. Photos of the interior show vintage decor, some pretty cute cat portraits and even a kitty playground.
Reigning Champ has opened an exclusive new pop-up experience at Yorkdale. The limited time activation at 3401 Dufferin St. for the Canadian premium athleticwear brand features an immersive new space, including towering goldwrapped statues and 3-D animations.
Bap.zip has opened at 5 Glen Cameron Rd., adding to a hot spot for Korean food in Thornhill. The bibimbap spot is a sister restaurant to the newly reopened Piggy’s Island, a charcoal-fuelled Korean barbecue on the same street. Bap.zip offers big portions of au-
thentic Korean food, including gukbap and hot stone dolsot bibimbap and protein options, such as spicy squid, eggplant and steak.
Diner Seoul has opened its doors in the St. Clair West neighbourhood, and the new eatery is offering a unique menu that combines the best of Korean and French cuisine. Located at 1351 St. Clair Ave. W., visitors have been praising the restaurant’s amazing quality and value and exceptional service, with a menu that includes a bulgogi burger, Korean beef tartare and more.
Delysées is opening a permanent new location in Yorkdale at 3401 Dufferin St. after six months of a successful pop-up. The popular French bakery is planning to launch before the end of summer.
Bite Insect Repellent has launched just in time for the summer in Toronto. Founded by
South Hill resident Jaime Hackett and Erin Prohaska, their plantbased insect repellent wards off mosquitos and ticks and is available at staybitefree.com.
Siroshi Sushi is the newest sushi spot in the Yonge and Lawrence neighbourhood. The eatery focuses on offering premium sushi takeout, with an impressive number of platter options perfect for family sushi night. With party trays up to 100 pieces, donburi, torched sushi and bento boxes, the restaurant at 3360 Yonge St. has it all.
Bento King Buffet Club has brought an affordable all-you-caneat buffet to the North York neighbourhood. You can enjoy everything from marinated chicken legs and Taiwanese popcorn chicken to fried rice, spring rolls and more at the new restaurant for just $14.99. Buffet lovers can head to 5308 Yonge St. to fill up on delicious food seven days a week.
Benjamin Tal, CIBC deputy chief economist, tells us where interest rates are headed ahead of the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) June announcement.
What are you expecting in June?
Things are moving in the right direction; inflation is now at 2.7 per cent. This has major implications regarding the timing and the magnitude of the cut by the BoC. There is a more than 60 per cent probability now that June will be the first move. We expect a 25 basis points cut in June, and if they move in June, then maybe another cut in July and another in September. So we will see two or three moves this year, before the interest rate bottoms out in 2025 at around 3 to 3.75 per cent.
What could impact the BoC’s decision to keep cutting?
If we see a repeat of spring 2023, that will be problematic for the BoC. Back then, the BoC was tweeting about the possibility of pausing the interest rate hikes, and the market immediately heated up. I doubt that the BoC will do one cut and stop — usually that doesn’t happen. But it’s possible that they will announce two rate cuts and then stop. That would be if the housing market starts waking up too much after the first two cuts.
How do you think the market might react to the first cut?
I think the market will wake up, but it will be more in the detached segment of the market, not the condo segment. There just
isn’t much inventory in the condo market right now. Over the next year, there will be an opportunity for condo buyers because the condo market will remain relatively soft. Two years from now when the demand is still there, but supply is not, condo prices will start rising.
Once interest rates bottom out, I don’t see the market booming, but it will be much healthier than it is now.
How will mortgage-holders respond?
What we’re seeing more and more people doing now is focusing on the one- to threeyear rate. People basically don’t touch the five-year rate because they want to make sure that they’re around to refinance when mortgage rates are down. — Julia Mastroianni
Toronto was experiencing a cooler spring real estate market this year than the season usually warrants, data shows, but there are signs of a market upturn.
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported that home sales were down in April compared to the same time last year, new listings were up “strongly,” and there was little movement in prices. TRREB counted 7,114 sales in April in the GTA, down five per cent from April 2023.
John Pasalis, president of Realosophy Realty, said that the market is “cooling down quite a bit.” He said for the first two weeks in May sales for low-rise houses are down about 40 per cent from where they normally are, and condo sales are down 27 per cent.
“High [interest] rates are obviously a big factor in that,” he said. “[With] prices and rates this high, a lot of buyers are sitting on the sidelines.”
However, another realtor says that most of the cool down this
spring has been in condos, and that houses are seeing some action.
Jamie Dempster said that he’s seeing houses still get sharp competition and sell for over asking, although possibly with only five offers as opposed to 10. Condos, though, are not selling as well as the city faces a glut of supply, he said.
That lack of action with condos is creating a “domino effect,” according to Dempster, where the demand for houses is lessened from those who would otherwise trade up.
“If one piece of the domino isn’t functioning well, then you’re going to see a slowdown,” he said. “It’s a chain reaction.”
After price drops up to 60 per cent in 2023, Ontario cottages are making a comeback. Here’s how much prices are forecast to increase by the end of 2024.
Peterborough 2024 year-end average price estimate: $1,194,340 33%
The Kawarthas 2024 year-end average price estimate: $1,026,922 33%
Haliburton 2024 year-end average price estimate: $1,026,922 6%
Manitoulin & French River 2024 year-end average price estimate: $430,071 5%
Sudbury 2024 year-end average price estimate: $606,755 5%
Kenora & Lake-of-the-Woods 2024 year-end average price estimate: $379,945 5%
3%
Muskoka 2024 year-end average price estimate: $1,454,604
3%
Grand Bend 2024 year-end average price estimate: $864,660
—Eric StoberDempster predicts that the housing market will remain strong through the summer but the condo segment will still be relatively cool. Pasalis predicts that it will be a “sluggish, boring” market over the summer, with no chance of prices accelerating. He said even with two or three interest rate cuts, the rates will still be too high and won’t be enough to rebound the market.
SAVOURY OR SWEET IT CAN’T BE BEAT
OH, SO SWEET
Feeling a tad exotic?
Try the Saint Martin from Yorkville Crepes — crafted with banana, butter, sugar, cinnamon and a dollop of mouthwatering dulce de leche!
VIVE LA CREPE
For those with a savoury tooth, bow down to La Crepe's Salmon King, a crepe fit for royalty, filled with smoked salmon, chive, cream cheese and arugula.
Created by two French transplants in Toronto, Apérochic (French for “people meeting people”) is an answer to the duo’s search for a European-style social event in the city. Attendees can enjoy the classic French tradition of l’apéritif among francophones and anglophones alike. Upcoming events include the signature Bastille Day party at Cabana Pool Bar on July 17.
Nord Lyon, the renowned classic French bakery, isn't just killing it during the week it’s ramping it up on weekends with a $30 allyou-can-eat brunch buffet, from fresh crepes to customizable omelettes and a spread that includes salads, pastas, fruits, cheeses, pastries, bread, croissants and desserts. Plus Nord Lyon has a beverage station with an array of juices and coffee.
