do they have any meaning?
are they scars of fate?
Monday, June 30, 2008
In Rainbows
Yesterday I realized something that I once knew as a little girl. Everything looks better in rainbows. Maybe that's why Radiohead chose to name their best album "In Rainbows". Either way, at the Gay Pride parade in Toronto yesterday, there were rainbows galore and it had an incredible effect on everyone.
It was truly a remarkable experience to be part of all the energy, enthusiasm, excitement and unity on the streets yesterday. Amongst all the thousands of people in attendance, no one felt like a stranger and even the cops had smiles on their faces.
Hopefully tomorrow's Canada Day celebrations will yield a similar sensation.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Naz Swimwear Fashion Show
With July just around the corner, it's time to take advantage of the heat and go to a pool party!
(Note: it's always important to be on good terms with your friends who have pools, or friends of friends who have access to pools.)
Once you've scored an invitation to bear some skin, make sure you cover yourself in lotion, a hat and a super stylish swimsuit!
I was recently at the Naz Swimwear fashion show where I was impressed by the race car patterns seen in most of their suits. Bright colours are essential when it comes to swimwear as they look great against a sea (or pool) of blue. The black and white stripes and checkers from the race car motif add a nice contrast to the colours and really make them pop.
Speaking of bright colours and racy material, this Sunday is the 28th annual Gay Pride Parade in Toronto! The parade is always tons of fun and full of energetic people celebrating life. I'm looking forward to the countless parties that will follow post parade and will be sure to bring you some colourful snapshots from the celebrations.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival
Wait a minute - who is Jake Langley?
He is incredible. He played last night at Supermarket with his trio. He currently resides in New York but won the best Canadian jazz guitarist award in 2004. His sound is the epitome of why I like jazz music. It's warm with deep grooves and smooth melodies that makes you want to relax by a fire place with a glass of wine in your hand. Click on the TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival Title above to catch a live performance.
Other upcoming acts worth checking out this week include the very handsome trumpeter, Roy Hargrove and the very talented John Scofield Trio.
Don't worry if you missed this year's festival or felt like you could still use a little more jazz in your life. You can get your fix at The Beaches International Jazz Festival happening next month in Toronto.
Debauchery
Sometimes a night of debauchery is necessary. Once a week is perfect. In honour of yesterday's French Canadian holiday, mine occurred last night. It was the best St. Jean Baptiste day ever. (Note: even though I don't live in Quebec, I still enjoy celebrating other culture's holidays)
Below is an attept to recall my train of thoughts throughout the night:
Bottle Service. Yikes. No one ever drinks the OJ. Cran & OJ are like Salt & Pepper to a meal full of vodka and red bull. Fake boobs. Great DJ. Too much ice. Stylish hat. Girls in dresses. Shorter. High heels. Michael Kors. Dancing on booth. Shoes come off. Where is my purse? Jay-Z remixed with Van Halen? It's in the corner. Smiling. Grinding. Daft Punk. Should go home. Having too much fun. It's getting late. Have to be up early. Dizzy. Water. Have to pee. Can't stop dancing. Can't stand straight. More water. My dress is short. Shots of Patron. Yuck. Time to leave. Pizza.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
St. Jean Baptiste Day
For those of you unaware, today is a holiday in Quebec. No, it's not "let's practice having a holiday on Tuesday in preparation for Canada Day next week" rather it's St. Jean Baptiste Day! Today, schools and businesses in Quebec will close to eat poutine, yell "tabernac!" and sit on "terraces" smoking and drinking. Ahhh French Canadian culture - such a beautiful thing.
If you live in Toronto and wish you could partake in the French festivities, head over to Crepes a Go Go in Yorkville today for their St. Jean Baptiste celebrations. This cute little Parisian cafe serves incredibly delicious crepes in a very authentic environment, with the staff speaking in French and the occasional accordian player serenading the customers on the patio.
My favourite crepe to get is the St. Tropez which comes filled with goat cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil and olive oil. It tastes like a pizza but in the form of a crepe. Brilliant!
Other popular crepe fillings include smoked salmon with cream cheese & tomato, egg with mozzerella & maple syrup and dessert crepes of course. Notable celebs with a knack for French culture tend to frequent the joint as well.
Vive la fete!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Black Science
This chocolate has a 70% cocoa content from four distinct origins. It's a delicious dark bar from Soma, The Distillery District's chocolate shop, where it can be found under the name "Black Science."
A free trade cocoa from Ghana provides the deep chocolate base which makes the bar taste like a piece of rich, moist chocolate cake. Carenero Superior and Ocumare are the two cocoas from Venezuela that add a bit of a nutty flavour, while the Sambirano cocoa from Madagascar balances everything out with a hint of fruitiness.
Divine decadence on the go.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Celeb Spotlight
OK, so I'm not really into celebrity gossip but I have to admit that last night I was feeling a bit star struck after I ran into Scott Speedman! He was looking absolutely beautiful with his scruffy features, bright blue eyes and contagious smile. We spoke briefly about the club we were both at, his role on Felicity and why Toronto is better than L.A.
Where did I spot this attractive actor? I'm not telling. Apparently he goes to this club a lot and I don't want to give away his safe haven to any stalkers out there. However, if you do read my blog on a regular basis, you should be able to figure out where we were, as it's a club that I frequent quite often and always has very talented DJ's spinning.