Why jet off to Paris when Douce France delivers a taste of the city right to your door? With gourmet delights sourced straight from the heart of France, expect unparalleled quality and authenticity. From buttery croissants to decadent cheeses and, of course, that delicious hot chocolate, the staff, completely bilingual, ensures an authentic French experience.
Import a little je ne sais quoi right into your living room with A Room in Paris by Belle Epoque Furnishings. The owners of this Queen West antique shop are particularly knowledgeable about French vintage pieces, and a visit here is like stepping into a hidden gem on a Parisian side street filled with darling French mirrored vanities and elegant dressers.
Once, frogs’ legs prepared with butter and garlic were a French bistro staple. Times change, but at Cluny Bistro, they're fried in buttermilk, served with fermented black bean sauce and citrus aïoli.
Legend has it, Roquefort originated from a forgotten cave sandwich, later discovered mouldy, stinky, yet delicious. Explore Cheese Boutique's vault for Roquefort Papillon Noir, aged in limestone caverns.
Part of French cuisine since the Middle Ages, at Toronto's stripped-down bistro, Le Baratin, escargot gets a modern twist: sautéed with forest mushrooms, cream sauce and puff pastry, it’s a dish not to be missed.
HORSE TARTARE
It’s said that tartare's original meat wasn't beef but horse. No wonder at Queen West's La Palette, on offer is a choice: beef strip loin or horse top sirloin, served with crostini and pickles.
A culinary rebel decided to cube up the classic croissant, and Kream Dessert is owning it with its Kream Bombs, ranging in flavours from Earl Grey to matcha crème brulée.
Geste Bistro & Boulangerie is creating waves with their Supreme Croissant, a round, cream-filled or cream-topped variation of the classic pastry.
Dessert Fox in the Annex specializes in South Korean–inspired croissant waffles, blending a breakfast staple with syrup-holding capabilities.
Circles & Squares elevates breakfast with its ever-changing cruffin lineup, akin to a cinnamon roll's dreamy offspring. Matcha strawberry and PB&J are a few favourites.
Éclair translates to “flash of lightning,” perfectly capturing how quickly these pastries vanish. At Nügateau, helmed by Le Cordon Bleu–trained Atul Palghadmal on Queen West, this couldn’t be truer. This sweet spot offers a dazzling array of handmade éclairs in flavours like La Banane, Blueberry Violet and Coconut Cream Pie, all crafted to disappear in an instant.
From the vibrant explosion of flowers in market stalls to sweet smelling bouquets on café tables, nothing says Paris like fresh blooms. Step into Blossom Moments in Richmond Hill, and you're not just inhaling the scent of stunning flowers; you're also discovering a hidden Parisian café. Here, the delightful aromas of coffee and exquisite florals await, transporting you straight to the heart of Paris.
MUST-HAVE IT-GIRL ESSENTIALS
The marinière — the iconic striped shirt popularized by French sailors and artists — can be found in abundance at Ossington’s Annie Aime, which stocks many top made-in-France brands.
Elegant, stylish flats are a must-have in France. Maguire Shoes has French-approved footwear for everyone, from the classic ballet flat to Mary Janes to pointed slingback mules.
In Paris, French waiters are all business. No chit chat or sharing names: just order, serve and let you enjoy. They rock the classic uniform: black pants, vest, white shirt, bow tie and spotless shoes. Meanwhile, Café Boulud in Toronto sticks to French tradition but adds a smile, as the servers dish out the most heavenly warm madeleines we bet you'll ever savour.
Transport yourself into one of France’s most culturally rich neighbourhoods with Triangle D’Or — new to Toronto, this cabaret experience is inspired by Le Crazy Horse de Paris, a famous Parisian cabaret. Expect a body-positive and glamorous experience that diverges from the traditional burlesque, with 19 different themed acts and special guests promised.
Take your cues from the city of fragrance and craft your very own eau de toilette with Orris Labs The perfume-making workshops will give you a comprehensive history of perfumery, an introduction to the art of scent blending and a summary of the different fragrance families before you get the chance to create your own signature scent with the help of an expert.
On the streets of Paris, scarves are a year-round accessory. Trade in your wool for silk with this patterned foulard at Gaspard Shop — tie it around your bag, your neck or your hair.
A woven straw or raffia bag is a summer style staple in France, and this Gerard Darel one at Snapdragon Designs will fit nicely on your bike basket with enough room for a baguette.
For midnight tête-à-têtes. try a French-inspired speakeasy. There’s Sous Sol, a tiny cocktail bar located — bien sûr — on Maison Selby’s lower level. George Restaurant’s Secrette features surprising off-menu cocktails. And Toronto’s newest addition, Bonne Nuit, requires you to stumble into the right bathroom stall in La Plume to find its boudoir-inspired speakeasy.
Give your home a bit of Parisian flair with Châtelet Home. Specializing in transforming vintage pieces into French-inspired gems, this furniture and decor shop is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. Customers can even commission owner Teresa Wiwchar to remodel an unfinished item after the design esthetic of their dreams, from French provincial to Paris pied-à-terre
When you think of French food, the baguette tops the list. It's as iconic as the Eiffel Tower and a musthave in Paris. Head over to Thobors Boulangerie, where French-trained master baker Marc Thobor and his team whip up six types of this legendary loaf. From multigrain to poppyseed, they've got your baguette cravings covered, all while chatting in French.
Only about three per cent of cognac is enjoyed in France. The rest is exported, much to the delight of discerning Torontonians. For an immersive experience,180 Drinks offers a cognac master class, featuring a tasting kit with five to six samples, cognac-specific glasses and optional chocolate or snack pairings to elevate your experience.
Learn from the best and become a pâtissier in your own right with Nadège Nourian’s masterclasses all summer long. Get a wellrounded education with the French classic desserts session, covering lemon meringue tarts, Paris-Brests and eclairs. Or pick a specialty and spend the day conquering the croissant, or a Nadège specialty — the fickle macaron.
OUI, MADAME
Indulge in Le Select's unbeatable croque madame — loaded with ham, Gruyère, béchamel and crowned with a sunny side up egg. It's considered one of the best in town!
FRENCH COMFORT
Mom certainly knows best! At Maman, the childhood favourite is made with Parisian ham, Comté cheese and homemade béchamel on sourdough bread.
GOURMAND GARÇON
Who says the croque monsieur can't get a modern upgrade? At boulangerie Bisou, they're shaking things up with pear onion chutney, mushrooms, brie, Swiss and béchamel.
STUFF OF LEGENDS
At Milou, the madame is simple and hearty, yet achieving simple excellence is often the hardest feat: served creamy and delicious on perfectly crusty bread.
Take a deep dive into the dreamy landscapes of Claude Monet at the Art Gallery of Ontario on July 5 in a talk with Caroline Shields, the gallery’s associate curator and head of European Art.
Close your eyes and you’ll be walking hand-in-hand along the Seine thanks to Kindred Spirits Orchestra’s Romantic Evening in France on June 22, featuring classic French symphonies.
See Impressionist works by Quebec artists who trained in the birthplace of the art movement at McMichael Gallery’s River of Dreams: Impressionism on the St. Lawrence, on from June 22.
JAZZ IT UP
Rock out with French jazz band Cortex at its first-ever Toronto show on June 29 and 30. Titled Le Jazz Est Mort, the band will be performing its seminal album, Troupeau Bleu, in its entirety.
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1. Go to André 3000 Witness André 3000’s unparalleled talent at Massey Hall on June 28. Known for his groundbreaking work with Outkast and as a seven-time Grammy winner, André 3000’s return to the stage with his first solo album in two decades, New Blue Sun, has captivated audiences worldwide. Presented by TD Toronto Jazz Festival, this event promises an unforgettable evening celebrating André 3000’s multifaceted artistry, spanning music, film, fine arts, fashion and more. Don’t miss this chance to experience the transformative power of André 3000’s performance live.
For more info, go to Masseyhall.com.
2. See the The Art of Banksy Prepare for the much-anticipated revival of The Art of Banksy exhibition at Lighthouse Artspace Toronto, commencing on May 29. Showcasing more than 140 original and authenticated Banksy artworks, including rare treasures like Banksy’s Mona Lisa and an exquisite gold rendition of Girl with Balloon, this immersive experience cele-
brates Banksy’s profound influence on art and activism. Presented by Starvox Exhibits and GTP Exhibitions, the exhibition invites audiences into Banksy’s world, offering a mesmerizing journey through iconic pieces and unseen creations. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to delve deeper into the thought-provoking and captivating universe of Banksy’s art.
For more info, go to Banksyexhibit.com.
3. See Wicked
Everything’s coming up Wicked in 2024, with a huge movie starring Arianna Grande and the Broadway musical weaving its spellbinding tale at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, from June 5 to July 21. Long before Dorothy’s iconic journey, another story unfolded in the Land of Oz — a story of friendship, rivalry and the power of perception. Wicked reveals the untold saga of two remarkable young women: one born with emerald green skin, misunderstood and endowed with extraordinary abilities, and the other a bubbly blonde, seemingly perfect in every way. As their paths intertwine, their initial ri-
valry evolves into an unlikely friendship, defying the expectations of a world quick to label one as “good” and the other as “wicked.” From the captivating opening note to the breathtaking finale, this acclaimed musical captivates audiences with its inventive storytelling and unforgettable characters.
For more info, go to Mirvish.com.
4. See Charlotte Day Wilson
Mark your calendars for June 6 as Charlotte Day Wilson takes the stage at History in Toronto for a rare hometown show. The acclaimed Toronto-born singer-songwriter, known for her soulful melodies and captivating performances, will showcase tracks from her upcoming album, Cyan Blue. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience Wilson’s mesmerizing vocals and unique sound in an intimate setting.
For more info, go to HistoryToronto.com.
5. Go to Age is a Feeling Experience Age is a Feeling, a poignant and thought-provoking performance
written and performed by Haley McGee, at Soulpepper. Running until June 16, this captivating show delves into our relationship with mortality, urging audiences to seize the moment. With a run time of 75 minutes and a content warning for mature language and themes, this production is recommended for ages 16 and up. Charting the milestones and reflections of an adult life, Age is a Feeling celebrates the complexities and uncertainties of human existence.
For more info, go to Soulpepper.ca.
6. See Rachel Feinstein
Get ready to roar with laughter as Comedy Bar presents the incomparable Rachel Feinstein. With her razor-sharp wit and knack for creating unforgettable characters, Feinstein promises a night of comedy gold that’s not to be missed. Feinstein has solidified her place as one of comedy’s brightest stars. She checks into the Danforth Avenue location of the Comedy Bar on June 28, at 7 p.m., for an evening of hilarity.
For info, go to Comedybar.ca.
This Father's Day, give your dad the best gift of all — an upgraded sense of style! Whether he plans to spend the summer by the grill or at the beach, Jeanne Beker (and her gen Z consultant, Post City fashion editor Julia Mastroianni) will have him dressed to impress.
SUNGLASSES
Oscar Deen, $235
POLO NN07, $375
BUTTONDOWN Maison Labiche, $260
PANTS
James Coward, $450 SHORTS
Save Khaki United, $135
SANDALS
Camper, $185
CROSSBODY BAG
Aldo, $30
POLO, TNT, $375, 2901 Bayview Ave., “I love the hand stitching and the embroidery on the pocket. These types of knit polos are very in right now.” SHORTS, Lost & Found, $135, 12 Ossington Ave., “These are a nice, relaxed pair of shorts that would look great with the polo shirt, and they’ve got pockets — you could definitely hang out in these.” SANDALS, Gravitypope, $185, 1010 Queen St. W., “This is a great, slip-on, easy shoe, really cool and literally cool too — you want as much air as possible in the summer.” CROSSBODY BAG, Aldo, $30, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr.
JEANS Re/Done, $435
18 Waits, $125
SNEAKERS
Jordan, $165
LOAFERS
Aldo, $69.98
BUTTON-DOWN, Good Neighbour, $260, 1212 Yonge St., “This is a great colour that would look great with any pants or shorts; the seersucker is a pretty cool fabrication, and I love the two little pockets.”
PANTS, Lost & Found, $450, 12 Ossington Ave., “I like the pleat down the middle to elongate the leg, and the black twill is such a nice, strong fabric for a year-round pant.”
LOAFERS, Aldo, SALE $69.98, 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr., “These are a great, basic loafer with a heavier look — that lug sole is very on trend, and these look great for sportier occasions.”
SUNGLASSES, Good Neighbour, $235, 1212 Yonge St.
BUCKET HAT
Lite Year, $47.50
T-SHIRT, 18 Waits, $125, 990 Queen St. W., “I like this little bit of tie-dye; it’s hand dyed and looks kind of artisanal. It’s a very artful approach and has some great colours.”
JEANS, Good Neighbour, $435, 1212 Yonge St., “These have that worn-in look. They look really comfortable, not too tight, just a classic denim styling with a relaxed fit.”
SNEAKERS, Foot Locker, $165, 1 Promenade Cir., “I like the grey colouring. It’s an unexpected shade, and they’re a nice high top — they have pretty classic styling, but there’s something modern about them.”
BUCKET HAT, Lost & Found, SALE $47.50, 12 Ossington Ave.
*Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on TSC or tune in to her new podcast Beyond Style Matters.