Earlier in the evening, I had a taste for curly haired hotness while at an event with the Toronto celebrity chef, Jamie Kennedy. Also, a blue eyed beauty, this renowned restauranteur, was preparing a large meal made from all local and organic ingredients to benefit the development of Brickworks, an environmental oasis where he will be opening another restaurant.
His current empire includes: The Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, Jamie Kennedy Gardiner (at the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art) and Gilead, a new cafe in Toronto's King East neighbourhood. Unfortunately I forgot to ask him what his new eatery will be called, but it will be more of a casual joint, in order to fit in with the community vibe that Brickworks is going for.
Monday, June 16, 2008
DJ Spotlight - Steve Aoki & MSTRKRFT
I was planning on writing about NXNE and my favourite shows from the weekend but last night's MMVA's after party easily won the award for best live performance. Even though it's great to see emerging bands and DJ's try their hardest to impress possible new fans, it's much better to see already extremely talented DJ's turn the dance floor into a kick-ass party. Such was the case last night as Hollywood DJ, Steve Aoki and Toronto's own MSTRKRFT, teamed up to deliver an incredible night of non-stop dancing.
The after party continued at Rosewater Supper Club where Ottawa's Jokers of the Scene took over to extend the good times. It was one of those nights where your feet are killing but you're having too much fun to feel any pain.
Steve Aoki and MSTRKRFT both have an extensive summer touring schedule but hopefully they'll reunite in Toronto for the Film Festival in September.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Quizno's Goes Greek!
Other than the all day beach parties and breathtaking scenery, my favourite part of Greece was the food. Gyros, Greek Salads and crepes kept my tummy satisfied and provided a solid foundation for shots of Ouzo. 
You can probably imagine my delight when Quizno's, my favourite fast food joint, came out with the Tzatziki Chicken sandwich. I tried one today and for a fleeting moment, felt like I was back in that blissful Mediterranean paradise. Lucky for me, there's a Quizno's within a 2 minute walk of my kitchen. Opa!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
NXNE Spotlight - OPOPO
NXNE is a downscaled version of Austin, Texas' SXSW music festival which features more prominant acts at a pricier cost. Sometimes I wonder why NXNE has never become as big as its southern counterpart, considering that Toronto is a breeding ground for such large scale events like The International Film Festival, Luminato, Nuit Blanche and Gay Pride.
Is it because historically Canada has been viewed as a smaller version of the States?
Or, do we prefer to see the festival as a tool to help new emerging artists make it big so that one day they'll be asked to play at SXSW?
I love it how the festival is more personal and allows the average music fan to see as many acts as possible for only $29. At the same time, I'm still surprised that NXNE hasn't taken off yet on a larger scale.
In the meantime, be sure to take advantage of the accessibility of the festival and check out tons of shows. My recommendation for one of this year's highlights, is to see OPOPO, Friday night at Supermarket. These 3 local Torontonians, will be taking the stage at 1am but be sure to get there beforehand as the place will be swamped.
OPOPO's energetic stage presence, combined with their electro rock sound produces one hell of a live show.
I was first introduced to OPOPO at last year's Nuit Blanche Festival where they took over an abandoned car wash to stage an ad-hoc late night dance party. Their infectious DJ set kept the crowd dancing till the sun came up and spawned a new wave of fans who are impatiently waiting for another night of serious beats.
These black and white shots are from a recent house party that OPOPO DJ'ed. (Notice Ayn Rand's, The Fountainhead in the last picture. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for some inspiration.)
(photo courtesy of www.chromewaves.net)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Absent
To all my loyal readers, I am in the process of moving and won't have internet access for several days. I apologize if you are longing for your daily haiku or advice on fine chocolate, cheese or DJ's to check out. Stay tuned though, as I will have a special NXNE feature on the best performance to catch next weekend.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
What's in a name?
Match, for example, is a martini bar where singles hope to meet their match. The bar also features fire places which were started by a match.
Other examples in Boston include "Blade" for the name of a barber shop, and "Injeanius" for the name of a store that sells jeans.
I've noticed quite a few store names in Toronto that also use puns to grab consumer's attention about the products being sold in the store. Here are pictures of a few of my favourites:
Prints Charming = a picture frame store
Pho Pa = a clothing store (fashion faux pas)
Heel Boy = a shoe store
Spectacle = a glasses store
Write Impressions = a paper/stationary store
Your Clothes Friend = a clothing boutique
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Summertime Treat
To celebrate the first month of summer, try a "chocolate ice" if you'd like to tastefully cool down from the heat. This dark chocolate ice has less fat than regular gelato as it's made without cream, giving it more of an intense chocolatey flavour. It's a refreshing treat that can be found when strolling down Roncesvalles Avenue in the West end of Toronto.
Bravo Gelato is the name of the cute little purple and green store selling this delicious dessert. A small scoop ($3.50) allows you to savour two different flavours which can make for a tough decision as some of the flavours are quite unique such as the Earl Grey Tea and Smore's flavour, as shown in the picture above. Bravo Gelato also sells delicious chocolate bars and "haute chocolate" making it a chocolate lovers sweet spot.
If you find yourself closer to the east part of Toronto, be sure to try Solferino, arguably the best gelato cafe in the city. Their belgian chocolate, oreo and coffee flavours are my favourite.
For non-traditional flavours, be sure to try Hollywood Gelato. Though the names may be cheesy, the gelato is definitely authentic with the owners bringing their Italian trade secrets with them to Toronto. Located in Leaside, this family joint is always packed with little kids who are super excited to savour the peanut butter chocolate wafer or Ferrero Rocher flavours.
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