The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” encapsulates the eternal, often futile quest for something better. When it comes to the vast swathes of turfgrass lawn that carpet Canada, the phrase takes on deeper significance. Beneath their seemingly innocuous appearance lies the troubling reality that lawns consume excessive water, rely on harmful chemicals and offer little ecological value.
Although the exact extent of lawns in Canada remains uncertain, new research analyzing seven communities indicates that between eight and 22 per cent of each is covered in lawn. To put this into perspective, Toronto has nearly 80 square kilometres of lawns. That’s 50 times more area than High Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces. Similarly, Montreal’s 97 square kilometres of lawns are approximately 43 times bigger than Mount Royal Park. Even densely urbanized cities boast significant lawn coverage.
Given the pervasiveness of lawns, it’s difficult to argue with the wisdom of horticulturalist Rebecca McMackin in her recent TED talk “Let your garden grow wild.” She suggests lawns should be seen as area rugs, not wall-to-wall carpeting, outdoor spaces as havens for biodiversity
rather than sterile monocultures.
Rooted in colonial history, these barren, thirsty, high-maintenance landscapes have become ingrained in our culture and communities.
Enter the LawnShare campaign (and its French-language partner Partage ta pelouse), a national effort to reimagine turfgrass lawns as vital habitat. Led by the David Suzuki Foundation, Dark Matter Labs and Nouveaux Voisins, this initiative seeks to revolutionize our relationship with lawns. No longer mere patches of green to be meticulously manicured, lawns present opportunities for creating habitats, sanctuaries for native plants and animals.
Studies have shown that reducing mowing frequency can yield substantial cost savings. By replacing traditional lawns with habitat, communities can enhance ecological resilience and reduce maintenance expenses over the long run.
Whether it’s through reducing mowing frequency or embracing alternative seed mixes, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a better, more environmentally friendly future.
Dear Sangita: My mom is going through what some might call a mid-life crisis since divorcing my dad, and it's giving me a lot of stress! I'll call her at 11 p.m., and she'll be getting ready to head to an all-nighter club. She’ll stay over at a random guy’s place. What should I do?
—Mid-life mom
Dear Mid-Life: I had a friend who was in a great relationship with a great husband, but their relationship was mundane. She felt kind of lost and bored, and she decided to leave him. She started living to the extreme, similar to the way your mom is. She felt she was missing something, so she went out and experienced it — and now she’s done with it. For your mom, this is a woman who’s already a mother. She’s experienced life, and she's doing what she feels is fun for her now, but I can’t see this lasting that long. You can
definitely have a talk with your mom and tell her you feel fearful for her and you want to put some logistics in place with her, such as asking her to let you know when she’s home. But she's going to have to go through this.
Dear Sangita: I live with my partner and they love cooking — but they’re really, really bad at it. I’ve tried to offer to cook more myself, but they always insist they
love cooking for me. How do I have this conversation without breaking their heart?
—Kitchen catastrophe
Dear Catastrophe: They’re doing it out of love; you really can’t say anything. I think your partner probably knows they’re not great at cooking — they have to eat the food too. So they’re doing it from the heart, and maybe with time they’ll get
better. But for now I would just suck it up or figure out a way to cook before they get to it! You could also suggest that you both cook together as a reconnection opportunity, and then you’ll at least be in charge of one of the dishes, and maybe with time your partner will learn a bit from you too.
Dear Sangita: Growing up, my parents always seemed to have lots of money. Now that I’m older, I’m starting to realize that it might be for nefarious reasons. I’m scared to find out what they’re involved in, and I’m even more terrified that they’ll lie to me if I ask. What do I do?
—Parents in peril
Dear Peril: Do you really want to know? That’s the ultimate question. Before you ask, you need to think about the possible outcomes and decide if they’re worth it to you. If you find out
that your parents are making money in unethical ways, what will you do? Are you going to leave the house or sever ties with your parents? If you’re scared that they’ll lie to you, perhaps you know that you’ve already been lied to. That would mean that your parents have lied to you all your life about something important, so you need to be prepared for that too. As a parent, I think it’s likely you may learn they were doing this to protect you from the truth and to give their kids their best life. You need to decide whether you’re going to be comfortable with that answer.
Have a relationship or life question for Sangita? Send it to advice@postcity.com.
SANGITA PATEL is our advice columnist and was previously a host on ET Canada.
NAME: Sabrina Jalees
GRADUATED: Earl Haig Secondary School
FAVE VENUE TO PLAY: Comedy Bar
FAVE FAMILY SPOT: Good Neighbour (owned by her brother and uncle)
TOP T.O. MEMORY: Taking her son up the CN Tower to the glass floor
For most millennials who grew up in Canada, comedian, writer and actor Sabrina Jalees is a household name.
Since her early days as a TV regular on MuchMusic, Roast Battle Canada and more, Jalees has become an accomplished triple threat. She was a writer on clever comedies Search Party, Big Mouth, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock and Baroness Von Sketch Show. She has also had a few notable acting and hosting stints, including on the 2019 CBS sitcom Carol’s Second Act.
And now she’s taken on her favourite hosting job yet, as the face of CTV reality dating show Farming for Love (the second season premiered May 29).
Busy writing, acting and doing standup in L.A., Jalees had to be convinced to host by the reality show team at first.
“But the proof is in the pudding,” says Jalees. “If I can be a part of really connecting people and setting them up for the next chapter of their lives — because marrying my wife and having our kids has truly been a mindblowing experience — and take credit for having people falling in love? I love that.”
The Canadian version has also been relatively inclusive, featuring people of colour, male and female farmers and, this season, a gay farmer looking for love.
“Oh my god, I am so excited
about that,” she says. “If something like that was on TV when I was younger, I would certainly have felt more comfortable to say, ‘I’m in love with Jennifer Love Hewitt’.”
When she’s not playing matchmaker, she’s working on Benefits with Friends, a podcast she co-hosts with fellow Toronto comic and childhood friend Mae Martin. And she’s busy shopping her own new show with Ally Pankiw, the writer and director of the film I Used to Be Funny, in which Jalees co-stars.
Moving forward, the goal, too, remains being able to work at her first home, Toronto, and her second, in L.A. The differences, though, remain stark.
“Comedy, oftentimes, comes from this fish out of water viewpoint,” says Jalees. “Growing up half-brown and half-white gave me that, as did growing up in Canada. We are this fanny pack on top of this machine that’s making strange decisions and going into weird wars. We get to talk like no one’s listening. That sharpens a comedic viewpoint.”
“Even with super-inflated U.S. budgets, I will never not want to work on Canadian projects. I still view myself as Canadian first, and I’m super proud to be from Toronto and have grown up in North York,” she says. “In the evolution of me, that was the nucleus.” —Sadaf Ahsan
Walk off the Earth, the indie band with multiple Juno awards to its name, has a romantic history. When Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Nicassio met, both as artists in different bands in Ontario, they didn’t know it would lead to an entire life together — not only as bandmates, but as life partners and parents. Ahead of their Canadian Music Week-headlining concert in Toronto, the duo talks balancing work and love and their (controversial) tip for relationship success.
How they met
The music gods brought us together! We were both active in the same music scene growing up and eventually crossed paths. Gianni was helping me produce my solo album at the time, and we instantly clicked. I was also a huge fan of what he was doing with Walk off the Earth, so we naturally started collaborating there too. Our mutual passion for music and creativity just brought us closer.
The first date Gianni took me to get a pedicure, believe it or not. It was a completely unexpected choice for a first date, and it turned out to be perfect. I had never had a pedicure before and I was 28! We got nice, soft feet and had a fantastic time. We laughed a lot and it set the tone for many more adventures together.
The relationship
We were both super passionate about music and art, and we had similar creative visions. One standout moment was when we stayed up all night working on songs together. Our shared projects and late night studio sessions are some of our fondest memories. We've also had the incredible opportunity to tour the world together, experiencing amazing places and cre-
ating unforgettable memories along the way.
Every day is our honeymoon! We haven’t tied the knot officially, but our life together feels like an ongoing celebration. We enjoy little getaways and make everyday moments special.
The kids
We have three amazing boys: Giorgio, Luigi and Romeo. They bring so much joy and chaos into our lives, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They’re our little rock stars!
Obviously, music is our biggest shared interest. Beyond that, we both love exploring new forms of art, travelling and spending quality time with our boys. We also enjoy cooking together and experimenting with new recipes, which often turns into a fun family activity.
Secret to success
Separate bedrooms. It might
Tips from Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers
JEREMY DIAMOND
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation.
While much emphasis is placed on educating drivers about safely sharing the road with cyclists, it's equally important for cyclists to understand their role in promoting safety. Diamond & Diamond Lawyers recognizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents and protect cyclists' rights on the road. In this article, Isaac Zisckind discusses essential safety considerations for cyclists, including proper equipment, road etiquette, and navigating traffic alongside motor vehicles.
First and foremost, it’s important to equip yourself with the right safety gear. Below are a few essentials to cycling safety that should not be overlooked:
● Helmet: Wearing a properly fitted helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in the event of a crash. While a hel-
met is a great place to start, it’s important to ensure that the helmet you are wearing meets minimum safety standards and is not broken or outdated.
● Reflective Clothing: Simply put, one of the best ways to prevent accidents is to be seen. As such, reflective clothing while out on your bicycle is a must. Reflective vests, bands, and accessories can help drivers spot cyclists from a distance.
● Lights and Reflectors: Another important element of cycling safety is lights and reflectors. If you plan on biking in dimly lit areas or in the dark, it’s important to install lights on your bicycle for enhanced visibility.
“As a cyclist, it’s essential to understand how to share the road safely with vehicles,” says Isaac Zisckind. Below are several tips to consider the next time you head out on your bike:
sound unconventional, but it works for us. Having our own space allows us to maintain a sense of individuality while also nurturing our relationship. It’s all about respecting each other’s needs.
Balancing careers and a relationship
We just do! Honestly, there’s no secret formula. We’re just awesome together, and we support each other in every aspect of our lives. We prioritize communication and make sure to carve out time for ourselves amidst our busy schedules. It’s a team effort, and we’re both committed to making it work.
The future together
Just exactly the way it is now. We’re incredibly happy with our life and wouldn’t change a thing. We see ourselves continuing to create music, raising our boys and enjoying every moment together. Our future is just a continuation of the beautiful journey we’re already on.
● Ride Safely and Predictably: As a cyclist, it’s important to maintain a straight line and signal your intentions clearly when turning or changing lanes. In addition to this, it’s important to avoid sudden movements and ensure that you do not weave in and out of traffic.
● Obey Traffic Signals: Generally speaking, cyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motorists. As a result, it’s important to follow all signals, adhere to all stop signs, and follow all rightof-way rules to help prevent collisions.
● Be Visible At All Times: It’s very important to ride where drivers can see you, especially at intersections. In addition to being visible, we strongly recommend making eye contact before proceeding at an intersection.
● Be Aware: This may sound like common sense, but when you’re biking it’s important to scan the road for potential hazards and anticipate the moves of other people on the road.
Acting as stewards of proper road safety, cyclists can play a vital role in reducing the risk of accidents and fostering a harmonious coexistence with drivers. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. Contact Canada’s largest personal injury law firm today at 1-800-567-HURT.
● When Possible Always Use a Bike Lane: Simply put, bike lanes are meant to be used. If there is a bike lane, avoid driving on the roads and be on the lookout for pedestrians cutting across the bike lane.
COMPANY SPECIALTY: STONEWORK AND LANDSCAPING REFERENCES AVAILABLE: YES LENGTH OF WARRANTY: 2 YEAR WARRANTY FREE ESTIMATES: YES
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 2024 season with its GTA customers.
It’s home reno season, and whether you’re planning to sell in the next few years or you’re just looking to add some value to your property, renovation expert Scott McGillivray has got you covered.
How do you make sure to invest enough in renovations to increase value without overshooting?
It’s really about what are the value-adds that are going to maintain the equity in your home, and what are things that might not be worth spending money on. If you’re going to be living in your house or your cottage for less than five years, you should be considering all of your renovations as value-adds because you’re going to go sell it. Those are things that should stand the test of time and should be fairly personality agnostic — you want to appeal to the most people, keeping things in the neutral palettes. If you’re going to be there for 10 years or more, you not only want your return on in-
vestment, but you also want to think about your return on lifestyle. These are the choices that you make such as: “I want this specific wallpaper and I want this wild pattern on my floor.” You may not, in the long term, get your money back on those items when you go to sell, but if it’s going to improve your life and you’re there for several years, then you have to consider that lifestyle return as well.
What renovations are going to give you the most bang for your buck?
There are some that are obvious kitchen upgrades, bathroom upgrades, painting, updating fixtures and flooring, those are all popular. But right now, in most major cities across Canada, the number one way to add true value to your home is by adding a second unit. Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, they’re allowing
secondary suites, they’re allowing fourplexes. Those properties are in massive demand because they’ve got income potential. It becomes a home and an investment for people. So the biggest trend when it comes to value-adds right now is laneway houses and apartments. As much as that’s probably not what you’re dreaming about when you’re thinking of doing some renovations, with the ongoing housing crisis, that will just give you a massive return on investment.
What are the most popular renovation trends you’ve seen over the past year or two?
Integrated technology is definitely the first thing that people are talking about. That is not just home automation, but it’s smart home and even AI technology being integrated into homes. That could be security cameras with trip wires and notifications or remote access door locks and door hardware and thermostats, alarm systems. It’s
quite the topic in the renovation sphere.
Why do you think that may be? I think people just want that sense of security that comes with it, when you’re not there, especially with the increase in car thefts and break-ins. I just did some of those security renovations to my own home! It’s something you want to consider, when you’re doing the renovation, because, when we talk about value-added renovations to your home, home security and efficiency are always in the top five.
How has the increase in car thefts impacted home and reno trends?
If you’ve got somewhere you can store your vehicle inside, it significantly reduces the chances of it being stolen. A house with a garage, if you can afford it, is a big perk. And if you’re building new, you’re definitely going to want to consider a garage space.
Ask us about our Digital Imaging and crown fabrication. Do you need a crown, bridge or veneer but hate dental impressions?
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Stonewood Day Camps offer hours of riding time and hands on experience with a dual focus: teaching horsemanship; and nurturing the bond between horse and rider.
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Weekly 5 day camps are available to children between the ages of 6 and 14. We are conveniently located in Claremont, close to Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Markham, and Toronto.
Grant van Gameren brought Bar Isabel, Bar Raval and Michelin-starred Quetzal to Little Italy. Now Martine's joins the scene
By Ben Kaplan
Grant van Gameren is shaving pecorino cheese on dishes and working the line, tattoos sticking out from his black T-shirt like a rock ’n’ roll star superimposed in a kitchen. He’s wearing a black baseball cap and apron, and while he pumps out crudites and fish, the restaurateur as responsible as anyone for elevated hipster dining in Toronto reveals a new flourish — a grin.
“COVID was hard for me, man. Laying off 400 staff, fighting with landlords, selling my house in Toronto. To be honest, coming back has taken years,” says van Gameren, whose 11 revenue streams include luminary hot spots Bar Raval, Bar Isabel, Quetzal and El Rey, three Harry’s locations and an Airbnb on his vegetable farm in Prince Edward County.
Alongside Jen Agg, van Gameren was responsible for launching the Black Hoof on Dundas Street in 2008, and his roller-coaster ride through commerce and cooking has produced some of the city’s best bites, biggest fallouts and legendary nights on the town. You don’t need to watch The Bear to know the restaurant business is dicey — big egos, huge overhead, tight margins, and that’s during usual times. The pandemic was
unusual times and though everyone was affected, few businesses dissolved overnight like restaurants, and Grant van Gameren owned or co-owned nearly a dozen of them (and a catering company too). Talented, irascible, famous, the 42-year-old dad says he’s opening Martine’s in the old Woodlot space on Palmerston because he believes dining in Toronto could use a course correction.
“I’m old. I’ve done this dozens of times, but food has become so complicated over the years — this is the opposite,” says van Gameren, who opened Martine’s in the building he also rents for Bar Raval, has chef Luke Haines in charge of both kitchens and his partner, Hailey Burke, managing both rooms.
“Luke is chef de cuisine at Bar Raval and extremely talented, but I told him, ‘If I give you an ingredient and it takes you more than three minutes to come up with a dish, you’re probably overthinking it,” says van Gameren, who grows the vegetables for Martine’s at his home garden in Prince Edward County, sometimes going from ground to plate in a day. “From the Black Hoof to everything I’ve done, food is only one part of what we’re selling. The experience has
to be awesome, and if we get accolades like a Best New Restaurants’ list or a Michelin star, amazing — but it ain’t paying our bills.”
Oyster mushrooms with razor clams and wild leeks is the Martine’s dish that has tongues wagging. And the after-party for Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants, “reminded me of the Black Hoof days,” says van Gameren. When chefs crowded into his tight new space, it was an affirmation that Toronto’s original cooking influencer still has support from inside the biz.
“It’s never been about the money. It’s about: what do we want to do? We can make economical sense of it later,” van Gameren says.
We sampled his branzino, tuna butter with turnip and radishes and skate wing in an amatriciana sauce that was tangy, crisp, simple and sweet.
“What’s important is that we’re doing food that we like and understand and can evolve frequently so people will come back and, because of it, keep us in business.”
Martine’s is located off College Street, and gives off cool in-theknow speakeasy vibes. (When we visited, the owners of Ardo occu-
pied the adjoining bar stools.) With a kitchen occupying 30 per cent of the dining room, a small submerged bar opposite the wood-burning stove and an upstairs area seating 16 beneath a skylight, Martine’s is a tucked away Little Italy snack bar — a place to add to the half block confection backstopped by DaiLo and Bar Raval.
“Chefs have been raving recently about our oyster mushrooms with clams, and that’s the beauty of cooking simply — it tastes good and doesn’t have any pretension,” van Gameren says.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been in the kitchen. My family misses me and I won’t be in there forever, but I see myself doing more cooking over the next little while.”
The other night, after a few glasses of sparkling Italian red, we perched at the bar, watching over the heads of diners — many standing, just like at Bar Raval — while van Gameren did his thing. It’s been lots of long hard years since the Black Hoof helped transform dining in Toronto, and van Gameren has carried each win and loss like the tattoos covering his arms. Before leaving, I told the star chef to enjoy his journey.
“Absolutely,” he says, with a grin.
3 MUST-TRY GRANT VAN GAMEREN DISHES
BASQUE CAKE
Dive into Bar Isabel's crowd-favourite Basque cake, topped with a sherry cream sauce.
PECHUGA DE PATO
At Quetzal, experience the mastery of dry-aged duck breast seared to perfection on the grill before undergoing a meticulous cooking process.
MUSHROOM TOWER
Elevated to urban legend status, feast on the city's apex from Bar Raval: shrimp first, followed by mushroom, there's no one way to devour the mushroom tower.
Post City & Streets of Toronto are proud to present our summer charity initiative.
We’ve teamed up with Brew Aid and Daily Bread Food Bank to raise a glass and give back to those in need.
Find Streets of Toronto Raccoon Lager at participating LCBO’s and select restaurants including Seven Numbers Danforth, Madame Boeuf, Fetzun, Fat Pasha, select locations of Gabby's Roadhouse and NBA Courtside Restaurant.
Learn more by joining our community of nearly one million social media followers!
warm-up: if Fire gives and Up
Spice it up: Season both meat and grill for an explosion of flavour.
1st
WHERE’S THE BEEF?
Sanagan’s Meat Locker
“This is incredibly tender, with a fantastic distribution of fat that enhances its rich, beefy steak flavour.”
176 Baldwin St., $40.99/lb.
4th
GOT THE MOOVES
Grace Meat Market
“This is incredibly tender and smoky. It practically melts in your mouth.”
644 College St., $21.75/12 oz.
Don’t play with food: A good help seal in the
Heighten your Place the meat elevated rack even resting.
2nd
A RARE TREAT
Cumbrae’s
“This is juicy, slightly fatty and has a delicious charred taste. Flavour-wise, it's really nice.”
714 Queen St. W., $37.99/14–16 oz.
3rd
MAKE NO MIS-STEAK Côte de Boeuf
“I'm loving the thickness of this cut, and despite that, it's still wonderfully lean.” 130 Ossington Ave., $39/lb.
7th
STEAKS
pretty lean with minimarbling. The steak's is good, but I think use a bit more fat enhance it.”
Yonge St., $39.49/14 oz.
5th
“Fantastic marbling! The umami is spot on, cooked to perfection (you can me later!), and the meat's leanness really stands out.” Yonge St., $34.99/14 oz.
UDDERLY DELICIOUS Nortown Foods
“It's excellent — tender, juicy, and that sear is just perfect.”
1 Promenade Cir., Thornhill, $33.99/lb
sfor f
A fun, foo ay o y d f off n,un oo g arg ood & b d& gains ins ! le family ho or th for the w
Yorkville boasts renowned omakase eateries like Sushi Masaki Saito, Aburi Hana and MSSM. Recently opened, Okeya Kyujiro has already earned glowing reviews in just a few weeks.
The Michelin-starred restaurant, which currently has locations in Vancouver and Montreal, offers a theatrical experience along with the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from Japan.
Open on Bellair Street in Yorkville, this restaurant stands out among the plethora of omakase or "chef's choice" eateries in Toronto. What sets it apart is its aim to transport diners to Japan with its immersive dining concept, promising an authentic Japanese culinary journey.
From the moment guests are greeted with rising curtains and a warm welcome to the final notes of a tea ceremony ac-
companied by dramatic music, every aspect of the experience captivates.
Chef Takuya Matsuda, from Mie Prefecture, Japan, brings 25 years of culinary expertise to Okeya Kyujiro, ensuring topnotch quality by sourcing the finest fish from Japan and around the world.
Though there’s no menu posted online, based on the Montreal and Vancouver locations, guests can expect approximately 20 courses, predominantly featuring sushi. The experience also includes dessert and a tea ceremony, lasting around one and a half hours.
Highlights include crab chawanmushi, crispy tempura sandbar fish, spicy firefly squid on a bamboo skewer and two different Japanese uni petals served with seaweed jam.
From the Michelin Guide's “Point of
View,” the Vancouver location promises an intriguing evening ahead: “Hosts dressed in stunning traditional clothing guide you to a dark room, lit only by the faintest glow from votive candles. A black curtain is raised ceremoniously only when the clock strikes the precise minute of your seating.”
The Guide goes on to say that the omakase experience immediately stands out as anything but typical thanks to the restaurants use of premium, hyper-seasonal fish and the demonstration of traditional Japanese bamboo leaf carving (sasagiri).
Reservations are now open on OpenTable for two seating times, 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., and priced at $300 per person.
Okeya Kyujiro is located at 26 Bellair St., second floor.
—Jennifer Schembri
Toronto is getting another Italian upgrade with the opening of Eataly’s third location at CF Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd., on May 30. This expansion makes Toronto the only city in North America with three Eataly locations.
Since its debut on Bloor Street in 2019, Eataly has become a beloved destination for Torontonians seeking authentic Italian groceries, grab-and-go meals and luxurious dining experiences. The recent opening of Eataly Sherway Gardens in November 2023 only added to the city's excitement, with eager foodies lining up to get a taste.
Now, the Don Mills neighbourhood gets to experience the Eataly magic in a sprawling 10,000-square-foot space, featuring a dinein restaurant, café and various food counters offering pizza,
sandwiches and baked goods. This new location is also packed with both local and Italian specialties, from pasta and bread to cured meats and sweets — perfect for any home-cooking adventure.
At the heart of Eataly Don Mills is a 180-seat restaurant offering indoor and patio dining. The menu is a love letter to Italian cuisine, featuring classics like tagliatelle alla bolognese and rigatoni all’amatriciana, authentic pizza Napoletana and premium seafood dishes. The wine list boasts over 85 selections from across Italy.
Eataly’s CEO of North America, Tommaso Brusò, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: “Toronto has embraced us from the very beginning, and with the opening of two stores in less than a year, we are committed to serving new audiences here and providing a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle.” —JS
Nothing screams summer like devouring sweet, frosty ice cream on a scorching day. And now, residents of Yonge and Eglinton can savour the pleasure of indulging in the award-winning Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe right in their ’hood.
Paolo Di Lallo and Denise Pisani, the owners, launched their first location on Queen West in 2021, and it was an instant hit — lines all day, every day. Perhaps it's Di Lallo's passion for crafting gelato from scratch that draws the crowds. And, of course, the delicious flavours keep them coming back for more. Their gelato menu changes weekly, featuring unique ingredients sourced from Italy.
Promising more seating than the Queen West spot, along with ample parking, the owners assure that the menu at the new location will remain unchanged — except for one small twist: "No drip coffee — there’s a Tim Horton’s next door!"
Bringing an authentic taste of Italy to Toronto, expect their same creamy, light gelato in fanfavourite flavours like cassata Siciliana, hazelnut nocciola, limone and stracciatella.
On the menu, discover other Italian goodies, including housemade cannoli, cassata, cakes, cookies and more.
Mizzica’s new shop is located at 2375 Yonge St. —JS
From charming sidewalk patios to sprawling restaurant terraces, the GTA boasts an array of alfresco dining options that promise to elevate your summer dining experience to new heights.
Il Postino
On OpenTable's list of Canada’s 100 best restaurants for outdoor dining year in and year out, this cosy Italian spot in a converted house in Unionville is a standout. Even Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds has dined here, splitting a variety of house-made dishes with friends. The restaurant offers modern takes on Italian classics, which are best enjoyed on the versatile patio, complete with a canopy and twinkling lights.
186 Main St., Unionville
Santorini Estiatorio
The gardens and sleek, upscale elegance of
this Greek spot will have you feeling like you’ve jetted off to Europe. With ingredients sourced from Greece, the menu is packed with homemade dips, classic mains and, of course, all of that delicious seafood. Though you’d be happy to nosh in the dining room with its relaxed, Greek garden vibe, there's plenty of wiggle room on the recently renovated sunny and spacious patio, and there are heaters for when there’s a chill in the air.
288 John St., Markham
Chop Steakhouse & Bar
Celebrated meat denizen Chop Steakhouse & Bar is a neighbourhood hot spot, thanks to its mouth-watering steaks and spacious patio.In the evenings, take in the romantic vibe of the outdoor setup, where you can dine beneath a sprawling pergola adorned with twinkling lights.
41 Colossus Dr., Woodbridge
Locale
This Italian gem is tucked into a charming more than 150-year-old building at the four corners of King City. With two dining floors and a seasonal patio, it’s the perfect escape from the city grind. Expect rustic, seasonal dishes that pack a flavourful punch, making it a go-to spot for a cosy, memorable meal.
12981 Keele St., King City
This Italian hot spot in Thornhill is a true gem, where indulgent dining meets starlit elegance on Terra’s white-tablecloth patio.The Italian menu boasts plenty of dishes perfect for sharing, from wild mushroom risotto to Australian rack of lamb and the deluxe seafood platter. Since ‘95, Terra has conquered the culinary scene, not just in northern Toronto but citywide. 8199 Yonge St., Thornhill —Jennifer Schembri
Takja means “table,” and though Little Italy may seem like an unexpected place for a Korean BBQ house, the idea of gathering around a meal to create memories is a perfect fit for the area. And that’s exactly what Takja BBQ House, College Street’s newest restaurant, brings.
On the menu, decadent meats meet stacked seafood towers with fermented sauces, and cold noodles and stews provide a hearty punch to round out the food selection.
At Takja, patrons need not concern themselves with tgrilling their own meats, a departure from the norm at other Korean barbecue establishments. Here, the responsibility of expertly cooking meats falls on the capable shoulders of the waitstaff.
Upgrade your appetizer experience by adding B.C. uni or caviar
to any dish for an extra charge. Indulge in seafood pancakes, cocktail shrimp or oysters paired with banchan-like egg souffle and scallion salad.
For those indecisive diners, Takja offers a Hansang option, meaning “a table full of food,” priced at $125 per person. Along with toptier selections, like A5 wagyu rib-eye and kanpachi from New Zealand, it includes the signature dessert found on the à la carte menu: sweet potato bingsoo, complemented with caramel and pound cake.
With its location, Takja has a clever advantage: The west end restaurant is connected to the sushi spot Oroshi Fish Co., owned by the same proprietors. seafood-focused dishes.
TakjaBBQ House is located at 962 College St. —EC
$19 multi-course dining comes to Queen West
Amid Queen Street West's vibrant food and shopping scene, a new family-owned eatery is offering fantastic fare at shockingly affordable prices.
Ngogo Restaurant serves up a multi-course tasting menu brimming with delicious French-inspired dishes for just $36 a person.
Chef and owner Bob Park, whose impressive resumé includes stints at acclaimed Toronto spots like the now-defunct Globe Bistro, keeps it fresh with a monthly changing prix-fixe menu, plus an à la carte option for specific cravings. The prix fixe offers three choices in each category — appetizer, entree and dessert — catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
The menu boasts Asian cuisine prepared with French finesse, yielding mouth-watering, Instagram-worthy dishes that excel in both flavour and presentation. Think Hokkaido scallops, tagliatelle, a daily sorbet and more. Those seeking a grander experience can opt for the $74, fivecourse menu. À la carte options include beef tartare, parmesan frites, red snapper strip loin, risotto and surf and turf, ranging in price from $19 to $39.
Ngogo is located at 646 Queen St. W. and is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
—Erica Commisso
Bridgette Bar, voted as one of the best restaurants in Calgary, just opened at the Well. This chef-driven bar-restaurant hybrid blends premium eats with cool midcentury vibes.
At Lulu's sister restaurant, expect exposed brick, wood beams and split-level layouts, all jazzed up with a Scandinavian fireplace, long banquettes and plants in macramé hangers. Whether you're in for a chill lunch or a lively evening with cocktails and wine, Bridgette Bar sets the scene perfectly.
The menu at Bridgette Bar keeps it fresh and exciting. Small plates, like oysters, crab toast and grilled octopus, kick things off, and large plates showcase wood-grilled beef strip steak and farm
chicken. Veggie lovers aren't left out — think roasted carrots with tahini and chili heat or eggplant fries with garlic aïoli.
The team certainly worked to ensure they were sourcing from Ontario/Toronto businesses in terms of the food and beverage. Examples include various lettuces from Clearwater Farms, King Cole ducks from Ontario, plenty of beer from local breweries, etc. The head chef is also participating in an event called Farms for Change on June 15 in partnership with 100km Foods and the New Farm.
There are also a number of delicious pasta dishes, from Italian pork sausage and rigatoni to shrimp and calamari to a lamb ragu tagliatelle with snow peas, ramps, Calabrian chili and pecorino.
But it’s not just about the food. Bridgette Bar's cocktail and wine lists are a dream for enthusiasts. Expect classics with a twist and innovative drinks featuring ingredients like chili-infused tequila and champagne vinegar. Plus a solid selection of local beers and sakes are sure to keep everyone happy.
Amanda Jansen from Concorde Entertainment Group sums it up: “Our culinary team has put together an incredible lineup of dishes that brings new twists to old favourites, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience our menu!”
Bridgette Bar is located inside the Well at 423 Wellington St. W. —Jennifer Schembri
Fonda Balam, the Mexican restaurant that has been a fixture in Trinity Bellwoods for the last three years, will soon be closing its doors.
Brought to life by partner's in business and life Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo in partnership with celebrity chef Matty Matheson, the concept evolved through their friendship and shared love for authentic Mexican food.
The couple took to Instagram to share the news.
"To everyone who shared a meal, laughter, and love with us at Fonda, thank you. It has been a truly special place, and we are grateful for the memories we've shared. We are forever thankful for your unconditional support and love."
In the Toronto food scene, Chomyshyn and Guajardo are con-
sidered royalty. They’ve been behind some of the city’s best Mexican restaurants, including Quetzal, Rosalinda and the pop-up Birria Balam. The inspiration for Fonda Balam came from their many trips to Guajardo’s native León, Guanajuato, and throughout Mexico. The couple explored regional ingredients and cooking traditions, aiming to bring those authentic flavours to Toronto.
But before you cry into your cerveza, the couple announced on their K&J Cocina Instagram page that new things are on the horizon.
“Stay tuned as we plan our next move,” they captioned an Instagram post. “Thanks for all the love and support, we love you all!!"
Famed restaurateurs and MasterChef Canada TV personalities Alvin Leung and Eric Chong are opening a new restaurant called aKin at 51 Colborne St. in Toronto’s Church-Yonge corridor this summer.
Details are still scarce, but we know that the restaurant will feature Asian fine dining.
“Akin means of similar nature or character, which helps describe the food, as it will have elements that are similar to what the dish is inspired by but modernized in our own way,” the restaurant’s new Instagram page notes.
Leung and Chong first met on the set of the popular CTV cooking show MasterChef Canada a decade ago, where Leung was a judge and Chong was crowned the first-ever winner of the series.
Leung, who holds two Michelin stars at his restaurant Bo Innovation and one Michelin star at Bo London, became Chong's mentor in the industry. A year later, in 2015, the two teamed up and opened R&D restaurant at Spadina and Dundas.
The restaurant is listed on the 2023 Michelin Guide Toronto Bib Gourmand restaurants, which is a recognition awarded to restaurants with good-value cooking.
So with two master chefs at the helm of aKin, it's possible this restaurant will be listed in the Michelin Guide 2024 one day as well. —Nisean Lorde
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